Shades of Spring
By: moonlight elegance
“Everyone has experienced that truth: that love like a running brook is disregarded
Taken for granted, but when the brook freezes over
Then people begin to remember how it was when it ran,
They want to run it again.”
-Khalil gibran-
Chapter 1:
The sun is high and I can feel its radiant ray on my face. I slowly open my eyes then I sat on my bed. A faint smile began to cross my face. The air is filled with music, flowers in the garden bloom as colorful as the rainbow and trees grew as green as the sea. The sky is painted with an exemplary blue hue. Spring has come outside my window, the most beautiful time of the year. It is the time where you can see a smile on every child’s face and hope in every adult’s eyes. Spring symbolizes contentment and bliss yet it can also be your sorrow and grief.
I can still clearly remember, as if it only happened yesterday, the spring that changed my life in a flash. I gently close my eyes, and reminisce everything from the very beginning. Everything began to revolve. My skin becomes younger, my hair becomes shorter, and I began to see myself 7 years ago. I’m Maria Isabelle Colin; 18 years old, two years have past since I entered college. I never knew life could be more difficult than now. I have no father and I live with my mother. I took no care for others, neither for love nor friendship. I don’t know what these things meant and I don’t give a damn. I don’t know how to smile or to cry, maybe because I live my life alone and forlorn. And yet, people adore me. They say I’m intelligent, beautiful, rich and famous, and a person closes to perfection. But they are absolutely wrong; they only judge me because of my pretty face. But if only they can see right through me, they will see an unhappy girl, lost in her own misery, locked up in her world.
“Life is like a gentle breeze, it is forever fleeting… always passing”
I was sitting on the school park bench alone and sunk on my favorite book. Then one of my classmates came rushing towards my direction. “Belle, have you heard? Mr. Popular of University of Colorado is transferring to our school!” she exclaimed excitedly. “And so? “ I replied shortly “So, it means Ms. Popular here will have a partner!” she said exaggeratedly. I sighed and said -“Look, Cheska no offense meant, but I really don’t care.” – Without looking at her. I can tell, she was slightly appalled on my answer. “Oh, I see. Sorry to bother you, I’m going now.” She replied shortly then left unwillingly. After a while, my eyes began to tire, so I stop reading. As I look around, a guy is walking not far away from me. He caught my attention. He is tall, handsome, and slim and he had the most expressive hazel brown eyes I’ve ever seen. Something about him makes me think we have something in common. Then, a flock of dim-witted girls approached him. He smiled so genuinely that I couldn’t see pretensions on his face. “How I wish I can smile like he does, I envy him.” I thought to myself.
Then suddenly he glanced upon my direction and saw me watching him intently. Our eyes met. Then he smiled at me. THUG! Suddenly, I can feel butterflies flying around my stomach. I was frozen, I feel like I can’t move an inch. But then my defense mechanism work. I exchange his smile with a look of disgust and left the area. That is the first time we laid our eyes on each other and yet he bothers my mind so much. Why? —I don’t intend to know the answer.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Chapter 2
For me, there’s no such thing as coincidence. It’s just a part of life’s natural order and everything happens for a reason. Then something happened the next day—could it be fate?
I was late for my first class and I was running on the hallway on full speed. CRASH! I collided to someone and fell on the floor. “Ouch!” I whispered in pain. My things are scattered on the floor, and my butt ached as well. As I try to pull myself up and gather my things, someone offered a hand. It was him, the guy from yesterday. THUG! My heart starts to beat faster. And for the second time, I was mesmerized.
“I’m sorry”-his voice brought me back to reality. “Thanks.” I replied and left immediately. For the moment it was the only word I could say. I wonder why I always get tongued-tied whenever he is near. I never thought that incident will be followed by another incident. And it happened on that same fateful day. When I arrived at the classroom, to my relief Mr. Spike wasn’t there. He was always late as usual. I sat on my chair and start reading. Then my dolt classmates who started talking loudly interrupted me.
“Hey guys have you heard? The new exchange student will be our classmate.” Someone said excitedly
“Yeah. I heard his kind of’ cute. I can’t wait to see him!” Said the other
“Duh! Why do these people get so excited, he’s only an exchange student anyway, what’s so special about him?” I thought then continued reading
A minute later Mr. Spike arrived. To my surprise, he was with that guy! “That guy! Again?”
“Okay class; settle down, I’d like to introduce you to someone. This is Mr. James Jethro Fanell. He is the exchange student form Colorado University. All of you should be nice to him, is that clear?” Mr. Spike said
“Yes sir!” the girls answered him but neither the boys nor me
“He’s not that special. I don’t like him.” Why am I telling these things to myself? I don’t intend to know the answer.
Suddenly, “ Ms. Can I sit here beside you?” Jethro said smiling. His voice brought me back to reality. “Huh? Why do you have to sit here? Go away!” But I only said that in my mind “ Do what you want.” I said coldly.
“Thanks.” he replied. I just shrugged my shoulders as an answer to him.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
“Time is like a gentle breeze, before your realize. It’s gone.”
It has been 5 months since school started, since I spoke to him. Yes, I haven’t spoken to him since that introductory class. And it’s no big deal. I hardly speak to anyone. It’s my nature. I like doing things by myself. And I always like to be alone.
Then the school trip has arrived. It brought excitement to my classmates, but not for me. I have no idea that this will be the day that God have been waiting for, to punished me for being so naïve and yet gave me a gift- I was bound to cherish all my life.
“Class, this will be the routine of the trip. We will visit three mountain parks but will climb the last one. So you better get your partners now. As a security measure, you will climb in pairs. And also your partner will be your buddy for the whole trip. Okay?” Mr. Spike instructed us before we climb the bus
“Yeah that’s cool!” I heard someone said
“I wonder who will be Isabelle’s partner?” someone commented
“Do they have to wonder? Of course, I will have no partner.” I thought
So all of them have found their partner. Except for me. And it’s fine with me. But to my dismay, someone meddled with my affairs.
“Hey Sir! Isabelle’s got no partner? Is that allowed” it was Cheska. Then murmuring of my classmates followed.
“ These people are so annoying!” I thought and said, “It’s okay! I can manage myself.” Trying to sound calm.
“But Isabelle, it wouldn’t be safe. I think someone would like to be your partner. Well, who would like to be Isabelle’s partner?” Mr. Spike said
Everyone looks so excited. Some looks like they want to raise their 2 hands up but they are shy to do it. Then someone spoke. “ Sir, I haven’t got any partner yet. I can be Isabelle’s partner.” It was Jethro.
“Of all people, Why it had to be him? ” I thought
“ Would that be alright with you Isabelle?” Mr. Spike asked me
“No! Why him?” I thought but I said, “Yes sir. It’s fine with me. Thank you very much.” I can’t do anything about it. Even if I protest to the White House. And now, the murmuring of my classmates gets even louder.
“Oooh.. Jethro’s so lucky. Usually, Isabelle turns down every guy who wants to be her partner.” Someone commented
“Why do they have to make it a big deal having that guy as a partner? I don’t like him anyway.” I said to myself while ignoring the muttering of my classmates.
So Jethro and I ride the bus together. And throughout the journey in the bus, I didn’t speak to him.
He always gives snacks but I always refuse. He is really stubborn and didn’t stop bugging me until I accept what he is offering.
“Isabelle, do you want some soda?” He asked, I was looking outside the window and ignoring him.
I didn’t answer him. But he did not give up. “ How about some chocolates?” he asked again
I remained quiet. And look at him and shake my head as an answer.
“Oh, I see. How about some sandwich?” he asked again. And for pit sake, he is still smiling at me.
“For crying out loud! Will you stop it? You’re getting in to my veins.” I thought then finally spoke.
“No thanks. I’m still full.” I am still looking out the window of the bus when I turn to look at him he’s smiling. “What?” I asked him, trying to sound normal but I am really starting to get irritated with him.
“Finally I succeeded in making you speak.” He said smiling triumphantly. And I was quite surprise on his answer.
“So that’s the reason he is bugging me, to make me speak” but I said, “What are you talking about? Are you making fun of me?” My voice is still calm but sharp
He remained silent for a moment, and then he smiled and said “No, I wasn’t making fun of you. I was just trying to put you into a conversation. That’s all. “
“And why do you have to put me into a conversation? “ I asked him
“It’s because I’ve never seen you talk to anyone casually. Usually, you speak when it is needed. And Most of all I’ve never seen you smile.” He said calmly
His words made an impact to me, because what he’s saying is true. And it made me feel sad. I just sat there quietly, trying to think what to say.
Finally I said,” Oh that. I usually, don’t feel like talking with anyone. It’s just not my type.” Then I fell silent.
He looked at me and smiled and said, “Oh. I understand. Here take this.” He gave me a bottle of water.
And for the first time, I accepted it. “Thanks.” I said.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The first part of the trip was good. Laramie Mountain Park was awesome and so as the Sang’re De Cristo Mountains. Then we finally arrived at the Pikes Park. We started to get the things we needed for the hike.
Then set off in the mountain.
The air is dry at the foot of the mountains; the wind undergoes further heating and drying as it descends the slopes. As I moved further I can feel the Foehn- the strong wind that blows on the lee side of the mountain range.
“It feels so good to be on a place where I can feel serenity. If only life is like this, then maybe I can live it at the fullest.” I thought
“Hey! Isabelle!” Jethro’s voice is so loud this time; it brought me back to reality.
“What?” I replied
He smiled and said, “I was worried about you, you’re daydreaming you know.”
“And so?” I said
“You got to be careful, your hiking you know. You might trip on the roots of the trees.” He said.
I didn’t answer him but continued walking upwards. I was in front of him and he just follows my tracks. But then he speaks again, “Isabelle, can I call you just Belle? You know, I really don’t know how to address you.” He sounded timid this time.
I stop dead on my tracks then said “Whatever you prefer, it doesn’t matter.” But still not looking at him
“Oh that’s good. Thanks. “He said, but I know behind my back, he’s smiling widely.
Silence fell upon us then I took a deep sigh and said, “Hey, can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” He said shortly
I was so determined not to look at him then I said, “Why do you always smile?”
“Oh that.” His voice sounded surprise; He paused for a while then continued, “Do you want to know why? — It’s because, I wanted you to smile. “
THUG! With his answer I can feel my cheeks are growing hotter and my hearts beats faster than before.
I can’t utter a word for a moment. I’m in a state of shock. Then, without a word, I continued walking. I can feel he followed me immediately. And never spoke to each other till we reached the top.
The scenery at the top is very stunning, it’s almost like you’re closer to heaven. When you look up, you can see the fluffy clouds, and when you look down, you can see the trees and the land below. And soft but cold breeze blows. Yes, it’s really soothing. It makes you feel closer to the sky- to heaven.
I feel contented, and it’s so peaceful in here. No air, water, noise pollution- and in this place, their can be no heart and mind pollutions.
And out of the blue, I suddenly spoke “Hey, Jethro, what exactly do you feel when you’re here in the top of the mountain?” I said without looking at him.
He looked at me, and then said “Hmm… Nice question, Well, I feel very contented at this place. Serenity would be the appropriate word to use.”-He paused inhaling the fresh air then continued- “And I really like it in here, there’s no air, water, noise pollution here.
And no pollutions of the heart and mind as well.” He said sincerely
I was shocked in his words. It was like he read my mind. I looked at him intently. He really looked different when I first saw him. He seems so relaxed and happy. Then he suddenly looked at me and said “And also, I felt closer to heaven when I’m here.” Then he smiled.
It’s as if a gentle wind rumbled upon my face, my hair, my body… and my heart. And for the first time in my life, I met someone, who thinks and acts like me. And it scared me. Then my trance was interrupted by his voice.
“ Belle! Are you alright? “ He asked
“I’m fine. Thanks. I’m going down first.” I said then hurriedly walk back down. But out of stupidity I didn’t see the twig of trees in my way. And fell out of balance.
“Ouch!” I Screamed, then Jethro rushed towards me
“Belle! What happened to you?’ He said
I tried to stand up but my ankle aches badly.
“I think I broke my ankle. “ I uttered
“See what I meant earlier, it’s dangerous here you know. You’re so careless, dear.” He said, sounding like a nagging husband but he’s still smiling when he said those words.
I didn’t even realize the term of endearment on his sentence.
“It’s not like I did it on purpose you know.” I answered back as I look at him intently
He didn’t spoke. He nursed my injury and handled me with care. Thank God he has a first aid kit.
“Can you stand?” He asked me after he finished treating my wounds.
“I think so.” I replied then I tried to stand but I felt a sharp pang of pain in my ankle as I tried to step my foot on the ground.
“I don’t think so.” He said then carried me without permission.
“Hey! Put me down! I can walk by myself.” I protested and tried to free myself from his grasp.
“Belle! Don’t be so stubborn. Your injury might get worse if you insist on walking by yourself, so stop moving sweetie. Or you’ll hurt us both.” He answered with authority then continued walking down the mountain trail path.
I was shocked with his answer. The word “Sweetie” was taboo. I hate it when somebody calls me like that. It was because the only person who calls me Sweetie was my father.
I got so pissed that I didn’t realize I was talking so loudly.
“Damn! Do whatever you want! And if you dare call me Sweetie again, I will push you down even if I kill myself on the process.” I shouted then fell silent immediately.
He was surprised with my reaction. He tried to open his mouth to speak but he closed it again and decided not to talk anymore until we reached the foot of the mountain.
When we reached the camp, everybody was surprised to see Jethro carrying me. Mr. Spike approach and Jethro told him what happened.
“Sir. Belle tripped on the way down, so I carried her. I just gave her first aid, so please give her proper medication.” Jethro said as he put me down on the stretcher.
“Thanks.” I whispered even though I was so angry with him, I felt that’s the right thing to say.
“No problem.” He replied then he smiled and walked away.
I just gazed at him from behind, as I saw him walking away from me, I felt another very familiar feeling. The Feeling of lose. And It’s not Jethro’s back I saw that time but my dads’.
I decided to lay down the stretcher and gently closed my eyes.
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To be continued…
Sorry I haven’t written the next chapter, Expect it to be done by next week.. But this is a just a short story so please bear with me. Writing is my hobby, so I’m not really that good at it. ^__^ Thanks!
