Chapter 3: Jealousy Part II

Ze's POV

The cafeteria was packed when I arrived. I looked around and finally I spotted Colt. Rocky and Emily were there too and they seem to be chatting away happily and almost didn't notice me when I sat next to Colt.

"The prom nite is coming soon. I can't believe it's another year and this is our final year," Emily exclaimed.

"I am selected to be in the committee," Rocky announced cheerfully. It's usual of him to be interested to get involve. He was in the committee too for last year's prom and it was a blast. Trust rocky to manage, he won't disappoint anyone. Rocky is very well-liked by many students as well as the teachers. He is responsible, hardworking, and smart and has a warm heart. Sometimes Colt is envious of him which he confided in me at times. Not that Colt is not well-liked by teachers or other students. He is just different from Rocky. He is more adventurous, daring, wild and out spoken. Rocky on the other hand is more responsible and reserved. I guessed this is due to the fact he is the eldest among the three of them. There are times he needs to make decisions and take charge of situations.

"That's cool," Emily said before planting a kiss on his cheek much to Rocky's surprise.

"Ze, I think I need your help this time round. You did a wonderful job last year with the nature's theme," he said.

This year would be different. My feelings towards Rocky have changed and this means I might have to see him more often, which I like of course but I know it isn't right. But it is difficult to turn down Rocky's favor so after some hesitation, "Sure"

"So, what are gonna do for this year's theme Rock?" asked Colt curiously.

"Well…., before Rocky could answer Rachel came over.

"Hi Colt, I like the color of your T-Shirt. It's cool and it matches your personality," she flirted. This is no surprise to us. To be frank, Colt is hot. Girls just swooned over him. Moreover, he started a band with some of his friends a year ago with him as the lead singer and guitarist and makes their debut during last year's prom which was a huge success and he gained more popularity from it. Now, almost every girl wants a piece of him.

"Um..thanks," Colt answered without looking at her directly. Colt knows what kind of girl Rachel is. She thinks that whichever guy who pays attention to her is interested in her. And she has been "stalking' Colt ever since she watched Colt performed during the nite of the prom last year.

"The prom nite is coming. Do you already have a partner?" She asked. Colt getting the hint quickly replied.

"Yeah..sort of. Hope you have fun at the prom with your partner," Colt said, hoping she would stop bothering him.

"Oh.. well, see you around then," she replied, sounding a bit irritated before walking away.

"So Colt, you already have a date for prom," I teased although I know he didn't. I knew him too well. He is hoping to ask Vivien to the prom but didn't have the courage yet and we just talked about it last night so I know for sure he hasn't asked her yet.

"Um…. I am not too sure yet. You know, I was trying to stop Rachel from bothering me," he said without looking at us. Emily and Rocky exchanged glances and turned to face him.

"Oh brother, just tell us who the person is," Rocky pestered on.

"I think I would ask Vivien but I am not too sure whether she already has a partner," Colt said, his voice sounded down.

"If you don't ask her Colt, then how would you know," Rocky said. Emily nodded

"I just don't know…you know how popular she is with the guys. I am not sure I stand a chance," he replied. This is so unlike Colt. The Colt whom I know is wild, brave and bold. I guess love can change a person like how it is changing me.

"Just try, Colt," Emily added.

"How about you guys? I supposed you both are going together as usual" Colt looked up at both Rocky and Emily to divert their attention. I could see Rocky's face turning red and so was Emily.

"Yeah, we are going together," Rocky said with a sweet smile. Emily turned to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek making Rocky's face redder.

I don't think I can stand this anymore. I got up and prepared to leave.

"I just remembered that I need to do a research for my history project. I need to get some books from the library," I lied.

"But you haven't touch your lunch yet," Colt said, looking at my lunch tray

"It's ok. I am not hungry anyway," I just lost my appetite, but I didn't say it out loud.

"Alright then, see you around," Colt said, giving me a strange look but I just ignored it.

"Yeah, see you after school," Rocky said before turning his attention back to Emily which breaks my heart more.

My heart was still heavy when I walked towards the library. On my way I passed by the elementary school cafeteria and I decided to check on Tum Tum. I peered inside and finally spotted Tum Tum with a group of friends. As I approached him he saw me and waved. I broke into a smile instantly. At last, someone who can put a smile on my face. As I sat next to this 12-year old I realized how innocent he is.

"What're you doing here Ze," He asked with his mouth full. He was enjoying the packed sandwiches that Jessica Douglas prepared for him.

"Um…. To…..," I was trying to figure out what to say when I remember the chocolate candy bar. "To give this to you," I said while pulling a chocolate candy from my jeans pocket which I planned to eat on the way to the library since I didn't have any lunch. Tum Tum eyes widened.

"Oh thank Ze. You are the best. I wished I have a sister like you rather than my two brothers," he complained. I just smile. If a chocolate candy bar can make you this happy, I wished it will do the same for me. But unfortunately, it can't.

The Boy's Room

It was after school. Tum Tum was doing his homework while Colt was practicing his guitar on the bunk bed and Rocky were conversing with Emily through their 'tin phone'. Their conversation ended before Colt spoke.

Colt's POV

"So, Rock….how long has you known Emily," I asked in an irritated voice.

"Four years, why?" Rocky replied, looking curious.

"Are you guys going out?"

"Um…not really," he sounded embarrassed.

"I can't believe you Rocky. You have a crush on Emily for the past four years and she knows about. She likes you too. So what is the problem?" I asked. I just feel it is odd that they are acting like couple but they are not officially dating.

"Well, Emily wants to wait till we are off to college before we have a serious relationship," he said as a-matter-of-fact.

"Don't you think Emily is just playing with your feelings? I don't think she loves you that much," I retorted.

"No, I know she likes me. She isn't playing with my feelings. She is just putting studies as her priority," Rocky said in defense for Emily.

"But…..,"

"Yeah… Rocky. Colt is right. If she likes you why didn't she wants to be your girlfriend?" Tum Tum asked as he turned around to face both his brothers. I looked at Tum Tum and I smiled to myself. Most of the time my little brother couldn't agree with me in anything but this time he has the same opinion as I am.

"Yeah, I know what you mean but trust me, she is not that kind of person. I have known her for four years. She is a nice girl," Rocky said confidently. There isn't any anger in him. It is not his nature to get angry easily unlike me. I am not too sure whether I was jealous of their relationship because both of them are so pure to one another unlike girls whom I have dated. They are just wild and not serious in relationship.

"If you said so Rocky," I said.

"By the way guys, Ze will be coming over tonight to help me with my math homework. You know, if I failed once again, mom will ground me one week. Imagine, no mid-night snacks and candies. I'll die," Tum Tum exclaimed.

"All you could think about are your candies," I said and threw a pillow at him, just missing him by an inch when he ducked, trying to avoid being hit.

"When did you spoke to Ze?" Rocky asked curiously.

"During lunch time today. She came over and gave me a chocolate candy. It's so sweet of her," Tum Tum said. Whoever gives candies, chocolates or food to Tum Tum will be a sweet person.

"Lunch time? I though she needed to do some research in the Library for her history project," I said

"Maybe she only stayed for a while," Rocky said while he got up from his bed and walked over to closet to put on his baseball cap.

"Nope, she stayed until lunch is over. She is really a nice girl and very caring towards me. I wished I had a sister like her. But she looked kind of down today," Tum Tum added.

"Did she say anything to you," I asked, being concerned.

"Nope. She just sat with me during lunch and asked about my day. But most of the time she seems far away," Tum Tum said as he focus back on his homework.

I noticed that about Ze too. Since after Summer, she has not been acting herself. She seems to have lots on her mind. I realize that she feels down whenever Rocky and Emily are around. But how could that be. I don't reminder either Rock or Em has offended her. I wonder what's bugging her and I am going to find out.