Rhythm Of My Soul - Chapter 4

Snow Queen and Mr Popular?

They're as different as night and day

One is as cold as ice

While the other is as warm as the sunshine

How could they be together?

Yep, that's the reaction of the entire college and although neither of them really said it out loud, I knew that was what exactly that is going through their minds. I have sixth sense, you see. Since I've accepted David's hand in friendship, we've been hanging out together... a lot. In fact the only time we were ever apart was during classes because we took up different majors. Yes, I did once consider changing my course but that would be too silly, wouldn't it? But I was really tempted!

He has helped me a lot especially in finding the old happy Chelsea back. I began to open up and in doing so, I've gained a few friends as well. I'm determined to start a new life now. I did try to amend things with my old besties, Fay and Giselle. Although they said that they've forgiven me, we were just not as close as we used to be. There seemed to exist an invisible wall between us. I'm not upset because I do understand that broken friendships just don't get fixed overnight.

Nowadays, I can walk down the hallways without anyone freezing up on the spot like they used to. I'm not sure if they've finally grown tired of the prank or it was because I'm now suddenly David's new best friend. I have a feeling that it's the latter. However, it really hurt me when I heard rumours about me being spread around the college. It wasn't nice and I don't even want to put them into words. By being David's friend, I've apparently offended some of the girls whom David would call, the 'green witches' and they were out to destroy me.

"Did you hear the latest greatest green witches rumours?" David asked, suddenly.

I was so deep in my thoughts that I've not realized that David was already in front of me. I was waiting for him at my secret hideway or rather, our secret hideaway for him to finish his classes. I had wanted to catch up with some readng but I ended up zoning out instead. I let out a small smile and nodded, hoping he won't notice how sad I looked. I just didn't want him to worry.

He didn't have it easy too when he became friends with me because we were both from different cliques. But he didn't give in to peer pressure and till this day, I still don't know how he convinced his friends to accept me and those who didn't...well, they're no longer his friends. David, in his own little ways, have sacrificed a lot just to stay friends with me.

"Here, this is for you" he said, passing me a box which is nicely wrapped up.

"What is this? My birthday is not till September" I replied.

"Just open it" he said, with a wink.

I slowly unwrapped the box, curious as to what he has in store for me. David was always surprising me and today was no exception. After opening the lid and looking into the contents, a smile broke out on my face. Soon, I was laughing till there was tears in my eyes. Suddenly, I realized how silly I was to let those rumours affect me personally. I know that I've done nothing wrong.

Inside the box were three funny looking angels

The first angel has her hands over her eyes

The second angel has her hands over her ears

The third angel has her hands over her mouth

See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil.

David need not say anything more because I've gotten his message loud and clear. I was deeply touched because he has carved the angels out by himself.Although they're weren't perfect but to me, they were the best looking angels I've ever seen. I hugged him and thanked him for being such a great friend. Sometimes, I felt that he knew me better than I know myself.

"I'm going to take you to a very special place today" I said, teary eyed.

"Really? Is there any better place than seeing your relatives in the zoo last weekend?" he teased, laughing.

Yes, I've become his tourist guide by taking him around town during the weekends.Ever since he has been here, he never been to anywhere and his friends only brought him to parties, parties and more parties. His mother was busy taking care of Shawn's mom, who is slowly recovering from depression. I was shocked to learn from David that the reason they've migrated here was because his mother was not at ease, leaving her sister on her own. Shawn's mother has tried committing suicide twice.

I felt bad for not visiting her but I just couldn't bring myself to. I'm just not ready.I can't even imagine myself walking into the same house, knowing that Shawn wouldn't be there. It's just too much. I didn't want to break down in front of Shawn's mother. The timing is just not right yet and I'm glad David understood because he never brought up the subject again.

"Earth to the monkey! Missing your relatives already?" David said, waving his hand in front of my face.

"David! I'm so going to kill you!" I cried, snapping out of my thoughts.

I chased him around and the once quiet park became alive again with the sound of our laughter. Yes, I am very happy now. I then led him to the college's music room. No one knew I could play the piano except Shawn. Once, Shawn commented that if the music teacher were to hear me play, she would be jealous of my talent. Yes, that was my Shawn. He was always making me better than I really am.

It was our own little secret and right now, I'm going to share it with David as well. I was just playing the piano the other day when a beautiful melody just came into my head. I decided to work on it and with David's as my inspiration, I slowly made it into a song. I was a nervous wreck when I sat down in front of the piano. I really wanted him to like it. I smiled at him and started playing, putting all my heart and soul into the melody.

"Wow! I didn't know you can play, let alone play so well!" he gushes excitedly after I finished playing.

"I wrote that especially for you. Do you like it?" I asked, shyly.

"You know what? I always thought that the sound of your laughter was the best. I was wrong because it's only the second best. Chelsea, the piece you've just played was breath taking! I've never heard anything as good as that!" he praised me.

"Thanks" I said, softly, trying to hide my red and embarrassed face.

"How come I never hear you talking about the piano? You're really talented!" he continued saying.

"I don't want anyone to know. When it comes to music, I'm selfish. It has always been me and the piano. Only you and Shawn knows about this 'special' talent of mine" I explained, with a wink.

"Well, if the Mrs Lai heard you, she would have been jealous because she sure could not play as well as you!" he commented.

I was shocked. I stared at him, wide mouthed. He just said the exact same thing that Shawn has said to me. Although he has put it in another way, it still means the same. I felt the tears brimming in my eyes again but I held it back. This isn't the first time that David has reminded me of Shawn and everytime he does that, I became an emotional wreck. However, I'm starting to have control over my emotions now.

Is this a sign that I'm starting to let go of Shawn?

"Did I say something wrong?" he asked, panic written all over his face.

"Shawn said that to me once" I whispered, sadly.

"I'm so sorry" he quickly apologized.

"No, don't be.I only play the piano when I'm sad but thanks to you, I now play it whenever I'm happy too. Thanks, David. For everything" I said, sincerely.

"I didn't do anything! You should be thanking yourself" he replied, smiling.

"But if it wasn't for you, I would never...melted" I said.

"Melted? We all like you better when you're not the Snow Queen, Chelsea but you should be thanking the sun, not me. It's the heat that made you melt" he said, laughing.

"You are my sun" I blurted out, before I could stop myself.

"Thanks, Chelsea. That means a lot" he answered, hugging me close.

"Promise me that you'll always be best friend?" I asked, softly.

"I promise" he replied, after hesitating.

Was it my imagination

Or did I saw a flicker of disappointment in his eyes

When I mention the word 'friend'

Was he expecting for more?

And why am I feeling disappointed

When I, myself mention the word 'friend'

Was I expecting for more?