VC: virtual companions

Two months later, Ralei found herself late for the first time. She rushed into her homeroom class, letting out a large sigh of relief. She went over to her desk and dropped the books down, not knowing that the whole class was staring at her, bewildered.

She twitched and smiled up at the teacher, “I’m sorry! I promise, I won’t ever be late like this again! You know me! I’m a very good student. This is the last time you’ll see me late again. I swear!” Her arm was behind her and she let out a laugh, hoping that her teacher would buy it.

Mrs. Sakaguchi raised a brow, “Well, now. You seemed pretty excited about this. Because of your excellent behavior at school, I don’t what to say about this. Since this is your first tardy, you’re excused.”

The class looked over at Ralei who just sat down in her desk. They all resumed back into their daily schedule.

Later that day, she caught up with Tom. She carried her books in her arms, but when she came up to tap him on the shoulder, the books was about to fall over. “Hi, uh, Tom!” She gave him a huge grin. “What’s up? Oh! You couldn’t believe it, but I was late this morning. Ha. What silliness, huh? This is my first time tardy. . .”

Tom was watching her as she spoke, but then his eyes met the ground again. “Oh. You’re right. I can’t believe it.” He was now walking a little faster which made her pick up her speed.

“Hey,” she called. “What’s the matter? It’s like you’re ignoring me!”

He paused and turned around. “It’s not you that I’m trying to ignore.”

She stopped and stared.

“It’s just that when you told me your story about this morning, I couldn’t help but think about him. You don’t understand how hard it is to forget. And I saw everything. I saw how he died.”

Ralei tried to smile. She set a hand on his shoulder. “Oh, it’s him? Well, then you should’ve told me. Then I would have never told you that story. Besides, what if it’s a sign? What if Kader wants me to be late this morning?”

Tom held back his tears. “Yeah. Sounds like him. Always spreading his bad luck.”

She laughed and shook her head. “No. He’s actually very lucky.” Her arms was now around his shoulder as they walked down the sidewalk, “To have friends like us.”

Dear Kader Matsu,

I don’t know if you heard it from Tom yet, but I’m starting to be more like you every single day. This morning, I was late for homeroom. Now I know how it feels like to have the whole class stare at you. Kinda embarrassing! ^_^ Anyways, I promised my teacher that I’ll never be late again! So you better keep the dreams about us in the Virtual World short! Ha Ha. Like you can! Oh, and news has it that Brianna and Edwin are going to be enrolled in our school next year! How cool is that? I hope they haven’t forgotten about me. But surely, they haven’t forgotten about you. Brianna is doing great. I saw her only once since the incident, but she was smiling. I guess that’s a good thing then.

Your mom is also doing fine. I got a chance to visit her every few weeks. Okay, happy news time: She and your new father are getting engaged! I know you’ll like that Kader. They’re doing it for you. Oh, and the whole wedding will be dedicated to you. Neat, isn’t it? And I got to help her pick out a wedding dress! I know you’ll be there watching. Don’t you dare be late!

Anyways, the world is more beautiful than ever. You remember that place that I showed you last time? Well, it’s now enriched with plenty of soil and water for the new plants to grow on. Butterflies are swarming in that place! It’s really pretty. I go there everyday, whenever I want to get a break in life.

Tom misses you still, Kader. I do too. But we always try to avoid using your name because it always makes us cry. We’re also planning to write a book. You know, the adventures that we had together in the Virtual World. I’m the co-author with Tom. It’s going to be fabulous! We still remember everything that happened to us and to you, the hero of our story! (And we mustn’t forget Kido.) I don’t know when we’re gonna start writing but so far, we got the title down: Virtual Reality. You like?

It’s been great now. The only way it could get better is having you with us. But that’s not possible anymore isn’t it? You’ve been a great friend to me, Kader. I never really had any friends, or I don’t want to admit it. I like being with you . . . a lot. So don’t forget about me cause I will never forget about you, okay? Well, I better go now. We’re going to watch a movie. You’re welcome to come if you want.

With eternal LuV and FrendShiP,

Ralei Tang

She reached down under her bed to take out a box which she stuffed the letter inside. It was surrounded with other letters that titled: Dear Kader.

“Ralei, c’mon!” Tom shouted.

“Alright! Coming! Geez!” She nearly tripped on her way to the door, but found her balance again. “Just take it easy!”

. . . ++ ~ The End ~ ++ . . .

In The End by Linkin Park

Taking Over by Evanescence

Goodbye by SR 71

Through The Rain by Mariah Carey

Only One by Yellowcard

Broken by Seether ft. Amy Lee