The atmosphere in the Literature Department was quiet, save for the occasional shuffling of papers and murmurs of students settling in. Just then, the classroom door creaked open.
"May I come in?" a soft voice asked.
Cherry stood at the entrance, one hand stretched slightly forward as if unsure whether she was welcome. She was clearly nervous, but her eyes sparkled with eagerness.
"I think your watch isn't working," said a calm yet firm voice. "That must be why you're so late."
Miss Samantha, tall and graceful in her professional attire, looked directly at Cherry. Her gaze was sharp, though not unkind.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am," Cherry replied quickly, bowing her head in embarrassment.
Miss Samantha raised an eyebrow. "Are you new here?"
"Yes, Ma'am. I'm Cherry Walter. I just joined this college," Cherry answered, forcing a bright smile to cover her unease.
"Miss Cherry, please don't call me Ma'am. Call me Miss Samantha," she said with a kind smile, softening her tone.
"Sure, Miss Samantha," Cherry replied, this time more cheerfully.
"Now go and take your seat," Miss Samantha instructed.
"Sure, Miss," Cherry said, turning toward the rows of students.
As she searched for an empty seat, her eyes caught a girl waving discreetly from the middle row.
"Here! Here!" the girl whispered.
Cherry hurried over and sat beside her.
The girl wore oversized glasses, a long and loose sweater, and had her hair tied in a high ponytail. She gave off a quirky and kind energy.
"Hello, I'm Martha Williams," the girl said with a warm smile.
"Hello, Martha. I'm Cherry Walter. Nice to meet you," Cherry replied, already feeling a little more comfortable.
"You were the one I saw this morning," Martha said, tilting her head thoughtfully. "You were trying to stop the fight between Jim and Jackson."
"Yeah," Cherry nodded, "but I still don't understand why they were fighting."
Martha leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "It's a long story. But I'll tell you the short version."
Cherry listened closely as Martha began explaining.
"There's a girl named Alice — the most beautiful girl in college. Every guy falls for her… except Jim. That's what makes her fall for him. Jim is different. He's not the type to chase beauty. Plus, he's the most handsome guy here."
Cherry blinked. "Then why didn't Jim accept her?"
"Because Jim's… complicated," Martha replied with a sigh. "He's cold, distant. He doesn't talk to anyone. And no one likes talking to him."
"But why?" Cherry asked again, confused.
Martha's voice softened. "He lost his parents when he was a kid. People blamed him — neighbors, classmates. He tried to end his life several times but survived. Since then, he's kept everyone at a distance, thinking it's safer for them."
Cherry felt a weight settle in her chest. "That's awful... But then why does Jackson fight with him?"
"Oh, Jackson's just jealous," Martha said, rolling her eyes. "He's one of those guys who loves Alice. But she only has eyes for Jim. And to make it worse, Jackson is the principal's son — he thinks he can do anything."
Cherry stared ahead, her thoughts racing.
Cherry's Thoughts
I can't believe he has to suffer like this every day. And today, I made things even worse for him. It's all my fault. But I'll fix it. I'll help Jim. I'll show him that life is precious.
"Where are you lost, Miss Cherry?"
Cherry jumped as Miss Samantha waved a hand in front of her face.
"S-Sorry, Miss," she stammered.
"I already gave out today's homework, but you seemed to be somewhere else entirely," Miss Samantha said, scanning the classroom.
"I'm sorry, Miss," Cherry repeated.
"Saying sorry doesn't mean much if you keep repeating the mistake," the teacher replied. Then, softening again, she added, "But I'll forgive you this time. Don't let it happen again."
With that, she turned and walked away.
As soon as she left, Martha leaned over. "Where were you lost, Cherry? Miss called you several times."
Cherry looked at her, her face glowing with new determination. "Martha, I will help him."
Martha blinked. "Help who?"
"I'll tell you later! First, I need to write an apology letter," Cherry said, practically skipping out of her seat.
Martha watched her go, bewildered. "Huh? What happened to her all of a sudden?"
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To Be Continued...
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