ANNE

Anne Crawford. That’s me, an ordinary teenager who struggles a lot to survive; loves to paint but isn’t really passionate about it. Sunset, there’s always something special about it. I love watching it, but it’s rare to catch a beautiful view of the sunset when you’re living in the gloomy east side of London. Of all places, I don’t really understand why mum had to choose living here. I love the countryside where dad grew up. Well, it suits my personality. I enjoy the solitude of the place. I don’t like being in the crowd; I’d rather have my nose in my books than in someone else’s business. I only know about what’s going on in school because I have a nosy friend.

“Done with your self-introduction, Anne?” Beth asks. I closed the laptop right away, hiding what I have written so far. “I’m almost done, not until you interrupt me.” I lied.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” She apologizes.

“You’re always sorry. But don’t worry, girl. I’m just kidding.”

Beth is my only friend at school and she apologizes a lot. It’s quite annoying sometimes because it’s too easy for her to say sorry; I’m against it whenever she apologizes even though she’s not at fault, like when we were doing an experiment in Chemistry and her lab partner dropped the cylinder. She apologized to everybody while her lab partner said it was just an accident. Sometimes, it gets on my nerves that I wanted to step up for her but then I’ll realize that I don’t like confronting people. Since I’m a scholar, I have to maintain good grades and of course, a good reputation. When my mum got married, she left everything behind. A well off family and a life full of luxury. Everything about her changed from the moment she met my dad. My dad, he’s a good father but only when he is sober. He spends his money on alcohol, even the money mum saved for my college tuition fee. I want to go to college but I haven’t decided what major I’m going to take. But right now, my concern is to find a part time job to support my mum and to save up for college. If mum hasn’t fallen ill, she won’t leave her good paying job.

She sat beside me and handed me a flyer. “I guess you might need this?”

“Yeah, I need a part time job but I won’t go this far.” I say, hesitantly.

“But that’s only an hour away by bus. Just give it a try.” Beth protests.

I shrug my shoulders. “Beth, just imagine it. I’ll travel an hour to that place, and work for three hours. Then an hour coming back here, plus the minutes I have to spend from walking to the bus stop. It’s almost six hours. It’s going to rob me of my time for studying.”

“Maybe, look for a relative to stay the night?” she suggests. I appreciate Beth helping me but she’s the type of person who will only focus on the good side; she doesn’t care about the consequences.

“Thank you but no. Besides, I don’t have a relative there and even if I do have, I’m not going to stay with them.”

“Why? Their blood flows in your veins. If you know what I mean.”

“Long story, but to make it short we’re not on good terms.”

“All of them?”

“We’ll, only my mum’s side. My dad’s, we’re good.”

Before she can say anything, the bell rings and it causes her to show her disappointment. “I hate it that we’re not in the same class this year. Let’s walk home together later.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll see you later.” Beth leaves my spot and gestures at me to call the number on the flyer. I shake my head to tell her no. She rolls her eyes. I don’t know but it’s making me laugh whenever she does it.

*****

Beth has gone home straight but I decided to visit the gallery where my art teacher used to work part time before he became a regular in our school. I love visiting the gallery, I feel like I’m in a different dimension; away from the bustling streets of London. I love the silence here. I know I can’t avoid the noise but the sounds I hear here are different; laughter and conversations of people who love art. It’s music to my ears. There’s one specific piece of art which always catches my attention. Sunset, there it is. I always zone out while staring at it.

“Hi! Can I help you?” I can feel that there’s someone beside me but I’m so lost with the paintings. “Umm, hello?” I came back to my senses and I saw a lady, probably in her 20’s looking at me. She has long beautiful hair and she is wearing a plain T-shirt and jeans; her clothes look simple but I think it’s somewhat fancy.

“Sorry, these paintings, they’re lovely.” I say, smiling at her. I move closer to one of the paintings and points at it. “Where is this place? I’m not quite sure but is this somewhere here?” I ask.

“I’m thrilled to hear that you like my paintings. They’re all sunsets in the Philippines. They may all look the same but it’s sunset views from different places.” She has a sweet smile, and she seems nice. She flicks her hair while taking out another canvas from her bag. “I painted this one recently; maybe you’ll like it too?”

“Wow! How I wish I could also paint like you. Honestly, this is my first time seeing your paintings and I love them!” Her paintings are fascinating and she does it perfectly. The strokes are neat and the way she mixes the colors, they’re brilliant.

“You’re flattering me but thank you. Actually, this is my first time selling my paintings here and I’m not a professional. This is just one of my hobbies, it makes me busy and at peace.”

“I’m really impressed. Your style, the colors, it’s like the work of a professional artist.”

“Thank you.” She says. “Sorry, I talk too much. I just moved here, I probably miss having a conversation with someone who has the same interests as me.” She checks the time on her phone, then she hands me a small bag. “Here, you can have this. It’s my token of my appreciation since you’re the first person who noticed my paintings.”

“Oh no! I can’t accept this. Thank you for your kindness but if you don’t mind, I’d love to buy all of your sunset paintings. You might think I’m still a student but I have extra money to spend.” I took out my purse from my bag and I handed her some bills but she seemed surprised that she didn't want to accept it.

“But you might need this? I’ll feel guilty accepting this huge amount from you.” She says.

“Aren’t these paintings for sale? I’m a customer and I’m buying them. What’s wrong with that?” I let out a heavy sigh and stared at her. “Don’t you need money? I need money but I really love your paintings. I have my savings so please let me buy them.”

“Yeah, you’re right. These are for sale. All right, I’ll pack them for you. But, let me help you next time. I’ll make it up to you, just to return your kind gesture.” I almost had a mini heart attack a while ago; I thought she wouldn't let me buy her paintings just because I’m still a student.

“I won’t say no to that.” We both smiled at each other. I love how she packs the paintings; it looks like a vintage package with a classic piece of paper with quotes written on it.

Be free like a bird but use your freedom wisely. – Sam

“So, your name is Sam?” I ask.

“Samantha. I just love using Sam; people tend to forget if you have a long name. What about you? And can I ask for your number? Is it fine with you?”

“I’m Anne, it’s a short name so you’ll more likely to remember it. Sure, here’s my number. You can message me anytime. I’ll see you later.”

“Thanks. I’ll message you soon. See you!”

*****

It has been weeks now but I haven’t received any message from Sam. I guess she’s too busy selling her paintings in the gallery. Her paintings, it’s making me feel like I’m not alone anymore in my room. Maybe that’s how it feels when you know the person behind the brush. If only I didn’t have an accident when I was younger, maybe I can still paint without having to worry about the pain I’ll feel in my hand. I hope I can move out soon. It's going to be great seeing the paintings hanging in the living room where guests can admire its beauty. But I can’t hang them in our living room; the sound of changing my dad’s posters of his favorite marvel movies isn’t a good idea, it will only cause me trouble.

Why do I have to be stuck alone here in this class? Math, I know the subject and I never liked it. But it’s one of the major subjects with retention policy when it comes to my grades due to my scholarship. Beth, where’s Beth? If only she’s here so I can keep my eyes wide open while listening to the lecture. She loves Math while I love Chemistry; we’re the opposite to be fair. Maybe it’s true what people used to say that opposite attracts.

“Crawford! Miss Crawford!” The entire class looked at me. Some of them are laughing while others are whispering, but I don’t care about them. I don’t realize that I’m spacing out the whole time during the lecture.

“Why don’t you solve this problem on the board since you like to daydream in my class, Miss Crawford? You should pay more attention while I do my lecture since you’re a scholar!” Mr. Dominguez says, handing me the chalk. He looks upset. I take the chalk from his hand then he crosses his arms. All eyes are on me as I go to the board to solve the Math problem. I turn to Mr. Dominguez to return the chalk after solving the problem; he smirks while he checks my solution. “Quite impressive, Miss Crawford. You’re the first one to get the right answer. But I hope next time, you won’t let your mind roam somewhere else.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Dominguez, I’ll make sure to be more attentive next time.” I hate apologizing but this is the only way that I can save myself from embarrassment. I don’t want this to affect my grades in Math.

“Good. Now, go back to your seat.”

Beth is already at the cafeteria, waiting for me. Since we’re both in a different class, it’s the only time that we can be together. I always look forward to eating lunch with Beth and she feels the same way too. A loud noise disturbs the peaceful atmosphere of the place. Girls are running outside, others are taking out their phones from their bags while the group of guys in the table near us, let out a sign of annoyance.

“What’s going on?” I ask Beth. “Why are they screaming like there’s a celebrity?”

“Maybe there’s really a celebrity outside? I’ll go check it out.” Beth giggles. I’ve never seen her like this.

“Wait, it’s going to be our turn soon. Don’t leave me here. I’m famished and I don’t want to wait in a long queue again.”

“Since I’m also starving, I’ll stay.”

“Do you know why they are acting like that?” Beth shrugs her shoulders.

“Probably the heartthrobs, I hope I can have a picture with them someday.” She says.

“Heartthrobs? Who are they? It’s my first time hearing that.” Beth is quite disappointed when I ask questions. I guess I lost all the time studying at the library because I’m not aware about what’s going on around me. Heartthrobs? Maybe they’re just a group of students who escape their classes because they’re too busy looking in front of the mirror. Do they even know the difference if your and you’re?

“Don’t you know? They are popular here, Anne. They are members of ice hockey and they have been to international competitions. How come you never know about them? I just transferred here last year but I’ve heard a lot about them in my previous school. They’re three guys from Class D and they’re best friends; I think the most popular is Vince.”

“So, they’re really famous? How sad, I don’t know anything about them.” Class D? It’s the class of average students. I’m not aware that athletes are in Class D too.

‘Don’t be sarcastic, Anne. Wait, I think I saved a picture of them. I’ll find it for you. Here, you can take a look.” Beth gives me her phone but I shove it away from me. “Hey! Watch it, I almost dropped my phone!”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to do that. Let’s eat now before the food gets cold and please stop talking about them. I just want to enjoy this time with you, Beth.”

“Fine and you also have to tell me about what happened when you visit the gallery. It has been weeks but you never mentioned anything about it.”

“I know, Beth. That’s why you have to wait for me later after class. Let’s walk home together, I promise I’ll go straight home later.”

“Are you going to spill the beans later?”

“We’ll see.” I don’t keep secrets from Beth. Maybe she will say something if I tell her about Sam. I’m worried about Sam; I hope she’s all right.