The Task

Few more days had passed...

Tristan still wants to be with me...

While Nathan is doing his task earnestly...

Now, the three of us usually walk home together.

Saturday morning...

I prepared myself and went outside to go to the nearest grocery store.

On my way...

I can't help myself but notice those things around me.

A hollow figure under the big tree...

Another one sitting by the bench... She's so pretty.

A familiar figure passed by me...

That ghost really loves to stroll around. I knew that because I often see him in various places.

I thought ghosts only have nine days to stay here on Earth. An article made me believe it. What if I was wrong after all?

Maybe it's not the number of days they're able to stay, but for them to choose whether they want to leave, or to just stay here forever. The nineth day is their deadline.

After buying, I pass by a flower shop and see my favorite flower. I stop walking and look at those pretty green roses.

"Rosa Chinensis Viridiflora"

China Green Rose...

When given to loved ones as a symbol of faith and hope...

But, some people describe green as the color of jealousy so receiving green roses may mean that the sender is feeling resentful. They say that the phrase “green with envy” is attributed to jealousy.

I also read a different article stating that they resemble "eternal love". If you give these flowers to someone it means that you will love her endlessly... loving her until death.

Suddenly, someone came out of the shop.

It's Nathan...

He's holding a bouquet of green roses. I suddenly felt happy for his girlfriend. She must be greatful because Nathan really loves him. Those flowers...

But, I didn't see him spending time with her. Is she studying in a different school? Without noticing, I decided to follow him out of curiosity.

After few moments, we reached a memorial park.

I hesitated... This is not good. There are lots of ghosts here. Thank goodness... I can finally handle myself. If ever I see each of them in those graves, I will make sure to ignore them completely.

Sighing deeply, I decided to follow him.

Nathan's sudden stop made me hide in panic. He turned around as if... "Is anybody there?"

It took him a minute or two before turning away, "must be my imagination..."

Wew! That was close.

I turn to look on my left and..."Woah!"

I quickly covered my mouth with my two hands hoping that the ghosy beside me didn't notice that I was startled to see him.

"Woah...woah..my groceries..."

I said that to cover myself from any suspicion. I took my groceries and left quickly.

At last, I saw Nathan stopped from walking. He kneeled in front of the grave, and put the flowers he bought earlier and closed his eyes. Few minutes later, He stood and whispered something before leaving.

I walked towards the grave and observed it.

"Evangeline...Evangeline Fayne."

This is... She is already...

"Sofia?!"

A firm voice startled me. Calling my name in an angry tone.

I stood nervously and turned around.

"Na-nathan?

"What are you doing here? Why are you..." He didn't finish his words. He remained quiet.

"It...it is nice to see you here."

I gave him a small smile, but he just looked at me suspiciously. "Did you follow me?"

I averted my eyes. There's no place for denying. He already saw me. "Yes... I just..."

"Are you stalking me?" he asked seriously.

"No..." I blushed. "Of course, not! I just saw you bought those flowers, and wonder as to whom you're going to give them... I love those flowers so I got curious..and..." I quickly stop myself from babbling and covered my mouth.

I slipped..

Nathaniel looked away from me...

What should I do? I didn't mean to say those nonsense things.

I bit my lips as he looked towards the grave sadly. Then, he turned his gaze towards me.

It was silent.

I feel uncomfortable and awkward at the same time. Of course, it is embarassing. I don't know what to say...

Suddenly, he walked until he is standing in front of me.

Tears... Is..is he crying?

What should I do? It's all my fault. I shouldn't have gone here.

I brought out my handkerchief and dried his cheeks. It feels like I am about to cry as well... "Nathan, I am sorry..."

His warm hand held my wrist. Once again, he pulled me towards him and embraced me.

I am surprised...really really surprised...

But the only thing I did is to hug him in return. I don't know why, but this is the only thing I can do to give him comfort. I can still hear his silent cry, he embraced me to hide his discomfort.

Then...

I saw a girl... A beautiful girl standing behind Nathaniel. She's about five meters or less away from us. She somewhat glows yet transparent as the sun shines down upon her. Very pretty, but owns a very sad expression at the same time. The girl is looking directly at Nathan. I guess...this girl might be...

"Evangeline..."

The girl turned her gaze at me as if she heard me muttering her name. She took away her sadness and smiled sincerely at me. Then, Evangeline walks beside me and whispers.

"Please... Will you please take care of my beloved Nathaniel? I can't accept the fact that he's suffering like this because my absence. But now that you're here, I knew that you'll be the one who'll make him smile again and bring back his lost hope. I don't want to see him like this anymore. I wanted him to be happy. So please, I want you to stay by his side. Make him happy... Do it for me... Then, I will let you have him..."

Evangeline moved away smiling.

What is she saying? She will let me have Nathan. But, why would I want that? We are just classmates. Nothing else. It is too much to ask...

"But.. I...I don't know..." I whispered.

"In order to do that, you have to learn to love him."

"Lo-Love him?"

Instead of answering, Evangeline looked away and vanished into thin air.

"Sofia...?"

Nathan muttered my name. I was lost in my thoughts earlier and talked to Evangeline through my mind.

I tapped Nathan's shoulder and moved away to look at him, "Nathan, I'm sorry..."

"It's okay..." He wiped his tears and continued,"Sorry for making you worry..."

He gently released me and walked near Evangeline's grave.

*****

We are now sitting on a bench in a nearby park.

I was playing with my hands thinking on what I should do. I can't find the right words to say.

Nathan sighs deeply, "Sofia... Why did you follow me?"

I looked at him nervously, "I...I got curious. You bought those flowers. It made me curious."

"Oh..." He replied coldly which made me feel awkward.

I need to explain.

"Those flowers... I love those flowers... They resemble eternal love... It is meant for those people who are special to you."

I laughed awkwardly, "To be honest, you are a kind of person who is very cold and distant. Seeing you bought those flowers caught my attention. I got curious... I wonder who's the lucky girl to receive your warm approach..."

Nathan looked at me in disbelief.

"I see..." He cleared his throat and looked ay me seriously.

"Do you really want to know her?"

"Oh, no. There's no need."

I looked away shyly and said, "Sorry... I didn't mean to follow you secretly."

"No. I don't mind. Just keep in mind that if you want to know something, ask me directly next time." He sighed.

"It is not good for a girl to follow someone secretly."

I pinched myself secretly. He is correct.

"Yes. I understand... I'm..."

"I guess... It is good for me." He gave me a small smile.

"Thank you for following me and not keeping any distance. I feel relieved to have someone to share with something."

Nathan's smile becomes colder. "So, can I share my worries with you? Since we will be spending the whole year together, we must be comfortable with each other..."

My eyes widened by surprise and said, "Of-Of course!"

He patted my head and muttered his thanks which makes me burst into happiness. Though I need to keep it hidden inside me. "A-anytime..."

Nathan moved his hand off my head.

"Evangeline was my girlfriend. I met her in junior high. She became my girlfriend when we reached the senior level. I love everything about her. Sweet. Caring. Funny. Childish."

He grinned while staring blankly on the ground.

"But she suddenly left me...two years ago..."

I looked at him sadly.

"You've been suffering for a long time. But, you need to be strong. Seeing you sad will make her sad as well. You should know that she is always here for you. You just can't see her, but you have to feel her."

"I just can't accept the fact that she left just like that. I really wanted to be with her." He clenched his fist as he say that softly.

"Nathan..."

"But..." He smiled a little and shared something, "I am so proud of her. I am really proud to meet someone like her who sacrificed her own life just to save a little child from a car accident. Even if that's the reason of her death, I'm still proud of her. She did great."

So, that's how she died...

Is that the reason why Nathaniel was worried when I was going to be hit by a motor that time? It reminded him of Evangeline's situation....her unexpected death.

"Right. Believe me, she'll be glad to see you happy."

I smiled at him and gave his shoulder a light tap.

"Just don't give up!"

I noticed that he stared at me for a long time before responding, "Yeah... You're right. I guess that's the best thing I can do for her... To let her see me happy..."

I smiled at him brightly upon hearing his conclusion, "Good! Evangeline will be very happy for you!"

"Thank you."

He smiled. A very genuine one.

"I owe you. If someday you need someone to listen to you, just come to me."

I averted my eyes lost in thought. He will...listen to me. Will he accept me?

"No worries. That's what Evangeline asked me to..."

Oh no... I.. I messed up.

I quickly looked at him to see his reaction.

"Oh..."

After a short moment, he quickly lifted his head and asked, "What?! What do you mean by she asked you to..."

I mentally slapped myself and moved away.

"Uh...I...I mean..."

What am I going to say?

I suddenly hear a warm voice.

"Just tell him... Tell him the truth... Believe me, he will not doubt you. He is the person you are looking for."

Her voice... Evangeline's voice vanished before I could say anything in return.

Tell him?

But, what if...

I look at him seriously but speak in hesitation, "It's because... I can see and talk to spirits. That's how it is... This is who I am. I was rejected in my previous school because of it. They bullied me." I shook my head trying to forget my past, "It doesn't matter anymore. Whether you believe me or not, I saw and talked to Evangeline a while ago..."

Nathaniel stared at me with a doubtful expression, "Are you kidding?"

As expected...

"Of course, not!" I said firmly and continued, "Why would I lie to you?"

Thank goodness!

There's nothing here or else, they will start bothering me. My voice is loud enough to let them hear what I just confessed.

He remained silent so I explained everything.

"Evangeline wanted me to tell you about my ability so I did it. She reassured me that you will not reject me upon learning the truth. Other than that, while we're near her grave. She told me that she love you and she doesn't want to see you suffering because of her absence."

I took a deep breath and continued, "Then...she asked me to take care of you and..."

I stopped talking trying to hide the last thing she told me. It is uncomfortable to say that the girl you love wants another girl to love you.

"Is it true?" He asked me seriously.

I crossed my arms in front of my chest and gave him a disappointed look, "Of course."

Nathan sighed and stared at me without breaking an eye contact. It seems like he's trying to accept everything even if he can't.

"Okay. I believe in you."

I smiled at him and became serious all of a sudden, "Then, are you scared of me?" I pointed at myself and added, "Do I sound creepy?"

"No." He smirks at me.

"I know you're lying."

He chuckled and said, "Let me think about it."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I better go home."

"Alright. A little bit." He continued smirking at me which is unusual. "But it doesn't matter."

"It doesn't matter? Are you sure?"

I exclaimed in surprise.

Nathaniel became serious and answered, "Yes."

I smiled in excitement and quickly jumped to give him a big hug. "Thank you! Evangeline is right. You accepted me."

"Yo-you're welcome."

He replied stiffly.

My eyes widened because of embarrassment. I quickly moved away from him. "I'm sorry. I am just very happy. I thought that you're going to reject me just like what other people did."

He looked at me worriedly and ruffled my hair.

"Don't worry. I am different from them. Trust me."

I looked away. I hid my face so that he will not notice that I am blushing.

"Thanks."

It's nearly evening so he escorted me home carrying the groceries I bought.

I thanked him and said our goodbyes before he left.

As I turn around, I saw a note attached in my front door. I took it and read what's written.

"*Hey, Sofia! I've been here for about three times but you're still not home. It seems you're off somewhere, so just text me using the number written at the back of this note. Text me after reading this. (´∀`)"

Your one and only,

Tristan* :)

I entered the house and quickly saved his number in my cellphone.

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