CHAPTER 7 - Blank Sheets, Dark Pen and the Start of a Vibrant Canvas

V1. CHAPTER 7 - Blank Sheets, Dark Pen and the Start of a Vibrant Canvas

When lunch break arrived, Annabelle assumed that Clara would go to the library. Since she wasn't hungry, Annabelle followed her, thinking she might be going to sleep. However, she was surprised when Clara turned in a different direction.

"Hey Cla, where are you going?"

Clara looked back at Annabelle, "To the West building," she replied before continuing to walk. Annabelle caught up and walked with her.

"What will you do in the West?"

"I'm going to the I.T. Department."

Annabelle sighed, "I don't want to sound nosy, but why? What's there?"

Clara suddenly stopped.

"Don't you know Ms. Athena Alcantara? Can you call her?"

There was a spark in Clara's eyes when she said that. Annabelle was confused and irritated at the same time due to the name and its association with her. Nevertheless, she gave an affirmative response.

"I think I left my phone in her car," Clara explained, surprising Annabelle, who chose not to reveal her confusion.

Annabelle called Athena. Once, twice, and even thrice, but there was no answer. She started to get annoyed, and it was evident on her face. In Annabelle's imagination, she pictured Athena smiling while staring at her phone, almost as if she were deliberately ignoring her calls, payback for previous attempts to contact her.

"Maybe she's busy," Annabelle said.

She rolled her eyes.

"It's better if we just go to her. She's probably in the cafeteria now since it's lunch break."

As they walked towards the cafeteria, Annabelle observed Clara. She had been contemplating a question for a while but hesitated to speak. She remembered that Athena was the one who helped Clara find her classroom on the first day of class and was also there when someone intended harm to Clara.

"How did you leave your phone in her car?" Annabelle asked cautiously.

"She drove me home last night. I fell asleep in the car, so I might not have noticed that I left my phone there."

"Ah, okay," Annabelle said, although several questions were still lingering in her mind.

They quickly reached the cafeteria. Annabelle immediately spotted Karina, but only her laptop and three coffee cups surrounded her. They walked towards the table next to the glass wall, and when they reached their destination, the cups, laptop, and whoever was seated there suddenly collided.

"Oh, you idiot!" Karina exclaimed as Annabelle slammed her palm on the table. Due to Karina's strong reaction and the sound of Annabelle's hand hitting the white table, some heads turned in their direction.

"Annie!" Karina exclaimed when she saw who disrupted her. From irritation, her face suddenly brightened. Karina stood up and happily greeted Annabelle.

"Do you need something from me?" Karina asked cheerfully.

"Nothing. Where is Athena?"

From Annabelle, Karina turned her attention to Clara.

"I don't know," Karina replied when she refocused on her friend.

"What do you mean you don't know? It's lunch break, aren't you eating together?"

Karina suddenly grabbed Annabelle's arm, "Lunch break?!" She looked at her watch, "My god! I am doomed! No wonder I can't think straight! Annie, I need your help! Huhuhu, save me. Be my substitute for the reporting."

Annabelle forcefully raised her shoulder to free her arm from Karina's grip.

"Tsk!"

"Stingy! Clara, you do it." Karina transferred her hold to Clara's arm, who immediately received a smack from Annabelle.

"Ouchie!"

"Stop with your drama. Where is Athena?"

Karina pouted, "She went to lunch with Marcus. Maybe trying something different," she replied, smirking.

"Where?"

Karina sat back down, "I really don't know."

"Call her."

"She didn't bring her phone. She left it at home."

"That's why she didn't answer your call," Clara remarked, giving Karina a teasing glance.

"You called her, Annie? Is your heart softening? Are we Frennies again? She'll surely be delighted to know you called her." Karina joyfully exclaimed. Annabelle responded with a blank expression.

"Don't get your hopes up. I need something from her, so I called her. Like everyone else, I just need something from her."

Karina took a cup of coffee and sipped through the straw. It was a mocha frappe with 8 shots of espresso, explaining her hyperactivity, all from a single cup. Only the barista who prepared her drink knew how much caffeine Karina had in her system. As she savored her drink, it seemed like all her problems disappeared. Bitter at first but sweet in the end. She looked at Annabelle and smiled.

"What do you need? So I can tell her when we see each other later."

"Clara seems to have left her phone in Athena's car last night."

From Annabelle, Karina's attention quickly shifted to Clara. She lowered her coffee, seemingly recalling the events of the previous night.

"Last night?" Karina's surprised reaction was confirmed by Clara's positive nod.

"What time?"

The question came out as an investigative inquiry, as if Karina might have noticed the phone but she has a different intention. Karina knew who was with Athena last night, so she was puzzled by Clara's statement that she left her phone there that same night. Clara was about to respond, but before she could, the person they were looking for arrived.

"Hey, what are you talking about?"

Both Annabelle and Clara turned slightly when they heard the voice. Upon turning, they found Athena, smiling, accompanied by Marcus and Paolo. Athena's expression changed abruptly when she looked at Clara. She blinked, as if suddenly remembering something.

"Clara, I'm glad you're here. I was running late earlier, so I didn't have time. I was going to tell you that you left your phone in the car."

"Yes, actually, I was looking for you because I was hoping that maybe your phone fell in your car. Luckily," Clara said in relief. She gave a soft smile as if all her problems had disappeared.

While the two were engrossed in conversation, the surroundings seemed to quiet down among their companions. Karina, Annabelle, and Marcus observed Athena, while Paolo focused his attention on Clara.

Paolo had heard of Clara through words, but it was the first time he saw her in person. Beautiful, angelic, soft-spoken... In his mind, he initially thought it might be an exaggeration, but now that the student they were talking about was right in front of him, he found words synonymous with beauty and even more swirling in his mind.

As the group gathered, almost everyone in the cafeteria turned to look at them. It was lunch break, and they were witnessing a parade of different kinds of beauties. While the people in the cafeteria were eating, their eyes and ears were tuned in to the group.

Karina continues to radiate a bright aura despite the current predicament with her studies. Her vibrant personality and colorful choices make her stand out, even though she is the smallest in the group. Annabelle, her complete opposite, is 5'9" tall, making her the tallest among the girls. Black is Annabelle's game, embodying the color's rebellious and non-conformist spirit. Her edgy style makes her beauty unique, rejecting norms.

Meanwhile, Athena always chooses a modest wardrobe to avoid attention, yet elegance is evident in the way she carries herself. She possesses a cool and elegant beauty, exuding an air of sophisticated confidence. Her boyfriend Marcus, the tallest among the cluster, boasts a masculine allure with an effortless sense of fashion. Paolo, slightly shorter than Marcus, is equally popular in Central University. Known as their prince charming, Paolo has a formal fashion sense, clear and smooth complexion, expressive eyes, and a defined jawline. He has a slender physique and a model-like stature that complements his overall aesthetic.

Last but not least is the school's current apple of the eye, Clara, often described as having ethereal beauty and a graceful appearance. Though onlookers often notice her gaze to be always distant, her expressive eyes convey warmth and kindness. Clara's typical attire consists of modest outfits, reflecting her simplicity.

"Is it okay with you if I get it from my house after class and give it to you later?"

"It's okay," Clara replied.

"As if she can do anything about it," Annabelle retorted with a hint of annoyance. Due to her reaction, Athena couldn't help but giggle. With every sound of Athena's laughter, Annabelle became even more irritated. Annabelle clenched her fist, but quickly relaxed upon hearing how Athena asked Clara.

"Where can I meet you later?"

Annabelle looked into Athena's eyes.

"At the Central Library if it's okay with you?"

"Sure, around 5 pm, right?"

Clara nodded.

Annabelle couldn't quite figure it out, but she sensed that there was something different about Athena. Different in a way that she witnessed a radiance in her eyes—light and easy. Annabelle saw emotion in the usually blank expression of Athena's feelings.

"Have you eaten? How about having a seat with us?" Athena invited.

While Clara had immediately declined in the past, this time she turned to Annabelle.

"No thanks, we'll eat outside," Annabelle replied. She looked at Clara, and Clara caught her gaze. Annabelle smiled, and Clara understood what she wanted to convey.

"We'll go ahead, Miss Athena. See you later, bye," Clara bid farewell before Annabelle took her hand and pulled her away.

Athena had something to say, but when she saw Annabelle's hand touching Clara's, her thoughts froze. The usual familiarity that Annabelle sought earlier returned. However, even if she were to see it, she couldn't say that this was the Athena she was accustomed to. Behind Athena's blank gaze, darkness started to creep in, affecting her emotions.

"Athena," Karina called, noticing her friend's stiff expression.

"What?" Athena replied blankly.

"It's okay," Karina reassured. Marcus turned his attention to them.

"This is the third time..."

"Third time?" Karina's reaction was filled with puzzlement.

As Marcus couldn't comprehend their conversation, he grabbed their attention.

"Hey Paolo, what's up? You're zoning out there!" Marcus exclaimed, slapping Paolo's shoulder. 

"Ah," Paolo sighed, "She is stunning..." he muttered, as if his identity had suddenly folded. Due to Paolo's reaction, those who heard immediately deciphered what he said. It started with small cheers until the entire cafeteria erupted in noise. The commotion escalated, drawing the attention of both Karina and Athena.

"Wow! Looks like someone has caught the attention of my best friend too! If only Noel was here! Hahaha!" Marcus exclaimed joyfully before turning to Athena, "What do you think, babe? Clara and Paolo, they look good together, don't they?" The question reverberated, causing the surroundings to rumble. Athena, however, didn't react immediately.

"Hey M3!"

"Don't worry, Pao, we will lend you a hand. Since Athena is the closest to Clara among us, maybe she can ask her to spend time with us so you can get closer to her."

"You're crazy, you're bothering other people. Don't mind him, Athena. I will—I will..." Paolo sighed, "I'll take care of how I'll introduce myself to Clara."

Paolo's words further intensified the noise around them. It became so intense that they didn't notice a spot that seemed isolated and had its own world. Athena disliked loud environments, and Karina knew that. There were times when it had no effect on her friend, but given Athena's current mood, Karina knew the unfolding situation wouldn't lead to anything good. Karina was happy for Paolo, but she couldn't join in due to her concern. A concern that quickly dissipated as Athena's aura brightened.

"No worries, it's fine. I will help you with Clara in the way I can," Athena said with a cheerful tone.

♦️♦️♦️

"Clara, why were you with Athena last night?"

Clara paused in twirling her fork around the spaghetti she was eating.

"She saw me on the street last night and invited me to dinner."

Annabelle was surprised by what she heard. They were currently in a fast-food restaurant outside of CU.

"On the street last night? Don't tell me you went home late."

Instead of answering, Clara continued eating her spaghetti. Annabelle stared at her until she swallowed the pasta.

"Clara,"

"You told me not to tell..."

Annabelle squinted her eyes. In her thoughts, Clara was slowly introducing herself to her.

"You promised me that you'd be careful," Annabelle said with a sharp tone. There was a mix of concern and slight annoyance in her tone.

Clara stopped and dropped her gaze to her plate.

"I'm sorry. There were a lot of customers last night, so I had to work overtime. But I was careful. I stayed with the crowd and didn't let myself be alone," Clara explained with a smile. When her explanation didn't elicit the desired reaction from Annabelle, sadness crept into her eyes.

As they exited the Central University cafeteria, Annabelle quickly invited Clara to have a meal outside. She didn't allow Clara to refuse, as she had some questions she wanted to ask. With the magic word "free," Annabelle easily convinced Clara to go along with her plan.

"Does Athena always talk to you like that?" Annabelle asked carefully.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Clara inquired.

Annabelle pondered. Athena typically spoke gently due to her upbringing, making the difference in her conversation style with various people imperceptible to those not closely acquainted with her. Athena might smile, but those close to her could discern her intentions behind her eyes. Annabelle was once one of Athena's two closest friends, so she knew her very well. She had a different perception of Athena, making it challenging to convey her thoughts clearly to Clara.

"If I could control it, I wouldn't want details about my life to spread. But now, I'm somewhat relieved that you and Miss Athena know about it. Miss Athena is scary, as I told you before. She blackmailed me to ride in her car when that night happened. She got mad at me last night for staying out late, considering what happened. I don't know Miss Athena completely, and I'm not sure about her intentions, but she always shows great concern for me, just like you, and I appreciate that."

Annabelle sighed. She stared at Clara intently before taking a glass of juice and sipping it.

Before everything happened to them, Annabelle knew Athena. She knew Athena by how she introduced herself. How she wanted to be known. Annabelle knew how Athena strived, but there were things that, no matter how many layers were put in place, would surface when it rained.

"Athena escorted you home last night, and that's how you left your phone in her car?"

Clara nodded.

"I see… I didn't tell you, but obviously, I know that you are aware that Athena and I know each other very well. We're childhood friends, actually, including Karina. Athena is kind and generous… You will see how much of a good person she is if you keep your distance from her."

"Keep my distance?" Clara questioned.

"I don't want to badmouth her, but as your friend, I want to warn you. She's sick in the head."

Clara was in the middle of swallowing a whole meatball when she heard Annabelle's last statement. She paused in eating, surprised.

"Sick in the head? In what way?"

Annabelle sliced through the sandwich that had been whole on her plate for a while.

"Do you think it's normal to switch partners frequently? Athena is always bored. She looks for things that interest her. Behind her smiles is a blank sheet of paper waiting to be written on, and after using it, she just throws it away."

Clara nodded thoughtfully. Next, she popped a whole meatball into her mouth, causing a bulge in her cheek. Unlike the finesse displayed the previous night, Clara's elegance disappeared at the dining table. Annabelle didn't mind, munching on her sandwich. Both ate hungrily, and Annabelle paused only when Clara spoke again.

"You asked if Athena always talks to me like that because she's going to use me?"

Annabelle halted her chewing. She scrutinized Clara before she struggled to swallow.

"Use you?"

Annabelle pondered. From the moment she observed how Athena looked at Clara, she knew that Athena was already interested in the latter. What she saw earlier behind Athena's eyes was not a blank sheet of paper; it was a canvas, a sparkling abstract picture that she couldn't comprehend.

If Athena tended to use Clara to ease her boredom, the question Annabelle had on her mind was in what way?

As Annabelle and Clara returned to campus, they were met with stares and smiles. Annabelle was puzzled, but she noticed that the attention of their fellow students was directed at her companion. Every place they passed through, eyes followed Clara, and it didn't stop until they reached the Business Building. The two entered the room for their next class, and as they sat down, some of their classmates suddenly crowded around her friend.

"Are you aware, Clara?" one student asked abruptly, furrowing Annabelle's brow.

"Aware? Aware of what?" Clara asked, looking up at those around her.

"Do you know Paolo Mendez from the IT department? We heard that he is interested in you! It's the talk of the campus right now!" one female student exclaimed, followed by cheers filled with excitement from those around Clara. They were delighted with their gossip, but it seemed to have not reached their intended audience.

"Paolo? Who's that?" was Clara's only reaction, drawing a giggle from Annabelle.