“I am so excited for this Friday night,” Sara squealed during recess.
“Me too,” Dahlia added from behind.
“I wish I could go but I couldn’t,” Tia informed, sadness in her voice.
She walked away from us and I watched, realising her school uniform was a little too big for her tiny body frame. My friends and I planned to eat dinner together one last time before we go our separate ways after leaving school. We decided weeks ago while we were supposed to be studying for an upcoming examination. The four of us agreed on it, so when Tia told us she couldn’t make it, I was surprised.
“Hey, Tia,” I caught up with her and linked my arms with hers. I looked at her and she smiled a little. “Where are you going?”
“Nowhere,” Tia answered shortly. “I’m sorry to ruin our plans. I know we were supposed to have one last gathering but I can’t join all of you.”
“Why? Is it because you have to take care of your siblings?” Tia kept quiet, so I pushed on, “Is it because it is too far or you don’t have transport?”
“No,” she shook her head and her long ponytail swayed. “I just can’t make it, ok?”
“Can’t you at least tell me the reason?”
“Why? So you can laugh at me?”
“I will never do that, Tia,” I assured her. “We are friends and friends are supposed to be there through thick and thin. Who knows, maybe I can help?”
We climbed the stairs, leading us to a row of classrooms. Sara and Dahlia were talking and walking slowly way behind us. Tia turned around to see that they were far enough for us to have a private conversation. When we were on the final step, she turned to look at me again, maybe it was to study the way I looked.
“Come on Tia, spill already,” I encouraged her as we walked along the corridor. “You can tell me anything.”
“I am so ashamed to tell you this,” Tia started. “I won’t be going out this Friday night because I couldn’t afford it. I asked from my parents, but they are not willing to spend so much for just a person. The fee to the buffet can feed four of my siblings too. We are having a financial crisis at the moment so…now you know.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I didn’t know. Maybe we can change the venue. We don’t have to eat buffet. We can go somewhere cheaper or we’ll do other activities?” I suggested.
“It’s too late for that because the fee isn’t refundable,” Tia reasoned. “Dahlia paid in advance.”
“We’ll think of something else.”
“There’s nothing anyone can do. I know you mean well, but I don’t see myself joining all of you for the buffet,” Tia informed, feeling negatively.
“We’ll see,” I said when the bell rang signalling that recess was over.
“Please don’t tell Sara and Dahlia,” Tia reminded me.
“Your secret is safe with me,” I promised by zipping my mouth with my fingers.
After knowing Tia’s financial problem, I felt sad for her. When I went home after school, I emptied out my savings from a chocolate box and started counting my money. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough either to pay for Tia. I cleaned the house, hoping to find spare change but couldn’t find them. I wanted to tell Sara and Dahlia, but I couldn’t betray Tia’s trust.
“What are you doing?” my father asked me when he saw me counting the coins scattered on the floor.
“Counting my money,” I answered.
“What for?”
“For no reason,” I lied, my face fell.
“Something is going on, isn’t it?” my father continued. “I am sure it is because you dare not look me in the eyes. Are you in trouble, Willa?”
“No,” I looked up to see him, looking worried. “Tia is.”
“What happened?” he joined me on the floor.
“As you know we were going out this Friday, and today Tia told me she had to cancel. After asking her for a reason, she told me she couldn’t afford it. She asked from her parents but they are in a financial crisis. So she couldn’t join us. What is the point of going out if our group isn’t complete?”
“So that is why you are looking for money?”
“Yeah, I was hoping to pay for her share if I have enough money. This might be the only time we have left to spend together. Sara will be going back to her grandparents’ on Sunday and Dahlia will be travelling. Who knows when we will meet again?”
“I have to go back to work,” my father stood up quickly after looking at his watch. “I’m sure everything will work out.”
The next day, I found some extra money in my room when I was arranging my books. Without saying a word, I was sure it was my father who left it there. When I thanked him, he denied it was his money, but I knew it was his. He was being generous without wanting to draw attention to himself.
Carina Lim bears different messages through her fiction. These messages could be useful in life. She can be contacted at mermaidgal03@yahoo.com
