My sister knew I needed money.

*flashback

"Dad told me that you want to work and that you are forcing him to retire."

"You're right. I need your help sister." I don't know if it's ok to tell her. 

"What help? Find a job? Just take care of your nephew. I will pay you."

My eyes widened, "really? You have a babysitter, right?"

"yes. my former babysitter robbed us. Sometimes I give dad on payday, but he didn't accept any, he said he can still earn money."

"Give it to me then!"

"Why, are you my father?"

"but I'm your sister."

"You need to take care of Jae. You have to work hard for the money."

Geez. Seriously, she could just at least give me allowance.

"Okay deal."

after we ate, we saw an old garbage man sitting opposite the convenience store.

the two of us looked at each other as he smiled at us. "Don't forget, make the most of it."

I want to ask him too many questions but I can't, it seems like something is holding me back from talking until he walks away.

"Do you know what he means?" my sister asked.

"ha? do you mean, the 31 days?" she looked at me in the eye. she seems to know too.

*end of flashback

I wish I could go home. We are writing only pointers to review today. Geez, summative test, then quarterly tests. my goodness, when will these exams end?

I went straight to the library every recess time. I'm not hungry anyway. 

Ed was there, my childhood slash neighbour friend but a year older than me and is a senior, who is also studying here. Today is his duty in the library. "Hello. I will borrow books."

He smiled at me. That smile is so sweet. I wish ants would come to bite you.

"Sign here and then leave your school ID in the box." I did what he said.

I immediately looked for the books about time travel. I want to know if this is true or just fiction.

I saw Sharon and her friends, along with her best friend Mari.

I ignored them because we were not that close. it is still a mystery why they invited me back then. I just sat on the shelf that was between us.

They don't read any books, they just talk about-

"Hey is it true?" Ian asked.

"what?" Sharon replied.

"that you and Ivo broke up? What is the reason? Is it a third party?" he asked again.

I do not know what she answered.

"I freakin knew it! I told you before that it looks like she likes Ivo."

"You know, those who are really quiet, they pretend to be kind, but they just smell like a stench of rotting meat."

Ok, that was mean. 

"It seems to smell stinky suddenly?"

They laughed. but the library assistant warned them. You're the best Ed. 

I went to the corner and wondering who are they talking about.

They left the library and other people were talking about how noisy they were.

I no longer understand what I want to read. So I decided to read it at home.

I also left after 5 minutes.

"Wow! What are you reading?" I was shocked when he suddenly appeared on the side.

When I look at him, it seems like breaking up with Sharon is nothing on him. But is it true? I want to ask him.

"ah. I'm just curious about what ..." what do you call it? I can not mention. "uhm, mysteries"

"Really? Let me see." he took half of what I was carrying. "wow, did you know I also love mysteries? I have a lot of books at home. do you want to borrow?"

"wow. really?" he nodded, "hey, thank you Ivo" I put my right arm on his shoulder. something I used to do with anyone, whether female or male.

"Just for you." he says

We were about to enter the room when we saw both Mari and Sharon at the door.

I immediately removed my arm.

Oh god. I feel guilty now. I can feel the two of them looking at me.

I went straight to my seat and pretended to be reading. Until now, I can still feel their hot gaze to me. 

"Guys, did you smell that?" said Ian.

"Did you smell it too?" Max said. 

"Its getting stinky. And it's spreading quickly, right?" that was their topic the moment we entered here.

I, on the other hand, was insane, smelling myself. Well, I'm sweating but it doesn't stink. My smell is tolerable, I swear.

Our next subject teacher came. I had no other thought but to go home.

The bell rang at three o'clock. YES! It's dismissal time. I left the room. But I'm still on the hallway and I confirmed something.

"YES! The stench is gone!!! wohoo!" they laughed. 

wait ..... am I the one they are talking about? I was the only one who came out.

I continue walking. I hope I never heard that again.

When I came out of the gate, someone pat my shoulder. "What are you thinking? I've been calling you."

"Hey Ed. Why? Will you treat me? The convenience store is just near."

"I will but you didn't noticed me earlier, so I wont." I stopped for a moment and put my arms on him. I put all my weight, to get revenge.

"hey ouch stop it. geez, I'll treat you, okayy?"

"yeyyyy!"

As we started to walk towards the store, he started to tell stories until he ask about my family.

"We are all okay, Ed, so don't worry." he messed up my hair. "good." After that, I told him that I will go to my sister's house today. "Want me to go with you?"

"No thanks. Go home safe, Ed." 

"All right, be careful."

When I got to my sister's house, Jae saw me right away.

"AUNTIE!!" aweee my nephew is so cute.

He let me in, "mamaaa. Auntie is here."

My first duty, to clean up Jae's mess. He has a lot of toys. Good luck self.