The Black Swan Behind (Beauty of Fire)

75 Roger And Poppy (4)

“Hey.. Just quickly take it. Since you were little, you have always been so excited when I gave you a present, right? Even if I gave you a stone, you’ll still laugh.” Roger said by handing the box without fading his smile.

Poppy accepted the box hesitantly. Then, she looked at Roger who looked like was about to leave, “I don’t believe it was you. You didn’t do it, did you? I know you very well, Roger.” Her voice trembled.

Roger chuckled then looked deeply into Poppy’s eyes, “Even though I’m a bit crazy, I wouldn’t do something stupid like that. What’s more.. how could I do something that would hurt you?” he answered. Then, Roger’s smile faded as his voice lowered, “Sorry to hurt you, Poppy. I don’t know how to explain it better to you.”

Poppy shook her head quickly. Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks, “Why did you do that, Roger? Now, you’re being ostracized because of me.”

“If I didn’t do it, then your life would return to how it used to be. In fact, it would be even worse. We don’t know who is the real culprit. Even if we know who the culprit was, we still don’t have the evidence to prove it. It’s better to let things as they are for now. ” Said Roger. Then, he smiled sadly as he raised his hand to caress the smooth cheek of Poppy who lowered her face as she continued to cry.

“I don’t know how to repay your kindness, Roger. I’m really sorry for making you ostracized. I’m just.. I-I’m too cowardly. How can I fix all of this?” Poppy cried that made her shoulders shake.

Roger shook his head, “Nothing’s wrong, Poppy. Everything is going right. My main goal is to get you out of those shackles of isolation and get to see you mingling and laughing with the others. The most rewarding thing for me is to see you laugh freely.”

“But, what about you, Roger?” Poppy raised her face.

Roger gently wiped Poppy’s tears. He smiled broadly that showing his teeth. A smile as bright as the blue sky, “I’ll be fine. It’s only a few years. I can get through it. Those kids aren’t everything to me. You know what? I have something more precious than them.”

.....

Poppy looked at Roger with pursed lips. Roger’s words made her chest ache. The look in Roger’s eyes somehow scared Poppy. Because in those words and those eyes was a hope that was expected from her. Yes, Poppy was afraid of not being able to give Roger what he deserved after everything he had given her.

The days passed. Poppy confessed to all her friends that she had forgiven Roger for his acts. That meant Poppy didn’t have to stay away from Roger again. Yet somehow, things didn’t change at all. Even though Poppy was able to be friends with Roger again, the friends who now surrounded her did not let that happen.

Roger was the ostracized kid in the class. Even the news of what Roger had done to Poppy and Eric had spread throughout the class to the entire school building. Now, all the students looked at Roger with disdain. Hating him for something he never actually did.

Even though he was sure he would be fine, Roger didn’t think that all the stares, scorn, and ostracisation slowly affected his mental state. Although he tried to cover it up with a smile in front of Poppy, somehow since when, Roger had lost his smile when he was behind the scenes. Roger felt like he was wearing a mask right now. Feeling something he knew was called loneliness.

Roger often saw Poppy walking down the corridor with the other friends laughing. The girl’s smile was truly beautiful. Although he was happy to see Poppy’s smile that continued to bloom, Roger had to accept the fact that they had drifted apart. From a short talk, then just a greeting, then just a smile, and now, just a glance. That’s how far Roger and Poppy’s interactions were now.

Perhaps it was a risk that Roger had to take when deciding to free Poppy from her chains. Now, the girl was free to be friends with anyone. Roger was no longer the only thing that could put a laugh on that sweet face. It’s also impossible for Poppy to have to stick with Roger, who was being ostracized by the whole school’s students. In the end, she had to socialize with the others, right?

Although now she was the favourite student at school, Poppy had not lost haters. Addle still hated her deep inside. Especially since Eric broke their relationship just to get closer to Poppy even more. It made Addle very hurt. Her hatred for Poppy grew bigger until it closed her humanity.

Finally, Addle planned something very evil for Poppy. When the school hour was over, she found out that Poppy had a little business in the teacher’s room that related to her stupid ballet course class schedule. Then, she waited on one of the school’s balconies, which were decorated with flower pots on its every top railing wall.

“Poppy..” Roger emerged from behind the corridor pillar.

Poppy who was walking alone there about to go home, immediately jumped in surprise when she heard the voice calling her. She then looked around to make sure that nobody saw the two of them. Somehow, in her subconscious, she felt that she had to do that.

“Yes?” Poppy answered awkwardly.

Roger smiled gently then walked over to her, “How was your ballet course? We haven’t played together lately. So, I was a little worried about you.” He scratched the back of his head uncomfortably.

“O.. oh.. Everything is going well,” She answered slowly.

“That’s good then,” Roger replied with a small laugh. Then, awkwardness took over the brief conversation. They both just kept silent. “How ab..”

“Roger,” Poppy cut him off.

“Yes?” Roger looked questioningly with an awkward face.

Poppy turned her face to the side as she continued to speak, “Was you.. maybe.. expecting something from me?”

“Huh? W-what do you mean?” Roger asked confused.

“You’re the one who’s made me walk this far. I’ve been able to get along with others again. I’m no longer an outcast. It’s all thanks to you, Roger. But, I was thinking.. Is it possible that you actually expected something from me in return?”

Roger shook his head quickly, “I don’t know what you mean, Poppy. I don’t expect anything from you. You remember, don’t you? I said I just wanted you to be happy,”

“Then, Thank you!” Poppy cut off before the guy could speak more words, “If that’s the case.. that’s all I can give you, Roger. I can only thank you.”

Roger looked at Poppy with furrowed brows and a very confused face. Didn’t understand what she meant.

“I’m sorry, Roger. I can’t give you more than that. So, please don’t expect anything further from me.” Poppy continued with teary eyes, “I’ll go ahead. Please be careful on your way home.” She rushed left, exit the corridor to cross the field to the front gate.

Roger immediately moved his feet to chase Poppy. He still didn’t understand what she meant. He thought that maybe Poppy had misunderstood that he wanted her to repay him. It could be that Poppy finally realized that he had feelings for her and thought Roger was demanding a return.

“Poppy! Wait!” Roger tried to stop her.

Poppy slowed down and was about to turn back.

SRUGH!!

Roger looked up when he heard the noise from up there. His eyes immediately widened when he saw a plant pot already in the air, with full speed darting downwards.

CRASH!!

Poppy bowed down with her hands reflexively covering her ears. Darkness enveloped her. She looked down, where the shadow of her body became visibly large. Then, beside the shadow, a thick red liquid dripped.

Poppy turned her head to someone who hugged her from behind. It was a guy who was much taller than her. The guy still managed to carve a smile that was as bright as the blue sky that was the same colour as his eyes. However, that was the last smile etched on that face.

“ROGER!!” Poppy shouted as the guy fell to the side.

Roger was lying on the field. Fresh blood flowed out profusely from the back of his head.

***

A month later..

Roger woke up with a blurry vision. The light that entered the room was very dazzling. His ears faintly heard the voices of people talking.

“Roger! Roger! Are you awake?!” A woman’s voice finally sounded quite clear to the guy’s ears. Yes, it was his mother’s voice, which even he forgot when the last time he heard it.

Roger found himself surrounded by many nurses and doctors. He didn’t know what really happened. But, both his legs could not be moved at all and felt numb. He felt his lower body paralyzed.

The last thing Roger remembered was Poppy’s jet-black irises so close to his blue eyes. It turned out, those two eyes were indeed as clear as the ones he had been staring at from afar.

***

Roger’s mother sat elegantly in the chair facing the neurologist’s desk. Behind the old male doctor, many screens were showing the X-rays results of the brain, skull, and spine of someone.

“From the results of the therapy, it shows extraordinary progress. I could say, this is a miracle in the medical world. Usually, a hard hit to the back of the head will result in paralysis, severe brain disability, or even death. Luckily, the impact is only slightly closer to the Spinal Cord. But somehow, he survived. All parts of his body can still function properly. However, he still needs a lot of therapy. And maybe, need to use a wheelchair and walking stick for an undetermined time.” The doctor explained.

Roger’s mother frowned, “Is this the best doctor and hospital in the country can do? We flew all the way here because the news says this is the best hospital in the world. How much do you need? I’ll pay more if it’s necessary.”