Chapter 12 

April 10, 2006.

Bomi P.O.V

I stifle a yawn.

Here I am, sitting in class 8A again.

Same old students, same old teachers and the same empty chair in front of my desk.

It was where Chorong used to sit for homeroom.                                

*SIGH*

I wonder what she’s doing now?

Maybe she’s in a Catholic school, wearing a girl’s uniform.

You know, with a button shirt and a skirt.

Oh man, the thought of Chorong wearing a skirt just cracks me up! Hahah!

Anyway, I think I can graduate from intermediate school this year with no regret.

Next year, I’ll be attending Stuyvesant High School. It’s one of 3 New York City public schools that specialize in science and math.

You need to take an entrance exam called SSHAT and they fill the seats each year based on SSHAT scores from the highest on down.

It’s quite a meritorious system.

Only Hayoung and I got accepted from class 8A. Talk about a surprise!

When I took the entrance exam last October, my nose was just really itchy.

I had to get up at 5:30 am to ensure I got to the exam site on time. Because you never know when there’ll be a bus or a train delay along the way.

But it was really cold that morning and I guess the chill makes my broken nose itchy.

So now I’m continue the days until I can leave this place behind and move on with my life.

Next year, I plan to focus more on my studies. Try to get straight As.

I’ll need it since college is just around the corner.

My mom can’t afford to pay for my college tuition.

So I will need a full scholarship for college or as close to it as possible.

When I leave intermediate school, I’ll be leaving behind my carefree childhood as well.

September 14, 2015. Morning.

I look at the alarm clock. It’s 7:05 am.

Today is Friday the 14th of September, 2015.

Otherwise known as Day 3 of life after Chorong.

My dreams of intermediate school recalled a dark period in my past:
My first experience of life without Chorong.

The first time we separated back then, I couldn’t believe how much I missed her.

Once she transferred to a private Catholic school, I totally lost interest in school.

I couldn’t wait to leave the school and start a brand new life in Stuy.

I turn on the gas and boil water.

As I wait for the water to boil, I think back to the first time I went to Battery Park.

Flashback

July 5, 2006.

It was during the 4th of July weekend in 2005.

The wind blew and whipped my hair around.

The smell of air mixed with the sea water was a foreign but delightful experience.

As I walked around the park, gawking like a foreign tourist, I was really thankful that I placed into the school. Since the school is next to the park, I meant students could hang out in the park and play after school and obviously the dean would have easier time finding kids playing hooky.

He’ll just have to round them up in the park.

On the other side of West Side Highway, right across the school, is Borough of Manhattan Community College.

With 2 tennis courts and a basketball court to boot.

End of flashback

*BBBOOOOOPPPPPFFFFFFFFFFF*

I turn off the gas and make tea.

Decaf.

I slowly eat the last piece of bread. I guess I’ll need to buy groceries soon.

When I leave the apartment. Whenever that would be.

I pause for a moment and think back. When’s the last time I left the apartment?

It was on the morning of September 11.

Oh Lord! Have I been inside the apartment since Tuesday?

Today is Friday, right?

If nothing else comes up, I think I’ll go out tomorrow.

*YAWN*

I guess I’ll take a nap and wake up at lunchtime.

September 1, 2006.

I make it to my new school with time to spare.

Nobody wants to be late for their first day in high school, right?

Let’s see.

What’s my homeroom?

Ah yes, it’s 9C.

*******

I walk into Homeroom 9C.

I look around and see no familiar faces.

Oh! I see an empty seat by the window in the back!

I walk over, across the length of the room, to stake my claim.

Today is your first day of high school, Bbom!

I try to maintain a cool exterior.

But right now, I’m bubbling up inside from all that excitement.

New school. New life.

What can be more exciting than this?

*******

*DUUUUUUU*

I guess that’s the bell.

My first day in high school is finally over.

I’m totally exhausted.

I can’t believe how much homework we got! On the first day!

Phew!

I could see myself spending entire evenings doing homework.

That’s 3 to 4 hours of homework, plus studying for exams and quizzes.

Eek!

it up, Bbom. Everyone in class is in the same boat.

I slowly walk to the Chamber Street subway station and head home.

September 3, 2007.

I find myself sitting again on my favorite bench at Batt