What Great Things?

Jade Xekai Ontera was having a miserable life at school. At sixteen, he had to attend a co-ed high school whereas his twin sister chose to go to an all-girls one. No one in their family knows how badly he’s being treated during weekdays, while attending classes. He doesn’t tell them anything. It feels like he’s leading a double life: bullied student and a cheery son. Hold on, he wasn’t actually cheery at home but close…

A lot of students like and admire those popular guys in school. Only they make fun of others to bring laughter to the rest. To him, it isn’t fun. He’s one of the students they make fun of. In short, he’s being bullied. Technically, he’s not being hurt physically. They don’t beat him up or anything. It’s more about embarrassment. He learned to bring extra shirts, extra clothes, extra towels…

Once, someone poured fruit juice on his head. Another left chocolate inside his bag. The mess was a nightmare. Then there’s his eyeglasses being taken from him and he’s too helpless trying to get it back. He couldn’t see them properly and he even tripped on the uneven ground. Most of the time, it’s normally insults. They belittle him. They joke about how much of a loser he is.

Did he ever fight back? No. He’s too aloof as a person to even try. He doesn’t like talking to others. He’s more of a listener. When people say something, he would analyze it in his head, but he still won’t say anything. Unless he’s asked. And then, he’ll only say a sentence or two. Without further explanation.

So, how did he end up in a hospital?

Good question, Naya thought, as she watches her ward lying on a hospital bed.

He was spacing out as he walked the streets hours before. Those popular kids picked on him, yet again. Drenched in cold water, Jade didn’t bother changing his clothes. He was sneezing and feeling a bit cold. Technically, he has a fever as he walked home. His condition might have affected his concentration. He wasn’t attentive as he didn’t check the road before crossing it. A speeding car didn’t have enough time to hit the brakes. Jade was undoubtedly hit.

Right now, he’s got a broken rib and fractured arm. A lot of scratches and bruises on his limbs. He’ll live, Naya told herself. She sighed. She wasn’t expecting him to be so out of it. It’s not like she can clearly tell if he’s feeling sick.

As she floats near the ceiling, on a corner of the room, his mom came to check on him. His father came much later. He had to make sure the two kids at home are settled. He brought food for his wife as they talk about his condition. The man who hit him offered to shoulder all his medical expenses. After checking the traffic cameras that recorded the incident, they knew it was Jade’s fault. They refused the offer as it isn’t the man’s fault after all. He was a hardworking driver and barely able to support his own family. He was crying as Jade’s mom talked to him. Such a responsible guy, she can’t bear to burden him further. She and her husband are both professionals and holding significant positions in their respective companies. They aren’t lacking financially. She let the man go, thanking him for bringing Jade to the hospital immediately. The man even waited until the doctor assured them that Jade’s condition is stable and he’ll heal. That was when both of them sighed in relief. Jade’s mom kindly smiled at the man and told him not to worry further.

Naya, who watched the whole thing unfold, was unfeeling. It didn’t touch her. Not at all. Her kind is devoid of emotions. They’re not humans, after all. She is a guardian, some sort of spirit, assigned to look after Jade.

Now, her main concern is knowing when this guy will wake up. As she contemplates on it, her eyes widened as his ward’s spirit came out of his body.

“What…” Before Naya could ask what’s happening, his whole spirit floated in front of her.

Upon seeing her, and glancing down at his body and his parents who remain talking, he was momentarily stunned.

Five seconds later, he screamed. Naya frowned at him, while raising an eyebrow.

“For a quiet guy, you scream quite loudly.” She noted as she moved closer to him.

“Don’t move. Don’t come closer. What are you? Am I dead?” There was panic in his voice. Well, given that he’s seeing his own body and he’s floating, that’s the conclusion he reached.

“No, you’re not dead yet.” Naya confidently answered. After all, she knew the exact date and time he’s gonna die. Not anytime soon. But she would admit this scenario is unexpected. Why did his spirit come out? Isn’t his condition stable now?

She frowned as she inspected the body. He seems well. It took him a few minutes before Jade managed to control his movements. He moved closer to his body as well. He made extra effort not to touch his parents. He was curious, though. Would he pass through them? Would they feel him?

This girl doesn’t look harmful. She’s actually pretty, is what he thought. After his initial shock, his mind wandered through so much. He’s got a ton of questions.

“What are you?” He asked again.

Naya glanced at him. Should she tell him? Even if she does, he’s supposed to forget everything when he gets back to his body, right? That’s what she knows.

“I’m your guardian.” She answered simply.

“Like… a guardian angel?” He asked, and she searched her mind before nodding. Technically, it’s the humans’ belief in guardian angels that made their existence.

She has guarded four others before Jade Xekai Ontera. She regarded him with intrigue. It’s her first time to meet a human spirit, face to face.

She didn’t know then the problems that would befall them.