Empire High School Episode 19 – 20

Empire High School Episode 19 by Ademide

Jeffrey’s POV
It was 11:00am. I waited patiently for Kate outside her home. The gate opened and out came Katherine. She fashioned her long hair into a gorgeous braid. She was dressed in a yellow full dress which highlighted her charming body shape, the lower hem of the dress was like an arc, thus showing her long leg on the right. Kate matched her outfit with a silver sandals.
“Hi” she greeted cheerfully
“Hello Kate” I replied
“Sorry for keeping you waiting” she said
“You are not late..” I answered.
It was worth the Waiting.
She flashed me a bright smile.
“So how was your night?” I asked
“It was fine..Thanks” she said
“We can leave now?” I asked
She nodded
I opened the car door for her to go in before moving to the driver’s seat.
“What about your parents? Are they home?”
I asked as I started the car
“They are fine. My dad is out of the country while my mom is in Kaduna”
“So you are always home alone”
“Yeah with my nanny and Shehu”
She answered
“What are your plans?”
“What plans?” She looked at me
“Plans for this outing..Have any place in mind?”
I asked
Kate nodded
“Let’s hang out at a restaurant” she responded
“I don’t want to stay out Late. And I also have to get some groceries for my nanny at the mall” she explained
“Okay..”
“What about Semilore and Deji?”
“They are fine. My Aunt is watching them today”
“Are you living with your Aunt?”
“No I just came to spend time with them because -” I paused
Because I found out you are staying in this Estate!
“Because?” She repeated
I can’t tell her anything!
“Because..My home is boring”
I said finally
“You don’t have siblings?”
“Yeah, I’m the only child” I replied
Then we laspsed into silence.
None of us said anything until we got to Billion Restaurant.
“Welcome to Billion Restaurant”
A waiter said as we settled in Chairs. He placed the Menu list in our table.
“What would you like?” He asked
“I’m fine with fried Rice and Chicken” I said
Kate looked up at me
“I want the same..” She said
“Do you like Apple or Orange Juice?” I asked
“Orange Juice” she replied
“Okay.. We’ll go for two plates of Rice and A pack of orange Juice” I said
“Okay”
The waiter left our table to bring our orders.
I glanced around the Restaurant.
“Have you been here before?” Kate asked
“No..Its my first time in here” I replied
The waiter came back with our orders.
“Really?.. But Everyone knows Billion Restaurant!” She said in a surprised tone
“I don’t go out like that..I’d rather stay at the store and help my Aunt” I answered
“Where do you stay?” Kate asked
“Unity Estare”
“Unity Estate?” She repeated
“Do you know the place?”
“Yes..My friend used to stay in that estate before he traveled out”
“Your friend?”
Actually I was wondering if it was just a boy or..Her Boyfriend.
“Actually, he was my childhood friend. His name is Charles” she explained
“He’s out of the country now But do you still chat with him?”
Damn it! Why am I so concerned about the so-called Charles! I don’t even know him!
“He left two years ago but for some reasons we stopped talking”
“You were together?” I blurted
Gosh! Jeffrey you’re so terrible at asking silly questions!
Kate looked up at me.
“No..He was just a friend to me” she answered
I relaxed a bit
“Let’s talk about you..” She pointed her fork at me
There’s nothing to talk about my life’s so boring!
“Nothing much, Monday to Friday, i wake up, get dressed and head to school. After school i go straight to the store. On weekends am at the store.. Except on Sundays” I said
“You seem committed to your Aunt’s store” she said
I nodded in agreement
It was one of those things connecting me to my mom. I wanted the conversation to end and hoped Kate won’t say anything. But she said.
“What about your mom?”
Our gaze locked
“She doesn’t stay at the store?” She asked again
I looked away from her. I could feel her eyes on me as I fixed my gaze on my plate.
I pondered if she really wanted to know about my Parents.
“Why are you…always silent anytime I ask..about your parents?” She said
I didn’t respond
Once again I felt the anger towards my dad and stepmom well up inside of me. I clenched my fist.
I wanted to tell her everything but something was holding me back.
Suddenly i felt a touch on my skin. I looked up and Kate’s hand was rested on my right fist.
“is there something wrong? Or talking about your parent’s isn’t something I should have mentioned?”
I exhaled roughly and relaxed under her touch.
“And it’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it” she shook her head
“Forget it” she withdrew her hand
The spot she touched became naked, I wanted the touch again. And without holding back I swallowed hard and I heard myself say to Kate
“My mom died when I was 15”
She met my gaze again
“I’m..I’m sorry i shouldn’t have said anything about that -“
I shook my head and I began
“My dad caused her death”
“How?”
“He wasn’t home when she collapsed. Dad was never home to spend time with us”
“You were alone with her the day she collapsed?” Kate asked
“Yeah.. At the store”
“The store?” She mumbled
“Yes, the store belongs to my mom. But Aunty Joke took over after her death”
I explained to her
“Actually my dad was having an affair with another woman before my mom’s death. I heard them fighting behind closed door, but dad denied it” I paused to look at Kate. She was listening.
“He later admitted it to her the day mom was tired to prepare dinner. He yelled at her for not cooking for him and he said that it was one of the reasons why he didn’t want to come home”
I stopped
And continued after a long momentary pause
“I was sad that day. My mom was too tired to cook after we got back from the store. My dad didn’t call to let us know he was coming home, We only met him at home.
My mom and I had agreed that we would eat fried yam and egg which we bought on our way home. And on finding dad at home, mom explained to him and offered her own portion of the yam and egg but he refused it. I should have suspected my mom had cancer back then but it didn’t occur to me. Though I used to tell her to visit the hospital anytime she wasn’t feeling well and she would say okay”
I told Kate how my dad neglected us when my mom was hospitalized.
“One month after my dad married my Stepmom, I figured that she was the same woman my dad was seeing before my mom’s death” I stopprd
She was the one who destroyed our happy home!
Mom quarreled with dad because of her! He never cared about his family because of Lola!
And now she wants me to be free with her?!
“So you think your mom wouldn’t have died back then if your dad was home”
I nodded
“He would have found out early if he was home”
“Do you know it’s a different case if your mom had informed him that she was ill?” Kate asked
I thought
“He wouldn’t have cared if she’d told him about her sickness” I replied
“Are you saying..your dad didn’t love your mom? And he didn’t care about you”
“I don’t know..” I said sincerely
“My dad was a good man.. But I guess he changed when he started seeing my Stepmom”
I said to Kate
She held me again
“Your mom’s death caused the unhappy expression right?” Kate asked
“She was my bestfriend and I didn’t expect her to leave soon” I said in A low tone
“You can’t keep blaming your dad forever” she persuaded
“And have you spoken to him about it?”
“Yeah I confronted him when he brought my Stepmom home. He apologized and begged me to accept her” I said
I recalled the day my dad brought Miss Lola home. She was younger than my mom but about the same age with Aunty Joke or even younger. And she said that she was going to be my new mother and take care of me like her own.
“And you haven’t accepted her?” Kay asked
“I can’t let another woman take the place of my mother” I said honestly
Then we lapsed into silence. Kate lifted her glass to her luod. She stared at me through the rim. And I wondered what was running through her mind.
What would she call someone like me?
Someone who finds it hard to forgive and forget?
A stone hearted guy? Stubborn? And unreasonable?
“How do you feel now?” She asked
“Pardon?”
“I mean..Discussing what’s bothering you with me” she said
I thought deeply
I didn’t respond
“I heard a story of a boy who his mom left at a tender age. She had a child for a married man and then his wife found out and paid her off. Inorder words the woman accepted the money and stayed away at from her child. I don’t know much about the story, but years later, the same woman asked her husband to move the boy away from her home” she paused
I stared Intently at Kate
“Are you kidding?”
“I’m not faking a story” she replied with a serious look on her face. Then I knew she was serious!
“The man obeyed his wife. He hired a nanny for his son and moved him to Lagos. The nanny died and now the boy is staying alone. No mother to give him a good night hug, no father to check his card, no family to call whenever he is not feeling well..Just the usual allowance from his father who he hasn’t seen for years now”
She stopped and toyed with the tip of the glass.
“Can you imagine that life..” She asked
I was touched by the short story. That boy must be really lonely.
I have a father and someone who’s willing to fill in the gap of a mother but I was holding back and she was still waiting for my acceptance. Miss Lola never yelled at md despite everything I did and said to her years back.
“I can..imagine it. He must be lonely than I thought.. And hard on him”
I replied in a low tone
?
Joseph’s POV
A loud beeping sound woke me up from my deep sleep. Gosh! Who the hell is calling me?! I took out my phone under my pillow to check the caller ID. It was Angella!
I let out a disapproving sound as I declined her call. I wasn’t interested in hanging out with Angella!
I realized I’d slept for four hours when I checked the time. 4:00pm. I dropped down on my bed and slept in annoyance when I couldn’t stop thinking of what happened on wednesday.
That son of a bitch! Succeeded in ruining my reputation with Kate! I won’t forgive him!
He should be feeling like the best guy now since he drove Kate home on wednesday.
I wished she’d listened to me. Emeka wasn’t the type to love a girl for long. He’s in for short commitment, mostly with good girls from other school. He has never picked interested in any girl at school, he only jokes with them.
“I feel comfortable around strange girls since I won’t get to see them for long except if I want to..” Emeka would say. He does nasty things in his home because he doesn’t have anyone watching over him. I know alot of things about him.. His secrets and all.
I sat up on my Bed quickly. Emeka’s deep secrets!
I could use it against him and ruin his good boy reputation with Kate.
A smile formed on my lips immediately. This is gonna be good!
Get ready for this blow Emeka!
Next Time you’ll learn to stay in your place!
“Hey Joe! Will you please pick up Angella’s call so she’ll she disturbing me!” Nora yelled behind my bedroom door
I hissed
“I want to be alone!” I snarled
“You better talk to her or else I’ll give her the insult of her life..And I won’t spare her!” She screamed
“Do whatever you want!” I replied and fell back on my bed. I searched through my phone to see if I still have some things to back up my plans.
Yes! I found it!
?
Katherine’s POV
I saw the tension in his face, the way the lines at his mouth deepened and fists clenched when I asked him about his parents. I wanted to know why he was always silent anytime I tried to talk about his parents. I met his gaze and flinched at the pain i saw in his eyes.
I knew something was wrong!I had gone too far..And fast so I tried to ease back. I hated myself at the moment. I shouldn’t have said anything about that – but I was really curious to know everything about Jeffrey Adams.
I touched him even though I wasn’t sure if I should have done it. I wanted him to tell me everything. And when he broke the news to me that his mom was dead! I became sad that He didn’t have a mom!
Then I wanted to take away his pain. I couldn’t hold back my sympathy at what he’d lost. I listened carefully to Jeffrey’s story. I sensed anger in his tone as he narrated his story to me. Jeffrey was having issues with his dad and Stepmom. I didn’t say much cause I knew it would be a bit hard to change Jeffrey’s mind about his father.
Even though what his father did was bad, Jeffrey should have forgiven him after he apologized. Mr Adams must have apologized because he realized his mistake. And Jeffrey saying he was closer to his new wife than before..I guess Mr Adams didn’t want the same mistake to repeat istelf. Jeffrey blaming his dad won’t bring back his Mom!
It occurred to me that I could use Emeka’s story to talk to Jeffrey. No father or Mother or Family!
And I guess it worked a bit cause Jeffrey has been quiet since we left the restaurant. I asked him not to come with me into the mall because I wasn’t buying alot of things and Jeffrey stayed back in the car.
I watched the way Jeffrey took several breath when I entered the car. He rested his head on the steering. I asked if he was okay? and he straightened up and said “Yes” with a sigh.
I hardly knew Jeffrey Adams but I knew he was hurting deep inside and I could sense his pain. And I hope that Jeffrey would find it in his heart to forgive his father and learn to live with his Stepmom like one family.
“Thanks for today” I said to Jeffrey when he pulled up in front of our gate.
“Well I should be the one thanking you for listening to me” he said in a low tone
I nodded
“I’m leaving my aunt’s place tomorrow to prepare for school because i didn’t bring my uniform”
“So..Till Monday” I said.
“Yes..We’ll see on Monday” he replied
Monday?! Well how are we going to act if we see each other on Monday?! Strangers?
I never expected us to be like this in two days!
“Don’t worry I won’t act as if I don’t know you..” Jeffrey said as if he had read my mind.
“Since we’re friends now..So let’s act the same way at school” he added
I found a smile on his lips
“You don’t want anyone to know about us?” He asked
About us? There’s absolutely nothing going on between us! We’re just friends! Well I do love Jeffrey but I can’t tell him about my feelings.
Temi and Elena won’t believe Jeffrey and I hangout this break..Actually no one will expect such from us.
“No its okay..There’s no need to hide” I said
Jeffrey nodded in agreement
“What will you be doing when you get in?”
“Nothing much..I’ll just prepare for church and read some novels” I answered
“Okay..”
“Yeah”
I unlocked the car door and came out. I waved at him before walking to the gate.
?

EMPIRE HIGH SCHOOL ⛹
Authoress Ademide
Episode 20
Katherine’s POV
It was on monday morning. I alighted from the taxi and headed to EHS main gate. And there I met Emeka talking to the guards. I tried to dodge so he won’t see me, I didn’t want to stop and talk to the guards.
Emeka caught me before I could move along with the Junior Students.
“Hey Kate!” I heard him calling my name.
I was kinda feeling guilty. I’d promised to call Emeka during break just to check up on him. I planned to use my mom’s phone but dad surprised me by giving me back my phone. Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t tell Emeka, my dad seized my phone. And seriously, I totally forgot my promise to him. My mind was so occupied with only one person..Jeffrey Adams!
He called me on saturday night to say goodnight and a Happy Sunday Text. But he didn’t pick up his call when I tried his number around 12:00pm when I came back from church. Even till now, his line was switched off.
“How are you?” Emeka asked
“Hi Emeka!” I greeted with an unsual tone. I was hoping that Emeka won’t ask me the reason why I didn’t call him.
Gosh! I don’t even remember where I dropped the piece of paper he wrote his number on before giving it to me.
“How are you doing?” He asked again
“I’m fine..Thanks” I answered
“I hope you enjoyed your break?”
“My break was perfect!” I exclaimed
Oh!Oh!No! What’s wrong with me?!
“Really? So what made your break perfect?” He asked
“Ahmm..nothing much i went to the mall to buy some books. And I read them”
“Oh! Why didn’t you call me to let me know you wanted to visit the mall?” Emeka said in a sad tone
“I would be more than glad to tag along” he added
“I didn’t stay for too long..” I replied
“It doesn’t matter..and that reminds me why didn’t you give me a call?”
I didn’t respond
“Urgh Kate..I was really expecting your call.. Badly” he gave me a childish look
“Forgive me Emeka…I misplaced the paper you gave me” I replied without looking at him
“Then..It was my fault. I should have written it..Here” He pushed at my forehead. A huge smile on his face.
And I smiled back at him.
“Give me another one so I can save it” I said
“Where is your phone?”
“I left it at home” I replied
I saw no reason to bring it to school.
“I’ll give you when we close so you won’t misplace it” he said
The Bell Rang! Assembly Time!
And Emeka and I rushed to class to drop our backpacks.

Katherine’s POV
It was Lunch Time and Jeffrey didn’t show up at school today. I was so worried about him.
Why didn’t he come to school today?
Is he sick?
Different thoughts flooded my mind.
I was distracted. I couldn’t concentrate in class as I kept glancing at the door to see if Jeffrey would walk in.
It was surprising that I was already too drawn to Jeffrey Adams in few days!
I couldn’t work on my plans to talk to Joseph about Emeka, just to settle the dispute between them.
During free period, Elena asked me if Emeka explained anything to me and I said yes. Joseph had refused to tell Elena the reason he punched Emeka. A Junior Student came to call Elena when I was about Writing on our gist pad..and I promised to tell her everything when she returns…But I haven’t seen her. Elena was busy helping Mr Daniel to mark his Night School Scripts.
Is it right for me to tell Elena?
I wondered how she would feel if she finds out Joseph punched Emeka because of me. I mean..Joseph likes me and she was in love with Him too!
Elena won’t be happy about it but I wasn’t ready to hide anything from her to.. justify myself. I only need to tell her that I don’t love Joseph. And I don’t plan to love or fall in love with Joseph!
I placed my head on the Library desk and groaned in frustration when I couldn’t concentrate on the novel I was reading.
Jeffrey!Jeffrey! Where are you?!
Why didn’t you show up today?!
I can’t go on thinking like this..
The Bell Rang
Then I decided that I was going to visit the store to check on Jeffrey.
As students trotted out of the Library, someone bumped into me, making me drop the books I was holding in my arms.
“Good for you” the voice said
It was Angella!
“Excuse me” I said
“Excuse me” she mocked coldly and walked off with her friends who giggled as they went. I shook my head, I don’t have her time today. I wasn’t in the mood for exchange of words with Angella.
I bend down to pick my books.
“Don’t mind Angella” A girl said as she help me to pick up the books. I looked at her. It wasn’t a familiar face. The girl was in senior class probably SS1or 2.
“Angella is a horrible person. It’s better to avoid her like a plague” The girl said as she gave the book to me.
“I know..” I replied
“But do you know its because of someone..”
“Someone?”
“Yes.. I mean do you know why she’s acting like that -“
“No”
“Well..You know -” she leaned forward
“Who?” I asked curiously
“James Joseph i heard his eyes are on you now and she can’t stand it”
“I don’t know what you are saying”
How in hell did they find out Joseph is sweet on me? Is there some gossip flying around that I don’t know?
Oh God! Don’t let it be what am thinking!
“Is it true?” She asked
“Of Course not!” I replied with a frown.
“There’s nothing going on between you and James.. Like him asking you out or you meeting him up at his friend’s place for secret meeting”
Secret Meeting?! Hell No!
“No” I replied
And i was beginning to suspect this girl!
“You have to be careful of Angella”
“Who are you?” I asked
“Pardon my manners, I’m Adesewa”
She stretched forth her hand for an handshake.
Adesewa? I’ve heard Elena and Temi talking about a girl called Adesewa. I heard that she and Angella aren’t on good terms for some reasons..Joseph!”
“You haven’t heard about Me”
“No..” I lied
“Well I know you” she said
I know you too Adesewa! i just don’t want to discuss anything with you! Because I’m not in a good mood today. But it’s only polite to return her greetings.
“I’m Katherine” I shook hands with her. And before I could process anything, she pulled me to herself. We were about the same height. I was taken aback by the swift movement.
“If you don’t mind, we can
work together to bring down Angella. Work with me to silence her before she plans something big against you”
I jerked free from Adesewa.
All I could see in her eyes was Anger. It was clear that Adesewa wanted revenge because of what Angella did to her. I don’t care! I mean its none of my business!
“Thanks for the advice but I don’t think am interested in working with you to bring someone else down. And thanks for helping me” I walked off
Now it was happening again! The most popular girl dlsikes me because of her boyfriend likes me! Joseph was causing problems among these girls!
* •••••••••• *
Emeka dropped me at Jeffrey’s store before driving off. My heartbeat rapidly as I stepped into the store. Aunty Joke was sitting at the pay desk. She looked at me when the door beeped.
“Oh! Kate!” She said
“Good evening Ma” I greeted
She gestured to me to move closer to the counter.
“How was school today?”
“It was fine Ma”
“I guess you are here to see Jeffrey”
“Yes.. He didn’t show up at school today and his line is switched off”
“So you are worried about Jeffrey” she said
Aunty Joke rested her chin on her elbow. I was worried about Jeffrey!
“Perhaps did Jeffrey tell you about his mom?” She asked
“Yes..He did..” I stuttered
The store was silent
“So what did you say to him?”
“Ahmm..l told him not to blame anyone for mom’s death”
She shook her head.
“Good..Kate” she said
“Is Jeffrey..”
“Do you like Jeffrey?”
Aunty Joke interrupted me
“Come on..Tell me the truth. You don’t need to hide anything from me because Jeffrey showed me the pictures you snapped at the mall” she said with a bright smile
Aunty Joke must be someone like my mom who likes gists!
But I wasn’t ready to admit to her that I like Jeffrey. She might tell him!
Her smile dropped and she turned Serious.
“I need your help” she said
My heartbeat accelerated
I hope Jeffrey is fine!
“Wh..Where Is Jeffrey?” I panicked
Her forehead creased.
She was taking too much time.
I need to see Jeffrey! I wanted to say but I held back in restraint.
“Lola had a miscarriage Yesterday afternoon..So he’s sad about it”
“Is he at the hospital?”
“He just came in a while ago”
I looked around the store but I couldn’t find him.
“Where is he?”
“Behind that shelf over there..before getting to the restroom” she pointed towards the direction.
“Ca..Can I go and see him?”
“Of Course” she answered
I walked on but soon stopped and came back back the counter.
“You said..that you need my help”
“Oh Yes! It’s something simple”
She picked her phone on the counter.
“I want you to work your magic on him so he can smile like this again..” She pointed to an image on her phone.
We were both smiling with our head together!
Jeffyrey didn’t delete them?!
And why did he transfer it to his Aunt?!
“Please do this for me..And I’ll be grateful”
She held a pleading look. And slowly I made my way to the shelf.
What gave her the assurance that I could put a smile on Jeffrey’s face?
To be honest I was sad about Madam Lola Miscarriage. I met Jeffrey behind the shelf, he sat down with his knee up and head bowed. I walked close and sat in front of him in India style.
“Jeff?” I called in a low tone.
He didn’t respond maybe he was fast asleep. I leaned forward and touched his knee.
“Jeffrey? Can you hear me?”
Then he raised up his head. He was surprised to see me.
“Kate?” He rubbed his eyes
“When did you get here?” He asked
“Not..Too long..”
He sighed
“Are you okay?” I asked
Jeffrey readjusted his position and sat like me.
“I’m fine..Or don’t I look well?” He said with a half smile
“You look tired..and sad to me” I said
Jeffrey closed his eyes for a second.
“That’s not going to change the expression” I said
He reopened his eyes and rubbed his palms together.
I reached out to him and held his large hands in mine.
“Aunty Joke told me what had happened to your stepmom”
Then he looked straight at me. His fake smile disappeared and it was replaced with the saddest look I’ve never seen. I wasn’t happy to see him like that..and i wanted to put a smile on his face.
“There’s more..Right -?” I asked
He replied with a nod
“So..Do you want to talk to me about it..?” I asked calmly
I didn’t want him to feel pressured.
Jeffrey swallowed hard
“To be honest Kate I was relieved after I told you everything on saturday. That story you said really moved my heart and I knew I’d been unfair to my father” he paused
Jeffrey squeezed my hands gently.
“I have refused to regard them as my parents and its bad. Yesterday when I got back home, I met my stepmom laying in the pool of her own blood and my dad wasn’t around so I rushed her to the hospital. And I was told that she lost her baby” he explained
“You know..I’ve always wanted to have a younger brother/sister but losing one really pierced my heart. And I realized that I’ve been unfair to my Stepmom. I’m a bad person Kate..I should have accepted her before it got to this..” I noticed a tear dropped down his chin.
“Its my fault” he bowed his head
“No Don’t blame yourself”
“I didn’t want to go back home because of her but it was a wrong decision. I would have saved the baby if I had gotten home early”
I wiped his tear
“It wasn’t your fault”
That was all i could say to him. And before I had time to think more about it i just hugged Jeffrey!
That was all I could think of to comfort him. He wasn’t expecting it so it took him more time to adjust before before his hand came around me. I whispered soothing words to him.
Second clicked by before Jeffrey calmed.
“Thank You” he mumbled
“Oh my God..i shouldn’t have let you see me cry like a baby” He joked
“Its no big deal” I said
“I’m emotional and I don’t look good whenever I cry..”
I silenced him with a finger on his lips.
“We’re pretty much alike in that aspect”
“Hmm..No I don’t know how to comfort someone. I’d no idea of what to say to my stepmom when she woke up. She’s so pitiful”
He said.
I cupped his face
“Listen to me Jeff am sure she won’t blame you for anything”
“You think so?”
I nodded
“Well, why don’t you work on getting in a bit close to her? Do it for the baby”
“The baby is gone” he said soberly
I rolled my eyes
“Another one will come..” I reassured him
He nodded in agreement
Jeffrey touched my face and grazed his knuckles along my cheeks.
“I’m happy to see you” he said
I smiled
“So how was school today?”
“Fine..But boring” I replied
“Boring?”
“Yes, that’s because you didn’t show up at school. And you weren’t picking my calls”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t go with phone to the hospital. It’s still at home now”
“Switched off” i said
“I was worried about you” I admitted
I bit my lower lip as I felt Jeffrey’s eyes on me.
“Weird..right?” I mumbled
“No..”
He cleared his throat
“I mean..its normal to be worried be a..friend” he added
A friend?!
No I don’t feel this way for my dear friend Emeka or even Charles!
“Y.e..Yeah” i replied in a low tone
Everything was different with Jeffrey Adams!
It seems Jeffrey only sees me as a friend so I shouldn’t expect too much or more from him.
Maybe he’s in love in with another girl?
I wondered
“Are you okay?” He asked
“Yes.. Yes.. I’m fine” I stood up
“W..well I only dropped by to check on you..and give you some notes..we wrote today”
I searched for my literature, Government And Maths notes.
I was in a hurry to leave. It won’t be a good idea staying around cause I might end crying. The mere thought of Jeffrey loving another girl and seeing me a just a friend brought tears to my eyes but I did my best at fighting the urge to cry.
Elena must have felt this way too!
“Are you leaving?” Jeffrey was on his feet now
“Yes..Yes..I don’t want my nanny to worry too much..”
I zipped my backpack
“I’ll see you tomorrow” I said and I would have raced out of the store again but Jeffrey was quick to grab my upper arm. I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill anytime soon.
No! Don’t be crier!
And I didn’t turn to look at him.
“Its getting..late..So I should..Leave” I said shakily
No! Please don’t move! I said to myself when Jeffrey made his move to stand in front of me. He tilted my chin to look at him. I looked away from him. He didn’t stop. Jeffrey leaned in.
“I’m sorry” he apologized. Why was he apologizing? Can Jeffrey tell what’s going on in my mind?
“Thanks for stopping by to check on me. I’ll be at school tomorrow” he said
“All right” I said in a voice that is more like a whisper.
Jeffrey nodded with a broad smile and I got lost in it..His smile, presence – big, tall and muscular.
Jeffrey rubbed my jaw with gaze fixed on my lips. He was going to kiss me, I didn’t know how i knew it but I did. And I was going to let him even though i knew without doubt that I shouidnt let Him.
He came closer and leaned in. I tilted my chin so slightly. And then Jeffrey did it. He kissed me. On the cheeks!
“Have a good night sleep” He said as he stepped back afterward.
It took me a moment to realize what had happened. I stood there,stunned and a little embarassed that the tilt of my chin might have given him an idea that I’d expected more than a kiss on the cheeks.
Gosh! Kate has gotten into you?!
“Do you want me to drive you home?”
I heard him say. And I jerked back to life.
“No..No..no..I’ll take a taxi”
“Then let me walk you -“
“N..no..Need.. I’ll be fine” I said
I was embarrassed
Why did i made it obvious that I was expecting a kiss on the lips!
“Bye..See you tomorrow” i said in a rush.
I walked away from him and bumped into someone.
“Oh Sorry!” Aunty Joke said
Unbelievable! She was eavesdropping! She must have seen everything!
Oh My God!
I rushed out of the store.
Now that am far from Jeffrey I felt a bit relief.
But how am i going to face him tomorrow?
God Help Me!
Don’t let this feeling take the best part of me!
It was never in my plans to fall in love with any boy in high school. Now am in Elena’s League.
“Single but in love”
I hail down a taxi
“Gold Estate” I said
“Come in Miss” the driver said
I entered the car and sighed with relief again.
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