A novel of salvage high chapter 10
Keisha POV
Chris rode his horse as fast as possible to catch the carriage carrying me and Alex. When Alex noticed that we were being followed, he asked Gabriel to ride on and alighted with his sword to fight Chris.
“Let me wait with you.” Jeremy who was riding a horse, following our carriage from behind said.
“No, protect my Keisha.” He muttered coldly, and I looked him.
He pulled out his sword, and Chris pulled out his as well. My eyes almost popped out of its socket as I realized that they are about to start a fight because pf me.
“Noooooooo, don’tttttt…”. I shouted - before I jotted back to reality.
That’s how I felt at that moment, I felt like a protagonist in a movie, and two men are fighting over me.
“But who is the villain?” I thought.
I’ve watched too many movies that I can’t even think straight. When I got my senses, I forcefully freed myself from them, and ran out of the cafeteria.
I can’t believe I got myself involved in such drama in my first week of resumption. The week is not even over yet. I’ve to avoid Chris and Alex before others start getting the wrong idea like what’s running on me silly mind.
I sat in the garden with no intention of returning to class. Unlike my previous school, the staffs here are glued to their office; they don’t roam around to catch students that are bunking off.
When school dismissed, I make sure I avoid every chances of seeing Alex and Chris before I hurried to the parking lot; there I bumped into Gabriel.
“Gosh, that startled me.” We both shouted.
“Kei, I thought you ran off somewhere.” He said, and I looked around for a while.
“Where is Alex?” I whispered.
“Are you avoiding, Alex?” He whispered as well, with wide eyes.
“Shut up. Why am I even talking to you?” I scoffed, and went to my bicycle.
“Alex is coming, he is coming.” He muttered, and I almost jumped before I realized that he was just pulling my legs.
“Hey.” I shouted.
“See you on Monday, Kei.” He said, and gave me a thump up before going to his car.
“What was that about?” I grumbled, and hissed quietly; before riding off.
*
I get to my room and started wondering how worse my school life could get. I let out a sigh at thought that I’ve to escape somehow before it gets even worse, and the only way that could work is if I’m able to reach Kaye. I wondered if he is also missing me as much as I do.
I put all the thoughts behind, and tried to study. There is no way I’m going back to Chris because avoiding him and Alex is the best way to focus. He even appears to be more scary than Alex.
“Yes. Mum said Stef is doing well with his study.” I muttered, wondering if he will assist me. “Go for it girl, there is no harm in trying.” I shouted.
*
I packed few notes, and placed a knock on his door; just like last time, I didn’t get a response so I let myself in.
Behold… it was like he was waiting for me to join him in studying, because I met him studying.
“What do you want this time?” He asked, and I smiled in relief.
It felt like we have grown a little closer, since he didn’t ask me to leave like last time.
“Stef, you really have to save me this time.” I cried; clapping my hands together in form of pleading; but it didn’t seem to work.
“Since, you are studying, can we study together? I enjoy group studying a lot.” I said, but he didn’t even spare me a glance.
“Wow. You seem to be good at English. Well… mathematics is my favorite subject, I can help you with mathematics, and you assist me in English.” I lied. But it’s not completely a lie because due to some miracles, I always pass average in mathematics, which is why I could still manage to be in school.
“Why are you always on headsets?” I asked, wondering how it relates to my purpose there - but I couldn’t help my curiosity because even while he study, he still had it o. Many people study like that, but u doubt if that’s the case with him.
He glared at me, and I was excited that at least that question could make him look at me.
“What are you listening to?” I asked, and removed the headphones from his ear.
I placed it on mine, and he covered his ears immediately; making me wonder if he is allergic to air enter his ears.
To my surprise, nothing was playing, and I instantly gasped. “Could he really be allergic to air?” I thought. But I thought against it when I remembered seeing him without the headphones when he came out of the bathroom the other day.
We heard a knock on the door, and he hurried to take another headphone before the door opened, and his father entered.
“Good evening, sir.” I greeted; wondering why he came back early from work today.
“Oh, Keisha. You are here.” He said, his face brighten up in a smile.
“Yes, I’m here.” I replied, wondering the response he expected.
“Oh, you guys seem busy.” He said.
“Yes, sir. We’re about to study.” I replied, and he nodded.
“Alright, I won’t disturb you two. Stef, I’ll be back.” He said, and left.
“Wow. Did you literally just use that… so you won’t have a conversation with your father?” I asked, with wide eyes. I could never imagine it, but now that I thought of it, I could as well use it to avoid unnecessary conversation with mum. What was I even thinking, it’s not like she ever made an effort to talk to me.
“If we’re done studying, will you leave?” He asked, and I looked at him. Now I’m more curious on why he doesn’t talk to others than studying - wearing on headphones to avoid everyone - there must be a reason behind it.
“Stef, if you’ve a problem, you can share it with me. I’ve dozens of mine, but I can still listen to yours.” I said, and he looked at me.
“What makes you think I would share anything with you?”
“Because we are partially strangers.” I said, snd he looked at me. “Yes, we are. I’m here because my mum is married to your dad, but my mum is also a stranger to me. I have only met her thrice, before she brought me here. Since my mum is a stranger, same goes to everyone here.” I said, and he looked away. “I can see that we have something in common.” I said, and he looked at me. “You’re also a stranger in this house. Although, everyone is welcoming, but you chose to be indifferent. Why don’t we form our own bond?” I said. Instantly realizing that it could work to my advantage. Being friends with him and studying together, I can even request we ride to school together - riding bicycle all day, is so stressful.
“You really have guts.” He said, and I looked at him.
“Was I requesting for too much?” I thought. “What do you mean?” I asked, seating on his bed.
“I’ll help you study, and you will leave quietly afterwards. Don’t ever barge into my room again.” He said, and it sounds like a threat to me.
“Fine, let’s get it done.” I blurted - who even wants to be close to him. “But you will remove this, while we are at it.” I said, and removed his headphone; that was also when I realized that I was still on mine.
*
We did nothing but study for hours, or he taught me for hours; because he was the one doing all the teaching. I was already getting hungry and tired when I started hearing voices.
“Gosh, is that my mum and your dad arguing?” I asked, when I remembered seeing them exchanging words the other day.
Block your ears, and let’s continue.” He said, and gave me his headset. That was when I realized the reason behind it.
“Could it be that his parents argue a lot before his mother passed on?” I thought.
“Why? We should confirm if they are the ones arguing.” I said, using that as an opportunity to take a break. I never expected him to be a bookworm.
I stood up to leave, but he held me back.
“Nooooo… don’t go. Don’t go to them.” He muttered, his voice low.
My eyes widen in shock, and I found myself doing the unthinkable - I embraced him, patting his back gently.
“It’s fine, Stef, it’s fine.” I muttered. Being a mother to five boys has indeed thought me a lot, because I was literally a mother to my cousin and friends.
**
**
I tossed and turned on my bed the following morning not intending to get up. After I managed to calm Stef yesterday, I packed my books and left. That was the best way to end the day studying because he seems like we wouldn’t end. I took my time to think about what could be the cause of his trauma because honestly, that was the only way I could define his sudden outburst.
I heard on knock on the door, and covered myself properly - with thoughts that it could be mum.
“Sis, I’ll let myself in.” I heard Queen’s voice, and I jotted up from bed - wondering what she wants.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“I want you to go shopping.” She said, and I looked at her confused.
“So?” I asked, wondering if she wants me to give her money or whatsoever. I would gladly accept her own money if she offered.
“I want you to accompany me.” She said, pouting her lips together.
“No, never!” I blurted, and wrapped myself on the bed - this is why little sisters are always annoying.
*
We stepped out of the mall with our shopping bags, chattering about random stuffs.
“Sis, let’s get ice-cream.” Queen said.
“No, you said we could go home after I help you pick some clothes.”
“Come on, it’s just ice-cream.” She whined, and I gave in.
“I’m starting to get hungry, why don’t we go to a snacks bar instead, I don’t think this ice-cream would do.” Queen said.
“Not again, Queen.” I shouted.
*
We had breakfast at the snacks bar and went to the parking lot where the driver was waiting for us; there I was something shocking - Jeremy was getting hit by some thugs.
“What? It’s Jeremy.” I said, and Queen looked at me.
“Do you know them?” Queen asked, but I ignored her.
*
📞 “Hello, is this the nearest police station? Oh, there are some men here ganging on a minor.” I said, and they all looked at me.
📞 “They are about 5 of them. Ok, you are close, thank you.” With that I dropped the call.
The men left Jeremy and drove off in their fancy van.
“Jeremy, are you ok?” I asked, and hurried to him; but he glared at me - like I didn’t just save him.