A novel of salvage high chapter 11
Alex POV
The weekend was a boring one. Thanks to Jeremy who had prior arrangements, we had to cancel our weekend trips and Gabriel took the chance to attend a family picnic so I spent my weekend in door trying to complete my project assignment and also think about Keisha. My friends bugged me the other day curious on why I reacted that way with Chris but I couldn’t think of an excuse. The only thing I’m sure of is my judgment of Chris. ‘I don’t trust that Chris’ and I felt the urged to protect Keisha from him, which was unlike me.
*
It took almost forever for Monday to come, and I excited left the bed to prepare for school. My weekend was so bad that I couldn’t stop looking forward to Monday so I can be with my friends again.
*
I get to school, and met Gabriel at the parking lot. As usual for Jeremy now, he hasn’t arrived and I didn’t even bother to ask after him.
“Man, how was your weekend? Because if you will ask me, it was the worst.” Gabriel whined, and I wondered if its weekend could be as bad as mine. An indoor weekend was never a thing for me.
“You went on a picnic, so how was it worst?”
“Picnic with your uncles, aunties, grandparents grand aunt, annoying cousins, arrogant nieces and nephews talkative parents, and bossy Ella. Does that sounds like a weekend to you?” He whined, and i chuckled.
“It’s best than benign indoor.” I said.
“I would have preferred being indoor. Jerry really messed up by making us cancel our trip.” He rants.
“There he comes.” I said, pointing at Jeremy - who was approaching us.
“Jerry, we’re already used to the new you.” Gabriel said, and wrapped his hand around Jeremy’s shoulder.
“Not me, I still demand an explanation.” I blurted.
“Look, it’s Keisha.” Jeremy said, and we both looked at him, before looking at Keisha - wondering when that started. “Hi Keisha.” He waved, and Keisha parked her bike to look at him.
“Jeremy, hi.” She washed back all smile.
Gabriel and I hanged our mouth open and gazed at ourselves.
“Wait. When did you two became besties?” Gabriel asked.
“What? I thought we all had an agreement to get along. So what are you insinuating?” Jeremy blurted.
“What? So you became this close… because of our agreement?” Gabriel exclaimed.
“Come on, we are gonna be late.” Jeremy said, and started walking ahead of us; chattering with Keisha.
“What has gotten into him?” Gabriel asked, and I shook my head.
“I believe he needs help.” I muttered, my voice low.
“Come on, let’s catch up with them before they start plotting something behind our back.” Gabriel said, and I nodded: still dumbfounded.
*
We all entered the class together, and Chris stood up at the sight of us.
“Keisha.” He called, and we all looked at him.
“Hi, Chris.” Keisha waved.
“Can we talk?” Chris asked.
“About what?” I found myself blurted, and they all looked at me.
“Sure.” Keisha said, and they both stepped out; while Gabriel held me back from stopping them.
“What business do they have together?” I grumbled.
“Why is it your concern?” Gabriel teased.
“I already answered that. I don’t trust that nerd. He is just trying so hard to act as a nerd, but can’t you see beyond that nerdy act?”
“So, how is that our business?” Jeremy blurted.
“Yeah, back to you Jerry. You are amazing us these days. What was that earlier, with you and Keisha?” I asked.
“Yeah, man. You both look like besties.” Gabriel added.
“Nothing, I was Kyra trying to act cool. I don’t want her to think I’m mean or anything.” He said.
“And when does that matters to you?” We both shouted, and everyone looked at us.
“Enough, let’s talk later.l Jeremy said, and started playing with his wristwatch.
“Where is your phone?” I asked, because playing with wristwatch is unlike him - he would’ve start pressing his phone.
“I lost it.” He muttered, his voice barely audible.
“You what?” We both shouted.
“Later.” He said, and placed his head on his desk.
•
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📌 Keisha POV 📌 (continue from the scene with Jeremy)
•
Jeremy glared at me, and I hissed aloud wondering what his problem was.
“Hey, I just saved you from those thugs, and all I get in return is this?” I blurted.
“I didn’t ask for your help.” He lashed.
“I know, I’m a busybody as always. What was I even thinking? I should have allowed them teach you a lesson, so you will know how it feels to be a weakling.” I rant, and turned to leave.
“Sis, let’s go.” Queen shouted.
“Coming, I’m done with this pest.” I said.
“Who is a pest?” Jermey blurted.
“Whoever you think fits.” I lashed, eyeing him.
I was already close to our car when I felt someone dragged me back.
“Who the hel…”. I was saying, but my voice faded when I saw it’s Jeremy. “What do you want?” I shouted, forcefully freeing myself.
“You won’t tell my friends about what you saw earlier.”
“And who says I receive orders from you?” I blurted. Although I had no intentions of telling them.
“Come on, it’s just a request.”
“With that arrogant personality. Rebuild yourself first before making requests.” I said, and turned to leave; but later retreat. “Besides, why are they your friends if you hide things from them?”
“Please, I just have few things I had to settle with those guys, I don’t want to get them involved.”
“What business do you have with thugs?” I asked, already interested.
“I’ll change my personality, I’ll become a better person. So, please grant my request.” He said.
“Did you just ignored my question?” I blurted.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to share my problems right now. Just save me this once, please.” He pleaded, and I gave in. It’s not like I’ve any intention of gossiping about him to begin with.
“Thank you, Kira.” He said, and my eyes widen.
“You don’t even know my name.” I shouted. “Amazing..” I added.
“Wait! Aren’t you Kira? What’s your name then?” He asked, but I shot him a glare.
“Get lost, don’t ever talk to me again.” I shouted.
“Wait what’s your name?”
“Keisha, her name is Keisha. And I’m Queen, her sister.” Queen shouted.
“Let’s go, Queen.”
“See you on Monday, Keisha. Bye, Queen.” Jeremy waved, and Queen waved back.
“Let’s go.” I shouted, and pushed Queen inside the car. “He doesn’t even know my name.” I grumbled.
“Don’t blame him, handsome people barely remember others name.” Queen said, and I shot her a glare.
*
The rest of the weekend was just there, Stef and I studied together for hours on Saturday later in the evening, but u decided to take a break on Sunday. God rested on Sunday, so who am I to over stress myself.
Getting to school on Monday, I was taken aback by Jeremy’s sudden attitude. I understood him, and played along. I wonder why he is so scared to tell his friends about the incidence.
*
When we got to class, I stepped out with Chris, and he led me to a place where few students were.
“What are we doing here? And what exactly do you want us to discuss?” I asked.
“You and Alex, why are you suddenly close to them?” He asked.
“Wait. What does that have to do with you?” I asked rudely. Because I was curious to know why he keeps interfering.
He let out a sigh, and held my hands. “Keisha, those boys are dangerous. You don’t know what they are capable of. They might be trying to get closer to you so they can set a trap for you.l
“You haven’t answered my question. Even though, I’ll be the one getting hurt, so why are you so worked up?” I asked, and he looked at me; obviously hurt. “I understand that you felt responsible because you thought it was your fault that I got involved with them, but it would’ve been anyone. I would’ve done the same for anyone because that’s how I’m. Always getting involved in others business. I’m a busybody that’s why everyone thought I’m fearless. So stop! Stop feeling indebted, you owe me nothing, and I won’t demand anything from you again. Let’s put an end to studying together as well. Thank you for everything, I really appreciate.” I said, rushing my words before I left.
Putting an end to whatever he thought was between us is for the best, before my delusional self starts getting the wrong idea. Chris is a good person, and he shouldn’t get involved with a complicated girl like me. I’m entangled in a month cooperation with Alex and his friends until we catch the culprit. I don’t know what they’ve in stuck for me after our deal is off, so it’s best I cut ties with anyone that can be affected later. Having order pity me, is the feeling I hate the most.
*
During recess, I followed Alex and his friends to the ire paradise to have lunch. Chris didn’t spare me a glance the entire time in class, and I was thankful for that.
“Yummy, the meatballs is the best part of the meal.” I said, chewing the last piece I had left.
“That’s why we ordered a lot for you, and you even took many of our.” Gabriel blurted; he seems to be very strict with food.
“What? I’m just saying. But Jeremy still has some left.” I said, winking at Jeremy who instantly shot me a glare; I smiled at him, and he smiled back sarcastically.
“Here you can have it.” He said, moving the plate closer to himself.
“Thank you.” I said, and dragged it.
The boys look for me to him with mouth opened agape. Obviously he also wants the meatballs that’s why he saved them for the last.
“I’ll enjoy it.” I said all smiles, and he glared at me before forcing a smile.
“Wait. What is between the high of you?” Gabriel asked.
“Nothing.” We both shouted.
“Something is obviously off.” Gabriel grumbled.
“I said it nothing.” Jeremy shouted, and excused him. Obviously to go whine over his meatballs that I already consumed.
*
When school dismissed, I went to the library to pick up some books that Stef asked me to read. I can never imagine going through all these to pass just midterm examinations. I can’t even imagine what I have to do to pass my final exam. By then, I might as well move in to the library. But before that happens, I’ve to escape somehow.
I found the book, and the moment I was about to take it, another hand grabbed it.
“I took it first.” I said, and hijacked.
“Sorry, I actually had a cooy of that at home, I just want to take a quick peek.” A beautiful voice said.
It’s been a while since I have drown over a lady’s voice. Her voice is angelic, and I found myself turning to look at her, so as her face - equally beautiful.
“Oh, it’s fine. You can have it.” I said, giving her. It’s not like I understand it. I just wanted to borrow it so Stef would know I’m serious with studying.
“Thank you. I’ll be quick with it.”
“It’s fine, you can take your time, I’ll come back for it tomorrow.” I said.
I’ve a soft spot for beautiful people, that’s why a girl almost proposed to me in my previous school.
“Thank you.” She said, and smiled beautifully.
“You welcome.” I said, smiling back fo0lishly. Gosh I barely smile because my smile always look weird to me. “What. You aren’t on uniform, how did you get Acçess in the library?” I asked. Now I’ve brought my busybody self to this beautiful girl. But I’m still curious.
“Actually, I’m a student. But I… I don’t know how best to explain. I’m Melanie, and you?” She asked, and I gasped.
Although I know she was just introducing herself to change the topic, but I felt honored.
“I’m Keisha, Kei for short.” I said, and we exchanged handshakes.
*
I parked my bike at the parking lot, and went in still thinking about my new friend. I don’t know if I should consider her a friend, but exchanging names alone is already a bond to me. I barely get along with females that’s why I prefer male friends, but I could reconsider making female friends now. I entered the living room, and my excitement dled by the scene I was.
Stef was struggling in the living room coverning his ears with his hands, while his father stood there with a strange woman; talking to him. Obviously, they removed his headset to get him to listen.
“Could that be his mother?” I thought, and started wondering if she was the cause of the my mum and stepdad frequent arguments. But that’s not the case now, Stef obviously needs help.
“Stef, are you ok.” My stepdad said, when he obviously wasn’t.
“Stay away from him.” I shouted, and ran to him.
I used my handkerchief to cover his ears, leading him away. While they both stared at my retreating back in shock.