A novel of salvage high chapter 13
Keisha’s POV
I tossed and turned on my bed in tears, I don’t understand why I’m being emotional; but after listening to Stef’s story, I couldn’t help it. We both had something in common, we were both strangers to our parents. They act like they care, but they can’t even tell when we need attention, when we needed someone to ask how we were. I was lucky to have my grandmother, but there were times when I wished my parents were there too. When he was telling his story, I was lost calculating how long he has been traumatized by his parent’s carelessness. Queen is probably 13-year-old, so if he has been suffering that way before his parents annulment, then he was probably 4-5-year old.
“Those adults are all bad people.” I cried.
*
After preparing for school the following day, I went downstairs and met just Queen and my stepdad in the dinning. Mum probably left earlier for work, and Stef have also been leaving early these days.
“Good morning, sir.” I greeted.
“Good morning, dear. I hope you slept well?” He asked all smile, and I shot a glare. He is acting all caring to me, and watch his son suffer.
“Sis, is there a problem?” Queen asked, and I glared at her too.
If mum hasn’t married Stef’s father and had her earlier, then he might’ve probably paid little attention to his son after the annulment. I don’t understand why I’m being angry at them for Stef’s problem, but there is no way to control it. My nosy self is at work again.
“I’ll skip breakfast, bye.” I blurted.
“But you skipped dinner last night.” Queen said, and I chuckled.
Yeah, I skipped dinner when they were eating because I couldn’t bring myself to join them. But I sneaked to the kitchen at midnight to prepare noodles.
“I’m late, bye.” I said, and turned to leave.
“Wait, Keisha.” My stepdad said, and I glared at him wondering what he wants. “I’m leaving now, I’ll drop you off.” He said, and my eyes widen.
That was a perfect bribe. I’m tired to riding that bicycle for almost half an hour to school. And alighting from his fancy car at school, will make me feel like a billionaire princess; so i couldn’t decline.
“Dad, but you promised to drive me to school.” Queen whined, and I scoffed.
I’ll be just fine, he shouldn’t have offered me a ride when he knows I’ll have to start dragging with someone. Billionaire princess my foot. I’ve been doing fine riding the bicycle and recharging myself with the morning sun.
“Let the driver drop you off, I’ll make it up to you baby.” He said, and she angrily dropped her cutleries.
“I hate you.” She shouted, and left the dinning.
“Let’s go, dear.” He said, and I nodded.
I’m not taking any chances. I’ll recharge later, and feel like a princess today.
*
We rode in silence for a while, before he started asking me questions about school. I know he was trying to ask after Stef, but I still played along with all his questions, until he got the courage to nib the nail.
“What did Stef discussed with you yesterday?” He asked.
“Random stuffs, just this, and that.” I said, but he evidently didn’t buy that - well, no one would, considering the drama that happened yesterday.
“Keisha, I’m glad that you are getting along with Stef. He has been secluded after his mother and I separated. I believe he is not pleased with having a stepmother.” He said, and I shot him a glare.
He didn’t even know how long his son has suffering and dared to blame it on my mother. At that point, I realized that I was getting angry for mum. Gosh, everything is just complicated.
“Sir, Stef and I are close because I forced it. I wanted him to help me study, and I realized that he doesn’t bite. You should do the same if you need to talk to him, try hard and force it. If I, who just get to know him a week ago could do it, it shouldn’t be difficult for you.” I said, and he looked me at.
I prayed he takes the advice because Stef really needs help to overcome his trauma. There is very little I can do for him, absolutely nothing.
“Thank you, Keisha. Honestly, I’m always scared to talk to him. But hearing this from you now, I’ll summon courage and take your advice.” He said, and I prayed deep down that it work out.
I can’t imagine what his reaction will be if Stef refused to talk to him. Anyways what’s my stress? It’s not like he will come running to me.
He pulled over at my school, and I alighted from the car after thanking him. I admit, I’m really cheap to bribe. I can’t believe I was angry at him just few minutes ago, and we made up after just one ride. But now, how do I return home from school? I almost cried. I should’ve carried my bicycle along.
I was pouting, at my thought, but my face suddenly brightened when I saw my new friend. I turned around immediately to look at my face with my phone screen, and I adjusted my hair properly before turning back to her. To be friends with pretty girls, you’ve to be pretty yourself. But no matter how hard I try, I don’t think I’ve what it takes to associate with beautiful girls.
“Hi, Me…-“. I was saying, but my voice faded when Gabriel alighted from his car, and they both exchanged friendly gestures. “Do they know each other?” I thought, wondering why I was hurt.
“Hi, Kei.” Gabriel waved upon seeing me, and I managed to wave back.
“Oh, it’s you.” Melanie said, and I smiled at the thought that she still remembered me.
“Hi.” Was the only word that escaped my mouth. Making new friends is really not my thing. I should’ve known better.
“Do you two know each other?” Gabriel asked, amazed.
“Yes, we met yesterday, at the library.” Melanie said.
Yeah, we only met atthe library, I was the delusional one thinking we could become friends after exchanging names. But wait, we also exchanged handshakes.
“I can never get used to these smart students. You just completed your transfer yesterday, and you already went to the library?” Gabriel said, rolling his eyes, and we both laughed.
I don’t even understand why I was laughing.
“It’s Alex.” Gabriel said, and we saw Alex approaching us.
The look on his face wasn’t pleasing, so obviously he isn’t in good terms with Melanie. She might as well be just Gabriel’s friend. What’s even my stress?
“Alex.” She called all smiles, and went to embrace him.
They are probably friends, Alex is not just in his best mood.
“Where is Jeremy?” She asked, and I gasped at the thought that she knew them all.
“He is always late these days, I can’t even reach him because he lost his phone.”
“What?” Melanie and me shouted, and they all looked at me.
I wondered why I was still standing there to begin with.
“Do you guys know her?” Melanie asked rudely, and I glared at her. I can’t believe I had a different judgment about her. Well, it’s said that in average 96% of all beautiful girls are bltches, and I’m a bad judge of character.
“Well…-“. Gabriel was saying, but Alex interjected.
“Yes, she is our new friend.” Alex said, and wrapped his arm around my shoulder - taking me aback.
“Wow. You guys were quick to find my replacement.” She said, smiling sarcastically.
Now I get it, they are all best of friends. Gosh, I can’t believe I got myself into a female drama.
“It’s not like tha..-“ Gabriel was saying but he stopped talking when he saw Jeremy.
“Hi, Keisha.” Jeremy said, approaching us.
I smiled at the thought that he was still trying to bribe me, when I’ve more than enough things to worry about now.
“Oh, Melanie.” He called excitedly, and went to embrace her, but she pushed him away.
“It took you a while to see me, I’m out of here.” She blurted, and left.
“Why is she angry?” Jeremy asked, and I scoff at his naiveness, when the situation is clear. She was angry because he greeted me first. Gosh, I can never get along with that gender. Like, I’m not a female myself.
Gabriel shook his shoulder, and looked at Alex. That’s when I realized that he is holding me.
“What’s, what…”. Jeremy was saying, and Alex pushed me away, almost making me fall.
“Hey, what was that?” I shouted.
“We will be late for class.” Alex said, and hurried away.
The boys chuckled, and hurried to catch his pace.
“What a jerk.” I cursed, and continued on my way.
*
I entered the class, and my eyes met Chris gaze but he looked away instantly. I let out a sigh, apparently it hurt, but I don’t know why. I dragged my feet to my seat and brought out a book to study when the teacher entered the class.
We all l greeted the teacher, and she proceeded to what I hope wasn’t what I was thinking.
“We’ve a new student, she might not be a new student to few of you, but let’s all welcome her.” The teacher said, and I let out a sigh.
It’s hard enough to be in the same class as Alex and his friends, Chris is also a handful on his side. Adding a bltch to the list could make it hectic. I can’t believe I almost thought I found a bestie when we just met.
Melanie entered the class, and almost everyone became jubilant.
“Oh, Melanie.”
“It’s nice to have you back.”
“She is looking even more beautiful.”
“Class, please be quiet.” The teacher said, and they all kept quiet.
I knew she intentionally stood behind to get a grand welcoming.
“You can introduce yourself.” The teacher proceeds.
“Thank you ma’am.” She said, and I scoffed. Wondering why she is being humble. “Good morning, I’m Melanie Ryder, 18 yea..-“. She was saying, but applauses cut her off.
“You can go have a seat Melanie.” The teacher said, and she bowed slightly.
“What a bltch in disguise.” I cursed, and girl seated next to me gave me a look. “What?” I shouted, and shot her a glare; and she instantly looked away.
“Melanie, over here, there is a seat”
“Melanie come seat here.”
“There is a seat here.”
Melanie walked to my seat, and I wondered if she expects me to leave the seat for her.
“Hi, Keisha, care to be my seat mate?” She asked, and I looked at her.
“Do you want to seat on my desk, or on the floor?” I blurted, and the entire class gasped.
“Sweetheart, do you care to switch seats with me?” She asked my seat mate, who nodded in excitement.
“Sure, you can have the seat.” My seat mate said, and packed her bags.
“What is she getting at?” I grumbled.
“Hi Keisha, since we you are friends with the boys, we can as well be friends.” She said, and she stretched her hand for a shake.
“If you say so.” I blurted, and received the handshake.
“Melanie, I’m glad that you are in our class.” Gabriel said joining us, followed by Jeremy.
“How did you do it? Was it a coincidence?” Jeremy asked.
I wonder why they are chattering to disturb me, they could as well just go outside to chat.
“I had my way, I want us to be in same class. It’s a privilege to be have an intelligent students in the school, so the principal gladly obliged.”
“Oh!” Jeremy exclaimed, and returned to his seat.
“You must always rub mud on our face.I’m also doing well with my studies now.” Gabriel blurted, and scoffed; before returning to his seat.
Game over, we can never get along. We are nothing alike.