A novel of salvage high chapter 17
Keisha’s POV
I was taken aback by the sudden kiss. I avoided it earlier because I thought he was caught in the moment,, but now, I was really taken back, and the least I could do was push him away and ran off.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, I had no destination in mind, so the rooftop was my best option.
“Why would be kiss me?”
“Why did he kiss me?”
“Is that another form of revenge?”
“Does he like me?”
“What if he kiss me to flaunt to the whole school that I’m cheap?”
“What if he is trying to play a prank that we dated, so he could tell the entire school that he dumped me later?”
“What has gotten I to him? I can never figure him out.”
A lot of thoughts run through my mind, and I broke down in confusion. It wasn’t my first kiss, but that was the first time I got kissed for no reason. Just when I was trying to put my life together.
“Argghh…. I hate this.” I shouted. “He is a jerk, a total jerk.” I lament.
*
I went to the school clinic to complain about fatigue, so I was asked to go and rest. That was the best way to skip class with honor.
I can’t go to class, I don’t know how to look at anybody most especially Alex and Chris. I can’t even understand why Chris was my concern, but since he hates Alex and I indirectly promised him that I’d stay away from Alex so I can’t imagine how disheartened he must’ve been But above all, I’m so embarrassed myself.
When school dismissed, the nurse came to woke me and asked if she should call my parents, but I refused and told her I’m feeling my best before hurrying out of the clinic.
I ensured the area was clear before I found my way to the parking lot. At that point, I wished I had a car, so I could just speed off and go straight to the countryside, so I won’t ever have to face any of them again.
I got to the parking lot, and met Stef there. What a great coincidence.
“Stef.” I called, and intend to go ask him for a ride. Totally ignoring my bicycle; at that point, I didn’t care about how I’ll get to school tomorrow. Mum should just proceed with the divorce, and stop worrying about me. I’ll be fine, I’ll take care of myself.
“Keisha.” I heard Alex voice from behind, but I ignored him and kept on going to Stef, but he dragged me back.
“Are you really going to ignore me after a kiss?” He asked, and I glared at him.
“What do you mean? You owe me an explanation for that.” I shouted.
“That’s exactly why I’m here. I’m not going to apologize for it so just listen.”
“Fine, you don’t have to apologize. It’s not like it’s my first kiss or something. And please keep whatever you have to say. I’m not interested.” I blurted, and turned to leave; but he held me back.
“Let’s go somewhere else before people start to gather. You know better than declining.” He said, and I allowed him drag me to a more private place to talk.
“So what?” I blurted .
“Be my girl.” He said, and his words rang on my ears for countless times before I got my sanity back.
“What?” Was the only word that escaped mouth.
“I like you, be my girl.” He said, without batting an eye.
*
*
📌 Alex’s POV 📌 (continues from his last scene in the previous chapter)
•
My friends and I returned to our hangout together, and thankful they were both quiet, but I know it won’t last long. I’m in for a scolding section from Jeremy, and a long term teasing from Gabriel, but I’ll surely survive somehow. I wish I could just teleport out of their sight
“Really?” They both chorused, starling me. Like they had same thoughts.
“Just go easy on me.” I pleaded, hoping they at least let me save up some strength for me to be able to submit my assignment.
“Were you caught in the mood again? Or she was just some wh0re you walked up to and kissed.” Jeremy blurted.
“Come on, why are you making this an issue? Have you never seen people kissed before? Does everyone who kiss have an interior motive?”
“What are you saying, man? Will you keep on denying your feelings? Why would you just butt in, and kissed her like that?” Gabriel said.
“Because I feel like it. Remember, I never gave up easily on whatever I’m after. I wanted to kiss her earlier but I missed my chance, I couldn’t stop thinking about it so I simply satisfied my obsession. But now I’m over it.”
“Is that really all that meant to you? Kissing a girl in presence of a lot of people just to satisfy your obsession ?” Jeremy said.
“Will you both cut me some slack? You also kissed a random girl in middle school because you were dared to.” I said, and Jeremy shakes his head.
“You are a c0ward, man. I had a different opinion about you before, but no doubts, you are a real c0ward.” Gabriel said.
“What do you mean by that? Going after what I want?”
“That makes you a c0ward because you can’t even admit to what you want. You like Kei, but you are trying to so hard to deny it. That makes you a c0ward, bro.” Gabriel said.
“I don’t like her. How many times will I say this? How will I like someone that I just met a week ago. I literally hat£d her before we had that agreement. Is that how feelings work for you?”
“Yes, that’s how it works. I met one of my ex three days before we started dating.” Gabriel said, and I scoffed.
“But you broke up a week after. So, was that feeling genuine to you?” I blurted.
“But I met one of my other ex, and developed feelings for her at first sight. We lasted two months before she moved, which leads to our breakup.” He defended.
“So are you comparing yourself to me? I’m not that feeble minded to just develop feelings for someone I met a week ago, and barely know.”
“Why is it so hard for you to admit it, Alex? You like Keisha, and that was why you kissed her.” Jeremy said, and I made a fist. He has been quiet for too long, so I’m sure he had time to think of each words.
“Why are you both forcing me to admit to what I don’t feel? It’s my feelings, it’s my heart. Can you understand it than me?” I shouted.
Although, I also don’t understand how I felt. There is no way I had feelings for Keisha, my feelings don’t work that way, so I can’t admit to anything.
“Is it because of Melanie?” Jeremy asked, and we both looked at him.
“What do you mean by Melanie? Why did you bring her into this?”
“You are scared to admit to your feelings, because you fear that you would be rejected like last time.” Jeremy said, sending shivers down my spine.
The feelings of how Melanie brutally rejected me, and flee right after was a really a bad experience for me. I admit, I couldn’t get the courage to talk to another girl after that. She was my first, I was just fifteen and thought I understood the meaning of love. Developing feelings for my best friend only to get rejected and losing contact in the process was h£ll for me. If my friend that I’ve known for over a decade could brutally reject me like that, how worse could a total stranger be? That was the thought I had until now. But the case is different with Keisha, I don’t even understand how I feel because I never had feelings for anyone after Melanie left. Jeremy is just good at striking at the right spot, that’s his charm. And no one can ever win him.
.
“You’ve a point, man… so that’s the problem, you are scared of getting rejected?” Gabriel said, and I stood up in annoyance.
“No! I’ve confidence in myself. Melanie might have turned me down because she didn’t feel the same, but that’s not the case with others.”
“Then explain why you never dated anyone until now? You are literally scared of dating someone that I thought you were still whining over Melanie.” Gabriel said.
“That’s the case with Keisha as well. You were scared that she did reject you because obviously she doesn’t feel the same. She hat£s your guts. She was good to you till we find the culprit, and she cut ties right after. You are scared of getting rejected by her, that’s why you keep doubting your feelings.” Jeremy said, and my eyes became dark in fury.
“Why are you like this? Why won’t you all believe me for once?” I shouted.
In a way, Jeremy was right. My heart might be confused, because I’m scared of another rejection.
“Man, you can be honest with us, we are your buddies.” Gabriel said.
“That’s so rich in this circle, when we are both aware that Jeremy is keeping something from us.” I said, trying to change the topic. But I know Jeremy is more quick-witted.
“So, do you also admit to keeping your feelings a secret?” Jeremy said.
I saw that coming. He would gladly turn it all around before Gabriel got a chance to side with me.
“I bet my car that she did reject you if you ask her out.” Gabriel said, and dropped his car keys.
“What are we betting for?” I shouted.
“Well… I don’t have my power bike, nor a phone. So, I bet my left kidney.” Jeremy said, and Gabriel chuckled.
“What are you two getting at? Who said I’m going to ask anyone out?”
“Ll”Whether you have feelings for her or not, prove to us that you aren’t scared of rejection, and ask her out.” Gabriel said.
“And if i don’t?” I asked.
“Then you proved us right.” Jeremy said.
“And you will fund our next summer trip.” Gabriel said, and my eyes widen.
“Why would I? I funded it last year, Jerry sponsored the Christmas trip, so it’s your turn. The summer trip funding is on you.” I shouted.
“This is a dare, bro. It’s either you admit to lose now, or go for it since you have confidence in yourself.” Gabriel said.
“Fine. I’ll fund it, you will fund the next one.”
“No, no, no.” Gabriel said swinging his fingers. “The next trip is on Jerry, and the coming one is on you. We do it in order.” Gabriel added.
“You are just using this to avoid spending a fortune because you know how expensive funding the trip will cost.” I said, hoping that changes the topic. Gabriel is so indifferent today, which is unlike him.
“No, man. You are the c0ward that can’t take a dare. You surrendered to loss, before you even try.” Jeremy teased.
“That’s not true. I can’t toy with someone else feelings all in the name of dare.” I defended.
“Another prove that you like her. The Alex I know, never cared about how others feel. As long as we are good, you’re game.” Gabriel blurted.
“Why are you worried about her if you’ve no feelings for her? She is not even our friend. She cut ties with us right after we caught the culprit” Jeremy said.
“Yeah. I thought we could truly become real friends, but she never considered us as one. Alex thought as much.” Gabriel said, and I instantly regretted what I discussed with him earlier.
“Whatever, I won’t still do it.”
“Then fund the trip. You have an unlimited card anyways, spending a few billions won’t make you broke.” Gabriel said.
“Geez…” I muttered, between clenched teeth.
“I’m even gambling with my billion dollars car. Unlike you Alex, I had to worship my parents to get me that car - It worth it after all. You would have gotten it, with an additional kidney just incase you need one, and also save your money.” Gabriel said.
“Why are you risking your car that you cherish so much?” I asked.
“Because I know you would chicken out like a c0ward. You are scared to confess to a lady, from fear of getting rejected. And you didn’t prove us wrong.” Gabriel blurted.
“I just have to confess, right?” I asked, and they both looked at me in excitement.
“And you will also get her to accept your feelings.” Gabriel said.
“Why are there so many conditions? I thought you just wanted me to confess?” I whined.
“Come on, I can’t risk my car for a mere confession. You could just blurt it out and disappear. That’s no fun.” Gabriel whined.
“Save your car and quit the dare. Because she purely has no feelings for me.”
“Then make her do.” Gabriel said.
“You must be kidding me. Do you think Keisha is as easy as the girls you dated?”
“But you have confidence in yourself. Where did all that go?” Gabriel teased.
“One month, make her accept your feelings in a month.” Jeremy said, and I glared at him. “What? You didn’t glare at Gabe that way.” He whined.
“Those words are rich coming from someone that never last long in any relationship. You could only date Ella.” I blurted, and they both chuckled.
“Are you still funding the trip?” Gabriel asked, winking at me.
“Keep your keys, and I’ll save my kidney as well. That dude has no confidence in himself.” Jeremy teased.
They both know the right words to use on me.
“I don’t need your kidney Jerry, but you will give me the money worth.” I blurted, and their eyes widen.
“Are you in?” Gabriel asked, in excitement.
He always always considered everything fun, he never know when to be serious.
“And you, maintain your car well before it becomes mine.” I said, and stormed out.
“He will discover his feelings from there.” I heard Jeremy said.
“He surely would.” Gabriel added.
“They never know when to stop.” I thought.
**
We didn’t return to class till school dismissed. I had to avoid them by going to the school clinic and was surprised to see Keisha there. I duck immediately behind the door before I went in. That was my first time in the clinic to begin with. I watched Keisha all through, and I could tell that she was also trying to avoid everyone. I couldn’t approach her there, so I waited till she left, and followed discreetly. She also seems to be on guard as well.
I hesitated for a while before approaching her, and after I’d, I gathered courage to confess. My confession reminds me of the first time I confessed, and I felt shivers down my spine from fear of getting rejected again.
*
“You must be kidding me, Alex.” She blurted, and started laughing.
“I-…” I was saving, but she didn’t even allow me talk.
“What? Is this your way to get revenge? You want to go out with me and dump me later so you would flaunt it to the whole school?” She shouted, and I inwardly applaud her sense of reasoning. She was so quick to tell that my confession was so sudden.
“Why did you think I was worried about you? Even though I didn’t plot the blacklist, I should be excited that someone is getting back at you. But instead, I was worried, I thought of a silly way to protect you, and kept you by my side. It’s all because I like you, Keisha.” I said, and she looked at me.
My confession almost sounded sincere to me, and I almost thought I meant it.
“What.., what are you saying Alex? That’s nonsense. Everything we shared was clear. And I didn’t share it with just you, there was Jeremy and Gabriel as well.” She said.
“Don’t reject me brutally like that, I have been rejected before and it traumatized me. It took me a lot of courage to confess to you.” I said, and held her hands.
I can’t understand why my confession sounds so sincere to me.
“What do I do Alex? I don’t feel the same. To me, you are just a bully that I had to get back at after our deal is over. So I’m sorry, I’ll have to reject you.” She said, and released from my grip but I held her back.
“Then give me time to redeem myself. Let’s start over. Not as a bully, and fearless, but as Keisha and Alex.” I said, and she looked at me. “Give me a month to prove myself to you, if your feelings remain the same afterwards, then I’ll embrace rejection.” I said, and she batted her lashes in confusion. “I really like you, Keisha.” I said, and embraced her.