A novel of salvage high chapter 28
Keisha’s POV
Jeremy wasn’t in school today, and I couldn’t help but worry about him. I wonder if his absence is caused by his fight with Alex or it’s relating to those thugs and his sugar mummy.
Later during recess, I followed Chris to the library to find books that can help us with our group work.
We did nothing but work all through in the library till recess break was over, and we returned to class.
*
I went to the parking lot when school dismissed, and Alex ran after me.
“Wait up, Keisha. Are you avoiding me?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, in confusion.
“Keisha, you are not sticking to our agreement.”
“What agreement?”
“You agreed to cooperate with me for a week, you said you did give me a chance to prove my feelings to you.”
“Yeah. I remember. We kinda have too many agreements. But Alex, a lot of things have been coming into our way. I have a group work with Chris, and you are always uncomfortable whenever he is with me. Your fight with Jeremy is another thing.”
“Why are you bringing Jeremy into this?”
“Because I’m scared. If you could cut ties with a friend you have been with for more than a decade, then who am I?”
“Keisha, you are different from Jeremy. I’ve know him for over a decade as you claimed, but I’m oblivious to his personality. Jeremy is very discreet, he has been deceiving us and hiding things from us.” He said, and I agreed with him. Jeremy has been keeping a lot of things from them, which is not right. But cutting ties with him without hearing him out was still unfair.
“But did you try to hear him out?”
“Keisha, I’ve given him a lot of chances.”
“You even threaten to bully him.”
“That was just a mere threat.”
“I don’t like bullies, and you are a bully. I thought you were going to change, but turns out you can’t. You threaten to bully your own friend with that creepy black list.”
“I didn’t mean it.”
“But you still said it. Others thought you meant it.”
“I’ll stop, Keisha. I’ll stop bullying others, and also give Jeremy a chance to explain. So, can I ask for something in return?” He asked, and I scoffed.
“That’s it. You are only giving in because I asked you. It’s not like you are pleased.” I blurted, and went to meet Stefan who was waiting for me by his motorcycle.
“I’m sorry, Keisha. I won’t make a request anyone.” He shouted, and I waved at him as Stefan drove off.
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📌 Alex’s POV 📌
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I didn’t stop complaining to Gabriel about Keisha , but as expected there is nothing he can do to help. He is more focused on his video game than listening to me. At that point, I started to miss Jeremy. Gabriel was never helpful, he is only tech-smart and nothing more.
“Seriously, man. Will you continue talking to yourself all day?” He complained, irritating me.
“What? I’m talking to myself ? Get out, get out of my room.” I shouted.
“I’ll. Let me ace this game first.”
“You are just useless.”
“Yippee. I won.” He cheered, and throw the remote down. “Man, you should make up with Melanie at least. We can’t fight all our friends.”
“Melanie and I didn’t fight. She has been avoiding us before, and you are aware of that.”
“ I know. But I’m just so bored of you. I’m missing our group. But the more I miss them, the scarier I get.”
“Scared of what?”
“Jeremy‘s uncle being a mafia. What if he comes after us? I should take my taekwondo training seriously now.” He whined.
“Just get lost, I had enough of this mafia nonsense.” I blurted, and left the room.
“Where are you off to?” He shouted, after me; but I ignored him. I need to be away from him to clear my head.
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📌 Jeremy’s POV 📌
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I get dressed for school the following day and exhaled heavily. The thoughts of being honest to my friends is really nut-cracking.
Mum was right, they weren’t asking for too much, but it’s too much for me to handle.
I heard a knock on the door, and before I could respond the door slugs opened and my uncle walked in.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Come downstairs, I’ve something for you.” He muttered. His deep baritone voice is always scary no matter how calm he is.
I nodded my head, and carried my backpack trailing behind him.
I saw mum on my way downstairs, and I went to embrace her.
“I hope you remember our agreement yesterday? I kept my end of the bargain.” She said, winking at me.
“And I kept mine too. I promise to think about it.”
“What did you decide?”
“I’m still thinking about it.”
“You are a sly.” She teased, and pitched my cheek.
We both trailed behind uncle who led us to the parking lot.
“Jemmy. After the accident with your bike, I wasn’t able to do anything about it before you left home. This is a new power bike, it’s the best of its kind, and a new car. You can have one, or have both.” He said.
“Wow, this looks so expensive.” Mum said.
He always find a way to please us with presents, although mum and I weren’t moved by material things, but we have to choice. Whether we accept it or decline, we will always be under his wings. Someone tampered with my last bike, and I almost an accident while riding it, but my love for bike remained unchanged.
“Jemmy, are we gonna stand here all day?”
“I refuse both. You can’t always bribe your way out of your wrongdoings.” I blurted, and he made a fist - his face twist in furry.
“Baby, what are you saying? This is a gift.”
“I’m off to school, mum.” I said, and turned to leave but he dragged me back.
“Don’t be stubborn, boy. I’m trying so hard to fix our relationship. Just accept the gift.”
“If you truly wanna fix our relationship, you will stop hitting mum. She isn’t your punching bag.” I blurted, and he clenched his fist.
“Baby, stop this. Apologize now.” Mum said.
“And if I don’t?”
“Jemmy, I was wrong. I can’t justify my actions, but I cherish your mother a lot that’s why I’m condoning this to get back your favor. You can’t win me Jemmy, but I’m not flaunting my strength with you. I want you to see me as the uncle you looked up to years ago. Take the gift, take them both. And come to me when you need anything else.” He said, and patted my back before leaving.
“Baby, what’s that about?”
“Mum, is it bad for me to be honest?” I lashed.
“I’m the one hurting, so why are you throwing a tantrum?”
“Because I’m hurting too. Seeing him hurt you, hurts me more. Being imprisoned here and enduring all that only to get these as a bribe. I’m fed up, I don’t want it anymore.” I blurted, and left.
“Baby, you are coming home later, right?” She shouted after me, but I ignored her.
I was walking down the road when my uncle’s van pulled over in front of me.
“Jemmy, I’ll drop you off.” He muttered, his voice calm and one of his men opened the car door for me.
*
I get to school, and Melanie came to held my hand.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“I’m apprehending you.” She said, and dragged me away.
*
I allow her drag me till we get to Alex hang out.
“I’ve no business here. Alex already sent my stuffs to my locker.”
“Should I drag you in, or you rather oblige now?” She blurted, and dragged me in.
We went in, and met Alex having a conversation with Keisha, while Gabriel was engrossed in his laptop.
“Oh, oh, it’s Jeremy.” Gabriel said, and stood up in fear.
I wondered why he was scared, when it’s supposed to be the other way round.
“Melanie, what’s the meaning of this?” Alex lashed, and Keisha held his hand.
“It’s the truth circle.” Melanie said, and dragged me to a seat.
“Truth circle?” Alex repeated.
“Yes. This is a new ritual that I propose to our friendship. The truth circle. Everyone will be honest, and leave nothing behind.”
“If that’s so, Jeremy I have one question for you.” Gabriel said, and I looked at him. I wonder if he already fished out my secrets because he is a master in that aspect. “Is your uncle really a mafia ?” He asked, and Alex hit him. “Ouch! I just wanna hear it directly from him.” He lashed, and I made a fist. I knew it, he is already digging into my background, and my uncle is just the start.
“It’s the circle of truth, so he has to be honest anyways, but there is a freeloader here.” Melanie blurted, and we all looked at Keisha.
“Keisha is going nowhere.” Alex lashed, and held her hand.
“No, I’ll leave. You can have your truth section.” Keisha said, and hurried out.
“Now let’s begin. We have all been friends for years, but we have been keeping one thing or the other from each other. I’ll begin. I know you aren’t curious about me, but I’ll spit it anyways because I wonder if anything you all might be hiding could be as worse as mine.” She said, and we all looked at her.
“Indeed… it’s the truth circle.” Gabriel said, and took his seat. I wish we were still cool so I could hit his head right now.
“I, I’m adopted by my uncle.” She said, and we all looked at her.
“What do you mean? We know your parents.” Alex said.
“They aren’t my real parents.” She blurted, and our eyes widen.
“You are adopted? Like, from an orphanage?” Gabriel exclaimed, and Alex hit him - just what I wish I could do.
“No. My father is my biological father, but on papers, my uncle is. I’m my father’s illegitimate child. My mother was his mistress, and she left me to my uncle after I was born. My father rejected me, because it could be a taint to his political career, so my uncle who is my grandfather’s younger brother adopted me, and took me in as his last child.” She said, and our eyes widen.
“You don’t mean it, Melanie.” Gabriel exclaimed.
“I couldn’t tell anyone, because I was scared that others would judge me for being an illegitimate. I couldn’t share it with you guys as well, because you all seem too perfect, and I don’t want to taint our friendship.”
“But when you left years ago, you went to your parents.” Alex blurted.
“That’s what you thought. Dad came to take me away because of his coming election. Somehow, his opponent discovered my existence, so he took me away when my uncle went on a business trip and sent me to Africa. He abandoned me in an unknown county, in a lonely beach house with only a maid go carter for me. He seized my phone, and I had no means of communication. I was homeschooled, and I only managed to return when my uncle found me.” She said, already in tears and Gabriel embraced her.
“Oh, Melanie. How could you keep these to yourself?” He asked, patting her back.
“I was scared, I was so scared. I wanted to ask you guys for help, but there is no way I could do that after Alex confession. I knew he was angry that I rejected him, and you both were probably consoling him.” She cried, and Alex face fell in guilt.
Yeah, we were bad friends. Our friend was going through h£ll and we didn’t even notice, instead, we judge her for abandoning our friendship.
“I’m sorry, Melanie. I shouldn’t have confessed, I shouldn’t have. You were going through a though time, I should have noticed. You are our friend, our best friend. We should have seen through you.” Alex said, and she went to embrace him.
“It’s not your fault. It’s not anyone’s fault. I kept it a secret, so there is no way you would have known. I apologize for keeping my biography a secret from you all.”
“You did what you thought was right, Melanie. Thank you for sharing.” I muttered, knowing my confession was next.
They might have embraced Melanie warmly after hearing her stories, but mine is more complicated. I wondered if they will ever accept it.
“Split it, Jeremy. Melanie said all these, so you could have courage.” Gabriel said.
“No, Alex go first.” Melanie protested, and weall looked at her.
“Me? I’ve no secrets.”
“Come on, you might act all though, but I’m sure there are things you cover up with your braveness.” She blurted, and Alex made a fist.
•
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📌 Alex’s POV 📌
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Today is just a day, dragging Keisha to my hangout to confront her about sticking to our agreement, and stop running off after school every time with her brother, and Melanie sudden truth circle.
I felt guilty and ashamed of myself after hearing her stories. My friend was having a though time, but I couldn’t even take the slightest hint, instead I confessed to her, driving her further away. Now with the arrow pointed back at me, I was lost. They want me to be honest, yeah, I’ve no secrets. I try hard to act cool every time. Even though I don’t like Gabriel’s family, I still envied them, at least they got to have dinner together every day.
I only see my mother once in a blue, and my father is more busy running the business, and only come to me whenever he wants to drag me to his boring meetings, and parties.I practically grew up with no parents, and yearn for them everyday. But there is no way I could say that to them, it will make me look like a crybaby. No way!
“Spit what’s running on your mind, Alex. This is the truth circle.” Melanie said.
“Oh, I love this circle.” Gabriel giggled.
I wonder how everything is always fun to him.
“I said I’ve no secret.” I blurted.
“Neither does Jeremy.” Melanie blurted, and we all looked at her. “Jeremy has no secrets either. He went to Dan because he love to be away from you guys. He can’t condole you at school and follow you to your house after school. Let’s put it that way, and let our friendship continue.” She concluded, and I clenched my fist. This is the only way to find out what Jeremy was hiding, and I won’t lose this chance.
“Fine. I might act all cool, but deep down I wish to live a normal life like other teenagers. I wished I could go home everyday to the lunch my mother prepared, and also discuss football with my father I admit in the evening. I was envious of those who spend quality time with their parents, that’s all, that’s it.” I said, with my head bowed, and Melanie embraced me; while Gabriel tried to hid in laughters - I’m surely in trouble with his teasing section later.
“It’s fine, Alex. Everyone deserves to live a normal life. Even though we are elites, we also deserve to be loved by our parents. You aren’t greedy, Alex.”
“Wow. This is so impressing.” Gabriel said, clapping hard.
“Stop it, Gabe. It took him a lot of courage to say those words.” Melanie scolded, but I knew better, he is pending the mockery.
“I’m sorry. It’s fine man.” He said, and I shot him a glare.
“Now, to you, Gabriel.”
“I don’t know. I’m hiding nothing from you guys, and it hurts that we all have secrets expect me.”
“We know. With that big mouth, you can’t hide anything. But that doesn’t make you better than any of us.” Melanie blurted.
“Gosh. I should have kept some things hidden as well, it makes the moment boring.” He said, and we all let out a sigh.
“It’s your turn, Jeremy. Split it, no matter what it is.”
“My uncle, the mafia uncle, isn’t related to me in anyways. He is my mother’s boyfriend, and we have been freeloaders in his house since we relocated to the city.” He said, and our eyes widen.
“What?” Gabriel shouted.
“Did your relatives send your mother away after your father passed on?” Melanie asked.
“I don’t have a father.” He said, and we all looked at him. “I know everyone does, but I don’t know mine. I lied about my father. My mother had me when she was younger, and we were prejudged by everyone because of it. I was bullied in my past school before we relocated. My uncle gave us a new hope and a new life. I’m not an elite, and I’m sorry for lying all these while.” He said; rushing his words, and our eyes widen
“You don’t mean it, man.” Gabriel said.
“I’m sorry.”
“And Dan? Does he know?” I asked, because heaven knows I’ll never forgive him if he opened up to Dan.
“No, I went to his house by coincidence. I left home and went to a bar to drink. Dan was there and I ended up at his house. I was having issue with my uncle, so I…-“. He was saying, but Gabriel embraced him to cut him off.
“Man, it must have been hard on you.” Gabriel said.
“Jeremy, how could you keep all these from us?” I shouted.
“How do you expect me to be honest with you? I was scared of losing our friendship, you all are my only true friends. I was scared that you could cut ties with me. I was frightened … I didn’t fit in to the circle, and I was scared of losing our friendship.” He cried, and I made a fist - I couldn’t control myself, and I started punching the wall.
“Alex, stop it.” Melanie said, and held me back.
“I was a bad friend, yes, it was all my fault. I couldn’t even tell that my friends were suffering, it was all my fault.” I exclaimed.
“It’s ok, man. What matters is that we are cool now. The only way to fix this, is by supporting ourselves, and don’t keep anything again.” Gabriel said.
“Jeremy, it must have been hard for you to walk on eggshells around us all these years. Being with a mafia uncle, and friends that you can’t be honest with. We dragged you into this friendship, and forced you into lying to us. You did nothing wrong Jeremy, you did what you thought was right to save yourself. Thank you for being honest with us, and never keep anything from us again.” I said, and embraced him.
Gabriel and Melanie joined in, and it became a group hug. It feels like when we just form this circle years ago.
“The last rule about the truth circle is that everything we shared today, must remain within the circle. We will never talk about it again.” Melanie said, and I let out a sigh in relief. At least, Gabriel won’t tease me again.
“Jeremy, now that we know who you are. You should invite us to your house someday.” Gabriel said.
“But we have to leave before dinner.” I teased, and Gabriel let out a sigh.
“Guys, since we already missed the first class, let’s have fun till recess.” Melanie said, and we all cheered; following her to the studio.