During lunch, I was forcefully dragged into the cafeteria and was sitting with Jacob, Jeal, Afrodoid, Bretha, Rob and his girlfriend. I don't know her name. All of us were the participants, except Jacob and were discussing the competition. Jeal-violinist and I was her accompanist. Afrodoide-cellist/violoncellist: the one who plays the cello. Bretha - flutist and Rob-drummer where his girlfriend was his accompanist. I don't know who is the accompanist of Afrodoid and Bretha. A lot of students from different classes took part in this competition. After a big discussion, Jeal and I agreed to meet at Jacob's place for practice. A good thing is that this discussion didn't involve Loren like last time.
We're heading back to our class, which is physics. I don't want to attend this class. So, I told Jacob that I have some work in the library. On my way there, I saw some students grouped on the ground floor. When took a closer look through the corridor's window, I spotted Luke. What is he doing here? I hurried down, passing the crowd, pushing the students away and reached the center of the commotion. A girl was shouting at him. It looks like she's one of the bimbos of the college. I pulled Luke by his wrist and stare directly at the girl.
"What's the matter?" I whispered in his ear without moving my gaze from her.
"I was waiting outside but she dragged me in here and.." He stopped.
"And was she mocking you?" I asked.
"Yes," He said keeping his head down.
I wanted to counter back at her for teasing my friend. But many eyes were staring us and I hate being put on the spot. So, I started walking with quick steps whilst pulling Luke along with me. Not too soon, she stopped me and stood exactly in front of me.
"I have some unfinished business with him." She said.
She has red and black hair tied in a messy ponytail. A beautiful face with lots of makeup on it. She was wearing a shirt paired up with a mini skirt covering her crotch.
"He's not interested in your business," I said taking my way.
She stretched her arm sideways, again cutting my way. "Who is he to you?" She asked, quirking her perfectly picked eyebrow.
"My friend," I said and again stepped aside to walk.
Here she was on my way again.
She's being a black cat crossing my way.
"You have a poor friend." She stoops towards us pointing a finger at Luke.
She is getting on my nerve now.
"Trying to show your butt to the boys behind you," I said, completely changing the topic.
She quickly straightened herself, placing her hand behind her. And turned around to gander at the laughing boys behind her. She gave them a death glare and again turned to faced me.
"How dare you to say such a thing?" She glared at me. So as I did, narrowing my eyes at her. "You know we don't tolerate poor people in our college." She said.
I was silent for a while as things had always been this way.
"As if you're rich," I said, though I know she is.
She giggled at my words and spoke. "Of course."
"No. You're not."
"I am. I have my own mansion." she snapped, annoyed by my words.
I don't doubt that.
"Really? I don't believe you." I said in a challenging manner.
"Yes! It's true." And she took.
Now everyone started whispering among themselves which bothered her.
"Prove me," I said.
Now I have something in my mind.
She agreed not to just prove me but to the people around us.
"What should I do to prove you?" She asked keeping her hand on her hip.
"Walk."
"Just walk?" She asked.
"Yes," I said. "Take a walk from here and return to your starting position."
I am just shooting an arrow into the dark, hope it's gonna hit the target.
She did what I said. After covering 8-10 feet distance she turned around, without reaching the end of the ground. And was back to the spot from where she started. She didn't even ask how long she has to walk. How dumb can she be?
"You don't live in a mansion," I said.
"What? How can you say that? I have my own mansion." She said irately.
"You lived in a house with rooms of almost 3yards which limits your distance of walking," I said calmly.
"I- I live with my grandma in her house. But I do have my own mansion." She tried to convince me.
I didn't know that.
"I don't believe you," I said and walked away.
Everyone started passing comments on her: 'she lied', 'she's bringing her grandma into the picture'. Where some girls laughed at her. Now I was feeling bad for her. Turning my heels towards the girls I gave them a cold look. The one which I plaster during the office.
"If you utter a word against her, I am gonna spill your beans here," I said in the same cold tone which made them shut their mouths and headed to the parking area.
I am enjoying this cold attitude.
Unlocking my car, I asked Luke to sit in. He hesitated for a while then sat when I asked him again. We drove out of the college and halted after a while. I cocked my head in his direction and said.
"I asked you to come after 4'O clock."
"I am sorry. I was passing by so I thought I can wait." He lowered his voice.
I took a deep breath. "It's ok. So, any reason for coming?" I asked with a smile.
He smiled back. "Yes. I finished that book, can I have more from you." He asked with hesitation.
"Sure. Why not? I don't have now, I'll bring some tomorrow." I said.
"What was that walking distance thing." He asked.
"That I read it in a book. When you roam around in your house you'll walk from one end to another which causes a limit to your movement. Even if you're given a large place, because of your habit you'll walk according to your limit." I replied and started my car. "Where is your house, I'll drop you".
"No-no. We already reached the X-road, I'll go from here." He protested, waving his hands in front of me.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes." He nodded and stepped out.
When I was back in college, physics class was finished. Thank God! I directly went to my last class which was language. Jacob sat beside me and Jeal exactly in front.
During the class, my head feels heavy because of sleepless nights. I heard a sound, a sound of gun shooting. On opening my eyes, I saw Jacob playing a game on his phone. I straighten myself while rubbing my eye with one hand "What game is that?" I asked.
"Gun shoot war." He replied then turned towards me. "Good evening."
I slept again. This lack of sleep at night is affecting my classes.
"How long did I sleep," I asked.
"It's 4:30," He replied.
I looked around. There's no one in the class. it's just him and me.
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
"You look tired." He said and asked. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes. Let's go we're already late." I said and stood up.
He pulled me down to face his sitting position and stared into my eyes. Moving close, he spoke, "You're turning old Levy." Leaving my hand he stood up and walked out of the bench.
"What? Wait I'll show you who's old." I said while packing my bag. He ran out. "I'll be waiting for you in the parking area, old lady."
I ran after him and knocked into someone. I looked up to see who? Loren. I tried to quickly walk past him, but his arm around my waist stopped me. He pulled me in front of him. I don't want to look into his eyes but ended up gazing at him. Before I could be lost in his eyes, I abruptly spoke, breaking our stare.
"I am sorry for-" I was apologizing for this second hit. He took my hand in his.
"What ar-" I kept quiet when he handed me my phone.
"Mister Willson asked me to return his." He turned his feet to leave.
"Wait. Does Uncle know that you're my teacher?
"He does." He said and turned around to look into my eyes. He then hit my forehead with his forefinger.
"Ouch! Wh-" Cutting me off he said, "Do have some sleep at night." With this, he made his way out.
I stood still for a while. Am I that readable? You're the reason behind my missing sleep. I wanted to shout at him.
Jacob was waiting in the parking area with his back leaning on the car. Then we parted our way. I picked Adam from his school. He was mad at me as I was late again. When we got home, I plugged my phone into the charger and laid on my bed.
I am not going to the office today. I am not I am not I am not. Well, he was normal today. No, I am not going.
I called uncle Willson and said I can't come to the office today. When he asked the reason, I made a little white lie that I have a headache.
My phone rang with notification. I didn't bother to have a look. Later, it rang again with a call. A call from the brother. I click the answer button and said. "Hey!"
After replying to my hey, he asked about my health. Uncle Willson told him. Why does everyone act like a reporter to him? I hope Loren doesn't do it. And again, I started thinking about him.
"Levy?" He said from the other side of the phone.
"Sorry, yes," I said. "I am fine you don't have to worry," I added.
"Are you sure?" He asked with concern in his voice.
"Yes, it's just a little headache." I hate lying to him.
"Take some rest."
"Sure. I'll be fine after some sleep."
"Take care." He said. "And you have to attend a party tomorrow." He supplied.
"What party?"
"Just a little one. Uncle will inform you of the rest."
"Wait. I don't like going to parties."
"I know, but you have to attend this one."
"Can I take Adam or Jacob with me?" I asked.
"No. Uncle will be there with you." He said and hung off the phone with one more take care.
My mind began it's wandering as always: what party it is? Is it necessary for me to attend? Questions were popping into my head. I'll get an actual headache now. I sighed heavily and closed my eyes.
•••••••••••••••••
LOCKHART.