‘Before you do, let me give Darryl mum’s message.’
Raina nodded giving Leroy the chance to speak.
‘My parents said to remind you that you are to come for dinner this evening. You promised to be there.’
‘Yh. Sure. I will be there. No problem man.’
‘I will be waiting for you in the car then, Rain.’ Leroy left to give them both some privacy. He sensed Raina wanted to talk to Darryl without his presence.
‘Umm.. Darryl, right now, I can’t even look you straight in the eye because of what happened. I don’t even know—‘
‘Please, Rain, I take full responsibility. I should have known better.’
‘No, Darryl, it wasn’t you. It was me. I started it after all. I don’t know what got into me. I guess I was so annoyed I had my first kiss taken away, I wanted to reclaim it somehow. I am sorry and I hope I will still be your queen in every sense of the word. I sometimes overhear you and Leroy.’ Raina blushed as she said the latter words.
Darryl opened his mouth in amazement.
‘You need not look that surprised. With you two around, I can never remain totally innocent, now can I?’
Darryl had to smile at that. ‘ I guess we have to be more careful around you then. What can I say? I forgive you and I forgive myself. And of course, once a queen, always a queen.’
Darryl gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and went to look for Leroy. Though he had said he was going to wait for Raina in the car, he had a feeling he will be somewhere more interesting. True to form, he was not surprised to see Leroy chatting up a new girl.
Darryl excused himself and dragged Leroy away.
‘Hey, what was that for? I was just about to make a new friend.’
‘Yh. Like I believe you. Anyways, I just think we should watch our behaviour whenever we are around your younger sister from now on. Let’s not be a bad influence on her.’
Leroy laughed out loud and looked at Darryl in shock.
‘You can’t be serious. I wonder what Raina told you. She is a big girl now, you know. Anyways what was that kiss on the cheek for?’
Darryl paled suddenly and quickly tried to find his voice.
‘Don’t look so scared. After all, you are my man. If anything were to happen between you two later, I don’t think I would mind so much you know. You are a great friend and a good one at that. You should know that you will have to marry her right away. But for now…it’s a big no.’
‘Thanks for the vote of confidence. I was just trying to erase bad memories. I can’t help but be charming you know.’ Darryl was glad Leroy was not aware of the secret between Raina and him.
Leroy shook his head in mock disgust.
‘I doubt Raina will ever be naughty. She is a Miss Goody-Two-shoes. Come on, let’s ditch the old guys and go and hang out for a while. I am sure we will make it in time for dinner.’
‘What about Raina? Don’t stress, she will find her way home. I have texted to inform her already. Besides, our parents are around. I have given the car keys to my dad already. Let’s go!’
* * * * *
Dinner was a smooth and joyous affair. Rain even managed to get a smile on her face. There was none of the awkwardness she had anticipated between Darryl and her.
Somehow, over the last 12hrs, she had managed to clear her mind and to still her racing heart. She still felt extremely nervous whenever he was around her. Darryl looked so relaxed and seemed to be enjoying the moment. He appeared to have gotten over everything so quickly.
Unfortunately, she had not been able to. Darryl was now officially Raina’s first kiss and crush. And she did not know how anyone could forget that. She hoped that as time went on, she will be able to forget it. She was sure Darryl had a girlfriend anyways. Too bad.
Throughout dinner, she kept her eyes on the plate in front of her and made sure she did nothing to attract anyone’s attention. Anyone that is, except her father. His eyes seemed to rest on her continually. Maybe it was just her guilty conscience.
‘Raina, have you made up your mind on which senior high school you will be attending after junior high? Your exams are in 3 months. And I do hope you have been studying hard.’
‘Yes please. I would like to go to the Herman International School. Rita will also be going there as well and it is not far from home.’
Leroy looked at his sister and shook his head. Wrong choice, he thought. He knew definitely well his father will say no. Even though they were well-to-do, their father always said he had to teach them independence and not indulgence. He made sure they received the best education but he also never let them forget that he came from humble beginnings and as such they should be humble as well.
The Herman International school was good. But it was just like being in a hotel. Students had their own rooms, with TVs, used their phones, laptops and any other gadgets they wanted to use. There was a laundry service as well. It was a good life.
By now everyone had finished eating, so the table was silent. Everyone watched the exchange between father and daughter.
‘I know you want to go to the same school with Rita as she is your best friend. However, I would like you to trust me on this. I hope you enter into the finest all girls’ senior high school for my sake. You can go to your mother’s alma-matter if you prefer. I believe you will pick up some amazing skills along the way. And don’t you worry, I will let you have all the sleepovers you want with Rita when you are on holidays.’
Raina smiled. Her dad was being very fair. There was no point in contesting the decision. Though It meant she and Rita will not be able to be together, at least they will always have opportunities to meet up and share different experiences.
‘Sure, Dad.’
‘Don’t worry, Rain. I will come and visit you every week and bring Darryl along. Just imagine how popular you will be. You will be one of the coolest girls around for sure.’
Their dad glared at Leroy from the head of the table and he promptly shut up.
Raina grinned at that. Raina knew her dad wanted the best for her and she appreciated that each day of her life. Even though he was firm, he was never harsh and she always understood he meant well.
Her father shared stories of his childhood days after dessert. Those famous childhood stories! In them he always claimed he was the first in class and the most ingenious. Unfortunately, there was never anyone to dispute those claims.
Darryl was glad he had come along for dinner. He was sure Raina was going to enjoy the boardings school experience. True, there were a lot of restrictions but they were not fatal. He was glad he had been able to resolve things with Raina. He looked at Raina and smiled at her and she smiled back in return. For a moment, he was starstruck. A genuine smile from her made her look even more beautiful. He stared at her briefly and then shook his head. He really had to be careful from now on.
Raina prayed and hoped that her future was bright. Thankfully, all she had to do right now was to study and pass her exams. She promised herself to do just that. She wanted her family and especially her dad to be proud of her. She glanced at Darryl briefly out of the corner of her eye. He was too old for her now but she will grow up soon. Hopefully by then she would have gotten over him or maybe she would have worked up enough nerve to get him to fall for her.