"Damn,.." Scott gritted his teeth.
He had been trying to get Yasmine's attention for weeks but to no avail. She always kept him at arm's length, her indifference cutting deeper than words. But he wasn't foolish enough to confront her or Dave outright. This wasn't some movie with a brain-dead villain charging into the scene.
He mused "Let's take it slow.. sign.."
The class trudged along with the same repetitive lessons, every teacher reiterating the importance of the upcoming awakening.
"This is what 'learning by heart' really means," Dave sighed. He slouched in his seat, tapping his pen against the desk. "When are we finally awakening? I'm going crazy hearing the same thing over and over."
He glanced sideways and caught Yasmine glaring at him with a look that could cut steel.
"What's her problem now?" he thought. "It's not like I owe her anything, right?"
"Uh… Can I help you with something?" he asked flatly.
"What?" she hissed, her voice sharp and biting.
That was enough for Dave. He sat up straight and muttered, "Nothing at all, ma'am."
Yasmine didn't reply, but her eyes warned him not to test her patience.
During lunch, she ordered him to buy food for her.
"Sign… Even a girl is bullying me now," he thought bitterly as he trudged to the canteen.
The classroom wasn't quiet, though. The gossip mill churned as classmates exchanged whispers.
Classmate A leaned over. "Hey, what's going on between Dave and Yasmine? They were arguing this morning, and now he's buying her lunch?"
Classmate B smirked. "Obviously, they're together. What else could it be? Honestly, I want to know how Dave landed her. Maybe I should ask him for tips."
Ethan Parker chimed in, his mischievous grin lighting up his face. "You two don't know anything. I heard they kissed on the bus this morning. Everyone knows—except for you guys."
"Really?" Classmate A asked, wide-eyed.
"Of course! But don't tell anyone I told you," Ethan said with mock seriousness.
"Don't worry, mate. Your secret is safe with us," Classmate B said, shaking his head. "Damn, lucky guy."
"Sign… A toad ate a swan," Classmate A muttered enviously.
Ethan walked away, grinning ear to ear. "Hehehe… So much fun," he muttered, relishing the chaos he had just stirred.
Meanwhile, Dave was standing in the canteen line when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw a dark-skinned, thin boy with a toothy grin.
"Damn… This guy looks ugly," Dave thought, biting back a laugh.
"Hi, my name's James Sanders," the boy introduced himself.
Dave's inner monologue ran wild. "More like Toad with Horse Teeth," he thought, keeping a straight face.
"Hello, I'm Dave Walker. Nice to meet you," he replied, forcing a polite smile.
"I heard some things about you," James said mysteriously, his tone dripping with intrigue.
But all Dave could see was a cartoonish toad making faces. "Pff…" he nearly laughed aloud.
"Sorry, I don't know what you're talking about," Dave said, his voice strained as he fought to suppress laughter. "When is he going to stop talking? It's getting harder…"
James leaned closer. "I heard you and Yasmine are together. Is it true? Tell me—I won't tell anyone."
"Damn… And here I was wondering what this toad had to say," Dave thought.
He had heard a few things here and there but this was the first time someone came to ask him. He was a bit worried before but seeing Yasmine not giving a f**k, he didn't pay attention to it as well.
He hesitated briefly but then decided to play along. "Sorry, pal, but we're not together. You've got the wrong info." He said.
"So, pal you still got a chance. Tell me if you need help, I'm good friends with her and I will help you.. Now, I'm running late, see you later"
James blinked in surprise, unsure how to respond. "Uh, okay…"
Before he could say more, Dave grabbed the food and hurried away.
Seeing Dave run away, James thought to himself "As if.... but damn why was he laughing?"
"Why are you so late?" Yasmine asked, frowning as he placed the tray in front of her.
"Sorry, sorry. The queue was long. Here, eat before it gets cold."
Her expression softened as she nodded. "Good," she said curtly before turning to chat with her friends.
Dave sighed heavily. "How much longer do I have to keep doing this?"
When the school day ended, Dave returned home to find Henry waiting for him outside.
"Yo, Dave! Took you long enough," Henry greeted him with a wide grin.
"Brother Henry, why are you here?" Daniel asked, trailing behind Dave.
"I need to talk to your brother. Go inside now," Henry urged.
Daniel nodded and ran into the house.
"So, how's the plan coming along?" Henry asked.
"Mom isn't home yet. I'll get the money now. Wait here," Dave said, hurrying inside.
He placed his school bag in his room, then sneaked into his parents' bedroom. Quietly, he opened a drawer and pulled out $10 before rushing back to Henry.
"Here," Dave said, handing over the cash.
Henry patted his shoulder with a grin. "Good work, kid. See you later."
As Henry walked away, Dave felt a wave of relief. "No one saw me," he thought.
But as he turned to head back inside, he froze. Daniel was standing in the hallway, his innocent eyes wide with curiosity.
"Brother, what did you give to Brother Henry?" Daniel asked.
"Damn.."
His mom was already getting suspicious and if Daniel says something to their mom now, everything would unravel.