Unmasking Love

Deceit Kills the Conscience

Sara watched in surprise as she saw Sophia blushing while speaking with the strange guy.

“When did she start being shy?” She wondered in amusement.

“So, how did your interview go?” He asked in apprehension.

“I don’t remember telling you I was going for an interview because I was planning to surprise you. How did you know?” Sophia asked.

“Oh, I overheard you speaking to your friend and you told me earlier when I called too. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop” He replied tensely.

Sophia squirmed embarrassingly. “Did you overhear everything?” She asked.

“No, I only heard the part where you said you went for an interview. I had to pick a call after that” He lied and cursed himself inwardly.

“Well, I didn’t get the job. I was invited for an interview at RothX Tech Company. Do you know that popular company? They invited me” She said with proud glistening eyes.

“Oh wow. How was it?” He asked guiltily because he already knew her answer.

“Well, they rejected me before I could begin the interview. Maybe it’s just me or they hate my gut” She shook her head slowly.

“No, I … I mean they don’t hate your gut. It might be something they couldn’t control” He stuttered.

“Right? I thought that, too.” She nodded in agreement.

“By the way, I thought you were at work. Did your boss discharge you so early? It’s still morning” She pointed out.

“Yes, I told you it was part-time, so I left when I finished my portion of the job.” He chose his words carefully.

“Oh, okay.” She nodded in understanding.

“Hello” Sara went closer to where they sat and waved at him while playfully glaring at Sophia.

“OMG, I’m so sorry. Babe, meet Sara, she’s my friend and she works here too. Sara, meet Alex, my boyfriend” Sophia introduced proudly.

“It’s nice to meet you” Alex smiled and stretched his hand out for a brief handshake.

“Wow! Boyfriend? It’s my pleasure sir” Sara replied warmly. “You look handsome; Sophy has good eyes,” She joked.

“Oh” that was all Alex could say.

“Sara, please.” Sophia was blushing uncontrollably. Customers soon came in and Sara excused herself to attend to them.

“So, what are you doing now?” Alex asked.

“Well, I’m free for today” She responded. “Should we sneak to your place?” She whispered naughtily and Alex gulped down his saliva. He hadn’t thought about renting an apartment since he couldn’t take her to his mansion.

“I’d love that, babe, but I have another shift in twenty minutes.” He pretended to be pained by his schedule.

“I was just joking anyway” She waved him off awkwardly.

“I have to go now. I will see you in the evening” He stood up and pecked her cheeks. He wanted to ask her who Clio was, but for some reason, he found himself tongue-tied. Maybe because he has lied to her that he didn’t listen to their entire conversation or that he felt guilty for disappointing her. He left with a heavy and guilty heart.

“Bye” She waved lovingly and stared at the entrance even after he was long gone.

“A finished woman you are. Finished with love” Sara whispered behind her and she jolted up in surprise.

“Stop scaring me” Sophia scoffed. Her phone dinged, and she checked it to see if she got a message from Alex.

“He just left” She wondered and blushed softly before opening it.

–I ordered Chicken and Chips for you and your friend. It will be delivered in a few minutes– Sara read the content of the text aloud from behind.

“You sneaky thing” Sophia yelled at her and started chasing her around the empty Café while Sara was busy chanting Chicken and Chips in excitement.

. . . . . . . . . .

BRILL MIDDLE SCHOOL

The students sat down accordingly as they listened to the teacher’s explanation. Clio was sitting at the front and she was jotting down some points as her teacher spoke. They were learning Chemistry.

“Do you all understand?” The teacher, who is a lady, asked.

“Yes Ma’am” They all chanted altogether.

“Good. Open your textbook to page fifty-two. Questions one to five will be your homework,” The teacher announced, and the students quickly flipped open their textbooks. The alarm sounded for lunch time and the students shouted in excitement and they filed out in groups.

“Clio” The lady teacher called. “Follow me” She ordered, packed her books and exited the class. Clio nodded and arranged her books in her bag. After she zipped her bag, she hurried out after the teacher. She got to the teacher’s office and entered slowly. She strolled to the teacher’s desk.

“I’m here, Ms Claire” Clio announced her presence respectfully.

“Oh dear! How are you doing?” Ms. Claire asked and smiled warmly at her which made Clio relax.

“I’m fine Ms” Clio responded avidly.

“I want you to help me sort out these marked scripts and distribute them to your classmates after the class. Can you do that?” Ms. Claire asked.

“Yes, I can do that, ma” Clio responded ambitiously.

“Good. These are the scripts.” She handed it over to Clio, who began work immediately.

“How is your sister?” Ms. Claire asked, which made Clio look up.

“She’s fine Ms,” Clio responded simply.

“Let’s go to her Café together after school, okay?” She told her.

“Okay, ma,” Clio replied and continued sorting out the scripts.

. . . . . . . . . .

TECH ROOM

Alex was sitting down on the chair absent-mindedly. He was thinking of the best way to send Sophia money without her getting suspicious. His right hand was placed below his chin and he stared into space as his feet tapped on the floor unconsciously.

“Boss” Marcus barged in without knocking, thereby disrupting his quiet moment.

“There’s a reason why there’s a door at the entrance, Marcus” He scolded sternly.

“I’m sorry boss. I’m just excited”, Marcus apologized gleefully.

“What is it again?” He asked with no interest whatsoever.

“Remember the award I told you that you were nominated for?” Marcus started.

“What about it?” He quizzed unenthusiastically, but Marcus was undeterred.

“You won it! You got the award” Marcus jumped excitedly. “I knew you would win. You’re a genius” He rejoiced but to his dismay, Alex was not excited or If he was, he didn't show It.

“Tell them not to put up my picture” Alex warned vehemently.

“Why?” Marcus wailed. “You won so it’s only right that they put up your picture.”

“Tell them that I will sue them if they put up my picture” Alex repeated.

“Okay boss” Marcus responded gloomily.

“Gosh, what do I do?” Alex ruffled his hair. He always had ideas, but his mind was blank right now.

“Do you want something, boss?” Marcus asked.

“If you want to send money to someone anonymously, how do you do it?” He turned to Marcus and questioned hopefully.

Marcus chuckled. “Are you asking me?”

“Of course, I am. Who else is here?” Alex groaned in frustration.

“I mean you’re the tech expert here. With just a few clicks, you can hack into the World Bank, so I was surprised you’re asking me. I feel honored”, Marcus said dramatically.

“Yes, I’m a tech expert! Why didn’t I think of that earlier?” Alex’s eyes lit up in realization, and he faced Marcus with excitement.

“Do you want to go shopping? Take my card!” He intoned and turned to his computer.

“Boss” Marcus shrieked in disbelief.