Peace the Savage

Chapter 8: The One.

TODAY WAS A THURSDAY and the last day before the competitions. The excitement was too much even for Peace himself. He really couldn't stop thinking about how it would feel to be standing in front of many people again, to be the centre of everyone's attention.

As they walked to the classroom for the final team selection, Peace and Roy smiled to everyone they met on the way and even hugged some people they didn't know. Many students were already in the room when Peace and Roy walked to their usual place by window.

"Look at her," Peace said gesturing towards Alice who was busy chatting with her junior friends. "Isn't she adorable? That girl drives me crazy."

Roy followed his gaze and frowned. "She's not that good looking, you know that right?" he said. "In this classroom I'd say she's about number eight."

"I know, right," Peace said with a chuckle. "That's what makes me interested in her. I wanna do the unpredictable so that your girlfriend will know that I'm not all about the looks only or lust."

"Dude, we both know that you're all about the looks and the figure."

"That's why Im going to prove y’all wrong this time," Peace said with a smile. "I’m gonna make a difference. Look at me. I'm the most single person in this classroom and deserve a good girl just like Alice. And I'm gonna nail her tomorrow, trust me."

"Dude, do you have the money?" Roy asked. "We both know what these Zimbabwean girls will be like when they're in town with a guy."

"You and money issues! You always say that- girls and money. What does money have to do with this?" Peace asked with narrowed eyes.

Roy patted his friend on the shoulder. "Dude, come on, we're in the twenty first century. This is Zimbabwe, keep up. I thought you’re the one who said girls always have ulterior motives. Money is one of those."

Peace looked thoughtful for a second. "I know. I was just trying to be optimistic for a change."

"Well," Roy said. "Just hope she won't ask for more. That is if she gives you a chance. That girl has been blowing you off since day one."

"Yah," Peace said. "So, what about you? Mitchell won't be around tomorrow."

"Man, I'm not the cheating type remember." Roy shrugged his shoulders. "But since you asked, I was thinking about hanging out with Lucy if she gives me a chance."

“Thats exactly how cheating starts like, Peace said. “You do know that right?”

“Whatever.”

Peace let out a laugh. "So, what about her boyfriend? Dont you think he will be there?"

"We'll see about that," Roy said. "By the way, where's she? I can't seem to see her around."

At that moment the door opened and Lucy walked in, followed by two boys carrying some packs of Pepsi drinks and one girl with a box whose contents could not be seen. The two boys started distributing the drinks to everyone, followed by the girl who started distributing some pies to everyone too.

Lucy gave a short speech about how excited she was and how she had bought everyone refreshments as a gesture. There was a lot of cheering in the classroom which was deafening as Lucy sat down.

"Well, I'm thirsty," Peace said as he opened his bottle and took a long gulp of his drink.

"I thought you didn't like her?" Roy said with a laugh.

"So?" Peace asked. "I still dont. Damn, I can't remember the last time I ate a delicious pie as this one." He closed his bottle and placed it on the table. "You see, this is why I don't usually like rich girls. Imagine, how would you feel if you were her boyfriend and she does something like this?"

"Man, this is just a generous gesture," Roy replied. "There's nothing wrong with that."

“Generous gesture my foot, Peace said. "Would you let Mitchell do something like that when you're with her?"

"Why would I not?"

"You are out of your mind, mate," Peace said biting on his pie. "It will constantly remind you that you’re beneath her – and let’s be honest, you’ll always be under her control.”

“Back to being pessimistic, I see,”

“I’m serious. Every time you look at her, it’ll be a reminder – you will never measure up. She’ll always be ahead, more in control and you? Just tagging along.”

“Dude.”

“And think about it… do you really want a relationship where she’s the one setting the rules, making the big decisions and leaving you in the passenger seat? That kind of dynamic chips away at your confidence. You wouldn't like that, would you?" Peace said as he took the last bite on his pie. “Are you going to eat that or you are keeping it for Mitchell?”

“I’m keeping it for Mitchy,” Roy said in a dismissive manner. "Depends on how much she loves you."

"I doubt that," Peace said. "However, you’ll start feeling more like a follower than a partner. It's just embarrassing when your girl says ‘don't worry about the money, honey, I'll cover for you. Take whatever you want.’ Imagine Mitchell telling you something like that.”

“I wouldnt mind that-”

“What?” Peace gasped. “Man, just think about how uncomfortable, unsettled, uneasy it would feel."

"She might be doing it out of good will and heart. You are just exaggerating-"

"I'm not," Peace said. "Girls are crazy, bro. Why do you think I treat them like I do? If ordinary girls like Esther and Grace can try to control me, what do you think rich girls are capable of doing? 'Babe, don't do that, do this. Don't wear that, blah blah blah.' Trust me, boy, nobody loves that. Us men were made to dominate and control.

“Thats a really old opinion,” Roy laughed.

“You feminists,” Peace said. “Thats how things are supposed to be like from the beginning. Check the bible, bro. If it goes the other way, then its unnatural, its wrong. If you let the girl take charge, then believe you me, brother, you've given up your right to direct your relationship. And that's a sin against God."

"Equality, dude," Roy said. "It doesn't matter if the girl controls everything."

"I didn't know you were such a feminist," Peace said sarcastically.

"Apparently, I am," Roy said proudly. "We need to be fair. Plus, you don't have to judge all the ladies based on your past terrible encounters."

"I'm not judging anyone. I havent even encountered anything of that sort, either," Peace replied. "I just know how these rich girls are like when they date a guy who does not have as much money as them."

"I think you got the whole thing twisted-"

"Nop, I'm right. These rich girls are control freaks, trust me. They are bullies."

"I think you've never dated a rich girl before-"

"Have you?" Peace asked.

"Knew somebody who did," Roy said. "It feels cool, I guess. And the guy I knew who dated a rich girl never felt inferior in any way."

"You're just saying that because you like Lucy."

"Hahaha. I like her but that doesnt make what Ive said biased. Plus, I don't like her that much," Roy said. He made a face and touched his chin, looking thoughtful for a moment. "However, the real question is that does she like me back?"

"Maybe," Peace said taking a sip on the drink again. Roy followed suit and opened his bottle and took a sip. “I thought you were keeping that for Mitchell?” Peace pointed out with a laugh.

“Damn,” Roy said as he quickly put back the lid on the bottle.

The teachers suddenly entered and took their seats. The noise quietened down.

“How the f**k did Esther try to control you?” Roy whispered as Mr Moyo took stand.

The participants for the following day were selected. For seniors' public speeches Lucy was selected and another girl called Melody. For seniors' debate Roy, Joseph and another guy called Stan would go as the first opposing team and two others as substitutes. Peace, Lucy and Samantha would go as the first moving team and one other substitute. For impromptu speeches, Peace, Alice, Samantha and one junior boy were selected. For quiz Peace, Roy and Joseph were selected. The juniors were also selected and made into their teams.

The students were given the indemnity forms for their parents to sign and give their consent. They were informed of the time to come to the school and when the bus would leave the premises.

Soon after the selections were over the students were dismissed and Peace and Roy immediately went to the senior science lab to collect their satchels. On their way they saw Alice walk towards the gate alone. Peace saw an opportunity, winked at Roy and ran after her.

"Hey," he said as he approached her. "Why are you in such a hurry?"

"I need to go home," she replied with a thin smile. "There's something I need to do."

"You mean get ready for tomorrow?" Peace said with a grin.

"Yeah, right." Alice stopped and looked at Peace. "Like I didnt already know that. You know, I hate when guys do that."

"Do what?"

"What you have done."

"What did I do wrong?" Peace asked with shrugged shoulders.

"Acting like you know everything. Like you know what I'm up to." She looked serious as she said this and Peace was surprised. "I hate it when people try to predict where my next move lies, what I'm about to do. Why did you do that, Peace."

"I was just saying," Peace said. "I didn't know it'd be a problem-"

"Now you know."

"Sorry."

"Did I ask you to guess what I wanna do?" she said walking away.

"Sorry," Peace said after her. "Oh, my God.”

"You ruined my day, Peace."

“Can I at least walk you home?"

"No," Alice said back. "My friends will walk with me."

Peace stopped in his trail and stood transfixed on that same spot watching Alice walk away towards her friends who were at the gate. Seconds later Roy caught up with him with their satchels. Roy, who had seen the whole episode, was surprised to see Peace grinning to himself.

"What’s up?" Roy asked. "Why are you grinning like you've seen Jesus?"

"Did you see that?" Peace asked.

"Yeah," Roy said with a chuckle. "That girl just Jackie Channed you again. What was all that about?"

"She's crazy," Peace said with a laugh. "I like her more now."

"What happened?"

"Will tell you," Peace said taking his satchel and putting his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Come on now, let's go and get ready for tomorrow. I'm very excited and I can't wait."

***