Chapter 8: Escaping His shadows
1422 Words
“Can I have your brother’s number?” I asked Stephanie. It wasn’t long after she walked in.
“What?” she kicked her shoes before dropping into the bed next to me. “Did he meet you? I told him—”
“I know you told him.” I cut her off. “Thank you for caring, Stephanie. I wouldn’t know how I would have coped in this school if it weren’t for you.”
“I’m here to help. It bothers me when I see that you can’t get your peace of mind because of Jack.”
“And I thought talking to Gilbert would bring me the solution that I desperately seek.”
“Then what happened between you two. Didn’t he want to help you?” Stephanie asked anxiously.
I shook my head. “He told me to my face that he was having fun seeing me go through hell.”
“What? Your brother doesn’t cease to amaze me.”
“Welcome to my world.” I exhaled deeply.
“So why do you need David’s number?” she asked. Her eyes flickered as she waited for my answer.
“He saved me from a bunch of silly girls today and also offered me an advice.” I answered. “He wants me to report Jack to his uncle.”
I wasn’t expecting to see Stephanie’s reaction turn from that of surprise to a frown. So I asked. “What is it? Is there something wrong with his suggestion?”
“Something doesn’t feel right. Why would my brother ask you to do that? It’s risky. Jack might hurt you if you go through that route.”
I quickly grabbed Stephanie’s hand. “You think so too right? I told your brother the exact same thing and he says he doesn’t think Jack will hurt me.”
Stephanie cleared her throat. “Sandra, I know David is my brother and he’s a sweet guy but you must be careful. There’s something I’ve got to understand in just little time we’ve spent here and that is not to trust anyone. It’s everyman for himself here.”
“Are you saying I shouldn’t trust your brother?”
“Not entirely. Actually why I’m warning you is because I heard something. David and Jack are archenemies. If I know my brother well, he wouldn’t hesitate to jump at any available opportunity to teach Jack a lesson.”
‘What happened between them?”
“Jack stole David’s girlfriend,” she revealed. “There were rumors that Jack got her pregnant. Well, no one knows for sure because she never came back to school after she and Jack fell out. What I heard was that Jack caught her on her way to his uncle’s office to report.”
“How did you get to know all this?”
She grinned widely and relaxed her back on the pillow. “Well I visit the gist and gossip centers around the campus. To survive in this campus, one has to know stuffs like this.”
I was beginning to see reasons why Stephanie will be so worried for me. “You think Jack must have had something to do with her leaving the school.”
“Obviously. That’s what I heard.” She shrugged. “And going to his uncle’s place to report brought Jack’s wrath upon her.”
“What do you think I should do? I’m so confused.” The situation I had found myself had made Stephanie more of a confidant than just a roommate.
“I’m not sure too. We are dealing with the most notorious boy in school. We need to be smart about this.”
I got down from the bed and paced the room thinking of a way out. “I think ‘ll do what you brother suggested. At this point, I don’t care if he wants to use me to get back at Jack. I’m Jack’s next victim and Gilbert is happy to watch me suffer. I’m desperate for a solution and reporting Jack to his uncle is the best choice now.”
“That’s okay,” Stephanie said. “I’ll give you his number.”
“Thanks.”
*****
“Have you decided? I had to come as soon as you called.” David leaned against the huge tree inches away from the school packing space.
“I’m sorry. I needed to see you because I agree with what you suggested earlier.”
David arched his brows and observed me carefully. “What happened? Didn’t you see Gilbert?”
“I did. But it was no good,” I answered. “He doesn’t even care. He is happy that jack is tormenting my life.”
David hissed. “Birds of the same feather flock together.”
“Here. Stephanie said I should give you this.” I handed a piece of paper to him. ‘She’s sleeping. She’s too tired to come with me.”
David opened the paper and read its content. I had no idea what Stephanie had wrote in it.
“Give me a minute.” He folded the piece of paper and put it in his pocket. “Wait here for me, I’ll be right back.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be with you in a minute. I want to confirm something.” He ran towards the admin section.
The rustling leaves and a familiar scent kicked my senses to the roof. The hair on y nape stood erect. He was here.
“Do you think you can get away from me, pretty one?” Jack emerged from behind me. He had come with Herald, Gilbert’s roommate. “I’ve been watching your every move, honey.”
“Like using fellow students to watch and track me!” I snapped at him with so much bitterness in my voice. “Why can’t you take no for an answer and leave me alone?”
“I don’t give up.” He bragged. “When I see what I want; I must have it. So your case isn’t any different.”
As Jack spoke, I was on the lookout for David. He was taking longer than expected to show up.
“Well, bad news for you big guy, because just like you, I don’t give up too.”
Jacked giggled but Herald saw nothing funny. He had a frown on his face. “She called you ‘big guy’.”
“Am I wrong?” I shot back at Herald not minding his reaction. “He gets pleasure by intimidating the weak with his big size. You should be ashamed.”
Herald sneered. “Gilbert was right about you. You are just a stubborn girl with a sharp mouth.”
“Keep your petty words to yourself!” I fired back.
Herald stepped forward, looking down at me with enough rage in his eyes that screamed danger. I wasn’t the least intimidated by him. “If I were Jack or Gilbert, I would have taught you a lesson you’ll never forget.”
‘Then, I’m glad you aren’t.” I shot back at him with gritted teeth. “A wannabee tough guy. Acting like what you are not.”
‘Watch your mouth!” Herald growled.
“Enough! Both of you should stop it right now.” Jack’s yelled. His voice firm and commanding.
I ignored Jack and charged at Herald. “Take your foul breath out of my face.”
Herald raised his hand, they were almost in contact with my face as he was about to strike me.
“Are you crazy?” Jack growled and pushed Herald out of my face. Herald struggled to lunge at me but jack held him tightly. “Were you trying to hit her?”
“Didn’t you hear what she said to me?” Herald clenched his fist, struggling to get out of Jack’s hold. “Let me teach this stupid girl a lesson. Her pride will be her doom.”
“Enough Herald!” Jack began to drag him away. “I think I better take you away before you kill her.”
Herald growled in frustration, “I will make sure I deal with you. You will regret this.” he threatened me with his cold and menacing words.
As I watch the two leave, I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Sandra, sorry I took a long time. What’s the chaos about?”
- Writer
