A Seat in His Heart

Chapter 4 - All of us

[Gold]

“Two weeks from now we’d be on break” Beatrice screamed grinning from ear to ear and jumping lazily like barney does, as she checked the notice board of Engineering faculty. I just gave a chuckle, not because of the break but because Trice looked funny at the moment as she reminds me of barney.

“Yeah Trice, so do you have any plans?” I asked her.

“Just the usual, nothing much. You?” Came her reply. “I’d be going back to my parents’. ” I mumbled.

“So I’ll be missing you.” she sounded disappointed, pouting her lips. “I should be the one in fear Trice, come on, you would do just fine, and we would communicate frequently.” I comforted pulling her in for a brief hug.

“I have a great Idea.” Trice said smiling mischievously. “No way Trice! Nothing great follows your mischief.” I complained.

“Hold your fire, Mrs. no fun! You don’t even know what my idea is all about?” she interjected, nudging my arms playfully. “oh forgive my rashness, your majesty...what could the queen bee have in mind?” I bowed mockingly earning a playful smack on my shoulder.

“you’re not serious” she giggled.

“I think we should have a girls’ night before the break.” she added. “that would be wonderful!” I nodded in affirmation.

“I’ll text you the details, but let’s hurry before the boys get our replacements already.” Trice said dragging my arm gently. “where are they?” I asked

“Where could those fitness freaks be…” she said rotating her index fingers like a wand.

“The gym!” she said pointing to the gym and blowing an imaginary smoke off her finger. “You are so dramatic” I giggled. “That’s why you my friend, love me.” She shot back. I couldn’t even deny it because she is right, I’m fond of her, she has been very wonderful and I enjoyed her friendship. I’ve often dreamt of having two friends, females, we’d be a trio and make everyone else jealous and want to be friends with us. But we don’t often get what we want right? Especially not when I was an introvert. I shrugged off the thought. Trice was a great friend though.

“Without a doubt.” I replied.

We got to the gym, Pete was at the bar bells and Kyle was at the pull press all sweaty and busy, it seemed like they let off their fitness class earlier today and ended their shifts early too. I stole a glance at Trice, her eyes were glued to something, or rather someone, she was completely out of this world, as I followed her gaze and it rested on no one else but Pete, he was spotting the last of his students.

“Trice… Trice!” I patted her shoulder softly. “Y -yeah?” she stuttered, turning to me. I handed her my phone “Take a picture it will last longer, Trice.” I chuckled.

“Yeah, yeah laugh all you want because it won't be funny anymore when I smash your phone.” She pulled a lock of hair behind her ears dangling my phone with just her thumb and index finger, suspending my phone in the air.

" You won't do that! " I gasped with my eyes bulging out and arms reaching for my phone. Before I knew it there was a glistening chest before me, he had saved me the trouble with Trice and now is handing my phone back to me. I delayed, my brain is short circuiting “ I bet you like what you see” Kyle said with a smirk, breaking me from the spell. He is close to us now with Pete watching my expressions as he walked closer. I’m sure our little fight caught their attention. Oops! “nope! I would only like what I see if it were a beer belly and not so chiselled. You know, you are still nowhere close to Patrick in SpongeBob on the scale of hotness. Go cover up this eyesore please.” I snapped back eyeing him up and down returning his smirk and arms across my chest. He had that expression that tells my words stung like a bee. I felt like laughing, I was a blatant liar because I only folded my arms to stop my them from roaming every inch of him. He just shook his head and went to the locker room. There must be something about chiselled abs no one is telling us about. Pete on the other hand just managed to stifle a laughter and joined Kyle to get dressed.

“What was that for?” Trice came at me nodding to Kyle's departing back while I just rolled my eyes at her.

When the boys came out we just got some drinks, after that we attended the last class. The class was as boring as a desert. I couldn’t help but doodle on my notes. When I could finally get the actual shape I’ve drawn, it is a chain of four hearts, not like the full human heart, I mean love shaped heart. This must be my best drawn hearts ever. They're so perfect. Is there any perfect love anywhere on earth? If there isn’t, I might as well stay away from this thing called love.

“And that’s all for today class… see you in the next one.” The professor said in his usual croaked low pitched voice, jolting me out of my thoughts. I cut off my recorder, promising myself to listen to everything in the audio before bed.

“Time to go ladies” Pete called. All four of us hit the road. For some reasons they made it a point of duty to drop me off first before they go their separate ways, and I kind of enjoyed it.

“Let’s just research on the topic and anyone who gets the lead gets the treat lunch tomorrow…agreed?” Pete said. “sure.” We chorused. We have always done our school work in group and doing well to avoid plagiarism and guess what, from the assessments so far, we four are leading, no one would be surprised if anyone of us graduated as the best student.

a“Gosh, my back hurts so bad!” I exclaimed. “that’s what you get from carrying the whole library in your bag.” Trice mocked. They all giggled.

“Alright, savour the amusement guys. While I get a crooked back.” I snapped.

“Here, hand it.” Pete said with Both Pete and Kyle stretched out their hands forward and I eyed them confused. Why do I have to find myself in this position? I’m in a dilemma now, who should I give my bag to. God, help me. Kyle saw the confusion and cleared his throat lightly, pulling his hand away.

“No, don’t worry Pete, it’s time for Kyle to get a real shot at working out, then he can have a chance be as hot as Patrick. Now, you don’t want to seize his chance do you?” I sassed, pushing the bag to Kyle’s chest forcefully, this man is a rock, he is immovable.

“Ouch! Have some mercy, girl.” Trice slurred amidst giggles Pete just chuckled. As for Kyle, he didn’t even wince or flinch, he just flung the heavy bag like a pillow over his shoulder while his lips curled into a smirk, and those brown eyes piercing into my soul.

I just can’t believe I did that, from where did I get such courage?

You go girl...you’re on fire! You are doing great child. Remember no falling for any guy.

My mind cheered. I just shrugged it off and acted cool.

After a while Trice handed her bag to Pete I can see the uncertainty in his eyes as it roamed my face, I just smiled nervously looking away. what was she trying to do or prove?

***********

All through the walk home, Kyle had an unsettling vibe, silent, chewing his gum and passing me side stares. We got to my home finally, Kyle still had his smirk while handing me my bag. I bade everyone goodbye and got in. The evening was uneventful, I got Diamond the new cartoon collection she asked for she instantly flew to cloud nine. I finished my revision and lay down to rest, but my mind couldn’t rest at the thought of Kyle, the sight of him in the gym, Man! That guy is sculpted and strong. I know Pete beat him to it in muscle and physic but he is taller and stronger, or so I thought. I was restless on bed, turning from side to side.

No Pete is stronger…think of Pete, not that egocentric prideful bad boy.

Are we taking sides now? I questioned my inner self. In fact, I should shut her up by sleeping.

I hugged my pillow and snuggled under covers.

[Gold]

**********************

In life, there is no way you can lie to yourself even if you try a million times. I have locked myself up believing it’s the best for me, I have made several blunders yet I’ve learnt from them, these experiences have led me where I am today, I may not have much experience yet but the little I have, made me. I don’t intend to live a life I can never be proud of, at least, my parents have done perfectly for me in that angle, they trained me to be focused and in control of myself my doings, they are all I have…sometimes I feel down and lonely, then I ask would I ever have someone in my life apart from my parents? A sibling or someone to give me care and may be love, different from that I get from the two most significant people in my life. I often act strong and stone cold of emotions but never would I ever lie to me that I’m okay.

“Hi, good day, I’m kind of lost…okay, can you please show me the engineering faculty?" I thought I heard, as that voice brought me back to reality partially. “Hello!” I was fully recovered from where ever I was to see a hand waving few inches away from my face.

“Oh, hi!” I said collecting myself fully now slightly clearing my throat and looking up from my coffee, which is now cold. “Can I help you?” I smiled faintly.

“The Engineering faculty please?”

“Okay, its right over there and there is the lecture hall” I said pointing to the buildings in question. They are in clear view because I’m sitting out alone on the field under a tree without the others because they all had something to attend to. “Thank you.” Came his voice with a smile on his face.

“Hey, they just finished lectures for the day, but some guys are still hanging around you can get more information from them.” I called to him, as he was set to leave. “Thank you so much I really appreciate.” He said smiled back at me before walking away, I only nodded.

“God! where is everyone!” I mumbled as I picked up the books from the bench after I successfully ignored them due to my zoning out. I started out on my way to the gym to get the boys first only to find Trice there already.

“So you are here, Trice?” I asked a little surprised because I was partially hurt for being left out.

“Oh yeah I got in few minutes ago.” She said turning to me. “And you never cared to inform me?” I said moving forward to join her on the bench. “Just check your phone, we thought you left.” She said curtly. I pulled out my phone from my bag and my eyes widened “Jeez! fifteen missed calls!?” I yelped. “yep.” She said popping the p in the end, I was wrong after all. “Now if you don’t mind I have a show to watch.” she said gesturing towards Pete and Kyle.

“Trice! let's get out of here.” I slurred. “Join me if you like.” she said batting her lashes I just shook my head and started going through the internet for more points for the research work we betted on.

*************

I left my uncle’s for Trice’s house at 6:30PM after a little tussle with Cindy, she never wanted me to go, but my uncle’s say is final, He let me go, only that I should leave early. I called Trice to find out if it’s okay, and she said it was even perfect to come early. Earlier I got my treat from the group as I got the most convincing lead idea on how to solve our school work. The other leads from the rest were good but everyone voted mine and it ended with Kyle calling me an intellectual baddie. I put on my earpiece listening to some good music by Céline Dion as I walked to the bus stop, I followed the directions Trice gave me and I should be at her place in no time.

“Hey dearie. Welcome...do come in” Trice said hugging me at the door.

“I fixed dinner, hope you didn’t have it yet.” Trice said from the kitchen. “nope, in fact fasted so I could finish both portions. Need my help?” I said joining her in the kitchen.

“Nope, so I won’t be cross examined by your uncle when you get your feeble hands burned.” She teased. “Seriously? look who is talking of feeble, I know the kitchen tricks better than you ever will.” I said flexing my arm to show some muscle I ended up failing badly.

“Go beg Kyle to lend you some muscle.” Trice laughed. “No Pete’s better, and I don’t need to beg for it, at the snap of my finger I’ll get it.” I said teasingly. I noticed her smile fade slowly. Yes, thanks to my overreaction, I almost spoiled the mood by talking about how much Pete would favour me.

“Dinner is served…Bon appetite.” she said faking a French accent as she dropped a large bowl of chicken soup before me.

“Trice, if I get obese, you are responsible.” I said taking a mouthful. Man! This girl has a PhD in cooking. This is an opulence of flavour. I munched closing my eyes to savour the taste. “You know it isn’t that great, you are just too hungry, anything tastes good when you are starving.” Trice's voice broke the brief and thick silence.

“Yeah I thought so, It’s not so great.” I swallowed, pushing the bowl away. “Really? I’ll not serve you ever again.” She said faking anger attempting to take my bowl away. “noooooo!” I went on intentional slow motion grabbing my bowl before she reached it.

“You know, cartoons ruined you. You are now one of them.” Trice laughed and I joined her.

After dinner Trice got fries for the movie night snacks and I discovered her fridge was full of small chops and snacks. Does she cook often or not? This night will be wonderful, I thought. We shifted centre table to put blankets and pillows on the floor. She insisted on watching telenovela, I told her we’d watch an action movies instead.

I chose fast and furious and the Shannara Chronicles, she picked a Philippian telenovela and thirteen reasons why.

“So we don’t end up fighting let’s take one of yours and one of mine.” She suggested and I nodded.

“Thirteen reasons why goes first.” She added. “yes your majesty.” I agreed giggling.

“Aww he’s so sweet…any one ever loved you like he did her?” Trice asked pulling my attention away from the scene. “I don’t know.” I replied, my voice croaky, trying to blink away the tears forming in my eyes. I became aware to the fact that I’m yet to experience something magical like love. However, most come in different forms just like magic itself, there are dangerous and perilous magical enchantments as well as alluring and beautiful ones. I wish it be great and alluring as it should be when it finally comes my way.

“You know you should let it all out. No secrets it’s a girls’ night after all.” Trice said handing me the tissue, only then did I realized I had tears flowing freely down my cheeks. “what!?” I slurred, giggling with tears in my eyes and took the tissue from her.

“okay that’s it” she said taking out the movie and turning to face me. “why do I feel you had this scenery planned?” I looked at her sceptically.

“Because I am your queen bee, dearie. Now let’s talk, let's get closer, let's get it all out shall we?” She smiled at me. I went and brought the fries to where we sat.

“why did you cry?” Beatrice asked concerned. “The movie did, obviously.” I said pointing to the movie, I'm still skeptical about talking more than I should.

“No! don’t give me that.” She stated calmly.

“you were too.” I said throwing it back to her.

“okay I will go first.” She said blinking a tear away.

“I was an item with this guy, Dave was his name, he was a great guy, he never let me question his loyalty, he was always getting everything right…you know, I had this ‘he is the one’ kind of feeling, everything was great until I walked in on him making out with a girl he introduced to me as his cousin. I was mad and furious, I ran out of the apartment, across the street and he came after me I barely made it across when I heard tyres screeching, a crash and a scream.” By now her face was totally messed up with tears, I handed her the tissue.

“You don’t have to recount it all over. if it hurts.” I said patting her back.

“I’m fine” she continued.

“The scream, That was him screaming my name. my name was the very last word he said. I rushed to him, he was already gone! I feel like I killed him, if I hadn’t run to the streets, he would still be here. It’s been five years now, and for all those time I have been beating myself up for it wishing I had just a moment to settled the issue and tell him, I forgive him for cheating, in the end everything was a prank, a stupid prank, he died over a stupid prank". Trice broke down and now she was bawling.

I rubbed her back and gave her some tissue. "But then I was pulled out from the pit I put myself in by someone I never knew existed, he doesn’t even know what he is doing to me, and he kind of looks like, and reminds me of Dave, I can’t help but get drawn to him in ways that I can’t tell either, this angel of mine is Pete. Please tell me it's okay to be in love again, I don't know what to do, should I give in to these feelings or not?” She paused to blow her nose.

This explains why she acts weird when Pete pays attention to me, why she always looked at him that way and why she dislikes when I am very close to Pete. She thinks I will take Pete away from her like that other girl.

“Does he know?” I asked not knowing what else to say. “No, he doesn’t but I’ve been leaving clues. But I think he is focused on something or someone else.” She said starting to sob yet again. I held her to lie down putting her head on my laps and patting her back.

“shhhh… no one will take him away this time, okay.” I cooed and she snuggled into my bosom, hugging my waist tightly. In no time I heard a heavy exhalation, I knew she was asleep. “No, one not even me can take him, Trice.” I whispered pushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

At least I haven’t fallen for Pete yet, I know I am that someone standing in her way, Pete’s action towards me confirms it, I was jealous that they were an Item but she telling me this, means I was wrong. I promise to step down for her to climb up and see how things go from here onward… I don’t want to be her next mountain to climb. I have to do this for her, I convinced myself before I bade goodbye to consciousness amidst the thoughts flooding my mind. In the end I couldn't even tell what got me teary from the movie, I guess it's not necessary right now.

**************

6:00 AM the alarm went off. I opened my eyes, there she was, still holding unto me, even tighter now, we need to prepare, Mr Smith our electrical electronics tutor is a psycho, he won't let you in even if you are only a millisecond late. And today we have his class in few hours. "Trice...Trice." I whispered. "I'm up, I'm up mum" she said still sleeping.

"You have Mr Smith in twenty." I said as I stifle a laughter. "I'm dead and awake!" She yelled in shock sprinting to the bathroom. I laughed joining her to tease her more. As I opened the door to her room, I was tackled down by Trice hitting me with a pillow, "Now my daughter is hitting her mummy? You are here by grounded!" I said amidst laughter and struggling. "Not if this mum goes to class with me." She replied menacingly, pounding my chest with a pillow.

"Okay, okay, let's get ready." I replied while she got off me, helping me up. Trice made us breakfast of sandwich and orange juice, after which we left for class. I would go back home after classes. Oh, I knew my aunt would be furious, but my uncle has my back. Trice looked fabulous in her white short pleated skirt, which stopped just right above her knee and royal blue tank top, studded earrings, white converse, her hair was held in a high pony dangling to her lower back, she's wearing light make up but still looks radiant. I on the other hand, I'm on white T-shirt tucked into a ripped jean trousers, I wore a pair of black ankle boots and black belt too. I folded the sleeves of the Tshirt which was quite large but ended up giving me this badass look, I made my hair into a "calculative" messy bun, I had baby pink gloss on my lips, dotted diamond earrings, I have large eye glasses on, a summation of it all made me nerdy cute.

Trice and I stuck a pose like runway models before the mirror then marched to the door striking another pose when we opened the door before stepping out unto the street. Often I have thought this in my head, I don't know why but I keep saying it to myself; what ever I chose as my discipline, I must look good while at it, not even engineering is an exception.

You don't expect me to wear baggy jeans, safety boots and tuck a pencil behind my ear to class because I study engineering. We're fifteen minutes early as we walk into the hall, the guys were already there. Goodness! did they sleep here? I shrugged the thought off.

Trice and I marched forward to meet them. I felt eyes on us, or rather on me, I was so nervous I hope I don't miss my steps. I don't like attention but I promised myself to be bold at all times. I plastered a smirk on my lips and roamed my eyes to avoid being awkward, my eyes landed on a familiar brown colored eyes, pink lips on a perfectly contoured sweet face starring back at me. No that's not Kyle, that's the guy from the other day on the field when I zoned out, from where he stood with two other guys, his voice came almost in a whisper "Good morning!", "Good morning freshman." I replied in same voice. We reached Pete and Kyle, they had seats ready for us, as I slumped into one the seats Pete immediately took the seat very close to me brushing his fore arm involuntarily on my shoulders. Kyle and Trice were just staring, I just flashed a weak smile at them. When my eyes fell on Trice, her face was all I needed to remember what she had told me, and what I had promised, I needed to start the implementation right away. I stood up quickly as if I was been poked by a needle, gaining some awkward stares from Pete and the rest "Is the seat uncomfortable?" Pete asked. "Um, yeah I'll just sit over there infront, I don't like mid row anyway." I felt eyes on me when I left to the front row.