LIFE AFTER DEATH.

MEET AND GREET 2

* * * * * * * * *

Once again, I faced familiar problems. Tess and Curly walked inside the class and my heartbeat spiked. I wasn't sure yet why I was edgy but I immediately hid my face. Thankfully, this time they sat somewhere distant.

* * * * * * * * * *

" Are you okay? "

I heard a male's voice beside me.

" I'm fine, " I scoffed, nodding rapidly.

" I'm Suresh, I haven't seen you at Crenshaw before. "

I guessed right, he was indeed Indian. The moment I saw his skin color, full eyebrows, casual and consistent head tilting, and medicated glasses, I had an idea.

" Amaka, I came here on scholarship. "

I could tell that he was impressed when he smiled.

" That's great, " He tapped his fingers on the table, " Loving Crenshaw so far? "

I didn't know the answer to that question yet, " I don't... I don't know. "

" It's okay, " His voice became dense and he nodded, " I completely understand, it takes time. "

I scrutinized my surroundings for the first time that day and what I got were chills and uncertainty.

" What if I never like it here? " I asked Suresh.

" Why do you think you wouldn't? " He leaned closer to me with his hands under his chin. I got a glimpse of his hazel eyes.

" I don't know, " I looked away, " It feels like I came late to the party and everyone's got their own thing going on already. "

He smiled and adjusted his glasses, " I don't think it matters when you come, what matters is that you're there. "

I admitted what he said was comforting.

" Can we be friends? " he asked.

My eyes froze, My fingers fidgeted and I was lost for words. That was the first time I heard words like that and, frankly, I never expected to nor have I seen a reason to.

" Great! Now you don't have to be alone at the party anymore. " He exclaimed.

I maintained my silence and shifted my gaze to where the class teacher was.

* * * * * * * * * * *

My insides were calm and at peace, which was weird because a few moments ago I was freaking out. I shot several glances at Suresh to make sure he was real. A while later, the door opened and the boy with the painting carted it in and walked to the front class.

" Tyler, you're finally here. "

I heard the class teacher say with cheer. He positioned himself in the middle of the class and cleared his throat. My focus went solely on him and as I watched him, my stomach felt funny.

" Ugh, "

I overheard Suresh and turned over to him.

" You don't like him? "

" I don't hate him. " He shrugged.

" May I ask why? " I was oddly interested.

" He has everything given to him just because his father owns this school. "

I saw the look of spite and disappointment ooze from Suresh's face.

I glanced through Tyler's painting, " But he's good. "

Suresh shoved his book toward me and gestured for me to open it, and I did.

" I'm better. " He said.

And I believed him, his drawings were impeccable.

" Did you draw all these? "

He nodded.

" They are amazing. " I commended them.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tyler's eyes met with mine as he began, " Good day class, I'm Tyler Downey and I'm this class's representative...

* * * * * * * * * *

It was five minutes left for the class to be over and I couldn't wait to be out of there. Tyler sat behind me but I could feel his strong gaze piercing the back of my neck. I didn't know why I felt he was watching me and I didn't have the boldness to verify it. Suresh had invited me to have lunch together and I was pleased, at least I didn't have to face the eyes of strangers alone. Maybe having a friend wouldn't be so bad after all.

Just as we were about to round up, two people walked into the classroom, a woman and a man. The woman was Sandra Griffin, and the man I had just seen for the first time. The worse happened when Sandra signaled for me to come out to meet them.

I began to panic, my hands and legs trembled violently and I lost the ability to reason. My behind was still glued to the chair. I couldn't move.

" Amaka, " Sandra whispered, " Come out. " She gestured her hands to me.

" You okay? " Suresh touched my left hand.

It was then I got all the attention I dreaded, all eyes were now on me, including Tess and Curly.

I finally stood, my gaze fell, and my fingers clenched as I walked to the front of the class.

" My name is Amaka Kennedy, I'm a new.. " I swallowed saliva as my eyes shakily scrolled over to where Gustavo sat, he was smirking at me.

I found out that the man was Mr. Grey Downey, he was the owner of the school and also Tyler's father.

I didn't know how I mustered enough courage and strength to stand in front of everyone, but I did. As soon as everything was over, both Sandra and Mr. Grey were gone, I gave up trying to hold it in.

Dashing out of the class, I shielded my mouth with my hands and only took it off when I was in the bathroom.

When I was fine puking, I staggered to the mirror to examine my face and it was sore. It usually happens when I've reached my limits of fear.

I opened my bag and shoved two pieces of mint in my mouth. I shook my head as I could feel the pain surfacing from the back of my head.

* * * * * * * * * *

" There you are! "

I flinched as I heard someone lightly tap me on the shoulder.

" You okay? the way you left the class... "

I squinted hard as I tried to visibly profile the girls that approached me. The one with pink hair spoke to me, she also wore a pink gown with a black leather jacket. Her bag and shoes were also pink. I couldn't say the same for the other girl who looked unimpressed.

The other girl had long dark hair matching her black eyeshadow and lipgloss. She wore long black boots and a green floral gown. She stood still with her hands folded, without uttering a word. I could tell that she wasn't in support of whatever was happening, she was merely dragged into it.

I tried to say " Um__

" I'm Melanie and this is Jojo. "

The pink-haired girl said in excitement, I couldn't tell why she was happy.

" Nice... nice to meet you. " I struggled to keep up with the conversation.

Melanie did a little jump and clapped her hands, reminded me of someone.

" Mel... please. "

I heard Jojo whisper in frustration.

" The whole school is talking about you! " Melanie said.

My senses heightened, " The whole school? "

" She's exaggerating. " Jojo shrugged.

" Okay fine, our class and a couple of others, " Melanie corrected.

I was suddenly concerned, and my brows dropped.

" Don't worry, " Melanie playfully thumped me, " They are all good things! "

I wanted to see where it was all leading, Melanie had drawn my attention.

She began, " They think you're hot! and that gown... " She slowly shook her head, " I need to know where you got that, it's so sexy! "

Her tiny voice filled the room.

" I... I apologize. " Jojo pulled Melanie back and stood in front of her, " I promise that she doesn't do this often. "

I wasn't offended, but I was caught off guard.

" It's okay... " I mumbled.

Melanie fought back to her initial position, " Scot Haney and three other jocks are already on your case girl! "

I felt tingling all over me, and the hair on my skin stood. I had fought to be unrecognized so much that when I got recognition, I didn't understand how I felt. But I was calm, my breathing was under control and I didn't feel the need to run away.

" Again, my apologies. " Jojo replied, pulling Melanie out of the restroom.

" It's okay, " I retorted as I too began walking out.

" You need to be at Scot's father's game shop opening, everybody will be there. "

Melanie wouldn't stop talking, Jojo's efforts were futile.

" Mel! " Jojo sounded upset, " What do you think you're doing? "

" I'm inviting her! " Melanie turned over to me, " So, can I have your number? I'll text you the dits. "

I was reluctant but succumbed to Melanie's puppy dog eyes and pleading glare. As we strolled out of the room, I was cornered by the forces I'd been trying to avoid all day, Tess and Curly. They appeared in front of me and headed in my direction. It was too late to turn back.

Curly pointed at me and I was laced with his smile, " Funny thing is, I never asked your name. "

I stood awkwardly avoiding Tess's gaze at all costs, " Gustavo isn't it, I think you purposely didn't tell me your name. " I replied with a smirk.

That must have triggered Tess in some way because of how she grabbed Curly's hand and wore a stoic look.

" Babe! " Tess pulled Curly as she became frantic all of a sudden, " What the hell is she doing with the birthday bracelet I gave you? "