FACADE

Chapter Seventeen

Laila POV 

I told my aunt about the interschool we will be having in school next month and she promise to pay the fee. She don't want the Anthony's to pay for that too but she hope the day doesn't happen to be the same day as the day she will be going for seminar in Port Harcourt. I wish the same. I really want her to come.

The whole school is excited about the competition. Even Mathias is looking forward to it. He admit it is one of the time in the year that he feel special and wanted in the school because no one is a match to him when it comes to computer most especially mathematics.

I want to compete in the debate. So is Isabella and we decide to work together. There are a lot of breaks for student to prepare for the competition. The school decorating team had begin to plan for the decorations. Even the teachers are eager. They want the school to come out in first position in almost all the competition.

I was called upon by the second P.H.E teacher,so I went to the gym room where she usual sit. I met Jason sitting on the floor in the yoga room with his drawing book and a pencil. I don't know what he is drawing and most of all what he is doing in the yoga room. He doesn't do yoga. But I guess he is here because it is quiet. He hate noise that I had realize.

"Hey." I said. I don't know what make me said that. I need to learn to keep my mouth to myself when it come to Jason. He doesn't even see me so I could just walk out without him noticing but I open my mouth to say hey.

I just hope he doesn't snub me. It will really hurt my feeling.

He look up slowly from what he is doing. I could see the scowl on his face as he look at me. I swear I could see surprise on his face. But it quickly disappear and his face soften a bit but the scowl is still there.

He raise his brow at me without saying a word.

" Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt what you are doing." I said. I don't even know what to say anymore. I pray my mouth doesn't put me into trouble.

"Are you joining any of the competitions?" I asked. Curiosity is getting the best of me. He doesn't seem to care about the things going on in the school. Well he never cares about anything.

Nothing I know of.

Sometimes,I think he is just existing but not living. If he wasn't the king bully I'm sure no one will know him in the school. 

"No." He answered.

"Why? Everyone are doing one thing or the other. I'm sure there is something you could do great in. Its fun." I said not able to stop myself. Someone need to tell this guy that he need to live a little. He does nothing than sleep,listen to music on his headphone and make life hard for students although that had reduce drastically in the last few weeks. I even notice people talking about it. Like they misses the act. Some people think I'm the reason but I don't think so. 

"Who will love to work with me?" He asked surprising me that he will answer.....honestly and calmly. "And it's not like there is someone i will want to impress that day."

I look at him confuse. I don't want to probe further. He had been extra nice to me by not getting angry for disturbing him and answering my question politely. There is no point for me to continue talking about it. 

Then I said what I have been meaning to tell him.

"You should try to live a little. You can't continue keeping to yourself."

His mouth tug up to a small smile. 

"Remember, I'm a sadist Sofela." He said.

I look at him like he is insane. Yes,I heard it from people even I said it a few times but hearing it from him now make me believe otherwise. I think this .......is just a facade. And there is something behind it. 

"I don't think that is true."

He smirk. "Why?" He asked looking at me in the eyes. "Why do you think so Sofela? You know it is true. You don't have to say nice things to me." He look back at his drawing book. 

"I'm not saying nice things. I'm saying what I'm feeling. My instinct don't lie to me."

"Not this time I think." He said already sketching something on the book.

I shrugged. And then walk away.

*****

Jason POV

I watch as Laila walk out of the room. I guess she is already tired of my annoying reply. It is not the first time I am hearing the things she just say to me. Christian had said the same thing long ago and I guess he stop telling me because he realize it won't change anything. I won't listen to him.

But now, I think I am beginning to have a second thought.

Why does what ever she says affect me so much?

I'm becoming crazy.

I need to stop thinking about what she said. I need to stop staring at her in class when no one is looking. I need to stop imagining if we meet on a different circumstances. It need to stop.

But how?

It's so frustrating. Its annoying to have a feeling you can't control. Honestly,I think I'm beginning to get afraid of this stupid feeling.

What had Laila done to me? She is no different than other girls in the class and those that I had met.

I close my eyes. Something I do whenever I am trying to control my anger or when I'm trying to be calm.