FACADE

Chapter Twenty

Laila POV

The interschool competition went just fine. It was fun and exciting than I ever expected. Even the invitees from the other schools could not deny the fact that the event is interesting and memorable. The senior debating team that i am in took first position,the junior team took second. Our school took first also in the mathematics competition,the junior team took first in quiz while the senior team took third. Our singing group took second and dancing team took third.

It was really fun and it was an opportunity to meet other students and make new friends. Now I know why the students are so eager for the event. I really wish my aunt was here. I wish she had come and witness one of the most exciting time of my life in school because today I felt a little special from the attention I got after the debate.

After the programme had end, students were leaving little by little with their school buses. I was talking with a girl that we both competite during the debate. She seem impressed with my performance and she was telling how great I was when I notice a guy bump into Jason as he walk past him. He is not a student of our school and he doesn't look remorseful at what he did.

Jason stopped and scowl at the guy. He said something quietly to him but the boy just laugh so were the three girls and two boys with him. He said something to Jason and smirk. His friends laugh and one of them push Jason on the chest gently with a smirk on his face.

"Please excuse me. I'll be back." I said to the girl talking to me. I approach Jason and the group that didn't know what they are into. There is no teacher around. Students had begin to gather and I could see the invitees student with their phones about to video what is going to happen which is not good at all. Not to the school image and Jason.

By the time I get to where the scene was going on, I saw Christian in the middle of them. Jason friends Favour, Saheed ,George and Obinna were already at Jason back ready to fight for him. They look at the small group in front of them like they are some piece of trash. 

I know those five could the worst without thinking of the consequences.

But I don't think that is a good idea. We can't ruin the school image and reputation and theirs. We just finish having a wonderful and peaceful event and they can't ruin it.

Those boys should better keep quiet. I can see some of our school students shaking their head at the fools opening their big mouths to insult Jason.

I look at Jason. His face has a look that could kill.

Yes, he look like he could kill someone.

Christian is trying to stop the first guy from talking.

Then I saw Jason move and I quickly get in between them. His friends look at me. They gave me the 'what the hell are you doing here? Don't meddle in this' look. But I look away from them.

"Jason please don't mind them." I whispered to him. He was not looking at me because He was still glaring at the boys. But I know he heard me.

Christian look at me and I could see relief on his face that someone could help him in this. I can see he is afraid of what his best friend can do. 

"What are you looking at? Come at me." The guy said smirking.

I saw Jason fist his hand and he open his mouth to say something when I hold his hand. I saw that he flinch and he look down at me.....since he is much taller than me. 

I saw his face soften a little. Then the big mouth opened his mouth again and I turn around and push Christian out of the way. I didn't know what i did next because I heard 'woah' around me. And the boy who had been bluffing was holding his cheeks.

Then I realize I just slap the boy and he stood speechless. Even his friends look at me perplexed. I guess they didn't expect I will be the one to react.

Even I didn't believe I will react that way. But these guys are annoying and they need to be taught a lesson. They should be grateful that I only slap him. It would have been worst if Jason and his friends decide to do what they have in mind. 

And it will definitely not be good.

Not for them.

Their parents reputation.

Jason and his friends.

And also the school.

"Wh...wh...what did you just do?" The girl beside him asked angrily at me.

"You better keep your mouth shut unless I won't hesitate to do the same to you. " I threatened and I could see her friend touching her not to keep talking because I can see they are scared. 

I can be intimidating whenever I want to be.

The boy I slap move closer to me and was about to say something when I felt someone by my side.

"Don't you dare." The familiar voice snarled behind me. 

And the guy suddenly stop.

They shiver with fear and they begin to move back. The smirk had disappeared from their faces. I think they know what they were facing now when they heard the stone-cold-threatening voice.

I touch his hand again.

"You better leave now." Christian barked at them. 

They did. They touch each other and they scram away with fear.

When they were gone I realize I was still touching Jason hands so I quickly took it away before he do or realize I was holding his hand.

He look at me and then at his friends. He gesture to his friends and they gave me one last unbelievable look. And they left.

"Thank you Laila. I owe you." Christian said to me sincerely.

"Its nothing. We both know what will happen if we didn't interfere."I said to him.

"You are amazing." He said with a smile. "Bye. See you on Monday." And he quickly ran to follow Jason.

I saw Mathias and Isabella staring at me. They have this unbelievable look on their faces just like the one on Jason friends faces. I smile at them.

They walk up to me. 

"You were brave Laila." Isabella said with admiration. " You just save our school." 

I shrug like it was nothing.

"I'm tired. I will see you on Monday." She said with a smile. She embrace me and I embrace her back. She walk away with a man that was standing a distance from us.

Mathias was just grinning at me. I roll my eyes at him.

"What's funny Mr man?" I asked him.

"Why did you do that?" He asked me.

"I know you already knows the answer to that."

"You should have seen the look on everyone's faces when you slap the i***t. His face exceptionally is priceless." He laugh. 

"So you are not angry that I tried to help Jason." I asked kind of surprise.

"I would have been if he hadn't reduce his bullying act in the past few weeks and I was sure that the guy could beat his a*s up. But he can't." He replied and I laugh. "It would have been hell of a mess if Jason had done something which won't turn out to be good for anyone. His look alone could kill." I nodded in agreement.

"Here take your bag. My shoulder hurt." He said giving me my bag and I laugh when he playfully rub his shoulder.

"Thanks lazy boy." I tease and he grimace. And I laugh.

"Laila." He called as we walk to the school gate. He said his car is parked outside the school gate. So we are heading there.

"Yes." I answered.

"Do you perhaps have any thing with Jason?" He asked.

"What do you mean?" I asked pretending not to know what he mean. Because I actually do. Mathias might not be good in most subjects but he is very wise. He notice things faster than anyone else.

"I saw you hold his hand and the expression on his face when you do. I notice he wasn't going to hold it anymore if that guy had open his mouth to talk to you." He said.

I don't know what to say to him. He notices this and there is no denying it because I also saw the look on Jason face when I touch his hand.

Mathias had become the closest friend I have after Florence. And I can swear I had more bond with him than Florence. He practically tell me everything that is happening in his life. Even His personal problem with his father. He respect me and also admire me.

"We don't have any kind of relationship." I answer him honestly. Although sometimes it felt like it but it isn't. We've only talk a few times and it is nothing too personal.

The guy barely even talks.

"We've talk a few time since he decides to stop bullying me but nothing too personal." I replied.

I'm not ready to tell him what I am feeling around Jason. Not until when I am sure of what I am feeling. I also don't want him to think I am insane falling for the..... king bully,...the loner.

"Okay." He look relieved that I told him the truth.

"Nevertheless,you were amazing." He wink at me. "Make sure you fight for me when I am in trouble."

"Yes my lord." I said and we both laugh." I won't hesitate to fight for you anytime." I said sincerely smiling at me.

He gave me that his ever cute smile. "I know Laila. I trust you." He pull me closer with his hand around my shoulder and I smile as we walk out of the school.

Today had been a long day.