FACADE

Chapter Nineteen

Laila POV

As I walk into the school which is already crowded with cars, parents,teachers and students from invited schools, I saw Mary and a woman that look like an older version of her. The woman is well dress in a fitted pant trouser and blouse.

Mary saw me from far and she said loudly to me." Hi Laila."

I have no choice than to go to her and say hi. It is even the right time to tell her about what she requested of me.

"Hi." I said when I get to them with one of my brightest smile. "Good morning ma."I greeted the older version of Mary.

"Good morning dear." She replied quiet pleased. Her English was fluent and I look at her in admiration.

"Mom this is Laila my classmate. And Laila this is my mom." She introduce us to each other. I notice the pride in her voice when she introduce her mother.

I nod slowly at the woman. I don't know what to say to her. I don't need to let her know about my strata from my speech. It is something I always feared since I got to this school.

"I will leave you two." She said to the both of us and then she turn to her daughter."I'm going to meet your dad in the hall." Mary nodded with a smile. "See you around Laila." She said to me and walk away confidently like she knows the school so well.

"Are you prepare for today event?"

"More than you ever know." I replied her. I'm still surprise that she is talking to me like we've been friends forever. 

"Me too. I'm so excited."She beamed."My dad agreed to make time to come this year. I am overjoy."

I smile at her. I am happy that her parents are here for her despite their busy schedule. I am relieved that she didn't ask about my parents. I don't know if they all knew I am an orphan. Jason posted some weird stuff last term so I don't know how much they know about me. The students seems to know everything about one another.

"About what you ask me..."

"Yes. I'm sorry,I totally forget."

"Hope I'm not too late. I've been busy with the school activities."

"No, you are not. His birthday is still some time this month." She replied honestly.

"I'm thinking of an album. I don't know if you will like it but this is what I think. You should make a photo album of all the memories you have with your dad. You can add those with his school years,his marriage photos, his anniversary and those memories you have with him. You can do some editing and writing on it. Its not too expensive and it can be kept forever as a reminder. You can also customize a mug that he can use anywhere with one of his favourite picture." I told her. I don't know if she will like it but it is something I had always wanted to do for my aunt but we don't have a lot of picture together.

"Its wonderful Laila. I mean it. I love the idea so much. I'm really gonna do this." She said so fast giving me a hug. 

To say I was shock was an understatement but I'm happy that she love it.

I saw Ivy from afar. I saw the jealousy in her eyes. I don't want her to think I'm gonna steal away her friend.

"You two should hurry up and go to the hall. The program will be starting soon." I heard Mr Falade shouted at us from afar. Mary grin at me and pull me to walk in the direction of the hall. Alot of people were already going in the direction of the school biggest hall. 

*****

Jason POV

I pick my bag and walk out of my room to meet Christian at his apartment but he was already waiting for me in the sitting room. I greeted him with an handshake. We didn't say much and we walk out of the sitting room after I pressed the intercom to tell our youngest house help Tomi that I am leaving. My Nanny had went to her daughter house last night so she won't be late for her granddaughter event.

The driver was already waiting for us. I notice Christian mother Lexus is no longer in the park. And I'm sure she left with his siblings before us. They know I love to be alone. And I respect that from the woman. She doesn't force things like almost everyone does.

My phone begin to ring as the driver begin to drive out of the compound. I ignore the call because I already knows who it was. Its my mother.

She had been calling ever since I woke up but I don't want to talk to her. And that she didn't understand. If she can't make it, I am not forcing her. It isn't the first time she will be missing such event so she should stop disturbing me. I know if I'm to answer the call,I will say hateful words and it will only make me angry.

I don't need to get angry this morning and I hope someone else doesn't try to do so too.

Christian was making phone calls with his grand parents then his girlfriend almost through the ride to school. When we finally get to the school gate. He end his call and said to me.

"Why didn't you answer your phone?" 

"I don't want to." I huff.

His phone begin to ring. He look at the phone and then at me.

"It's your mom. So she had been the one calling you which you ignore." He said knowing it all before I even tell him." You need to answer the phone."

"I don't want to. "I said and then turn to the driver."Stop I want to come down." He hasn't find a place to park the car. The school is so filled up with cars and students. I'm sure it will be one hell of an headache today.

I came out of the car and I heard Christian following after me.

"You need to answer your call. She want to speak to you. You can't keep ignoring her." Christian said angrily.

"Who said I was ignoring her?" I asked him angrily turning to face him. He was angry too. 

Why is he angry? I thought. Its not like I am ignoring his own call.

"I don't want to speak to her. Don't you get that?" 

"You have to. You need to stop all this attitude that you are giving your mother." He said

I don't need any f*****g advice. Why can't them just let me be?

I went to meet him where he is standing and take the phone from him. I slide the phone screen to answer the call. I can see that Christian is anxious to hear what I have to say.

"Thank God!" I heard my mother breathed out in relieved. "How are you darling? I..."

I quickly cut her short. I don't need those sweet talk of hers.

"Don't you get I don't want to speak with you? You should let me be. Go back to your work." I huff and I end the call and threw the phone away.

"Jesus!" Christian exclaimed. I don't need to see his face to know that he is confuse and also angry. I begin to walk away. I'm not in the mood to explain myself. My mother had finally succeeded in ruining my mood. 

When I was a good distance away,I stop and said loud enough for Christian at my back to hear me. " I warn you already. ..........if there is any damage, I will get you a new one." And I walk away.