CHAPTER NINE
1268 Words
I went to school very early, so early I couldn't wait for the school bus. I couldn't sleep well the previous night or eat well in the morning, all I could think of was Jaden. Jaden arrived twenty-five minutes after I did.
“Good morning Daisy.” He lifted me up from my seat and gave me a tight hug.
“How're you doing?” I asked.
“I'm better now. How're you?”
“I'm good.”
“Why did you come so early?” He asked, as he descended on the chair beside me.
“You. I couldn't sleep at all, you know. I just had to be here.”
“Wow. I wasn't expecting that response, thank you.”
“For what?”
“For worrying about me. I told Thadius about it and he didn't show any iota of concern or care. He just said, “That's not chill bro. Okay, take care.” that's all he said to me.”
I wasn't surprised, I mean wasn't he the one who made Jaden place a bet on me? A true friend wouldn't do that.
“Will you tell him how you feel?”
“I don't think it's worth it.”
“I never liked him, but I think it's best you tell him how he made you feel. That way you'd know what he's thinking and how he feels about you.”
“You're right, Daisy.”
Miriam arrived later and joined us.
“How're you doing today Jaden?” she asked.
“Very well, thank you. How're you?”
“I'm good.”
“That's nice.”
Monday always had this “not so cool” vibe attached to it. The classes were boring regardless of who was teaching or the subject being taught, classes lasted longer than usual (that's how majority of the students felt), and the food in the canteen didn't taste nice. I was glad when the day came to an end. I told Jaden that I would love to know where he lives and he agreed to take me to his house. I called my mum to inform her about the new development and she asked to speak with Jaden.
“Stay safe Tura,” she said when my phone was handed over to me, “and come home on time.”
“Yes mum.”
“You aren't taking the bus?” Miriam asked when she joined us on the bench
“Nope. I'm going with Jaden, I want to know where he lives.”
“That's a good one. I have to go now, take care.” To Jaden she said, “Bye bighead.”
“Why is she like this? She hates me right?”
I giggled, “No she doesn't, she likes you but she doesn't show it. Trust me, Mimi is a blunt person and if she hates you, she'll make sure that you are aware of it.”
“If you say so, she's your friend so you know her better than I do.”
“Yeah.”
“He's here, let's go.”
“How do you know that? Did he text you?”
“No, I can see the car parked outside.”
“Good afternoon Madame. The name is Mr Francis, but you can call me Francis.”
“Good afternoon sir,” I replied, “my name is Ketura.”
“Nice to meet you. In you go lad.” he said as he opened the car door for me.
“Why is he so respectful?” I asked Jaden, “He's older than me, I should be the one greeting him.”
“He's just doing his job Daisy. You'll get used to it.”
Mr Francis entered the car and drove us with great care to the Peters’ residence. Jaden's house was a breathtaking mansion. There was a fountain in the middle, flowerbeds and huge trees. Even the air felt different.
“I'll give you a tour when we finish eating lunch.”
“That would be lovely. You have a beautiful house Jaden.”
“Thank you.” He said, smiling
When we were done eating, Jaden gave me a tour just as he promised. He showed me the huge pool at the back of the house, the jacuzzi on the roof, the beautiful paintings and sculptures in the living room, the orange, mango and guava trees and his father's horses. Lastly, he took me to the library.
“I saved the best for last. I know how much you love books.”
My head spun in excitement, I was so happy that tears fell from my eyes. It was a big and breathtaking library.
“This is the happiest day of my life!”
“Really?”
“Yes!”
“I'm really glad that I could make you so happy.”
“Can I take a book home?”
“You know what? Select any book you want.”
“Thank you. I'll return it when I'm done reading.”
“No, Daisy. Keep it.”
I jumped on him.
“Thank you!”
I was really excited. I picked The Girl With the Pearl Earring and we left the library.
“I should go home now, it's almost five o'clock.”
“Okay Daisy. Are you happy?”
“Yes I am. What about you?”
“I am really happy.”
“Good. Will you visit your dad at the hospital today?”
“Yes I will. Once I drop you off at your house, I'll drive to the hospital.”
“Okay. Please say hello to your dad for me.”
“I will Daisy. Get in.”
I wasn't surprised when Jaden stopped at the bakery to get something. I knew it was for me.
“Here you go,” he said, when he got into the car, “I got cookies and strawberry juice. Something to snack on before you go to bed.”
“Thank you Jaden.”
“Do you want anything else?”
“No, this is fine.”
A lot of laughter and giggles later, we arrived at my house.
“You don't need to come inside Jaden.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes Jaden. You need to be with your dad. Thank you for the book and the snacks.”
“You're welcome. Bye Daisy, take care.”
“Bye.”
My mum was in the kitchen drinking tea and chatting with uncle Ezekiel.
“Good evening mum, good evening Uncle.”
“Good evening, love.” they chorused
“Why didn't he come in?”
“I told him not to worry about coming in, he needs to visit his dad in the hospital.”
“You care about him.”
“I do, Uncle.”
“I hope you can see that the young man is interested in you.”
“Uncle I know. He hasn't said anything yet but if he does I know what to tell him.”
“What could that be?”
“That we are too young and naive to be in a relationship.”
“Good. Friendship or nothing.”
A bitter taste filled my mouth. I had lied to them. I knew that I would not say no to Jaden if he asked me to be his girlfriend. I freshened up and ate my snacks whilst reading the novel that Jaden gifted me. I read for hours until sleep came to claim me. I protested and fought it but eventually, I surrendered.
- Writer
