PRICELESS EXCHANGE

THE GIFT

So sorry guys for the slow update, there was a long period of power outrage in my community and I couldn't update for such amount of time please bear with me.

I woke up feeling dizzy as my eyes dazzled across the room trying to figure out where I was. I heard faint voices in the room as I opened my eyes. Someone's palm was on mine and it was so soft and warm. I wished it could be Jeff, I thought about the party last night and I thought maybe we had passed the night together, with me on his bed. But then a voice jolted me out of fantasy

hey Sophie.. you're awake... the voice said softly. I opened my eyes clearly and saw Andrew staring at me

An....drew... I stammered and felt a pain in my head. ouch!!! I screamed and he rushed towards me

hey... you have to relax... don't stress it.. he said gently while holding my arms.

I was confused at the moment. what I'm I doing in a room with Andrew, what is this pain in my head? I asked as I looked around and noticed a drip hanging on the bed. I flinched upon realizing I was in the hospital and then I flashed back to the fight I had with Molly at the party last night and how Cassy had smashed a bottle on my head

Andrew... I called at once trying to seat up. He held me gently and assisted me up.

You should be resting.. he said

no... how did I get here, did I get so badly injured? I asked anxiously

um...it's just a slight wound but it requires a stitch which had been done already, he replied

I sighed and placed a palm on my forehead. I noticed a bandage on my head and I felt like going after Cassy at once

hey... are you alright? he asked staring at my face. I nodded slowly

who brought me here, Tonia? I asked

yeah.. she brought you here with Tony last night, she went home to get a few things she'll be back.. he said

what about Jeff? I asked curiously

um..I don't know.. he replied with a moody face. Just then, Tonia walked in with Tony.

hey girl.... she said excitedly as she walked towards me on the bed. I smiled as she hugged me and pecked me all over

I miss you... she cried and I couldn't help but laugh

jeez I thought you were dead when she smashed that bottle on your head! Tonia exclaimed

and where is she now? has she been disciplined? I asked

um no.. cause the school authorities haven't heard about the incident.. Tony replied

but why? they should know about it...I want justice! I said in a rather high tone

yeah but night parties has been banned in the school whether at home or at school, no student should host a night party for other students and so Jeff's party was illegal... he said

I paused and looked at him. meaning if the authorities gets to know we'll all be in trouble.. Tonia added

yeah... Tony said nodding his head

hey we don't need justice, all we need is for you to be fine.. Andrew chipped in and I smiled

um guys...I'll be on my way now, I will catch up later ok? Tony said

um me too,.I have a few work to do plus I need to clean up.. Andrew added

yeah Andrew needs to clean up he's been here since last night without bathing nor eating... Tonia remarked

really? I giggled and they all laughed. Andrew left with Tony while Tonia stayed behind. A few students dropped by to pay me a visit and I was really happy that I'm getting popular.

I haven't seen Jeff .. I said to Tonia while we were alone

well, he never seems to care about you being hospitalized, Tonia said while applying jam on her bread

I felt bad at once. I recalled everything that happened last night, how he kept me waiting and went out to kiss Zoe, how I almost lost my life because of him and he didn't show up!. I thought

seems like he doesn't care about me... why then did he invite me to the party last night... I cried

well, that's their attitude, they'll roll with you once you are popular for just a day, she said

meaning... he asked me out because I was popular at school for just that day? I asked

yeah.. he used you for just yesterday and he's done.. I think he's dating Zoe, Tonia said

I saw them kissing after he kept me waiting for like thirty minutes... oh gosh I so much hate him now... I cried

hey it's enough baby..I told you right from the start, well it's past now. The doctor says we could go home today... she said excitedly

I'm tired of this place I really need to go home now, I said and she smiled

That afternoon I was discharged from the hospital and I was so happy to be home again. Andrew bought me a lot of fruits and vegetables. And he cooked a nice meal for me to eat. He made sure I took my medications and have enough rest. I waited to hear from Jeff for a long time but he didn't show up.

I thought about my parents, I promised to send them a mail today but I couldn't because of my condition.

Hey Sophie.. are you alright? Tonia asked as she saw me sitting on the sofa with a moody face

yeah I.. I was thinking of sending my parents a mail today... I miss them so much.. I cried

hey don't worry about that, we can do that tomorrow.. she said

ehem... Andrew said clearing his throat as he walked in.

your mom wants to speak to you.. he said smiling as he handed a phone over to me. I looked at him in bewilderment and laughed

why are you laughing your mom is waiting... he said

you ain't serious you know? cause the last time I checked they don't even have a phone

hey Sophie.... we have a phone now... I heard my mother's voice from the phone. She was speaking so excitedly and I couldn't comprehend all that was happening right now

mom... I called taking the phone from Andrew

yes Sophie how are you darling I miss you!! she cried excitedly

mom is that really you?!!! I asked in bewilderment

yes daughter... an anonymous person delivered the phone to us saying we could use it to reach you... she said

really? I asked looking at Tonia and Andrew but they kept a plain face

yes.. we suspect the Duke, he's not in town though, hey the whole county wants to say hi... she said

wow!!! the whole county? please I need to speak with Dad and granny first... I said curiously

Daughter!! my dad cried excitedly and tears flowed down my cheeks as I heard his voice. We spoke for sometime and I was so excited to hear from him

what about granny? I asked

she's sick... she sends her greetings and also said you shouldn't forget her gift to you.. my dad said. My eyes shone at once, how could I have forgotten to open that box again... I grumbled to myself. oh ok dad, is Barbara over there? I asked

no,she has gone back to school, dad replied. I talked to everyone who were eagerly waiting to talk to me, and gosh it was real fun. This was like the best day of my life... I said as the call ended

happy now? Tonia asked

can't believe I almost slept off.. that call was damn too lengthy... Andrew said and we laughed

thanks guys.. I don't understand, who gave them the phone and how were they able to contact you? I asked looking at Andrew

well, you heard them right, the Duke did and I guess he took my contact from one of the school authorities, he replied

hmm... well I'm grateful to whosoever did it.. I said happily as I handed the phone back to him

well, since your family got a new phone, it's nice you get one too... he said and I looked at Tonia. She smiled and turned away

I don't get it... I said in surprise

well, it's your phone from now on, you can keep it.. Tonia said

jeez... oh my Gosh!!! I exclaimed excitedly as I looked at the phone in my hand again. It looked so fine and new

but this is new, how come I'm getting a new phone same day my parents got theirs... I said looking at them suspiciously

no it ain't new ok? Andrew said at once

hmm.. I smirked and looked at the phone again before jumping into his body

hey... be careful... he said as he wrapped his arms around me. I felt his body vibrate again and I broke the hug

well, I didn't see that.. Tonia said smiling and I went to hug her too.

thanks a lot guys.. I'm grateful.... I said almost in tears and they smiled

That night, I laid peacefully on my bed reminiscing the day's events. I smiled and hugged my pillow tightly. I have a phone now and my parents have one too, I can talk to them whenever I like, I reasoned. My mind flashed to Granny's words " The box", I whispered softly underneath my breath.

By tomorrow I will find out what is in that box, I said to myself before sleep crept me away.