PRICELESS EXCHANGE

THE MAGIC TOUCH

You're starting what?!!! Tonia exclaimed as she looked at me from the mirror. I just broke the news to her that morning about my plans to start a revolution.

I want to organize a protest, I want our voices to be heard around the school, I want justice for all the students like me who have been bullied by those rich brats.. I said and she smiled

stop dreaming baby, you don't even have what it takes to start a Revolution, plus your voice would still go unheard, and no one would even wanna participate in this so called thing, they're scared Sophie, we're all scared! she said in a rather high tone

She's right Sophie, Andrew said walking into our room. He was dressed for school already

so you guys are saying we should just keep shut and die in silence? I asked angrily

no, but there are other ways our voices could be heard not a protest, Andrew said looking at me

yeah.. what about if we let our voices heard through music? Tonia asked walking towards me with a smile on her face

music? I asked abstrusely

yeah.. like the competition tomorrow, let's get prepared for Molly and her friends, we'll use that as an opportunity to make name for ourselves and get a lots of fans too, Tonia suggested

that's a nice one Tonia I said excitedly. Now you've finally agreed to this competition right? I asked

yes of course, I'm not scared anymore Tonia replied

so you guys are competing with Molly? Andrew asked

yeah.. tomorrow after music class Tonia replied

hey would you be there? I asked looking at Andrew

wait! Tonia exclaimed. Andrew can actually give us good beats for our music, she said

really? I asked and turned my attention to him

don't even think about it I'm not in for this, he said trying to walk away while Tonia held him back

what happened to your face? I'm just noticing it now, she said touching his face

nothing .. I fell.. its nothing.. he said and looked at me. I smirked

Andrew hope you're gonna give us some beats tomorrow, I said smiling and he shook his head. I frowned and walked closer to him while Tonia shifted back to her position.

I'll tell her the truth if you don't agree to help me out, I whispered to his ears and he flinched

hmm... he sighed

what? Tonia asked looking at us

Andrew has agreed to give us the beats tomorrow, I giggled

really?she asked and he nodded before walking away. yes!!! Tonia and I exclaimed with a high five

so he's a disc jokey or what? I asked while picking my schoolbag from the bed

no, but he's good at it.. Tonia replied

meaning he loves music, I said and she kept silent and walked away.

Tonia and I walked to our classroom after departing with Andrew. we're doing imaginary art this morning, Tonia whispered as we walked into class. oh.. I forgot my pallets at my locker.. I whispered back.

As we walked into class, Mrs Rory the art teacher looked at us and frowned

you're late.. she uttered and we nodded.

well maybe she was having a hard time trying to fit into Tonia's Jean.. Molly remarked and everyone laughed. I actually wore Tonia's Jean to school that morning but how did she f*****g know, I asked myself.

to your seats now, Mrs Rory ordered and Tonia went to her seat while I did same. I was halfway past Molly and her friends when Cassy placed her legs in front of me and I stumbled on her legs and lost my composure, I staggered and struggled to maintain balance but it was too late, I stumbled and fell on a desk with my face on the pallets on top the desk.

my pallets!!! Jesse screamed and everyone laughed. My face was stuck in the pallets and I couldn't bring my face out to look at everyone. My face was messed up with the pallets and I heard other students laugh and make mockery of me

Cassy that was wrong, I heard Mrs Rory say

it was a mistake, Cassy answered innocently

I dragged my messy self from the floor and turned to look at Cassy and her friends who were laughing and jeering at me. Everyone laughed again as they saw my face

why don't you taste this! I screamed and threw the pallets at her, she ducked and it hit Lucy's face

what!!! Lucy yelled. She threw her own pallets at me and I ducked too and it hit a boy behind me with the pallets splashing all over his shirt

what! he yelled and threw the pallet over to Lucy but she ducked and it hit another student. A palette duel began and everyone began splashing palettes at each other.

Enough of...Mrs Rory was still trying to speak when a palette landed on her face

oh damn! she yelled. I'll make you all pay for this!! she threatened before walking out.

Wow, seems like a crazy week to me, Tonia grinned as we walked out of class to the canteen after morning session

you're right, I guess I'm the cause.. I said smiling

Hey, We heard someone say behind us. We turned and saw Tony standing behind us looking so pale and dejected. Tonia signed and continued walking but he stopped her with his body in front of her.

we need to talk, he said

there is nothing to talk about, she fumed

I miss you Tonny I really do, he said trying to hold her hands but she shoved him away

Sophie.. let's get outer here, she motioned to me and I nodded. We both walked away while he stood transfixed watching us.

You should give him a chance, I said

you don't know the pains he's caused me so let's not talk about it, she said angrily

I can see he's sorry, I said

hey, have you ever fallen in love before? have you been in a relationship before? have you been hurt all your life by someone you've sacrificed your heart for? she asked and I stopped in my tracks. I shook my head. She was right, I've never had such experiences all my life

so Sophie just don't blame me unless you're here in my shoes she said and walked away.

*****

Music classes will be starting by 4pm today Mrs Gina announced before walking out of the class.

wow!!! everyone giggled excitedly and rushed out of the classroom one after the other.

Seems like everyone likes it when music lessons are taught in the evening I said to Tonia as we walked out of the classroom

yeah.. that's the time they all get to be with their lovers peacefully without Interruptions from school authorities she replied and I smiled

wow, hope somebody's getting prepared to get their asses blown tomorrow, Molly giggled as she strolled past us with her friends. Tonia motioned at me to keep silent and I did

After the competition tomorrow, we'll know who's the best here and I guess you'll learn to keep your stinky mouth shut! Tonia yelled

I didn't steal your boyfriend did I? molly remarked and they all laughed.

you're only good at stealing cause you don't even know how to keep your own, wait.. you don't even have a own to keep.. jeez.. I said sarcastically and they all frowned

come on Tonia, let's go I motioned to her and she smiled with satisfaction before we walked away.

I feel like strangling those girls to death argggh!!! Tonia exclaimed as we got home

hey.. is it molly again? Andrew asked walking out to meet us

you left us again.. I frowned at Andrew

I left early to prepare lunch come on, I prepared spaghetti and some meat balls he said excitedly

o my gosh! I exclaimed excitedly rushing into the kitchen

hey don't even go there!! Tonia exclaimed rushing after me

After lunch, we both dressed up to attend music classes. I wore a red gown that was given to me by Tonia. She was the best, she gives me partially everything I wear to school. As we walked out of the room, we met Andrew at the dinning looking so engaged with his laptop

hey Andrew we're going out, Tonia said to him

oh OK take care of yourselves, he said smiling

hey.. you don't like attending music classes with us why? I asked

I'm busy.. plus I'm not interested too, he replied

OK I want you to walk us down to school you ain't gonna be doing anything, just standby and watch what we do please... I cried

don't even go there, he won't consent to that, he hates music classes Tonia said to me

please just a walk down there.. I cried and walked towards him to drag him by the hands

I'm busy now Sophie.. I'm working on a beat for your song tomorrow, he said

hmm.. we could still do that later.. I cried and caressed his arms. Tonia's eyes bulged as she stared at us

woa.. I didn't see that she said

what? I asked in surprise and Andrew blushed

um.. I'll go and get dressed, just wait for me.. he said and hurried out in a flash

that was just the magic touch he needed, Tonia remarked with a laughter

what magic touch? I asked smiling

didn't you see that? you're having a positive influence on my brother.. she said smiling

I didn't see that, I only caressed his arms.. I mused

OK.. time will tell, she grinned

The three of us walked to school together laughing and chatting. guys we are late we need to hurry, Tonia said as we got closer to the classroom where musical classes are held

hey.. I can hear a voice.. I said as I stopped in my tracks listening to the magical voice coming out of the classroom. It was a male's voice.

It's Jeff!! Tonia giggled

what! I exclaimed and walked closer so I could catch a glimpse of his face and listen to his song . I've never heard him sing before, this was my first time and he had succeeded in sweeping me off my feet. He was singing a body and soul music and the way he moves and gesture to the music is a sight to behold. I couldn't stop staring at his face, his dimples, his smile and everything about him. The whole class no doubt were held in awe as they silently watched him sing

If there is anyone I'll wanna chose in my next life

it'll still be you......

He ended his song with those words and everyone clapped. I looked at Tonia and Andrew who were beside me. Tonia was giggling excitedly while Andrew wore a long face

He's so good, I remarked excitedly

He's the best, Tonia added

I want it to be you, that's the name of the song, Andrew chipped in and we both looked at him

how did you know? Tonia asked

Um..you guys have a nice day here I'll be waiting at the field, and remember not to fight.. he added before walking away

he acts like a weirdo sometimes, Tonia said and I chuckled before we both walked into the classroom

you're late! Mrs Gina fumed as we walked in

sorry ma'am, we were hooked up.. Tonia replied

to your seats.. she ordered and we walked to our seats immediately

So guys, we'll be pairing in two's today. Everyone with his partner will work on a song together and perform together too on stage, it'll be like a competition. We'll select up to three groups as the winners. These will be recommended to work with the princess when she returns. They won't have to go into any competition to be chosen by her for they have already been picked for the competition, so guys get yourselves ready and listen carefully as your names are being called.. Mrs Gina announced

yeeeeeeeee!!!! everyone screamed excitedly

I wanna partner with Jeff.. I heard some girls say

and I turned to look at Tonia who smiled.

Miss Gina called out the names of everyone present but I didn't hear my name and Tonia. And I didn't even hear Jeff too...I said to myself.

Sophie.. you'll partner with Jeff....

what!!! some of the students exclaimed even before Mrs Gina could complete her sentence.

Molly turned towards me with a die hard look and I smirked. I couldn't even believe my ears. I'll be partnering with Jeff? I asked my self again. Words couldn't describe how I felt right now. I turned to look at Jeff and I saw him getting up from his seat

um.. ma'am there is something I wanna say, he said and everyone turned their attentions to him while some of the girls sneered at me

I'm already working on something with Zoe, she's my partner and we've been practicing together for sometime now, he said

Everyone began to murmur. I felt a sharp pain in my heart at once. Zoe was the girl he walked past me to meet the other time, could it be that they had something going already? I asked myself.

Zoe already have a partner you'll have to stick to Sophie Miss Gina said

I can't do music with Sophie, I don't think she can fit in the kind of song I'm working on, he remarked and everyone laughed. I bowed my head in shame as everyone jeered at me. Those were the meanest words I've ever heard. Tonia placed her palm on mine and gave me a warm smile.

you can work with Zoe, Sophie you can partner with...

she can partner with me! Tonia voiced and Miss Gina nodded. Molly smirked and snapped her fingers at me. As soon as miss Gina walked out, Molly rushed towards Zoe and Jeff who were sitting together on a desk laughing

what was the meaning of that? she snapped

of what precisely? Jeff asked

you're partnering with me and not her.. Molly said looking at Zoe in disgust

hey.. what's your problem uh? Zoe asked as she stood up from her seat. She was an epitome of beauty. She's slim, tall and blonde with a long face and small pink lips.

I can't let you steal my man! Molly snapped

your man? Zoe asked as she chuckled

hey Zoe let's get outer here.. Jeff said taking her by the arms

you belong to me and me alone!!! Molly fumed blocking his path

don't make me lose it, he said angrily and pushed her aside before walking out with Zoe. Everyone laughed as she screamed like a maniac. She rushed towards me with her hair scattered all over her face

and you.. you thought you could have him Uh? I guess you know where you belong now, don't you ever dream of getting close to him! she snapped

oh.. I couldn't have him and you couldn't have him too how about that? I smirked

argghh!!! she fumed and walked out angrily

she was smart enough not to have started a fight, Tonia muttered and I laughed

who's Zoe? I asked as Tonia and I walked out

She's a billionaire's daughter. Her father is amongst the richest men in town, Tonia replied

really? wow. I guess those are the kind of girls he likes.. I said sadly

yeah.. his father is a billionaire too, Tonia added

wow.. now I know, I said smiling

don't worry, you still fit in here, you fit in with Andrew and I, we have a small world where we don't have a lot but we have each other, Tonia said smiling. She was right I reasoned, and they've been the only positive thing that have happened to me ever since I came here

thanks Tonia, I said looking at her and she smiled

hurry up guys we have a lot to work on tonight, Andrew motioned at us from the field where he was standing

oh I thought you'll be gone by now I said rushing towards him to give him a hug. I felt the vibrations from his body as soon as I hugged him. Why does he always vibrates anytime I touch him? I asked myself. He let go of me and smiled sheepishly before turning away

the magic touch again..I heard Tonia muttered inaudibly.

Guys listen to this.. Andrew said excitedly as we walked out to the field after dinner that night. He wore a black pyjama and a white shirt while Tonia and I wore black pants and black crop tops

We stood in front of Andrew listening to the beats coming out from his MP3. It was a hip hop beat and we love it

I really don't do hip hop music, but this beat is so good and I can make do with it, I said

come on we gonna tweak tweak tweak tomorrow!! Tonia exclaimed excitedly tweaking her ass in front of me. I giggled while Andrew laughed

don't think of dancing dirty tomorrow cause I won't take that, Andrew said to her

come on, I hate it when you're being overly protective.. she feigned anger

come on guys.. let's work on the song, I've already written the lyrics in a script though Tonia and I haven't had a lot of time to practice lately.. I said picking a script from the grass

you gotta love the lyrics bro, Tonia said to Andrew

let's hear it.. he motioned and I sang out the words from the script while Andrew made a few adjustments on the beats

it's so lovely!!!! Tonia exclaimed after a lot of time preparing. The trio of us laid on the grass staring at the moon with Andrew lying in the middle between Tonia and I

I can't wait to show them what I've got tomorrow, I said

yeah.. you'll make Jeff pay for it.. Tonia added

what? he hurt you? Andrew asked turning to look at me

not really, he said he can't do music with me.. I muttered

and you felt bad? he asked

yeah... I replied

because she likes him too.. but he doesn't seem to notice her.. Tonia chipped in

oh... Andrew said coldly

I'm not sad, I've got you guys so what else I'm l looking for? come on guys let's go to bed,I said

And get ready for a show down tomorrow!!!! Tonia exclaimed

what if I lose? I asked at once and she kept silent

if you lose we lose too.. we are together in this.. Andrew said confidently

but there are no rooms for losers here!! it's either we win or we win!! Tonia exclaimed

yeah!!!! Andrew and I giggled