Pieces of us

Chapter Eight

The past week has felt pretty unusual, with Mr Omar checking in on Mom every night before we go to sleep. He barely lets me cook, and one time he even made toasted bread for Mom and me. It's nice and all, but it feels so weird coming from him. He's supposed to be a snub and uncaring. Plus, he's the boss.

The other day, I found Mom in the sitting room watching TV after I returned from school. She said Mr Omar had told her she could watch TV and that it could help her relax when no one was home.

I thought he'd initially said the sitting room was off-limits except when Mom needed to clean.

I shake the thought away and stare at Mr Omar’s car downstairs parked in front of the administrative building. I look up at the first floor where I can see his window. He probably has his head buried in books and files.

Sounds of laughter from my classmates distract me from my thoughts. I turn to see Kevin, Eddie, Nora and Patricia all facing each other, talking and giggling. Eddie's most likely the subject of comedy. All four of them are pretty close. They're like a tightknit squad. I've also noticed how close Nora and Kevin are. I admire how both of them are always looking out for each other. They almost feel like a couple but both vehemently deny it. If asked for my opinion, I'd say both like each other but neither of them wants to admit it. And honestly, realizing that had me feeling kind of weird. I actually felt jealous of Nora for a bit. It makes me feel like a bad person.

The class suddenly goes quite. I quickly assume a teacher is in class but when I turn to the door, a student walks in and everyone's attention is on him.

“He's just returning to school now? We're five weeks into the new session” someone whispers,

“I didn't think he was coming back.” Patricia comments.

The boy looks like he's scanning the class for an empty seat.

“Here.” I call his attention, pointing to the seat behind me.

He walks past me without saying a word and I can feel the movements behind me.

Later in the day, I'd learn his name is Mark. Nicole fills me in on who he is while we walk together along with Yvonne to the hall for the play rehearsals.

“Mark's a snub. He doesn't greet or respond to greetings. Doesn't laugh. Rarely talks. Never pays attention in class. And he gives the teachers a hard time.”

“Some people like to keep to themselves…” Yvonne chips in,

“People like you huh?”

“You know everybody can't be talkative.” Yvonne answers.

“I bet his breath stinks when he does open his mouth…”

“Nicole..” Yvonne and I chuckle,

“I mean, I can only imagine all the germs in his mouth having a party because it's shut tight…”

Yvonne looks at me and laughs.

When we arrive at the hall, a few other students are there. Patricia also arrives almost immediately. She looks at the three of us and rolls her eyes.

“Is she still salty about you taking her role?” Nicole asks Yvonne who only shrugs. Yvonne is playing the lead character. Apparently Patricia was initially cast for the part, but because Yvonne has better vocals she was made to replace Patricia. I can understand why Patricia would be unhappy. But I'm also excited for Yvonne. For someone who sings like an angel, she's always hiding away. Thankfully, the seniors and teachers were able to get her to participate. Patricia got a supporting role instead. And I'm just a story extra.

Yvonne gets called to the stage and keeps rubbing her palms on her skirt. Her voice is a bit shaky and she keeps running out of breath. Nicole and I cheer and clap, trying to encourage her.

“I don't think Yvonne can do this. What if she cries on stage in front of the audience?”

“That's not going to happen. I think you should focus on your own role and leave Yvonne with hers.” Nicole immediately shoots back making me smile. I instantly see Patricia glaring at me.

“Nicole, you're not even supposed to be here. You're not playing any part. Why don't you get out?” She replies, eyeing the both of us. Her angry look has me laughing now.

“Actually, If you're not acting, you shouldn't be here. Nicole, please excuse us.” Senior Zara says. She's the vice president of the drama club

Patricia immediately bursts out laughing. “Bye.”

“Oh shut up.” Nicole answers, standing up to leave. She turns to Yvonne. “Don't let anyone intimidate you. You've got this, okay?”

Yvonne merely smiles in response. After Nicole has left, the rehearsals continue. It all seems kind of peaceful until Patricia and Yvonne act a scene where they're supposed to argue. Patricia suddenly slaps Yvonne. I immediately stand to my feet. “Hey!”

“Patricia, what was that for?” Senior Zara asks.

“I was following the script.” Patricia says with a clear look of satisfaction.

“Absolutely not. There's no point in the scene where you're supposed to slap anyone. And definitely not so hard.”

“Oh… I could have sworn I saw a part where I'm supposed to slap her.” Patricia answers, “Yvonne, sorry.” She simply says.

Yvonne has her hand on her cheek, clearly upset but says nothing.

“You did that on purpose, didn't you?” I can feel my heart racing with anger.

“I didn't. I promise.”

She is saying that with a literal smile plastered on her face. Yvonne still hasn't said anything. I look at Senior Zara, it seems she doesn't know how to address the issue.

“Sorry Yvonne” Patricia says.

You can't be for real.

“It's okay.” Yvonne finally says.

“No, Yvonne. It's not okay.”

“It's fine.” She says again.

“She's said it's fine. Rest.” Patricia smirks at me.

“Senior Zara…” I turn to her to say something.

“it's okay, Dawn, let's move on, please.” Senior Zara answers, she turns to Patricia. “Study your script properly. Or I'll remove you.”

“Yes ma'am,” Patricia replies as she giddily picks up her script from where she had left it on a chair. I glare at her with my fists clenched. If I had been in Yvonne's shoes, somebody would have been dizzy by now.