Under The Stars

Chapter 8

Zia’s POV

Keith opened the passenger door of the grey Porsche and I got in and fastened my seatbelt. He got in and brought the engine to life before looking at me.

“Are you sure you don’t want to tell me what is bothering you?” he asked.

“No am fine, I just need to get to my place.”

How could I explain that I was worried my dad would find out I was at a party. And that the only reason I was there was because I was trying to get my mind off our earlier encounter; which was not even working because now I was seated in his car.

“If you say so” he said and tuned the radio on and drove off.

Classic hip hop played on the radio as we both remained quiet. I couldn’t help but steal glances at Keith. He drummed the steering wheel with his fingers in rhythm as his head moved in motion.

His hair was shaggy and uncombed but looked even more perfect than when I had seen it earlier, combed and styled. My fingers twitched and I wanted to run my hand through it.

I glanced at his lips which were slightly parted. He had a bit of moustache on his upper lip. His lips were small and moist and I imagined how soft they were.

“Stop it Zia” I thought to myself and I saw him turn to look at me.

“Are you talking to yourself?” he asked a surprise look on his face.

I had actually said my thoughts out aloud. I felt embarrassed and shook my head making a mental note not to look at him again.

After about twenty minutes we arrived at school. He parked near the front door of residence hall and walked to my side and opened the door for me. I unfastened my seatbelt and stepped out.

“Thank you so much.” I said.

“No problem.” He said back smiling and I turned around ready to walk in.

“Wait.” He called out. “I just realized that I don’t even know your name.”

“Zia, my name is Zia Brown.” I said smiling at him.

“Nice to meet you Zia. I am Keith Johnson.” He said stretching his hand out.

“I knew that already.” I said shaking his hand and strode off into the building.

I quickly opened the door and called my dad as soon as I was inside my room.

“Hello dad, is everything okay?” I asked worriedly.

“Hi dear. How are you? I just wanted to check on you.”

“Iam fine dad. I was just worried you called so late.”

“I couldn’t sleep and thought I should call you. Did I wake you up dear?”

“No dad. I was awake reading my novel. My phone was on silent mode that is why I didn’t hear it ring.” I lied and immediately felt a surge of guilt.

“Oh okay. Goodnight love.”

“Goodnight dad. I love you.” I said before falling back on my bed, feeling thwarted at myself for lying.

**

I woke up the next morning feeling extremely happy. I couldn’t really tell the reason why. Lisa was not back yet by the time I woke up. I took a shower and got ready for class.

I was finishing up on my breakfast when Lisa walked in her hair looking messier than ever.

“Hi I was really worried about you. Where did you go last night?” she implored sounding sincerely concerned.

“Hi I needed to come back and could find neither you nor Jay.”

“How did you come back then?” she asked.

“A friend of mine drove me.”

“You made a friend at the party already?” She said smiling impishly.

“I need to go to class” I said picking up my bag in a bid to avoid more of her questions.

“No tell me about your friend.” She insisted blocking my way.

“You need to comb your hair.” I said laughing and walked around her and out of the door.

I was the first to get to class and I took my favorite seat at the front. I fetched my book and started reading.

“Look who we have here” I heard someone say before I looked up.

“Liam! Hi I did not know you were coming to school today.” I said as I hugged him excitedly.

“Well I had to. I have only been away for a few days and you are already going to parties on Monday” he said sarcastically.

“How are you feeling right now?” I asked breaking the embrace.

“Iam okay, just a bit of sore throat.” He answered taking his seat.

“I didn’t know you liked going to parties. What happened yesterday?” he continued.

“I will tell you all about it after class and no I don’t like parties.” I said as the lecturer walked in.

Liam and I were seated in the school garden after class munching on apples. I had just narrated to Liam all the events that had happened from bumping into Keith to him helping me out the previous night.

“So you like him.” Liam said after I had told him everything.

“What! No I never said that. Plus I only just saw him yesterday. How can I like him already.” I answered defensively wondering why Liam had said that.

“I saw how your face was flushing when you were saying his name.” he said.

“You are tripping. I think that fever messed up your small brain.” I said playfully hitting his arm.

“Are you sure? I see how you look at that banner of him every time we go to the field.” He said smiling roguishly at me.

“Okay Iam so done with you right now.” I said turning my back at him.

“Well, then guess who is coming this way.” He said and I looked at his direction only to see Keith and his teammates walking in our direction.

I immediately felt my stomach clench. His body looked even more elegant in the jersey he wore. As they approached I felt my cheeks flush.

He smiled when he saw me and walked towards where Liam and I were seated.

“Hi Zia.” He greeted. My heart skipped a beat when I heard him say my name out loud.

“Hi Keith.” I answered my voice shaking.

Before he could say anything else, a blonde pretty girl came running towards him and he lifted her up in a hug.

“I missed you baby. Let’s go” She said pulling his hand.

I looked at them walk away not really sure of what had just happened.

“Should we go?” Liam asked standing from where he was seated.

“Yeah” I said picking up my bag.