And Then Again, We Fell

HIGHSCHOOL DAYS:II

II

Collins and Anna became closer than before. They were almost done with the project. Anna felt more comfortable with Collins than with the other guys at school. Their presentation was the next day. They had carefully arranged the files.

"Done". Collins said as he tapped on his laptop.

"Are you sure you arranged it properly? Let me see it". Anna said pushing Collins away.

" That hurts". Collins winced.

" Serves you right". Anna said going through everything in the project.

"Wow! Bravo! You are a genius. " Anna said clapping.

" Call me more names". Collins said acting proud.

" Jerk". Anna said.

"That's not what I wanted.

"So, are you ready for tomorrow's presentation?". Anna asked. " Don't want you to fret tommorow"

" I'm bold and brave. There's nothing to fret about". Collins said.

" I never knew you were a serious student until now". Anna said.

" There's more to me than meet the eye". Collins smirked.

" You too, don't fret tommorow". Collins said touching her cheeks.

"Why did you touch my cheeks?". Anna asked giving him a death glare.

" I was taking something off". He said showing her what he took off her face.

" Why is your face all red?". Collins asked teasingly.

" My face is not red. Get away from me". Anna said

Collins laughed.

" Be your best tomorrow. Don't think too much about the presentation and don't cry over Sandra....oh...her name slipped out of my mouth". Anna laughed

" You said it on purpose". Collins said going closer to Anna.

" What are you doing?Get away". Anna said but Collins was taking a step closer.

" If you take any step closer, I will stab you". Anna said. Collins laughed and went to sit.

After school, Anna and Tessy were walking home when a car stopped by them.

" Call me more names". Collins said feeling proud.

" Jerk". Anna said.

"That's not the name I want". Collins said.

"So, are you ready for tomorrow's presentation?". Anna asked. " Don't want you to fret tommorow". She teased.

" I'm bold and brave. There's nothing to fret about".

" I never knew you were a serious student until now". Anna said.

" There's more to me than meet the eye". Collins smirked.

" You too, don't fret tommorow". Collins said touching her cheeks.

"Why did you touch my cheeks?". Anna asked giving him a death glare.

" I was taking something off". He said showing her what he took off her face.

"Why is your face all red?" Collins asked teasingly.

"My face is not red. Get away from me". Anna said shoving him away.

Collins laughed.

"Be your best tomorrow. Don't think too much about the presentation and don't cry over Sandra...oh..her name slipped off my mouth". Anna laughed

" You said it on purpose". Collins said taking a step closer to Anna.

"What are you doing?Get away". Anna said but Collins kept on taking steps closer.

"If you take any more step closer, I will stab you". Anna teased.

Collins went to his seat.

After school, Anna and Tessy were walking home when a car halted beside them.

"Hello beauties. Care for a ride?". Collins asked

Before Anna could reply, Tessy jumped in. Tessy then gave Anna a look persuading her to come in. Anna finally gave in.

"Where do you live?". Collins asked.

"Willowbrook Avenue. The second house on the right". Tessy replied.

"I think I've been there before". Collins said.

" Really?" Tessy said in surprise.

Tessy and Collins chatted throughout the ride. They talked about music, celebrities, food,etc.. Meanwhile, Anna remained silent. Tessy was baffled Collins was much of a talker.

Finally, they arrived at the girls' house.

"Thanks very much Collins". Tessy said getting out.

"Thanks". Anna muttered following her.

Rose was at the front door. Tessy ran to her mom.

"Good afternoon mom". Tessy greeted.

"Who's that guy?". Rose whispered to Tessy.

"Collins Lee". Tessy replied.

"OMG!". Rose exclaimed

"Don't do anything weird". Anna said going in.

"Anna, you didn't introduce me to your friend. I've never heard of you having a friend". Rose said going after her. Tessy following too.

"He's Tessy's friend also. Tessy knows how to do a proper introduction". Anna smirked.

" You are more closer to him than I am". Tessy giggled.

"You both chatted a lot on our way home". Anna reminded.

" We were just getting to know each other". Tessy smiled.

" Girls, that's enough. Go freshen up, food is awaiting you". Rose said smiling.

" That's why you are the best". Anna remarked giving Rose a brief hug

" Oh". Rose said shocked of the embrace. This wasn't the first time Anna hugged her, but it felt new everytime.

"Whatever". Tessy said going in.

Anna laughed going after her.

"Those girls".

Rose still pondered while Anna still called her by her name, "mom' would be preferable. They were getting along already. Rose will be so glad when she finally hears Anna call her mom.

"Guess that day will never come". She thought

* * * *

The day of History presentation finally came. Some students were excited about it.

"Are you good?". Collins asked noticing Anna's tense behavior.

"Hmm". She mumbled.

"I can plead with the teacher to postpone ours". Collins said

" I'm fine". Anna smiled.

Students came out for their presentation. Talking about the great Wall of China, USA independence....etc

Anna and Collins came up next.

"What are you two going to talk about?". Mrs Bryd asked.

" The Nigerian Civil war". They said in unison.

Anna and Collins stood confidently in front of their class.

"Welcome everyone. Today, my partner and I will take you through the Nigerian Civil war, a pivotal moment in Nigeria history" Anna begins.

Slide 1 appears on the screen with images of Nigerian maps and flags.

" The war was fought between the Nigerian government and Biafra from 1967 to 1970". Anna said

Collins tapped on the next slide and images of ethnics groups and maps appeared.

"Ethnics tensions between Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba groups led to Biafra's secession".

A short video showing key event and battles displayed next.

"The war saw intense battles and a devastating blockade". Anna added.

Few minutes later, they were both done.

" That was awesome". Mrs Bryd commented.

"What inspired you to talk about Nigerians?". Mrs Bryd asked.

"We just wanted to do something different". Collins answered.

" That was extremely awesome. I'll give you both a 89".

" Thanks you ma". They both said. Anna smiling widely.

"Next person please". Mrs Bryd called.

During lunch, Anna and Tessy were eating at an hidden spot in the library. Students prefer to eat at the cafeteria tho, but Anna preferred eating alone and Tessy had to tag along.

"Mrs Bryd was so pleased with our work. We scored the highest"

" Wooow. That's good". Tessy said clapping.

"Hey girls!". Collins greeted walking towards them.

"How did he know of this place?". Anna asked.

Tessy's eyes twitched. " I invited him"

Anna huffed.

"Collins I heard you both got the highest". Tessy said.

" All thanks to Anna. She did the talking while I was working on the slide".

" Speaking like you did nothing". Anna scoffed.

" I thought you both are friends". Tessy said trying to confirm.

"We are". Collins said sitting beside Anna

"If we weren't, she would have pushed me off". Collins added.

" I'm not so evil". Anna said.

"Oh, I have basketball practice, just came to check on you both". Collins said as he ran off.

" What a cutie. I've always thought he was a snub". Tessy said.

" He's cool". Anna commented.

"Did you just make a comment on Collins. OMG". Tessy smiled.

" I will be back". Tessy said leaving.

As Sandra observed Tessy was long gone, she walked up to Anna.

"Hey! Poor fellow". Sandra said.

Anna didn't respond. Sandra took a metal rod.

"Ouch". Anna winced in pain. She held her arm, the part where the pain was intense and blood filled her hands.

"How dare you". Anna said rushing to Sandra.

Two girls held her down. They were Sandra's friends.

"This is your last warning. Stay away from my Collins". Sandra threatened, then gesturing for the girls to release Anna.

Sandra laughed so wildly as she and the girls left Anna.

Few minutes later, Tessy arrived and saw Anna's wounded arm. She rushed to her sister.

"What happened? Who did this to you?" Tessy asked knowing her sister is not clumsy.

"Sandra Phil". Anna mentioned.

Rage filled Tessy's eyes.

" Collins girlfriend? ". Tessy asked wanting to be sure.

Anna nodded " She threatened me to stay away from her man".

" What!". Tessy shouted angrily as she ran out in search of Sandra. Sandra was at the cafeteria giggling with the other girls like she won a medal. Tessy walked towards her.

"How dare you hurt my sister". Tessy roared as she gave Sandra a hot slap across her cheeks.

"Don't you ever touch her again or else I will slit your throat and I mean it". Tessy said with angry eyes as she walked out of the cafeteria.

The students at the cafeteria looked in awe as whispering and murmuring began.

Tessy was a fun and lively girl but a tigress when she gets angry.

Sandra held her cheeks. It hurt a lot

Some students were at the cafeteria giggled at the sight. Sandra felt so embarrassed.

Collins had just finished his basketball practice, he heard someone screaming his name.

"Collins!!".

It was Tessy. She walked up to him.

"Hey Tess". Her smile had disappeared and he knew something was wrong.

"Please warn your animal girlfriend to stay away from my sister. She's something precious to me and if your girlfriend touches her again, or do anything weird. I will slit her throat". Tessy said with demeaning looks.

'Is their family so good at slitting throats? ' Collins thought, almost laughing but controlled himself because he knew what Tessy is capable of.

"Why are you telling me all these?". Collins asked like he was uninterested.

"Because if you refuse to tell her and she does anything stupid, I'll slit you both throat". Tessy said with fury in her eyes.

" Tessy! ". Anna called rushing to the scene.

"Can you see her arm?". Tessy shouted showing the wound to everyone.

"Your girlfriend molested my sister because of you". Tessy informed.

" Tessy, it's enough". Anna said dragging her sister away.

The boys stared at each other, then at Collins, trying to understand what just happened.

Collins ran out of the basketball court in search of Sandra. She was still at the cafeteria.

"Are you done playing? I really wanted to watch you play after I was done with my meal. Sorry I couldn't make it". Sandra said smiling.

" What did you do to Anna?". Collins asked.

"Just put her in her place". Sandra said not looking up from her meal.

"And who are you to put her in her place. Don't you ever touch her again or I'll do something you'll regret in your lifetime". Collins warned.

" I am your girlfriend. You shouldn't treat me this way". Sandra said faking tears.

The students watched the drama before them with interest.

"Girlfriend?". Collins scoffed going closer to her.

"We broke up already. I can't stand cheating girlfriend". Collins said.

The students gasped. It was getting interesting.

Sandra covered her face in shame. Collins walked away. Sandra went after him.

"So, you've finally let go of me. I won't let it happen, I won't let you date that girl when I'm the right person for you. That girl is nothing compared to me. She's just a poor fellow whose after rich dudes". Sandra said

" Don't you dare can her that. You are no better than her. You slut". Collins said and then walked away.

" Anna Wright. I won't let you take what's mine"

Collins was in search of Anna. He met them at the classroom.

" Anna I'm sorry for what happened". He apologized.

" Gosh! I can't stand his sight". Anna said.

" Let's go home". Tessy said as the both took their school bag.

" Where are you going to? School has not yet closed". Collins said.

" Stick to your business". Anna said as she and Tess walked past Collins.

Collins ran his fingers through his hair. Things were going smoothly with them. Why did Sandra have to spoil things.

Rose had just returned from work, she was shocked to see her kids at home. She looked at her watch once again.

"Why are you home early girls?". She asked.

"Good afternoon mom". They both greeted.

Rose noticed the blister on Anna's arm.

" Anna, what happened to your arm?". Rose said running to Anna.

"An i***t purposely inflicted injury on her". Tessy said her anger rising.

"Why? ".

" She said I should stay away from her man". Anna informed.

Rose scoffed.

" What! I am going to your school now" Rose said

Anna and Tessy quickly stopped her.

They knew what their mom was capable of doing. Three years ago, she had almost beat a man who was abusing Anna to death. She hate people who mess with her kids.

"Don't worry mom, we've taught her a lesson". Tessy said.

" Did you beat the hell out of her for touching your sister?". Rose asked Tessy.

" No. I didn't beat her but I gave her a hot slap". Tessy answered

" Then I should go beat her". Rose said taking a step.

" Mom, it's ok. We didn't want to cause more problem so we ran out of school". Tessy said.

" Oh my baby". Rose said touching Anna's cheeks.

"Sweetie, get me the first aid box.". Rose demanded.

" Alright mom". Tessy said going away.

"I'm sorry dear. You should have let me teach her a better lesson. She will never touch you again". Rose said

Anna chuckled. Rose smiled.

" You could have beaten her Anna. You are a strong woman".

"Someone held me down. I couldn't do what I wanted". Anna said

Tessy rushed in with the first aid box. Rose took out some kits and began tendering Anna's wound.

"Sorry dear". Rose said as she heard Anna wince.

"What did Collins do about the issue?". Rose asked.

"Nothing. I only threatened him to keep his girlfriend away from us". Tessy said.

"So, Collins has a girlfriend. Hmm"

" They are no longer together. An ex-girl friend and was jealous that I and Collins were close". Anna stated.

" You and Collins are friends?". Rose asked.

" Just because of the project". Anna stated

" Oh! That's awesome". Rose said

" Mom, stop being dramatic. Collins just got on her blacklist so there's no need for all these fuss". Tessy said.

" Oh. I'm sorry". Rose apologized.

" But....if he's the one for you, no matter the fight, you both will always find your way back". Rose said

" Mom......." Tessy said chuckling.

" We are not dating" Anna reminded.

"Oh. I keep forgetting". Rose said smiling.

The door bell rang. The trio looked at each other.

" I will go get it". Tessy said going towards the door.

A delivery guy stood there, holding a small brown package.

"Good afternoon". He greeted. "Delivery for...Anna".

Tessy was surprised " Anna?". She collected the package.

" Payment had already been done". He informed leaving.

" Oh".

Anna stepped forward " Who is it?".

" A delivery guy. He says this is for you".

Anna took the package, her brows knitting. " I didn't order anything".

Anna wanted to open the package, Tessy slapped her hands slightly.

" Do you know if it's a bomb? Sandra planning to wipe away our family". Tessy said.

Anna chuckled. " Stop being dramatic. Let's find out what's inside".

Anna opened the package. She's surprised to find a stunning silver necklace with a small pendant shaped like a bird.

"A necklace?". Tessy said.

"Who could have sent it?".

Her phone beeped on her hands. A message from an unknown number.

"Hey Anna. Hope you got my gift. Just wanted to apologize for Sandra's misbehavior. I've threatened her to stay away".

" I know who sent the gift". Anna said after reading the message.

"Who?". Rose asked.

"Collins. He's sorry for what Sandra did".

"Who apologizes with a gift? And also, he wasn't the one that injured you". Rose said

" I think you should give him a chance". Rose said.

" Mom!!!!". Tessy called.

" Oh sorry". Rose said

" Why are you persisting on it?".

★

At the Lee's mansion, constant knocks could be heard on a door.

"Come in".

Collins slipped into his elder sister's room. Kim Lee, Collins elder sister lay on her bed watching documentary of whales.

"Hello big sis" Collins greeted.

"What do you want?". Kim asked her eyes not leaving her phone.

Collins smiled and said nothing.

"Do you love standing so much?". Kim asked finally staring at her brother.

Collins sat at the edge of her bed.

" How's your girlfriend?". Kim asked teasingly.

"We broke up". Collins answered.

" I know. Just love teasing you". Kim said laughing.

" How's school?". Collins asked.

Kim was a junior student studying Marine Biology at Crestview international College, a well renowned University.

"School's fine. This semester was a bit rough but still scaled through"

" That's my big sis with the brain"

" How about yours? How have you been coping since the break-up?". Kim asked teasingly.

" I'm good as I was. I wasn't interested in her". Collins said.

" I was surprised when you told me about Sandra. I've never seen you have so much interest in girls though you joke around with them". Kim said

" I'm so interested in someone else" Collins said his face down.

" Really? Who is she? ". Kim asked

"A friend". Collins said making Kim laugh.

"That's cool. Why are you sad?".

"She doesn't feel the same way". Collins said.

Kim had never seen her brother this way because of a girl. Girl always love Collins. He had the charm to sway a girl's heart. Who's this girl anyway. She really needed to help him out.

"Buy her gifts. Girls love gifts". Kim suggested.

"I don't think she will. I just got on she and her sister's blacklist".

" What happened? ".

Collins narrated everything.

" Sandra did that? That girl went too far". Kim said angrily.

What will you do now? Do you want to keep this intense feeling hidden? I have never seen you so interested in a girl like this". Kim said

"I don't even know what to do now. I haven't confessed my feelings to her".

"I think I have an idea. Just hope it works out". Kim said and Collins face brightened up.

" Don't avoid her too. Show up whenever she needs help, offer to lace her shoes, carry her bag, drive her home, and any other help she needs, be ready to assist her".

" Do you think that will work?". Collins asked.

" Yes. It will". Kim said smiling brightly.

" Thanks sis". Collins said and was about to leave.

" Oh. Before I forget. Dad, Mom and Ciara are returning today". Kim informed.

" Really? ". Collins asked

Kim nodded.

Mr and Mrs Lee and their youngest child travelled to Spain two weeks ago. Mr Lee had gone for a business trip but his wife and their youngest child went for vacation.

"I need to arrange my room properly". Collins said.

"Do you need any help? ". Kim offered

" No. It's fine". Collins replied running off.

Two weeks had passed since Anna was avoiding Collins, but Collins was kind to her than before.

"Don't you think you are going far with things". Rose said to Anna while they were at the balcony. Tessy was in, sleeping.

"What do you mean?". Anna asked.

"He's not the one that did this to you. It was his ex-girl friend which means they have no connection anymore. You taking it on him is not the right thing dear. You are giving Sandra the chance to mock you. You are supposed to show her you own Collins".

" We are not dating". Anna said flatly.

" Oh. I keep forgetting". Rose smiled.

"Avoiding him is still not the right thing. You are to face problem and not avoiding them. Not all problems tho". Rose said and Anna chuckled.

" You have to face Sandra. Do something that will make her shed tears. Give her pain too".

Anna smiled.

" What if you fall for Collins girl". Rose said.

"It's not going to happen". Anna laughed.

Rose ruffled Anna's hair.

" You won't believe how it will happen girl".

Anna rested her head on Rose's shoulder. There was silence for a while.

" Thank you Mom. For everything". Anna mumbled.

Rose heart skipped. Did Anna just call her mom?

" Anna, what did you say?". Rose asked looking at Anna, she was asleep.

The next day at school, Anna tried her best to avoid Collins. She walked faster when she saw him in the hallway, pretended not to notice him sitting in the library and took a front seat in class just to avoid crossing paths. But no matter what she did, Collins always seemed to find a way to appear exactly where she needed him.

Anna was sitting in the courtyard one afternoon, she finally admitted it to herself, though she hated that she had to.

"Why does he always show up when I don't want him to?". She whispered under her breath.

" Why does he make it impossible to stay away?".

Everytime she avoided him, she felt a pang of guilt. Everytime he was there, patient and kind, she felt something only Rose and Tessy give: Warmth. Comfort. But then, there's .... longing.

"What's this intense feeling I have around him?". Anna thought, her hands over her face.

She looked down at the necklace he had gifted her. It glinted in the sunlight, and her chest ached with a confusing mixture of fear and hope.

"I can't avoid him forever". She admitted quietly.

She walked to class in search of Collins, he was in his usual seat, Vincent whispering something to him. He wasn't paying attention to Vincent, his attention was elsewhere. Anna strolled to his seat.

"Hi". She waved at Vincent. He smiled at her.

"Collins, can you spare me some of your time. We need to talk". Anna said

Collins stared at her for a while admiring her before getting up.

She led him to the courtyard.

"I just... I am sorry". Collins started, eyes steady.

"For everything. Sandra. The fight. How it all went wrong. I should've protected you better". He added

Anna shook her head slightly

" It isn't your fault". She said

" I.. I avoided you. I thought I was protecting myself. But I see now that I hurt you instead. I am sorry Collins, can we go back to being friends?".

Collins smiled holding her hands. " Sure"

Anna's heart skipped a beat. What is this feeling.

"OMG.... What am I seeing". A familiar voice said as it owner came closer.

"Tessy". They both called

"Your dearest". Tessy smiled.

Tessy's smile widened. " I was looking for you Anna".

" Are you dating?". Tessy asked.

" No". Anna quickly responded.

Collins smile faded.