Fred's POV.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning. My family and I woke up on the right side of the bed. We were so excited to move our belongings to the new apartment.
My dad looked worried as he searched his pocket and car for the spare key of our former apartment. He had no idea who had stolen it or if he had misplaced it. He questioned us about the key's whereabouts as we packed our belongings into the truck.
I loved our new apartment. It was a dream come true for us. The interiors and decor were perfect.
Dad had wanted a home-warming party the night we moved into the apartment, but my mum insisted it should be by the following weekend so we could have enough time to settle in and also get conversant with the environment a bit.
I dipped my hand into my pocket to be sure the spare key I had collected from Dad's car was still there. There were days I needed alone time, and going to my former apartment to clear my mind occasionally wouldn't be a bad idea. This was one of the reasons I had collected the key without my dad's permission.
Mariam's birthday party was scheduled for that night. I had thought of hosting them at my former apartment instead of Don Santos since my parents would be too tired from the day's stress to think of coming over, and we would also be able to have more fun with no adult supervision to keep us in check, unlike don Santos.
I hurriedly freshened up and changed into jean and polo. The last thing I wanted was to be late and not have enough time with Rhoda since it wasn't an all-night party. I almost tripped down the stairs as I walked fast on it, forgetting it wasn't the same as my old apartment.
"Going somewhere?" Mum asked as she looked at how excited I was walking down the stairs and not minding that I almost fell, and I nodded.
"John is throwing a party, and I was invited," I replied, removing the dirt on my sneakers.
"I thought you and John weren't on good terms?" My mum asked blankly, and my heart skipped a beat.
"Who told you that?" I stuttered. The last thing I wanted was for my parent to get involved in my school saga. Mom narrowed her eyes as she stared at me for a few seconds.
"Never mind, just have fun. Be home on time. Are you cycling?" Mum asked, and I nodded.
"Yes, I'm cycling," I yelled as I ran out to get my bicycle.
Our old house looked farther than usual as I cycled my bicycle, but I only wanted to see Rhoda, and I didn't mind the distance.
I was shocked at the sight of the crowd that had come for the party. Everywhere was filled with familiar faces, giggling, and having fun. I guessed they had all suddenly forgotten about my school ordeal with how they were acting, and it was shocking to see people waving and exchanging pleasantries with me as I walked past them. However, some of me felt they were acting up all nice because they knew I was hosting them and the free drinks were from me. Dad had left a good quantity of drinks in the storeroom for reasons best known to him, which would be helpful to us, so I deliberately didn't remind him of them.
I was the last person to leave the apartment, so I didn't lock the door for easy access when my friends came, and I informed Miriam.
"Have you seen Rhoda?" I asked Sophia, Rhoda's classmate.
"Yes, she mentioned going to the garden with someone," she replied.
"Thanks"
"Garden?" I questioned inwardly as I walked towards the garden.
No outsider knows about the garden in this old house except John because I took him there during one of the summer lessons.
My dad planted this garden specifically for himself and his wife. They celebrated their anniversaries and birthdays, romantic out, and sometimes even slept there. Dad had even mentioned he had no plan of selling it if he ever wanted to put the house up for sale.
I have always imagined me and Rhoda in the garden alone, having a fun time.
"Who's the guy with her in the garden? What are they doing? Could it be John was just showing her around?" I questioned as I walked closer to them.
I felt numb as I stood behind one of the two most important persons in my life and watched them having an intimate time. They were so engrossed that they couldn't notice my presence. I stood there watching them kiss passionately as John fondled her breast; she pulled her top as John sucked her n*****s passionately.
I could feel my body shaking as I grew bitter with anger.
"Why?" I cried out and watched the both of them startled with fear.
"John, why? Rhoda, why? What did I do to deserve this?" I asked with tears dripping down my cheek as I looked at them. John was trembling as he tried not to look at my face while Rhoda bit her lips with regret written all over her face.
"I'm sorry, Fred. I should have told you, but the saga won't give us a chance for a dialogue," she stuttered.
"I don't think we can continue with our relationship anymore. I'm in love with John, and we are lovers now," she said blankly without any emotions.
I gazed at John with anger in my eyes. I wouldn't let him say a word even though I saw his lips trembling as they tried to coordinate a word. John knows how much I have loved Rhoda, what I have sacrificed for her, and how much I cared for her.
"Why will you betray me?" I said with so much pain as I shook my head. I couldn't feel my heartbeat.
Even though I hated John so much, I couldn't bring myself to hit him. He wasn't as strong as I was. I have always defended him against bullies in school.
"I'm sorry," John said with a shaky voice that upset me. I couldn't control myself as I bounced on him in full force and landed several punches on his face.
The more Rhoda screamed and pleaded for me to stop, the more my anger kindled towards John.
Rhoda's voice attracted other students as they ran to the garden and pulled me off, John.
"I hate you, John," I screamed and struggled with the boys who held me. I wanted to free myself and gave John more punches even though his face was swollen and full of blood stains. I didn't mind; I felt betrayed.
John staggered as he tried to stand up from the ground.
I forcibly pulled myself from the grip of the hefty guys who held me. Rhoda ran to John, crying as she watched him fall to the ground.
I walked away from the garden angrily, and my eyes were swollen from tears.
"What happened ?" Mariam asked as she ran towards me. I couldn't utter a word as I threw myself at her for a hug.
"It's okay. Calm down," she whispered as I sob profusely on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry for spoiling your beautiful day; it's not intentional," I said with sincerity, and she nodded as we pulled away from each other's grip.
"You are wounded," she said softly as she stared at my face and held my shaky hands.
"It's just a scratch, dear," I said and threw myself, avoiding her pitiful look.
"I'm sorry; I knew you wouldn't believe me. I have always wanted to tell you about their affair, but your love for Rhoda would have shadowed your judgment," Marian said shakily.
"You knew?" I fired back with a disappointing look.
"Yes! Most of our classmates are aware. It was more reason why they believed you wrote the letter. Everyone wondered if you guys were into threesome. I couldn't tell you cos I know you won't believe me and you will think I was desperate, " Mariam said truthfully.
I went blank and dumbfounded as I stood there looking at Mariam's face with mixed emotions. It wasn't her fault. She was correct; I wouldn't have believed her.
Everyone returned to the party as they noticed neither I nor John was ready to tell them what had transpired. Although I could see small groups gossiping in corners, I didn't care.
I watched John and Rhoda walk away from the premises with shame, and all I felt towards them was an intense rage. I hated John more because he was supposed to be my best friend. How am I sure the both of them didn't forge that letter to get me off their way, not minding if it would dent my name?
I sat on the wooden chair in the garden, lost in thought.
"It's okay, Fred, I am here for you," Mariam whispered as she sat beside me and rested my head on her shoulder.
"Thank you," I whispered like a child, as i raised my head, and looked into her eyes. She nodded softly. I realized how beautiful she looked and pulled her close with my hands.
I kissed her slowly and pulled away, expecting resistance from her end.
She drew me close and kissed me passionately as she placed my hands on her ass. It was awkward doing this with her, but I didn't mind. I needed something to get my mind off the drama.
"I don't intend to go home tonight, you know," Mariam said softly beneath our breath.
"Really? You okay sleeping over ?" I asked, and she nodded.
I gently carried her and took her into my parent's garden room.
"Do you want this?" I asked with a shaky voice, not wanting to force her, and she nodded with a smile.
"My birthday will not be complete without spending my time with you, Fred Santos," she replied, and I kissed her passionately.
I would have to text my mom so she won't expect my return tonight.