Beyond love

Chapter 1 Today will be the first day for the new students who would be joining Downside High School. The school was famously known for its awesome basketball team, which on multiple occasions had led the school to the nationals. Although, the school had not recently been able to win any championship medals its reputation was still intact. It was still recognized as the best high school in the county. Each of the new students was enthusiastic to join the school. High school would bring new endeavours and experiences for them. The school gates had just been opened and the students were flooding in Some came driving their cars, others motorcycles while the others were dropped off. Among the new students was Naphtali, who had just been dropped off by his grandfather, who wished him good luck and took off. Naphtali stood astounded by the number of students he could see, his previous school had a relatively smaller number of students. He thought to himself, all these would be his. Schoolmates for the next four years. He could have stayed fixated at that point were it not for the car that was hooting for him to move out of its way. He grabbed his bag over his shoulder which he had suspended loosely over his hand almost touching the ground. He gasped a handful of air and exhaled it to build up his confidence and started to walk towards the main entrance. Past the door he saw various students walking along the hall; others were in groups while some were over the corner a guy who was kissing a girl perhaps his girlfriend. No one was alone, everyone was mostly amongst a group as they walked through the hall talking and laughing. He was hovering across the hallway in searching for his locker; two thirty-eight. Suddenly someone bombed him dropping their books, he hurriedly bent down to help the person to collect their books. " Sorry for bumping into you," a soft voice said. I posed and looked towards the voice only to be met by long silky black hair as she turned around to face me. She was a girl at least a year older than me, her features were immaculate:skin pale white as snow, Long black hair, a face perfectly chiselled to perfection and pink small pulp lips. "Thank you for your help," she said taking her books from his hand and hurting off. He continued to search for his locker which he soon found and took books to his first period leaving the rest. Although, Naphtali was aware that his first class was Chemistry he did not know the directions. He inquired from the nearby students but none paid any attention to his pleas. Suddenly, the bell rang causing each of the students to hurry in different directions. In merely a few seconds he was the only one in the hallway stranded on where to go. After a few minutes of confusion, Naphtali saw a man approaching his direction from the corner. As he came closer he was able to see the man clearly: he was tall about six feet, with we'll short trimmed brown hair which extended to his forehead. "Hello, young man", not giving me a chance to respond, "what are you doing in the hallway when your mates are in a class? ".he hesitated for a moment due to his sharp course voice and answered in a timid and frail voice" today is my first day and I don't know the direction to my next class, I tried in requiring from the other students but the bell rang...". He interrupted Naphtali and said, "follow me".Naphtali followed him closely until they came to a halt and the man pointed to a class. He understood and said thank you to the man before the man took off. ...POV... Naphtali I knocked on the door and I was invited in. Pushing it open I saw a tall elegant lady standing before the class. "Please have a sit young man", she said. My eyes scanned the room in search of an empty sit only to be met by all the gazes of the other students I therefore hurriedly sat in a vacant seat I could see. "We were just introducing ourselves just before you came in", she said staring towards my direction, "let's continue everyone: mention their names and goal for the future", she said with a smile. Everyone introduced themselves and within no time it was my turn. My names are Naphati Mshell my goal is to take care of my brother. These words drove me to the past as tears trickle down my cheeks, I recalled the fateful day on Maxwell Bridge when I lost my parents. We were on our way home from grandpa after Christmas eve when our car lost control. After the death of grandma, we ensured to visit grandpa every Christmas. Although, he lived far away (about two counties from home). My parents were always busy with work and so this time of year we were able to spend time together as a family. We were heading home when our car lost control and was submerged in the lake. Everyone was in a state of panic, I heard my mother say that she couldn't feel her legs. My little brother broke out in a loud cry and as the caring brother I were, I held him right to my chest telling him everything would be okay. My dad tried effortlessly to open the door telling mom to hold on. We could see her breathing had quickened as she gasped for more air. Mom was water-phobic and the fact that she couldn't feel her legs made her even more anxious. Dad suddenly grabbed a spanner from the car decker and used it to break the windows. This further fastened the pace at which the water was sipping into the car. Dad hurriedly tried to grab mom but she insisted that he rescues us first. "Henry, please save our boys", she said. "But you are wounded and if I leave you, you won't make it. Mom's leg was broken and stuck, she couldn't move it. From her knees, we could see that her leg had turned to a blueish colour."I love you but you have to leave me", she told him with tears in her eyes." Love you too", he responded. It was clear that she couldn't make it since if dad was to save us first by the time he came back she would have drowned to death as the water had already reached our necks." Naphtali, my son please take care of your brother for me and you James be a good boy and listen to your dad and brother. My boys always remember that mom loves you", she said. We soon realized that this would be the last time we would hear her voice. Tears were swelling in our eyes as we all hugged her goodbye." Henry takes them before the car submerged ", she told him. Dad took out their hands as we swarm to the surface. I remember looking back at mom and seeing her struggle for air as soon as she would succumb. Finally, with dads help, we reached the surface. He held us close to himself on his sides as we all locked back into the water, each of us cried for her as we said goodbye to some: a mother, a wife and a friend. Her death struck dad hard I guess as humans we have limitations he couldn't save us he had to choose. Mom's death cut us deep but the pain was far from over. A few months later after mom's death, we had to go to settle with grandpa. This was a result of the sudden change in dads attitude. Restarted coming home drunk which he never did. The once loving and caring father had changed to cold and distant but who could blame him? He lost his wife and to be truthful each of us was coping differently. When mom was still alive I witnessed first-hand their strong affection for each other. The house that was once filled with laughter and love was now quiet, and sombre as loneliness crept through the walls. I recall one night as I was in the kitchen preparing dinner, he came home drunk. James was sitting on the couch watching television. Suddenly, I heard a loud sound and seconds later I heard James break out in a cry. I dashed into the living room to see what was wrong. I found James on the floor as dad was standing over him. I rushed over grabbing him into my arms as he clung tightly to me." Dad what is... ", he interrupted me," can you shut the hell up", he said to me. I was surprised by his sudden change in tone." Both of you disgust me, every time I look at you I am constantly reminded that you are the reason for death", he posed for a second to grasp just enough air to continue, "if only I saved her and not you". "I hate the both of you," he said. His words cut deeper as tears trickle down my cheeks, l could not believe what I heard him say. As I looked into his deep blue eyes I could see that tinge of hatred when he spoke to us. This was just too much I helped James up to his feet preparing to leave just to save him from our now drunk, cruel and spiteful father. I am sorry dad that you feel that way but we also lost a mother." How dare you to speak back to me ".l found myself on the floor after being hit by a thunderous slap. Had I spoken out of place I thought to myself, that is when I realized that this was no longer our father but a brute out for blood. I had never seen this side of him, it was both ruthless and frightening. It came to me that I had to save my brother from him and so I grabbed his wrist as we run up the stairs to my room. James was still crying, he was about six years old at the time. In my room, we could still hear his rambling as he broke things to quench his thirst for brutality. That night none of us was able to sleep especially since I was afraid that he would come and break in and beat the hell out of us both. "Brother, why did dad hit you"James asked at one moment. I didn't know what to tell him so, so dad is not feeling well today but he will be fine I told him. Although to myself better the devil you know than the angel you do not know. The house was no longer safe and we did not know to what extent he could go. I soon decided to call grandpa and explained to him our situation he told me that he was on his way but he would probably arrive in the morning. The night was long but I held him tightly in my arms, as soon as he fell asleep. I stayed awake on guard from the glutamic downstairs. After long hours of despair and apprehension, dawn finally came. The piercing sharp rays of sunlight made their way into my room as if relaying to me the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. Memories of the previous night were still fresh in my mind I move slowly so as not to wake my brother who was still sound asleep. I walked silently towards my bedroom door and opened it, as walked down the staircase I could hear sounds as if two people were conversing. I recognized one as my grandfather and I wanted to rush to him but my body froze not allowing me to move an inch. I was positioned in a corner and so I never heard them speaking clearly." What is wrong with you Henry", I heard grandpa ask incredulously." I can't take care of them I just can't I am reminded of Janise when I look at them", my dad said. After a long period of silence, grandpa responded," then I will take care of him until you are ready ".Tears made their way down my cheeks as I saw him nod in agreement. Although he had changed he still was my father and giving us up even to grandpa still hurt pretty bad. I could not hold it back any more I came out to them looking intently at my dad. Are going to just abandon us just like that?, I asked him but to my disappointment, there wasn't a response. He just got up from where he was spotted and started walking away. Just before he was out of sight I screamed," what do you think mom would say if she knew you were giving us up? He turned to look at me with eyes full of coldness and said, "I better not find you here when I come back he said" turning away and leaving. Those were the last words he spoke to me. It has been nine years since then and he never came back for us it is said that time heals all wounds. Over the years we gave up on him ever coming back. Although grandpa provided for our needs, he wasn't home very often so I was the one who:cooked and took care of James. This is my mom's wish after all and dad left us and I did not want him to experience the pain of being abandoned so I took all the responsibility to be like a parent to him. It is said the moment of growing up is indeed a mystery. At that moment one can feel the burden of the world on his shoulders. Only then is one able to break free from the cocoon of childhood and truly embrace adulthood. Therefore, I had to be strong for James and although I had moments when I also felt I needed someone to hold me, to cry my heart out. I was also just a child but there was no one so I had to grow up, be strong and wear invincible armour to hide the pain I also felt. The wounds in my heart had healed but the scars still lingered on. I guess I am what they call damaged goods. The wounds might fade but the pain lives on, I guess there are things one never forgets. Grandpa had once gone to visit him but he found the house had already been evicted. Come to think of it it was probably for the best. Soon after my emotions had settled I realized that I was still in class, I quickly wiped the tears away feeling my cheeks soaked. Everyone had finished introducing themselves and silence flooded the room. "I am Mrs Jennifer and I am your, homeroom teacher. I will also be taking you through Chemistry and I hope we will all get along in the long run. Each of you has stated your goals, let those ambitions be a driving force to help you work even harder". "Let's open our books to the first chapter", she concluded with a smile. This is how I started my first class. I was attentive as the class continued. Although I wasn't good in academics I did not slack off there was just too much at stake. I want to at least get good grades and go on to get a decent job to take care of James and grandpa. Chapter 2 After a few hours, the lesson soon came to an end. "See you tomorrow", Mrs Jennifer States heading out of class. I grabbed my bag heading to the next class. I won't lie some lessons were just so boring but I made it through the first period. I decided to first head to my locker before heading to the cafeteria. All of a sudden as I was taking my books from someone closed my locker's door with a thud. "Hello Dubai, you should come to the basketball tryouts today in the evening". I was not in the mood for a conversation but the world had to ruin my day. I lazily turned to look who the hell the b***h was. Da... mn, I thought aloud as my eyes gazed at the person. I think I zoomed out, he was the hottest guy I have ever laid my eyes on: tall yet handsome, flawless skin that was curved perfectly to fit his dark blue Caribbean eyes that were so mesmerizing as he looked at me, well-chiselled jawline and long black hair that was neatly held in a bun as a few strands lay on his forehead just giving him that spark of bad boy. I was not able to go downwards as he tapped my shoulder freeing me from my trance. He grinned at me then turned away and left with a group of boys behind him, (all of whom were hot but none could compare to him, he was simply divine). As I stood there dumbfounded by what had just occurred, I overheard a group of girls that we're behind me saying, "that is Calvin Hendrick the hottest guy in the whole school and the basketball team captain", as squirrels of excitement escaped from their mouths."It is such a pity that he has a girlfriend Emma brown, I would have given up anything just to be his girlfriend. Emma is the cheerleading team captain and although she has many suiter she is, unfortunately, she is spoken for".Another in the group added, "I guess that they are a perfect pair". I closed my locker hurriedly not hearing any of their blabbering heading towards the cafeteria. I bought my lunch and as I held it I scanned the room in search of an empty room. Truth be said I am not a social person I liked keeping to myself and it is my first day did not help as knew no one. I was aware of the existence of social groups in high school but none of that was important to me couldn't care less. I spotted an empty bench in the corner and hurriedly sat down to take in my lunch. Suddenly, I felt a hand over one of my shoulders. I turned back to see who it was, I met a face that was too close making me jump a little in fright. What a creep I said blubbered out to the person. "I get that a lot more than you can imagine", he said. "Hello, am job I seat behind you in biology class", he spoke with a smile and posed for a few seconds as if waiting for me to reply that I knew who he was. He gave himself a seat just opposite me." I think you are an interesting guy so can we be friends?". he asked. I looked at him for a second not answering him and continued to eat my lunch "So that is how you wanna play it, ignoring me? I have to warn you I am a very persistent guy", he said. Who on earth walks to a stranger and asks if they can be friends I thought to myself but I did not budge. He did not back away and I think my rudeness only gave him the morale to continue pestering me. "I overheard that one must sign up for an extra-curricula: clubs or sports so have you decided on what we are going to join? ", he asked. I posed for a moment for what he just said. We?, I asked incredulously. We've only just met. "So he can speak", he says in a sarcastic tone of voice and a smirk on his face. Seeing he wouldn't give up I answered I am thinking of joining basketball. Tryouts are this evening we can go together if you want. "Ooh I didn't know that we had become close friends already", he said as a laugh escaped his mouth. If you continue to tease me you can go alone. "Sorry for teasing you then, let's go together," he said. Now can I eat my lunch in peace? "Ok", he replied. He didn't leave and continued to wait for me to finish my lunch. We had different classes so we decided to meet in the evening. I headed to my more entertaining literature class. Time flew so quickly and the last period was over.No sooner had I just exited the class when I spotted Job was waiting for me. We headed to the basketball hall where we met a few other students who had also come for the tryouts. Everyone was murmuring among themselves in excitement. The basketball team was well-known even outside the school. They had won various medals at the national level. I had come to try my luck in hopes of getting a scholarship. My grades were not that high but we were appropriate I also needed to do something out of academics to have a good GPA. Soon a group of seniors arrived dressed in players' uniforms, I guess they were the ones who were going to supervise us. Looking towards the group I saw him, yes the gorgeous hot basketball captain. The top he wore exposed his bulge muscles, and broad chest as his handsome face just complimented his whole look. The site became clearer as he soon stood before him. Naphtali calms yourself down I told myself. The problem was no matter how hard I tried my eyes just couldn't stop looking towards him. Thankfully Calvin wasn't looking towards my direction so he wasn't able to spot my gaze on him. "Each of you will peach the ball five times to score and those who are able will be eliminated", a voice said. Looking states a man who seemed to be in his mid-thirties I suppose he was the coach. We moved in place awaiting our turns as the basketball players sat along the benches watching. As I awaited my turn I was still piping at Calvin and I could swear one time our eyes met. I wanted to avert my gaze but those blue eyes just couldn't let me. I did not want things to get weird or for anyone to see me so I pinched myself just to control myself and luckily I was able to avert them. It was soon my turn I was able to peach four times and was able to make it for the team. The job was the first to congratulate me as his excitement was visible in the huge smile on his face. We both had made it to the team. Just as we were about to leave one of the seniors invited all of us to a party that was to happen on the weekend as a congratulatory for making it to the team. His name was Jack and I had seen him always with Calvin I presume they were friends or something of the sort. My fellow recruits were excited and so was Job. Soon we departed from the field but not before I quickly glanced at Calvin who had already turned away. f**k, even his back is hot I thought to myself. I said my goodbyes to Job who offered to give me a ride but I politely declined not wanting to bother him, I also liked walking home as I was alone with my thoughts. Arriving home I found James in the sitting room doing his homework. I said hello heading to my room to change. Soon I headed down and started preparing dinner as James continued doing his homework. I set the table and we both started eating. James and we're completely different:he was talkative and lively unlike I who was conserved and mostly silent. I asked him how school was and he started telling me about this kid who he had made friends with. I loved it when he told me how he was. It was mostly the two of us as grandpa was always out of town on a job contract. He frequently came home to check on us and also called when he wasn't around. He usually bought groceries when he came or sent me money to buy them. Soon we headed to bed. As I lay in bed memories about school flooded my mind one in particular, Calvin. He looks good and all that:good is too way off, and he's hot, but that is what it is. I knew I liked girls not that I ever was in a relationship and not that I had a problem with being gay or something but the guy is also straight as f**k he has a girlfriend and a hot one to be exact. I soon drifted to sleep, I was pretty tired from the long day I had. Chapter 3 Calvin's pov The day was usually boring not to add my annoying and clingy so-called girlfriend Emma. She was always following me around showing off our relationship. The only reason I tolerated her was for the s*x and my father was pressuring me to be in a relationship with her since he was in a business contract with her father. I was finally able to get away from her. When I spotted this cute guy, standing on one of the lockers supposedly his. He was tall but not the same e, with short trimmed hair that was styled in two blocks (Korean style), a well-oval face with spotless skin and those black eyes giving a mysterious vibe. I came closer to him and his features were more visible. He was so cute that I wanted to hold his face close to mine but I resisted the urge. That would be weird he is a guy after all, if he was a girl I would have. Am sure she would marvel who could blame her no one could resist my handsome face. Looking closely his face displayed a tinge of innocence. I pushed the many thoughts aside and walked closer and closing his locker. I saw his expression turn to an annoyed one but that only made him cuter. You should come to the basketball tryouts I said to him tapping his shoulder and left seeing Emma in one of the corners I saw him at the tryouts and occasionally so him checking me out and hurriedly averted his gaze when our eyes met. I heard Jack comment that he was cute steering with other team members. Later, I said goodbye to Jack who wouldn't shut up about the coming party. I got into my car and drove home to the place I hate the most. Starting with my judgemental and cold father. Sorry, but he is such a d**k he is constantly comparing me to my brother, Aiden. My mother is the only one who I feel comfortable with. I first headed to my room to take a shower. Suddenly, my door was rudely opened. How many times do I have to tell you to knock, dickhead?. I bust out he just drives me nuts sometimes. "Dinner is ready, or you could just hang yourself in your room, you asshole", he retorted. I followed him downstairs after a few seconds, I found everyone was already at the dining table. I sat down as my father looked at me intently with a displeased look. "You know the time we always dine yet you always have to come late, don't you?", he asked. "Why can't you always be like your brother, Aiden", he continued. I wanted to walk away but that would only make things worse. Aiden, that d**k was better in academics than me not that I wasn't but, I was better in sports than him. He always did what his father told him to do without hesitation while I sometimes disagreed with my father. Therefore he was naturally the favoured one. "let's eat", mom said seeing the conversation would destroy everyone's appetite. We all ate in silence no one tried to speak. I soon headed to my room, thankfully I thought to myself. I hopped into bed. The had been long and unexpected things had happened especially meeting that cute boy. I soon dozed off. I woke up to the loud ringing of my alarm clock, I thought of slamming it down but pushed the thought aside. I hurried to a shower and headed down. Mom was in the kitchen preparing breakfast, I took the sandwich she had already prepared and took off. I was to pick up Jack as his car was under maintenance. I soon arrived at his home, hooting to signal that I was waiting. He appeared soon after, got in and we took off. As came close to the school premises I spotted him, yeah the cute one he was walking alone along the pathway with earphones tugged in. He looked pleased with whatever song he was hearing. I decided to hurry to the parking lot so I could hurry back to meet him but when I came he was nowhere to be seen. I didn't know what I would say to him even if I were to find him. "Hello babe", I had from behind as someone jumped and hugged me. I didn't have to turn to know who it was, it had to be Emma. I turned and indeed it was her, beside her stood her friends Jane and Ashely I think. I wasn't good at names. She held my hand as we headed for class. Most of the lessons were interesting, and I loved learning soon came lunchtime. We headed to the cafeteria, Jack and I. We bought lunch and went to seat at the bench, we