My Heart, My Treasure

2. Reintroduction

The next day I spent in bed, because of the experience I could not bring myself to go to school, and I had a slight fever the whole time. I asked Asher to keep the incident secret from my grandma and my brother. If they know what happened or a word gets out it will be good neither for my reputation nor for my parents. All I could think about was the events that happened that night. The fear is still in my system. The helplessness I felt that day was embedded deep in my memory. If I want to defend myself I should learn to stand up for myself. It cannot continue like this the whole time. Being a victim, not being able to fight back. I should have done it my way back in my childhood. I should have taken martial arts. If only my mom let that happen back then. Sigh.

Near dinner time, Asher came to visit me. I still could not get up from bed, so he came to my room.

"You know, it is the first time I have ever been to a girl's room," he said looking around my room and taking the stool in front of my desk, and sitting beside me.

"Don't lie to me" I whispered, audible enough for him.

"How are you?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

My dried eyes once again filled up with tears, a lump blocking my throat, not able to talk.

"Those bastards, I gave them to police after beating the s**t out of them," he informed me. "Zachary will accompany you to and from school from now on, I will not allow any dog around you!" He declared. I know, he is capable of it, and goodbye to my freedom. He is stubborn as hell, no way I am gonna let it happen. I don't want to be the weak link.

"No need for that, that will only attract their attention," I said. "Instead, teach me to defend myself," I said looking right into his eyes. Asher is two years older than me, he is like an older brother to me. We have been friends since childhood and have been through thick and thin. He is a champion among youth in both Judo and Kickboxing for God's sake.

"Are you sure about it? What will your mother say when she finds out?" he asked, c*****g one brow.

"We will keep it a secret. No need for them to know. Besides, you know my passion for martial arts. If they did not stop me back then, I would be at least able to avoid situations like this." I could not help one tear drop rolling out of my eyes.

Asher stood up, fists clenched, anger oozing out of him, and stared out of the window. "Will you be able to handle it?" he asked.

"I would love to beat up those bastards myself," I declared.

"So be it then. But you need to recover first. Take all the time you need," he said before leaving. "I will be the one to teach you," I grunted in response, the devil will test me and try me all he wants but I will not back down. He is the strictest one out of them all.

When he reached the door I stopped him, "What about Alex?" I asked. His body tensed for a moment.

"He is a new person in Derrick's gang and quickly rose to the third in command, I don't trust him" he said, not looking back.

"Can you find me his contact number, I want to thank him," I said. simple OK was his reply before leaving.

The next day he sent me Alex's number. After I got the number I thought for a long time. It was still a different feeling, it was awkward to call him. Does he remember me? How should I return his jacket? What will he think of me? These thoughts never left my mind. I still feel the smell of his cologne and strong arms around me. I don't even want to imagine, what would have happened if he did not turn up that day. After a long thought, I decided to send him a message.

Mag: 'Thank you for the day before' I sent.

After a minute he called me back, making my heart jump. I quickly rejected the call and sent another SMS.

Mag: 'Text me'

Alex: 'Who is this? I don't seem to recognize you.' he replied.

Mag: 'Magnolia'

He did not reply for a long time.

Alex: 'I thought you forgot about me...'

Mag: 'I am not an ungrateful bitch... Just now got your number'

Alex: 'I know, just kidding. But are you sure you are not in love?'

"Ha," I snorted. The audacity of this guy stuns me all the time, ever so persistent after my ignoring treatment.

Mag: 'Dream on boy'

Alex: 'Don't be shy, where would you find this fine-looking young hunk? Hmm? By the way, I haven't seen you at the club today'

I ignored his narcistic comment.

Mag: 'I have a slight fever. I will go tomorrow. Can we meet? I need to return your jacket.'

Alex: 'OK.'

'How are you holding up?'

Mag: 'Not quite good.'

Alex: 'I know what can cure your mind:-)'

Mag: 'And what is that, Mr-know-all ?'

Alex: 'It's called FUN'

Mag: 'I don't know what FUN is, so, will you show me?)'

Alex: 'That's a DEAL'

So, we continued to talk throughout the night. I felt like I have known him for a long time. My heart fluttered. I started seeing him in a new light. But little did I know about what would this relationship lead me to.