The Bad Boy's Muse

Maybe I could find solutions...

Grace’s POV

I laid awake on my bed thinking about Rohan. His thoughts had filled me since I had returned from school. I couldn’t stop thinking about how unhappy he had been when he had seen me with Steve, nothing was going as planned. I sighed in annoyance as I moved restlessly for the umpteenth time. I stood up from my bed and went to my bookshelf one of the few luxuries I had access to in New York. Flipping through the books on the shelf, I settled for the best book ‘Great expectations. I picked it up on made it for the bed. One of the ways I go to bed whenever I am having problems falling asleep, I simply to pick an old read. Lying down on my bed, I opened the first page.

Halfway into the second chapter, I realized I wasn’t concentrating on what I was reading, I was thinking about Rohan. I lay with my back on the bed imagining how fun it’ll actually be if I ask him to be my boyfriend. I shook my head in disdain trying to rid my mind of impure thoughts.

I wondered what he was doing right now, would he be lying on the bed fast asleep or probably working out or doing extra assignment” I puzzled. I sighed in frustration wishing my governess was here with me to help me decipher all of these wicked emotions. More than anything, I miss home and I missed my daddy more; the reality that I will wake up each morning and not see him was almost becoming a hard bone to swallow, I just wished things were different, I just wished we had more time or somehow death was informing so you know what to do with that particular person before it comes knocking on the door.

A light knock on my door brought me out of my reverie, I knew at once it was Aunt Harriet.

“Come in” I croaked pretending to be reading my books that were placed next to my bed.

“Hey Baby,” Aunt Harriet entered my room looking worried, she was putting on a pair of Unicorn PJs. Plus, it sounded strange when she called me Baby.

“It’s 3 am and you have school. Why are you still awake?” She inched towards my bed and sat on the edge.

“Oh goodness!” I exclaimed in pretence peering at my bedside lamp “I didn’t know it was so late, I was caught up with reading”.

“What are you reading?” she eyed me suspiciously, I knew she wasn’t buying my idea.

“I am reading one of my textbook from school, trying to familiarize myself with certain topics” I smiled waving the textbook in front of her.

“Do you realize you’re holding the textbook upside down?” She narrowed her eyes in disbelief.

I blushed to my roots realizing she was right; I was indeed holding the book upside down.

“Oh! Aunt Harriet,” I wailed “I couldn’t sleep, so much running on my mind, things I cannot make of, things I cannot comprehend”.

“Do you want a hug?” she asked me smiling gently.

I nodded my head and entered her outstretched arms wounding my hand around her neck, it felt so good.

Hugs were not a regular thing at home; once in a while, my Dad would pat me lovingly on the back or give me side hugs but hugs were scarce. Aunt Harriet continued holding me while whispering everything would be alright. When I had, had enough I leaned out of the hug and met her eyes staring warmly at me.

“Do you want to talk about it now?” she asked quietly.

“I don’t know what to talk about exactly” I informed her with a sigh.

I was worried that if I told her about the bully at school, she may not be happy with me or she may take actions.

“C’mon, you’ve got to tell me, Grace. I need to know what’s happening so I can help in any way possible. I know you’re adjusting to this new environment, adjusting to school you’ve never been in even in England. Your parents are really old-fashioned so you cannot tell me everything is all bed of roses. Talk to me; are you finding it difficult to cope?” she reached for my hand and squeezed them warmly.

“Yes,” I nodded my head “I am still having problems navigating through the classes with the map. I got lost severally but thankfully, Steve took me to the next class and promised to be doing so until I become familiar with the” I answered.

“Very good, are you having problems with comprehension?” she continued.

“Yes, that especially. I tell you, Aunt Harriet, I always pay full attention to the teacher but I don’t always get the words right. It’s either they are too fast or not entirely comprehensible and they talk differently too, so by the time I am finished understanding a particular line of information, the teacher has moved two steps forward” I sighed.

Aunt Harriet threw her head back in laughter as she clutched at her stomach.

“I am sorry my dear, it’s just that the way you explained it, I couldn’t help but laugh. Everything will be alright I promise you. I have some suggestions for you. First, you can ask Steve to tutor you; he may be able to explain things in such a way you will understand and I assure you dear that it is effective…”.

“Rohan,” I said excitedly interrupting her.

“Who’s Rohan?” Aunt Harriet curled her lips.

“Rohan is another friend. He’s the first person I spoke to when I was taken to my class and better still, he’s my desk mate. I could ask him,” I said with excitement.

“Okay! Slow down, alright. You have to ask without necessarily imposing on him so you won’t seem desperate” she cautioned.

“Of course, Aunt Harriet” I answered.

“So, you can rest all you want, you won’t be going to school this morning” Aunt Harriet stood up from my bed stretching.

“Why?” I frowned.

“I will call your Principal and tell him you won’t be coming this morning then we would go shopping. New clothes, new shoes, new bags, a phone, a laptop, in fact, we need to overhaul you so by Monday when you go to school, you’ll be looking like an American teenager and more beautiful” she was watching me in amusement.

“You’ll get me a phone?” I asked crossing my fingers, I didn’t want to get too excited.

“Of course, it’s high time you have one, it’s fashionable and very important” she smiled.

“Don’t you think I am too young for a phone?” my doubts were creeping back “Mother says, I am too young for a phone”.

“Well, this is my house and I am your legal guardian meaning I have the right to buy you whatsoever I please, regardless of what anyone thinks. So, my darling, we’ll be getting you a phone and also a laptop” she winked at me.

“Oh! my God! Aunt Harriet, you’re a darling” I rushed into her arms.

“Yeah! I am the best of all aunties. However, when you misuse these devices, they’ll be seized and you’ll be grounded. I never want to do that to you because I know you’re a good child and would never do that right?” she smiled at me.

“Of course, Aunt Harriet. I promise to never misuse it but can I go on i********:, f*******:…” I trailed off, maybe I was pushing my luck too far.

“Of course, dear, any of this. The keyword is no misuse. If you do, then it’ll be taken away from you and you wouldn’t want that, neither would I. Now, try to rest while I sent a mail to your principal. We have a lot to do this morning” she kissed the top of my head and tucked me in.

I went to bed with a smile, for the first time since I came to America.

***

Rohan’s POV

I stared for the thousandth time at the door of the classroom, expecting to see Grace walk in any moment and mutter to the teacher how sorry she is for coming late but this was almost the end of the third lesson for today and yet no sign of Grace. I wondered what could have happened to her.

I tried to take my mind off her and tried to concentrate on listening to what the teacher was saying but my mind keeps flitting back to Grace. I was really worried. I looked towards Steve who was seated at the front of the class wondering if he would know why she wasn’t in school today. The bell rang, it was time for recess.

From the front of the class, I saw Steve coming towards me with a worried expression.

“Hey bro,” he said as soon as he reached me.

I ignored him and made a big production of putting my books in my bag. I hated meddler and Steve was good at that. I hate that he had to come in between me and Grace’s relationship.

“Okay! Slow down Rohan” my mind whispered to me “What relationship are you talking about, you barely know the girl”.

“Rohan?” Steve snapped his fingers at my face trying to get my attention.

I turned towards him and gave him what I felt was my best glare.

“You don’t have to be such an asshole each time, you know” he hissed and adjusted the straps of his school bag on his shoulders.

“What do you want?” I barked at him.

“Do you have any idea why Grace is not in school?” he asked ignoring all my attempts to be rude.

“No, why should I know that? Am I Grace’s boyfriend?” I asked cynically regretting the words as soon as they left my mouth, maybe I was overreacting.

“Hey, take it easy son” Steve narrowed his eyes in disgust “I know you’re not her boyfriend but you can work towards it if you want” Steve chortled.

I ignored him and brought out my phone.

“Well, I was really worried because yesterday while we were going home, she told me she won’t be staying here forever, She said, she only came to America temporarily and when she’s done, she would be going back to England, I just hope that isn’t what has happened” Steve sighed.

“Stop making up stories” my heart began to pound in anxiety, why was I so concerned.

“I swear! I ain’t making anything up. Grace told me with her own mouth that she won’t be here for long and only came here just to hang around for a while. I have no way of getting to her and I am really bothered that she left without telling me” Steve lamented.

I eyed Steve in hatred wondering why Grace chooses to tell him something as sensitive as this and never said a word to me. I agreed to be her friend for Chrissakes, you tell friends things like this.

“Anyways, bro, gotta go but I’ll keep my ears peeled for any important information,” Steve said and moved away.

I didn’t want Grace to leave just yet. I was yet to know her, hell! Why was I thinking this way? I stood up and started towards the entrance of the class, I needed to escape from my thoughts else I’ll be trapped forever in them. I shouldn’t be thinking about Grace or worried that she didn’t come to school. I am Rohan and I shouldn’t give a damn about anyone’s welfare. Almost at the door, Belle blocked my path slinking her body all over me.

“Hi handsome,” she leaned towards me for a hug, I could see her cleavage popping out from the tight blouse she was putting on.

“Belle, I am not in the mood right now” I informed her gently trying to walk past her.

“C’mon, Rohan” she pouted snaking her hand around my arms.

“Still angry at me?” she asked “I promise it will never happen again” she leaned closer, rubbing her breast on my hand.

Suddenly, a thought came into my head, I could go ask Principal Reed. Yes! He would have information concerning Grace.

“Later Belle,” I said excitedly, peeling her hand from my body as I made a beeline for Principal Reed’s office.

Maybe I could find solutions…