Love above contract

Chapter 3: The offer

HENRY POV

The door to my room was locked, and the landlord was nowhere to be found. I believe he had intentionally waited for me to go to school first before coming to carry out this act. I know he won't let me back in, and I can't break in because he can have me arrested again and claim I was trying to steal from the room.

I sat on one of my bags, thinking of a possible solution. I can't stay here all night. The landlord doesn't live here, and the mosquitoes that are found here don't have mercy on anyone. I can't go to my friend's place because well, he is no longer my friend. He was the only friend I had. I guess I am now friendless.

I sat down there for a couple more hours, desperately trying to chase away the mosquitoes that attempted to suck my blood. A female figure suddenly walked up to me, her presence snapping me out of my thoughts. I lifted my head to take a good look at her. I don't think I have seen her face here before.

She was staring intensely at me, as though I had stolen something from her and she was here to demand it back. She tilted her head slightly to the side, her eyes still focused on mine.

“Can I help you?” I asked, already uncomfortable with her unwavering gaze.

“Actually, I am here to help you.” She said, still maintaining her gaze.

“Except you are going to pay my bills, I see no other reason why I should be having a conversation with you.” I replied rudely, not ready for a conversation with anybody.

Does she think it is everything that pasta can solve?

“Pardon my manners, my name is Jane.” She said, stretching out her hand to shake mine.

I looked at it and hissed. I wasn't interested in exchanging peasantries with a total stranger. If she is looking for a guy to give her some money, then I'm sorry, but she has met the wrong person.

“I see you are not a fan of greetings.” She said, retracting her hand. “Like I said earlier, I am here to help you.”

What's with the “I'm here to help you” talk. Did I tell anyone that I needed help?

“How can you possibly help me? Have you helped yourself? If you have helped yourself, would you be in this school?” I replied, my voice laced with anger.

She shouldn't make me transfer aggression to her. I'd advise her to leave me alone, I am already pissed off as it is.

“Calm down, I wonder why men's blood is always too hot.” She said, unfazed by my response. “Like I said, I am here to help you.”

I looked at her for a while. She looks beautiful and well pampered. It made me wonder, how can someone be looking this good in a school like this? In this economy?

Don't get me wrong, it's normal to look like someone who has been suffering for 600 years in this school, but to see someone who looks so good is hard to come by.

“So….what help are you offering me?”

“Good.” She said, adjusting herself to stand facing me. “I can help you get a good apartment, one that is far better than this dump. I can also take good care of you, your school fees and other expenses you might have for the next two years.”

I laughed hard because that was the funniest thing I have ever heard. Take care of me for the next two years like it was that easy.

She had put on a serious face, waiting for me to finish laughing.

“Are you done?” She asked irritatedly.

“Wait, are you really serious?”

“Does it look like I am up for games?” She asked.

I paused for a while, studying her. This is really strange. How can someone who I have never met or seen suddenly want to help me?

“You want me to believe that you will sponsor me through school? And what made you think I need sponsoring?” I said, looking at her intensely.

“It's fine.” She said, stepping away from me. “I see you have your life figured out, and probably have a roof above your head.”

My smile disappeared immediately. She was right. I had nothing figured out. After this semester, it will only be by grace that I'll be able to pay my school fees. My parents are already telling me to come home, that there isn't any money for me to go further.

Going home would be disastrous. I had no skill, nothing. I would probably end up as a mechanic or a houseboy. These two professions don't really survive well in Betney.

I had less than a few seconds to decide. She was already turning to walk away. Should I hear her out, or let her walk away? If she takes care of me for the next two years, I would have enough time to gather money for my final year, but then, nothing of this sort comes for free.

That's what I am genuinely scared of.

“Okay, I believe you.” I said finally. “But why are you helping me?”

She turned back to look at me, a smile forming on her lips. Honestly, I was uncomfortable. I could only imagine the thoughts that flooded her mind, and many of the things I could think of weren't pleasant in any way.

“I want you to be my boyfriend till I graduate.”

What!!!

“I don't understand that statement.” I replied, shocked.

I really expected her to request something disgusting, as I have heard rumors of what the rich kids do to the poor in such deals. I am surprised she is asking me to be her boyfriend. It doesn't make any sense. She is really beautiful, and from what I can tell, she can easily get a guy for herself. Why does she want me?

“I said I want you as my boyfriend, are you taking the deal or not?” She responded, getting impatient. “I am currently at 300 level, so basically, I want you to be my boyfriend for two years.”

I was still in shock. I was trying hard to process what she was saying.

“I still don't understand. Why me? There are countless other guys that would pay just to be with you. What do I have that you want me to be your man?”

She laughed out loud.

At one point, she had to steady herself by holding one of my bags.

I wonder what was so funny?

“So you really think I'd lower myself to be with you?” She said in-between laughs. “Co’mon man, I just want to use you to settle a few things, that's all.”

My heart broke.

I was stupid to think she saw something special in me.

“Henry, have some dignity!” My subconscious yelled at me.

I struggled to find the right words to use.

“There's a guy, Jake, that keeps asking me to be his girl. He is more like a pest to me. I want you to act as though you are my boyfriend so as to scare him off. I do have some rules…..” she continued before I cut her off.

“Jake? Are you talking about the Jake I know or another one? That famous cultist responsible for the disappearance of three girls?” I interrupted her, hoping she wasn't talking about the Jake I have heard some scary things about.

“That's the one.” She said casually.

My head nearly exploded. Did she really think I am that stupid to rage-bait the most dangerous guy on campus? She must really think I'm stupid.

“Are you okay? Like, are you mentally sound? How do you ask me to be your boyfriend when you know that Jake is involved.” I shouted at her.

Seriously, what does she take me for?

She seemed unfazed at my outburst and continued talking anyways.

“Are you done ranting?”

I didn't respond.

“That is why I am not leaving you empty handed. I have presented my deal to you. Here's my call line.” She said, cutting a piece of paper from the note she was carrying, and scribbling down a few numbers on it. “Think about it and get back to me.”

She dropped the piece of paper in my hand and left. I was too stunned to move. I have never felt more insulted in my entire life. She just acted as though my life was worth nothing.

I wanted to squeeze the paper and throw it away, but I held myself. I would give it a thought, but for now, getting where to sleep for the night was my main problem. I haven't had anything to eat since I returned.

My stomach rumbled, demanding that I get my sorry self up and look for something to give it. Such an inconsiderate organ!

I folded the piece of paper, and put it in my pocket. I am grateful to God that I don't have an exam tomorrow. I would be crying much more than this.

Should I take this deal or not?

Is the comfort worth risking my life?

TBC.