Chapter 9
1088 Words
ARIELLE'S POV
I froze, unable to believe my ears. It felt like a dream to me and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't wrap my head around it. It felt like a dream that I never wanted to wake from. My eyes flickered uncontrollably as I stood in front of Derek who wouldn't stop smiling.
"Did you just invite me to your house?* I asked, my voice Quaky and filled with disbelief. My hands shook as I maintained mute, awaiting words from him. He looked quite puzzled. I could tell he was trying to understand what was going on with me.
"Yes, I did. Is there a problem with it or you don't like the idea of common to my place?" His face turned sour. I shook my head vehemently as I maintained eye contact with him.
"It's not that. I do not have a problem with coming to your house. I was just surprised that you asked me to."
"Oh, I understand now. So what is it? Are you coming?"
"Sure. I'll come. When do you want me to come?" I looked quite excited and couldn't contain the excitement that was sweeping through me.
Derek held my hands in his, smiling like he was a new groom. His smile was contagious and it didn't take long before I smiled as well.
"Today. Or if you can't make it today, you can choose any other day."
"Today is fine. I've got nothing else to attend to after school so it's fine."
"Yes… thank you… I'll be here to pick you up after the close of school," he whispered into my ears and dashed off as quickly as he could. I stared on as he went, still finding it difficult to believe my luck. It seemed like a mystery to me but then I had to come to terms with the reality and that he was mine.
******
I managed to sit through the entire classes I had for the day even though my mind wasn't there one bit. I couldn't wait for the final bell to ring. I was enthusiastic to see Derek's home and even his family. I was thrilled and couldn't concentrate.
"Arielle!" The English teacher called out to me suddenly, startling me. She must have noticed I was far gone in thoughts. I flew to my feet, my heart thumping heavily against my chest.
"Yes sir. You called."
"Is everything alright? Why do you look lost in thoughts?" She asked, looking quite worried for me. I swallowed hard, flickering continuously with my hands.
"Yes, ma. I'm fine."
"You seem quite lost in thought. Would you like to share with your class what's running through your mind?" A flush of embarrassment washed through my face.
"She's in love," someone yelled from the back of the classroom. I turned to see who it was, with a frown laced to my brows. It was one of Derek's friends. The entire class erupted in laughter. I laughed as well because he was telling nothing but the truth. I cleared my throat and spoke.
"I'm doing great ma. Thanks so much for your concern…" I said and had barely completed my words when someone yelled from behind again. "Who's gonna love this ugly thing?"
I was dumbstruck and couldn't believe my ears. Pain struck through me and I felt a strong urge to cry.
"Who said that?" The Voice of Mrs. Edwards echoed through the class. It was firm and resounding, sending shivers through the spine of everyone in the class.
"No one's going to speak up or would you rather have me punish everyone?"
Tears rolled down my face as I stared at my body, Pondering on what I knew already. I wasn't disputing the fact that I was ugly but having someone throw it in my face was shattering..
Mrs. Edwards left the podium and stood in front of me with a bright smile. She placed her hand on my shoulder, her eyes filled with hope. "You shouldn't listen to what anyone says. You are beautiful and that's what matters, got it?"
I nodded in approval, unable to say a word after which I sat my ass on the chair behind me.
"I have always told you all to refrain from these acts. You should remain Cool and nice to everyone no matter what happens. We have come to the end of today's class. See you tomorrow," she said and dashed out of the class. The moment she was out, a loud murmur erupted with waves of laughter accompanying it. I could bet I was the reason they were laughing. I was hurt but there was nothing I could do about it. I had to bear it in as I packed my notes in preparation to leave. I couldn't wait for the final bell to ring so I could be rid of them and their taunts.
A figure appeared right in front of me at that moment. It was Derek. He looked gloomy.
"Are you fine?" He asked in a low whispering voice that got to me. I knew why he had that look on his face and somehow, it melted my heart so much and made me blush.
"Huh? Why do you ask? I'm alright. Why do you ask?"
"I'm sorry you had to hear such harsh words from whoever said it. You don't have to listen to Whatever the person says. You are beautiful to me and that's what manner." I smiled, my eyes fixed on him. While I was still staring at him, he picked my books from the table and Clutched them in his hands like they were some prized possession…
The bell went off instantly, filling the air with great joy and excitement. My classmates filled out the class one after the other with their noise filling the air.
"Are you ready to leave now?" Derek inquired, locking his hands in mine. I could hear murmurs from around but none of them got to me. I was in a world of my own and nothing was going to infiltrate into it, not even the devil.
"Yes, let's go already."
"Yes, dear. The driver is around already and he's waiting for us by the park."
"That's great. I honestly can't wait to take a view of your house…" I said, giggling with excitement.
Derek replied to me but I didn't hear him. It felt strange to me and I thought to ask him about it but then I changed my mind.
- Writer
