by Holly Grace
“It’s nothing dear; you should thank Dr. Watson instead. Without his quick thinking, we wouldn’t be able to save Jane. I just want to ask, are you sure you are not taking any drugs though? Dr. Watson had to pump high doses of amphetamines and methamphetamines out in Jane’s system; it was enough to make ten men soar like a helium filled balloon. It was a miracle it did not kill her.” She said all of this lightly but I know there was a lingering seriousness and hidden doubt about me in her question.
Mom should know me better than to ask that question. I was shocked at the level of toxins inside Jane. I never knew that she ingested anything before we went to the mall or after, other than those twenty or so minutes that they were in the voodoo shop, we were not separated before that and she would have no way to swallow any pills; of course my first suspect is the shopkeeper, either she gave her something or forced her to drink something that caused Jane to overdose, I don’t know, it was appalling to think that that woman whom I tried to ask for help to save her last night gave her those drugs.
“No mom, I promise. I never touched or taken anything, you know me mom, better than anyone.” I sincerely said.
“Alright dear, I trust you, but don’t break it okay? I do know you are better than that. What I want to know though is that, how come your friend turned to using drugs, she is only sixteen, My God! Dear, if your friend needs counseling again or help, I know someone; don’t worry we’ll help Jane okay?”
“Thanks mom, I think she’ll need all the help we can give. Jane doesn’t deserve this happening to her.” Mom patted my shoulder, understanding that I need all the comfort she could offer. I just turned to her and gave her a small smile to reassure her that I’m alright. A little shook up but still okay.
I spotted Veronica by my car; it was on my usual parking spot. She brought my car to school since I let her borrow it last night to tell Joan of what happened to Jane.
She was talking to a boy I have never seen before, must be a transferee. Veronica still had not noticed me coming; she’s busily flirting with him. With their backs to mine they look so intimate that I would hate to interrupt them. Veronica is always on me if I intrude on her boy hunting time and almost always she gets what she wants, I feel sorry for the guy already, soon she’ll have her claws on him and he’s sunk.
I decided to just go to class; first period was always lively, insert the sarcasm there. AP Algebra is my first class of the day and it never fails to make already awake students go back to snoozeville, some really does sleep. The bell rung and it’s another round of mundane lectures, quizzes and homework. Somehow last night’s events flew out of my mind.
Between our Algebra teachers’, Mrs. Evans’ search for y’s and x’s Mr. Neil our Principal interrupted the class to send a new student in. I saw it was the same guy that Veronica was flirting with.
He looked to be about 6’ to 6’2 feet tall, has a wavy hair barely discernible through his knit cap, it about grazes his neck and curls intriguingly. A swirly exotic looking tattoo peeked under his light blue V-necked shirt contrasting attractively with his caramel toned skin and light brown eyes. Now I know why Veronica did not notice me earlier, he seems like her type, the attractive good boy look that gives a bad guy vibe underneath.
After the principal was finished introducing him, giving him the star treatment as it was rare to have a new enrollee halfway in the school year, Mrs. Evans motioned for him to find a chair.
He looked around the room, assessing where to strategically sit, probably because it would be your permanent seat throughout the whole school year.
His amber smoldering eyes trained on me, I flinched. It was as if he was furious at me for some wrong that I’ve done to him. His nostrils flared and I saw the barely leashed raging look of anger he trained on me.
I’ve never even met him once and he acts like that, I never even caught his name. I confess, I’m quite intimidated, but I erased it from my mind, maybe it was just all in my head.
“Is this seat taken?” he asked in this liquid raspy voice; he sounded like a pack a day chain-smoker, as he pointed to the unoccupied seat directly at my back. He looked at me inquiringly as if talking to someone stupid that didn’t understand what he was talking about.
Usually that seat was taken by Joan. I haven’t even seen her yet. It might be she was still not feeling well. Veronica hadn’t even updated me on her condition, maybe she just forgot. I heard him repeat his question and I noticed some of my classmates were looking at me weirdly.
“Uhm, there’s someone usually sitting on that chair, but I think she’s out sick so you can use it for now.” I quietly said.
“And what if she’ll never be back?” I felt his breathy whisper near my ear as he stooped down to sit, I shivered.
“Don’t presume too much, she will be.”
“You’re very certain then?” he countered as he sat.
I did not warrant him a reply. His questioning just rubs me the wrong way, coupled with my worry about Joan’s situation it did not sit well with me.
I did not mind him further as the class went on, but I’m gravely aware that he was watching me, not even paying attention to the solving of Linear Variables written on the black board. I am so not keen on making him an enemy.
I heard the bell rang and I quickly got my things; as I was ready to leave, something fell out of my bag.
It was the dagger that old woman gave me.
I wanted to snatch it right away but the new guy got it first. He cautiously held it with his thumb and forefinger and seized it by the hilt, as if afraid to dirty his hand with the ancient looking dagger.
He turned to me expectantly.
“Why do you have this? Isn’t there a rule in this school to never bring deadly weapons or this is really an assassin’s training center masquerading as a school.” He quipped, inspecting the ancient blade.
“Give it back! I just got last night and I forgot to take it out of my bag.”
“Oh, I will give it back but say you’ll go out with me first.”
“That’s blackmail!”
“How would I get you to go out with me then if not with blackmail.” He said cheekily, but I was not amused.
“I said give it back! And why should I go out with you, I don’t even know you!” I countered.
“Sin Miaki, at your service, sixteen, my family just transferred from down south, only child of both parents with an open relationship but have brothers and sisters from their numerous affairs, loves to travel, believes in a higher being that governs us all but not necessarily the common known God, doesn’t eat junk food, prefers to walk or run than to drive a car but owns a motorcycle, a pet lover, never lies and loves giving gifts. Now that you know me, say yes, you know you want to.” He said this in one quick breath while giving a cocky smile.
The nerve!
“What?” I managed to blurt out.
“I was introducing myself, in case you didn’t know”
My mouth just kept closing and opening, I must look like a beached fish to him.
“Yup, silence means yes. You, me, at my house this Friday, I’ll cook for you, you’ll get to meet the family, then I’ll bring you home. See you then!” Turning around quickly while humming.
Then Sin quickly dashed out of the room. Wait a minute…
“Hey! I never agreed I’d go out with you!” I shouted after him, but it was all too late, he’s gone!
And the most irritating thing of all, he held my dagger hostage.
you’re all worn down
the time for sleep is now
it’s nothing to cry about
cause we'll hold each other soon
in the blackest of rooms
Finally, we’ve met love. Soon I’ll have you.
You may not want me, yet.
But I know how I can make you.
Soon.
Chapter 10 Veronica
I can’t wait to go to school!
I’m not usually this ecstatic! But there is a
reason I love school this morning.
A boy! Yeah, it’s kind of a passé reason but it’s true! I can’t stop thinking about Sin! His name alone gives me chills, of the good kind of course. From the mold of his shirt alone, I know he has a rockin’ bod, with sculpted abs and no flab. Those chocolate eyes of his melt me and oh I want to lick those lips. He is in no other words hot!
I haven’t slept because of him. I think I’m in love, and I don’t do love. Love is just overrated, an exaggeration women tell themselves as an excuse to lie about the desires they feel just so they can sleep peacefully at night.
It’s great that Kat left her car with me last night; I’ll be arriving in style. It’s easier to boy hunt if you have a car and Kat’s car is a boy magnet, too bad I have to return it in the afternoon. What I would not give to be rich! I curse my situation! I haven’t chosen this life.
Why must I be born a loser to a loser slutty mom, maybe if my dad finds out who I am he’ll love me and he might be rich too, seeing as mom only dates the rich men who frequents the bar where she sings. They don’t stay for long though, there’s always someone younger, prettier, sexier, better in the sack; and then they leave. That’s another reason why I didn’t believe in love, everyone is always replaceable.
As I’ve parked the car on our usual space I saw him lounge in the spot next to mine.
Oh crap! He looks so hot; I did not just imagine it last night because sometimes I thought someone was attractive and then you see them in the light of day and they look like toads! Hmm, must be the trick of the candle light or the hazy fog of drunkenness.
He’s wearing this black leather patched bomber jacket that looks well worn but you can see the beauty and craftsmanship that only comes with designer labels, black relaxed fit jeans and Doc Martens.
He was leaning on a red Honda CBR600RR, can he get a little hotter. Ugh, let me fan myself. Golly!
A lot of girls were already buzzing around him, like hyenas sensing fresh meat. He just stood there smiling slyly, waiting for something. Or someone. Hmm, maybe me?
Let me try to rescue him from these hyenas so that he can all be mine.
“Get off sluts! Get off the fresh meat, he’s mine! C’mon shoo, scram, beat it!” some of the skanks reluctantly went away, while others whom already frightened of my popularity in this school just hightailed it fast. Obedient little sluts!
“Thanks for that, I thought I’d be swarmed, lucky for me you’re here to the rescue.” He whispered in my ear. Damn, that voice just makes me shiver!
“You’re welcome, so have you been inside yet?”
“Yeah, earlier when I gave my transfer papers to the principal. He’s nice, Mr. Neil. I may pay him a visit this weekend, see if he wants anything.”
“Wow! Just starting this school and sucking up already huh? C’mon how about us lesser mortals, will you leave us to our detentions while you bask in the sun! Give us a break you cheat!” I jokingly pat his pecs. Aww, rock hard!
He just laughed and shook his head. Wow. Even his laughter is attractive. I saw Kat’s mom park her Lincoln on the curve not far from where we are at. I quickly turned us around so as to seem like we have been in deep conversation for quite some time. I really like him and I hope he likes me too.
When I touched his arm I felt a little magnetic energy, its calling me, wanting me to be closer to him, to belong to him. God, I think I’m already hopelessly in love with him.
“So anyone you want to introduce me to? Any friends?” he asked.
“Later, my friends aren’t here yet. One is at the hospital as you already know,” he nodded at this. “I’m waiting for the other two. There are four of us who were really close; we’ve been friends since first grade. I’m gonna introduce you to them later.”
“Okay, that would be nice.”
Eeep, you’re the one that’s nice. If you only knew what I’m thinking right now! Aaaargh! You must be my boyfriend and quick too or you’ll be snapped up by Kat.
“Veronica, aren’t we going to class?” I heard him ask and ended my daydreaming.
“Ugh, yeah I was just distracted by something. Can I see your class schedule, maybe I can help?” I offered, I hope we get the same.
“About that, the Principal has to re-check my records, to see if the classes that I’ll take will “grant me my full potential” his words not mine.” He rolled his eyes while doing the air quote thing; gosh he’s so cute and is quite rebellious, cool! It’s like he’s made for me.
“Alright, see you at lunch?” I tried not too sound too hopeful; I have to play hard to get first. I think I failed on that though.
“Catch you later then.” With that he went to go see Principal Neil.
I think that went well, he must have noticed my crush on him. I’ve dressed with especial care today; I’ve worn my sexy mid thigh, blue baby doll dress. I made sure to match my dress to my eyes. I wore blue so that my grey eyes would pop, and I made sure to display my long legs wearing my favorite red heels, boys love it when I show my legs. It might be they’re imagining them locked around their back.
If only Sin would look down in appreciation though, I haven’t even seen him take a peek even for a second.
Classes were dull. I cannot freaking wait for the lunch hour to come! I haven’t seen Sin though, maybe we have different classes. I hope he doesn’t have Kat in one of her classes; I haven’t clawed my way into Sin’s heart yet. He has to be completely into me before he’ll meet her.
Finally the lunch bell has rung. I can’t wait to see him again.
Chapter 11 Kat
I’m glad my AP French class is over, that was a disaster. Tutoring Larry, my seatmate; on conjugating verbs, adding appropriate prefixes and suffixes while dodging spit sprays is not pleasant. I think I have to request another tutee, what part of Dire cela, ne pas pulvériser did he not understand? Somehow the French version of “Say it, don’t spray it” sounds more musical and better than our own boring local language.
Hmm, thinking about the musical French language, I should be getting to my Music Elective class. Taking that class was not my idea of an elective; I should have been with Joan, Jane and Veronica painting still-life and sketching self portraits, but Mrs. Grey, our Music teacher heard me singing Yellow by Coldplay in the teacher’s lounge when I was volunteering with the paperwork filing and she kind of pressed me to join her class. I should have pointed to Veronica, because singing is in her blood that’s what she always says, it doesn’t matter that she’s tone deaf and all because she loves the limelight and voices can be prettified with the right equipment. Ugh what have got myself into; my knees knock so hard whenever I had to perform.
I have terrible stage fright, but Mrs. Grey said I have to conquer that fear and it is unhealthy to waste such talent. I don’t know what she’s talking about though. I felt like my voice is just ordinary, I don’t know what they hear when I sing.
There are others out there much better than me, but I’m learning to accept that I can sing, just not extraordinary.
I forgot today was a Show-Off day. Not Sing-Off but Show-Off, it’s when you sing your heart out, indulgently, singing a song that made you smile, inspired you or singing something you like but everyone hates. It’s quite fun, for those that have the courage and the nerve to go onstage. For me, again, not that much, I tend to avoid Show-Offs but I received a warning from Mrs. Grey to participate or else she’ll make me lead the National Anthem in the school’s athletic meet.
I hope I don’t get called today, I haven’t prepared anything.
And the day keeps getting better and better. Not!
I spotted Sin slyly pointing to the chair beside him and beckoning me over. I wanted to sit elsewhere but it seems all the chairs were already occupied so I had no choice.
I dragged my steps from going there, only Mrs. Grey’s warning about the last to take a seat will be the first to perform had me scurrying in the direction of the chair. I heard him chuckle when I hurriedly parked my butt on the cha
ir next to him.
“And so we meet again.” He whispered.
“Where’s my dagger? Give it back you deranged, thieving creep!” I countered.
“Well, I’ll just hold on to it until Friday, then after our date, I will gladly give it back to you, my Warrior Princess.” He teased.
I narrowed my eyes at him, gauging if he was sincere. It doesn’t diminish my want for him to give the dagger back though.
“What if I promise to go out with you on Friday, just give me my dagger back? I swear, I give you my word I’ll go out with you, I’ll even let you pick me up from home, how about that.” I bargained.
“I don’t know,” he replied, “I kinda don’t know you that much and my dad said I shouldn’t enter into a negotiation with someone I’ve just met it got me into trouble the last time. It might be dangerous.”
“Why you-!…” I haven’t the time to finish my reaction of how enraged I am at having been turned down when, “Shhh, I think the teacher noticed you, I think someone’s gonna get in trouble.” He added that last bit in a sing-songy voice, darn! That was irritating!
“Mr. Miaki and Ms. Johnson, what were the two of you talking about, why don’t you share it with the whole class? It must be so engrossing.” Mrs. Grey asked, irritated, I think were in deep pile of dung.
“Nothing Ma’am, I was just asking Kat here about the activity, you see we haven’t got any of this program in the last school I’ve attended, that was also the reason that got me intrigued enough to join this music class.” He lied effortlessly. He delivered with a smile showing off that small crease of a dimple, earning him a rare reciprocated smile from Mrs. Grey too.
Show off, Kiss ass!
“What was that Ms. Johnson?” I heard Mrs. Grey asked sharply while Sin quietly guffaws.
Shucks! I didn’t know that I said it aloud.
