Chapter 26
Shane’s POV
“Brilliant answer, Shane Dalton, brilliant answer!” Mr. Jackson complimented me after I answered the question he asked. I simply bowed and took my seat quietly, not paying attention to the students who turned to look at me.
It was nothing new because it happened all the time. Whenever I answer a question in class, they’ll applaud longer than usual and stare at me with smiles on their faces like I had said something completely out of the world.
But this time was a bit different because not everyone was clapping and smiling at me. Renee was the odd one out and I found myself staring at her. She looked so relaxed in her seat and I wished I could read her thoughts and know what she was thinking.
It’s been three good days. Three good days and it felt like torture, trying to stay far away from her. I avoided her like a plague and was always running off after classes. I also stopped going anywhere near the Janitor’s closet because I was scared that she might jump out of nowhere and drag me in there again.
But despite all that, I still found myself searching the halls whenever I didn’t see her around. I still stole glances at her when no one was watching and stared secretly without getting caught. I cannot remember how it got to this point but all I know is that I’ve become an expert in it.
Before I could look away, she turned around and caught me. That very moment, I could feel my heartbeat seize and everything else went still. A shaky breath left my lips and I gulped hard, staring back at her.
I must confess I’ve missed looking into those eyes of hers and as I stared back at them now, I could feel them penetrating my soul. We stared longer than usual and I wondered if she could read my thoughts. If she could then she’ll find out that she is always on my mind.
“Open to page 136,” Mr. Jackson said. Immediately, I tore my eyes away from hers and opened my textbook at full speed. My hands were starting to shake but I kept them under control.
“Renee, can you read for us?” Mr. Jackson asked
Everyone turned to look at her but she didn’t budge. “Miss Morgen?”
“No, Mr. Romeo, I can’t read for y’all. Kindly pick someone else, thank you”
We all stared in amusement as she smiled and leaned back in her seat. Mr. Jackson slowly took off his glasses and looked straight at her. I guess he wasn’t going to give up.
“Renee Morgen, pick up your textbook and read for us. Right now!” She rolled her eyes and muttered ‘Fine’ before picking up her textbook. She walked over to the front of the class as instructed and stood to read.
“Why bother her, Mr. Romeo? She doesn’t look like someone who can recite the alphabet” Layla said and everyone laughed. I didn’t find it funny and besides, what’s with Layla? She’s always acting weird whenever Renee is involved.
“Yeah. Well, I know a few alphabets” Renee smirked and looked at Layla. “F-U-C-K Y-O-U!”Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
Everyone laughed as Layla’s face metamorphosed into a deep frown. She rolled her eyes and leaned back on her seat as a layer of embarrassment coated her cheeks.
“Ahem! That’s enough!” Mr. Jackson ordered and everyone fell quiet. “Alright Miss Morgen, let’s hear you”
As she read, I kept my eyes glued to her, instead of my textbook. I watched the way her mouth moved and how she tucked her hair behind her ears at intervals. Not once, not twice, she looked up at me and drew her lower lips in between her teeth.
When she did that, the strange feelings returned and I wanted nothing more than to have that lips on me once again.
*
It was Saturday and dad had traveled for a business trip. He’ll be gone for three days which means that Kade is gonna be out of the house too. At least I’ll move around freely for those number of days instead of hiding to avoid running into him.
I’ve been home for five days and I still haven’t uttered a word to Kade. Believe me, I tried. I’d muster up courage and go to his room only to stop at the door. I tried knocking twice but I ended up running away just before he opened the door and stepped out of his room.
I wanted to apologize for getting him grounded but that wouldn’t go down without a fight. Dad will find out about it from Georgia and he’ll be grounded again. That’s how the cycle continues.
My phone beeped and I checked it out. It was a message from Theo. “What’s up, buddy? There’s a big party downtown, are you in? I guess not” He added a laughing emoji and I rolled my eyes at it.
He knew that going to parties wasn’t my thing and he also knew the perfect reply I’d give him. He knows me too well.
I dropped my phone but I immediately picked it up as a thought popped into my mind. Renee is sure gonna be at the party but I still had to ask him. I started typing but I deleted everything each time I wanted to send it.
Sighing, I dropped the phone and placed both hands under my head. I faced the ceiling and shut my eyes, trying to picture Renee in my mind. Why was I even thinking about her? If she’s gonna attend the party then so what? Why do I care?
I bet she’s gonna dress in one of those short gowns or skirts of hers and then she’d wear the kind of top that’ll expose her tummy and navel. She’d go to the party and would be dared to do something not so cool and she’ll gladly oblige.
I didn’t realize when Kade walked into the room until he slammed the door shut, breaking into my jumbled-up thoughts. I immediately sat up. He glared at me and without uttering a word, he went ahead to open the drawer where different kinds of expensive watches were kept.
He scanned the drawer for some seconds before pulling out one of the watches dad had given to me two days ago. I remained quiet as I watched him wear it on his wrist. It looked good on him but that’s the one I loved the most and him taking it meant he was never gonna return it.
“It looks so fucking good on me, yeah?” He asked and came to stand beside the bed.
I looked at him and then I looked down at the watch before nodding my head In agreement. What can I say? It does look good on him.
“What now, huh?” He asked and grabbed a fistful of my hair. “After getting my ass grounded for more than a fucking week, you can’t speak anymore?”
“I can… I can, I’m sorry Kade!”
“You better be goddamn sorry for your fucking self, Shane” He spat, his voice laced with fury and annoyance. He roughly released my hair and started walking towards the door. “You’re lucky I’m in no mood to fuck you up pretty badly.”
He opened the door and I heaved in relief. I expected worse but thank goodness he’s in a good mood. Else, he would’ve sealed my mouth, tied me up, and beaten me until I fell unconscious. He’ll then lock me up in his room and lie to Georgia that I had gone over to Mrs. Grace’s.
Or maybe, he’ll just cover my eyes, seal my mouth, and tie my hands and legs before throwing me inside the swimming pool. Luckily for me, Georgia and the maids are always there to rescue me before I end up drowning.