AIDEN
It's been another week of uneventfulness, not like am complaining but I can help but think this is like the calm before the storm. Plus the feeling of someone watching me hasn't left me at all, even at class I can feel the malevolence and it's starting to unnerve me.
I have been avoiding Shirley like the plague, even her texts has been left on unread. So much for, "am going to think about it" i mimicked myself. Justin has been giving me the stint eye everytime we are in a place together, even after trying to not make our paths cross, we end up meeting and him totally ignoring me. I would have laughed at his attitude but I know he is hurt.
"Are you going to continue ignoring me?"
Shirley, damn, after trying to avoid her she ended up sneaking up on me. I guess my time's up. Turning to face her, i gave her a smile
"Me?, When did I?" i asked innocently.
"You know you are" she replied pointedly
Okay, time to come up with some half truths. "Yes, I was and you know the reason"
"Do you not like me?" her voice shaky all of a sudden. This was the first time her voice didn't come out with the confidence I have associated her with. shit, am such a bastard.
"I don't think I ever gave the impression that I didn't"
"You are yet to give an impression that you do!" she shot back, her voice rising drawing attention from passersby.
"Hmmmm, that's a fair point" I said, not knowing what else to say.
"Argh, you are infuriating"
She walks away with her hands in the air. Well that's wasn't my intention but it had the exact result I wanted. Now am feeling bad, shit....ohh just dang it.
I run after her for some unknown reason that I know am going to likely regret soon.
"Shirley, wait"
"Leave me alone"
Yeah she's angry judging by that voice. I suddenly have the urge to tell her everything. I ran in front of her blocking her path.
I held her "Listen, I really like you alot but am involved in some shady things, very dangerous stuffs and it will put you in harm's way. Do you still want to go out with me?"
She stares at me looking quite surprised but that emotion went as quickly as it has appreared. She crossed her arms in front of her and continues staring at me like she can see all my secrets. It's almost uncomfortable but I know it's a test of some sort, so am just going to have to endure it.
"Okay, is that all? because I don't care. I still want to go out with you Aiden" she said earnestly
Phew, the breath rushed out of me, I didn't even know I was holding it.
"Okay...."
Now, it has suddenly become very awkward.
"Hmm, I guess we are officially going out now" she joining our hands, smiling.
"Yeah, I guess" Thinking, I could probably drown in her smile.
"Guess I will see you later, I have a study group to attend" she said, giving me a kiss on the cheek
"Okay, I will see you later. Bye" I said, as she walked away.
What did I just do! I screamed mentally.
Zain is going to kill me, I repeated in my head for the uptenth time as I head home. I won't be going to work today, cause I kinda took a sick leave, just to let me concentrate on my problems and most importantly I don't want my boss to be caught in the crossfire, just in case something happens. How did I end up agreeing to dating Shirley?, I asked myself. I suddenly remembered the first time I saw her, the sense of danger of someone with power, but since that day I haven't felt it again. It's probably nothing.
I wonder if Zain is prepared for the journey yet, cause it been three days since he last showed up in my dreams. I really hope am ready for whatever I might encounter, deep inside I know am not and that scares me. My phone suddenly rings, I look at the screen....Justin. well, that's a surprise. I thought he was ignoring me.
"What's up man?
"Is it true?
No preamble, classic justin. What's he talking about now, I can't think of anything as to what he might be saying, unless... shit
"So, you heard"
"Huh huh"
"Well, it just sort of happened that way'
"it happened since lunch time and you failed to let me know through out the rest of the day?"
"I wasn't aware you wanted to be updated about it and weren't you ignoring me?
He totally ignores the question and continued "So you and Shirley are now officially going out....on a scale of one to ten, how freaked out are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I know it wasn't your idea to go out. She probably asked first."
"Dang, you know how to bruise a guy's ego, you know"
"I know you to well that's all, can't blame me"
"That's a valid point and yes she asked first and I agreed and yes am freaked out any time I think about it"
He laughs, it's probably funny to him.
"Sorry for laughing, but feel free to call me for some pointers"
"No way am I going to call you"
"Yes way, you are"
"Get out man"
"Get inside man"
"Eeww, you are gross, I do not need that mental image right now"
"Is whatever it is that's going on with you sorted?" He asked out of nowhere, yeah classic Justin
That sobered me immediately "Not yet, but it will be soon"
Long silence, I can feel his need to probe. Can't blame him, we don't keep secrets from each other. But this time his safety is at stake and I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if he got hurt.
"Okay, will see you later"
"Okay, thanks."
My sense of urgency to sort this out and return to my normal has increased, only there won't be any normal for me.