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“I don’t and I honestly doubt most of our classmates believe it. They are just too afraid to be Lydia’s enemy, so they go along with it.” I nod my understanding to her.
I can handle all snide comments and insults but what I couldn’t handle was Taimani not speaking with me and joining them in calling me names. That hurt the most and I can’t understand why the sudden shift in her behavior.
The only friend I now have is Naseer, he’s enough but he doesn’t go to school with me, and it doesn’t help that I visit him, where his sister throws names and stuff at me.
I ask Taimani what I did to upset her, but she just brushes me off like I’m an idiot. I honestly have no idea what I ever did to upset her so much.
I only told Naseer once about the name calling and he asked to intervene, I refused and told him it would stop. I promised to let him know if it got worse. How do I tell him his sister, is one of them? Is he going to punish her? I know it would be like adding more gasoline to a wildfire.
She still gives me a ride to their home with a silent feud because she wants to make it look to her brother that we are friends, but he knows we are not. I once told him; I would find my way to see him, and he said he would send Rilwan to pick me up daily.
It sounded good at first, until I realized the students would see it as proof of me dating men, older than my uncle.
I focus on my schoolwork and Naseer is determined to endure the nine months of school social torture.
My uncle asked what was wrong with me. I said nothing and lied that I’m just sad James broke up with me. He nodded his understanding and said I will get over it in time. I couldn’t tell him. The meanness of the student was my issue. I stopped going to Rema because of James and the possibility of running into my classmate and started going to Keiko beach to relax but some local boys tried to assault me. I returned to Rema Beach once I figured out what time my classmates weren’t there.
I apply to colleges and stay on the book track. What good would a healthy social life do if I don’t get into college? I got several admissions with scholarships, but I decided on the University of Chicago. Instead of Rice University which was in Texas. I felt a need to be by myself and find myself.
My aunty didn’t like that I picked Chicago over Texas, but it was my choice. Naseer and My uncle had told me to pick what made me feel better and not what would please my aunt and friends. Chicago felt like that new beginning for me.
I’m looking forward to a fresh start. Naseer is much better and moving slowly without crutches. That is the best part of me staying to see him walking, alive and happy.
He says he’s going to be travelling soon. I’m all excited about him finally getting back into the world.
NASEER
NurseReasetmybed and put my crutches away. I took my meds and got in bed. I know Jade won’t return to me tonight. Nurse Rae stays after finishing, normally she’s out the door, before I can make a request but stands and fidgets with her hair.
“Is something wrong?” I ask, though obvious.
“May I speak freely, Your Highness?” she asks, surprising me. What would happen if I said no I do want to hear what she has to say.
“Speak freely, Rae,” I say still curious.
“Earlier this evening, when Ms Bankole was leaving. She bumped into your father. She greeted him and he asked her about school. I went into the green room. I’d left forgotten something in there, so I went back to pick it up.”Can she get to the point, my father and Jade in the same sentence, has my heart racing.
“And?”
“While I was in the storage room off the green living room. I heard your father tell Ms Bankole “You are setting yourself up for heartbreak and you’re too young and pretty for that. Leave and find a nice young man who will give you everything you want. My son is only lying to you. Don’t take him seriously. When you leave for college, don’t contact him.”I like Ms Bankole, and I think you like her too, I don’t think your dad wants her around you now that you are moving around better. I think he prefers Princess Nadra. I just thought you should know what Ms Bankole is hearing from others.”
“Did Mariam say anything back to my father?”
“No, she was quiet, and I could see her wiping her eyes before she left.”
“Thank you for telling me, I appreciate it, Rea. If you could please make sure, no one blocks Ms Bankole from seeing me, and in the meantime, don’t mention our conversation or what my father said to anyone else.”
“Agreed.”
“Good night, your Highness.”
“Good night, Nurse Rae.”
I realize the road to Jade, and I keep getting hurdles, ditches, and bumps but they can’t win. I give them an A+ for effort, but they are fighting a war that’s already a loss to them. My dad only wanted Jade around because her presence helped me get better, but in his selfish way, her service is over, she can now leave is what he’s saying.
I’m never going to let go of Jade, that’s a fact. I will only walk away from her if she rejects me. They are not seeing it; we are destined to be.
JADE
