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“Stop worrying, I can handle my dad.” He nods but I can tell he’s not convinced about my dad.
We talk for a few minutes about other stuff, and he leaves. I know I can trust Rilwan not to ever share our conversation with anyone. Besides Brian, he is the only other person who knows how I feel about Jade.
I intend to keep it that way for now. No point ruffling feathers now.
NASEER
WithJadeback,Iwas happy. I increased my therapy and got more movement. Jade comes to see me every evening after school. All was good until she mentioned James was back and they were going out to the park to review the schools they were applying to together.
I knew it was time to close out this business with James. I asked Rilwan to find out James’s routine and where I could meet with him.
Rilwan fills me in on James’s schedule and I make arrangements to meet him.
He was surprised when I showed up instead of Jade to meet with him. Rilwan had set that up.
“I’m sure you were expecting Mariam,” I say the moment I grab a seat. He nods.
“I set it up, she didn’t. I needed to speak with you alone.” He’s flabbergasted by my request to see him because we’ve nothing in common if only he knew we have a very important person in common.
“Why?” he asks in a shaky tone.
“Very simple, I need you to break up with Mariam.” He’s surprised by my request, but he clearly can’t argue with me though I can tell he wants to.
“Mariam likes me,” he says.
“Yes, she does like you, but being with you is not safe for her and I happen to care about her safety, and if you want to stay safe and not get locked up where your parents won’t find you. Break up with Mariam and do it tomorrow.” Beads of sweat on his forehead let me know the message is clear. He’s frightened and that’s exactly what I want. He looks pained by my request. He does like Mariam, but his attention to Mariam makes her a target and I can’t let, that attention hurt Mariam.
“Okay, I’ll stop seeing her,” he finally says.
“Good, make sure you make it clear to her that you are no longer interested in her. Remember it’s for your safety and hers.” He nods.
“Have a good day and I’ll have my men keep an eye on you, should you think you can outsmart me.” Fear takes over his face as he nods again.
The next day Jade comes over and she’s sad when I ask what’s going on.
“James says he no longer wants to hang out with me or speak with me again. He said he’s now dating Lydia. Can you imagine that he’s dating that mean girl? You know what? Good riddance.” She is distraught by it. I want to tell her what I did but I remain quiet because it would mean I have to tell her about the other stuff. So, I watch her try not to cry or show anger.
“He’s a teenage boy, they are flaky like that.” I lie. James wasn’t flaky he genuinely liked her. I saw it in his eyes as I crushed him. I didn’t like it, but it had to be done.
“Guess you are right, Gent. I liked him, but now he doesn’t even look my way. It is so annoying.” She grunts. “I even tried to sit next to him, and he changed seats, that was humiliating.” Her voice is loud. I dislike this moment, but I couldn’t sit back and let them harm her. Much as I was going to let her relationship with James die out. Being with James makes her a target for Lydia. I would rather see sad now, than the horror they had planned for her. Protecting her is my priority.
“Look at it this way, you have me to always have your back no matter what?” I gently state.
“Yes, Gent, thank you for being here for me.” she gives a sad chuckle.
JADE
Finalyear,everyoneisexcited and happy but I’m sad, the school year before now was an illusion. This is the worst school year I’ve ever had. I can’t tell my aunty much I want to request that she sends me to Texas to be with my cousin. It would also mean that I won’t see Naseer again.
James broke up with me and started dating Lydia, my archenemy. I get the mean looks everywhere I go without speaking. It felt like my presence disgusted Lydia and her minions with a few boys in tow. The only people nice to me are the teachers, and a few students in my class, but the rest look at me with disdain. Honestly, if looks could kill, I would be dead ten times over.
Their mumbled insults increase. Kira, the only brave one willing to speak with me, tells me the rumor is that I am sleeping with teachers and an older man. With the help of Lydia, I’m scorned and tagged the school whore.
James sometimes tries to defend me but he’s quiet as soon as Lydia walks in. Kira asks me if there’s any truth to my having sex with an older man. I’m doing it because my guardian can’t afford my college fees. I tell her it is all lies, but no one believes it.
“I guess, you’ve managed to make an enemy of Lydia. Now you are the school whore, truth or not,” she said. At least, she’s willing to keep me company, we’ve shared the same classes and studied together a few times. She has always kept to herself and now accepts me. A little blessing, I guess.
“Please tell me you don’t believe them?” I eagerly asked.
