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CHAPTER 7: JUSTIN'S TRUE FEELINGS

Kiesha arrived in school staring into nothing. As if something came off from her mind lately that she can’t live a life without a complete family because that is what she dreamed of since before. Honestly, she was glad that her family had already small fights but the problem is that, one of her family members is missing. Her brother John did not come back after he left her. She went inside the guard house and parked her bicycle from behind while tying it with a rope.

“Kiesha, good morning. It seems you’re so early today uh. But I don’t think you’re happily arrived at this moment. Is something wrong happened?”, asked the body guard.

“Well, ahm.. One of my family members is missing. My brother. It just happened that he came back at home last week surprisingly but he then again escaped or gone. I don’t know. He’s always like that.”, she replied.

“Maybe your brother is just seeking for a greater opportunity for your family. Don’t worry. He’ll come back soon. Just hope and pray.”, replied the body guard.

“I hope so Mr. Chief.”, she replied.

In a moment, while she was off to her classroom, someone just came and walked together with her.

“Hey Kiesha! Good morning.”, said Justin.

“Oh hey. Just stop following me Justin. Good morning by the way.”, she replied.

“Why? How are you now? Are you okay?”, asked Justin.

Kiesha sighed and said to him.

“Justin, look. We both know what happened for the past week right? I was being bullied and accused of cheating because of Matilda. Don’t you know that Matilda will be jealous even though we’re just friends? Do you really want everyone especially teenage girls to get mad at me because of you Justin? You know what? I don’t know. I just don’t get it. Everytime we are together, I think you’re just playing a fool to me. I know you don’t like me to be your friend. It’s like you just want it to show to everyone how will you mock me soon just like Matilda did to me.”, she explained thoroughly.

“What? Why are you acting like that? Of course I’m different. I can’t mock anyone not even you.”, he replied.

“Oh really? So if you’re good, then why did you let yourself be controlled by Matilda?”, she asked.

There are a lot of rich girls but with a very kind heart over there.”, she replied.

“Kiesha, I’m so sorry. I know Matilda still did not apologize to you.”, he replied.

“You know what? Even though Matilda did not apologize, I still forgive her. Because I can’t take to treat people badly.”, she replied.

“I’ll go ahead Justin.”, she added.

Justin stared at Kiesha without replying her a word. He know that she really hurt because of her girlfriend’s accusations towards her. As he went through, one of Matilda’s friends approached him.

“Hey Justin, how are you? Have you seen your girlfriend?”, asked Matilda’s friend.

“Oh, I don’t know. We haven’t seen each other for a week already. I thought you know.”, he replied.

“I can’t even contact her.”, she replied.

“Maybe she’s on her way to school.”, replied Justin.

“I’ll go now.”, said Justin.

“Hey wait. Ahm. I have a question. Did you two broke up already?”, she asked.

“Why? Just stay away because I have many things to do. Mind your own business small head.”, he replied.

Justin went his way to look for Kiesha but she’s gone already. He suddenly remembered Matilda.

“Oh. What should I do? I can’t just broke up Matilda just like that. I think I should talk to her.”, he whispered and headed his way to the classroom.

It’s quite afternoon already. Kiesha was at the library when the librarian asked her.

“Kiesha, it’s been a while. Are you okay now?”, asked the librarian.

“Good morning Ma’am. Which part?”, she replied.

“Oh, about the allegations that was thrown at you.”, replied the librarian.

“Ahmm.. I thank God because it was solved already. I’m not bothered with it anymore.”, she replied.

“So is it true that Matilda really did it to you? I’m so disappointed with that girl. I remembered the time she came here, I thought she was looking for a book or something. She was actually looking for her boyfriend that time. What an idiot girl. Isn’t she? Oops. I’m sorry.”, replied the librarian.

“I don’t know. Matilda has her own world. I guess.”, replied Kiesha.

Kiesha grabbed her favorite book. But she noticed it wasn’t in the cabinet.

“Oh, where is it?”, she whispered.

Suddenly, someone handed it to her and said:

“Are you looking for this?”, said Justin.

“Oh, it’s you again.”, she replied.

“What are you doing here? Pretending that you like reading books?”,

“Remember? This book is one of our favorites.”, he replied.

“Ahm.. That’s not my favorite now. Actually, I can’t take seizing other’s property.”, she replied.

“What happened to you Kiesha? Is Matilda your favorite now? I guess you’re acting different these days.”, he replied.

“Mind your own business. And I don’t want that book now. Actually, I searched for other.”, she replied.

Justin looked at her right in the eye. Kiesha was pretending to be rude so that Justin will eventually stay away from her.

“Kiesha, look at me.”, he said.

Kiesha didn’t mind what Justin has said to her recently but still, she was looking for other books every corner.

“Kiesha, please look at me.”, he said again.

Since Kiesha did not mind him, she grabbed Kiesha’s hands and pulled her right through his chest.

“What are you doing? Let me go!”, said Kiesha hesitantly.

“If someone might saw us here, I don’t know Justin. I’m gonna kick your ass.”, she replied.

Kiesha then pushed him and hurt his waist because he was hit from the table’s corner.

“Good for you, you maniac!”, she said and went her way leaving Justin behind.

“Oh, she’s totally cute.”, he whispered and smiled.

Kiesha went to the librarian’s corner and borrowed other book she thinks she would love. After, she went outside carrying her heavy bag while she handed her the book she borrowed. While she headed to the hallway near the basketball court, Justin’s friends saw her and waved at her.

“Hi Kiesha!”, shouted one of his friends.

All of the boys looked at her and smiled.

“What’s the matter of them?”, she whispered.

Not later than a minute, she saw Justin wearing his basketball uniform and flipped his hair in front of her.

Kiesha did not mind him nor greeted him. She pretended that she is not interested with him. But the famous cheerleaders rushed to Justin and started conversation with him. They even tried to make a photo with him and started to grab his arm as if they were seducing him.

“Oh well, Justin is a total fake at Matilda. He don’t even care how Matilda would feel if she saw this. Men nowadays are liars. They are such nonsense guys who would only pretend that they loved someone but deep down inside, they also have their hidden talent haha.”, whispered Kiesha.

Justin saw her and tried to stay away from the group of girls.

“Alright, see you around girls.”, he said.

Justin followed Kiesha until he reached her. His group of friends talked about him and Kiesha.

“Look, do you guys wonder why he always makes moves with that poor girl named Kiesha?”, said one of his friends.

“Literally, we don’t know that Justin really liked poor ones.”, others added.

“Well, maybe he likes Kiesha because she’s different from the other girls.”, said one of them.

“Of course, because she’s poor. She should act differently.”, they said.

“No. I mean we also observed other poor girls who really act disgustedly and the ones who would make a move first to some guys but I think Kiesha is different compared to them. I don’t wonder why Justin maybe likes her.”, said the other.

“Hey, Kiesha!”, said Justin.

Kiesha suddenly halted and her heart starts beating as she heard that common voice. She turned around and said.

“What?”, asked Kiesha.

Kiesha noticed that as the days are getting older, Justin’s looks really amazed her especially his blonde hair.

“Hey. Are you going home already?”, he asked.

“Yes. Why bother?”, she replied.

“Ahm.. If you don’t mind Kiesha. Can you join us? Tonight’s our final league. I think you don’t have to worry anymore since the final day of examination was already done. All we have to do is wait for the final list of graduating students. Right? I want you to chill sometimes.”, he explained.

“Oh, thank you for your concern Justin. But I really need to go now. I have some important things to do at home. By the way, where’s Matilda? I haven’t seen him for a week in school. You can call her.”, she replied.

“We’re not in good terms.”, he replied.

“Oh. Why? Is it because of the issue she’s involved? You know what Justin, if you really love the person, you’ll fight for her. You will make her feel that’s she’s worthy to be with. That’s love.”, she replied.

“Well, yeah you are right. But the only problem here is that her behavior. How she handles people. How she acts with you.”, he replied.

“Then, if that’s the case, what’s the matter? Now tell me why you suddenly cared about me.”, she replied.

“It’s because I…”, he said but in a moment, his friends called him.

“Hey Justin! Come on!”, they said.

“Oh wait for awhile!”, he replied to them.

“Oh, you have been called already. Thank you for the time but I guess I’ll get going now. Bye.”, she replied.

“Alright. Ahm see you tomorrow then?”, he said as he smiled back at her.

Aivy, Kiesha’s best friend noticed the two. So, she went along with Kiesha and asked everything.

“Hey, Kiesha. What’s up?”, she said.

“Oh Aivy, I’m looking for you all the time but I haven’t seen you around so I get going.”, she replied.

“Is it me or..”, she asked.

“What?”, said Kiesha.

“Hey girl, you know what? You two are mysterious.”, she replied.

“Who?”, asked Kiesha.

“You and Justin. Of course.”, Aivy replied.

“Why? What’s the matter between us?”, Kiesha asked.

“Are you two dating huh?”, said Aivy.

“What? Of course not! How can I be dating with one of the famous guys here in school? How can I be dating school owner’s son?”, she asked.

“Okay fine. Just chill you know. I’m only asking. Then if none of you are romanticizing, then there’s no problem. Even if you two started developing, I don’t have a problem with it. I’ll support you.”, replied Aivy.

“Hahaaha. Best, I’m afraid what you have just said. Kindly remember Matilda and the rich girls here. They will dumb me forever.”, she replied.

“But what if Justin really likes you but he is just shy?”, asked Aivy.

“It’s already his problem actually. Not mine. As what I have told you last time, I don’t have a 0.001% interest on Justin. It just happened that we always saw each other in the library, and guess what, we both liked the novel by Jane and Austen. It’s a romantic novel actually. I didn’t expect that he also liked novels since he’s a playful one.”, explained Kiesha.

“Then, that’s it!”, said Aivy.

“What?”, asked Kiesha.

“I think he really likes you. Actually, ahm sorry Kiesha but I really observed him whenever he’s with Matilda and I compared it whenever he’s with you. I found out that he’s literally happy whenever he’s with you. No doubt.”, she replied.

“Actually Aivy. I have something to tell you too. Since you’re my bestfriend, I’ll trust you with this not to tell anybody.”, said Kiesha.

“Oh, I’m interested about it. What’s that? Promise! I won’t tell anybody.”, she replied.

“Justin told me that..”, replied Kiesha.

“That she loves you? Oh my! See? I told ya!”, replied Aivy.

“What? No! Let me continue first.”, she said.

“He told me that he is not in good terms with his girlfriend right now.”, said Kiesha.

“Oh, it’s not obvious since I haven’t seen Matilda here in school. She’s really embarrassed of accusing you as a cheater Kiesha. Even Justin also gets embarrassed about her. If I were Justin, I’m gonna break up with that Matilda girl.”, replied Aivy.

“Oh. Stop it Aivy. It’s already their problem as a couple. If they were meant to be, it will be.”, replied Kiesha.

“Haha. It’s just like between you and Justin. If you are meant to be together, Justin will find a way to look for you. Ayeee. I’m so excited!”, replied Aivy.

“Shut your mouth Aivy. Someone can hear you.”, replied Kiesha.

“By the way, my parents are already here. Bye Kiesha! See you tomorrow!”, said Aivy.

“Bye Aivy!”, replied Kiesha.

Kiesha then grabbed her bicycle and put her bag in the box. She headed her way at home. As she paddled, she suddenly remembered his brother John.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Do my parents already found him? I hope so.”, she whispered.

It’s 6:30 pm in the evening when she caught by a heavy traffic. She arrived home at 7:15 pm already unlike before that she could arrive at 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm. She set aside her bicycle and went through the door. As she enters, no one was there. Her parents and sister still did not come home. She wondered where they are. She doesn’t have a cellphone to contact them. She even decided to go to the police station but it’s quite too far from their house.

“What should I do? To make a dinner or to report to the police station?”, she said.

Instead, she decided to make a dinner first. She opened a canned good and started to cook it on a frying pan. She cooked rice and started to boil water for the canton noodles. After, she prepared the dinner and place each on the desired plates and cover it to prevent it from flies. She ate first and changed her uniform. She then hurriedly went to the police station. Still, heavy traffic remained. A lot of passengers and people came from work, while others came from school.

“Oh, I’m worried about my family.”, she whispered as she looked at the bright moon.

After an hour, she reached the police station. She rushed upstairs and went to the reception desk.

“Hey Mr. Good evening. I am Kiesha, Kiesha Jones.”, she said.

“Hello, what brought you here?”, replied the police man.

“I am just wondering about my parents. They are all gone when I arrived home. I think it was connected about my brother’s situation. My brother named John was also missing a week now.”, she explained nervously.

“Alright, can you name your parents?”, asked the policeman.

“My mother’s name is Elizabeth Jones, my father is Edmund Jones, my sister is Alexa Jones while my brother is John.”, she replied with teary eyes.

“Alright, ahm.. Do your family has enemies or other than that? Don’t you have any number with you?”, asked the policeman.

“No Sir. We don’t get into a quarrel or something. Actually, I don’t even have a cellphone Sir.”, she replied.

“But you can contact our school. Here it is.”, she added.

Kiesha handed him the school’s contact number.

“Kiesha, we’ll just contact your school okay? Don’t worry. Maybe your parents are just into something or they have an appointment today. But I think I have the feeling that they arrived home already. But I am proud because you are brave enough to reach here late at night. Where are you from by the way?”, asked the policeman.

“I am from the Concord Avenue near the reconstructed highway Sir.”, she replied.

“What’s the job of your parents?”, he asked.

“My father is a construction worker while my mother is a housewife. My sister is a baker while my brother is a computer specialist as he told me last time.”, she replied.

“Oh alright. Got it.”, he replied.

“Did you have your dinner already?”, he asked.

“Yes Sir. Actually before I came here, I made a meal expecting that my family will arrive home when I’m away.”, she replied.

“Oh, you are so independent. I wish my daughter will be same as you.”, he replied.

“Oh, thank you Sir.”, she replied.

“So I think Kiesha, we’ll update you once we have a news okay? Again, don’t worry about your family. They are safe.”, he replied.

“Okay Sir thank you for your positive response. I’ll get going. Bye Sir!”, she said.

“Bye Kiesha!”, replied the police man.

“Oh God, please help my family if they are in a trouble today. Please keep them safe from harm.”, she whispered.

Kiesha went back and crossed the pedestrian lane. As she was heading on her way, she noticed a familiar face in school.

“Matilda?”, she said.

“Is she at the bar with a guy? Maybe it’s Justin.”, she whispered.

But as she went through to find out who’s the guy that Matilda is seeing at the moment, she noticed that this guy is not Justin.

“Wait, what?”, she said shockingly.

“So did she and Justin broke up already? Justin told me that they are just not in good terms. Not literally they broke up.”, she wondered.

“And it’s obvious that this girl really drinks alcohol. And look, the guy kissed her and they laughed each other. Matilda is so beautiful. She can get a guy whenever she wants. Oh wait, did she just kissed him on the lips? What bar is this?”, she said.

“Dream Girl’s Bar.”, she said as she read it.

Kiesha continuously get along until she reaches home. She was totally shocked about what she saw and was undecided if she would tell Justin about it.

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