Circle of Trust

part thirteen

     Precious woke up to the noises coming from the parlor, it sounded more like Nuel was In argument with a voice which she identified to be that of Stephen.
“Man I know it was wrong of me to engage in that lame dare, but I swear I didn’t share the video….” The voice said in defense
“And who did? I expected better, you are more like a family, a brother and even more….. I never expected such a thing like this from you. Let me remind you that Precious is more like a sister to me and I don’t joke with any of the two, if I eventually find out you have a hand in what made her want to end her life, you cease to be anything to me.” Nuel threatened hotly
  “It hasn’t gotten to that son!” Precious could hear Mrs. Erica say in defense.
“You think so mom?” Nuel asked.
“I told you already man, I didn’t send out that stupid video. I Know it was very wrong of me to embark on something as lame as that….. and I know I must have hurt Precious in one way or the other to prove a point, but I’m sorry and that’s why I’m here to apologize to her, don’t you get it? this is between me and Precious!” Stephen responded.
  “I would never have believed in my entire life that you would do something as lame as this, what is your interest? If anything happens to Precious, I will never forgive you.” Silver who had been silent since the exchange shot back at Stephen hotly.
“Can I talk to precious?” Stephen asked looking pleadingly at Mrs. Erica
“Sure son.” Mrs. Erica said pointing to the direction of Precious room. Stephen briefly turned to look at Nuel who had walked to the exit door without saying another word to him or his mom.
Silver on the other hand had given him the disappointed look before heading to the adjacent room. “They will all turn around son, go see the person you came here for” Precious overheard Mrs. Erica telling Stephen
There was a gentle knock on the door as Stephen let himself into Precious room
“Hi” Stephen had greeted precious who was pretending to be asleep
“I am here to apologize, I know I have hurt you so bad that is why I came to make a restitution, I know you are not asleep so please talk to me.” Stephen begged Precious who seem to open her eyes and was now steering at the ceiling..
“I just don’t want to see you Steve, you bring me memories I don’t want to relieve. You would do me a lot of good by just staying away from me.” Precious replied silently still not looking in this direction, the way her lips trembled gave her out, it was evident she was shattered inside even when she tried to act up all strong.
“I’m sorry for the memories and Night mare I have caused you.” Stephen said looking remorseful
“Sometimes saying sorry never takes away the hurt that comes from the pains inflicted.” Precious replied quietly before standing up to leave the room
“I’m going downstairs, when you are done please lock the door behind you.” Precious said and walked out of the room looking very pale and unhappy.
Stephen turned to go out of the room when he sighted Silver standing at the door. “I will advise you to stay away from my friend, she doesn’t deserve to be included in this mess!” silver advised with her face In disapproval.
“Can we talk for five minutes please?” Stephen asked looking pleadingly at silver who was rather reluctant to speak to Stephen.
Closing the door behind them, Silver had opted they sit and talk by the side of the pool, and Stephen had agreed without any objection…..  the pool had the calmness that comes with it, it was Nuel’s favorite spot of the house and ever since they came for the vacation, he had spent most of his time at the pool.
   “What are you thinking?” Stephen asked quietly after moment of silence
“Why did you involve her in a lame bet.” Silver asked flapping her legs in the warm pool
“I don’t mean to hurt your friend that way, I am finding it difficult to control the feelings I have towards her.” Stephen explained
“And you thought it would be wise of you to win her love by a mere dare.” Silver asked still unmoved by Stephen’s explanations, it was evident it had more to it than just a mere bet. “I only want you to know I’m truly sorry, and I really love precious……. I just want her forgiveness.” Stephen said finally before telling Silver goodnight.
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It has been over three months since the girls returned from the vacation, Precious seemed to have changed and had kept more to herself and had distance herself from any social events, silver had tried getting back the spirit into her but it seemed Precious bore a hurt she wasn’t ready to disclose.
On many occasions, silver had tried to ask her to speak up on the reason why she had socially distanced herself from social gathering and lot of people, but precious had made the excuses of having her final examinations and projects to focus on. It was obvious the vacation even though had been very nice to silver had managed to create a crack in Precious heart.
   On several occasions, Stephen had tried talking to Precious on every of his visit to see silver and Nuel and  had delt with Precious rejections countless of time.
  “why don’t you ask Precious to join us at the cinema today.” Nuel asked on one of his recent visits to silver.
“Like she would ever accept to go with us, Precious has really changed and recently the library is now her escape from having a social time.”  Silver responded unhappy with everything.
   “she has even refused to brief me on what happened on that faithful day, I only hope and pray that she doesn’t fall into depression. Like she is more than just my friend and I genuinely care about her.” Silver added with a slight shrug.
It was a fact that Precious was now very withdrawn from a lot of people and fun, and silver could only watch from a distance and patiently wait for her turn around as it was obvious she was trying to heal gradually from whatever that was eating her up.

    Precious happened to be coming out from the exam hall when she saw Bruno who seemed to be standing by the walk way leading to the hall. Precious had made to walk past him, but Bruno was quick to grab her by the elbow dropping her books in the process, with a warning glare, Precious bent to pick up her books
“Sorry.” Bruno apologized simply
“What do you want?” Precious asked giving him the murderous look
“I’m here to apologize for everything, including sending out the video” Bruno said looking remorseful
“And how does been sorry feel to you? Like how do you feel spilling this whole trash?” Precious asked not minding the whispers that was coming from students who was also leaving the hall and watching the scene created.
“Well I don’t know, but to be honest I did you wrong and that is why I’m here to make it all good again, Stephen is not actually the bad guy here…… I am more of a betrayal here.” Bruno added quietly.
“Very well then, please stay away from me henceforth. It is certainly not much to ask.” Precious responded with clenched teeth and walked away without a glance at Bruno.
   It was no longer news that Bruno was seen begging Precious on campus and the latter had walked out on him. Silver waited for Precious to brief her on the rumors that was flying here and there but the latter didn’t mention a thing to her and avoided the topic like it never happened.