Badboy's Venom

chapter 52

ZOE'S POV

I wake up to a sweet morning text with emojis, my cheeks aflame to the text before replying and sending mine back to Mike. I prepare myself and ready for a long Monday, wearing my uniform with the blazer. It's been hard to leave the blazer out of the uniform; it just gives me that senior year attitude and dignity. Assembly passes by so quickly than that of last week which was the first week of school.

Our class teacher, Mr Nkalanga makes his way through the classroom being followed by a white boy with blonde hair holding in hand the teacher's books. "Good morning class." He greets, his voice holding too much authority. "Good morning Sir." We all reply in unison like the lower grades learners. Mr Nkalanga is very strict to the point where by when he enters the classroom you immediately stop whatever you were doing and give him all your attention.

"I have an announcement to make. Standing next to me is Dave Varda, our new student who'll be joining us as from today. You may all give him a warm welcome and show him love." We all clap our hands and Dave smiles at us, darting his blue ocean eyes around the classroom and finally his eyes land on me as I watch his wide grin; I smile back at him. I'm able to see all his features properly because my seat is at the front raw.

"Thank you that's enough" the teacher says dismissively. "You may be seated next to Zoe." Mr Nkalanga points out a seat next to mine, on my left side and behind me is Linda's seat. I widen my eyes "But sir this seat is occupied" I whisper to the teacher. "I don't see anyone, do you Miss Jackson?" He rhetorically questions and I shake my head. "I don't tolerate late comers in my class, they will have to look for a place at the back." He states in a serious tone and loud enough for the class to hear. "Thank you Sir" the white boy finally speaks, taking a seat next to I.

"Hey" he waves his hand shyly at me. "Hi" I reply with a slight smile on my face. "Mr Varda and Miss Jackson you'll have that time after class." The teacher says, calling for our classmate's attention. Great! Why is this boy causing me trouble already? I glance back at him and I lip read his lips saying 'Sorry' and smile then look back to the front.

"Take out your copy of Sonnet 18 by Shakespeare. Who would like to share their thoughts with us before we all go through the poem together?" The teacher orders and we do as told but looking around the classroom, nobody seems to be willing to share their thoughts. I then raise up my hand slowly "Miss Jackson, want to try?" Mr Nkalanga points his hand to me and I nod.

"First sentence - 'shall I compare thee to a summer's day'. Since we all know that summer is a beautiful season and a delightful one. When we look into the hidden idea, the poet is not just talking about his love for a summer's day but his love for his partner. The topic sentence gives us an idea that throughout the poem he is complimenting the beauty of his lover." I stop and watch Mr Nkalanga's proud face, his proud smile. "Wow, wow you wouldn't have explained it better Miss Jackson." "Thank you Sir" I smile back at him.

"This proves that you all are not doing your school work, only one person is." After the teacher says that, a majority of the class mutters under their breath. 'We were on holiday' 'We all know she's your favourite'

"Order!" The teacher orders. "Just do your work and you all will be my favourite." Mr Nkalanga jokes and we all laugh, even Dave. The class continues and more periods occur until break time. "You not being fair, I'll drink your juice for that fry." Linda smacks my hand from taking her chip. "Don't use that as an excuse, all for a single fry." I roll my eyes at her. "Okay fine you caught me. I should have gone for cranberry juice than this sweet thing." She points out to her juice and I laugh at her "Here" I give her my juice. "Thanks girl" she drinks and place it back on the table.

"So did you see that white boy?" Linda questions, placing her hands on her head and I laugh at her gesture. "For the very first time you have your eyes on someone." I challenge her more of a fact. "Who doesn't? I mean did you see those blue ocean eyes, those lips and his blonde hair. He's your Zac Efron type of guy." She hollers with joy. "Okay I get it, he's handsome with no doubt but I got a man girl." The last words come out of my mouth as a surprise to both of us, vibe killer. "You have a man? Since when?" She queries, searching my soul. I purse my lips. "Don't lie to me." Linda protest seriously.

"I'm so sorry Linda but I'm back with Mike, he came through over the weekend." "And you saw it was best not to tell me." She retorts. "I was afraid you would react just the way you did right now but trust me I was going to tell you, I just needed time." I say quietly. "Great! Now we're keeping secrets from each other." "It's no big deal Linda." "Fine, but are you sure about this?" She questions with worry evident on her face. "I am and I don't need that lecture please. For the very first time he's serious than ever, he even introduced me to his parents." I inform her.

"That's what you said last time, what about Trigger?" She asks. I mean I just mentioned that Mike introduced me to his parents or she didn't hear that? Or maybe she's jealous like Samantha. My subconscious says that but I fight her thoughts. Not Linda! "I love Mike, Carl and I will never be an item have that in mind." I say dismissively. "So you say" she shrugs her shoulders impassively. "I know you don't feel Mike, please pretend to like him for my sake." "For your sake, I like him I guess." She says with sarcasm oozing in her voice. "Thank you" I smile at her sarcasm and Samantha passes by our table, walking alone. My gaze meets with her eyes and I'm the first to break the tension. I do miss her at times, sad.

"Why can't you all forgive each other and be friends again?" Linda speaks after Samantha has passed by. "Sorry? And why should I do that?" I retaliate, pretending not to feel a thing. "You heard me Zoe, cause it's clear you all miss each other. If you were able to get back with Mike surely Samantha deserves a second chance too." "I think that was the bell. Did you hear it?" I dismiss the topic and pack my things to leave for class. "Again Zoe just think about it." She says lastly, leaving me behind contemplating her words before I decide to follow suite.

...

Later before bed, Mike calls and I jump up and down excited to answer his call. As we're indulged in our long phone call, I'm laying on the bed facing the ceiling. "I love you." "I love you too." He then send kisses through the speaker and I reply by doing the same too then hang up.