Tight

Part 4

He pulls my shirt up over my back and I feel something compresses against my skin. Wapala doing nice things for me is injurious for my heart. We get in such a huge fight with my batch mate. If he was not right there, I would have been molested. I will always thank God for his timing. He literary pulls off my classmate from over me. I do not know if I was capable of defending myself. I tried but let's just say feminism does not always pay off.

I roll onto my side and let the pack of ice fall onto the couch. Every movement hurts. I see Wapala go out the door. I am a little disappointed but then I realize he is hurt too. He probably went to take care of his bruises. I feel less than him. I saw a clear cut on the side of his forehead. I should have helped him to take care of it. I try to sit up but fail to do so. I think again of how he came to rescue me. I smile to myself. This is the first time I am in a situation of this sort.

"It's fine mom, really, let go of me," I tell my mother.

"A guy hit you? Why'd he does that?" she asks again.

"Let's just say I didn't want him to kiss me."

"Laadan, I don't joke when you're hurt."

"Of course Mrs. Laasya, you don't."

"Turn around, I need to inspect your back."

"Will you kindly check on Wapala?"

"I already tended to him."

"You took care of Wapala before your daughter?"

"I knew he already tended to you."

"Thanks mom, I wish I could tend to him."

"Wapala says you got hit on the back," she says again.

"It was an accident, not intentional," I reply.

"Well, you're grounded for the next week."

"I'm grounded because I got hit."

"You do understand I'm a single mother now."

"Yes, I know, that's why I ask you to trust me."

"I need to protect you."

"Okay mother, for your peace."

"Too bad Wapala turns out to be your teacher."

"Things get kinda complicate nowadays."

"It's just a year. I'll wait."

"Jaan walked me to my Jeep when I left the club," I tell mom.

"I always get a bad vibe from him," she replies.

"The whole club was empty, so."

"You thought he's safe. But he's the worst."

"I realize my mistake now."

"I'll complain to the principal."

"I don't think it's needed."

"No, it's absolutely needed for Jaan's behaviour."

"Jaan isn't always like this."

"This'll give him a permanent warning."

"Okay mom, but make sure I don't have to go to the principal's."

"Okay, I'll keep it on hold until you're healed."