Overlap

Chapter 17: Domino Effect

<09/01/2010 - 09:50 | Saffrin Middle School (Math), Austell, GA, USA>

Last night, I must have cried an entire bucket of tears, wrapping my entire soul in the depression that sank in. It was so intense that waking up today, I felt only a quarter of the energy I was used to feeling, physically and emotionally.

But I didn't forget anything that happened. I knew what we were going to be in for as soon as math class starts, my mind already racing by the time I entered the classroom with Banarus and Malica, who were conversing with each other. I meant what I said earlier, about making sure she understands exactly how pissed off I am. The experience may have weakened me, but the anger from being cheated on remained so strong.

I saw both of them standing beside their usual place of desks, with faces of regret and worry. It was obvious that Malica told Banarus everything that happened, assuming she didn't lie about the details of what she did. No, they would be their usual happy selves if the conversation topic were anything else. And that's the way it should be, because I wasn't happy right now.

Soon enough, I brought myself beside them, my eyes fixed on Malica, my expression letting her know I would never forgive her. "So," I projected loudly enough for anyone to hear. "About that call last night..." I put my hands on my hips, waiting for another pathetic answer from her. I still deserved to hear directly from her, even if it wasn't what she wanted right now. Malica can't just get rid of me that easily.

Fighting the tears in her eyes, Malica stuttered an exhale while bowing ever so slightly in apology. "I'm so sorry I cheated on you. It wasn't right of me to do that at all."

So she admits it at last! I guess if anything, this was one of the two things I wanted her to say to me. I don't care how sorry she says she is. What's done is done. She admitted to doing so, which was a first step in doing the right thing. Still, there was something more I wanted to know. "Why did you do it?" I don't care if it was one of those questions most people can't answer. I wanted to know her reasons for doing that to me. What was going through her mind? How did she really feel about us?

"I, I don't know."

"Not good enough."

Feeling five times worse than before, Malica shut her eyes in shame, unable to answer what should have been a fair question. She was silent for some time before repeating, "I really don't know why. All I know is that I'm sorry."

She did something horrible without ever knowing the reason why? Or maybe it's because she doesn't mean any of the words she is saying. She probably wanted to cheat on me, but she just won't admit it. Either way, someone who lies like that cannot be taken seriously, even right now. "Apologize all you want. But you and me are over." I meant every word, as if my last statement wasn't obvious enough by now. I could see the regretful look on Malica's face. Banarus appeared to be the same way, but I already knew that her role in all of this was to sympathize with Malica. They are best friends after all, so this really ended up hurting her too.

Just as I continued making them feel bad one minute away from the start of the class, I noticed from the corner of my eye at the doorway entrance that Kenzaki was approaching the three of us. With such timing, I gave Malica my final regards. Speaking up loud enough to ensure even he could hear me, I assured Malica, "You and Kenzaki won't have to worry about a thing. Part of me feels kind of bad for him." With him now standing right behind Malica and Banarus, I twisted and lifted both hands nodding my head to the gesture for his sake. "Isn't that right, Kenzaki?"

Malica and Banarus both turned around as quickly as they could, twitchy that he somehow walked up behind them without being noticed. His presence here only complicated everything much further, for them.