TEENAGE TRAUMA

Chapter 14- A Pleasant surprise

   When we got home, we all sat in the living room and Kevin turned on the TV, he then asked one of the female workers, who I believe worked in the kitchen, to get each of us a can of soda. She brought these and then asked each of us what we would like to eat. Kevin replied, "We're all quite tired, we'll contact you if  we're hungry". "Speak for yourself! I'm famished. What can I have please?" Tricia said.
 
"We have a variety of food, Tricia, but may I interest you in fried rice? You seem to really fancy that"
"Oh, yes! I'll have that, a lot. And chicken, not turkey, or fish, fried chicken, Thanks!" Tricia replied with an expectant smile on her face.

"Alright, no problem. What about you, miss?" The young woman asked me warmly. "Uh, can I just have what she's getting, but not as much as hers" I replied nervously. The young woman then nodded in agreement and left. "This place is a literal palace honestly, I'm never leaving!" I said to Kevin. "I know, right? That's what I said. Tricia replied.
"Are we not gonna talk about what the hell was in that room? How did that gate even open, it was locked!" Kevin commented staring into empty space. "Oh relax, what we should be thinking about is what we should do" Tricia replied nonchalantly. "How are you taking this so well?" I asked her.  "I wasn't expecting anything better anyway" Tricia said with a shrug. "We're reporting this to the police." Kevin said in conclusion. "The same police we suspect of intentionally ignoring this case? I asked

"Yes! But come on, we can't seriously be suspecting the police here"

"Yes, we can, let's just calm down and think this through, we shouldn't meddle in Aunty's business anyway, this is between her and higher officials"

"So we should sit back and do nothing, that's what you're suggesting right now?" Kevin asked in frustration

"Ugh, you both talk too much. All I know is, we aren't keeping this to ourselves. Least speak to the counsellor, she's involved in this somehow already. Agreed?" Tricia suggested. Kevin and I both nodded in agreement and Tricia continued, "Good, now let's watch some TV".

Soon after, our food arrived and Kevin went to get some popcorn from the kitchen. We then put on a series which took about 5 hours to watch till the end.

After the series, at about 8pm, I called my mum to come pick me up. Even till when she arrived, I couldn't stop thinking about Tricia, was she really not interested in being friends with me?  I made up my mind to ask her about it the next day in school.

I went to bed really early the next day and slept next to my mum. "Why do you want to sleep in my room today, you never want to come here" she asked skeptically. "Nothing, it's been a while since I slept here anyway as your bed is ten times bigger and softer" I answered her with a forced smile. She obviously didn't believe me but she allowed it because she always liked me spending more time with her. "Oh, and I have a surprise for you tomorrow!" She added. "What's that?" I asked

"You might think you wouldn't really like it but trust me, you would love it" She said. "I hope I do. Would I get it in the morning before school?" I asked
"Nope, it'll be waiting for you at school tomorrow. No questions, just be patient" My mum answered. "Alright then, good night!" I said and went to sleep. My mum was beaming with excitement , she clearly couldn't wait to show me this huge surprise of hers. Making me actually get intrigued too.

I woke up the next morning and the only things actually motivating me to go to school were telling Cristal about our experience and getting to see my mum'a big surprise for me. In no time, I was ready to go to school.

My mum dropped me off at school and was about to leave when I remembered, my surprise. "Aren't you staying for a bit? What about my surprise?" I asked her. "Just be patient and go to school, it's waiting for you", she calmly answered.
As soon as I stepped foot in my classroom, I was greeted by Josh, who literally jumped in front of me with an innocent smile.
"Hey, Debbie!"
"What is it, Josh?" I asked in annoyance
"What's up?" He asked me nicely.
"Where's your wife? She sent you to me, right?"
"Haha, really funny."
"What do you want?" I asked him, getting frustrated
"Your phone number". He answered.
"No". I said, walking off
"I'll get it one way or the other, Debbie" he continued but I just ignored him. I sighted Cristal on her seat and beamed in excitement. I dropped my stuff on my chair and went to her desk.
"What was that all about?" She asked
"I don't even know. Just Josh being Josh. But I have a lot to tell you. I mean a whole LOT! All that happened where we went yesterday"
"Nice..what exactly did u guys find?"
I was just about to tell her all about it leaving out not a single detail when I felt a gentle tap in my shoulder. I turned around and screamed in joy. My mum really thought outside the box to surprise me this time.

To my utmost surprise, it was Chloe! My neighbour and best friend. She was also wearing the school uniform so I understood the hint-she had enrolled in my school! I immediately ran towards her at the door to my classroom and gave her a big hug.
"Oh My Gosh..you actually changed schools?" I asked
"Obviously, due to a few...irregularities", Chloe replied with some hesitation.
"Nervous for your first day?" I asked her.
"Not at all! What would I be nervous? The place seems just fine" Chloe said with a shrug.
"Lucky you. Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"Your mum asked me not to. Quick, come show me those girls you told me about. Amber and those troublesome ones" Chloe suggested eagerly

"They're not in school yet, did you really think they'd be the type to be here on time?" I answered
"Oh, well show me something in the mean time. My friend went to see the principal about something, I'm bored".

"You already have a friend? Your first day hasn't even begun!" I asked in awe.
"I know..just take me to your seat and show me to your friends or something" She answered in  boredom.
"Alright.." I said, taking her to Cristal to introduce them to each other and thankfully, Kevin and Tricia were with her already so I just introduced them all at once.
"This Kevin guy looks even better in person than in pictures.. you can't let him go" Chloe whispered in my ear with a wink.
Tricia, Kevin and I then explained what happened at Aunty's place to Cristal and Chloe, leaving out no detail and I can't say I didn't expect the kind of reaction I got from Chloe.
"What the hell were you thinking, Debbie? I mean, it's an interesting tale but since when were you brave enough to go to a place like that? What if you guys were spotted by someone or something? Chloe remarked. I could tell she wasn't too pleased with the fact that I went to Aunty's place but she just didn't sleep it as obvious probably so as not to ruin the mood.
"Relax, we weren't", I answered
"So what are we gonna do now? Tell the police?" Cristal asked.
"No, cause that may not be a good idea. The police clearly aren't actually trying to bring an end to Aunty because if they actually were, she'd be in prison now and forever. So we're gonna go talk to the counsellor and tell her all about this. Tricia answered.
Just then, the bell went off and it was time for our morning assembly. We all then migrated out of the classroom and Chloe was joined by her friend.