HAUNTING SHADOWS

Chapter 3 : A spark of interest

As Amaka and Alice strolled through the school premises towards their hostel, the warm sun cast a sense of unease over Amaka's skin. She couldn't shake off the feeling that Bokka's release from prison would unravel the secrets they had kept hidden for so long.

"Alice, aren't you worried about our past coming back to haunt us?" Amaka asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes scanning their surroundings as if expecting Bokka to emerge from the shadows.

Alice's laughter was a gentle breeze on a summer day, carefree and light. "You're funny, Amaka. If Bokka was going to betray us, he would have done it years ago, when he was rotting in prison."

Amaka's mind whirled with the possibility, but Alice's words struck a chord. Perhaps Bokka's loyalty was stronger than she thought.

"What if he's angry with us for abandoning him?" Amaka pressed on, her voice laced with concern.

Alice's smile was reassuring. "Relax, Amaka. Bokka understands we had to keep our distance to avoid raising suspicions. He's not naive."

Amaka nodded, but the unease lingered, a nagging feeling that Bokka's return would bring more than just memories to the surface.

As they approached their hostel, Amaka's thoughts drifted back to Bokka. What did he want after all these years? Had prison changed him?

"Alice, do you think he's still the same person we knew?" Amaka asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alice's expression turned thoughtful. "I don't know, but we'll soon find out. He's probably changed, just like us."

Amaka nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. They had all been through so much, their lives forever entwined by secrets and lies.

As they entered their hostel, they were greeted by their roommate, Racheska, who had already spent two years at the university. "Welcome back, girls," Racheska said with a warm smile.

"I thought you two had abandoned me for good." She added, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

Alice chuckled, her laughter light and effortless. "We were just busy, that's all. No need to be dramatic."

Racheska's grin widened. "Good to see you both. I was starting to think I'd have the room to myself."

Amaka's gaze swept the room, her eyes narrowing as she spotted her bed. "What happened to my bed? It looks like a tornado went through it."

Racheska's expression turned concerned. "I have no idea. I've been keeping to myself, trying to get some studying done."

Alice raised an eyebrow, her tone playful. "Maybe Racheska's boyfriend came to visit and got a bit...overzealous."

Racheska's cheeks flushed, and she giggled. "Hey, no need to bring him into this."

Amaka waved her hand dismissively. "Enough joking around. Let's get settled in and catch up later."

Later that day, Racheska decided to get some groceries when she met Elias, who was swift to acknowledge her.

"Aren't you Ahmed's sister?" He asked.

"Yeah sure," Racheska stuttered. Apparently, she was more of an intoverted person.

"My name is Elias and you're?"

"Racheska," She smiled.

"Nice to meet you, Racheska. What brings you here?" Elias's smile was warm and genuine, putting her at ease.

Racheska shrugged, her eyes scanning the store. "Just getting some groceries. You know, the usual."

Elias nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm actually looking for a gift for my friend. Do you have any ideas?"

Racheska's shyness began to fade, replaced by her natural intelligence and wit. "What's the occasion?"

Elias thought for a moment. "We're just celebrating his release from...a difficult situation."

Racheska's expression turned sympathetic. "I see. Well, in that case, something thoughtful would be nice. Maybe a personalized item or a luxury food basket?"

Elias's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea. Thanks, Racheska."

As they continued to chat, Racheska found herself opening up to Elias. "So, how do you know my brother?"

Elias's expression turned serious. "We...went through some things together. He's a good guy."

Racheska nodded, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Yeah, he is. But he's not exactly the best student, if you know what I mean."

Elias chuckled. "I think I do. But he's got a good heart, and that's what matters, right?"

Racheska smiled, feeling a connection to Elias. "Exactly. That's what matters."

After few more conversations, Racheska's eyes sparkled with curiosity, her tone playful. "So, you've done a lot with my brother, huh? Care to elaborate?"

Elias's pause was almost imperceptible, his mind racing for a convincing response. "Study groups, mostly," he said finally, his tone casual.

Racheska raised an eyebrow, her smile skeptical. "Study groups, huh? You and Ahmed, studying together?"

Elias forced a laugh, trying to deflect her scrutiny. "Yeah, we've had our fair share of late-night cram sessions."

Racheska's gaze lingered, as if searching for hidden truths. "I see. Well, you're definitely in the same department."

Elias seized the opportunity to shift the focus. "Yeah. But you're only in your second year, right?"

Racheska nodded, her smile warm. "Yeah, I'm still getting the hang of things. But I have to say, I'm impressed. You're in the same class as my brother, and yet, you seem...more put together."

Elias's eyes met Racheska's, a flicker of unease passing between them. He couldn't shake off the feeling that she saw right through him, that his carefully constructed facade was on the verge of crumbling.

"Thanks," he said finally, his voice a little too smooth. "I just try to stay focused, you know?"

Racheska nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I can imagine. So, what's it like being in the same class as Ahmed? He's...not exactly the most academic person, is he?"

Elias's laughter was a little too loud, a little too forced. "No, he's not. But I don't think it's as bad as you think. Beside, we do study group together, remember?"

Racheska's smile was wry. "I suppose. Anyway, sometimes I worry about him, you know? He's always getting into trouble. Troubles that can cause him a lot of problems."

Elias's expression turned serious, his mind racing with memories of Ahmed's antics. "Yeah, I know what you mean. But he's a survivor, your brother. He'll figure it out."

As they strolled along, Elias turned to Racheska with warm smile. "Anyway, can I have the pleasure of your number?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

Racheska's laughter was a melodious sound, her eyes sparkling with surprise. "Oh, I'm flattered. What could you possibly want my number for?"

Elias's gaze locked onto hers, his expression sincere. "I find your company captivating, Racheska. I'd love to continue our conversation another time."

Racheska's smile was a gentle tease. "Is that so? You're not just trying to charm your way into getting my number?"

Elias chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Maybe a little. But I assure you, my intentions are pure."

After a moment's hesitation, Racheska relented, her voice barely above a whisper. "Alright, I'll give you my number. But don't make me regret it."

Elias's smile was triumphant as he committed her digits to memory. "I promise you won't. I'll call you soon."

As they parted ways, Elias couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. He looked forward to their next encounter, eager to delve deeper into Racheska's fascinating world.