Brutal Kings...damn..{Ongoing)

16

The weariness on her face showed how tired she was to anyone who glanced her way. She had woken up very late and was getting dressed after some minutes of soaking in the hot bath and brushing her hair neatly to flow on her shoulders and back.

Mrs. Rita hadn't been pleased when she got to the kitchen by almost nine to get breakfast. 'I thought you had left already,' the woman said, watching her stuff the bread into her mouth. 'Clinton left almost an hour ago," she said, glancing at her wrist even though there was nothing there. 'the driver could've given you a lift since you are going the same way,' she continued. Tasha rushed down the cold yoghurt. It wouldn't be bad to be riding to school with him.

After the kiss they shared that night, which nearly led them to making out in the kitchen, she hadn't spoken to him, although their gazes often met. When she served the family table, intervals when he was going out with the spruced hair and expensive fashionable clothes. Tasha was careful not to start a conversation with him, as someone might see them and eavesdrop.

As she rushed to catch the bus, panting from the sprint, she thought about saying 'hello' to him when they crossed paths in school. Tasha flushed with excitement at the thought of their lips melting zealously the other night. She covered her face and smiled heartily, realising she had done that countless times over the past few days.

Tasha wished she was with a wristwatch as she scrambled through her bag for her phone. She finally groaned as her fingers only encountered hardcovers and pens. She took her sling bag into view and was searching. She paused at the entrance of the large building. Fortunately, the heating sun was away to allow the cool breeze to refresh the faces and hairs of the few people heading into the edifice. Some throwing a glance her way, while others focused on their directions, oblivious to anybody around them.

The phone's  light illuminated the time; 11:45' she had missed a lesson which would be ending in 3 minutes. She decided it was best to stay out of the classroom until it was over. The last thing she wanted was to attract the attention of over 40 students. She was someone who fears embarrassment more than the other little miseries of life. She glanced at her phone once more, noting the clock had ticked a minute further into the day, before putting it back into her lightweight bag with three notebooks, two textbooks and a ruler, pencils, and a pen. She always made sure to look through her timetable, that she had placed on the bedroom wall, before grabbing the necessary books. She hated unnecessary stress and saw a heavy bag on her shoulder was what she saw as a hassle.

She made her way through the bustling hallway toward the classroom, hoping the teacher had finished with lectures. She would have to ask someone who was present and willing for help with the missed lesson. She was intelligent. One or two explanations was enough for her to understand and grasp the missed material. She hoped she meets with a friendly one as she cornered. Her ears perked up when she thought someone was calling out to her.

Tasha's turned and saw the girl in grey flannel trousers and yellow canvas shoes, with a folded shirt and hair tied in a scarf. She immediately recognised the girl, who dressed comfortably compared to the female students she glimpsed on who were on heavy makeups and stylish clothes. Her face, natural, as she came up to double peck her with the friendly gesture.

Tasha was happy to see her again after her disappearance on the first day of school. She saw Danielle smile, her lip gloss standing out. "I looked for you since that day," she said, blinking. It was evident she'd put on some mascara one would only figure when very close. "I thought you'd quit school, since it isn't new anymore." she added, noticing Tasha's reaction to her first words.

"I don't think I ever would," Tasha said, smiling. Danielle nodded with a shrug.

"Me too. My parents want to see me graduate and become the best literary writer and I don't want to disappoint them or my siblings." she added. Danielle had two elder sisters who were married and staying outside the country with their families.