FLOWER

CHAPTER 9.3

  The last bell for today is finally ringing. Valentina quickly rushes out of the classroom. I slowly collect my things into my school bag. Asher suddenly stands in front of me, resting his two hands on both benches between him. Too close. I look at the face mocking me. I sense a change, he is not angry. The breath of newness stings your eyes. He's blocking my passage again. What this time. Nathan walks up and tugs on his shoulder. I don't see James anywhere, he's obviously disappeared somewhere.

- Don't worry, I'll just tell the mongrel something. - A mocking smile appears on his lips.

He straightens up, takes his phone out of his front pocket and starts rummaging through it. From Nathan's face he says he doesn't know what was going through his brother's head. Asher turns the phone screen facing me. And he lets go of the video, which features Lian. It's behind a kitchen counter. He slices the paprika. A guy in the kitchen is a very bad combination in my eyes. Two things at once that make me weak in the knees. That's why I always cook from recipes from books. A video of a man cooking is too much of a distraction. Lian doesn't pay any attention to the cameraman at all.

- What is meant to be. I won't chase her after all. I'll wait until she comes to me. And if he asks nicely. - He drags out the last two words. Causing cackles. People who are not in the recording.

- You will touch mongrel!. - Asher asks with disgust. Lian looks towards him. Perfectly into the camera lens. With an identical smile as a horsefly now.

-We will be very pleased. I don't think I'll have to wait long. - There's laughter in the background. - The recording is over. And it touched my heart. It hurt. Despite everything, I had a feeling that this wasn't a fairy tale for me.

- You understand why Lian needs you. You're only good for one thing.

- Since you are playing his secretary, tell him that I will remember about the offer and will contact him when I need him.

- He just wants to fuck you, you idiot.

- Asher, I can make his too. - Nathan laughs at his brother.

- It will destroy you. - His tone terrified me. - Mongrel!, I give you good advice, and you better listen to me.

He pushes his brother and leaves. Nathan is embarrassed.

- Forgive him, he's going through a hard time. He needs to get his act together.

- Sure. -I say without conviction.

And I leave the classroom, leaving Nathan alone. I follow the need before I ride my bike to the hovel. In the corridor I notice James coming out of the women's restroom, come on he has his own in the next door. I go inside. And at the mirror I meet Sheila fixing her lips. She seems happier than on previous breaks. Which doesn't last too long. Her ear-to-ear smile quickly fades when she notices me.

- You see, he's so lazy that he won't even take two more steps to get to the men's toilet. And it's me who bothers him, not him me. I hate them. They strut like celebrities.

- It's hard to disagree. - I'm going to the cabin.

She unnecessarily let her braids down, she looked beautiful in them. Now Sheila's hair flows in waves over her shoulders.