A Rift Between Us

Chapter 49 - A Stealthy Exchange

A symphony of trinkets chimed within her handbag as she fished out her phone. Her eyes squinting against the cracked screen as she deciphered the candid message.

Alfie: Focus on ur revision. Not on me. 11:55

Keiko peered as the sunlight glared off her phone, a flurry of dissatisfaction nagging at her mind.

No Alfie. We're gonna revise together. Simple as that.

Her thumbs tapped rhythmically as she composed a response, hands hidden beneath the bench.

Keiko: Listen, working together makes more sense. We both benefit. That's what's happening. Don't stress me out. 11:57

A satisfying thump echoed as she hit send, a rainbow smear fading from the screen. She glanced up at Alfie, whose eyes were fixed skyward, his dejected figure slouched on the bench. His hand darted into his trouser pocket, yanking out his phone, his attention captured by Keiko's text. Mr Dodge leaned leftward, elevating himself onto his tiptoes from a distant position. He surveyed the furthest bench away from him like a hawk.

"Alfie, are you being serious right now? You've got your final exams tomorrow!"

Mr Dodge strode towards him, his tie flapping violently. Alfie's face flushed with annoyance as he turned to face his teacher. Keiko strained to pick up their hushed conversation, her eyes darting between the two. The other students watched, their curiosity piqued. Mr Dodge's hand hovered in the air with an open palm, his expression stern.

"Give me your phone."

Alfie's hand inched forward, a snail's pace against the wind. Mr Dodge grabbed the phone, his posture returning to its previous state. Alfie whirled around, his furrowed brow and clenched jaw illuminated by the sunlight. Keiko held his gaze, sensing the tension rise, a shiver running down her spine. He stared daggers at her before forcefully turning away. Her focus switched to Mr Dodge.

She quickly tucked her phone into her bag, trying to conceal it. The thick branches of the cherry tree groaned as they moved, sending a shower of alabaster petals into the distance. Her eyes scanned the stack of papers fluttering on the bench beside her, an idea sparking in her mind.

Mr Dodge may have his phone, but that's not gonna stop me.

Keiko snapped her fingers, catching the attention of a nearby student. She looked back, curiosity written all over her face.

"Err...yeah? What?" The girl angled her face, casting Keiko a dubious look.

"Gimme one of those papers, and a pen too."

Keiko snatched the items from her and hastily scrawled on the paper, her mind ablaze with resolve as she jotted the message. It crumpled into a sphere, soaring through the air at a steep angle, bending like a boomerang caught in the breeze, striking Alfie's head directly. She observed as he aggressively unfolded the note, his body freezing momentarily before he flung it into the whims of the breeze.

What's he doing??

She quickly scribbled another note, keeping a wary eye on Mr Dodge. He turned his back and began pacing. The tree branches stilled, unveiling a break in the wind. She took a shot, hitting Alfie's shoulder before it flew away in the air. He tore a piece of paper in response. She scrutinised him as he squiggled.

Is he finally answering me?

Alfie glanced at Mr Dodge, gauging his position as he assisted another student. His arm zipped through the air. Keiko tracked his paper ball as it settled snugly into her handbag, the corners of her mouth lifting. A smile crept across her face, but it quickly faded as she read the words.

Stop distracting me. Honestly, just stop. You made Mr Dodge take my phone away. You're annoying. Get lost.

Her heart sank. She tore off another piece, her mind firing rapidly.

No no no, you don't understand. I need your help with all of this revision.

A rogue paper ball whizzed past her face, landing with a soft thump. Keiko's eyes scanned around the space, trying to identify the culprit.