A Rift Between Us

Chapter 59 - Kindred Spirits

Her usual wooden expression remained unchanged as she fixed her gaze on Alfie, her eyes betraying no emotion.

"The matter is regarding Keiko." She patted her curls, keeping them in place. "I have confidence that you will find this to be of the utmost fascination."

A flash of heat shot through his body at the mere mention of her name. His teeth clenched tight in his jaw. Alara tilted her head, scanning his face with her indiscernible eyes.

"Alfie? I believe this matter is important, and I would appreciate the opportunity to explain."

Her eyes sought his, hoping he would look at her. Alfie nodded, unable to muster the courage to meet her glare.

"I have been rigorously observing Keiko's presence at our school since her arrival, and I have taken note of her every action and interaction."

Her eyes fell towards the ground, finger in front of her mouth as if hushing herself. Alfie glanced at her. He gulped, leaving his lips parted for a few seconds.

"Y-you have? may I...ask why?" His lips trembled. "It's completely okay if you don't want to tell me."

Alara's eyes locked with Alfie's. He shifted his face quickly.

"I am certain Keiko has an admiration for you, but is merely lacking the art of expressing her feelings in a conventional manner."

Alfie giggled, an essence of humorous disbelief washed through him at the thought of Alara's words.

"There's no way that girl likes me. She's a horrible person that's been giving me grief non-stop. Even if she did like me, I wouldn't care. I want nothing to do with her."

A twig snapped between them as Alara stepped closer. Her hand softly patted his shoulder. He instinctively twitched, pulling away like a touch-me-not. His heart pounded in his chest as her hand receded.

"Keiko's father..."

Alfie's eyes widened as he recalled the day Keiko got picked up. Her father was vile, spouting harsh words like arrows towards his wife. Alfie's gaze shifted to the left, picturing Keiko standing outside the car in his mind, silent and entirely unruffled as if the whole scene was natural. His fists loosened.

Alara's eyes narrowed as she tried to read him.

"It is my opinion that Keiko's childhood may have been lacking in terms of support and nurturing. Nevertheless, I can sense the depths of her heart, which is a place of great loneliness, yearning for a kindred spirit. Someone with whom she might find common ground and amicability."

Alfie lowered his chin, his mind replaying the past month with Keiko from a different perspective. Alara's astute observations soothed the festering hatred simmering inside him. It all made sense. Perhaps she was right. No, she was always right. She had to be onto something.

"I do not need to remind you of the unfortunate altercation that occurred the other day. I must assure you, I am aware of the pain you caused Keiko during said incident."

Alfie exhaled, a sudden wave of guilt weighing him down. He sank to his knees, tears welling up in his eyes. He pulled his phone from his pocket, the screen cold and blurry through his misty eyes. He blinked hard. Nothing, not a single peep.

She hasn't messaged...

Alara's bobbed curls fluttered, with rogue strands whipping onto the lens of her glasses.

"I acknowledge that you are fully cognisant of the significance of this moment. As we approach the end of this academic year, I must extend a final request of your assistance."