I'm on my way to school. I took a taxi because I'm still limping.
I arrived early and went to the principal's office to alert him of my return. I waited for him outside his office. He came in a few minutes later and lead the way to his office.
"Miss Dube" He greeted.
"Sir" I nodded.
"How did a smart girl like you fall off a bike?" He studied my face.
"It was my first time" I lied.
"I'm sorry"
"Thank you"
"Your Teachers will help you catch up on the work you've missed out on. Welcome back"
"Thank you" I left and went to class.
Everyone is giving me weird looks. I sat down next to Zoe.
"I feel like everyone is looking at me" I said to Zoe.
"Everyone is looking at you" she rolled her eyes
"But why?"
"There has been a lot of rumours about you"
"What rumours?"
"Uh, I heard that your 'boyfriend' beat you up"
"This is not happening" I covered my face with my hands.
"Ignore them" she shrugged her shoulders.
Class began.
I missed out on a lot of work. Catching up will take forever but I'm not giving up.
I will have to stay up late and study.
The bell rang and we all hurried out to have lunch. I'm hungry. Staying at home for week messed with my eating schedule.
I bought a sandwich and Apple juice, Zoe opted for a burger and a bottle of water.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"I'm better than I was last week"
She took a bite of her burger, chewed a bit then said, " so how's your father treating you? "
My father is not abusive. He is very strict and all but abusive is not it. This is how kids get disciplined around here. What my father did to me was a clear example that every action has consequences.
"Zoe..." I sighed
" uh oh"
"What?"
"You're about to tell me how much your father loves you and that he is not abusive. Save it" she rolled her eyes
"It's true" I defended.
"Keep telling yourself that"
"I know you care about me but you have to stop judging my family like this. I tell you things because you are my best friend and I need you in my corner"
"I am in your corner" she half shouted, "I am always in your corner, Christian" she spat.
"And I'm grateful"
"Good" she smiled and I smiled back.
"So where is Shane?"
"Forgotten"
"Just like that"
"Just like that" I nodded.
We went back class.
School out.
I decided to take a taxi home just to be safe. I don't want to bump into Shane by chance. He uses this route when going home.
