Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 76 - Arisa -

There was no point panicking. If Loyal was too busy to answer my texts then I had no choice but to go to class and patiently wait for him to contact me. I couldn't let Tomasia's words get to me. I couldn't let her threat phase me in any way. I had to remain calm and carefully think back on my actions. After I took a photo of his acceptance letter, what did I do? Not much. I hadn't looked at it since then. My phone was missing for a short period of time but the rooftop losers got it back for me. What could have happened between then and now?

I growled abruptly, ready to pull out all of my hair. No matter how upset I was, no matter how badly I wanted to find Khaleel Abdul and kick him in the face, I had to collect myself. I didn't know what sort of unnecessary details he shared with Matilda, but it was enough to upset her. After learning what he put her through, the last thing I wanted to do was rub our kiss in her face.

'I feel a bit cheated, Arisa .'

I didn't blame her for being mad at me, in fact, it made sense. Khaleel was able to talk to her before I could, and as unfortunate as that was, it gave him the upper hand. If I was in Matilda's shoes, I don't know what would be worse, hearing my side of the story or Khaleel's. Maybe I should stick to my earlier statement, and pretend it wasn't my place to say anything about the idiot's feelings.

I sat in history and gave in to the thoughts disrupting my mind. "Why me?" I grumbled, letting my head fall on the desk.

'Your actions have offended not one, but three people,' Tomasia's words worried me. 'Enjoy your studies here, for as long as you can.'

Did she have the power to expel me? Possibly. I shouldn't put anything past her. She was Loyal's twin sister, after all. Her family donated a lot of money to the school.

Mr. Hermans's lecture was hard to listen to. He caught me zoning out a few times during it, and gave me a stern stare to look alive. I fiddled with my phone and contemplated messaging someone besides Loyal. Khaleel was obviously out of the question. My options were Zander and Hino. I had to go with the obvious choice, even though, I was still a little salty towards the school playboy for getting me into trouble with the dean.

I checked my contacts and came to a disappointing conclusion. I didn't have Hino or Zander's number. I could reach out to Matilda but that would be a risky move. I quickly raised my hand, unable to maintain composure. "Yes, Arisa?" Mr. Hermans asked.

"May I be excused to use the bathroom?"

Mr. Hermans exhaled before nodding his head. I flashed him a smile before running out of the classroom. If I couldn't get in touch with Hino, Loyal, or Zander then I had to swallow my pride and get in touch with Khaleel. Texting him wouldn't be constructive, but a phone call might be enough to get some answers. I ran to the closest bathroom and locked myself in a stall. I stared at Khaleel's contact information, trying to prepare myself for the awkward conversation. If he addressed the kiss, I just had to ignore it, and get him to focus on more important matters.

I nodded. "I can do this."

Pressing the dial, I waited for the idiot to pick-up. It rang three times before he answered. "Hello?"

"Do you know where Loyal is?" I asked, skipping pleasantries.  

Khaleel laughed. "Are you serious right now? That's the only thing you have to say to me?"

"Yes," I replied.

Khaleel stopped laughing. "I don't know where your boyfriend is. If this is the kind of shit you're going to use my number for, lose it."

"Tomasia is threatening to have me expelled from the school," I said, prioritizing my problems over his. "I know I shouldn't have, but I took a photo of Loyal's acceptance letter into Brown, and I think it somehow got out. If it reaches the teachers or worse, his parents then Loyal will be forced to leave Jackheights. Put all our other issues aside for the time being, and help me find your friend."

"Where are you?"

"Girls bathroom, first floor."

"Come to the student council room," Khaleel said.