Fragments of Me

Chap 11 : Is This It?

I really looked forward to class nine. It's not because of studies or the adventure of class. It was because I had to curiosity and possible discovery was only possible in class nine. It was Joana. We talked a lot on social media and I looked forward to know her. On the last few days I met with Melanie. One day she came home and knocked on my door. Mom went to open it and found her. She came to call me as I was sleeping. Instead of softly calling me, she gave me a slap! I jumped out of my bed to find an angered face of my mother. I was thinking about what did I do that angered her. She told me that a friend of mine had come home to call me. She is sitting in the living room. "She" meant a girl and I was a bit shaken. I dressed and went to find Melanie sitting on the sofa looking at the family pictures on the wall. I realized why mom was acting that way. She was wearing a light coloured top showing half her body and tight jeans. I could notice the flaming phoenix on her belly. Her hair was loose and she had her infamous smile on her face. I was a bit thawed at the moment. After taking in the sights I decided it would be better to leave. I softly asked her to accompany me out. She saw my mom's grin from the front door while we were leaving that made her realize why I was being rude.

Melanie : Why did we have to leave in a hurry? I was just getting to know your mother.

Me : The next thing you might have seen would have been me being strangled by my mother.

Melanie : I was just visiting a friend of mine across the street so I thought of giving you a surprise.

Me : Wearing that?! Only God knows what's in store for me today.

Melanie : Then I think I have to visit more often.

Me : Please do but wear something decent. Please. My parents are the most conservative people on the planet.

Melanie : And ironically you are their son.

Me : What's that supposed to mean? I am decent.

Melanie : Yeah right.

I loved spending time with her. She had a way of brightening up my day. We walked through the streets and as usual there were preying eyes everywhere. One them hit a postbox just by looking at her and forgetting his way. She never paid attention to them. They can go to hell for all she cares. Some angry looks were pointed towards me as well. I should have carried a placard saying *FRIEND*. She was fond of dogs. Me, I was afraid of them. Got a bite when I was in class six and I still haven't forgotten the incident. She dropped me home and I saw my mother's expression and intentions clear from the balcony. I never gonna hear the end of it.

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School started and a whole pile of studies came with it. I ignored the facts and kept a straight face. When I entered the class my first thoughts were to find a seat, if possible, beside Joana. I wanted to but if she had a problem with it I could change but unfortunately Jennie took it. I didn't want it to get suspicious so I sat two seats to the left. I felt a bit sad but what to do. You don't immediately get what you want. She found a friend in me that's for sure. But everything seemed a bit different, why? Days went by. I was writing an essay one day when a small piece of folded paper landed in front of me. I was taken back. And I looked at her. Her eyebrows went up which meant she gave it. I opened it up. It said "Someday I will tell you something, but for now, I am gonna ask you two questions". To tell you the truth I was but panicked. I didn't know what was gonna happen and I didn't want to either. I just waited. I thought she was going to tell me after school but instead she said later. I went home with a mind bursting with weird concepts. The next day it was our free class. We used to talk in the fifth floor stairs as it was a quiet place and nobody came to the fifth floor as it was treated as a storeroom. She said on the top stair and me, some steps down, I spoke....