Born To Be Alone

C H A P T E R F I V E

I made my way downstairs . Wesley was chatting happily with his dad . The table had already been set and they seemed to be waiting for me.

" Here he is , the hero of our house ,"his dad announced as soon as he saw me walking in.

I smiled politely and took a seat next to Wesley.

" Don't mind my dad he tends to exaggerate things" he said apologetically.

"It ok '' I said.

We ate breakfast with Mr Maxwell asking me a lot of questions . I had to lie about some things but I didn't mind . It's not like I'd ever see him again .

Halfway through breakfast , his dad asked me to recount the events of the previous day. I told him ensuring I didn't leave out any details . He told me that I'd have to go with him and Wesley to the police station before school and report this .

After breakfast, we went to the station and I said the same thing I'd told Mr Maxwell. When we were half way through Mr Maxwell got a call.

"Yes..I'm kinda busy right now...
Are you sure it can't wait?.... Ok I'll be right there"

" Boys I'm really sorry I have to go . There's an important client coming in and I have to be there for the pitch."
" It's ok dad we're almost done . We'll walk to school . "Wesley said .
I nodded in agreement and after apologizing one more time he left.

We stayed for a few minutes before we were allowed to leave . The school was only a few blocks away so I wouldn't mind walking.

The walk was silent , the air between us so thick that you could cut it with a knife . I could hear his steady breaths and almost silent footsteps as he stepped on the pavement . Through my periphery vision I could see his chest moving up and down moving in sync with his breaths . I wondered if he could still feel pain from the whip wounds.

I felt like I had to help him . For a moment I wanted to reach out and heal the wounds those bastards had inflicted on him ,rid him of all the pain he felt when been whipped .

I was so occupied with my thoughts that I didn't notice the bicycle that came out of nowhere and hit me . My body hit the ground with the cyclist landing on top of me . I looked up to see a pair of brown eyes staring intently at me . He had an athletic build and looked about four or five years older than me .

Before I could make out any more features , he was yanked away from my body by Wesley . He looked mad .

" Don't you know how to look at where you're going? "

The stranger kept quiet.

" Can you at least apologize to him . You could have hurt him really bad."

The stranger turned to me , and offered his hand . I looked at him with a confused look.

"I'm sorry for knocking you down. Can I help you get up ? "

I looked at Wesley who seemed to be amused by whatever was happening. I reluctantly took his hand and he helped me up.

As soon as I stood up a pain shot through my leg . I yelled and the stranger and Wesley turned to look at me and asked " Are you ok?"at the same time .

I pointed to my ankle and said " it hurts " in a voice smaller than I intended it to come out .

"Look at what you did "Wesley scowled . He wrapped his arm around me and started helping me walk, or rather limp.

"I'm really sorry for bumping into you. I hope you'll be ok." He shouted while we walked away.
Wesley ignored him while I turned back to look at him one last time.

Walking into the school compound in Wesley's arm got everyone's attention. People stopped talking and took in the sight in front of them . This was going to be the gossip of the day.

He led me to the school nurse's office who wrapped my foot and gave me some pain killers . Due to the nature of my injury ( twisted ankle) I had to use crutches for about three days .

The nurse was finishing up when George walked into the room.

" Chris what happened?"
" Nothing I just got hit by a bicycle."
" Are you going to be okay?"
" Yeah it's not that serious. "

Seeing the nurse offer me crutches he volunteered to help me carry books but was cut off by Wesley saying "it's my fault he got hurt so I'll help him out."

George looked at me suspiciously but shrugged and gave him my bag .

" I was going to walk home bit I'll tell Nathaniel to come for us since you are in no state to walk." He said before leaving.

" You know you don't have to do this , right?"
He shrugged and continued walking . A moment later he said," you helped me out so I owe you one "

I walked into class all people turned to look at me then to the person behind me . I could feel the piercing gaze of people as I walked into class . The teacher smiled ate allowing me to sit before continuing with her lesson.

The rest of the morning went on like that . People stared at me as I walked from one period to the next with Wesley carrying my books until lunchtime .

I didn't feel like going to the cafeteria so I told Wesley to take me to my next class and leave me there .

I sat there rummaging through my bag for food . " Of course he forgot. I should have told him."

Having nothing better to do, I took my maths book out and started doing the assignment given,my stomach rumbling every now and then.

I was so engrossed that I didn't hear someone walk into the room. I was therefore startled and almost jumped when I felt someone touch my shoulder.

" W..what are you doing here? You scared me "
" I didn't know you get afraid so easily . " He said while chuckling.
" Its not funny." I said
" Yeah yeah . Anyways, I brought you lunch."
I was surprised by that.
" Why?"I asked
" I noticed you didn't have any in your bag and when you didn't go to the cafeteria I knew you'd stay hungry"
Before I could say anything else ,he took out a tin from his bag and gave it to me along with a fork.
" Thanks" I said while I opened the tin.

It had pasta ,my favourite meal. I hungrily devoured the food ignored the soft laughter from Wesley as he looked at me.

I finished a little bit later . I checked my watch and saw that we had about fifteen minutes before the bell rung . We sat there in uncomfortable silence .

He broke it by asking " what were you doing there yesterday?"

I looked at him then answered " I was going to see my friend."
" In that neighborhood?"
" Yes. He's fromy former school."
" Oh ok."
And with that the silence returned.

I had lied about what I was doing there but the place I was going was too personal and I didn't want to share it with anyone, yet.

The bell rang a few minutes later and he stood up to leave . The rest of the day went on like the morning and as soon as it was time to go home , I was relieved .

Brady came to help me with my things and I obviously told him everything that happened . He walked me to where George was and gave him my bag.

Our ride had not yet arrived so we had to wait for it . We sat there in the almost empty parking lot .