The Bullies' Slave 1

38- I SAW THE LOOK IN HER EYES

38- I SAW THE LOOK IN HER EYES.

The sounds of applause was defeaning. Andrew extended his hand towards me and I complied by placing my hand in his. Together, we took a bow with Lucas doing a round on the drums to match the applause.

It was exhilarating. I had had doubts at first. But after muttering some prayers as I ascended the stage with Drew, I was unusually calm. Drew was too and so was Lucas who had come in later. The piece had turned out beautiful, I could only be grateful to God!

I spotted my siblings among the audience. To my surprise, Cory also stood up to cheer. I looked into his eyes to savour this moment. It was one of the rare moments my brother showed his love for me. I sighed as I remembered he used to be quite cheerful as a kid until mum passed away.

Her death had taken a huge toll on him. He had been the closest to her, of the children, being the only male child. Though he has always been a difficult person, he became more difficult and distant. I noticed someone reaching out from behind to smack his head. He turned around to glare at Samuel Elba.

It was then I noticed Peter, then TJ, Langston, Justin, Anya and my Dad!!! What on earth?!! I don't remember inviting as many! I groaned inwardly as I saw them all grinning and waving, trying to get my attention. TJ placed two fingers in his mouth to whistle but thankfully, the curtain fell just then. Immediately, Drew pulled me into a hug.

"Gosh, Sam, you're the best! Thank you so much!" He squeezed further and I struggled to let myself loose. He was literally choking me!

"Drew!" I choked out. "Let go!" Immediately, he let me go, smirking.

"Be grateful to God! For everything! Left for me?" I huffed. Drew rolled his eyes but I heard him mumble "Thank you good God!"

"That was great guys!" Lucas said as we walked towards him. We descended the stage and headed back stage where the next set of performers were getting ready. I recognized the uniform to be that of Cornward High, Cory's school. I chuckled as I imagined Cory in a musical performance on stage.

"You were great, Lucas! Thank you so much!" I beamed as I reached out to hug him. He hugged me back, patting my back.

"I'm glad and you're welcome." He said, nodding towards Drew. They did a bro hug and I watched. Andrew wasn't one to open up to anyone easily. But somehow, he seemed to trust Lucas.

"I'll give you a call, Sam." I nodded. "Thanks again guys." He said before taking his leave.

Lucas and I headed out of the backstage through the door on the opposite end, leading out of the school. Grace, as well as the female bullies and some students from my music class, were occupied with organizing the next performers. I needed some fresh air and so did Lucas.

We burst out into the parking lot only to see Crystal sobbing uncontrollably in Andrew's arms. I took a step towards them but Lucas held me back shaking his head. I frowned.

"Why?"

"Shhhh!" I glared but kept mute.

Drew stroked Crystal's hair while she clung to his black leather jacket. The side of his chin was placed on the side of her forehead and his eyes were shut. We watched them for a while before Lucas tugged at my arm.

"Come on." He said and we retreated.

"What's going on?" I asked as I tried to keep pace with Lucas's long strides.

"It's a long story, Sam. I can't tell you now though. I gotta do something." I frowned.

"Why?!" I halted my steps, making Lucas halt too. "At least I should know something! Or trust me, I'm going back there!" I pointed backwards. Lucas eyes widened.