ROWAN The first day wasn't over. Not yet. I decided to take a walk when I caught her with a guy. Someone whom I doubted I had seen before. Who was he? I stood at a spot, wondering over and over again what she had to do with someone whom she didn't even know—while asking myself why I was bothered. In the midst of my thoughts, someone rang the next bell. “Time for a break!” The voice hit the space and I snapped out of my thoughts. Turning around, I ignored that I met the lady I loved with another man. There was no way I would begin my session like this—not when Clara didn't deserve any of these tantrums. Or did she? I turned around and led my way to the eatery. That was the best place to be in. Somewhere I could spend some time before the next bell would ring. As I walked my way to the eatery, I concentrated on the screen of my phone. Thoughts ran around in my head—not serious ones but they ceased a little when I stood in the space of the eatery—a spot where almost all the mea
AARON“Surprise!”The shock on her face. I could see everything. Whether she was happy to see me here or not, I didn't know. “Come on, Clara. Aren't you happy to see me in your school?” She stopped walking, then walked again. “I don't know—” She mouthed and looked around. People stood there—some didn't care or bother about what was going on—or what was about to happen. “How are you here?” She finally was walking, then she caught up with me. “Look at you—” I hugged my childhood friend and looked at her. “You look good. Really good, Clara.” Another hug before I let go. Clara moped at me—as though she had seen a ghost. “Why do you mop at me like that? Do you recall we're in public?” I asked and grabbed her by the hand while we walked to nowhere in particular. “I somehow have been waiting for your arrival. There's a lot of clearance I need to do.” “Uhm—” Her mouth opened, again. Finally. “I'm shocked to see you. That's all.” She sighed and let out. “Of course, I am happy to see y
CLARA**Two Months Later The time had come. I was all dressed. More than ready to be at the school. Life looked like it had become better again, and I could not wait. Could not wait for everything to happen. To be in school and meet with the only person I cared about. From the school. “Good morning, Mom. Good morning, Dad.” I sauntered into the space of the living room after having numerous thoughts on the staircase. “Good morning, baby—” My mom greeted with a smile. I caught up with the diner when she asked. “Did you sleep?” “Of course, Mom. I more than slept.” “Good morning, beauty—” Dad answered now. Then it was his turn to ask while I waited. “How are you today? You begin school today and I have something for you.” “I am alright, Dad.” I looked up, ignoring Brenda for a moment. “What is it you have for me? I want to see it—” I said with a smile I put on, already completely ignoring Mom who concentrated on the meal that was in front of her. According to what I knew, she nee
CLARAThe cab stopped at the front of the fine house. I looked at the address that was sent to me about three days ago. Then hopped down when I confirmed this was the right place. “Thank you—” I turned to look at the man who nodded, and then I took out some notes and handed them to him while he drove away. “Oh, gosh—” A sigh escaped my mouth and I turned to look at the gate—a man stood there. He was older than my stepfather. “Good day, sir.” “Good day, ma'am.” He greeted me with a smile and then looked around. “Is there something I can help you with?” He looked into the house and looked at me. “You're here for the party, aren't you? Can I have your pass?” Pass? What pass? Rowan didn't talk to me about a pass. Or did he? “Uhm—” My mouth opened and I shook my head. “I'm not sure I understand what you mean by a pass, sir.” The smile faded and then it appeared again. “I'm here for the party, too. The host is my boyfriend. You can call him out to come confirm, how about that?” He
ROWAN The Stop, Eat and Drink restaurant and bar was buzzing by the time I slipped in through the glass doors. If there was one thing I loved about them, it was the extent to which they made sure that their customers and clients got the best service. I slipped my hands into my pockets as I made my way past a group of women who were probably holding a meeting. I made my way to the counter, where I met the receptionist that was in charge of bookings and reservation. As one of the oldest and most popular restaurants and bars in the city, Stop, Eat and Drink had gone ahead to increase its size, expand and also buy out the business closest to them which had been a shopping mall. I knew their history because my mother had been the one who had conducted their affairs, and most of the credit had gone to her for doing a job well done. The receptionist was a dark, bearded man, who sat up as soon as he saw me and gave the warmest of smiles. “Good day sir. Welcome to Stop, Eat and Drink. H
ROWAN I waited in the car outside while Clara went to see her publisher. At some point, I got out of the car, crossed over to a vendor which was a little distance away from the publishing house and bought two bottles of mountain dew. I drank the first one, while I kept the second one in my car as I waited for Clara to come out from the publishing house. I was thinking of playing music on the car stereo while I waited when my phone rang. It was a facetime from my mother. I smiled as I answered, leaning on the driver's seat of the car. She was in her office where I had gotten the car keys from her. Her hair was done in a bun, and from where I even sat, I imagined how her office smelt of strawberries, just like the car did. It was her signature scent, one that I wondered if I would ever forget when I decided to get my own house. At some point, I had begun to even doubt I would get my own house. My mother was all I had, and I was all she had as well. There was no way I was going