Chapter 10

In all of her 17 years of existence, Amanda had never felt this sad and dejected. The news of Leslie's mum's death hit them hard. They were currently in her house, trying to console her which proved to be a difficult task considering the circumstances surrounding her death.

It had been a secret even for Emily and Amanda as none of them knew that Leslie's mother had been battling with breast cancer all her life. Leslie hid it so well that none of them knew anything not until she died.

"It's okay Les, please. She wouldn't want to see you like this." Amanda said.

"I don't understand, she was fine about a week ago. Then all of a sudden, she slumpe right in my arms. I had to dial 911, before calling my dad who was frantic the whole journey home. I'm so confused right now." Leslie sobbed.

Emily and Amanda comforted her as best as they could but Leslie was inconsolable as she sobbed harder. About an hour later, her father walked in wearing a grim expression. The girls could tell that he was trying to hold his pain in but he was losing the battle.

"Thank you for coming." he croaked before making his way upstairs.

For the rest of the day, Emily and Amanda stayed with Leslie trying to comfort her as best as they could. The next day, being a school day, they had to leave but promised to come back at the close of school.

In school, the duo informed the teachers about what happened and took permission on her behalf to be absent pending the time she would be able to get back. 

"We need to keep an eye on her locker." Emily said as they left the principal's office.

"True, I don't trust Ian and his friends not to drop something as sensitive as this. We'll go during break. Right now, we need to head over to class. It's starting in like five minutes." Amanda said.

They got to the class soon and luckily for them, the teacher hadn't arrived yet. They settled in just as the teacher walked in. 

"Do we have any assignments for this class?" Emily asked.

"None that I know of. The only pending project is the one for Mr Graham and its submission deadline is still far." Amanda said.

"Phew, Lord knows that I'm not in the mood to do any assignment." Emily said.

Few minutes later, the teacher arrived followed closely by Parker. During the whole episode about Leslie's mum's death, Amanda had completely forgotten all about him. She could see that he looked much better, even healthier than the last time she saw him. His wounds were gone and there was a more relaxed mood in his appearance. He sat down at his usual seat, at the back of the class. Amanda felt his eyes on him but she vowed not to look back to confirm this.

"He's looking." Emily smiled.

"Oh gosh, that's so creepy. I really don't understand why he does that." Amanda said.

"Probably because he has the hots for you and can't resist your charms." she whistled.

"Charm? What charm? Girl you know I stay on my own most of the time since I'm a constant victim of bullying but if Parker is thinking I'm putting on a charm because of him, he must be a fool. I detest him like the dirt on my shoes." Amanda said, scribbling furiously.

"Wow, girl I never knew you had a sharp mouth. It's good to hear that for a change." Emily laughed.

All eyes turned to them and Amanda felt ashamed meanwhile, Emily was feeling nothing of sort. The teacher turned at that moment, giving her the stink eye.

"Is anything funny Emily?" she asked.

"No ma'am, nothing. I'm sorry." she said, trying so hard to control her laughter.

The teacher turned back to the board, once again scribbling on it. Amanda gave Emily a stern look, silently warning her not to get them in trouble again. 

After class ended and the teacher left, the duo made their way to the cafeteria to grab a quick lunch before heading over to Leslie's locker to pack her stuff. On their way, Ian and his friends blocked the door leading into the cafeteria. Amanda reverted to herself, fearing that the worse would happen.

Emily wasn't fazed by this; she simply walked on with Amanda in tow. They got to the door soon but Ian refused to move away.

"I heard your friend lost her mum. Oh, how tragic. Maybe she'll be the next to go." he cackled.

His friends joined in and Amanda couldn't believe they could make a joke out of something as sensitive as this. She was burning with anger, her hands shook as she wished desperately to punch the smirk off his face. Emily smiled but Amanda could tell that it wasn't a pleasant smile, it was a smile of something tragic yet to come.

"How dare you?"Amanda blurted, quite calmly.

She didn't know where the courage came from but she enjoyed the look of shock on their faces. Emily smiled, this time happy that her friend wasn't going to be a pushover like the other times.

Ian recovered from his shock soon as he slowly made his way towards where she stood. Amanda took a step back, fearing that he would hit her. Emily stood in the way, putting herself between him and her friend.

"Leave it Em, I've got this." Amanda. said

Emily nodded, leaving the way. Ian came forward with a mad gleam in his eyes. 

"Touch her and you'll have me to contend with." a voice said.

Parker moved into view, his tall frame filling the whole place. Amanda couldn't believe her eyes, the same person who seemed to hate her was the same person standing up for her. Emily smiled, hooting.

"Yo man! I see you've suddenly grown hot for the girl." Ian said, taking a step back.

"You and your friends, get lost." Parker said.

Without another minute, they left. Amanda stared at Parker and within those few minutes, there seemed to be an unspoken appreciation.

"Thank you." Amanda said.

"Don't mention it." Parker said before taking his leave.

Amanda and Emily made their way into the cafeteria, each with their own thoughts as they tried to get a grip on what just happened. Taking their seats, they ate silently, each filled with her own thoughts.

"Are we just going to stay silent and not talk about what just happened?" Emily asked, sipping her milkshake.

Amanda sighed, she knew her friend wouldn't allow the issue to go just like that. She had no other option but to indulge her if she didn't want a fight.

"I'm confused. One minute he's a sweet, charming boy the next, he's a beast whom I desperately want to devour." Amanda said.

"A delectable handsome beast you mean." Emily laughed.

"Well, that's up to you." Amanda smiled.

"Did you see the look on Ian's face? I bet he was scared down to his pants".

"Eww Em, we're eating and I do not want to imagine Ian's pants. That's disgusting." Amanda said.

Emily snorted. They ate in silence, paying little to know attention to the chatter around them.