Chapter nine~ Vulnerability

𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒐𝒌𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏

_Ujuritaellianna

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"In our next class we will be dealing with real topics. For now let's use this week to preview what we did last year on lexis and structure... " Aunty Lara, the English teacher was saying, pacing about the classroom like she was assessing every student and at the same time showing off her chubby frame which was clothed in a tight red knee-length skirt over a white flowery designed shirt made of light material. A black heel to match her wavy wig which fell across her shoulders.

"This is SS3. And I know you students are aware. So, if I were you..."

"Thankfully you're not part of us. I can't imagine having aunty Lara as our student, I'd be bored out with her presence." Sarah whispered beside Toby.

She had been his seatmate since SS2 ending of semester and according to her, she liked the middle position because it helped her concentrate often. But, Toby knew better 'cause Sarah's whole self was a distraction and besides, she wanted to be near George who sat behind him.

He couldn't and probably would never understand what she saw in George who barely even spoke with her. Besides, he didn't miss the twisted frown on George's face when sarah had dragged him to seat with Seun and....umm...he still didn't know her name. But whatever it was, the main fact was that, George was displeased at their presence.

But Sarah being absolutely Sarah, didn't see that expression on George's face. Made him wonder if that was all in his head. He didn't like George and he didn't hate him, the both of them had talked only but twice and that is if giving monotone replies and curt nods could count as talking.

"So like I said, resist any form of distraction this term. All you who have started dating and doing God knows what. This term isn't the time for that... "

"Oh I didn't know there was a term for dating. I must have missed my chance." Sarah whispered again and this time, Toby had to stifle a chuckle.

"Face your books squarely! Your parents paid good money for your schooling...." Aunty Lara continued, still pacing about.

"We've heard that alot of times. Can someone tell her, her time is up?" feigned frustrated whispered again.

"You people still have along way to go. So forget all distraction and give this term a proper attention. You got this. "

"Yeah, we know. Now can you please stop pacing about! It's making me feel dizzy."

Aunty Lara seemed to have caught on quickly on at Sarah's last comment. She immediately halted her steps in front of the latter.

"Sarah Okoye! " she called out strictly, Sarah immediately stood on her ten toes in an attentive manner and a pure innocent look gracing her face.

"Is my class making you feel dizzy?"

Toby could swear that he had heard Sarah mutter a 'you have no idea' but then, seeing her brown eyes staring like a lost innocent kitten at Aunty Lara, no one would believe she had been making side comments.

"No ma.”  a sweet innocent tone replied. So sweet that aunty Lara had begun asking herself subtly if she had heard that side comment come from the meek looking person staring innocently at her.

"Good, I thought as much." she replied dismissively at sarah who rolled her eyes whilst taking her seat. Toby shook his head at her, a smile playing on his face.

"You're a headache. I hope you know." he whispered to which she flipped her middle finger at him while giving him the stink eye.

"Anyway students, my time is up. So see you when I see you next time. Meanwhile, i hope you guys have registered your art subjects for this term. And don't forget to add one training subject. It's very important."

With that, Aunty Lara walked out of the class which immediately turned into a bundle of chaos as students chatted excitedly on what training subject they were taking on.

"What subject are you taking this term?"

"Photography." Toby answered.

She arched her brows, “that's intresting. Why photography?”

He shrugged, "Photos tell stories, they're like memory boxes. I want to create my memory box and tell stories that heal through my pictures.”

Sarah huffed, “okay woah! That sounds deep and super interesting.” 

He ruffled her hair, smirking "I know. Wasn't trying to though. ” 

She scowled, slapping his hands away,  "guess what I'm taking on this term?"

"Catering. You always wanted to improve your culinary skills."

She titled her head as if in thought. 

Spoiler!!!

She was never thinking anyway. After a while she shook her head with a little shudder accompanying it.

"Nah. Forget about culinary whatever,  I'm taking music." she announced proudly.

"You hate singing! "

"Ever since I knew that a certain person was a lover of music, I became interested too." she said again with a dreamy look creaming the happy notch her tone produced.

Toby flicked his index finger at her forehead making her wince.

"What is it na?!"

"If this is about George, then forget it. You're trying too hard. "

She frowned,  " you don't even understand..."

"I understand and that's why i'm gonna tell you to do what you're going to do. For yourself. And for nobody. We're talking about your future."

For a moment, she was silent. Just staring into oblivion. Then after awhile, she scrunched her nose up, eyeing him in defeat.

"Why are you talking like my grandpa sef?"

Toby laughed in response before the shrill penetrating voice of someone squealing, interrupted them.

"Guys did you hear? April won the 𝐀𝐌𝐕𝐂 award as best teen actresses in the 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞."

Well, that was Debra. The class gossip. Her eyes were widened in astonishment as she stared at her phone screen.

"Did April ever act? Since when?" Sarah asked Toby who gave her a blank look in reply.

"She had been acting for quite a while. Besides, its been up to a year since she acted in STARS AND SORES and she had already won an award in AMVC." Debra divulged in an excited squeal.

Apparently, she had heard Sarah's question.

"But wait oo....April is modeling baa?" Bayo, one of the twins asked rhetorically.

"And she's also into acting now. Her whole career life revolves around the arts so why is she in the science class?" He asked.

For a moment, the whole class seemed to ponder on the question and at the same time, seeking answers in their minds.

"Well...maybe we should ask her. Thankfully, she goes to the same school with us and she's our classmate.”  Dayo, the other twin replied thoughtfully.

"And she's friendly and easily approachable so getting a reply wouldn't be hard. " someone random added

Toby scoffed. Well, should he just tell them that they were mistaken or should he watch them ask her?

"Yes! She is. Unlike someone we all know that carries herself like a stuck up witch which she is." Debra said with a sneer.

Toby quirked his eyebrows,  wait! What?! He had got a grasp of who Debra had started talking about. It's hard not to get it cause almost everyone at school threw shades at her. Behind her. But never to her face.

Talk about cowards.

"I heard her mum paid the school a huge sum of money after she got out of the juvenile prison.”  Dayo said and the others nodded in confirmation.

They had successfully managed to gather a gossip circle where they could chirp in their contributions.

"And on top of it, she's totally shameless. Did you guys hear what went on in SS3 A ? She basically told April and Zaria that she was a devil and she was out to waste their lives." Bayo chirped in earning a round of disdainful mutters.

"Mad oo!" A random person shouted.

"Did she really say that?!" Another exclaimed.

"Well that explains what a cold hearted person she is. If she could send her own brother to the asylum how much more can she do to...." Debra added.

"Can you guys shut the fuck up and make a meaning out of your lives?!" an icy, irritated tone cut into the conversation in a snap.

Heads spurned round to take in the person who spoke, some had their heads high, ready to quickly throw an insult but seeing the person, they mellowed.

Only Debra who didn't deem it wise.

"Excuse me!? " she shot at him.

"You're excused. " George replied. This time, his voice was dangerously low and daring. He zeroed his gaze at Debra with a glare that seemed to rip her uncomfortable.

She sighed in defeat, her little circle had slowly dispersed leaving her to frown at herself in embarrassment.

"Fucking fools. " Sarah cussed under her breath, just then, Toby's phone had chimed a message.

Meet me at the love garden. Now! Please.

He sighed. It was just one person who was capable of sending him texts like this. In a precise, straight to the point, commanding and pleading manner. He knew who it was. But the question was why the hell did she want to see him for?

•••••

"Congratulations April. Just heard about your award."

She smiled. Those pearly smiles that could melt walls of iron.

"I should say thank you but then hearing you say those words now, makes me feel bad."

" why?"

"Cause it's been three months since I won that award and you're just telling me congratulations." her lower lips curved up into a cute pout while her almond eyes narrowed at him.

Toby fixed his hands into his pant pockets, staring at her with a plain neutral expression. She folded her arms around her bosom, titling her head to the side.

"I'm hurt.”  She continued.

He sighed, "I'm sorry.” It wasn't going to cut it out but it was better than them staring at each other with nothing to say. 

“Why did you call me out?"

She pinched the bridge of her button nose, muttering something under her breath which toby couldn't make out.

"You've been hanging out with the witch these days."

"And I'm dead-sure this isn't what you called me out of class to tell me." he arched one brow. Trying to figure out why she just had to bring up the girl.

She smiled , flipping a strand of her hair behind her ears, "yes it isn't. "

"So what's this about?"

"You sound like you're irritated by my presence." she said slowly.

"No. You've always been anxious about what people were going to say if they saw us together. And I'm trying to save you from that."

She heaved. The air was getting intense, a long silence drowned the distant noise which came from the class blocks.

"Was that why you...you left?"

"I didn't leave. You did. You fucking betrayed me and then you showed up like we had nothing to talk about."

He retorted. A bitter stringe dragged on his voice. April sniffed, her head was hung low.

"I didn't do that on purpose Toby and I need you to understand that." she countered in a brittled voice.

Those pearly smiles had gradually been replaced with a look of desperation and hurt. Yet she managed to hold up tears that were going to betray her anytime soon.

Toby scoffed. "Understand what? The fact that I saw you smooching another guy after your whole sermon on how you didn't want the paps to know you were in a relationship. April I understood that. And I respected that. But you blew everything out! "

He bawled out, causing her to flinch. An evident look of hurt spread around her face as she stared at him quietly. Toby was rarely annoyed and she hated to see that side of him, it sent her cold shivers. Made her remember things she fought so hard to forget.

Her eyes already had tears brimming in them and when she opened her mouth to say something, it came out in a whimper.

That perfect smiley face had been replaced with a sad vulnerable girl staring at him like he had her world of treasures. Like she would breakdown any minute.

It made him uneasy.

"Fuck!" He cussed under his breath.

Him. April. And their whole relationship had been a flop. He hated going down that memory lane. It easily got him agitated.

He heaved a deep sigh,  "look...April..."

"I'm sorry." she interrupted. Trying to keep her voice as plain as possible but the occasional sniffs which came out involuntary spoilt her efforts.

"...I'm sorry about everything that happened. It wasn't just about the media, my parents...." she trailed off, as though she was struggling to spurt out words

He knew.

April's parents.

They were crazy. So crazy that it made him wonder how she survived living in that house.

"Toby!" She called softly. The sad face had quickly been masked up by a hopeful, eager look.

"Let's just leave whatever happened between us in the past. How about now? Can't we still try again?"

"April, no! I'm done for good...and I think you should too cause whatever you're asking isn't going to work out." he stated plainly

She smiled. Not the cheerful kind of smile rather a painful tight smile. Her natural long lashes batting continuously.

"Wow! Didn't know I'd get this rejected so badly.”  she puled.

"I didn't mean that to sound rude.." he quickly added.

She shrugged, taking in a deep breath. Her peachy smiles were back. Almost as though she didn't just have that conversation with him.

"Okay...I still feel awful tho. " she replied, letting a small chuckle.

Toby said nothing instead he watched her intently as she spurned around to walk out of the garden. He felt awful too...watching her walk away with her head held high like she had a blissful perfect world. She made everyone believe that.

How long would she deceive the world with those smiles when she was hurting badly.

He groaned, running his hands through his head.

"April..."

She halted her steps, not looking back.

"If you need someone to talk to...about your parents...I'm going to be here for you..."

What the hell are you doing? His subconscious asked in uncertainty

Chill it's nothing... We're friends right?

Are we?

Was that also what she thought?

Who cares about that now, this is just me being humane

April may hurt Him in the past. Their past. But she was still human and she was going through alot which no one had an idea about. And beneath those smiles were stinging pains.

Just like his mum.

He continued,  "I'm always going to be here for you if you need someone to talk to."

She turned to him, her smile stretched widely on her face in appreciation which he smiled too in return. It was a grateful smile because he knew when she gave a fake one.

Which she mostly did.

She mouthed something that seemed like a 'thank you' before walking away.

The air had immediately become less suffocating. Less intense and free. 

Gentle breeze wafting softly through the shady trees standing tall at each side of the environment.

He walked through the garden which had benches rooted to the ground. Trimmed sunflowers and hibiscus planted beautiful in an orderly manner. Small butterflies with bright wings fluttered around the flowers in a kind of perfect energy.

For unknown reasons, he felt alot better maybe because the air seemed calmer and less tensed. He needed this air.

It was refreshing.

" You two were fucking too loud." A cold alto tone laced with a hint of annoyance grumbled aloud, startling him.

He reeled. Locking his gaze at the girl with the slender figure, big beautiful honey eyes, thick lashes and the perpetual disdainful expression wholly evident on her face.

"You.guys.were.fucking. too.loud "