Chapter 26 Unexpected
Lily's POV
I woke up the next morning with the recording playing continuously in my head.
I stood up and brushed my teeth, with the intention of preparing for school immediately.
But, mind was so restless and felt so heavy, like something was missing.
I sat down on my bed trying to recall why things went so bad between me and Wade.
The first time I came to class at Diamond High School as a scholarship student, I was so excited.
“This is Lily, and she would be joining your class” Mr Kelvin had announced as I stood in front of the class.
Everyone burst into laughter immediately.
I was overwhelmed by shame but I stood my ground trying to look very confident.
“Why the laughter? Behave yourselves guys” Mr Kelvin scolded
“You have to treat her as one of your own and help her anytime she's in need. Put on your best behavior students” Mr Kelvin told the class.
There was a muffled laughter coming from the background, as I lifted my head to see where it was coming from, I saw Clara pointing and laughing at me.
“Clara behave yourself!” Mr Kelvin shouted, annoyance breaking through his voice
“I'm sorry teacher. But why is she so fat?” Clara asked loudly and the whole class burst I to an uncontrollable laughter
“Don't mind them Lily, you are beautiful. Just sit down quietly and avoid problems” Mr Kelvin patted my shoulders and left the class.
My legs shook as I walked to an empty seat beside Wade.
He seemed to be so engrossed in the book he was reading.
“Welcome Lily” he muttered as I took my seat.
My heart felt warmth immediately. In a class where everyone laughed at me, she was the only one that welcomed me.
“Thanks” I said, lifting my face up to see him clearly.
My stomach fluttered as our eyes met. God, he was so handsome.
Wade helped me throughout my first week,he showed me around the school and taught me a few things I had to know.
The Wade I knew then was so sweet and nice.
Things changed the next week. He became distant and stuck to Clara, his girlfriend.
I tried reaching out to him but he humiliated me.
Then I did something that shook the whole class and made him see me as a rival.
I challenged him during class and Mr Kelvin commended me.
“Ever since I began teaching this class, this is the most brilliant answer I've received. You should learn from her Wade, not rushing to answer wrongly” Mr Kelvin said and that drew the huge line.
And that was how it began, intense competition between the both of us, the class had to take sides.
Ofcourse they took his and everyone isolated themselves from me. No one wanted to be my friend because of my size as they all danced to Wade's tone.
Clara his Cheerleader girlfriend made life unbearable for me yet I stood, unbroken.
But I still saw that softness in his eyes anytime he spoke to me, everytime he bullied me.
My stomach still fluttered at his sight and I always lost my vocal capacity.
When my name came second in the list in just my first semester at Diamond High, hell broke loose.
The rumor that I slept with Teacher Kelvin and all that.
My door opened bringing me back from my thoughts and Ryan walked in with a tray of Toasted bread and tea.
“I brought you breakfast” he announced excitedly but his mood changed as he looked up and saw me.
“Why are you crying Lily” he rushed towards me, his voice deep with concern
“I'm i crying? Oh.., it's nothing” I stammered wiping off the tears immediately
“It breaks my heart seeing you like this. Can't you tell me what's going on?” Ryan looked pleadingly into my eyes
“I…don't know how to start Ryan, I..” I sniffed as the tears I tried holding back rolled down more
“it’s okay Lily, just do you. Be happy and don't let what others say break you. Follow your heart desires, listen to what you really want” He said and sat on the bed next to me.
I nodded slowly, my vision blurred as I wiped the tears from my cheeks with trembling fingers.
Then gently, he pulled me into him. His arms wrapped around me in a quiet and steady embrace.
He guided my head to rest against his shoulder, i melted into him, the tension in my body easing as I let myself lean on him.
I sobbed gently on his shoulders as his hands moved to my hair, stroking it slowly, like you would soothe a restless child.
“I love you Lily, I really do.” He whispered slowly into my ears,
“I know” I managed to say still burying my head against his chest.
“No, you don't know. I want something more between us, something special Lily” He said, his voice vulnerable
Something special?
I became confused at that point. I've never thought of something like that before, I don't have any feelings for Ryan, I took him as a brother
I quickly withdrew from his chest and the sobs ceased immediately.
“I… I see you as my brother and a close friend. What's more special than that?” I replied, trying to sound like a novice
He looked into my eyes immediately and I saw tears form in his eyes.
“I want something more between us. How did you not notice Lily, I had sleepless nights because of you. I just can't..” he said, his voice breaking as I interrupted immediately
“Ryan, this is too much for me right now. I don't want to hurt your feelings at all. You have sacrificed a lot for me and I don't..”
“If you need space to think, I can give you all the time in the whole world but promise me that you would think about it” he said desperately
“Ryan, I have to tell you the truth, I ..”
“Shh” he said placing his finger over my lips “Please don't. Promise me you'll think about it”
I opened my mouth and closed it.
Luckily, a knock interrupted the awkward moment and we went together to check the door.
It was his parents.
They both were so happy to see me.
“Oh my God! Is this Lily?” Mrs Daisy cried happily
“Oh yes, it's Lily” I replied and she locked me in her embrace
“We are so happy to see you Lily. See how big you've grown!” Mr Tony exclaimed
“You flatter me Sir” I blushed
“Ryan! You didn't inform us that Lily was at home? I could've brought a special present for her” Mrs Daisy turned to Ryan in chastisement
“Come on mum. I wanted it to be a suprise!” Ryan said defensively
“You don't have to worry yourself ma, seeing you and your husband is already enough for me” I said dismissively
“Oh Lily, I've really missed you” Mrs Daisy said and hugged me again.
“I hope she's not going anytime soon?” Mr Tony said walking settling down on the sofa
“I would soon be leaving for class Sir.” I said immediately
“But, you would return after classes right? I really need to have dinner with you Lily” Daisy said
“Ofcourse ma” I replied
“Enough of the questions Mum. You need to freshen up. It was surely a long journey.” Ryan said trying to end the conversation
I left the family to their discussion and hurried inside to prepare for class before It would be too late.
“Today be nice” I muttered slowly to myself as I wore my dress.
I grabbed my school bag and rushed out of my room.
“Why the rush, Lily?” Daisy asked as I entered the living room
“I'm running late ma” I replied quickly
“I forgot to tell you something Lily!” She shouted
“What's that?” I responded
“You look very beautiful” she said
I stopped immediately and turned to her.
“Thank you” I said, joy flushing over me.
She nodded and continued unpacking her bag.
I slowed down and walked out carefully out
of the house. Her words kept ringing in my ears giving me an unbeatable confidence.