Chapter 8 Classes
Linda's POV
“Ring….ring!!” The alarm beeped
I stood up lazily and checked the time. It was 5:30!
Fuck, I overslept!
Before I'll clean the house and prepare breakfast, I would be late for class.
I freshened up quickly and dashed out of my room. I can't risk going late to class, especially now that Charles was the teacher.
Everywhere was quiet as usual, I hoped everyone was still asleep because I didn't want any intrusion that would spoil my mood for the whole day. I swept the house quietly, checking the clock at the slightest opportunity.
It was already six o’clock when I entered the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the family.
While I was boiling some white rice, I noticed a presence in the kitchen.
I stood still immediately because I knew everyone was asleep. Mr John, Nikki's father wakes up by seven o'clock and leaves for work the next hour. Nikki and her mum woke up very late. So who would that be?
I turned my head slightly and saw Mr John by the door staring at me.
“Good morning Sir” I said immediately with fear
He nodded gently and walked inside the kitchen and took a glass of water.
“Sir, I can serve you instead” I said even when it was useless, he had already drank the water.
“Your food smells nice, I'll be waiting at the dining table” He said, patting me gently on the shoulder before leaving the kitchen
I took a deep breath of relief.
Mr John was quite different from the others but I still kept my legs up around him.
No matter how nice he was, he still danced to the tune of his wife.
I quickly dished out his food and rushed to the dining room.
“Where's Nikki?” He asked as I dropped the food on the table
“Um.., I don't know” I stuttered and he shook his head painfully
“She's probably asleep and that's why she attends lectures late” He soliquized
I placed the food on the table quickly not wanting to be part of the conversation he just raised because it would certainly put me into trouble.
I emptied the tray immediately and quickened my steps out of the room.
“How's school?” He asked and I stopped mid-tracks.
No one has ever asked me this question in months now except for my mother. The warmth in his voice as he asked the question hit somewhere deep inside of me.
I turned back slowly and looked at him.
He was already eating and it seems as though he had forgotten that he asked a question.
I turned back immediately and left the dining.
It was already seven o'clock and Mr John had left for work already. The class was by Eight o’clock and I was still dressing. I skipped breakfast and dashed out if the house.
I was about to open the door and leave the house when I heard my name.
“Linda!, Linda!” Jessica yelled and I froze.
Why would she be calling me? I've done all the chores and set the dining table.
“Good morning ma” I greeted politely
“Where are you rushing to by this time?” She asked
“I have an eight o'clock class and I don't want to be late” I said lowering my head
“Liar, you obviously have other plans in mind!” She said
“No ma, it's strictly class” I said
“Strictly class? And you hurry like this?” She asked
I was about to respond when Nikki sluggishly threw her dirty clothes at me.
“I need these clothes by 10 am” Nikki said with sleepy eyes
“Respectfully, I've done all my chores for the morning and I can't afford to miss this class” I said trying so hard to keep a straight face
“What do you mean?” Nikki stopped mid-tracks and asked
“I mean that I can't do your laundry. I have class to attend” I said surprised by my boldness
“The audacity!” Jessica exclaimed
“But ma’am “ I tried protesting but Jessica walked up to me and have me a resounding slap which she called “morning tea”
“Now pick up those clothes and wash them” she said
I wanted to talk and respond to Nikki who was entertained by my pains but I knew it would add more to the punishment.
So I chided up myself and took her clothes to the laundry room.
I did the laundry as fast as I could but time went against me.
After the laundry, nobody saw me as I slipped out of the house.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry so that I would meet up.
I reached school very late.
But I couldn't afford to miss the lecture. I had done badly last semester and this was my only chance to build up my grades. I texted Tina immediately and she gave me thumbs up to sneak inside the class as there was already a reserved seat for me.
I stood by the side of the door unnoticed waiting for Charles to look away.
Then the time I waited for came.
“I'll quickly go and take this call. Permit me it is very urgent” Charles said and left the class
I seized the opportunity and sneaked in and settled beside Tina.
“Smart move girl!” Tina whispered
“What else could I have done? I can't risk being absent for today's attendance” I whispered back
“Yeah, you really need to have a full attendance in his classes. I mean, he is a new Professor and who knows how strict his grading can be?” She said
“I already had a poor grade last semester. I can't do that again” I said
“It wasn't your fault! You are a very strong girl Linda”
“Yeah and that's why I need to get a high grade this year” I said
“Shit, he's here” Tina said quietly as she looked up
I immediately looked up too and acted as though nothing happened.
Charles lowered his glasses and looked towards my direction suspiciously.
Then he pointed at me.
“You over there” He said
My heart skipped a beat.
“You mean I?” Tina asked confused at his direction
“You know yourself, Stand up” Charles said with a commanding tone
Everyone turned around looking for he was talking too. Out of fear, I turned with them as though I didn't know who he was talking to.
“Why are you late?” Charles asked without pointing at anyone because it became obvious that I was the one.
Tina pinched my numb legs and I stood up immediately.
“I'm sorry Sir, the traffic was much” I lied.
The road leading to school was a free expressway that even a crazy teenager could drive at the highest speed limit.
“Traffic?” He asked looking straight into my eyes
“Um.. Yes sir” I stuttered
“Why did you sneak into my class with permission?” He asked
The whole class began to murmur and I became so ashamed.
I bent my head in shame as words failed me.
“I was just scared that I would miss your class” I finally found my voice
He nodded and adjusted his glasses
“Sit down” he said and went on with his lectures
As I sat down, my legs became weak. I still felt the peering eyes of my coursemates at me.
Tina patted my laps gently.
“It's okay” she whispered
I tried to listen to her voice and concentrate on the lecture but it became worse as I tried to concentrate.
The way he moved his lips made me want to feel them again.
Those lips that enclosed mine tightly, the warmth i felt from those lips.
I bent my head on my desk and let his voice echoed inside my head.
That way, I concentrated better.
A few moments later, Charles said something and I almost jumped out of my skin.
"Touch that girl over there'" He said and I knew it was me.