Chapter 24 FRACTURED TRUST
Godiva’s POV
I noticed Jerald and Dina look at me with shock written all over their faces, the air went loud with cheers, some people tapping me and screaming.
I vividly remembered Leo assisted Dina down the rock and not me.
The world went quiet, everywhere became blurry as I stood up, staggering a bit to gain balance before walking away from the “chaotic circle.”
As I walked away, I could hear everywhere go quiet, whispers filling the air. I faintly heard someone run after me, it was Dina. Walking silently behind me, she whispered, “We’re getting it all wrong, he probably said it out of jealousy, seeing you hang around Jerald.”
We sat in silence for about an hour at the opposite end of the stream. It wasn’t long before our teacher called out for us, it was time to leave. I was patiently waiting for us to leave that place which caused me unrest.
Our journey back to the hostel was equally quiet, while others were interacting and chattering with friends, Dina and I could only fold our arms and walk back solemnly.
Jerald obviously knew something was wrong, therefore he gave us space after he helped us back up on the rock. On a few occasions, I caught him staring at me with an intense look.
Back in the hostel, I lay quietly on my bed, thinking really hard. I tried my best to cry, but tears were far from me. I had already made up my mind I wasn’t going for dinner or any event until our departure in two days’ time.
“Leo said to tell you he’d love a conversation with you after dinner,” Huldah announced solemnly as she walked away from my bedside.
Jumping to my feet, I ran to Dina’s bedside, tapping her excitedly. “Get up girl, we need to prep for dinner.”
Dina got up, looking at me confused and smiling. “Leo sent someone to ask if we could have a conversation after dinner,” I added, jumping in excitement.
I could see Dina’s face light up as soon as I told her. “Told ya he didn’t mean what he said,” Dina said, getting up to dress in a hurry.
When we sat to eat, I suddenly began having palpitations. “What if he wants to officially end things between us? What if he just wants to ridicule me?” I kept thinking to myself.
Dinner had not ended yet when I noticed him signal and walk outside elegantly. When I stood up, I could feel Dina’s tap of encouragement on my thigh, she definitely knew I was nervous. My legs were shaking as though I was being electrocuted.
Standing in a corner behind the restaurant, Leo and I kept staring in silence, which made me even more anxious. I didn’t know if I was to start a conversation or just keep staring until he was ready to talk.
“I’m sorry for the trash I spoke earlier,” Leo said suddenly. I was mute for a minute and was about speaking when he continued, “I said that to get back at you for rejecting my kiss, as well as payback for letting Jerald assist you down the rock.”
I released a gentle smile the moment he mentioned Jerald, I didn’t expect a guy’s jealousy to look that cute.
“It’s no problem,” I said, holding both his hands. “You really made me anxious!” I exclaimed, smiling at him.
Ignoring me, he violently pulled me by my waist to himself. I knew it was time for a kiss. I grew nervous again and tried resisting to get prepared.
I forgot what happened after that, all I remembered was that I was engaged in a struggle with him. He was trying to force his lips on mine while his hands firmly held onto my breast violently, causing me pain.
I helplessly struggled with him, trying hard to get his hands off me. I knew shouting was going to put me in an awkward position in school if people found out.
I was taken aback the second Jerald landed a well-deserved punch on his face. I looked at Jerald in shock. “How is he here? Has he been eavesdropping?” All these thoughts ran through my mind as I held onto Jerald, who was about throwing Leo, who was on the ground, a second punch.
Leaving Leo on the ground, I ran after Jerald, who was almost walking faster than his shadow. “Thank you for today,” I said after catching up with him under a rest area not far from the restaurant. Not minding his silence, I added, “You keep making me indebted to you.”
Stopping abruptly, he snapped angrily, “Maybe if you applied wisdom after what he did yesterday, then you probably wouldn’t be indebted to me.”
I stopped chasing after him and watched him walk away. My heart felt heavy with pain as I sat there and waited for Dina so I could narrate all that happened to her.
Back in the hostel, we were getting set for bonfire, which was happening not far from our hostels. I was feeling indifferent. I definitely knew there was no going back to Leo, but I just wasn’t ready to face him or face a breakup.
You know what they say, “the best way to defend is to attack first.” I thought of breaking up with him, but within me, I knew I was going to give my best to saving the relationship, because truthfully, I wasn’t over him.
We sat in a large circle on the neatly trimmed grass around the beautiful flames of fire burning before us. I caught a glimpse of Leo sitting at the opposite side, almost facing me. I noticed Jerald wasn’t there. I kept feeling unsettled with the sight of Leo and the absence of Jerald.
Our staff were off duty for the night, they only warned us to play safe and not exceed 11:00 pm. The night began with singing songs as Shiprah played her guitar.
The night became wild the moment someone suggested we play a “two truths and a lie” game.
Everyone was reluctant to start the game, we continued pointing fingers at each other to begin. We only stopped the second Leo raised his hand to get the game started.
For a second, my heart stopped beating, then it began beating very loud and fast, you could hear the sound from miles away.
Dina held onto my hands tightly as we watched Leo stand in eagerness.