Chapter 39 Chapter 39
Tessa
After we were done with shopping, we headed to a fancy restaurant near the mall to grab a bite.
The food was mouthwatering, and we savored each bite.
As we ate, Leah shared stories about Liam's past, mentioning his brother. Liam's expression remained stoic, his face a mask of indifference. He didn't interrupt or react, letting Leah continue her speeches.
Once we finished our meal, Liam settled the bills and we stepped outside the restaurant.
As we drove home, Liam played music, filling the car with a lively vibe. But I sat lost in thought, my mind racing with nothing but worries.
What did Liam want from me? What did he mean by his statement earlier? How would he use my secret against me? Hope he's not going to ask for what I don't have.
I'd not let him reveal the secret, not when it could harm Mom's relationship and health.
"Bruh you are going to drop me at home, I have something to pick then you will take us back to the junction, we are going to the library" Leah uttered
"You're going to the library?" Liam raised an eyebrow.
"Tessa's going to explain some practicals to me," she explained.
Liam shifted his stare to me, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Maybe you're not as dull as you look. Just your face, perhaps."
I felt a surge of annoyance but remained silent, maintaining my silence was the only medicine at this moment.
We got to our drop-off point and stepped out of the car, I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn't want to engage with Liam, didn't want to negotiate or argue with him for now or maybe forever.
I just wanted to get away from him.
"Give me a minute let me pack the textbook," Leah said, attempting to leave but I held her back.
"I can follow right?" I asked stepping forward but she stopped me.
"No there's no need to stress yourself, it'll just take a minute," Leah smiled rushing inside.
I prayed Liam would go inside too, sparing me the uncomfortable silence. But he remained standing, his cold gaze fixed on me.
As soon as Leah closed the door, Liam's eyes locked onto mine. A sly smile spread across his face.
"I guess you're not planning to run away from me," he whispered, his voice low and menacing. "Remember you have your secret with me." My heart skipped a beat as he threatened me.
I couldn't help but wonder how he found out about this. He wasn't inside the hospital room so how did he know?
"Unless you do exactly as I say, you won't like what you see," he warned his voice bringing me back to reality, his eyes were glowing with malice.
A shiver ran down my spine. I swallowed hard, avoiding his sight.
Just as Liam's words began to unsettle me, Leah returned with two textbooks. "Let's go! We can go now." She revealed.
Relieved, I hastened into the car. Leah sat beside me, Liam took the driver's seat and we drove away.
We arrived at the junction where Liam was supposed to drop us off, but he surprised us by saying, "I'll take you directly to the library."
I didn't bother protesting, still reeling from his earlier threats. The drive was silent, with only the sound of the engine breaking the tension.
As we arrived at the library, I quickly exited the car, eager to escape Liam's presence. Leah footstep echoing behind.
Inside the quiet library, I spotted a vacant table and hastened toward it, grateful for the seat and its location.
"Why did you rush off earlier?" she sat beside me.
I forced a smile, trying to downplay my panic. "I was just a bit tired, needed to sit down." I lied.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't press the issue.
I knew my explanation made no sense, but I couldn't reveal the truth, not yet maybe not ever.
Leah pulled out her notes and I began explaining the concepts she struggled with.
"Okay, so cellular respiration has three stages, which are, glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation," I explained.
Leah nodded, her eyes focused but confused.
"Which part still confuses you?" I asked.
"The citric acid cycle," she admitted.
I grabbed a pen and started sketching a diagram.
"See, it's like this..."
As I explained, Leah's expression transformed from confusion to understanding.
"Ah, I get it now!" she exclaimed after explaining for hours.
We spent the next few hours reviewing and practicing problems.
"Thanks, Tessa. You're a lifesaver!" Leah exclaimed when we stepped out of the library.
The evening sun had already cast a warm glow.
She turned to me and clasped my hand "Don't forget about the party tonight!" she said, her voice filled with excitement.
"I won't," I promised. "If Mom says it's okay, I'll come."
"Cross your heart?" Leah grinned.
I laughed, crossing my heart with my finger. "Cross my heart," I recalled.
We bid each other farewell and hailed separate taxis. The ride home felt short, my mind replaying the biology concepts we'd reviewed.
When I got home I paid the driver and stepped out, I noticed Mom waiting at the door. Her expression was stern, and I sensed something was off.
But nothing could've prepared me for the slap that greeted me.
Her palm met my cheeks in a stagnant sensation a gasp falling from my lips.
"Where have you been?" Mom demanded, her voice low and menacing.
"What's wrong, Mom?" I recoiled, shock coursing through me.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," she snapped. "Where did you go today?"
"I went to the library with my coursemate. I told you," I explained, trying to stay calm.
"Don't lie to me! Why would you go to the library since morning?" Her expression wasn't having it.
"I told you before leaving the house. I went to study in the library!" I yelled
Mr. Carter placed a soothing hand on Mom's shoulder. "Honey, calm down. Let's talk about this." He uttered
"No, I won't calm down until she tells me where she's coming from!" She shook him off.
"I'm not lying!" My anger boiled over.