After school hours, I clutched my bag and walked over to Bonnie. She had been moody all day and I felt bad that I wasn't able to cheer her up. Mason's stupid act ruined my mood all day as well. Cupping her cheeks, I flashed her a smile before revealing my intention to visit her at her house. I won't go home with Derek, instead, I'll follow Bonnie to her house so I can see her mom.
Bonnie was surprised to hear about my plans. She didn't want to bother me but I assured her of my decision to follow her. Spending time with her at home might soothe her. Seeing her down and gloomy made me feel sad so I had to make up some time to spend with her.
We both clutched our bags as we made our way out of the classroom. Before I could reach the door, someone grasped my hand from behind. Bonnie and I turned back simultaneously and my eyes widened slightly when I discovered that it was Derek.
"Derek!" I called slowly, my eyes darting around to see if people were watching us. I wasn't shocked to see the multiple eyes on us; I should have expected that anyways. People think Derek and I are dating. I've become the center of attention now.
"Why are you leaving me behind, Isabel? Let's go home together," Derek asked while my lips trembled as I swept my gaze across the faces of our noisy classmates.
"Derek. I'm not going home yet. I planned on following Bonnie to her apartment. I have to spend some moments with her…".
I disclosed and when I saw some girls walking in our direction with an attempt on eavesdropping on us, I dragged Derek by the arm and we both walked outside the classroom. We left the hall till we were outside the school main building where other students roamed around, getting ready to leave as well.
There were laughter as well as noises since there were many students around. Here is the perfect place to discuss anything home related and not in a classroom filled with a bunch of idiots and gossips.
"I'm so sorry for what happened to your mom, Bonnie. Send my greetings to her," Derek sympathized with Bonnie and held her cheeks softly. She nodded and cleaned her tears but they fell freely and effortlessly down her cheeks. She couldn't hold them back anymore. Derek pulled her towards him and gave her a friendly hug, trying to console her in the way he could.
I could see most of our classmates coming out of the classroom with their eyes on us. I'm sure they're wondering why Derek would hug someone like Bonnie. I could see Matilda glaring at us from a distance. Her face was puffed from anger and tears.
I rolled my eyes since I cared less about her at the moment.
"It's okay.. everything's gonna be alright, okay?" Derek said to Bonnie after releasing her from his hug. I decided to hug her as well. Later on, I clasped her hands before dabbing at her tears with my handkerchief.
"Derek. You may go. I won't be late I promise. You know what to tell aunt Caroline right? I'll only be spending an hour and probably with some extra minutes at Bonnie's place,"
Derek nodded, his long dark hair undulating as the wind blew across our faces. Two boys scurried towards our direction, panting as they stared into each of our faces.
"Derek.. The principal asked you to see him. He wants you in his office right away," One of them informed me while my eyes widened slightly. Why would Mr Plummer want to see Derek? Is it because of the issue with Mason?!
"You can go, Isabel. I won't stay long in school either." Derek emphasized with a nod, his voice laced with conviction. "Do you think Aunt Caroline would be at home?"
He asked with creased brows.
"I doubt. She will definitely be at her boyfriend's place. The key is with you right?"
"Yeah!" Derek replied before leaving with the two boys who were from the junior section of the school.
"Only the Moon goddess knows what the principal wants to see him for," I mumbled as I watched Derek leave till he was out of sight.
Bonnie leaned against my shoulders and I tried to help her stand. She gazed at me with weary eyes and with her lips quivering, she mumbled, "I feel weak, Isabel. Can you take me home?"
"Yes, Bonnie. Yes.. I'm so sorry. I'll do that now," I replied as I wrapped my arms around hers and helped her get to the taxi. The taxi driver zoomed off immediately and not quite long, we arrived at Bonnie's apartment.
Luckily, Bonnie's mom was at home. She embraced me and helped Bonnie get on the bed. It seemed she had a fever.
I assisted with some house chores and I even made a meal for me and Bonnie. We both ate and she used her medication. After resting for a while, we decided to watch some movies together. Seeing Bonnie laugh made me happy and I silently prayed that she would return to her usual self.
I didn't realize I had spent two hours already until I glanced at my wristwatch. Quickly, I hurried to wear my shoes and informed them of my plan to leave since my aunt might be worried about my absence from home.
After bidding both mother and daughter, I used the elevator and went downstairs so I could find a taxi to drop me off. While I was hurrying to leave, someone grasped my arm from behind.
"Hay - let," I called out slowly, slurring each syllable as I stared at her with a forced smile.
She didn't return my greetings, instead, she sneered at me and gave me a scathing look.
"Hayley, look, if there's anything you're angry with me about, just tell me."
"It's your brother!" She blurted angrily.
"My brother? Which brother?" I asked, getting confused.
"Are you drunk?! Isn't Derek your brother?!" She asked and then it dawned on me that she was referring to Derek.at first.
"What did Derek do?" I asked and she gritted her teeth and clenched her fists.
"He refused to pick my calls!" She snapped angrily as if it was my fault
"I'll discuss with him, okay. Right now I have to leave right away,". I informed her and dashed off to the street to pick a cab.
After the cab Parked beside the road, I alighted, a profound sense of relief to finally be home washed over me.
With quick steps, I sprinted into the courtyard. I reached for the door but before I could open it, I heard a giggle behind me.
Turning my head slowly, my eyes widened when it came in contact with Hayley's.
She squealed and waved her hands in the air, a mischievous smile tugging her lips.
"Hello Isabel, glad I finally know where your house is," Hayley disclosed smiling from ear to ear.
Goddamn! This bitch knowing my house location would only complicate things. Is this the extent she can go just to get Derek?
Abruptly, the door opened and Derek was about to grasp my waist but I stylishly moved away from him since Hayley was there.
He realized her presence and he greeted her before shifting his gaze back at me.
"Isabel. Mr Plummer asked to see my parents tomorrow," Derek disclosed causing my eyes to grow wider than before.
My parents are on their honeymoon. We can't disturb them all because of some useless threat he received from Mason's dad.
When I thought of who might represent Derek, I clasped my hands around my dropped jaw, worry etching my features.
No one must know that Derek and I are related. My parents can't show up on Derek's sake …people mustn't know that we have the same dad and mom.