CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Hey Aly.. what's good?" Jas asked immediately she picked on the third ring. I could hear Ben's voice in the background.

"Nothing. I actually just took a close look at the invitation card...and umm...I didn't quite observe it when you brought it. Why is the date so close? Any problem or is there something I need to know?" I asked and I heard her chuckle.

"Well, Alyssa Chima Hart, you're going to be an aunty."

"You're pregnant Jasmine?" I asked.

"Yes..two months pregnant."

"Congratulations Jas. That's double good news."

She only laughed.

"How are preparations going?" I asked.

"Just okay. You know it's a court wedding and then just a little get together party in the evening till whenever. I want it modern. Simple and short. I figured it will be best if we use our house for the party. I only need some design ideas, a good caterer and a DJ of course. Nothing fancy. The problem though is getting an event planner within such short notice." She replied.

"Well sis, fret no more. Mimi has one. I could forward her number to you so you can discuss things with her." I said calmly.

"Thank God. Okay sis. Please do that immediately. Ben sends his regards." She said.

I smiled inwardly. "My regards also..." There was a knock on the door. "I'd call you back. Take care."

"You better do. We have lots to discuss." She said and I rolled my eyes. I hung up.

"Just a sec." I said to whoever was knocking.

Mimi went out a while ago and would not be back till tomorrow.

I opened the door and met Kyle who looked worried.

"Hey Chubby." I said letting him in. I shut the door and pointed in the sofa for him to sit but he only stood looking at me know like I'd committed a huge offense.

"Why do you look grumpier than an old woman?" I asked.

"So Jasmine's getting married huh?" He asked coyly.

"Oh yeah. That. I forgot to tell you."

"She called me. I volunteered to be the best man but apparently she had already found one. Your dearly beloved 'boyfriend'." He said at once doing air quotes at the last word.

"She said that?"

"Why? Are you surprised?" He asked crossing his hands on his chest.

"Hmm. Yeah" I answered.

"What's going on?" He asked sitting down.

"I don't understand."

He sighed.

"Let's go for a walk. Please." He said and I nodded.

I picked up my denim jacket and wore it. I was already wearing a black leggings and a white Crop top.

"I'm just saying you should be careful." Kyle said.

By now, we were already walking past the school's museum.

"Nothing is going on between us Kyle. And even if there's anything, you'd be the first to know."

"See...that's what I'm driving at. Nothing is going on but you are hoping for something like that to happen Aly."

"You've lost me again."

He sighed.

"He's crazy about you. Can't you see that?" Kyle asked.

"Hold on. A while ago you said he doesn't date girls or even love anyone and now you say he's crazy about me? Can you hear yourself?"

I asked him.

"Yes. I don't know how though but I know one thing. He likes you. I've made my research on him and he isn't someone you even want to be friends with. He has a bad record Aly. He's a proud...."

As Kyle went on, I felt like a bad friend.

"Kyle...be nice. Sometimes the reason for his actions are somehow logical." I said trying to defend Jayden.

He stopped on his tracks.

"Logical? Can you hear yourself Aly? See.. I'm just trying to look out for you..."

"Why is everyone trying to look out for me? Uhn? Am I a kid? And Kyle, I have the right to associate with whoever I choose to. Talk about something else." I exploded.

"Okay. I'm sorry.. wanna head back?"

He asked apologetically.

"I'll walk by myself." I said turning back. Kyle only nodded and I was glad he didn't stop me.

*******

I rolled on my bed. I was having this nagging headache. I picked up my phone and saw fifteen missed calls from Kyle and twenty SMS's . I opened them and saw different apologies in different languages.

I sighed.

He's not getting me to forgive him that easily.

I dropped my phone on the bed and Instantly my phone rang. I was prepared to give Kyle an earful.

"What do you want Kyle? Just leave me alone...." I barked.

"Woah woah..hold on there viper. Look at the caller ID again." The caller interrupted while trying to suppress a laugh.

Damn it.

" Oh..um...Jayden...I didn't see the caller ID..I'm sorry." I said stuttering.

"Well. Well. Mimi is at my lodge. We're going shopping now. You're tagging along. No excuses."

"Hm.. okay... where would I meet you guys?" I asked.

I heard laughter in the background. Mimi's voice no doubt.

"You know what? We're coming. We'd pick you up in five. Get ready." He said and hung up.

And just like flash, in five minutes, they came. Wait. Did I say they? I meant only Jayden came.

I was already outside.

He was horning like crazy despite the fact that I was already outside.

You are impossible

I opened the door and entered his car.

"Where's Mimi?" I had to ask.

"The mall."

I only nodded. I still had the headache though and it was really hurting hard.

The loud music coming from the car's stereo only worsened issues.

I had no strength to object.

I leaned on the headrest.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

Wait

Did he just ask if I was okay? Or am I hearing things?

"Hey! Earth to Alyssa."

I only turned and look at him and smiled and I felt the tense and worried look he had on his face disappear.

The rest of the ride was uneventful with Jayden giving me occasional glances.

We met Mimi at the entrance to the mall immediately we got down. She was smiling from ear to ear.

"Hey Mimi" I hugged her.

"Hey boo", she replied hugging me back.

I heard a mean grunt. Jayden.

"Can we go in now?" He asked and we nodded.

The shopping went so well. We had a lot of clothes, shoes, bags and gifts by the time we were done. Mimi selected a banana yellow mini gown which had sparkles... I personally felt it was too loud but trust Mimi...it's who she is.

Jayden decided that we should wear the same colour of clothes, which I found weird and unusual. Mimi glanced at him but immediately relaxed.

So we settled for the best male and female blue outfits we could find.

We left the mall and Mimi and I decided to go to the salon.

We left Jayden and went to a salon nearby.

Within one hour the lady was done with both our hairs. We headed back to our dorms.

"Aly...." Mimi called me immediately I lay down on my bed .

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Be honest with me...okay?" She said and sat down close to me holding my hand.

"Sure."

"Are you and Jayden...like.... Yunno.... Somehow together?" She asked with a lot of hesitation.

I laughed but saw the seriousness in her eyes.

"Oh.. you serious. We're not dating or anything. We're just friends." I said with a smile.

She looked at me and nodded still holding my hands.

"Has he ever told you he likes you or stuffs like that?" She asked again.

I was dumbfounded. I think that should be the other way round. I like Jayden but I'm very sure he doesn't like me.

"No, he hasn't."

I tried to be calm and relaxed.

"I know you're wondering why I'm asking these ridiculous questions but I have a reason. He's been acting strange lately..."

She said finally lettingy hands down.

"How strange?"

"Like a man in love" She said and looked keenly into my eyes.

Okay...what?

"I don't think so. I think he's just trying to be nice."

"Nice? That's one thing Jayden can never be." She replied me looking as serious as possible.

"But..why?"

"I think I told you some time ago, it isn't in my place to tell. I just hope my assumptions are right." She said getting up and heading for the bathroom.

Well, that was awkward.