Chapter 11

Michelle's pov

After practicing for hours,the coach released us finally.

"I'm so tired." I said breathing heavily.

"Me too." Kate said as we both entered the bathroom,took a long bath.

We changed into our uniform.

"Is your body still itching?" Kate asked when she noticed I was scratching my body.

"Yes, a little." I said.

"I'll follow you home and explain to your parents. I'll use the opportunity to meet them." Kate said.

"That's cool. I'll meet your later. We haven't exchanged numbers and Facebook ids." I said.

We both exchanged numbers and our Facebook names. We left for my house as Alex and Marco's car drove pass us.

"Those brats."I yelled.

It was a long walk to my house. I and Kate engaged in small talks and we got to know more about each other.

"How old are you Michelle?"She asked.

"I'm 17,you?"

"I'm also 17."She said smiling.

We continued our small talk until we got to my house.

I knocked and the security opened the door.

"Good afternoon."We greeted the security man.

"Good afternoon. How was school?"

"It was fine sir."We both answered and walked into the house.

I met my grandparents sitting in the couch watching TV.

I knelt down to greet them.

"Ekasan ma,Ekasan sir(Good afternoon ma, good afternoon sir." Kate followed suit but she greeted them in English.

"Good afternoon."The both chorused.

"Meet my friend. Her name is Kate Smith."I said introducing Kate to them.

"Hello Kate. How are you doing?"Grandma asked and I noticed her strained voice.

"I'm fine ma,and you?" Kate asks.

"I'm fine too dear. You are welcome. Will you like to eat something?"Grandma asked again this time her voice was very weak.

"Grandma are you okay?" I asked moving closer to her.

"I am fine."She said quickly.

"Is mom and dad home?" I asked again.

"No,they went to work."Grandpa answered this time.

"Why would they leave you alone? They know you aren't feeling well. That's the reason we came here." I said.

"it's okay Michelle. At least you are here."My grandpa said.

"Do you guys need anything."I asked again.

"Stop worrying about us and attend to your friend."Grandpa said.

"Kate let's go upstairs."I said.

We both walked upstairs straight to my room.

"Welcome to my house." I said sitting on my bed and she also sits.

"It's beautiful. We should have a sleep over someday."She suggested.

"That would be awesome."I said.

She walked up to my book shelf.

"Wow!" She exclaimed.

"You read a lot. I admire you." She said.

"Thanks." I said.

I received a phone call. It is a Nigerian number.

"Hello. Who is this?" I asked.

"Hello. I decided to call since you forgot about me." I heard Ayomide's voice. I can never forget her voice.

We talked and I told her how life in America is. I also introduced her to Kate. We video chatted and talked for a long time before ending the call.

"I have to go now."Kate announced.

"Awwnn. You had fun right?" I asked.

"Are you kidding me? it was fun. You haven't changed from your uniform yet." She said.

It was then I realized I haven't taken off my uniform.

"We have been talking too much." I said as I opened the door.

We both walked out of the room and walked downstairs.

"Bye ma,bye sir."Kate said

"Bye Kate. Take care."Grandpa answered.

We both left and I escorted her to the next street. We hugged each other and both parted ways.

Michelle's pov

I walked back upstairs and did all my home work. I also studied till I slept off.

The next day

I woke up very early,did all my chores, checked my grandparents and walked downstairs.

"I have to go now mom." Bye.

"Bye dear. Take care." She said sneezing some dollar bills in my hand.

"Where is dad?" I asked titling my neck left and right searching for my dad.

"He left very early." My mom answers.

"Mom. I don't like what you and dad are doing to my grandparents. We came here because of them. We need to show them love and stay with them. They need us now. If not because of school I would have stayed with them." I said.

"I am busy. I need to make money to take care of everyone here. Your dad too." She said.

"I am not saying you shouldn't work. I am just saying we should make time for them. I came back home yesterday and met the both of them alone. What can they do? What if something happens? Can grandpa do anything?" I asked resting my hands on my hips waiting for her answer.

"I understand your point of view dear but try to understand me." She said.

"It's okay mom."I said and left the house.

I walked to school as fast as I could so I wouldn't get late. I got to the school entrance and saw Alex waiting outside with his bodyguards as some girls were also standing beside him checking him out and taking pictures.

"Oh no." I said.

"Is he some kind of actor of something?" I asked myself.

"Look who is here." He said shouting.

The students moved backwards making space for him to come to me.

"What do you want now?" I asked avoiding eye contact.

"Even though I hate you now,you are still my PA." He said.

"Let's go." He said dragging me.

"Where are you taking me to?"I asked as my sweat tickled down my neck.

"The basketball court. I need you to clean it." He said.

"What?" I removed my hand from his.

"Who do you think I am? A cleaner?" I rolled my eyes.

"Then what are you?" He asked staring into my eyes and it felt really weird.

"A student." I stammered.

"Let's just go monkey." He said holding my hand again.

We got to the basket ball court and it was really dirty.

"Are you guys like pigs?" I asked scanning the court using one hand to close my nose.

"Whatever. Just clean." He commanded.

"What? Only me?" I asked.

"Remember the contract you signed, I still have it." He said bringing out a paper from his pocket.

I went to the closet in the court,took a broom and started sweeping and he just sat down staring at me.

"Will you just stop?" I asked.

"Stop what?" He asked.

"Stop staring at me like that. It's making me nervous. Only God knows what you'll do next." I said.

"Ahhh, you know me so well." He said standing up and stretching.

He went to take a broom and joined me in sweeping the court.

He was scattering what I was sweeping.

"Don't you have common sense? I taught you already." I yelled.

"I forgot about it already." He said.

"Whatever. Just don't disturb me." I said and I continued sweeping.

He joined and continued copying me. At least it was less weird.

Some girls who were passing by saw Alex sweeping, they took photos and screamed. Other girls too joined but they didn't come inside.

I stopped sweeping.

"Wherever Alex is there is always crazy." I said.

"Are you an actor or a singer?" I asked. I wanted to satisfy my curiosity.

"No." He answered sharply.

"Why do they always scream like idiots whenever they see you?"

"That's for you to find out." He said.

Daniella walked in with her friends.

"Alex what are you doing with this thing?" She asked pointing at me.

"Uhmm isn't it obvious. I am sweeping." Alex said raising the broom up.

"People like us aren't meant to do such things. Your reputation will be ruined if the students sees you like this." Daniella explains.

"I'm fine. Besides there is nothing wrong in sweeping it's fun right?" He asked me using the broom to hit my leg.

"Oww! Are you crazy?" I asked.

Alex called a girl.

"Ariana! If you sweep this place,I'll take a picture with you." He said.

The girl collected the broom from his hand instantly.

Alex held my hand,collected the broom,threw it on the floor and dragged me out of the court again.

"He held her hand." Arianne screamed as I turned back to check what was wrong.

Alex just kept dragging me.

Daniella's pov

"I can't take this anymore. I have to get rid of Michelle." I told Teresa and Susan.