CHAPTER 13

KAFFY'S POINT OF VIEW

Today was quite hectic. My cousins would be arriving anytime from now and Chloe would be going to tween pageantry

I went to Chloe’s. Trina and the boys were with her. Trina was distraught at the fact that we’d be seeing Chloe less frequently.

Chloe reassured us that she won’t be gone for long. Apparently, they weren’t so strict and she could shuttle between home and TPO. She’d be staying therefor four days a week.

I was worried. Chloe would be alone with new faces. Who knew if the person who locked her had other schemes to hurt Chloe? I felt helpless because I couldn’t do anything to help her.

We helped Chloe to pack her stuff. She held on to Tim like she was scared to let go. I wanted to cry but I did not let the tears fall, she was only going for a while and it’s not like she’d be miles away.

I drove with Tim and the girls while the boys drove in Leo’s car. We got to the academy about thirty minutes later.

Chloe checked in at the reception and got the keys to her room. She’d be Sharing the room with four other girls. This was to test their accommodating spirit or something.

The boys stayed behind while Trina and I followed Chloe to her new room. We helped her set her belongings in order and called the boys to go have fun or something as we’d be taking our sweet time.

I sat Chloe down and repeated “Never allow anyone to talk down on you. Be kind and accommodating, yet never tolerate any disrespect. You are not a foot mat, okay? If anyone bullies you, let me know, okay?”

Chloe smiled and cupped my cheeks, “Thanks babe. Take care of yourself, okay?”

“Mindy would be nearby, right? Be careful and stay away from her.” Trina retorted.

The guys came in about fifteen minutes later with some hot dogs, pizza and soda drinks.

We heard clicks on the door, this got our attention and we watched as a blonde girl walked in with her luggages . she was quite startled to see us and kept drooling after seeing the boys.

Kaffy, not so subtly cleared her throat. This action brought her to order. She smiled, ”I am Cecilia, but you can call me CeeCee”.

We all introduced ourselves and she seems nice but no one could be trusted. Even those with the sweetest smiles. I shook her hands in a firm grip and told her to take care of Chloe. She was quite shaked but she quickly regained her composure.

I got a call from mum, informing me about my cousin's arrival. I excused myself but Cole offered to take me home. I saw it as a peace offering.

The drive home was quite comfortable. We sat in comfortable silence for about half of the journey until Cole asked if I listened to classical music. We found out that we actually had similar tastes in music. We jammed to some Indies, blues and country music. He was an old soul, I had to admit.

He was quite the gentleman, opening the door for me though it seemed strange to me and I wasn't such a fan of chivalry. I didn't complain however as he waved me goodbye.

Dad was in the sitting room with three teenage girls. The youngest was wearing a long pink gown with a pink hijab. The second girl wore jeans and a TRS shirt with a black scarf . The oldest wore a long black gown with a black turban.

They all looked pretty but sad. They looked alike with caramel brown skin, large beautiful eyes and broad noses.

Recognition lit in Khadijah's eyes. Her lips parted into a smile. I returned the smile. I greeted her and my younger cousins Aleema and Aatifa.

I helped them pack their belongings. Khadijah would be sharing a room while Aleema and Aatifa would share another.

Dad had instructed me to make them feel at home and to never mention their dead father.

Khadijah was shy and it was a little awkward. She did not know what to say or how to act. To break the ice, I offered her some biscuits that I had made. She was delighted at the taste and asked for the recipe.

I studied her. We might have been friends and playmates but years had gone by and we were definitely not the same girls we were about 8 years ago.

She was bubbly as a child yet now she seemed reserved, but then the death of one's parents could change the core of one's being.

She was to start school tomorrow and I was her designated guide. I briefly told her about the people to avoid the stereotypical cliques and strict teachers.

Thanks to mum's connections, we'd gotten my cousins uniforms quickly. Khadijah would be in my class - the eleventh grade. I was a month older than she was. We were both seventeen.

Aleema was fifteen and will be starting the first year of High School. Aatifa was just ten and still in the elementary school.

Dad had bought a car for me recently so that it would be easy for my cousins to commute. He really cared and did not want them to suffer any discomfort.

I drove my cousin and siblings to their school before heading over to our high School. Aleema strutted out of the car to the counselor's office. Khadijah paced after her. I decided to follow in case they needed some help or directions.

After ten minutes, they were both armed with the necessary information. I was in science class unlike Khadijah who was in the arts so she was practically on her own. I wished her good luck.

I saw a message from Trina. She had seen Khadijah and was probably talking the poor girl's ear off. I could bet a million bucks on that. I was shocked when I heard laughter from our usual table. Khadijah and Trina had hit it off and were like two old ladies. I did not know if I should be really worried.

Trina waved me over. I smiled, "it seems you girls have met. Khadijah, how were your classes? Did anyone bully you?"I saw something flash in Khadijah's eyes. I look that Trina whose lips were pressed into a thin line.

I was about to pry further when my phone rang. It was Chloe, she sounded happy and had made new friends. I introduced her to Khadijah who was shy. Chloe informed us that she would be attending school the next day.

I texted Aleema who seems to be doing just fine without us. She had a charming personality and had somehow become the centre of attention in our class. I noticed however that she was without a scarf.

I turned to look into khadijah's eyes. I saw resignation and sadness. Trina reached out to her and pat her shoulders. She really was a friend.