Chapter 81

      Emily was at the other side of the room dressing up. I brought out the muscle tank top from my wardrobe and wore it. I slid my legs in my jeans and used a blue jacket on it.

       'This would do' I muttered.

     By the time I was dressed, Emily was applying makeup. I grimaced and turned my gaze from her. It was strange seeing her waste all the time in front of the dressing mirror.

      Could it be that she had suddenly began to look for attention or is beginning to feel pretty? I barely know her applying make up, not even when we need to go for a party which was just once.

     I picked up by bag and walked out. Mom was in the kitchen as usual and the smell of green fries permeated the air. It was such a tempting aroma and I couldn't resist.

   "Hi Mom."

  "Xavier," she turned and gave a soft smile. "How was your night rest?"

     Should I tell her that I had to go to the downtown area to get crack form someone I don't know?

     "Fine," I lied.

I spent my entire night waking up at intervals to check if the drugs was still in my bag. I was getting tensed for no reason and it wasn't helping.

"Here, eat some before you leave."

I took the plate from her and smiled. "Thank you."

Shortly after, Dad joined the table and Emily too. She looked different applying a colored liner to her eyes. She gave a big smile when she saw us all look at her in surprise.

"Surprise! I look different much?"

Mom gave a nod and Dad grinned. "You look beautiful, Emily."

"Thank you Dad," she blushed.

Her eyes flickered to me and I continued eating, pretending not to notice her stare.

"Xavier!"

I raised my head.

"You didn't say anything."

What was I going to say? That you felt insecure and applied make up? Definitely not but not far from it.

"You're beautiful with or without the make up."

I laid emphasis on without and took a sip of water.

"I don't think that came out right."

"Emily he's right," Mom smiled not noticing the sarcasm. "You look so much like me and that gives you an edge."

We finished breakfast and headed to the truck. I slammed on the accelerator and drove away. I randomly felt a flush of fear as we drove to school. I tried distracting myself by playing  music on the stereo but it didn't help much.

I held the steering wheel with one hand and touched my hair with the other.

I walked to class and looked around. I think I may suffering from anxiety at this point because what kind of feeling is this?

Each time someone threw a stare at me, my heartbeat raced faster. I swallowed my saliva and touched my pocket. I transferred the drugs into my jacket the moment Emily got down from the truck, giving me some privacy.

The teacher walked into the class and everybody settled down. The noise ceased and he introduced the topic he was teaching. Man, it was going to be a long day. I brought out my note and a pen from my bag. The girl sitting in front of me turned to give me a suspicious look. My jaw clenched as I wondered if she somehow knew I had drugs on me. I know that was a crazy thought but I was nervous.

I checked my inner pocket and found it there. It felt like for every stare, the drugs disappeared. After the second period, I grew tensed and couldn't remain in the class.

I stood up from my seat and stormed out. I walked into the hallway and opened my locker, keeping my bags there. I turned and entered the restroom. I used the first room and when then turned open the tap. I washed my hands and rinsed my face. As I was rinsing my face, I heard voices.

I ignored the boys talking and continued what I was doing till I overheard their conversation and paused.

"Man I don't know why he's not picking his damn call, I need this drug."

"Relax bro, I can't think straight either."

"Got some crack with you?"

"None bro, none."

"Fuck! I hate it here."

I listened to their conversation and contemplated going to meet them. They were sounding like they badly needed crack. I had some with me from the package but I had no idea how to approach them.

"I injected some last night and I can swear that's keeping me sane. Right now, I have no idea how I'd survive tomorrow."

"You're lucky to have had any. I have a test in an hour and I'm certain I'd be fucked."

I suddenly gathered the courage and approached me. I saw their tensed facial expression and they tried to change the subject immediately.

"Uh, you know uh.."

"He's our friend, right? I know."

I watched how they tried to change the subject and ended up saying meaningless shit. The first guy was dressed in an expensive leather jacket and a pair of Nike sneakers. He looked like a rich kid and I was sure of that.

"I heard you," I started.

"Please don't snitch," he pleaded. "I don't do drugs, I'm just---"

"Relax Buddy," I replied interrupting him. I opened my inner jacket and brought out a wrap of crack. "You said you needed this."

I watched his eyes widen in shock and the other guy standing beside him gave me a quick hug. I don't blame him though, I blame his urges and his addiction.

I tossed the wrap to him and he couldn't contain his happiness.  "What the fuck, you just saved my ass."

I stood there thinking of what to do next, I was so anxious at home that I didn't think of how much I would sell a wrap for. Before I knew what was happening, the guy slid 100$ in my hands. I looked at the cash in my hands and found it unbelievable.

"Thank you for saving my life, you're a life saver," he smiled and stormed out with his friend behind me.

I felt bad for a second, It was the irony that hit me. I was actually helping him ruin his life and not saving him. I brushed off the thought and looked at the money in my hand. I couldn't believe I work my ass out all month to get 150$ and I just sold a wrap for 100$ and I got 40$ for myself. This felt good and I felt a rush of happiness.

The bell rang and I left the restroom I sprawled to the canteen with the intentions of buying lunch for me and Emily. We had breakfast before leaving but who says I can't buy her lunch.

As I stepped in, my eyes flickered. Emily wasn't in the canteen yet or so I thought. I tilted my head and saw Devin sitting on a round table. He was alone and that made me smile.