Chapter 10

It was only 10am, but Monah felt like she had been in class for hours. Chemistry class didn't feel as exciting like always, as she was alone at her desk. Derrick was not there beside her. Without him, the lecture was just a blur of boredom. She had gotten used to having him there. Derrick was not a distraction or at least that's not how she saw him. He was more like a close friend, except he was more than one. He was her crush. As Monah paged through her book together with the class, as if her mind was on the lesson. She remembered the kiss she shared with Derrick. She bit her lips gently just remembering the scenery. As Monah turned her head to the back, she saw Ted staring uncomfortably at her. She was annoyed by him. He put on a grin on his face then waved at her. Monah faced at the front again, she could see how focussed all the other students were in the lesson and so she decided to pay attention as well and jot down any important information. When the class was over, Monah began to pick up her books to leave, but Ted wasn't going to allow her that freedom so soon. He went to approach the young woman. 

"Whatever it is, I'm not interested." Monah shrugged. 

"I only wanted to greet you. Its been a while since we've had the chance to speak." Said Ted with a grin. 

Monah rolled her eyes. 

"We met this morning. Or have you forgotten already?" 

"But that means nothing. You know the passionate kiss Michelle and I had today was just a stunt. I have to keep her happy." 

"What you do with Michelle is none of my concern. Hold your breath and stop explaining yourself to me." Monah pressed. 

Ted chuckled. 

"You sound a bit offended, please forgive me. I didn't mean to misbehave or anything." 

Monah grabbed her bag and tried to walk away. Ted grabbed her by the hand. 

"Please I'm sorry. Don't go just yet." He begged. 

The young woman was agitated. Her blood was boiling. 

What exactly do you want with me?" 

Ted smiled. 

"I want to know. I think I have a right to know. Are you and Derrick dating?" 

Monah pulled her hand out of the young man's grip. 

"Whether Derrick and I are dating or not is none of your business. I thought I told you this already. Don't you have Michelle to worry about?" 

Ted grinded his teeth. 

"Michelle is not here, or do you see her?" 

Monah shook her head in disbelief. 

"Stay out of my business Ted. I am warning you for the last time! I don't care if your sister is my best friend. I won't allow you to ruin things for me. Control your jealousy or stay jealous. That's your choice." Monah pressed. 

With that said, she walked away leaving Ted standing there alone feeling defeated. 

Monah sat at a table in the library, staring blankly at the books in front of her. She was supposed to be studying for her upcoming exam, but her mind kept wandering to the one thing she really wanted to be doing - talking to Derrick.

"So, what's up with you today?" Tamara asked, noticing Monah's distraction. "You've been staring at that book for the past 10 minutes, but you haven't read a single word."

Monah sighed and closed her book. "Tammy, I'm just really worried about Derrick. He wasn't in chemistry class today, and I was really looking forward to seeing him."

"Maybe he had to attend to something really important. I mean Derrick looks like a dedicated student, he even wears formal unlike the rest of us." 

Monah chuckled. 

"Yeah. And that's what puzzles me. He isn't the type to bunk class." 

Tamara eyed her friend. 

"Have you guys finally confessed your feelings to each other yet?" 

Monah blushed. 

"No, but we uhm. We kissed." 

Tamara shouted joyfully, that the librarian looked at her with a stern face that gave her a fright and made her sit upright immediately. 

"When was this?" Tamara whispered. 

"Does it even matter. I chased him away. I just couldn't go far. I just don't want to look easy. Every time I see him, my heart races and I can't think straight. And I just pray he doesn't notice that because I don't want him to take advantage of me." 

Tamara grinned mischievously. "Well, maybe it's time you take the initiative and talk to him then. What's the worst that could happen?" 

Monah was silent. Trying her best to keep a serious expression. Unwilling to go further with the conversation as it was starting to make her feel uncomfortable and jittery at the same time. She despised that feeling. 

Derrick walked into the library, scanning the room for an open table. He spotted Monah and Tamara sitting at a table near the window, their heads bent in intense concentration over their books. He approached them, his heart beating a little faster.

"Hey, mind if I join you guys?" Derrick asked, trying to sound casual.

Monah looked up and smiled, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the young man.

"Sure, there's plenty of room," she said, gesturing to the empty chair next to her.

Tamara looked up from her book, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Hey, what brings you here today?"

Derrick took a deep breath before answering. "I had some other business to attend to this morning. Family stuff," he said, hoping that would explain his absence from class.

Monah's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't press the issue. "Oh, okay. Hope everything's okay," she said, her voice soft.

The three of them spent the next few hours studying together, working on their respective projects. Derrick couldn't help but steal glances at Monah, admiring the way her hair fell in loose waves down her back, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed at something Tamara said. He felt a pang of longing in his chest, wishing that Monah would be hers finally. That she would actually take that kiss he gave her as his confession to how much he wanted to be with her. 

The time came for them to leave. Derrick saw his mother's limousine outside in the parking lot area waiting for him. He didn't seem too happy to see the car there. 

"Guys I'll have to leave. My ride is here and I think my mom's in there." 

Monah was slightly disappointed but she pulled a strong face. 

"Oh.. yeah. I guess I'll see you tomorrow in class." She said. 

Derrick nodded. As he entered the car, Lillian got out and walked towards the two young ladies. She smiled at them both but did not greet them. 

"Who here is Monah?" The woman asked. 

"I am." The young lady voiced out. 

Lillian browsed Monah for a while, starting from her feet all the way to her head. 

"Oh, you're the one who's trying to destroy my son's future. You look so innocent but there thing is, innocent little girls are the most naughtiest." 

The two young ladies were beginning to worry. 

"Derrick is my son and he deserves only the best of thing's. Stay away from him. That's if you care about his future. Okay?" Lillian pressed, making a thumbs up before return back to the limousine. 

Tamara put on a disgusted face while Monah was just covered in shame. The car drove off.