RICHARD

Relief washed over me as the doctor told us that Melissa will be alright.

I sat with her uncle and his family. Our principal, Sir James, was also sitting with us. Melissa didn't have friends so those who had come to the hospital as mere acts of sympathy, they had left hours ago.

Her uncle had asked me to go with them, but I insisted on staying. Bree and Felix, his kids, had looked at me as if I was mental.

They kept staring at me and whispering to each other. I didn't really blame them, I would also be confused if I saw the most popular boy in school hanging around the hospital because of a pariah he has never spoken to before.

My phone had kept ringing. My parents

were worried. It was around 6pm and I was yet to be back.

I didn't believe in God or any of that religious shit people hope and believe in. But that day as we all sat waiting for the doctor, I prayed for Mel to be alright.