Chapter ten

Toriah's mom shows up and moves in with Toriah. The two are like strangers though Hale is trying her best to form a relationship with Toriah, her daughter. Hale is making an effort for Toriah to know her but Toriah has her own problems to think of.

"There was so much to prepare for. We had to make it all in a week. So, we worked it out and it was successful." Hale hands Toriah a cup of coffee as she is explaining about her college experience.

"That reminds me, guess who's getting married." Hale in all smiles leaves her cup on the table and shows Toriah the ring.

"You just made that decision without asking me?" Toriah's reaction is plane and blank.

"Come on, I mean it's what you wanted, right?"

"You don't know what I want!" Full of rage, Toriah storms out to her room. Hale tries to stop Toriah which is to no avail. She later follows her, finding Toriah curled up in a blanky. Hale sits next to Toriah and puts her hand on Toriah.

"I understand you being mad at me. I know I shouldn't have made this decision alone. I should've told you and I just kind of thought you'd be happy all this."

"It's ok. I shouldn't have behaved the way I did. So, who is this person?" Hale can finally see a smile on Toriah's face making her walm up as well. The two chill till late. Hale gets a call from Saint Louis asking her as to why Toriah hasn't returned to school and Toriah tells her she doesn't want to go back.

"I just don't like it anymore." Hale can notice the sadism in Toriah's eyes.

"It's a nice school, right? What makes you hate it? "

Toriah doesn't give a proper reason to Hale which make her even more worried. She hasn't yet mentioned her encounter with Ian. Could this be the reason why Toriah doesn't want to go back to saint Louis? Somehow, Hale persuades Toriah to go back to Saint Louis as she looks for another school.

The journey is pretty quiet with Toriah off mood. Getting to Saint Louis, they are welcomed by a captivating view of students working in groups. One shines brighter that Hale notices.

"He looks like a bright kid. Not most of his type are serious with school." With that being said, Toriah draws her attention in the direction which Hale was acknowledging. She is met by the captivating eyes of Ian. Her day has clearly just gotten bad. After everything, evening fell.

"Why did you come today. I mean you do know that we opened last week, right?" Lisa curiously looks at Toriah as she is shelfing her belonging.

"I know. Honestly speaking, I didn't wanna come here. But anyways, I'll only be here for a week." Toriah is not as jovial as the way the girls know her and today, she just seems to be tired.

"You serious about this?" Samya looks at Lisa who is also in disbelief.

"100%. Next weel I'll be gone for good." At first, the girls thought it was a prank. But her voice says it all.

"What about Ian?" Samya excitedly looks at Lisa.

"There was never anything between us."

"What ha…" Clearly, Lisa and Samya were looking for some tea.

"It'd be better you stay out of my business." Toriah isn't in a mood for jokes and the girls can see it.

Class time is the worst for Toriah. For group work, she does the entire task alone and facilitate. Everyone can tell she is a mess. Lauren tried to associate with her hoping she'd open up to her but instead, she preferred staying alone. For most of the classes and day, Toriah spent her day sleeping. She even refuses to go for basketball. Just after dismissing classes, Samya and Lisa shows up on Toriah's desk.

"Why are you looking at me in that way?" Toriah is puzzled as Samya and Lisa blankly look at her.

"We feel like you're hiding something from us." Samya looks at Lisa who nodes at what she's saying.

"Nothing serious." Toriah packs up her notebooks.

"For goodness' sake, Toriah. We're roommates, you can tell us anything." Lisa full of desperation looks at Toriah.

"It seems like you don't trust us." Samya adds.

"You're right." Toriah takes up her bag and starts to leave.

"Whom don't you trust, me or her?" Lisa points at Samya.

"Both of you."

"You've changed a lot." Lisa concludes as Samya puts her hand on Lisa's shoulder.

"I know." Toriah walks out without even glancing at her roommates.

It takes Toriah a whole week to become sober again. She at least can speak with some people comfortably.

"Let's play a game. Truth or dare." Toriah rolls her eyes in disgust as a lot of people join the game facilitated by Bianca. She has less grudges against Bianca but the game is something she never wants to hear of again.

"Toriah, join us." Bianca is surprisingly nice to Toriah but she shrugs it off.

"What are you scared of, Toriah…" Natalie mocks Toriah in a half smile. Determined to protect her owner, Toriah joins the game. "Toriah, truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"Heard you were fucking with Ian. True or false?" There is a mockery smile on Natalies face and Toriah looks at Ian and just rolls her eyes. "It's obvious." Natalie cracks up.

"Ian, is it a truth?" Cuthbert with all smiles looks at Ian.

"Go ahead."

"Who isa better fucker between Toriah and Mady." A dagger cuts through Toriah's heart. Unfortunately, she can do nothing about it.

"Toriah." Ian smirks as he looks at Toriah who looks away.

"Natalie, truth or dare?" Toriah finally blurts, determined to go against Natalie.

"Truth."

"Is it true that you're a whore?" There is no remorse in Toriah's eyes.

"What?" Feeling so offended, Natalie looks at Toriah.

"Or should I say BITCH. Answer me!" Toriah commands, making Natalie shiver a little.

"No." Tears are starting to assemble in Natalies eyes which she suppresses with a smile.

"You're supposed to tell the truth, this is truth or dare." Toriah seems to be enjoying her turn.

"I already told you, no."

"Fine."

"Truth or dare?" Natalie posses it to Toriah, feeling challenged and thinking she shouldn't have done what she did.

"Truth."

"Is it true that your dad died?" Toriah was trying to figure out how she found out.

"Why are you involving him into this?"

"Just answer the question."

Now the game is between two people. It is now Toriah's game and Natalie chooses a truth. "Is it true that you proposed to Ian and he rejected you and you still want him?"

Natalie almost doesn't respond as she looks down. "No."

"You got to say the truth, bitch!" Toriah seems to be having a good time mocking Natalie.

"How dare you!" Natalie, all challenged stands up to Toriah.

"And then you claim not to be a dick rider. Or should I say sucker?" Toriah scoffs. There is o much visible tension between Natalie and Toriah and the whole class is just enjoying the scandal. The two are about to get physical and then the class divides to stop them.

"Looks like someone wants to be a boxer." Ian scoffs and the rest of the class laughs as he mocks Toriah. Toriah all hurt stands up to Ian.

"Is it true that you have bipolar or are you satanic." Toriah is evidently hurt and everyone can see it. Feeling embarrassed, Ian walks away and everyone can see the enmity between them. Ending the drama is the principle herself. Toriah and Natalie are called into the principal's office. Perhaps history is repeating itself. The principle informed their parents and sent them back to class. Hale arrived later during the day.

"Are you okay, what's wrong?" Hale sighs upon looking at Toriah.

"Everything." Hale is trying her best to understand Toriah. Toriah made her decision to leave the school. Even though the principle and Hale tried to stop her, but her decision was made.

"Heard Toriah's leaving." Cuthbert breaks the news to Ian who is immersed in vape.

"She'll be back. She's such a DRAQ."

"Totally doubt it though." Cuth seems to be way more worried than Ian. Ian still couldn't believe Toriah wasn't coming back until they heard it from Bianca.

As though Toriah has left a curse, the principle holds an emergency meeting stating that there would be a drug test. The following day, Ian and other people like Cuthbert tested negative. They were all expelled for until they started their final exams.

The mood is jolly, Viola and her friends are having a good time with wine by their side and making toasts. Ian storms in with his bag and walks straight to his room. Before he gets there, one of the ladies notice him.

"What is he doing here, thought he was supposed to be at school?" A lady breaks the silence as she curiously looks at Ian.

"Ian, what are you doing here?" It now gets to Viola as she is also shocked.

"Nowadays kids are just interested in drugs. They aren't even concerned about school." The lady mockingly suggests as she sips on some wine. After everything, evening fell and Viola went up to Ian's room.

"Why are you here?" Ian ignores Viola and continues to scroll on the phone. "Ian, am speaking to you. For goodness' sake, am your mom, Ian." Ian is still unbothered. "Whatever it is, I have to know." Viola drops a basket in which they put in dirty clothes. She then picked out all of Ian's dirty clothes. She leaves the room with the clothes to the laundry room. She carefully checked each cloth before putting in the laundry machine. In one of the clothes, she found a paper. Unfolding it, it is a suspension later.

"What's this. You're still taking drugs, Ian." Viola shows Ian the letter upon getting to his room. Ian starts to walk away.

"You can't walk down on me. I'm talking to you." Viola pulls Ian by the shoulder. "Look at me when am speaking."

"Ian scoffs and becomes serious. "You can't even control yourself and you want to control me."

"I'll tell your dad."

"How has it gotten to him? He won't find out until you tell him." Is Ian really threatening his own mom?

Toriah enrolled at a new school. Things are different at this new school. Their school uniform is white and grey. When it comes to studies, it is quite similar to Purity high. She has also made a new group of friends.

"Are you seeing what am seeing? One of Toriah's friends by the name Mira exclaims as she passes the phone to Tanya.

"Uh-huh." Tanya nodes while Toriah is absolutely blank about what's going on.

"What up?" She finally questions while looking at the two girls.

"Yesterday, Saint Louis International High School had a drug test making the school clean of about 30% of the boy's population. No way…" Tanya stops shot.

"This includes the entire male basketball team and Ian Deo, the team captain himself." Mira continues to read the article.

"Let me see." Tanya takes the phone from Mira and they continue to read names of students. They both then turn to Toriah who is busy sipping on a milkshake.

"What?"

"You were also at Saint Louis, right?" Mira curiously asks.

"How come you are not worried?" Tanya presses her hands crossed on the chest.

"They're really none of my business. Am here now."

The two look at each other while Toriah continues to sip on some milkshake. They then start talking about Ian and Toriah continuously roll her eyes to his mention. Clearly, the girls do not know about Ian and Toriah's relation.

"You two keep on daydreaming. I'll just look at you."

The day is cozy for Ian on the other end. He literally spends his days on the phone or video games. At times, Toriah's on his mind and even though he tries to suppress her, it's not working. Ian moves out of his bed and gets to Derrick who is in his room playing a video game.

"Wanna go for a walk?"

"Where you going?" Derrick poses his game and removes the headphones.

"At the mall. I'll buy you anything, I promise." Ian sounds so serious. Derrick looks at his game and take a second thought. He prolyl has everything."

"My game isn't over yet. I'd rather stay back and play my game."

"Screw you, man." Ian walks away while dangling his car keys. He got into his car, took a deep breath and drove off.

Cuthbert walks into a room welcomed by disco lights, loud music, all sorts of vape, people dancing and carrying cup with all sorts of drinks. Feeling a bit lost, he keeps walking until he sees a familiar face. He decides to stop by.

"Toriah, hi." There is a wide smile on Cuthbert's face as Toriah draws her attention to Cuth.

"Hey, Cuthbert." Her jaws widening in excitement in realizing the human in front of him.

"How you doin'?"

"Fine." Toriah finally leaves her cup on a table.

"Look at you, now kids of Central High." Cuthbert takes a sip leaving Toriah in all smiles. "How's it going?"

"Okay, I guess. Just saw you flirting. As usual."

"Yup. As charming as always." Cuthbert chuckles.

"I'm guessing you're on a suspension?"

"Yeah. Had a drug test at school and the results came out positive. You know how Catholics can be. Nowadays school's hard and exams next month." Cuthbert takes up another sip, bigger than the first one.

"Guys moving with the world. So, when did you come back, yesterday?" These two can literally talk for hours without resting.

Mady is the life of the party. She's known for throwing house parties among the party-holics. Today, Ian is in, perhaps for some relaxation. While Ian's on the couch, Mady's busy with her girlfriends. In the middle of everything, Mady gets to Ian surprising him with a perk.

"Hey." Mady joins Ian on the couch.

"Hey Ian." Mady's girlfriends speak in one voice while all smiling before walking away.

"Wanna have something? Maybe a drink?" Mady wraps her hand around Ian, leaving no space in between them. Mady then looks at her girlfriends and other people around dancing as the DJ plays some music.

"Let's go dance." Mady starts to get up while holding Ian's hand.

"Can I talk to you in private?" Ian didn't really look happy.

"Okay." Mady holds Ian's hand as they leave for Mady's room. Getting there, Ian removes Mady's hand from his hand making her so displeased.

"Ian…what's wrong with you!" Mady is starting to lose it.

"This isn't working out for the both of us."

"What…fuck you!" Mady is starting to fume up. She controls herself. "I…I'm sorry. I just…What do you mean?" Mady pushes her hair backwards. She doesn't know what to do.

"So, you're breaking up with me? After everything." Mady throws herself on the bed and starts crying. After a moment she stops crying. Ian sits next to her as she wipes off her tears.

"So, what's your decision?" Now Mady looks at Ian, her eyes red and not ready to accept.

"It'll be better for you." Ian walks out leaving Mady really hurt.

Toriah and her friends are at the mall for an after-school shopping. Her eyes meet with Ian's who was standing on the other side of the mall. She tried her level best to ignore him by talking stories with her friends but the entire scene is disrupted when Ian bumps into Toriah making her drop her belongings. Still trying to avoid the drama, Toriah quietly picks up her belongings while her friends; who are also big fans of Ian distract him.

Evening falls and Toriah is at a party. She remembers she has an exam coming up so she decides to leave early. She gets to the host and says her goodbyes. Just as she is about to leave, the unexpected happens.

"Toriah..." As soon as she turns around, her mood changes so she starts walking away. "Toriah, am talking to you!" This masculine figure stops Toriah by grabbing her hand and Toriah instantly removes his hand.

"What do you want?!" Toriah is clearly not polite.

"Can we talk?"

Toriah chuckles. "Wow. For God's sake, Ian. You think I'll chase on you just cause you look good? Shit, I look good too. I don't wanna talk to you." As soon as Toriah's done talking, her mom's car shows up. She hops in and they leave. On the other hand, Ian is full of emotions.

The weather is cool, Ian is out with his cousin playing basketball.

"It seems like you and Mady are no longer together." Suge points out as he dribbles the ball.

"How did you find out?"

"Just saw a picture of you and this girl. Victoriah, right?" Suge passes the ball to Ian.

"Just Toriah."

"Why didn't they just name her Victoriah?" Suge chuckles.

"Because her dad is not Victor, I guess." Ian runs with the ball and makes a perfect shot into the net.

"Finally, you've started cracking up jokes." Suge cracks up to the Victor joke.

"Forget this." Ian clicks his tongue while shrugging.

"So, I'm guessing you played her? Ian, I thought you had actually stopped playing girls."

"You know what, screw this." Ian throws the ball really hard, making it bounce as he walks away.

Derrick walks in while in his uniform almost witnessing everything.

"Ey Suge. What you looking at? Ian…he had found a nice girl. She was even nicer than that bitch Mady and now he's pretending to be hurt. That fool." Derrick shakes his head before he walks away.