chapter 16

'How could she be this beautiful without a boyfriend?' I thought to myself in pleasant surprise. And I won't lie when I say I found the news somewhat refreshing to my ears.

I might actually have a shot with Kimberly or maybe not! Even if I did, what about Nora -- wouldn't it make me look unfaithful?!

Apologetically, I said. "Am sorry -- I spoke without thinking. I don't mean..."

"No, it's fine" Kimberly interrupted with a faint chuckle and looked at me, lowering her gaze, she continued. "Am not offended. Just that I have a lot to think about my life than to be carried away by a guy or relationship stuffs"

"Yeah, I know right" I chuckled, faking a smile. Even if I fired my shot at her, it would just be a waste of time, after all, she's made her point -- so what was the need? I thought to myself and held my lips from asking any more questions.

And she too said nothing to me. So we sat in silence till the break time ended.

AFTER MUCH lectures that day, at about 1pm, the closing bell rang. The sound was just enough to gladden my heart. Not only was I hungry, but also tired. And I yearned for nothing else but to get back home and eat whatever it was my mom had prepared for lunch.

"So, see you tomorrow" I smiled, looking up at Kimberly as she stood beside the seat to hang her school bag.

"Yep" she smiled back, hugging the overly sized novel she'd been reading. And just as she was about turning to leave, she paused and said. "My um... My birthday is this Saturday"

"Oh, wow..." I gasped with a stunned look.

I don't know why she told me this, or the reason -- but I was glad she did. So I asked, "So um, where are you celebrating it?"

"Actually..." She began, her body swaying gently with a soft smile on her face. Then she continued. "I'm going to be spending the weekend at my cousin Brian's place -- so I might pretty much celebrate it over there. You're invited to come"

'Me, come over to Nora's house?' this questioning thought chorused in my head. They'll never grant me access, this I knew.

"That's nice, but..." I nodded and paused with a doubtful shrug of my shoulders. "I don't think your cousin's will even want me anywhere near their house"

Kimberly stood mute for a while before saying, "I'll talk to them about it" giving me a faint smile before she turned and walked away.

I didn't really like the idea of her going to talk to them about me coming over for her birthday party this Saturday. But if it was going to bring me and Nora back together, then it'll be worth it, and I'll have her to thank for it.

So I just sighed, placed my books into my bag before standing up to leave the class.

*****

I arrived at home and gently opened the palour door.

"You're back, You look so tired" My mom smiled when she saw me enter. She was sitting on the couch that was directly facing the door and was watching a Bollywood movie that didn't even pick my interest. I wasn't a fan of Indian movies because of their exaggerating tricks and stunts.

"And very hungry too, Mom" I added with an exhaustive sigh, using my butt to push close the palour door.

She raised the TV remote with her left hand and reduced the volume without removing her eyes from me and said. "I'll go get your food microwaved"

But I countered immediately before she could even make an attempt to get up. "No, mom don't bother... I'll help myself. Just -- get back to your movie, I'll join you soon." I said, motioning my hands for her to remain seated as I walked forward.

She just grinned at me, increased the volume of the TV and went back to watching her movie as I left for the kitchen. I was too famished to even think of going first to my room to undress.

When I was done eating my lunch, I went straight for the bathroom and had a nice cold shower before entering my room to take a nap.

And when I finally woke up, it was because of a knock on my door.

"A--am coming" I answered in a low grunt and yawned, stretching on my bed before finally getting up.

'How is it evening already?' I wondered the minute I looked at my window. The sun had vanished completely and the sky was now darkish blue.

I must've been so tired and overslept.

And was it my mom at the door? I wondered as i sluggishly dragged myself towards the door, and on opening it, I saw that it was actually my dad and not my mom. He was already back from work. And was he coming to scold me for my disrespectful outburst this morning? I was a little frightened.

"Uh, good evening dad" I cleared my throat nervously and retreated from the door, looking over his shoulder to see if my mom was following behind. But she wasn't, which made my heart race with fear. Atleast if she was present, she'd be able to calm him down if he lost his temper.

"Evening..." He answered and took a big step into my room. Then he asked "How was school today?" before closing the door gently behind him.

I swallowed hard and stuttered, "fine dad. Sc--school was fine, very fine."

I took another step back from him after my response. I was still unsure as to what he had in mind for coming to my room.

Was he going to lay his hand on me or yell angrily to my face? I couldn't tell, even his plain voice didn't leave a clue whether or not he was angry.

"Look son, can I have a word with you?" He asked and brought his steps to an abrupt stop.

I nodded without saying a word, and slowly turned to follow as he walked up to sit on my bed. And as I sat by his side, I couldn't help but ponder within myself whether or not to apologize for my behaviour earlier this morning.

"Dad..." I began to say, but his voice broke out and hushed me.

"Henry, I know I've been hard on you these past days -- and, am sorry. I don't want you to feel like we don't love you because I and your mom do. We just want what's best for you, son" he turned his head sideways to study my face.

I felt a sudden calm after he spoke. I was no longer afraid but deeply touched by his words. Then I lowered my gaze and said in a low remorseful voice. "I know dad. And am very sorry for raising my voice at you this morning." fidgeting my hands gently as I spoke.

He placed his right hand over my shoulder and said. "It's okay, I went too far trying to dictate for you... You're old enough to make decisions for yourself"

Then he lowered his hand from my shoulder and continued. "Which is why I want you to feel free to visit the neighbours whenever you feel like"

"Really dad?" I quickly looked at him with my teeth flashing from the wide grin that broke out my lips. More than excited, I was stunned -- stunned by his sudden change of heart. And am quite certain my mom had something to do with it. She must have probably talked to him all that while I was asleep.

"Yes" he chuckled and shook his head in amusement. "I shouldn't stop you from living your teenage days or building memory"

"So like, I can also sleepover at their place?" I joked, waiting to hear my dad's response.

He laughed and pointed his right hand at me, "Don't push it son" before standing up from the bed. Then I fell silent all of a sudden.

And when he noticed my countenance, he paused to study my face and asked. "What's the matter?"

"I dunno..." I sighed, and looked up at him with a worried look. "I don't think they want me as their friend or even near their house anymore."

But my dad just smiled and consoled. "Don't worry, I'll talk to their parents -- they'll come around. Trust me."

I felt relieved and hopeful.

"Thanks dad" I smiled just before he turned to leave. And as he walked away, I felt like telling him about Kimberly and her upcoming birthday party. But then I changed my mind, and besides, what's the rush?.

So I flung my back to lay on the bed after he left, smiling sheepishly as I stared at the ceiling with thoughts of Nora filling my head. The absence really made my heart grow fonder. Her touch, her smile and tender kiss -- I really miss all of it.

*****

I AND Kimberly gradually became close friends as the days went by -- and by friends, I meant like tight buddies. We understood our jokes and never got bored talking to eachother.

And whenever we were on break time, we'd stroll together to the canteen and back to class. We did literally everything together and everyone noticed that -- even Brian suddenly gave up discouraging her from being my friend...

"Henry..." My room door squeaked open and my mom's head poked in to ask, "Aren't you going for your friend's birthday party like you told us... I can already hear the music coming from accross the road."

It was Saturday today, and Kimberly's birthday too.

"I'll soon be going mom" I turned my head sideways to face her from where I stood in front of the mirror hanging on my room wall. Then she nodded at me and gently closed the door.

I wore a striped yellow shirt on a black jean trouser; I wasn't looking to dress flashy but just simple. Then I picked up my phone and checked the time. It was only ten minutes past seven in the night.

"Pffff... You got this Henry... just go there and have fun" I muttered in nervousness as I looked at myself once more in the mirror.