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On Monday morning, I tried to force myself to pay attention to Mr. David during the lecture but I was failing miserably. All I could think about whenever I looked at him was how Lisa was cooped up in the room after she had the truth which includes Mr. David at most, possibly depressed while he carried on with his life as if nothing was wrong. I wanted to scream at him and call him names, I wanted him to rot in a cell somewhere. I wanted justice on Lisa’s behalf, the justice I realized I never got.
Two Years Ago….
Over the next few weeks, Ryan and I became as close as peas in a pod.
There were times when I felt like I’d known him all my life but there were also times when I felt I didn’t know him at all. In my moments of doubt, I focused on how wonderful he’d been as a friend and justified his strange behavior to be part of his quirks. No one is perfect after all.
One quiet evening, Ryan called me and he sounded ecstatic. He had written his exams and passed.
He’d chosen the University along with another university which I hadn’t bothered to ask the name.
He told me that he had a surprise for me and I wondered why he would plan a treat for me when he was the one who should be celebrating.
Half an hour later, we were strolling through the quiet streets.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked as Ryan as he guided me with one hand covering my eyes.
“Shh,” He whispered. “And no peeking too.
It’s a surprise.”
“I’m getting nervous.”
“It’s nothing to be nervous about, I just want to surprise you, think of it as an early birthday present.”
“My birthday isn’t until like a month away.” I laughed.
“That’s better. It’s a very early birthday present.”
“Well, I hope we’ll be there soon because I feel like I might trip any moment now.”
“I’ll catch you if you do.”
A few minutes later we stopped and I waited in anticipation. He slowly removed his hands and my eyes adjusted to my environment. We were in front of what looked like a small restaurant.
“I’ve got food at home you know,” I turned to him and rolled my eyes. “We could’ve just prepared something.”
“Don’t ruin the moment please.” He said as he led us inside.
The place looked empty but there was soft music playing from hidden speakers. The low lighting and plush chairs created a cozy feeling and when we were seated, I looked around expectantly.
“There’s no one else here.”
He smiled but didn’t say anything.
Moments later, a waiter opened a door that I hadn’t noticed earlier and walked towards us with a food trolley.
“Welcome.” He said before he set about the
task of laying out a delicious-looking array of food on the table.
“Okay, I admit this looks way better than anything I would’ve prepared.”
“I had this one made especially for you.” Ryan said as the waiter placed a swirly chocolate and vanilla ice-cream before me.
“We’re having dessert before the meal?” I laughed.
“It’s allowed.” He shrugged.
I briefly wondered how he was able to pull off all of this, the empty restaurant, expensive meals and excellent service. Sure, I knew Ryan was in a different league of his own and unlike any regular student i knew but I never realized
he could do this much. I didn’t know to be impressed or suspicious.
“Your expression suddenly changed, what’s wrong?” He asked with a slight frown.
“Nothing,” I scooped up a spoonful of
Vanilla and took my time with it.
“Come on, tell me.”
“I was just wondering how you arranged all this.” I gestured round.
“Oh, that’s what you’re bothered about?” He chuckled.
“Well we’re both students after all.” I shrugged.
“I have a few friends in high places.” He said.
“What kind of friends?” I asked.
“Listen,” He pushed his plate away. “Let’s just have a good time alright. This isn’t the time or place for interrogation.”
Afraid that I’d annoyed him I agreed and we continued in silence. It seemed like eternity before he spoke again.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright.” I shrugged, relieved that he’d spoken first.
“I’m a bit older than you think so this isn’t really a big deal for me. I also have many friends who are either my age or even older so some things I do are normal to me but unusual to you.” “I guess that makes sense.” I said. “So, how old are you exactly?”
“You’re the curious type, aren’t you?” He laughed. It was low, deep and masculine and it suited him perfectly.
“I admit, yes I am.”
“Alright then, I’m at least three years older than you.”
“How old do you think I am?”
“I know almost everything about you Monica,
so how can I not know your age?”
“But why do I feel like you’re keeping secrets from me?” I didn’t mean to say the words but once they were out, I realized that was
really what I felt.
Ryan’s jaw clenched slightly as he looked at me and I wondered if I’d made him angry again.
“Why would you think that way?” He asked slowly.
“I just feel there’s a side to you that even I don’t know and there isn’t much time to discover it because you’ll be gone soon.”
“Just because I’ll be in the university doesn’t mean we won’t be in touch anymore.”
“It won’t be the same.” I looked away as I suddenly felt my heart sink in disappointment.
Wait, that wasn’t my heart. It seemed my whole body was sinking slowly. I dropped my spoon and it clattered noisily unto the table as I
felt my stomach heave. My head suddenly felt heavy and my limbs grew weak. Through half- closed eyes I looked at Ryan whose face showed
no expression at all and behind him was the waiter who suddenly didn’t seem like a waiter anymore. The last thing I registered was the feeling
of arms lifting my body off the chair.
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