Matthews Dunlop.

"Make sure you get to school on time," Clara said before she hung up the phone that morning. I was just about to brush my teeth and get ready for school. Me standing before the mirror, admiring what I possess, my beauty, strength, and nice body. Indeed I was a perfect creation from the Lord.

Clara and I were having a very good friendship going steady. We attained a level of intimacy where we weren't bothered about anything and we were comfortable around our presence. She made a very good friend and I was glad about that.

I freshened up and got into my jeans and a black shirt, got my powder to lighten up my face and also dressed my hair properly. My look needed to speak for me. My bag was kept in the sitting room last night, a habit I needed to stop. My parents had complained a lot of times about it but I never had to quit. It wasn't what I planned for. Sometimes I get caught off guard about it. One minute I might be so engrossed with my assignment or the television and when I plan on taking my good night's sleep, I forget to take everything upstairs with me. I knew I'd change one day but it wasn't today.

"Matthews, come and have your breakfast," Mom called out from the kitchen as busy as she got. I got there meeting my bread and jam wrapped perfectly with a transparent bag, two slices each, and my yogurt beside it. A perfect combo for a perfect morning.

I greeted my dad as well and hurried out of the building. Something came to my mind and I was hyped about it. Prom night finally came soon. We were a week away from the event. I squeaked, causing eyes to look at me and also my parents' attention.

"Matthews are you alright?" Dad yelled from inside. He sounded pretty worried. I must have scared him a bit.

"No! Sorry I was just excited!" I exclaimed with a big smile on my face and chuckled. Walking to where my bike was parked, I cleaned it with a rag before I climbed on it to get to school.

It was still 7:30 in the morning and it seemed pretty early. Clara had been monitoring my morning routine for some weeks now since we became close. She never wanted me to be a latecomer at all. All these features weren't seen in her back then when I knew nothing about her because she was close to Anabel. I expected her to portray herself as one but nothing was seen.

She was a fashionista though. She was seen most times in crazy outfits, showing how beautiful she could be, making her be seen in the spotlight. Most times Anabel would complain about it. I knew back then that she was feeling inferior, anything that made her feel less of a person, she hated. She might have reduced her swag to satisfy Anabel but she still for everything together.

I rode my bike at an average pace, no rush or pressure. Everyone on the street seemed busy with their morning activities. Those who woke up early to get fit by taking a jog on the sidewalk, others always acted like every minute was against them, always in panic and anxiety, rushing to get a taxi to reach their final destination. I saw little kids preparing to get to school while their parents planned to take them. This brought Elena back to my head.

Two kids acted like they were the best of buds toward each other. They walked side by side, holding hands and swinging them together while they took their walk. It was beautiful to watch but it saddened my heart. I remembered Elena on that spot, a feeling I've been avoiding for a long time. Ever since KJ came into the picture, it had been one argument to another. We couldn't have the time to settle things between us. I blame myself because I thought I was running away from not being the victim.

Finally got to school in twenty minutes. My legs ached from the bicycle ride I had while getting to school. I got down a bit and stretched them a little. My legs needed it and I got relieved. I walked to the bicycle parking lot, pushing it by my side when my eyes sighted Clara at the school entrance. She was just getting to school.

Deep down I didn't want to be seen because she can be a little loud. Most times I didn't find it fun but that was her way of being hyper. I thought if her seeing me and I went on with it.

"Clara! Hey," I called out her name after I was done parking my bike. I didn't see myself doing that. For me to blend with different people, I've learned to give the same vibe I received from them. It was working out fine. She turned back to check who it was and her smile brightened her face when she realized it was me.

She rushed down to where I was and welcomed me with a hug. Her hugs were magical. I most times felt protected and loved by it. It was her specialty.

"Hey Matt," She called me that since we started being friends. "Good morning. You look good today," She said while adjusting my shirt. Her eyes were all looking smirky. Seemed she was craving something I possessed.

"Thank you! You also look amazing," My duty to return the favor even though I meant it. Looking amazing was a normal thing for Clara. Her face was properly covered with some powder, blush, and lipgloss and her sense of dressing were top notch. She smiled after my compliment was said. There was a brief silence between us. I ran out of words and all we did was stare at each other. That was a tight spot for me. Her eyes looked into mine, making it hard to maintain contact with it.

"So are you going to class now or you wanna chill with your friends later?" I asked. Someone needed to do the needful and I didn't mind being the one.

"What do you want to do?" She asked back. This got even more awkward. A direct answer would've been preferable in this situation. She had to spice it all up.

"Well, I'm going to class. That means you'd be going to see your friends then. See ya!"

"Wait up! Why don't we go to class together?" I turned to take my leave when her words drew me back. She walked closer to me and held my hand tightly. By this act, we were already pictured as a couple. I enjoyed the clinginess but I was so shy. Students would surely see this and spread rumors around. I have heard a lot of scenarios of rumors tarnishing students' images and I wasn't ready to be a victim. I planned on removing her hands slightly but she grabbed mine tighter.

With no other choice, we walked to class together. Eyes were on us from left to right. Some whispered to their pairs while they saw us. Others turned away but I was sure they looked back again after we passed their sight. My locker was way front and Elena was standing beside it, taking her books from her locker.

This was going to close a weird tension straight up in my face. The further I moved, the more I realized how stuck I was. She seemed unbothered with what she was caught up doing. Maybe I should just get on with it and portray the same energy. I toughened up and walked with Clara, still holding unto me. By the corridor, she saw a few of her friends and waved to them as she greeted them. All I had to do was smile weirdly so I won't seem rude. It was becoming complicated.

We finally reached my locker but I didn't stop to take my note since I had them all in my backpack. Elena turned to see Clara and me so close to each other. Deep down I was sure she was about to burst into flames, probably thinking I replaced her but she had it all together.

"Hey, Elena!" Clara greeted us as we walked by. She has been greeting Elena ever since she got to know me better. I don't think she was aware we had issues but it was her way of being respectful to my best friend since she was a friend to me as well.

"Hey," I also greeted her since she did but it felt different. My head was down as I avoided eye contact with her. What am I doing? I wondered to myself. This felt wrong. We should be having more conversations apart from exchanging pleasantries. But it was what it is. We walked passed her after we greeted her, getting closer to class. I had a feeling she was looking back at me after I moved further to the front but I couldn't turn my eyes back to prove my point. Clara and I sat down at our favorite spot in class and prepared for our first class of the day.

Lunchtime drew nearer. The time today moved quicker than usual. Everyone left immediately after the bell rang. Maybe they were so hungry and they needed to get something. I was left alone with Elena and fewer classmates of mine.

Now I was left with my doubts. Should I confront her or not? Would she want to have a conversation with me or not? I was still sitting on my chair. The fewer classmates exited the room little by little, making it easier for me to confront my best friend. We were finally alone in the classroom. My confidence was gathered and I was ready to face what I assumed to be my fear.

I stood up from where I sat, taking my steps slowly to meet Elena at the front. She seemed less busy with her work but it wasn't stopping me from talking my feelings out. I was getting closer when a twist had to happen in my face.

"Hi Elena," KJ walked into the room. I wasn't close to where she sat but I could hear their conversations. The room echoed his words. I was stunned at my point. I looked for the nearest seat beside me and did the needful.

"Hi," Elena answered, raising her head to him. I was just there watching everything happen to like a movie. The disgust drew on my paint like a painting. Only if a remote was here with me, I could press pause on Kadjiri and do what my mind was made up for. I couldn't wait for the time KJ get exposed for his wicked act. This was become disgusting to watch day by day.

"I was hoping you were going to have lunch with me today," He perfected his steps by trying to ask my best friend on a date again. I could perceive he was doing his best to get close to Elena and she couldn't see through the lines.

"No problem. I'd meet you there," she answered back. Can't believe she agreed to his invitation. She stood up with her books and exited the class, making it seem like I was invisible. I thought I was going to be noticed at least or probably she'd see me and pause before leaving. Now I was left with Kadjiri in the classroom. He won't leave me to go free.

I planned on taking my leave with my books all packed up when Kadjiri rushed to the entrance door and slammed it closed. This was going to be interesting.

"We are finally left alone. The chances I've been looking for," The way he switched from being all gentle and sweet to my best friend to acting all nuisance to me. I wasn't surprised one bit ever since I knew he was a chameleon.

"What do you want from me KJ? I got no time for this," and there was no time to exchange words with him. I had more important things to do than exchanging words with him.

"I'm just here to do as I've always done. Don't try to ruin my plans or you'll get what's coming."

"I'm not afraid of you KJ," I stood my ground. I can't be bullied by someone I'm practically the same age with, if possible, the same heights as well.

"I could beat you up here and no one will know," He dropped his bag, getting ready to do what I didn't see coming. He must be probably joking.

"I'm not afraid of you," I toughened up and walked up to him. My face in his, all looking fierce. There was no time to play games. If he wanted us to burst at each other I was ready to get there with him. "Stay away from me bro. I won't warn you the second time."

"Alright then. I won't budge," His two hands were all up. He surrendered so fast but I wasn't going to trip for it. I rolled my eyes at him with disgust, my final look before I left for my locker.

Elena thought she settled for a sweetheart. Damn! He was more bitter than herbs.