It's weird to feel like you miss someone you're not even sure you know

David Foster Wallace

Chapter Two

CYNTHIA

The following day after that party, I had woken up with a splitting headache and an unknown leather jacket wrapped around me.

I was immediately bombarded with memories of a guy trying to take advantage of me at a party and I had realized it was the one Grace's boyfriend had invited us to.

A boy in leather jacket had shown up then, successfully saving me from the guy. He had removed his leather jacket and covered me with it.

But that was where it ended. The memories of that night.

I could neither remember his face or what had happened after the moment he had given me his jacket.

But I was sure of one thing. The boy in leather jacket had rescued me.

There and then, I had vowed to look for that guy and to return his leather jacket to him. I had also wanted to treat him to a meal and to maybe get him to tell me about what had happened the rest of that night.

But it wasn't easy to find him. It was like the guy disappeared from the earth's surface.

Grace had told me to ask the guys from our school since the party had been thrown by one of them and even with her help, all our search had proven futile.

It was after a week of searching and looking for who the mystery boy is that a guy had approached me.

With an easygoing smile, he said he had noticed that I was looking for someone and he might be able to help.

I knew him as one of my classmates, just a cute guy that most of my other classmates want to associate with and so I had accepted his offer to help.

And in the end, I had found out that he was the owner of the jacket.

We became friends then together with Grace and I ended up developing a crush on him.

It was meant to be one-sided, I definitely wasn't expecting him to like me in return, but he had suddenly confessed his feelings for me on the last day of school last term, telling me he had liked me for a while and the reason he was so scared to ask me to be his girlfriend was because he has seen me reject the advances of many others.

And when he had asked if he was also going to face the same fate as the rest of them, I couldn't answer.

I neither accepted to be his girlfriend nor rejected him. Yeah I liked him, but I just couldn't say yes. He doesn't even know how I feel about him but being the sweet person he is, he had asked me to think about it through the two weeks' vacation we were to have after that day.

He even said he wouldn't contact me during that period so I wouldn't be influenced by his words or actions. And now that two weeks has passed since he asked me out, which was certainly enough time to have thought about it, I'm still undecided.

Why? Because I'm a hopeless romantic.

I strongly believe in finding your soulmate, falling in love with him and living with him happily ever after.

I like John but I'm not in love with him, and I just know dating him would be a waste of both of our time.

Even though he had saved me that one time at the party, I've never for once considered him the 'one' for me.

He isn't my soulmate.

"He gave you time to think about it so I'm pretty sure he would be expecting your answer today." Grace reminds me, bringing me back to the present. I begin to think of all the possible outcomes of our conversation and how none of them is positive.

As much as I don't want to date him, I also don't want to hurt him. Seeing his heartbroken face when I tell him 'no' will only upset me and that's why I'm going to keep stalling until maybe he forgets about asking me out.

But I very well know that is impossible.

I let out a frustrated sigh at this point, not knowing what I'm supposed to do anymore.

The reason I'm even able to sit here comfortably and chat with Grace when John is my classmate is because he is not present in class. Hopefully, he won't be coming to school today and I won't have to deal with the issue for at least one day.

"Girlfriend, you aren't saying anything." Grace mentions again, an impatient look on her face. "Are you saying yes to him?"

"No."

She raises a eyebrow in surprise, "No?!"

"Yes."

If I'm not so anxious about the whole issue, I'll be laughing so hard at the incredulous look that is now on her face.

"What? It's not everyone that dates every guy for dating sake." I defend but she ignores my taunt and gives me a disappointed look.

"So you are going to break the poor guy's heart?"

I say nothing and just stare at her.

"So you are really not saying yes to him?" She questions again.

At that moment, our class teacher, Miss Adewale, enters into the class to probably address the SS3 Science students and unfortunately, since Grace isn't a science student, she has to leave.

I chuckle as I hear her grumble something about going back to the boring history lesson in her class as she stands up.

"This conversation isn't over." She tells me with narrowed eyes and points two fingers at her eyes then at mine. I smile despite the situation and watch as she exits the classroom then take in a huge breath to calm myself.

Lord, if you help me out today and I'm able to get away from telling John anything, I'll always worship you.

I promise.

***

MICHAEL

I fucking hate school.

And the fact that my dad owns the school only makes that hatred stronger.

Why? Because I'm basically under his scrutiny.

In all honesty, I can't wait for this term to be over so I can finally be free from that hellhole and my father.

I'm currently lying lazily on my bed, already dressed for school but finding it hard to leave the bedroom. The car that will take me to school is probably waiting outside already for me, alongside those annoying bodyguards that I really want to get rid of. Every single one of those assholes that contributes in making life miserable for me, well, all of them except Kunle.

I glance at the huge wall clock hanging right across from me, realizing it is already few minutes to nine and arriving at school by this time on a normal day will be regarded as being late, But today is just the first day of resumption and I doubt most students are going to be punctual anyways. And it's not like those things count when it comes to me, my father owns the school after all.

I should probably just skip school today since we won't really be doing anything. I could definitely use one more day of rest and binge-watching American series on Netflix.

My phone beeps just then and I glance down at it to see that it's a message from Femi.

Femi: Guy, where you dey now? The rest of the guys are waiting for you.

I sigh after reading the message knowing that these guys will definitely not allow me rest if I end up missing school.

Me: I'll be there soon.

His response enters almost immediately.

Femi: Be fast o.

I roll my eyes at his message and start to sit up on my bed when my dad's P.A., Mr. Walter, barges into my room. A hard glare that is clearly meant for me can be seen on his face and I already know whatever would be coming from his mouth won't be pleasant.

"You should knock on the door and wait for me to tell you to enter before doing so." I tell him plainly as he approaches me, not in the least intimidated by his expression. It's not like it's the first time I'm telling him that and I know it definitely won't be the last time. He would always barge into my room on normal days, not to talk of when he is obviously angry with me like he is now.

"Why are you still at home by ten minutes to nine when your mates are already at school?" He admonishes and I roll my eyes.

The thing is I have no issue with him. I admit that I didn't like him when he started to work and I didn't bother hiding it from him. He had written his resignation letter twice because he couldn't bear taking care of me and that's something because he is actually a very patient man. But now, I've come to see him like a father - more than my own biological father is.

The only problem is... he is beginning to take that role too seriously.

"Spare me, Henry." I respond, addressing him by his first name as he prefers. "Today is the first day of resumption, it's not like there will be anything special today. I doubt the teachers will even come to teach."

I stroll leisurely to where my shoes are arranged and glance at all the beautiful pairs, wondering which one to wear. I finally settle on a black boot that I had bought for 70k and head back to the bed with it, dropping down on it with a groan and beginning to put on the shoes.

"Your father..."

I still at the mention of my father and he also pauses, watching my reaction. I quickly recover and continue to tie one of the boots, knowing he had stopped in his sentence because he is aware of the strain in the relationship between me and my father.

And for someone who has been caught in between our fights more often than not, I understand his pain.

"My father what?" I ask, feigning nonchalance.

"He asked me to keep an eye on you now that school has resumed and to make sure you are attending classes." He replies and I can't help but throw my head back in laughter.

Henry gives me a dead look, clearly not understanding what is funny.

"He really is such a caring and responsible father, isn't he?" I ask when I'm done laughing.

He ignores my taunt and adds almost quietly, "I told him that you tried to sneak out to meet that MK guy last week."

I stop in between tying my shoe again to look at him with genuine curiosity, "Really? What did he say?"

"He was furious. He was the one who ordered me to not let any of your friends in."

I scoff and finally finish tying my shoe. "I'm not surprised."

"He doesn't want you getting involved with that guy after what happened the last time and you know I'm not usually in agreement with most of the things he does or says, but this time I support him." He states and I roll my eyes.

"Good for the both of you." I comment drily, picking up my bag that's next to me on the bed and heading towards him.

I stop right in front of him and smirk, "If he is scared I'm going to do something to ruin his political image again, he has every right to."

I watch his face transform into a horrified one and I almost burst into another round of laughter.

"Michael, what are you up to this time?" He asks, his voice wavering and I smile mischievously, enjoying his discomfort.

I just like unnerving the man and I don't even know why.

I lean in close to him and whisper, "You have bodyguards follow me for a reason, Henry. Let them find out." I raise my head, chuckling at his terrified expression before finally heading to the door. I open it and glance back, he is still standing at the same spot.

"See yah later." I wave with a jolly smile and without waiting for his response, step out of the room. I walk right into Kunle, the head of the bodyguards who always waits for me outside my room and he smiles then bows slightly.

"Good morning, sir."

"Good morning, Kunle."

I return his greeting and begin to walk towards the garage with him following closely behind.

As we make our way to where the cars are parked, I decide to try my luck to see if he would let me go to school on my own today. Deep down, I already know the answer won't be any different from the ones he gives me anytime I ask but it won't hurt to try.

I stop walking and turn to look at him with a very sweet smile and he immediately looks concerned.

"Are you alright?"

I roll my eyes and decide to drop the façade, "Kunle, do you mind telling your guys not to escort me to school today?" I put my palm together and smile again then add in a hopeful voice. "Pretty please?"

I see him hide a smile before he finally replies.

"No."

His answer is as expected but also as disappointing as always.

"We don't follow you to your classes as you requested and that's already a huge risk on our part. Not following you to school would only make it worse especially with your... reputation." He finishes and I smile at his reluctance to pronounce the last word.

"You mean my notorious reputation?" I ask and he nods sheepishly.

One thing I like about him is his absolute honesty, it's probably the only reason he hasn't been fired after everything I've done even when I'm supposedly under his watch. I do know he has a soft spot for me and I sometimes use it to my advantage but I guess that's also why I'm a bit free towards him and I only like him amongst the rest of the bodyguards.

We finally reach the garage where the rest of the bodyguards are patiently waiting for me and they all bow simultaneously to me upon my arrival. I ignore their greetings, having decided that none of them deserves to be acknowledged by me. They are all just nuisances that were set up by my father to make life miserable for me.

I know that man derives great joy in making my life hell and well, two can play the game. We'll just see who makes whose life more wretched.

One of the bodyguards opens the door to the Range Rover and I enter into it, followed by Kunle whose usual seat is next to me. I hear the other car doors close as the other bodyguards get into the Range Rover with me and the black car behind it. We usually go in two cars to school. Me, Kunle and two bodyguards in the Range Rover and four others in another car.

I still dream of the day when I can take one of the sleek Benz or BMW lying uselessly in the garage for a spin without having another car following my every move.

Honestly, it sucks to be the only child of a Senator and no one can tell me otherwise.

I'm still yet to settle very well into the car when another message enters into my phone.

Dorcas: Darling, you aren't in school yet? Are you on your way? Hoping to see you soon.

I read the message with an appalled expression and let out a scoff when I'm done.

I just hate it when she tries to act all sweet like we are in an actual relationship when we are nothing but sex partners. I know I've kept her around than the other girls I've had a thing with and it might have deluded her into thinking she's special when she definitely isn't. But in her defense, she gives really good sex.

She knows how to take my mind off things; things I would rather keep locked up in a part of my mind and throw the key away to never be found. Things that keep haunting me in the form of nightmares.

The nightmares that had stopped two years ago.

That night that I had run into Cynthia at the party and taken her home, I had dreamt of her instead of the nightmares. It was then that I had decided that I was going to look for her and keep her close to me.

I was certain she was my lucky charm.

So I had set off to look for her but with little information. I only knew her name was Cynthia and she should be in SS1. I didn't know if she was a Science, Arts or Commercial student and it was even more difficult because whenever I entered a class to look for her, I get surrounded by my 'fans'.

A week after I had begun my search, I heard that a girl was looking for the owner of a certain leather jacket and I was delighted that she was also looking for me. I asked around for the girl that was looking for the owner of a leather jacket and I was directed to her.

With a smile on my face, I approached where she was and found her with her friend. Both of them giggling and laughing together, they were also heading my way so I stopped and waited for her to see me.

But she never did. She didn't even glance my way.

She walked right past me without saying a word to me and I could hear snippets of their conversation.

They were gushing about how the owner of the jacket was very handsome and how glad they were that he was now their friends.

That was the first time I would be hurt by something like that. And honestly, it hurt like a bitch.

I felt worthless. 

After how I had rescued her that night, after the moment we had shared in my car, I was just someone who could be easily replaced by a random person.

Then I became very angry.

Angry at her for easily forgetting who I was and angry at the person who had claimed to be me for whatever reason he might have.

But still, I couldn't hate her. I wanted to hate her so badly, especially after my nightmares returned the following night but I just couldn't.

So I had decided to move on instead. Pretended that the night never happened.

And that's what I did.

Once in a while, I would see her with her friend but that was it. I could only see her. I could neither approach her nor talk to her.

I glance down at Dorcas message and realize that I need to be nice to her now more than ever since I need her to help me forget. Maybe if I seduce her enough, she will spend the night at my place today and hopefully, I won't even have to sleep.

Me: Don't worry, Sugar. I'm on my way already.

I cringe at the message even before sending it but she clearly doesn't mind as she replies almost immediately.

Dorcas: Alright dear ❤

I roll my eyes at the heart she sent with the message and tuck my phone into my pocket.

Honestly, I don't understand the girl and why she's still clinging to me even after I've made it clear than we can never be more than sex partners. I've made her realize times without number that we can never become official but she claims she doesn't care. I even gave her the chance to leave if she wanted to but she had insisted that it doesn't matter.

But I'm not foolish and I know she cares and it does matter. I've seen the longing look she gives me when she thinks I'm not looking and the contented smile on her face whenever we're together. Sometimes, I do feel like I'm leading her on but the truth is I don't feel anything for her. And I doubt it's changing soon.

I only wish she soon accepts reality and stop being hopeful on something that will never happen.

The ride to school is short as usual as the house isn't too far from the school but as soon as the car stops, I notice that it isn't parked directly in front of the school gate like I have always instructed them to do.

"Why aren't you going forward?" I ask the bodyguard driving.

"There's a car in front of us." He replies in a tone that suggests that I just asked a stupid question.

I glance down at him. Is he a new guard?

I ignore his tone, "So you are saying I should trek a longer distance to the school gate because a car is where you're supposed to park?" I question and he looks back at me, an unsure look on his face. I pay no attention to him and shoot a murderous glare at the car that has parked at my usual spot. "What foolish person will decide to park in front of the school and not drive into the compound like the rest in the first place?"

"Well, seeing as you also instructed us to do the same..." Kunle starts to say but trails off when I direct the glare at him instead.

"You know very well it's because I don't want the students to see the bodyguards." I say through clenched teeth and he keeps quiet.

I turn to the driver and shout at him, "Why the hell are you still in the car?! Go tell the driver in the other car to scram so you can move the car forward!"

The guy looks at me with uncertainty and glances at Kunle with helplessness leading me to the conclusion that he really just got employed. If he continues this way, he is surely going to lose his job.

Irritated by his sluggishness, I proceed to get down from the car, "Don't worry. I'll talk to him myself."

My legs hit the ground just as a female student gets down from the other car and I immediately stay rooted to the spot, watching the girl as her lips rises into a slight smile and she waves to whoever it is in the other car before it drives off.

Now, I'm even running into her on the first day of resumption?

Is that supposed to be a good omen or a bad one?

Kunle clears his throat and I turn to him, seeing that he has also gotten down from the car and is now looking at me with an amused expression.

"She's pretty." He announces with a knowing smile.

She's pretty alright, beautiful even, but I won't give Kunle the satisfaction of agreeing with him, not when he is looking at me like he's got something on me.

I feign disinterest and roll my eyes, "Yeah, right."

"And she looks kind of familiar." He states unsurely, observing her.

I say nothing to dispute or confirm his words and just when he's about to say something else, the bodyguard driving interrupts him, "Boss, enter the car so I can drive you exactly in front of the school gate now." He declares with a smile, delighted that he doesn't have to deal with anything any longer.

I shoot him a look that hopefully says 'you are very stupid' and without saying any other word, I remove my bag from the car and head towards the school not waiting to see whatever confused expression would be on their faces and honestly not caring.

Cynthia is already gone when I enter the school and the school compound is almost empty. I know the students aren't having lessons as I can see some of them loitering around their blocks, talking amongst themselves and if anything, I'm just glad their attention isn't on me.

It's not an act of pride but I've grown to hate walking in the midst of the other students.

The looks, the whispers, the obscene words thrown at me are things I am totally sick and tired of.

I've lost count of how many times I've treated them like thrash. But did that disgust them and remind them to stay away from me? No.

In fact, with how things are nowadays I might even be considered better than a saint by them which IS obviously not true.

The girls want to date me and the guys want to be friends with me. I know it has to do with my looks and the fact that I'm the son of a senator so I know they are all fake. The only time I pay attention to them is when I need a girl to spend the night with and that was until Dorcas came along.

I walk to the Senior School block and head towards the 'out-of-bounds' stairs for students. There are two stairs in the building, one for the students and one for the staffs. The one for the staffs are prohibited for students so they rarely go there. That doesn't apply to me though since I'm no ordinary student and since my class is also on the same floor with the principal's and vice principal's office and also the staffs' room, I decide it's only right for me to take that same stairs.

It's not like there is any teacher who can tell me off for using those stairs, even the principal don't dare talk to me until it is totally necessary.

Although she is the only one who isn't really scared of me.

I begin to climb the stairs and when I get to the second floor - the one for SS3 students - I immediately notice their outrageous dressing and begin to wonder what has suddenly come over them. I scrunch up my face in distaste when a pink hair comes into view, if only they know how ridiculous they look.

I continue my way up the stairs until I get to the first floor and begin to approach my class. I greet the teachers I meet on the way being the very polite student that I am and the surprise looks on their faces are totally hilarious.

Maybe I should really begin to respect my elders so they won't act so shocked when I greet them.

A smile automatically appears on my face when I reach the entrance to our classroom, knowing that my best friends are behind the door. God knows I'm excited to see them. It's been a while.

I open the door and the hoots and hollers that welcome me are nothing short of what I'm expecting. My smile soon widens into a grin as my friends walk towards me, all ready to give me a hug.

"Guy, see as you just fresh." Femi says as he gets to me and we do our bro hug.

I chuckle because I know he is only teasing me and honestly, I should be the one saying that. He looks much better than he did the last time we saw each other, "You're one to talk. Look at you now." I say and he smiles. I know he thinks I'm just teasing him.

Wole walks up to me next and also does the bro hug thingy with me since it's a thing between us, "What's up? Femi isn't lying o, you look finer." He also says and I roll my eyes.

"You guys planned to make my head swell today, abi?" I ask, my voice full of laughter and I glance playfully from Femi to Wole, both having a silly grin on their face.

"No na, it's the truth." Femi retorts jokingly.

I'm about to say something to continue the banter when a feminine scream that can only belong to one person cuts through whatever I'm about to say and I sigh wearily as she ambles towards me with a sensual smile before engulfing me in a bone-crushing hug.

I note with relief that she's here alone, at least she isn't here with those leeches she calls friends.

"Welcome darling." Dorcas greets in a sultry voice as she embraces me, making sure all of her chest is pressed firmly against mine. Wole and Femi both exchange sneaky looks and try to stifle their laughter as they catch the resigned expression on my face.

"Hey, how are you?" I respond, trying to gently remove her from my body but she only snuggles closer.

"I'm fine. I missed you." She purrs into my ear and I give her a fake smile, not appreciating her sensual behavior at the moment.

My gaze lands on the only person in the classroom that hasn't reacted to my arrival. He is seated on his chair, watching everyone with his usual unreadable expression.

When I had become friends with he and Femi back when we were in JSS3, I had thought he had absolutely hated me because he never spoke to me. Femi had told me then that it was nothing like that and that's just how he is but I had refused to believe him. It had taken eight months for him to finally open up to me but three years have passed now and I've come to realize that that's really just how he is.

I won't deny there are times I feel there is this grudge he has for me because he didn't take that time to warm up to Wole when he had become our friend. And there's the fact that he always likes to challenge me, but since he is pretty friendly most of the time, I have come to not put too much importance on his overall demeanor.

His unreadable expression is soon replaced by a smile and he finally speaks, "How have you been, Michael?"

I smile fondly at him, "I'm fine, Peter. How about you?"

"I'm very well." He responds then picks the iPad that I didn't notice on his laps and begins to scroll through it. In other words, he has nothing more to say to me.

"Now that everyone has exchanged pleasantries, I believe everyone here will all like to know what you did so wrong that Henry wouldn't allow us visit you." I turn to Wole who had just said that and he looks pretty serious. "I refuse to believe that it's because you aren't feeling well."

I already know it's only a matter of time before someone asks the question.

And I don't think any of them is ready to hear the answer.

***

There you have it. Another chapter for you guys to read and enjoy.

Thoughts anyone? What do you think of Michael and Cynthia's situation?

Do you think Michael should have just told her that he was the one at the party? Would Cynthia really have believed him?

Guys, please don't forget to vote.

The votes compared to the reads aren't encouraging. If you had read the previous chapters and didn't vote, PLEASE, go back to vote.

Thank you 😔.

See you in the next update ❤.

Ciao 😘.