Chapter 3- It Still Hurts
Her hair stood out, shiny, long, curly and black in colour. Many girls envied her hair including Pamela.
Pamela gently and slowly combed Treasure's dazzling hair and sighed internally at the smooth texture. If there was anything Pamela could steal from Treasure it would be her precious hair and beauty.
Treasure watched how Pamela was staring at her hair with so much longing. This wasn't the first time Pamela brushed her hair, she did it almost everytime and always had the same look when brushing her hair.
"Its been an hour since you started brushing my hair you know." Pamela snapped out of her world of longing and stared at Treasure through the large mirror.
"Its been a week! A WEEK Treasure, I couldn't help it."
Pamela complained and Treasure just smiled slightly. A week went by without Treasure even setting foot in school, if not for Pamela pestering and encouraging her she would have spent all month in bed crying.
It wasn't easy for Treasure, even now she wanted to cry but she had to hold back because Pamela won't be pleased, it will also make her cry.
Blinking rapidly Treasure stood up and faced Pamela with her best smile.
"Ready?!"
Pamela asked cheerfully and Treasure nodded. Pamela picked her bag along with Treasure's from the bed before heading downstairs in a hurry.
Treasure sighed, exiting the room she turned back to catch a glimpse of the couple in the picture frame. Her heart pricked badly and she quickly shut the door and hurried downstairs with teary eyes.
"Hurry now dear, Pamela's waiting for you outside." Salome approached Treasure and embraced her lovingly. Treasure put on a fake smile and hurried outside after her mom landed a peck on her cheek.
Pamela was already seated in the car behind the wheel.
"Hurry Treasure we're gonna be late." She complained and Treasure had to speed up, entering the red Mercedes-Benz she sighed.
Pamela ignited the car and took off like the prof she was. Treasure silently watched how buildings, people and cars passed them. She stealthily peeked at Pamela, ever since her brother's death she mourned for him only two days before returning back to her normal jovial self. It bothered Treasure.
"Something the matter Tress?" Treasure quickly averted her eyes and stared ahead.
"Don't act all innocent girl I caught you red handed." Treasure laughed and Pamela smiled in satisfaction.
"Could you slow down?"
"I'll slow down only when you tell me what's bothering you Tress." Treasure's lips parted involuntarily and shut again as she blinked at Pamela, she totally forgot Pamela could detect lies sometimes.
"Oh....its nothing serious, I....I just happened to spot a billboard of Theophilus and I just recalled you were planning on going for a gathering he would be attending in person...did you go?" Pamela quickly glanced at Treasure briefly before focusing her attention back on the road.
"Firstly, that's a serious matter okay? You don't say its nothing serious when it comes to Theophilus, my God....Tress! Are you for real?"
Treasure knew Pamela would be easily distracted by just bringing up Theophilus' name, afterall she was infatuated by him.
Theophilus a successful wealthy business man and CEO of many affluent companies couldn't be reached by a mere person, including Pamela, she wasn't even close to his level. Though Pamela was filthy rich but it couldn't change the fact that she was way way way behind.
"I went...but...he didn't show up." Pamela sadly revealed to Treasure. Treasure's lips formed an 'oh' in realization.
"Am so sorry...but why didn't he?"
Treasure was really concerned because she knew how much Pamela loved him. Sighing, Pamela spoke.
"He had other pressing issues that needed his appearance in person..."
Treasure wasn't a fan of popular and grand lifestyle, she hated people being nosy about her life and spreading rumors here and there. It just didn't make sense.
She couldn't deny the fact that she also admired the man but at a distance. She didn't want to be classified as 'Theo's Lovers', it irked her how girls throw themselves at him including Pamela.
Finally the school building came in view, students trooping in and out in pairs. Treasure inhaled deeply as she watched familiar and many new faces everywhere.
Her whole body screamed 'HOME' not 'SCHOOL', she wasn't just ready for school. Her reason for living was gone so there was no zeal to further.
"Here we are...'Royal High'."
Pamela excitedly said and parked her car at the parking lot carefully before turning it off.
Opening the doors they both stepped out of the car, everyone's eyes were focused on both of them most especially Pamela...what she wore screamed 'MONEY'. Taking the bags from the backseat, Pamela locked the car and they both headed for the school building.
"Pamela."
A good looking guy with grey hair, black eyes and cute pink lips approached them with an enchanting smile on his face. His eyes shifted from Pamela and focused on Treasure.
"Treasure...you're back!" He exclaimed, he took in her appearance. She was lovely.
"Hi Ray...good to be back." Treasure replied with a small smile, she didn't know how to communicate with Ray. He had a huge crush on her and couldn't get over it, he kept on asking her out even when she was in a relationship with Neil.
"Hey Ray," Pamela entered the conversation.
"Oh....Pamela....how are you? I couldn't catch up with you yesterday...why'd you leave so early?"
"Duhhh...to see how Treasure was faring." Ray scratched the back of his neck and had a smug smile. Pamela rolled her eyes.
"My condolences Treasure, I know how hard it'll be for you...its not an easy thing to take in."
"Thanks Ray, I appreciate."
"Shall we get going? We'll be late for class and am definitely not in the mood to be on Mrs Clement's bad side." Pamela walked past them and Treasure frowned, this was exactly what bothered her, she knew she had to move on and it wasn't 'ABC' but Pamela moved on so quickly like it never bothered her.
"Come on Treasure, am glad you're back." Ray said and Treasure smiled with a nod and followed Pamela while Ray trailed behind.
On her way to class Treasure received a lot of sympathy from sympathizers, it broke her heart and made her shed tears. She had to hurry to the rest room.
Sitting on a closed toilet behind closed door Treasure tried to calm herself down, her breathing turned shallow and painful. She wanted to forget about Neil and move on but it was difficult, anytime she's reminded of him it shatters her. All the beautiful memories flooded her mind making her sob further until someone gently knocked the door.
"Treasure?...can I come in?" Treasure wiped her tears with a tissue and opened the door to face Pamela.
"Am fine now Pam...there's nothing to worry..."
"There is Tress, I worry for you....you're hurting real bad..."
"I'm okay, don't worry...I mean it."
Treasure tried to look strong even though deep down she knew she wasn't a strong person. She tried to smile but it wasn't convincing. Pamela opened her arms and gestured for Treasure to get in.
Treasure looked away and blinked multiple times to stop herself from crying and Pamela hugged her.
"It won't be easy...I know how much you loved him, its beyond words...but you have to believe me when I say he's gone, he won't come back...ever, that's something you have to face...I can't sugarcoat it dear Tress, you have to face reality and start afresh."
Treasure burst out in hot uncontrollable tears and gripped Pamela hard, Pamela patted her silently. Ray stood at the door and watched them.