Chapter 24
"You are hard to find..." Ntshuxeko leans in as he settles himself on my table. "I went home..."I pause, "The following day and came back late, it was an emergency" I tap my phone and scan my WhatsApp for any texts. "Not with him? I mean, congrats I guess. I just hope you do not get hurt" He looks at me with a sad expression. "Why would she? " A voice intervenes. "Morning Paris" He moves closer to my chair. "Morning Mr. Windsor" I take a sniper off his face and turn to look at Ntshuxeko who doesn't seem pleased by Lucas's presence.
"Good morning everybody!"
We turned to the voice and there she was, grinning, and surprisingly today, she was wearing a different colour. Not only was her colour a surprise, but a lovely lady with a curvy slim body was standing by her. She looked so angelic and elegantly stood there with confidence. Everyone's eyes were on her. I don't think anyone paid attention to her words till she introduced who the lady was.
"This is my daughter, Miss Windhoek. She is going to be with us for a little while. She is just going to be observing us for research. Let us welcome her with warmth and guide her when she seeks assistance" Her lips maintained her grin. "That is all. Briefing dismissed. Let us head for assembly. Uhm...Windsor, please be Miss Windhoek's guide during her visit, okay? Alright, I am entrusting her to you. " She turns and heads out first.
Miss Windhoek turned her gaze to Lucas, I looked at him. His body looks tense, I guess he can't say no. "Let me give her your, Marvin..." He leans in, "Stay away from my woman". They exchange stern looks and he heads to the new lady at school. " Mmm...Are you his woman now? It seems like she is his woman" He points out. I look at their interaction at a distance. "I don't know" I shrug my shoulders. Do not let it get into your head.
We headed to the assembly where the young Miss Windhoek was introduced to the learners. All I see is her laughing and her brushing Lucas every chance she gets. Was it that they were talking about that was so funny? I look at them at a distance as I walk back to the staff room from my class.
"It must hurt to see him with her right? Do not worry, I am on your side" Mrs Grey comments as she passes.
The bell rang and it was lunch. They are sitting together, ugh! I move my gaze away, I have been staring at them today, but I can't help that everywhere I go I see them. It is like their smiles and giggles are made to vex my soul. With my gaze away, fixated on the phone, their chuckles echoed in my ears. The staff room is weirdly quiet, it is like everyone is conspiring together to make sure I can hear them even when I do not look at them.
"It must be annoying, right? But they look so good together. I guess this is why the principal has a soft spot for him. He can't be too hard on his future son-in-law. I mean..."
Be calm, he said he loves you. You can not be bothered by things that are not true. It is just rumored. "Ayanda, please...I have a headache. Let me just take a power nap" I rest my head on the table and instantly close my eyes. "Okay, I thought, okay, get better"She moves back to her table.
Finally peace. Even their voices are silent. The bell rang again and the hustle and bustle to classrooms resumed till the final hour of the school. I throw the books inside the backpack and with all the effort in me pull the zip. "Fuck!" the zip is broken. How am I to use this bag now? I have not even received my first pay. Third month and I am still waiting for my salary but the thought of a lump sum of money comforts me. But what would I use to work now? I feel tears well up. Today is not going the way I want. I was supposed to be happy, happily and secretly in love but no...ruin my moment with her and this bag.
"Amanda, do you have a plastic bag, I want to put my books in it. I broke my zip" I sniff back my tears. "Nooo, sorry about the bag though." She picks her bag and vacated the room.
"Sorry about the bag but...I don't think it is such a big deal with you in my car to your room" He attempts to peer into my eyes but I look away.
"Lucas, I will wait for you by the car. Mom is already gone", "Uhm...sure", "Give me your keys" She gently takes the keys from his hands and leaves.
It is just us in the staff room. "I will walk" I gasp for air. "No..." He grabs my hand. "I do not want to disturb your catching up, I will feel awkward " I force myself to smile. "Why? You are my love and she is not..." He searches my eyes, "Paris...let me take you home". "No, I just want to walk really, I feel all over the place, how about seeing you later? "I negotiate. "Okay..." He looks at me with disappointed eyes. "See you later then" He places a peck on my cheek. I look at his back as disappears into the corridor. I hate how she looked at him with her loving gaze and how he didn't brush it off. I am jealous of her and angry at him, making me feel less special and invisible. A tear rolled down my cheek. I guess Ntshuxeko was right and I am a fool. I grab my open bag and leave the room.