BACK UP AGAIN

"What is the meaning of this!" his father shouted. "I can explain," John said. "Explain what," his father said as he raised his hand to slap him, his mother intervened saying he should allow him to explain.

"It better be a good reason, if not," his father said shaking. "I wasn't feeling alright throughout test week, that is why I came home early today, ask mum, she was here," John said.

"Honey is that true," his father asked turning to his mother. "Yes, he has been complaining about not feeling too well since test week and he has been on drugs," she said to cover up for him.

"Why didn't any of you tell me," he said. "Well you are not always at home, by the way, you just came back today," she said. "Thank your stars I would have beaten you. Now go back to your room and take your medications" his father said. "Thank you, dad," he said walking away.

When he got to his room, he thanked God his plan worked. He also wondered why his mum covered up for him, "Maybe she is tired of dad beating me" he said whispering to himself.

He picked up his phone and decided to call his twin sister, he called her and told her everything that happened to him, his sister told him not to bother about anything that does not matter and told him to focus on his books and forget about any other thing. He thanked his sister for the advice.

John decided in his heart, that he is not going to worry about Shelly ever again, because even God can bear him to witness that he has tried his best.

He told himself that if Shelly does not want to forgive him, she should leave it, after all, she is the one having the headache, he finally forgave himself. He knew he has failed his test but he was ready for his exam, "I must get back up again" he said nodding his head.

He got to school the next day and he told Peter everything that happened and the decision he has made. Peter congratulated him on getting back up again.

During recess time, instead of going to the cafeteria, he went to the library because he knew he must study hard for him to pass.

He went there and met Shelly reading and also hiding, eating biscuits. He looked at her, passed, and went to get books from the shelf, then he came back and sat at her table.

" So why are you hiding eating, shouldn't you be in the cafeteria instead of hiding, " John asked. "This doesn't concern you and we are still not talking," she said. "I want to tell you something, are you not tired of keeping a grudge, God knows I have tried my best, but it seems you are a hard nut to crack," John said. "Still not talking to you," she said feeling not bothered.

"Why are you so cold hearted, you treat me as if I'm the only sinner on earth," he said. "Well you are to me," she said. "I'm tired of all this rubbish, I don't care anymore if you forgive me or not, you are the one with all the headache," he said, stood up, and went to another table.

She felt like crying, but she held the tears then she went to the cafeteria. She got home and thought about what John told her but she was not willing to forgive him.

Exams were drawing close and as usual, some were studying while others were not. John during this period, never pays attention to anyone, he was always reading, Shelly knew he meant what he said. She knew he was tired of her being mean but she was not ready to give up the fight until she was satisfied.

Exams started and everyone was seen studying. As usual, everywhere was silent in the process, some were fully concentrated on the exams.

It was on Friday and they were having their last paper, they were given a short break before the paper would commence. Shelly went to meet John, "good luck on your last paper, break a leg," she said. "You too" he answered looking at his wristwatch.

"So what are your plans for the holiday?" she asked. "Why do you care?" he asked. "I just want you to stop looking at me as a devil and regard all I did to you as you deserve it," she said. "So you haven't changed," he said. "I mean, why should I change," she said folding her hands.

" I don't have time for this, our last paper is starting soon, so good luck with it," he said and walked away. She looked at him as he walked away and hissed, then she started murmuring to herself saying, "if he decides to be cold, I too will be cold".

They wrote their last paper and the exam was over. Peter hopped to come out first because he knew John does not stand a chance to beat him, but he didn't know of Shelly, that is why he was more bothered.

After their last paper, the principal told all of them to assemble at the assembly hall. He told them to come for their result at the end of the month and told them to work harder in the 3rd term because it was a promotion term. After the assembly, they were told to go home.

Shelly was walking to the gate and Rita ran to meet her. " Wait! stop!" she shouted. On hearing her voice, she stopped. " Hay, how are you, sorry I haven't had much time to discuss with you because of the exams," Rita said. " I understand, it's not your fault" she answered.

"So what's the recent update?" she asked. "what recent update" she answered. "I mean you and John, what's going on," she said. "There's nothing to tell," she said looking at the sky.

" How can you tell me nothing, just tell me the truth" she persuaded her. "Okey, why don't you come over to my place and we will discuss it," she said. "That's a good idea, I will come," she said. " See you soon," Shelly said and waved to her.

Shelly got home, as usual, no one was at home, she took her bath and ate waiting for Rita to come, she saw her phone ringing and it was an unknown number.

She picked up the call, "Who's this" she asked. "Oh, it's Peter" he answered. "Who gave you my number," she asked. "It's Rita" he answered. "So why are you calling," she asked. "I just want you to forgive John," he said.

"Did he bribe you to do this?" she asked. "No, I would never collect bribe, I'm doing this because he is my friend," he said. "I will think about it," she said. "Okey, please do," he said and ended the call.

"Shelly what have you gotten yourself into" she whispered to herself. Rita came and she told her everything, "maybe he no longer sees you that way anymore," Rita said. "What way?" she asked. "Well haven't you seen the way he looked at you," Rita asked.

"I haven't noticed anything," she said. "So what are you going to do about it," Rita asked. "Nothing, I'm just going to watch and see what he would do," Shelly said. They talked for a while before Rita left.

At the end of the month, everyone went to school and collected their results. Peter came out first, Shelly was second and John came out third followed by Rita.

Peter was so happy and full of joy, while Shelly wondered if they cursed her to be stagnant. John was contended, he thought he would perform very poorly, but to his greatest surprise he came out third. Rita on her path was happy she passed Stella.

Holiday set in and Shelly did not travel, she decided to stay at home throughout, she kept in touch with Rita and Joan.

She knew John was with Joan, that was enough reason for her not to meet Joan. Her brother, Diamond visited but he stayed for a week and went back, at least that cheered her up. Rita always come to visit her and they would talk for a very long time, Rita did not agree to go to the village.

Soon, the holiday was coming to an end, and everyone was prepared to return to school.