•SALOME ALAN•

         School was hectic. Well, has always been and to add to it, we're always given assignments in bulk. Especially in literature.

I fling my rucksack on the bed and it ends up on the ground. For all I care, that's where It would be till I'm ready to do the assignments. That I pray. After all, they won't be due until a week time.

Except Literature In English.

I growl at the thought of reading a certain boring novel and summarizing up to four chapters. Taking off my school jacket, I slack the choking stripe tie and pull it out my neck, also placing it on my bed. I glance at the wall clock which reads 4:30, I should still have enough time to eat and shower before Dad gets back. The idea of him having dinner with his business partner replays in my head and makes me cringe as I draw my pleated skirt down and wave it to the edge.

With a realized sigh, I hop into the bathroom to take a quick shower. That would slightly take my mind off everything for a while.

Carefully, I slide the shower glass open and turn it on before taking my clothes off. I don't why that's an habit but I feel it makes the cool water hit different. With a pursed lips, I climb into it and the droplets of water on my hair reminds me that I totally forgot to put on a shower cap. Anyway, I'll just have to blow dry it later.

Pure bliss wash all over me as I step out from the bathroom,my wet braids dripping water, causing my face to tingle due to it's long length. Quickly, I pull out an ash joggers and white crop top, the most comfortable clothes I feel in. I turn to the standing mirror at the side of my bed, taking in my cute features with smiles all over until my eyes got to my waist. How in the world did stretch marks appear on my waist?

Curiosity took the best as I drag the joggers down by the side, my eyes widening as it all came into view. I've never had stretch marks before. Although I heard it comes out when the skin is expanding and the marks serves as a scar but I never knew it would happen to me.

It then draws to me why my school skirt has suddenly become a bit tighter. A grin form on my face as I pull the joggers up, I think I understand what this all means. And well, this stretch marks aren't so bad after all.

I drag out the lower drawer of my vanity mirror and pull out my hair dryer. Seating on the fluffy rug, I switch on the socket and place it on the floor then grab my phone from the bed. Bunch of notifications chips in from all social media platforms because I haven't been active since yesterday. I'm not really a social media freak so I won't be bothered if  I don't on my data throughout the day.

Soft laughs passes out as I open Zara's messages. Only God knows how my best friend is the total opposite of me yet we still manage to cope with each other. She sent me a video of her recording couple's argument in a mall, grinning like a professional stalker and when the couple notice, she ran away yet still videoing them.

Typical Zara.

A message pops up and I open it without a second look. It's from an unknown person so I tap the profile which is blank. The message is a simple 'Hi' and I wonder who it is. My brow raise in impatient as the three dancing dots shoot up, implying the person is typing something else.

A loud knock pulls my attention from the phone and I check the time which reads 6:00pm. Aunt Jenny is definitely the one.

Happily, I plug up the hair dryer and plug in the charger then my phone before hurrying out.

"Aunt Jenny!" I yell excitedly as I turn the door knob. Titling my head, I wave it open for her to come in but my brows knit in disappointment as the most unexpected person walks in,hands clasped together like a fashion model.

"Hey..." She says calmly, showcasing her bleached white teeth while I just stare at her expressionlessly. "Is Joshua around?"

Okay, now she's calling my Dad by his name.

I shake my head, standing akimbo and waiting for her to turn back to her apartment. I've always heard it's the guy that chases the girl but that's not the same with this, Maria girl. I mean, my Dad isn't even back and she's already here, all dressed up like she's trying to express someone, definitely not my Dad.

"Can I wait for-"

"Oh no,you can't", I interrupt, gesturing to close the door. "By the way I don't think he'd be back till..." I drawl, tapping my fingers at the back of the door. If I should say till 12 midnight, she won't have hope of coming back right?

I clear my throat but as I open my mouth to speak, a loud honk stops me indirectly. It's Aunty Jenny. I watch how she park the car,totally forgetting someone is standing in front of me.

"Salome!" Aunt Jenny calls and I wave at her to come closer. If I leave Maria, I won't be surprised if she confidently go to the sitting room and wait for my Dad. I think she notice me waving and follow my hand with her eyes, sighing softly.

"Hey baby girl!" Jenny hypes as usual while I giggle happily. Her eyes set on Maria as she walks in and she clap her hands together like a typical African woman that she is.

"Good evening." Maria who has been quiet, greet and Aunt Jenny nods in reply.

"Have your seat." My aunt says and a deep frown overshadows me. Why did she tell her to seat?

"Thanks." Maria mutter and make her way to seat on the couch, taking off her brown long jacket as she does. I didn't even notice how strong her fragrance is until she lay the jacket close to her. Jenny glance at me a with wide grin and I bite my lips to stop myself from laughing. I don't know what she plans to do but it's hundred percent not a good one.

"Salome,close the door." She instructs and I bang the door, turning the knob closed.

This is gradually getting horror...

Jenny is seated in the dinning,tapping away her phone while our guest is looking around the house like a serial killer. I walk over to Jenny, the atmosphere is too quiet for my liking.

"How was work today?" I ask and she raise her head, smiling tiredly.

"Work was fine..but stressful." She place her phone on the chair by her side then glance at Maria who is now bringing out her phone, legs crossed like a classy lady she is.

"I hate her too." I whisper and Jenny chuckles, nodding. How does she feel overly comfortable in our house even with the fact that she knows we don't like her?

Like she heard me, she turns to look at me and I raise a brow.

"Can I get a glass of water?" Maria asks in her thin voice, looking between me and Jenny. I press my lips then glance at my aunt who is holding her laughter by pretending to clean her face.

"Sure, you can. It's in the fridge." Jenny points to the fridge behind her. It's not her first time of coming here so she should know where everything is by now since she won't seat in her own house.

Maria nods slowly, her smile fading as she get up and move towards it. It's high time she knows she's not wanted here but if she still don't get the clue, we'll let her get it.

I watch her open it, eyes scanning from the top before grabbing a bottle. Trust me, it's not attractive at all.

"Thanks." Maria says after a gulp, dabbing her lips with a finger afterwards. Not like it stained her perfectly applied red lipstick.

Showoff.

"Is there any other thing you need?" Jenny asks with a fake smile while I tap my fingers on the table to lighten the quiet atmosphere. I don't know why this is fun to watch.

"No.." Maria adjust her royal blue gown, drawing it to get lower than her knee. "I want to ask though, when will Joshua be around?"

Again with the name.

Jenny tilts her head and Maria repeats herself, more louder and confidently. I glare at her and she shrug, smiling.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" She push her hips to the side, folding her arms.

The urge to slap Maria right now tempts me. She always pretends to be this, decent lady when my Dad is around but a total rude ass when he's not. I hate people like this the most.

A loud honk pulls my eyes from her to the door. Jenny gets up in an instant to check if it's Dad while I clench my teeth in annoyance. Maria sighs and turn back to the couch. This girl doesn't know how annoying she is.

Jenny walk back in with my Dad's suitcase. She race up the stairs to keep it in his study while I wait for him to enter.

The door makes a creaking sound and I get up to welcome him. Like he knows Maria is already in, he walks straight to meet her, not noticing me standing behind.

"Hey..." Maria stands with the widest smile and gives my Dad a hug. She glance at me and I turn my face away.

"Hey..how are you?" He asks, withdrawing from her the take out his suit jacket. My Dad still didn't sense that I'm there since he's backing me and I already feel abandoned.

"I'm good,how was work?" She gently seat back, crossing her legs. My hatred for her increases everyday but I'm not going to cry because of that again.

I rub my palms together. I think i have seen enough for today. Just pray my Dad doesn't end up getting married to her.

Maria points to me and I raise my head. Maybe she told my Dad that I'm at his back because he turns to see me standing some feet away, brows raised in surprise.

"Salome, come here", His arms are wide open to give me a hug. I exhale sharply, walking towards him with a frown. "You didn't say anything, thought you were in your room."

I shake my head, allowing myself to sink in his arms. I know I'm annoyed but I want to show Maria that he is my Dad. Not jealously though.

I close my eyes as I sniff in his perfume,my arms around his big body. He taps my head slowly like as usual and I giggle, retreating myself.

"I was at your back." I gesture to the corner I stood and he cups my cheeks ,skating his head and smiling.

"I'm sorry, cupcake", He mutters and I can feel my head swell in a proud way. He knows how to make me feel better just by talking to me. "So..what would you like to eat?"

I almost burst in laughter at that question. He's having dinner with Maria yet asking me what I want to eat?

Elevating...

"Stir fried spaghetti!" Jenny screams as she walks down the stairs. I turn to her and she winks then eyes Maria who's just looking at us all. She will never know what hit her. Trust me.

Dad shoves his hands in his pocket, staring at Maria, probably silently asking if it's also okay with her. Maria let out a small smile,nodding.

"Spaghetti it is",  He accepts,walking upstairs to his room. "I'll be down in minute."

It's okay daddy, take your time.

Aunt Jenny pulls the fridge open, taking out some veggies then to the cabinet and brought out a pack of spaghetti.

I jerk my butt on the cabinet, looking at how she skillfully switches on the gas cooker. I watch movies on how daughters learn how to cook by watching their mother in the kitchen. Mine is not exactly the same but I'm glad for the people I have around me.

Except Maria.

"Help me with the seasonings." Jenny instructs and I jump down quickly,dragging the small door open to retrieve what she needs.

"Here,here and here." I place the three bottles on top and she mouths a 'thank you'.

She grabs the salt first and sprinkle into the boiling spaghetti and stir a bit.

I sigh,my eyes meeting our visitor for a second before going back to my position. On the cabinet.

"Aunt Jenny." I call, wiggling my legs back and forth with a smiley face. She stops with the pot cover in her hand,glance at me with raised brows filled with eagerness. "I think my literature teacher hates me." I let out without thinking twice. I don't even know how that came out.

Jenny chuckles, finally covering the pot halfway before facing me fully. I press my lips together, looking at my dangling feet.

"Why did you say so?"

I exhale loudly, thinking of where to start from. "It's- it's just, I don't know...I mean,I know I don't like the subject but he shouldn't-"

"Wait,you hate literature?" She cuts me off, frowning. "Then why are you in arts class?" jenny comes closer,arms folded and I shrug, not knowing how to answer.

I glance around, not attempting to meet my aunt's worried eyes. I stare at the boiling pot and to my feet again,speechless.

"Answer me,Salome." Jenny press on and I am forced to look at her. I thought she won't take it serious but the look on her face is  with all disappointment.

I open my mouth to speak but a voice overshadows me.

"Can I help?"

It's Maria. I'm not surprised if she has been hearing me and Jenny speak but I'm a tad happy she interrupted at the right time. Doesn't mean I like her though.

Me and Jenny turn to see her and I look back at Jenny,expecting an answer since she's the one in charge. I'm just hanging around,thinking on how to start my bulky assignments.

"Yes, sure." Jenny says softly, giving her space to come closer and my eyes widens. Aunt Jenny is been super nice today with our pest neighbor,what's going on?

Maria packs her hair long black hair in a high bun then opens the pot cover like a professional chef. She turns to Jenny and I look away.

"I'll chop the carrots, where's the knife?" She asks and Jenny points to the sets of knifes on the other side of the marble table. I glance at Maria pick one out of them and I jump down hastily.

"I need to go upstairs." They both face me at my words. I deep my hands on my joggers pocket, exhaling calmly. "I have assignments to devour,and I'm not really.. " I shake my head, moving back. "Comfortable here."

I walk out of the kitchen without waiting to hear anything and march up the stairs and into my little space. Resting my back on the door,the thought of growing up flashes through my eyes. My heat beating faster and my shoulders raising and falling,causing me to place one hand on my chest to calm it down. Slowly,I walk to my bed with my legs,hitting each other like a toddler who's learning how to walk,my hand still on my chest.

Settling down on my bed edge,my tired eyes meets the huge standing mirror and I stare at my reflection,wondering how I'm still able to look like this..look this, thriving but still feel like shit.

Ding..

The sound of my phone pulls me out of the battle of me and the girl in the mirror. I jerk slight yet feeling my heartbeat returning to normal as I pick it up,drawing the lock pattern open in an instant.

Strolling through my horrifying class group chat,I massage my temple,watching as the phone dings every second as new notifications gushes in.

I've never chatted in the group thing,only read the important announcement or hottest gist of the day and it's starting to get annoying because right from the day our new literature teacher walked in,the group has been filled with either sneak pictures of him in the staffroom or him walking in the hallway. I can't count the amount of Mr Alex's pictures I've deleted from my phone ever since. What baffles me is how exactly do this jobless girls snap him secretly?

Weirdos.

I sigh for the hundredth time today as I tap the home button then dump the phone by my side, only to get another ding. I peep over again and grab it at what I just saw.

Mr Alex gave an assignment to write out the new poem in our notes.

Sure,another perfect,hot,annoying news.

My eyes read the message silently from Jude,a boy in my class. I firstly switch off the data,drop my phone on the top drawer and bury my face in my hands.

This Mr Alex man won't frustrate me.

But then he already is. How does he expect me to repeat writing up to four chapters summary and still browse out another poem like he's the only teacher in Victoria High?

I rub my face,taking a deep breath before stretching over to pick up my backpack from where it fell. I zip it open and place multiple notebooks on my reading desk then seat on the chair,keeping a straight face in all strategy.

I refuse be frustrated by a mere teacher who hates me.

                                                 ***

        The mild hit sounds of rain on my window did justice to waking me up. I groan,taking my head up and wipe my eyes with a yawn. I must have slept off while writing that long ass summary note. Exhaustingly,I scan through what I've written with tired eyes. Okay,I've actually written more than I expected.

Relaxing exhales leaves me as I stand from my reading corner,a smile on my lips as the thought of the little progress I made in my assignments flow through. I stretch over to pick my phone,only to double tap the screen to check the time.

8:00pm?

My eyes widen instantly, I didn't expect the hours to roll by this fast. I shove the phone in my pocket and walk out my room,missing dinner is not my thing. I love food and food knows.

I walk down the stairs in slow movements,sniffing in the jaw dropping aroma of enticing stir fried spaghetti. As if they sense me coming towards them,my Aunt and Dad turns to me. I face palm,obviously feeling slightly embarrassed as they already know I slept off.

"Welcome back,Salome." Jenny says chidingly,dragging the seat beside her. They are seated in the dinning but from the looks of it,they haven't gone too far in eating. I quickly seat,dressing the tendrils of my hair behind my ears.

"I- I should go check on her." My Dad adjusts his seat backwards and that's when I notice someone  is not here. Someone that was invited for dinner.
Someone whose jacket is still placed on the chair handle. Someone who I didn't even notice her present.

"Oh..but I honestly think she'll be okay." Jenny cheese in then take a sip of orange juice,eyeing me with a knowing look and my curiosity rise to why Maria is not here and why Jenny is giving me this..look.

Dad gets up and pull the chair back into it's space. "I'll be back soon." He picks up Maria's jacket and make his way to the door,looking as worried as ever.

I lean in to Jenny, "Okay,you really need to tell what happened." I whisper and my aunt fights back a chuckle, stuffing her mouthful with food instead. "Seriously?" I ask,shaking my head at her acting. Jenny is evil.

She glance at my Dad walk out and close the door gently behind him before she turn back to me and clear her throat.

"Of course you can't know what happened because you. Slept. Off." She breaks,grabbing her phone. I stare at how she swipes it open and take few pictures of her almost finished meal. My brows furrow at how she even remembers to take pictures while eating. I mean,I can't do that. I shut my eyes at the thought of it and draw the gold food heater closer to me and open it,the aroma flooding my nostrils.

"So..." Jenny starts and I hum in response for her to go on. She drops her phone back and push her food forward,indirectly indicating she's done eating. "We talked."

I stop chewing and shoot Jenny a look. When she say 'we talked', does that means she's referring to Maria?

"Yes,me and Maria talked." She answers like she heard my thought. With a wide grin on her face,she turns her whole body,facing me while I resume chewing the long stands of spaghetti in my mouth.
"You know me,Salome... It's always a go for me and not a no." She adds and I nod slowly,my mouth too full to say a word. Jenny better stop talking in circles and go straight to the point.

"I asked out precious neighbor what she is allergic too and..." Jenny drawls,giggling and even though  she haven't completed her words,I myself can't help the snickers coming out. "That lady said she's allergic to tumeric." She ends,adding emphasis to her last word.

I burst into laughter before I can stop myself, choking and coughing afterwards. Jenny tap my back to subside it but it doesn't stop me from laughing.

"Be careful girl." Jenny says and I rise a hand,nodding to confirm that I'm okay. I just didn't expect that coming. Like,it's a whole bag of Dinner gone wrong. I knew my aunt won't let Maria go free like that. It was weird how accommodating she was at first,no one would know she had something like that in mind.

"So- so how did you..." I swallow, demonstrating with my hands to how she managed to add the tumeric.

Jenny winks and fold her hands like the boss bitch she is. I stare at her,chuckling. Might sound creepy but I would have loved to see the look on her face when she was choking on her first bite of food.

"She ran to her apartment where she belongs." Jenny elaborates,resting her back and tapping her fingers on the table. I'm stating to think my lovely aunty is in a secret cult group or something.

My mouth form an 'o' in realization,that's the reason Dad went to meet her. "Maybe she was too embarrassed to stay."

Jenny scoffs and cross her legs. "Of course she was, you should have seen how scared she looked. She looked like she's about to die and would clearly not set a foot inside this house again."

A true wide smile spread on my lips as I watch Jenny's words roll out with plain assurance. "Thanks Jenny."

She smirks and pick her phone again. "Always boo. Just eat before it gets cold."

I nod rapidly, shoving the fork into the spicy food then twist before taking to my thirsty mouth.

Jenny gets up,eyes on her phone and I chew fast,watching her type quickly on it. I face the flower vase in front of me, suddenly admiring the bright combination of colours joined together.

"Oh,yes." Jenny looks over her shoulders and I look at her again. "When you're done, we'll talk about why you hate literature and despise the teacher." She says with a natural look. I just nod and she smiles before disappearing upstairs to her room.

I finally release a breath I didn't know I was holding. I shouldn't feel this tense to talk about Mr Alex right? But why does it sound like I'm about to be interviewed on my first job?

Damn literature.

Damn annoying Mr Alex more.

I push my food forward, my face contouring in a small frown as the thought of attending and submitting the literature books and even seeing his face again cross my mind.

                                                 ***

       Wednesday.

Wednesday is by far ,my favorite day of the week as far as school is involved. Teaching is less and sports is more. Which i tag as been elevating...

(Salome's bedroom view😍🌚)

I drag the grey curtains open and pull the blinds to the middle, revealing the sharp morning glow, making my room more brighter. I pick my littered books and shove in my  bag pack. There won't be much to do today so there's no need having a hunchback over school books.

I stand in front of the standing mirror as I wave my bag over my shoulders, pulling out my hair to fall free afterwards. It's in simple medium cornrows and my edges are perfectly laid, that I'm good at.

With a finish touch of perfume on my ironed uniform, I inhale the intoxicating scent before walking out, jamming the door behind as usual.

Holding the straps of my bag, I catwalk down the stairs,pushing out my growing hips in the act. If not for the style of Victoria uniform skirt which is pleated,my figure would pop out at every step. Thankfully it's not, which is note comfortable to me.

"Dad..." I call, looking around the sitting room and the dinning. I push up my jacket sleeve to check the time on my wristwatch and it reads 7:04. "Dad." I call again, louder this time as I peep from the kitchen door.

"Where did he go?" I ask myself, chewing the inside of my mouth. He wouldn't have gone to work without telling me.

I don't know what took my foot to check outside but I open the door anyway and peep around, my eyes settling on Maria's doorstep. She's there,talking with him. My Dad. My shoulders drops as my hand tightens around the knob. Not like they even notice me looking at them. I blink my eyes away from them and close the door gently, already exhausted of going to school.

Aunt Jenny is not around to drive me to school. My Dad is somewhat busy with her and Zara would make me late. That girl freaking wakes up by 7:30!

I push the negative thoughts at the back of my mind as I open the backyard door. The energy to eat or talk suddenly disappears. I close the door behind me and take the back, although it's a tad far getting to the bus stop but it's a lot better than seeing them together. I double tap my phone on and text quickly, notifying Zara that I won't stop by today.

In less than 30minutes,I stroll into the school gate and it's only few students that has arrived, some alighting from vehicles. I walk pass the pact that leads to senior block and the calmness in the atmosphere whispers to me that I'm early. Which is nice enough.

I notice an enormous motorbike parked at the edge of the pavement and my mouth hang open to how hot is looks. I quickly cover my mouth so people passing by me won't think I'm crazy. This is literally my first time seeing an actual motorbike. The type that the bad guys in movies ride. It's shiny pitch black, huge tires and has actual real helmets hanged on it.

Okay I have to stop drooling over a motorbike.

I divert my eyes and what I see next makes my brow furrow. I shade my hands on my forehead to catch the figure of someone standing on the rooftop. Our school roof is quite open so it serves as relaxation center to the bad students. That's where they hang out and carry out their bad deeds or bullying.

I squint my eyes from the sun as it draws to me that it's a student. A student of Victoria High School. A male student to be exact.

I swallow, watching him climb up to the edgy side and my heart flips in  thousand forms. What does he think he's doing? What if he...

My eyes widens at the thought of him committing suicide. I've heard a lot of instances when someone commits suicide due to things like bully, harassments or low self esteem and I think I'm about to witness an actual scene. I glance around and the students passing by didn't even get a glimpse, they are engaged in one discussion or the other with friends while some just tapping away their phones

I feel my hands getting cold, and cold to the extent I can't even feel them anymore. Taking the risk to look up at the sixth floor again, I see he's already climbing the edge like he's about to...Jump?

No,no,no.

My legs stagger backwards as I shake my head in disappointment. Should I stop him? What if he jumps before I get to where he is?

                                     
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