Chapter 29
Claire’s POV
(Flashback to six years ago)
It was sports day at the prestigious Windsworth College. We had a basketball tournament with the girls from another college.
I was the Head Coach and Mitchell was the assistant. We have been practicing strenuously for this day because we had to win at all cost.
I gathered the girls in the basketball court to address them for a few minutes. After speaking with them, I walked towards the lobby, with my earphones stuck in my ear.
“Hey” someone tapped my shoulder from behind.
“Oh, Hello” I said and plucking out one of the earphones.
“I’ve been calling you from afar.” The guy said.
“I’m sorry about that. You’re Desmond, right?” I asked and he smiled in return.
“Damian. I wanted to know how the preparations are going for your games.”
Damian was my classmate but we have never spoken before. He and some other guys were always found together. The big boys. The ones who come to school with the latest cars and designer outfits.
He was also the basketball coach for the guys. Their team have never lost in any tournament. His height and body physique was one thing to admire, no wonder the girls were always gushing over him.
Well, I’m not really intrigued.
“We have done all the trainings that we can, we are going to give our best shot out there. The girls are ready.” I replied.
“Are you ready?” He asked again.
“Pardon?”
“I said, are you ready? The girls may be ready, but what about the Coach? Most times we may give ourselves to others in an act of selflessness and forget that we must take care of ourselves too.”
“Speaking from experience?” I asked with a shy smile.
“Yeah, a kind of. There was this time we had a tournament and I knew deep down that I was weak. I had sleepless nights prior to the appointed day. But I still had to act strong.”
“So what was the outcome? Did you lose in the game?” I moved to the seats and he sat right next to me.
“No. Ten minutes into the game, I began to feel dizzy. I felt like I was losing strength but surprisingly, nobody noticed. I had to ask my assistant to stand in for me.”
“Well, at least everything turned out well. You had victory at last. Is that not the only acceptable outcome?” I asked raising an eyebrow.
“Indeed, it is. But what if I had slumped in the court? It would cause an uproar and disorient my players. They could lose hope in the game. Your position is not only as a leader, but also to be a motivation to others.”
His last words sank deep into my mind. I stared at him blankly as I tried to ruminate on what he just.
“Don’t forget what I just said. I’ll leave you for now. Let me not bore you with my stories. I’ve always wanted to talk you though. Glad I finally had the chance to do so.” He said as he got up and carried his school bag on one shoulder.
“Thank you, Damian. This means a lot.” I followed suit and headed for the door.
“I’m rooting for you, uhmm…what’s the name?” he asked.
“Claire Smurf. A pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine. We can hang out, probably after today. What do you say?” My heart skipped a bit. Damian wants to go out with me.
Don’t be silly, Claire. It’s just a hang out. Not a date.
“Possibly. I’ll let you know when I’m free.”
“Okay then. I would have loved to watch your game but I have another engagement today. I’ll see you some other time.” He finalized and walked away.
I changed my dress into our usual sports wear and sneakers. When I got back to the arena, the girls were warming up.
“Is everything okay? You spent a lot of time down there.” Mitchell said.
“Actually, I was speaking to someone. Gather the girls, let’s play this game. We must take this cup home!” I exclaimed and assembled everyone.
****************
I rarely saw Damian in school after that day. It seemed he just vanished into thin air. Until one day, I was in the library when he came in.
I had assignments to do, so I was busy with textbooks piled in front of me. Our exams were fast approaching.
He walked over to my table and flashed a very bright smile. The smile was contagious because I found myself smiling in return.
“Hello, Claire. It’s been a while.” He said and sat next to me.
“Yeah, I’ve been looking for you. It seems you just disappeared. Why haven’t you been in school?” I queried.
“I travelled. It was just a short trip. I needed to take care of some stuff. How has it been?”
“Everything is good. Hope you are preparing for the exams?” At the moment, that was the only question I could think of.
“It’s not like I have a choice. Concerning what I suggested the last time, I believe you’ll be free after the exams right?”
“Yup. I might…” I was about to go further but someone diverted his attention. A group of girls walked past, waving at Damian and rolling eyeballs at me.
One of them, obviously the gang leader, bent over and snuck a piece of paper into his left hand.
She whispered incoherently into his ear and Damian smiled in return. They moved along, giggling aloud.
I pretended not to notice what happened as I kept my eyes glued to my books. It’s not supposed to be my business anyway. He can do whatsoever he likes
After all, he had the looks, body build and the money. No wonder girls would not let him breath.
I kept thinking about it that I didn’t notice when he spoke again.
“You seem very busy. Let me not distract you.”
I was about to object when two guys walked over to talk to Damian. It was Ethan and Scott. His closest friends. I heard that He and Ethan started from childhood.
“Damian, you are always with company. What are you doing inside a library? Serious student.” Ethan gave the last remark with a smirk and they both snickered. He was sure to make emphasis on the last two words.
“At least, I am better off that the two of you put together. What are you guys up to? Meet my friend, Claire. Claire, these are my friends; Ethan and Scott.”
Ethan was the first to speak out. Scott seemed to be the reserved one.
“A pleasure to meet you, Miss. Although I think I have seen you around a couple times.” He said as he extended his right hand for a handshake.
“It is my pleasure to make an acquaintance.” I said returning the handshake warmly.
“I was already about to leave before you guys came in. Let us not distract her from what she is doing. Claire, I’ll see you.” With that, the trio walked out.
Damian Richardson, the son of one the wealthiest men in Los Angeles; Ethan Summers, his father was the founder of our college and other associate companies. Scott Rowland was the second son of the Governor.
When the time was 5 pm, I packed my bags and left the library. I was walking down the stairs alone because the other students had gone home already. It was obviously past school time already.
The hallway was very quiet and my footsteps were the only noise I could hear. The cold evening breeze blew carelessly, sending strands of hair into my eyes, nostrils and lips.
I picked a band from my handbag and tied my hair into a ponytail. That does it. I quickened my pace because the emptiness of the environment began to give me the chills.
Suddenly a figure appeared at the door that led into the doorway. I stopped dead in my tracks as I tried to make out the figure. The stranger wore a black hoodie, with trousers and sneakers too. He wore a hand glove and his face was concealed by the hoodie.
My blood ran cold because he looked like the serial killers from horror movies. My hands were cold and I stood there in trepidation.
I looked around in a frantic search for anything I could use to defend myself just in case he tries to come close to me.
“Who…who are you?” I stuttered with every form of boldness I could muster. The figure just stood there, making no move at all.
Should I run towards it or away from it?