Chapter 31
Claire’s POV
The next few days were full of fun. I would get ready for school and head to Damian’s house which was fifteen minutes walk from my house. Then his driver, Patrick would drive us to school.
We came to school together and before I knew it, rumors began to spread. Some said we were dating, some said I was after Damian’s money. But do I care?
After school, we’d go to an expensive restaurant with Ethan and Scott for dinner. I began to enjoy their company and I became a part of them. Infact, I had never really had a real friend.
We finished our exams and I travelled home to stay with my parents but I was still in constant communication with Damian.
After the holidays, we finally resumed. This was our last semester in school. We would be graduating after this semester’s exam.
Damian was yet to return when I started coming to school. I was always with Scott during our breaks. Scott was a shy, quiet guy but he was very cute too. He was the most gentle amongst the trio. I shared one thing in common with him; music.
Unlike me, Scott was a guitarist, pianist and his skills at the violin was commendable. I was only good at playing the piano.
Most evenings, we would take a stroll along the park. He would always make sure I was comfortable. But then, I noticed one thing; Scott had a crush on me.
He did not tell me at first, perhaps he was too shy to do so but I knew.
*************
“Damian!” I exclaimed with joy as I saw his car parked beside the school gate. I began to wave at him from my direction. I had just crossed the school gate when I sighted his car from behind.
He got out of the car majestically, acknowledging my presence and smiled back at me.
He spoke with his driver for a while before the car drove out. In a twinkle of an eye, Damian was surrounded by most of his guys who had come to greet him.
He excused himself and walked over to where I was standing. He stood in front of me, with a charming smile on his face, pulled me close for a hug.
I was surprised yet happy. I hugged him tightly, realizing then that I missed him.
“How have you been?” He asked pulling away slowly.
“You ask as though we have not been talking. You are looking good…as always.” I complimented.
“Thank you. You are shining also as usual. I know you must be mad that I’m returning three weeks after school resumption. It’s not my fault actually. I had a lot of things to put in place.”
“I’m not upset at all. I’m just glad you are back now. I have been alone some times. Except for when I spend some time with Scott.” We were heading to the hallway inside the school building.
“Remember when I suggested that we go out? Just you and I? What about today? You are free, I presume?”
“Yes, I am. I’ll be free in the evening.” I replied. Damian is still interested in going on a date with me. Wonderful.
“Alright, 8 pm then. I’ll come and pick you up. Thank you. Let me go and meet some of my friends.”
I’m going on a date with the popular Damian Richardson. Who would have thought? I wonder how Scott will react to this when he hears it.
**********
During break, we went to our usual spot at the cafeteria to have lunch.
We ate and discussed trivial matters but I was looking for a way to mention the date I had with Damian. I hardly touched my food because I was busy with my phone.
“Claire, you have not touched your food. That is unlike you. Are you feeling sick?” Ethan asked.
“Not really. I’m just saving my appetite instead for dinner. I’m going out with Damian later in the night.” I said with a broad smile.
I noticed the change in countenance on Scott’s face but acted like I didn’t.
“Really? Are the both of you dating now?” Ethan asked, taking a pause from munching the food in his mouth.
“No. We are not dating. It’s just dinner. It’s not really serious, right, Claire?”
“Yes, indeed it is just dinner.” I said, still maintaining my smile trying to conceal the disappointment in my face. I hope Scott does not notice. I just wanted to give him the impression that I am in a relationship already.
The bell rang and we went straight into the classroom.
*********
After school, I was at home with my laptop, trying to complete some projects when I heard a knock on the door. I checked the time and it was 6:42 pm. Damian said he would come by 8 pm not 6 pm.
I walked to the door and tried to peep through the keyhole but I didn’t see anything.
When I opened the door, I was surprised to see Scott. He had visited me couple times but I was still surprised when I saw hime today.
“Can I come in?” He asked.
“Sure, come right inside. You didn’t tell me you were coming.” I said.
“Yeah, I was passing, so I decided to drop by. I can see that you are fine. Although your room is in quite a mess.”
“I was just about to…uhmm…fix things around.” I was still trying to figure out why he came today. Of all days, he knew that I would be going out with Damian today.”
“You seem disoriented. Is something bothering you?” He took a seat across from where I was and looked directly into my eyes. I could feel the compassion from his gaze.
“I’m fine. I just have a lot of things on my table at the moment.”
“Do you still have plans of going out this night?”
“Yes, of course. I’m leaving by 8 pm. So I really need to get ready.” I replied hastily.
“Okay then. I should be going now but Claire, I just wanted to tell you something that has been bothering me.” He began again.
“I’m all ears, Scott.”
“Well, the thing is that, I have been thinking about you lately and I think I have developed feelings for you. I wonder if you feel the same way. But it’s still fine if you don’t. I simply wanted you to know how I feel” He said letting out a sigh.
“Scott, I appreciate all the time I have spent with you and how kind you have been. But I like you as a friend, nothing else. I’m sorry but I don’t have feelings for you.” I replied.
“Alright. Thank you for being honest. I knew that would be your response anyway. I should be leaving now. But I have a question” He said as he headed for the door.
“Go ahead.”
“You have feelings for Damian, right? You have not noticed my affection towards you because all of your focus has been on him.”
“Scott, don’t get me wrong. I do not have feelings for Damian. He is just a dear friend to me and he has been good to me. You may not understand it now but that is just it.” I responded
Scott didn’t say another word. He jus fixed his eyes on the wall clock, as if he was meditating on what I had just said.
“Scott, we are still friends, right? I mean, this should not stop us from being friends.”
“Of course we are still friends. I must go now so that you can get ready for your outing. Have a nice time.” He gave a short smile and left quietly.
By the time it was 7 pm, I had my bath. I had already chosen a red dinner gown which was tight fitted and the back was open too.
I combed my hair and left it to fall on my shoulders. I applied my makeup, wore my stiletto heels and stared at the mirror one last time before leaving the room with my handbag.
The car horn blared from outside and I knew that Damian had arrived.
I locked my front door and went to meet him outside.
“Hey, Claire. Get into the car we are almost running late. We’ll be quick so that you can return back on time.”
I got into the car and he started driving.
“So where are we heading to?”
“Crispy Chicken. It’s not too far from here. It’s just a restaurant. I wanted us to go to somewhere quiet and hang out, away from stares and side talks.”
“I understand. I believe the place will be lovely.” I said with a shrug.
In less than thirty minutes, we got to the place. It looked different from what I expected. Sure, the building was small but the environment smelt of class. Damian has exquisite taste, I must say.
He parked the car at the garage and we went inside. Damian was clad in blue denim trouser with sneakers and a black T-shirt. He looked too casual than I wanted him to appear. I guess I was the one who was overdressed. It doesn’t matter anyway. I always love to look classy.