Allison
As I sat in class, my mind wandered, consumed by memories of the previous afternoon’s encounter with Jayden. I couldn’t shake the thrill that still lingered, my thoughts replaying every detail.
I caught myself licking my dry bottom lip, lost in the recollection. Attempting to push the thoughts aside, Jayden’s image persisted, haunting my every waking moment. The way he kissed every part of my body, his lips roaming over me, his mouth on my-
Just as I was getting lost in the memories, a loud voice pierced the air, shattering my reverie. “Allison! Can’t you hear me? I’ve been calling your name forever!” I turned to face the lecturer, my eyes widening in surprise.
The entire class erupted into laughter, and I felt my face flush. The lecturer frowned, his expression stern. “I’ve been trying to get your attention, Allison. This student,” he gestured to a girl beside him, “has been sent by Mr. Ian to see you.”
I turned my gaze to the girl, recognizing her as one of the school’s cheerleaders. “What’s going on?” I wondered, my curiosity piqued.
I quietly followed the girl, who didn’t utter a word beyond “Follow me.” Her scowling face made me hesitant to speak or ask any questions. We walked in silence for a few minutes until we reached Mr. Ian’s office.
Inside, I spotted my sister Sally sitting in a chair, with Yvonne occupying another chair across from Mr. Ian. He instructed the girl who brought me to leave, and she promptly departed after sharing a glance with Yvonne.
Sally, beaming with happiness, turned to me and quickly stood up, signing to me, “I’m glad you’re here. Please, I need your help.”
I exchanged a glance with my sister Sally before turning back to her and signing, “What is it?”
She replied, her hands moving rapidly, “Mr. Ian can’t understand my sign language. I’ve been trying to explain what happened between Yvonne and me, but he doesn’t get it. And Yvonne’s not helping by telling him her side of the story. That’s why I sent for you. Please help me tell him what really happened.”
I nodded, signing deeply, “Fine.”
Sally returned to her seat, and I noticed Yvonne’s face was red and puffy, her eyes welling up with tears. She looked devastated.
Mr. Ian beckoned me to come closer, which I did.
“I received a report that Sally bullied Yvonne,” he began to explain. “And Yvonne personally also came to me, claiming Sally bullied her mercilessly. When I questioned Sally, she became defensive, shaking her head and trying to convey her side of the story through sign language. Unfortunately, I couldn’t understand her explanation, which is why I asked you to come in.”
I nodded, indicating that I would try my best to convey Sally’s side of the story. Mr. Ian noticed my gesture and instructed Sally to sign to me so I could understand what happened and tell him everything.
Sally began to sign, her hands moving rapidly as she explained that she had confronted Yvonne because she had bullied me. My eyes widened in surprise; I didn’t realize that she knew about the bullying.
Sally continued signing, telling me that Yvonne had been stubborn and uncooperative during their confrontation. In the heat of the moment, Yvonne had slapped and insulted her. The slap hurt her that she had to retaliate. She emphasized that Yvonne was at fault, having initiated the bullying against me, which led her to confront Yvonne.
After Sally finished signing, I turned to Mr. Ian, who nodded for me to proceed.
“Please, tell me what Sally said,” he urged, his eyes attentive and waiting.
I swallowed hard before translating. “My sister says she’s sorry for what happened. She regrets her actions and promises not to do it again. She acknowledges she was at fault and should have known better than to confront Yvonne in such a violent manner.”
“Really?” Mr. Ian asked, feeling doubtful. “Sally was quite defensive.”
“I think she decided to tell me the truth since I’m her sister,” I replied.
Sally, who heard all this, stood up and slammed her hand on the desk. She began signing frantically to me, her eyes wide with urgency. “Are you crazy? Tell Mr. Ian exactly what I told you!”
I tried to calm her down, signing, “I am telling him, Sally. Just relax.”
But Sally continued signing, her hands moving rapidly. “No, you’re not telling him the truth! At least, tell him Yvonne hurt you!”
I instructed Sally to sit down, signing, “Can you calm down, Sally?”
Mr. Ian intervened, his voice firm. “That’s enough. I’ve heard enough from both of you. Sally, I’m afraid I’ll have to suspend you from the cheerleading squad for a while. Take a break, cool your head, and come back when I send you a mail.”
Sally glared at me, her eyes blazing, before deliberately bumping her shoulder against mine as she passed, storming out of the office.
Mr. Ian thanked me, dismissing me from his office. I nodded and left, feeling a mix of emotions. I couldn’t bring myself to return to class, instead deciding to head back to my hostel to collect my thoughts.
As I walked, the weight of my sister’s anger and disappointment settled in. I felt guilty for not truthfully conveying Sally’s side of the story. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I fought the urge to cry. The encounter had left me feeling drained and emotionally raw.
I finally arrived at my hostel, relieved to find Nina absent. I surrendered to my emotions, allowing myself to cry freely. But as I wept, a sudden urge to feel good, to feel amazing just like yesterday. I could remember how better I felt after Jayden’s intervention yesterday.
And I knew exactly who could help me again Jayden.
Composing myself, I picked up my phone and dialed his number. He answered immediately, and I asked, my voice trembling, “Jayden, where are you?”
“I just stepped out of computer class,” he replied, concern etched in his tone. “Is everything alright?”
“Please come over. Come make me feel go” I paused when I heard a familiar voice.
Yvonne’s voice had chimed in, cooing “Baby” in the background, followed by the unmistakable sounds of kissing.
My mouth dropped, and I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. I couldn’t muster a word. I swiftly ended the call, fresh tears welling up in my eyes.