The Only Girl In The World

Chapter Thirty-One

“Happy holidays everyone.” the teacher beamed as the bell rang.

Finally, last papers were done and school was over. For a month though, I was glad regardless. Everyone was already leaving, I was just packing my things when Becca came up to me.

“We’re free!” she exclaimed dropping her bag on my table.

“I know right.” I let out a sigh as I zipped up my bag. “This whole term has been hectic.”

“No lies.” she laughed. “How have you been holding up, you know with everything? I don’t know why we have so many classes apart and with the exams, we barely have time to meet.”

I let out a small laugh as I got up and slanged my bag over my shoulder. “I get it, don’t stress. Surprisingly everything’s been ok. I mean, people have been coming up to me telling me how happy they were for standing up against Melissa and stuff.”

“Yeah. No one really likes her, she just acts like she owns the school.” she replied as we both walked out of the class. “I mean, she is related to the owner but she doesn’t own it.”

“No wonder people put up with her shit, even the teachers.” I rolled my eyes. “How about you though? Now, I’m the bad friend. We’re always talking about my problems.”

“It’s not like that.” she smiled. “Actually, things have been going a lot better lately. My aunt is a lot bearable now and Bella…she’s been distant and stuff. You know, since everything we went through but lately she’s…I don’t know…she’s a little different, like a little nicer and all.”

“She can be nice?” I asked genuinely surprised, she was the she-devil’s spawn after all.

“I mean, not suddenly the nicest person in the word but….” she trailed a bit, a tiny smile on her face. “It’s like she’s slowly changing and she’s finally seeing me.”

Remembering the brief moment when I felt Bella was defending me in the hallway last week, I smiled a bit. Knowing them for some years, I knew Becca always loved and looked up to her sister whereas Bella never really acknowledged her. It was no surprise how happy Becca would be if her sister, treated her like one.

“I get it and I hope she’ll finally realize how important you are to her.” I said genuinely.

I didn’t like Bella, at least not as much as I did before, but I did learn a little about her from what Becca told me. She wasn’t a bad person, she was human like everyone else. As humans, we’re prone to making bad decisions and bad choices. Constantly pushing on no matter how many people we trample on our way so you won’t be the one trampled on. That’s where our differences lies, and what we believe to be right matters. She may not see it now but she will eventually.

“I hope too.” Becca said letting out a small breathe then muttered. “And there’s…this boy…”

“No way! Becca has a crushhh!” I teased.

“No I don’t!” she groaned hiding her red cheeks with her hands.

“Now you’ve got to come with me back home, we have so much to catch up on.” I laughed.

We had already reached my car at the parking lot and we were just about to get in when Christian walked up to me.

His face was gloomy, like it had been for the past weeks, his hands in his pockets as he stood in front of me.

“If you’re here to apologize, I already told you it’s ok.” I looked away, my voice sounding a bit distant and cold contradicting what I just said.

I didn’t want to look into his eye, because anytime I do, those words would echo in my head and I would feel a dull ache in my chest. It still hurts.

A few seconds passed in silence, neither of us saying anything nor moving. I wanted to go in my car, drive off and forget about everything. Even if it was for a while, but at the same time…I didn’t.

“I…Kaylee…” he broke the silence and then went silent again.

Mustering up the courage, I looked up at him and gave him a small smile. “Hope you have a great holiday.”

Getting into my car, I turned it on and drove off.

It still hurts but this hurts even more.

“Are you….”

“Fine? Absolutely, so about that boy.” I changed the topic and smiled in satisfaction as Becca groaned again.

The second turned into hours, the hours to days and days to week. Christmas had passed a few days ago, New Year’s Eve was hours away. It felt like time was going so fast, school break would be over soon and of course, every passing day was a ticking reminder that I didn’t have all the time in the world left to live.

I chose not to focus too much on that fact though, I was determined to leave the best days of the time I had left. Spending some time in Lagos, getting to meet my distant relatives from my father’s side and learning a lot about my home place and culture did a lot for me. Rick surprised me with tickets to Nigeria when the break started and once again, another item off my death list was ticked.

Get a new car.

Checked a long time ago.

Travel somewhere different and special.

Currently having the time of my life.

Do charity.

Rick and J donated to a kids cancer agency, mostly Rick to be honest but I got to tag along for the visit.

Try something new.

Rick took me skydiving.

With the rate my list was getting ticked off, I had a feeling Rick read through it when I accidentally left it at the kitchen one time. I just had a few things left on them, the most important one being to graduate.

Getting up from the bed of the hotel we were lodged in, I walked towards the balcony and rested my hands on the rail feeling the chilly night breeze.

 Few more minutes to a New Year, I looked up at the sky.

I let out a small sigh as I realized this would be a first new year without my mom and another one without my dad. In fact, this Christmas and New Year would likely be my last.

Trying to take my mind off those depressing thoughts, I looked down at the party going on at the outdoor patio. Rick and Sophia were somewhere in the crowd, I was meant to be there too but I was comfortable watching the fireworks from up here in my room, pajamas on and a good view of the sky.

“10, 9, 8, 7...” they started counting.

I looked up again as I smiled softly, joining in the counting.

“3…2….” I let out a small breathe. “1…”

The sky lighted up with different colors as the fireworks exploded.

Happy New and Last Year I guess, let’s see what it holds for me.