Monday evening
The school day ended uneventfully...no Candice squad,no bumping into Jason. I got to hang out with Westley and Kenzie during all the breaks and I felt super happy just being in their company. I'm happy for Westley because he's become more responsible,due to the obvious fact that he's the father of the baby. If Candice's squad knows then they haven't attacked.
By the way my father happily allowed Kenzie to stay with us until Westley is stable enough to get a home for his new family to move in.
I reached my locker and my phone buzzed at the same time. I opened the locker first,put my books down to pick the phone.
Then a paper caught my eye.
A threat note...again? My heart was pounding when I took the note from the floor. Why can't they just come before me and talk? Or do they actually fear me?
"Hey Tara...meet me at the swimming pool complex...I have your book."
The note had no sender,and I cannot recognise the handwriting. It could be disguised as a boy's handwriting but maybe it could be a girl (Candice's squad members)and ...I don't know...maybe I am being paranoid about this.
I just want to find my book. And I told myself I'll give my life to have it. So I'll go ahead and get it.
The text was from Westley telling me that he's accompanied Kenzie to her first antenatal clinic so they'll be home later than usual. I was tempted to tell him that I too might be late but I'll have to explain to him that I own a poetry book and he'll scoff me.
I picked my books that I'll need for the night and locked my locker. I prepared myself to face this unknown sender,and do whatever it takes to just get my poetry book.
You may be wondering why I attach so much importance to this book. Let me give a back story.
My mom(who I currently hate,more of miss if I may put it that way)loves poetry alot. She has an Instagram account solely for poetry and she posts the best of quotes and lines. She encouraged me to start writing since she saw my talent at four. On my sixth birthday which was the last I celebrated with her,she gave me money and encouraged me to buy a journal where I keep all my lines and stories. It has been with me through my elementary school up till now,it knows my sorrows and happiness and it understands me the way no one does. It's kinda like a secret book that I won't let anyone read,until I die. I actually have a bookmark stating the fact so that my wish can be fulfilled.
I got to the swimming pool complex faster than expected. Classes ended way long ago and the place was deserted. No,I could see someone swimming. I swallowed a stone and went to the bleachers to wait for the 'custodian' of my poetry book,and hear how on Earth they got it and hid it all this time and also swear this person to secrecy until I die,or maybe I may be late and may have sent screenshots to all and sundry. I'm pretty scared at the moment.
The someone came out of the pool,and it was a guy. He went to the side and took his towel to dry off. He then looked up and must have seen me and waved. Feeling awkward I waved back with a little wave.
He disappeared into the changing rooms and took some time in there. It was comforting that I wasn't really alone this time and if I'm attacked at least one guy could save me(if he's not blackmailed by the horrific squad).
Fifteen minutes later he came out and he advanced upwards towards me. And I knew my end was coming. When he was so close to me,I suddenly recognised him.
"Jason!You!" I exclaimed. This was quite unexpected though.
"Oh hey Tara,glad you honoured my invitation."he sat on the bleacher above me,I had to turn upward to see him.
"Hope no one knows we are here though,"he asked.
"Obviously not,if the bully doesn't want to be found out anyway,"I shrugged off.
"Tara,believe me if I tell you I've stopped bullying."
"Oh my!I'm super shocked! When did this ever happen?"I asked sarcastically.
"Tara!I'm serious! I'm done with bullying,it's not a good thing to do,"he whined.
"I'm just here to get my book and go home,so I don't really understand the essence of a private meeting by the pool,"I firmly stated then I stretched my hands to him.
"I want to make a preposition first before you get your book back. I know how much it means to you."
"And I won't agree to any made by a snake like you! Just give my my book and leave me alone!"I raised my voice and stood up,my hands still stetched out.
He huffed out,a glint of anger showing on his face."Tara,please sit down. I'm not even started yet."
Ok,I get this private place is just for him to respect the fact that I love my things being a secret,but can't he just give my my book! What's do hard in that? And that preposition,I'm out!
"No,give my book back,please!"
"I've read your work and it's amazing Tara! Why do you keep it all a secret?"he asked tactfully changing the subject.
I took a deep breath. I sat down because I knew it would take a really long time to get the book. Oh boy!
"Coz I choose to. Until I die,it remains a secret. And since you indulged in it too soon,you have to swear that you'll keep it a secret."
"If you accept the preposition first Tara."
"What is it then?"I was now getting annoyed and mentally tired.
He said something that broke all my defenses. It was the least expected statement I would hear from him.
"I also write poems. I'm sure you know my Instagram handle. I follow your mom and that's how I guessed that you too must be writing poems."
"You stole my book?"
"You dropped it as you lost consciousness. You didn't believe me when I told you face to face that I can help,but when I send a note,you gallop here."
Whoa! Why am I feeling attacked. I just remained silent.
"Did I say something bad?"his eyes flickered concern.
"Ummmm...no you didn't. You just reminded me of my childhood. That's all. But propose your idea,I've been waiting for so long,"I quietly replied tears trying to come but I blinked them away as I faced away from him.
"I'm sorry if I was abrasive. And for all the time I tortured you."
Silence.
"Anyway I was thinking we could write a poem together."he said nonchulantly.
Say what now? Write a poem together? Is he high or mad?
"What!"I yelped,as if I was stung. Yes the news actually stung.
"I'm serious. Your poems are amazing and maybe we could enter as a duet in the current competition."
Silence. I took time to absorb what he said.
"Why me? Why can't you write and submit on your own?" I asked confusedly.
"Coz...I think we can make a great team. I believe we can come up with poems that inspire other people to do good. And two are better than one,"he finished. He wrung his hands,obviously showing that he's nervous.
"That was so sudden,especially from you,a bully. I'll think about it." It was late and I needed to reach home before my father could wring out the truth out of me.
"We can talk then,"as he entered his shoulder bag to get...my book. Joy filled my soul and I suddenly felt refreshed.
"Actually,if I trust that you'll keep my poetry book a secret you have a deal,"I replied as I change d my mind. Guarantee that my poems remain a secret.
"Trust me Tara. I won't disappoint."he solemnly promised.
I again took a deep breath. This is going to be probably the worst mistake,but I'll take the risk. I just have a good gut feeling about this whole thing.
"Ok...we have a deal then. Can I get my book back?" I asked wearily.
"Ok...here it is,"he gave the precious book to me." Can I have your number,just to keep in touch?"
"Ummmm...it's not like I have a choice anyway,"I chuckled and we started walking out of the complex into the parking.
"I'll ride you home Tara...I've caused enough trouble for you."
"I can't say no to such a irresistible request," we both laughed as he opened for me the door.
It was heading to 7pm when we left. This was the beginning of something that I didn't know I'm entering to. I thought it was just a deal,but it seems like it was more than that.