Double-edged Sword - Episode 2

 

I had to admit; Today wasn't the best of days for me(And that's saying something). From the ordeal with that mysterious old man two days ago,I had been emotionally shaken and disturbed so much that it began to affect everyone around me. During the journey home, Sylvia had noticed that I was unusually quiet(even for me)and was barely contributing to the conversation with her. She was surprised that I didn't even complain that she delayed at the Supermarket and voiced it out before asking if I was alright . I replied in affirmative and she shrugged and drove off not before casting a longing look of doubt at my side.My dad who rarely had time to acknowledge my existence even asked if everything was okay. As if he cared. But that was two days ago..

Today though was a bit hellish for me. I woke up very late and received some serious tongue-lashing from my Dad for my tardiness. Getting to school just in time to receive a very humiliating punishment for my lateness seemed to crown my sorrows. During classes, I was absent-minded and caught by the teachers. Failing to answer most of the questions directed to me, I was flogged and sent out of the class. Not that it mattered anyway. Physical pain can't break me. Don't waste your time trying.

Currently, it was Guidance and Counseling period and once again I was not paying attention.My teacher,Miss Kemi, seemed to notice but she ignored it

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/double-edged-sword

. Although,she told me to see her in her office as she was leaving.All eyes turned to look at me as I stood up to leave the class. A disapproving gaze was returned to my observers and they went on with their activities. (Seriously, one thing I hate is people staring at me especially if its a one vs all situation.Get a life for crying out loud)

Getting to Miss Kemi's office, I knocked at the door and her feminine voice was heard from within, telling me to enter. I came in just to see her writing at her desk,a calm expression on her face. She looked up at me and her expression changed. I couldn't tell if she was angry or confused or both. If there is one skill Miss Kemi has, its masking her emotions. She can scold you viciously while keeping a straight face and you'll wonder if she's really upset at you in the first place. Sometimes I think we are alike..except she's an angel of comfort and I'm a demon of ruthlessness with a heart of stone. How she was still single baffled me. She was in her late 20's almost the age of my sister. She was of average height with light coloured skin and long legs. Her long eyelashes shielded sharp and piercing eyes which seemed to glow when she stared at you. Her face was further decorated with a pointed nose and full pink lips which was always adorned with lip gloss.

"Sit down, John" She gestured to a seat opposite her desk and I obeyed.Letting out a loud sigh, she proceeded.

"John, what exactly happened to you today? This is unlike you" She said as her piercing eyes leered on me.

"I'm sorry about that. I was just distracted in class..." I began.

"I'm not referring to my class alone" She cut in, her eyebrows furrowing as her expression changed into a frown. "I'm talking about today on a whole.You arrived late today. Very Late.And then getting sent out of class more than once? Haba!"

I gazed at her in surprise.

"What?" She said "You think I didn't notice?"

I was out of words at that moment and I looked down at my hands on my knees.On the bright side though, at least someone is showing concern. I looked up at her just in time to see her expression soften.

"John" She said calmly" Apart from being your teacher, I believe you should also see me as your friend and confidant. All my students should. I believe that's what my subject is all about. Guidance and Counselling. If there's anything bordering any of you, I'm always here."

I stared at her. As much as I knew she meant well, how do you tell someone you encountered a random stranger who knew something about you? Something you thought was shielded from the world.

"I understand, Miss Kemi" I replied. "Like I said, I've just been distracted today. Its nothing serious, I can assure you"

"Are you sure?" Her expression showed doubt.

"Yes" I nodded.

Her gaze lingered on me for a while as if trying to search for something. Not wanting to be deterred, I matched her gaze with my trademark deadpan expression.

"Alright" She smiled leaning back into her seat. "I hope you are right. You can go" 

"Thank you" I nodded and stood up to leave her office. Getting to the door, her words stopped me

"But remember, I'm always here" She said. I turned to look at her. She had a smile on her face. That smile seemed to say 'Youre not off the hook yet' 

I nooded and left her office.Well, that was uncomfortable.......

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Currently I sat by a tree on top a cliff by the edge of the town. This very place was my place of solace. A sanctuary if you may call it. I came here whenever I felt the need to relax. So far as I can remember, I have been coming here for four years now. The scent of the place acted more or less as a stress reliever. Although there were lots of trees there, I chose this particular tree because of the flowers surrounding it. The flowers contributed to the wonderful scent of the place. Truth be told, I wondered why no one ever came here. This place was a bit like an hawaiian island. Or probably people did come and I didn't know. Either way, I'm always meeting no one here. Probably for the best anyway.

A rustling startled me and I rose from my leaning position on the tree. Peering behind the tree and scanning around, I saw nothing. I shrugged. Probably a rodent or a bird. And then I heard it again.That sound, and this time it was accompanied by an unfamiliar scent...Vanilla?

"Hello?" I called out, my eyes narrowing in alert.

No answer.

The scent lingered on before fading away. I frowned as I backed away from the tree before leaving the area. Today was definitely the worst. And that presence I felt at the cliff was no illusion. Someone was there.