Fool's Paradise

Chapter Ten

Evening came and students were getting ready for night prep. Anthony looked at his friend who silently got his books as he headed out of their cubicle. Anthony stopped him with a hand on his arm. “What’s your problem?” James looked at the hand then at Anthony, “Nothing.”
“Then, what’s with the attitude?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I don’t see you the whole day and now it’s like something is bothering you.”
“Because I felt like being alone and I have nothing to say means that I have a problem?”
“Yes.”
“Think what you want. I’m off to prep.” Anthony watched his friend go and shrugged, deciding to take his word for it…for now.

The truth of the matter was James did indeed have a problem. Last night he’d enjoyed himself so much with Maureen, but why was he feeling so bad about it? These mixed feelings just left him feeling confused. What was he to do? As he headed for his classroom he was jolted out of his reverie by Juliana shouting out Laura’s name, who didn’t look happy to see her.

Laura started to walk away. “Laura, wait. We need to talk.” Laura spun round and said, “There’s nothing you have to say that I could possibly want to hear.” Juliana walked towards her and stopped right in front of her. “I realise that I’m the last person you want to see, but please hear me out.” Laura stared stonily at her. Juliana took a deep breath as she continued, “What I did was wrong. We’ve been friends for a long time and I should have done what I did.”
“What, sleep with César? Why did you do it?”
“Because I wanted to fulfil a fantasy; but in the end it didn’t happen. I know I have hurt you and I wish that I could undo it. I don’t expect you to forgive me but I hope some day we can be friends again.”
There was a stony silence from Laura. Juliana continued, “You’ll be happy to know that César’s not interested in me in that way. He’s just mad at you because he thinks you don’t care about him. He only kissed me because he wanted to get back at you.”
“But I do care about him.”
“Then tell him.”
“And how am I supposed to do that? He won’t have anything to do with me and you certainly haven’t been helping matters.”
“I am truly sorry about that. Look, all I know is that he’s still hung up on you, he told me as much. Go and talk to him. I think you two could still work things out.”

Laura was silent a moment. She was still angry with Juliana though she knew she had no right to be. She was the one responsible for the current situation she found herself in. From the time she hit puberty boys and men alike making her feel that she was no more than a sex object. She developed an inferiority complex, thinking that she was good for nothing else. Then César came along and treated her like she was more than a sex object, but she had to go and spoil everything by sleeping around. She sighed, old habits die hard.

Laura looked at Juliana and said, “So you really think I should talk to him?” Juliana nodded her agreement, “It’s worth a try.” The bell rang for prep. The girls went to class, each with a lot on their minds.
James too went to class with a lot on his mind. Wow, even his idol, César had problems. Somehow, to James, that made him a little bit more approachable.

♣ ♣ ♣

Later, when the break between junior and senior prep arrived Laura found César standing with The Dudes. Nervously, she asked if she could talk to him. César was tempted to refuse but Danston nudged him as he and the rest of The Dudes moved away.
Sighing, César led the way to a secluded spot between two classrooms. César looked down at Laura with a look of indifference. She swallowed nervously.

“You know,” Laura began with a shaky voice, “I told myself that Juliana was to blame blinding myself to the fact that I was the one in the wrong.” Laura looked down at her hands, wringing them then looked up at César, “I wouldn’t blame you if you walked away right now, if you never want to talk to me again, but I’m asking you to give me one more chance. Please.” Tears were rolling down her cheeks and her voice was strangled. “I have never come across a guy who treated me like I was worth something. It was such a new experience that I didn’t know what to do with myself so I retreated to familiar territory. I know that is no excuse. I was wrong and I’m asking for a chance to make it right.”

Seeing the lack of response from César, Laura despaired. She turned with as much dignity as she could muster and walked away. “Laura, wait.” She stopped in her tracks but did not turn. César walked up to her, took her by the shoulders and turned her around. Looking deep into her eyes he said, “Let’s start over.”
She went limp from relief and he found that he had to support her to keep her from slipping to the ground. He smiled at her, “Hi, I’m César Kamani.” She giggled, “Please, I don’t have the strength to laugh.”
“That’s okay,” grinned César, “A smile from you will do. And what is your name, pretty young lady?”
“Laura Kempuga, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.” By now they were giggling uncontrollably. The bell rang for prep. They held hands as he escorted her back to her class, happy to be together again.

Aida, who was patrolling about was not happy with the situation. She had thought that Laura was the aggrieved party when all along she’d been stringing César along. Why he would be willing to take Laura back was a mystery to her, he could get any girl he wanted. “Spying on César again, I see,” Morgan whispered into Aida’s ear, startling her. She punched him on his shoulder. “Don’t you ever do that again, you scared the living daylights out of me!”
“Um, actually, it’s night now.”
“Very funny!”
“So…what are you doing spying on César?”
“I wasn’t spying on him, I was patrolling as is part of my duty, a word I believe you have trouble grasping.”
“Actually, I take my duties very seriously, I just don’t allow them to rule my life…something you don’t have, a life that is.”
“Ha! Your life is all about getting into Connie Mafabi’s panties!”
“Something you have no clue about. I bet you wear a chastity belt!”
“As a matter of fact, I can be as sexy as the next girl…I just don’t have the need to parade it for all to see!”
“Yeah? Then prove it!” Aida grabbed the back of Morgan’s head, brought it closer to her and kissed him with a passion that left him breathless. “That’s a taste of honey you’ll never experience again!” And with that, Aida spun on her heel and undulated away. “Damn!” was all Morgan could say.