Fool's Paradise

Chapter Eleven

Monday morning started with Kaye Morrison in a disgruntled mood. Mondays always made him feel that way but he was more so because of what Theo had said the day before. He didn’t think that he intentionally set out to shut people out, he wasn’t even aware of it when he did.
Theo needed to understand that but there was no getting through to him. The boy was determined not to see his side of things. He liked his friends but he just was not as outgoing as they were so it was not as easy to divulge information about himself as they were about themselves. At least he tried.

As for him being engrossed in Suzanne Aseya, wasn’t that what happened in a new relationship? All this was new to him; he was just trying to get his bearings so to speak. He liked her a great deal though he had to admit that he was a little apprehensive. He had never been with a girl on an intimate level and he wondered what he would do when the time came. Only César was aware of that fact, he’d have to talk to him about it.

Kaye finished dressing, grabbed his books and headed out of the cubicle. Theo entered fresh from his shower and passed him as if he didn’t exist. César noticed, thinking that Theo was takings a little too far. “Theo, why don’t you chill Kaye, it’s no big deal.”
“To me it is,” Theo muttered as he started dressing. He paused and then turned to César. “It bothers me that he just shuts himself off. What kind of friend is that?”
“But that’s just the way he is. If he didn’t consider us his friends then he wouldn’t be hanging around with us. It’s just not as easy for him to express himself as it is for us. As a matter of fact, you express yourself a little too much but no one’s holding a grudge about your often unsolicited advice.”

César’s words gave Theo pause. “I wasn’t aware that you guys felt that way about me.” César made a face, “It’s because it’s not important so don’t blow it out of proportion. Look, we all have our little irritating habits, but we shouldn’t let them get in the way of our friendship.”
Theo was silent as he finished dressing. César watched him collect his books and walk out. He sighed; he hoped that his friend had not been upset by his words. He too picked his books and headed for class.

The morning passed in a haze for The Dudes. Dodging classes had made them lag behind in their various subjects and it was a struggle to try and catch up.

During the course of the day Kaye sought César out, “Man, I didn’t realise how much we’d missed in class.” César agreed, “Yeah, I was in a daze half the time. I think we’ve over cut classes, we need to chill,”
They were standing under a tree, taking in the bustling activity around the school during a short break. César noticed Kaye’s pensive mood and asked him what was on his mind. Kaye was hesitant. “Hey, you’re my tight. You can tell me what’s bugging you.” Kaye took a deep breath and said, “It’s about Suzanne.”
“What’s up?”
“She won’t sleep with me.” César paused then said, “That’s your problem?”
“Yes!” César raised his eyebrows, “I see.” Kaye was exasperated, “You’re not taking this seriously.”
“I am. It’s just that it shouldn’t be a problem. What’s the rush?”
“I’m tired of being the only virgin in the school.”
“You’re not the only virgin in the school, and anyway, it’s no big deal.”
“To me it is. I’m tired of hearing about your conquests, having to pretend I know what it’s all about, and having to make up stories. I need to be in the mix!”
“Trust me, most of it is hype. A lot of guys exaggerate to look cool; they’re no different from you.” Kaye shuffled from foot to foot, “It’s not hype for you.”
“Yeah, but it has put serious pressure on me to perform, and to be honest with you I could do without the stress. Laura and I have agreed to abstain, do things at our own pace; and not what people expect from us. Sex is no longer an issue, we’re concentrating on the other aspects of our relationship…and to tell you the truth, we’re having a blast!”
Noticing Kaye’s silence César put a hand on his shoulder and added, “Listen to me, Kaye, don’t rush into anything. It will happen when both of you are ready…Are you listening to me.”
“Yeah, I am. Thanks.” Kaye walked back towards the classrooms. César hoped that the boy wouldn’t put any pressure on Suzanne because that was a sure way of putting their relationship in jeopardy. Suzanne was a no nonsense kind of girl.

James Adonnes waited for Kaye to leave then approached César. A little uncertain, James asked to talk to him. César noticed his timid manner. “Hey, relax. I don’t bite.” James chuckled nervously, “I know. It’s just that you’re this really cool guy we juniors look up to and…well, what I have to say might seem very unimportant to you.”
“Why don’t you give me the benefit of the doubt and try me? What’s your name?”
“James.”
“So, James, what’s on your mind?” James took a deep breath and said, “It’s this friend of mine. I think he’s alright, it’s just that I’m not too happy with the way he treats me.”
“And how’s that?”
“Like my feelings don’t matter; he’s always doing things that bother me. I know he’s trying to give me a good time but I don’t enjoy it. He’s always pushing me into having sex with girls and drinking alcohol. I believe those are things that I can do later on in life, there’s no need to rush into them now. Besides, because I spend more time worrying about these things I find that my schoolwork is suffering. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like having fun as much as the next guy, but I believe there’s a time and place for everything.”
“Wow, you’ve been through a lot for one so young.” César said.
James looked at him sheepishly, “I shouldn’t have bored you with my problems.” As he made to leave César put a hand on his shoulder stopped him. “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have been so casual about your situation. Actually, I wish you’d talk to a friend of mine that I was just talking to earlier. Maybe you could knock some sense into him. Now, all that you’ve told me, have you told your friend?”
“Many times but he just won’t listen.”
“Well, I think you should put your foot down and insist that he understand how you feel and if he doesn’t see your point of view then maybe he was never your friend to begin with.”
“I know what you’re saying but it’s not easy with someone like Anthony.”
“Believe me, James, very few things in life are easy. Stand up for what you believe in and don’t let people tell you what to do. I made that mistake and I paid for it. The funny thing though is that now I really don’t feel the pressure to please. It took some woman trouble to wake me up, but I tell you this, something like that need not happen for you to realise that it’s your life and only you can determine what happens to it.”

James pondered this a moment. What César said had merit. He was unhappy with the way Anthony was treating him and it was time he stood his ground. He looked at César and said, “Thank you for listening to me. It has given me courage to do as you say.”
“Do not do as I say, do what you believe is right.” James grinned impishly, “What you say is what I believe.” César chuckled as he watched him walk away and thought there goes a boy with his head screwed on right.

♣ ♣ ♣

As Kaye headed back to class, he came across Imelda Ariko while she too headed back to class. “Hey, why the long face?” Imelda seemed concerned. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
“I’m sure that’s true, but it wouldn’t hurt to talk about it.” Kaye stopped walking and looked at Imelda. “Why do you care?” Imelda was taken aback, “Hey, I thought that I was your friend, but if I’m in the way then forget it!”
“Imelda, I’m sorry. It’s just that right now I’m frustrated and I don’t feel like talking about it. Maybe some other time?”
“Okay, some other time then. Remember that I’m your friend.” Kaye nodded and Imelda watched him walk away then headed for her own class.