Chapter 17
1001words
*
There was total darkness in the apartment. I quietly made my way to my room without having to wake Keisha up. On entering my room, I switched on the lights. I was more than surprised when I found a waiting Keisha on my bed.
"OMG! You scared the hell out of– Wait, what are you doing in my room?" I asked, surprised. She smiled.
"You were expected to go and tell Shane the truth. You left at nine. Why the hell are you back at one in the morning?"
I sighed heavily and dropped my bag and jacket in a corner before joining Keisha on my bed.
"Keisha, I'm doomed."
"How? Tell me everything that happened."
Carefully, I explained every detail of the night to Keisha. She was silent.
"Kee, why aren't you speaking?"
"Because I just realized you're actually doomed, dear." she giggled.
I covered my face with my palms.
"I don't think there's any turning back now. He definitely likes you too."
"Impossible."
"Or, he'll probably start liking you after this night. Especially after all both of you did at the club."
"Oh gosh."
"It isn't a crush anymore. I think you love him girl."
"No."
"It's quite a fact, Sha. You've fallen in love for the first time in your life!"
"With the wrong person."
"Your conscience is strong. But apparently your love is stronger."
I sighed, rubbing my forehead.
"But Sloane."
Keisha patted my back.
"For Sloane, I don't have a solution for you. I'm sorry."
***
I woke up later that morning at eleven. Luckily it was a Sunday. No classes. I stretched and sat up on my bed. Immediately, images of the previous night flooded my mind. My heart ached seriously.
I'd fallen for Shane, who was Sloane's boyfriend!
This was bad luck.
Just after I'd sworn never to fall for someone who didn't love me in return. Why did I go for the wrong people?
I looked around to make sure Keisha wasn't close. Yes, I was going to call Josh on the spot to accept his proposal. It was better for me to go back to Boston, forget Shane and get married to Josh. The thought disgusted me but I had no choice. It was the best thing to do.
I picked my phone up and was about to call Josh when I suddenly received a text from Shane. I gulped and then decided to read it.
-How did you sleep? Hope well. Cuz as for me, I didn't sleep at all. I know I shouldn't say this but you should know how I am. I don't hide things. I've been thinking about last night and you.-
Shane was walking temptation. No! An obstacle whenever I had to call Josh. How did he do it? Why did he always call or text at the wrong time? Was this some sort of test?
I replied:
-Good morning, Shane. I'm flattered. Do you know when Sloane will return?-
I mentioned Sloane so he would remember that he was still her boyfriend and had always been in some sort of Way.
-Today.-
-Treat her right. Please.-
-I already treat her right. It's up to you to treat Me right.-
What did he mean??
-What?-
-Have a great day, Shayenne.-
And that ended it. Things were going to be real hard for me. Too hard actually. I decided to tell Shane what I had in mind.
-I've been unable to avoid you Shane and I think you know why by now. And so I plead with you, Shane, avoid me.-
-Are you serious?-
-Yes. For the sake of Sloane and Josh on my side. I appreciate her too much.-
-I would've had no problem with that until last night. Yesterday got me thinking . You got me thinking. A lot.-
-Forget the thoughts please.-
-That's hard.-
-Please try.-
I awaited a reply for up to five minutes. And then it finally came.
-Alright. If that's what you want.-
-Don't forget to treat Sloane well.-
-Like I said, I always do and that'll never change.-
I felt relieved but saddened. Shane had maybe indirectly confessed that he liked me but I'd begged him to let go. The fact was, he liked Sloane too, a lot. I just had to give up on him. I was the one left in great confusion.
***
It hurt but was worth it. Shane did as he was told. We didn't speak much. He didn't call or text unless I did so first. I felt frustrated. I sobbed most nights, unable to understand my feelings. I couldn't lie that I missed speaking to him. I just couldn't . But it was my fault. I was the one who'd asked him to avoid me. But apparently I was the person most affected by it .
I decided to go to Boston for the weekend of the first week of the second month. I missed my parents and felt I had to speak with them. Keisha had proposed to follow me but I refused . I needed some time alone with them.
**
Friday after I'd packed my stuff, I texted Sloane;):
-Hi, Sloane. I'll be traveling to Boston tomorrow morning. I'd be back Sunday evening.-
She soon replied.
-K hon. Let me know if you've arrived safely. And tell Shane about it.-
-Can you please do that for me?-
-Why?? Y'all seem to be cold towards each other. Is there a problem?-
-No.-
-Then do it Sha. Have a safe journey :-).-
I put my phone aside. I wasn't going to text or call Shane. No, no.
--
That night I told my parents that I'd be coming. They were quite happy. Just after speaking to them, I received a call from Shane. Wow. It'd been long. I quickly answered.
"Hello?"
"Long time. Heard you're going back to Boston? Cared to tell me about it?"
