Chapter 26
999words
"Oh, that? Well, after my mom left my dad, she was able to find a job as a maid at the Donovan's. That's how I met Sloane. Her family helped us a lot. My mom gained enough money to pay my fees to begin school." he explained, "But when I turned ten, my father kidnapped me, if I may say. He forcefully took me away from my mother and took me all the way to Brooklyn to hide from my mother."
Wow. I hadn't known this part of Shane's life.
"What happened next?" Keisha asked.
"I still went to school but I stayed with my father. Surprisingly, my mom didn't file a case against him. She knew where I was but I think she saw it right for me to spend some time with my dad. With time he started to allow me to go visit my mother and the Donovan's on Saturdays. And that was how I stayed and grew up in Brooklyn, with my dad. Till I was seventeen. In my last highschool year."
"Were you in the same class with Sloane?"
"No. She was two classes under me. But that didn't stop us from being close friends."
"What did you go through during your childhood in Brooklyn?"
"A lot. I was a case. I began following my father's tracks. I got involved in robbery once or twice, fights and other stuff."
"Were you ever shot at?" Keisha asked.
Shane's expression hardened. He seemed sad and angry.
"Yeah. Many times." he answered, "And I'm not proud of it. That was a life I wouldn't want anyone to live. I was shot close to the heart once and was in a coma for months."
There was silence. I too was touched. My eyes watered at his story.
"You almost died." a girl said.
"Yeah. I escaped death. And that's what made me realise that that dangerous life wasn't for me. That was what changed me."
"What happened after that?"
Shane smiled.
"I got serious in school and avoided the other life. I tried to change my dad but failed. Seemed it was his nature. I returned to my mother at seventeen. When my dad died."
I raised a hand.
"Yes, Shayenne?"
"Um, how did he die?"
"He was shot during a robbery. He took a bullet through his brain. I was devastated."
The class was silent. I felt bad for him.
He smiled and broke the silence.
"Hey, cmon guys. Why the long faces? The atmosphere is gloomy. What I went through made me the determined man I am today."
After a moment of silence, there was a round of applause for Shane. He smiled.
*
After the class, a lot of people surrounded Shane. I remained seated.
"Wanna wait for him?" Keisha asked. I nodded, "Okay. Catch you later."
She left.
The students asked a lot of questions and I stayed there for up to twenty five minutes. Finally, the last two girls left. Shane looked at me and smirked. I smiled and went down the stairs to meet him.
"Hey." he hugged me tight.
"I was surprised as you told your story. I didn't know about your past."
"Most people don't." he caressed my cheek, "How are you today?"
"I was alright until your story."
He stared at me. He pulled me closer and wrapped me into his arms.
"I wanna forget my past, baby. I'm alright today. What I need to achieve complete happiness is you."
I smiled.
"You already have me." I said shyly.
"I need us to be official." he kissed my forehead. I melted.
"Is your mother alive?" I asked.
"Yeah. Comfortable in a crib. She's in London. She deserves the life I'm giving her."
"Aaaw. That's cute." I giggled and he smiled.
"I would like a kiss." he said playfully. I smiled.
"What if we're caught by a student? They'll call me teacher's pet." I laughed.
He chuckled.
"I'm not a teacher. And I don't give a fuck if we get caught. Now kiss me." he held me tight and his soft lips were soon down on mine. I kissed him back with the same need.
***
After our little make out in the class, he proposed to take me back to his home. I accepted of course.
We arrived his house and Sloane had gone to work. He made me sit and then went to the kitchen. I made myself comfortable and put on the TV. After about thirty minutes, I smelled something sweet and delicious.
"Mm, are you cooking?"
"Yep. For my second time."
"And it smells that good?"
"I'm a genius."
I laughed.
"Oh, really?"
"Hahahaha, I found a cook book and followed instructions. I'm a fast learner. Sloane was surprised when I cooked last night. I'm better than her."
I laughed again.
"I can't wait to taste what you're cooking."
"Don't worry. You'll love it as much as you love me."
I smiled to myself. If I was lighter, I'd blush.
"Okay."
I waited for a few minutes more and Shane came from the kitchen with a tray. On it was a home made and well baked pizza. Damn.
"You made a pizza?"
"Yep. Bacon and cheese packed. Men that cook are attractive." he wriggled his brows. I giggled.
"Very attractive."
He put the pizza down on the table.
"Bonne appetite, sweetheart."
"Thank you."
"Before you eat, kiss me. It'll make the food taste better."
I laughed and gave in with a sensual kiss.
"That's more like it."
I smiled then sat down to eat.
It was delicious.
"It's delicious. A+ for a beginner."
"Thanks." he sat close to me. I smiled at him.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"You're beautiful."
I nervously looked away, a shy smile on my face.
"Thanks." my voice came out low.
He smirked and held my hand.
"Shayenne, there's something you need to know."
"What?"
