Chapter 34: The ditching idea
Looking at the mirror, I paused. I scoffed at my reflection as I combed my hair out.
I was trying to cover the hickeys with my hair.
I grabbed the jacket on my bed and wore it. I reached for the collar and raised it up. I needed it to cover so I wouldn’t get all that attention in school. I didn’t want people staring at me weirdly. It wasn’t as if I was still in high school, it could be no one would even notice. I reached for my phone in my pocket and texted Gladys.
‘Leaving for school, see you soon.’
When the message delivered, I let out a small sigh and shook the phone back into my pockets.
I checked my reflection one last time and saw I did a good job hiding it. I smiled in satisfaction and turned to leave the room. I walked to the dining searching for Luciano. He was the one who always complained about going late and now he wasn’t here.
“Luciano?” I called as I looked around.
There was no response.
“Stop it Luciano. Where are you?”
I checked everywhere but there was no sign of him. I returned to the sitting room and there I found a note on the center table.
I picked it up. “Use the money to get to school,” I read out loud.
My eyes fell to the table and I saw the cash he left.
I frowned. What does that mean?
I quickly dialed his number because I didn’t understand what was going on.
“Tiffany,” he said the moment the call connected.
“Yes, what’s going on?” I asked.
“Did you see the cash?”
“Yes but I don’t understand. Where are you and what’s going on?”
“Listen Tiff, I can’t talk now.”
“I need an explanation! I don’t get it. You just disappeared.”
“I needed to do something. Just go to school okay? Take a bus or something and I’ll meet you later. I have to go now.”
“Wait-”
The beep sound made me realize he had already ended the call.
He was in a hurry and I didn’t get it. However, this sounded too good to be true.
Luciano allowing me to go to school by myself? So unreal.
A small smile crept on my lips as I reached for my backpack.
I locked the door and slid the keys into my jacket. I was sure Luciano had his keys but even if he didn’t, i’d probably get home before him.
I took the shortest route to the freeway and boarded a bus. I felt the adrenaline rush the moment I climbed inside and saw the different faces.
I sat behind and looked through the window. The experience was way different than sitting in Luciano’s car.
This was more enjoyable and thrilling.
An old woman walked toward me and took the seat in front of me. For a moment, I felt my heart skip but I knew I was just being paranoid.
Nothing was going to happen to me because Luciano wasn’t here. I tried to focus in the trip and when the next bus stop was announced, I sprawled up immediately.
“Take it easy girl,” a voice said and I gave a small nod containing my embarrassment.
Maybe I shouldn’t have sprawled up like that but I didn’t want to miss my stop.
Just as I climbed out of the bus, I touched my neck to see if the hickey was still hidden.
I turned to the left and I saw him. Massimo. Remember the dude that saw me almost naked in my apartment and gave me his jacket. Yep! You have him.
My jaw dropped the moment I saw him. Luckily, he looked in my direction but there was no iota of familiarity.
He didn’t seem to recognise me and that made me frown. I took a step forward.
“Hey! Excuse me,” I said, trying to get his attention.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
He paused and looked at me again.
“Hey,” I said and brought my hands for an handshake. “I’m uh-Tiffany.”
I introduced myself but I didn’t add that I was naked.
“Oh,” he said with a small smile. “Nice to see you again, Tiffany.”
I smiled at his response.
“Did you keep my jacket?” He asked and raised his brows.
I blushed. ” Sure I did, I can’t throw it away” and I I hid it cause of my brother.
Lol, I didn’t tell him the last part. With the look on his face, he seem interested on my face.
“I actually recognised you back there but I didn’t want to embarrass you.”
“Oh.” I nodded as I wonder what to say next.
So awkward.
What of we talk about something else. Maybe school?
“Yeah. I actually school and work but I can ditch school today.” Massimo said as if he just read my mind.
That seem scary. I smiled awkwardly. “I’ve never missed school before and my brother would be mad at me.”
“Oh no. I’ll never force you against your wish. I’m saying you should have some fun, you know?” He paused. “I can walk you to school.”
“No,” I blurted. “You don’t have to.” Thing is I wasn’t feeling safe with him.
“Can I get your phone number then?”
“That wouldn’t be needed. We literally live in the same apartment”
He raised his brows. “I don’t know where you live.”
When he saw the look on my face, he brushed it off. “I actually have a friend in that apartment and I’ve lived there once.”
Oh, that means I won’t be seeing him there anymore? Let me bot judge too fast, he might come to visit his friend and I hope I see him.
“I see,” I added to the silence.
Massimo smirked, wiggled his fingers as if fixing it and smiled. Damn, he have a cute smile. And he is a fine man too.
“Why not come over to my place? It’s going to be fun I promise.”
No way in hell!
Personally, I would love to go but Luciano?
“I can’t. My brother won’t let me.” I blurted.
I saw the irritation on his face.
“You’ve got a bad energy, girl. I don’t like it.”
I swallowed hard. “I’m uh – I’m running late. I have to go.”
“No,” he stopped. “You’re not going yet.”
His reaction made my heart skip. I didn’t realize he could be any bit hostile until now. Something deep in me wanted to make me believe he could be another Luciano in my life.
Luciano.
Massimo.
Those names sounded alike.
“Listen, I need to get to school or my brother will be mad.” I smiled.
Well, Massimo didn’t look pleased. “Isn’t that funny?” He asked.
“What?” I arched my brows.
This dude is really beginning to get into my nerves.
“How you’re not scared of having fun or missing school but scared of your brother.”
I didn’t respond. I just looked at him till he turned and walked away.
I stood there confused and unable to comprehend what was going on.
For a moment, I felt the urge to call him and tell him I want to ditch school and go with him but I was scared.
The sound of laughter made me turn to my left and I saw some girls laughing.
One ditching can’t be noticed, right?