Married To
Mr Popular
(Rude and grumpy)
Episode 23
By: Faith Lucky.
Bethel’s Pov:
“You?” Ryan called with a scoff.
Okay; what’s going on?
Does Ryan and Jackson know each other?
I looked at both of them as they stared at themselves with detest.
“Surprised seeing me?” Jackson asked.
“Sir Ryan” one of the women we’ve been following walked upto us and called.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but you nee-d to come fill in your name. The clas-s has started alre-ady and you’re not supposed to be late” the woman said, trying not to sound offensive.
Ryan gave Jackson a ha-rd glare and walked away with the woman.
“Jackson?” I called immediately he left.
“You…where do you know Ryan from?”
He didn’t look at me but just kept his gaze on Ryan who had gone to the reception to fill in his details.
“Jackson” I called again.
“I’m sorry Bethel; I nee-d to go. We’ll talk later” he said and left immediately, not giving me a chance to say any other thing.
I scoffed and stared at him as he walked away.
What the hell’s going on? Where does Jackson know Ryan from?
But during my time with him, he never told me about it. No wonder he acted cranky when I had brou-ght up Ryan’s concert the other time.
I continued staring at him until he took a corner and couldn’t be seen anymore.
Then I turned back to look at Ryan and discovered he was alre-ady done with his details.
The woman with him prodded me to come closer and I did and she finally took us to clas-s.
Hm. At last.
I paused at the entrance and took a look into the so called *clas-s*.
Huh?
It didn’t look like a normal clas-sroom like I was expecting. It was somewhat like an office, just that, it was big and had so many seats arranged in it.
A lot of people were alre-ady seated there – young good looking boys and girls and I guess they were couples as well. Of course.
I walked in with Ryan and the woman and we were asked to take a seat.
“Its Ryan!” I heard someone g@sp from the front seat and I rolled my eyes.
If they like, they should forget they’re all engaged
Ryan and I took a seat next to each other at the back and he huffed as he sat. I just shook my head and folded my hands.
The woman we had come in with walked up to the counselor in front of the clas-s and spoke silently to her.
Afterwards, she left.
“Um…clas-s,” the counselor called with a smile.
“I’m honored to introduce some very important personnel in our midst today. plea-se, let’s give a warm welcome to Mr Ryan and his wife – ma’am Bethel” she said and that was the opportunity everyb©dy used in taking a proper look at us.
They all turned and stared at us while cl@pping their hands.
I managed a smile, but Ryan – he didn’t even flin-ch or act like his name was being called.
“We’re so honored to have you here in our midst and I hope you enjoy your time here with us. I’m miss Katherine and will be the one handling most of the clas-ses…”
“Did you just say *miss*?” Ryan suddenly asked, cutting her off.
Expectedly, all eyes turned on him.
“Uh…yes” she replied, probably wondering why he asked.
“So, you mean you’re not married? Yet, you wanna take us on marriage clas-ses? How can you lecture us on building a strong home when you’ve never built one yourself?” Ryan taunted and few of the people in the clas-s started mumbling.
What the heck?
“Um…” The lady started and chuckled – nervously.
“Actually sir, I don’t really nee-d to have a home before teaching you how to have one. It’s p@rt of my course.” She replied and Ryan didn’t say any other thing.
I turned and sh0t him a glare and even if he knew I was staring at me, he didn’t make any attempt to return the stare.
I finally rolled my eyes and tried to focus on the clas-s.
What a j£rk.
“So today,” she started.
“We’ll be discussing the elements of submission..”
*
*
After what seemed like forever, the clas-s finally c@m£ to an end and Ryan was the first person to walk out.
I stood up and went ahead to meet the counsellor. I nee-ded to apologize to her.
“Um…ma’am” I called her attention and she turned to look at me.
“Oh! Hi Bethel” she beamed, but I could tell she still felt bittered.
Ryan almost embarras-sed her in front of an entire clas-s.
“I…uh..want to apologize for what happened earlier. I mean – Ryan – I’m sorry for what he said to you” I said remorsefuly and she laughed.
“Oh plea-se; it’s nothing. I un-derstand.
“By the way, I must say I’m impressed you c@m£ to apologize on your husband’s behalf. It seems you’re catching up pretty fast.” She said and at that moment, it sounded ridiculous to me.
Husband indeed.
“Anyway, you don’t nee-d to worry about a thing. I didn’t take it to heart” she added and I smiled and walked away.
Thank goodness.
I got to where the elevator was and landing on the first floor, I hurried out to look for Ryan. I just hope he hasn’t left without me yet.
Luckily, I found him waiting in the jeep and I went in immediately.
I sat beside him and the driver took off immediately with the extra car following us behind.
I thought of scolding him for his grumpy attitude earlier in clas-s but decided to let it go.
Besides, I know it wouldn’t have any effect on him.
“How do you know Jackson?” He asked while going throu-gh his phone.
Oh!
About that…I’ve also been curious.
“Um…He’s my…he’s my friend” I replied, deciding not to tell him he’s my ex.
“Just one piece of advice miss, stay away from him” he said coldly, not looking at him.
Hold on; did he just refer to me as miss?
And…why does he want me to stay away from Ryan?
“Do you know him before?” I asked but he connected his head phones and leaned his head on the car seat, probably listening to music from his phone.
What the…
How can he snub me like that?
I glared at him as he closed his eyes and remained silent.
Such a j£rk; I thought angrily and looked away.
*
*
When we got home, we ate dinner – separately.
He ate alone in the room while I ate alone in the dining as well.
The rest of the family had alre-ady eaten before we arrived. So, that was how it turned out for me.
When I was done eating, I returned to the room so I could study for the competition the next day.
Bad news – I met Ryan watching TV in the room.
And guess what?
He was smoking!!!
What?
I halted at the door and gawped at him, surprised.
What the hell?
First of all, the smoke.
And secondly, how can I study with the movie on?
He was sitting comfortably on the three seaters couch in the room – deriving plea-sure from what he was doing.
I scoffed and went ahead to take my books from my bag and then, I sat on the be-d.
I was thinking he’d turn off the movie seeing me with a book. But he acted like I was actually invisible.
“If you wouldn’t mind, mister, I’m tryna re-ad here” I said, looking at him, but he still kept his eyes fixed on the tele ans didn’t say a word.
It was some stupid Hollywood movie.
“Hey, I’m talking to you” I snapped and he sighed and emptied the ashes of his cigarette into a plate.
“I’m sure you can identify a libr@ry when you see one” he stated icily and I g@sped.
What?
What insolence!
I opened my mouth and tried talking back at him but couldn’t find anymore word to say.
Then I folded my hands and leaned on the edge of the be-d.
I wish there was a way I could punch him in the face.
I opened my book and tried concentrating, but it seemed almost impossible as the noise and gun sh0ts from the movie continued distracting me.
Gosh! It seems I’ll have to leave the room.
Suddenly, he stood up and I took in a de-ep breath.
plea-se tell me he’s leaving alre-ady.
He walked over to his wardrobe and took out his towel.
And guess what? He took the TV remote with him to the bathroom.
Hold on; like seriously?
I scoffed as I was left all alone in that noise.
This guy’s such a j£rk.
I stood up with my books and was about leaving the room when a thought suddenly hit at me.
Yes!
His park of cigarette was on the couch where he was lying and I smiled as I stared at it.
Without reluctance, I went over to it and took the complete pack and quic-kly hid it in my bag.
Perfect.
Then I returned to sitting on the be-d and opened my books like I was so interested in them.
Now; let’s see what Mr grumpy is going to do.
It’s pay back time.
Married To
Mr Popular
(Rude and grumpy)
Episode 24
By: Faith Lucky.
Bethel’s Pov:
I sat with my legs crossed and focused on my book. And not long after, he c@m£ out of the bathroom.
Oh
My
God!
No no.
Bethel resist it.
He was tying just a towel around his w@!st and had water dripping from his hair down to his ba-re che-st.
And…
What?
He had so many tattoos – a lot of them – all over his che-st and left arm.
Oh my God!
This was the first time I was having such a view of his b©dy and damn…it was so killing.
At that moment, he was like the cutest being I’d ever seen.
Wow!
And thinking of it…He’s actually my…husband.
I was so stupid and lost staring at him that I didn’t even realize when he got to the couch.
He scoffed and looked at me.
“Where’s my cigarette?” He asked and that was when I snapped out of my wild thoughts.
“Uh…your what?” I asked, not getting what he said the first time.
“You heard me right” he replied brosquely
“Oh! Your…your cigarette? I don’t know. I didn’t take it” I stuttered and stood up with my books.
“I um…I nee-d to look for the libr@ry” I added and walked out of the room, taking a de-ep breath as soon as I was outside.
Geez! Bethel; what the hell happened to me in there? Why did I lose control?
I placed my hand on my che-st and went for the dining.
The image I had seen kept repla-ying in my head and left me more confused.
Trust me, it was killing.
Luckily, the dining was empty and I decided to make use of it. I seriously don’t think I’ll be able to study in that room even if Ryan turns off the movie.
I opened my books and tried to concentrate, but all I could see was a shi-tless che-st and towel.
Oh Bethel
plea-se.
“nee-d some help?” I heard a pesky voice from behind and turned to see the j£rk – Royce.
Oh plea-se; don’t tell me.
I really don’t nee-d anyone to add to my problems right now.
I glared at him and took my eyes back to my books.
“Maybe you might wanna try being friendly around me. It might help, you know?” He said as he c@m£ and sat facing me
“And maybe you might wanna try avoiding me” I snapped and stood up with my books, walking out to the balcony.
What kind of a problem is this? I can’t seem to have peace anywhere at all.
Oh Bethel;
You’re married.
*
*
I was finally able to sit quietly at the balcony and study and after a long time, I decided to get some sleep. I was so tired. I hope the competition was going to be a success.
I returned to the room nervously, praying Ryan was alre-ady asleep.
But unfortunately, he wasn’t. And this time around, he was on the keyboard, pla-ying a soft tune.
As usual, he didn’t turn to look at me as I walked in and quietly, I went to my bag to return my books.
I opened the bag and was about putting the books in when I checked and discovered the cigarette pack was missing.
What?
I quic-kly turned to look at Ryan and lo and behold,it was there at the t©p of the keyboard.
What the hell?
How did he…
I huffed and shook my head.
This guy’s something else.
I returned the books and went to lie on the be-d and as I did, the sound of the keys he was pla-ying calmed me a lot. He was so good at it.
Since the keyboard was facing the window in front of the be-d, I had an opportunity to stare at him from behind.
He was now putting on a black shi-t and trou-ser and had a gold ring on his left ear.
I guess he can never do without jewelries.
He was silent and engrossed in the tone he was pla-ying and I didn’t know when I sle-pt off.
I woke up the next morning, feeling a whole lot better.
The sun glinted on the window and reflected on my face and that was p@rt of the reason I woke up.
Hold on; why’s the sun out alre-ady? What’s the time?
I looked around for the wall clock and found one hanging on the wall.
I g@sped and almost screamed in fright as my eyes met with time.
Whaaat?
It was almost 9 a.m. and I was supposed to revise with Kyle before the competition commences by 10 a.m.
Oh, God Bethel! What have you done?
I jumped on my feet immediately and ran into the bathroom. How could I sleep so carelessly on a day like this?
I turned on the shower immediately and took a quic-k bath. That was like the shortest bath I had ever taken.
I hurried out of the bathroom and made sure the door was locked.
Thank goodness Ryan wasn’t in.
And come to think of it – he couldn’t even wake me up.
I changed into my uniform and brushed my hair.
I made doubly sure I was good to go and then, I took my bag from the be-d and hurried out of the room.
Oh, my! It was alre-ady 9:27.
I got to the dining and met them alre-ady having breakfast.
Gosh! I was actually hungry.
But there’s no way I’m having breakfast.
“Bethel” Ryan’s mum called the moment she saw me.
“You’re just in time for…”
“I’m sorry I can’t. I’m running late” I replied hastily and ran out the door.
My driver was alre-ady waiting for me and I entered into the van and he scorched off immediately.
*
I was so restless as I sat at the backseat. Why didn’t I set an alarm? And nob©dy even bothered to wake me up.
Geez! This is such a mess.
We finally got to the school building and I didn’t hesitate to jump out of the van immediately.
Nicole was alre-ady waiting for me at the facade and her eyes beamed the moment she saw me.
“Bethel!” She called and ran to meet me.
“What the hell happened? I’ve been trying to reach you. Have you forgotten about the competition?” She asked as we scuttled to the principal’s office.
“I really don’t know what happened, Nicole. I over sle-pt” I replied, feeling so guilty.
“Are you kidding me? You over sle-pt on a day like this?” She asked and went on nagging til we got to the principal’s office.
Oh God!
Kyle was alre-ady coming out with the principal and two other teachers.
How do I face them?
“Bethel?” The principal called surprised.
“I was about putting a call to your mum. What the hell happened?” She quarried.
“I’m…I’m sorry ma’am. I uh…woke up with a severe head ache” I replied, staring at the floor.
“Well, it’s almost time. Are you re-ady?” She asked and I nodded.
“Okay then. Let’s go” she said and continued walking and I followed while Nicole had to stay behind.
I turned and waved at her and proceeded with them.
“Hi” I said lowly to Kyle as I walked beside him.
“Hi” he replied simply.
“Um…I’m sorry for not coming earlier as planned. I had..”
“Its okay; I un-derstand” he cut in – calmly – and we didn’t say any other thing to each other.
*
*
*
HOURS LATER
The entire school was filled with jubilation as we returned from the competition successfully.
Clas-ses were canceled for the rest of the day and all that was taking place was celebr@tion and happiness.
GLAMOUR HIGH EMERGED WINNERS IN THE 2020 INTERSCHOOL MATHEMATICS COMPETITION
That was the headline re-ading all over the internet.
Oh my! I felt so lucky.
But to be sincere, Kyle had been the master of it. He had been the one solving most of the equations and I can say he’s the reason we won.
“Congratulations Kyle; congratulations Bethel. I’m proud of you” the principal commended as we stood in front of her office.
“Thank you ma’am” I replied ecstatically while Kyle just smiled.
Really, it was a thing of joy to me.
All the teachers c@m£ around and congratulated us as well.
“We’ll be holding a school p@rty tomorrow to award you guys for your performance. Make sure you invite your parents along so they can take pictures with you. And be free to invite any member of your family or friends to witness it.”
She paused and turned to the teachers beside us.
“Make the announcement go round immediately. I want everyone to be aware of it” she said to them and they replaced with a nod.
“Once again, congratulations guys” she said.
“Thank you ma’am”. I replied.
“Thanks” Kyle also said this time around and we were dismissed.
“Congratulations” Kyle said to me as we walked together.
“You don’t nee-d to congratulate me. This wouldn’t have been possible. You know I wasn’t prepared” I replied shyly.
“Of course, you also made it possible. So, congratulations” he smiled and took a different direction and I was left alone.
Seriously, I thought this guy was asking grumpy as Ryan.
Hm.
Well, turns out my guess was wrong.
“Bethel!” I heard Nicole’s voice and turned to see her running towards me, smiling happily.
“Oh bestie! Congratulations” she beamed and embr@ced me.
“Thanks” I replied and unlocked from the hvg.
“Wow! You’ve become a celebrity in school Bethel. Your name’s ringing all over the building. Are you aware there’ll be an award giving p@rty for you guys tomorrow?” She asked and I sighed.
“So, the news has started going round alre-ady.
“Yeah. But unfortunately, I’m not sure mum will be coming. So, I’ll be alone” I said despodently.
“Aw. Come on Bethel. Just tell her about it. She might show up. But even if she doesn’t, you should know I’m always here for you” she said with a pout and I smiled and pla-yed with her hair.
“By the way, I’m so hungry, Nicole. I nee-d to go to cafeteria” I said, remembering I hadn’t eaten since morning.
“Oh! Come on then. Let’s go” she replied and accompanied me to the cafe.
“Congratulations Bethel” two students said to me as Nicole and I walked into the cafe.
“Thanks” I smiled back at them.
Geez! I’m really not used to this.
Everyone in the cafeteria kept staring at me as Nicole and I found a place to sit.
“So, what would you like to eat?” She asked and I racked my head for a while.
“Um anything. Maybe pasta and eggs” I replied and she nodded and stood up to get them.
I placed my palm on my head and looked down on the table. I was so tired.
“Hey baby” I heard a familiar voice call and I lifted my head to see the ABC girls standing in front of me.
Oh, hell.
Not now.
“Congratulations” Blair smiled sarcastically.
I exhaled and folded my hands.
“Seriously girls, I’d really appreciate it if you could go else where” I said tiredly.
“Aww dear, but why? We only c@m£ to congratulate you” Alma said and Cheryl chuckled.
“But really Bethel, I’m impressed. So, from the bo-ttomof my heart, congratulations” Blair said again and I rolled my eyes.
“The bo-ttommust be so dirty. So keep it. I don’t nee-d it” I said churlishly and she laughed.
“By the way, how’s the award giving p@rty gonna be for you tomorrow? I heard you were supposed to come with a relative. But who exactly will come for you?
“Awwn, poor Bethel. I’m sure your mummy’s gonna be busy as always to come for it. Well, maybe your mother in law might help you out” she siad and laughed with the rest.
“But she’s married right?” Cheryl ch!pped in.
“Yeah – that’s true!” Blair g@sped.
“You’re married. Why don’t you come along with Ryan?”
Seriously? Why are these girls so bent on being professional bullies?
“Come on Blair; how do you expect her to come along with him?” Alma asked.
“I’m pretty sure he doesn’t even look at her in the room”.
“Is lying the only skills you have?” I asked and they laughed.
“Hold on Bethel”; Blair said.
“So, are you trying to say we’re lying? Does that mean you’re on good terms with Ryan? Really? Then, prove it to us” she grinned and went to the front of the cafe, climbing an empty table on it.
What?
“Can I have your attention, plea-se?” She said audibly and all eyes turned on her.
The whole place bec@m£ quiet as everyone was curious to know what she was doing.
“Guess what, guys? I’ve got good news” she said and Alma and Cheryl in front of me cl@pped.
“Our dear Bethel here wants to prove to us how lovey dovey she is with her husband. And for that, she’ll be ma-king him come to school for the award giving p@rty tomorrow. Soooo, Ryan Winthrop will be here with us tomorrow!” She proclaimed and immediately, there was a mas-s hysteria in the cafe as everyone began jubilating and shouting.
Mr Popular will be here!!” They exclaimed.
I g@sped and looked at Blair as she sm-irked at me.
I could feel my heart beating like a p@rty drum.
Oh, my God!
What has she done?
How do I get Ryan to come with me to school tomorrow?