?TRUTH AND LIES?
(Alyssa)
Episode 8
Alyssa’s Pov:
I stood by the road and kept looking left and right. Impatiently. Where was he?
I had called him not long ago and he told me he was on his way.
Oh, God! I really can’t wait.
I kept moving tho and fro and finally, I caught a glimpse of him from my left and didn’t hesitate to run upto him.
“Nigel” I called in a loud voice and in sure he must have been stunned.
Mico’s Pov:
My eyes opened in shock as Alyssa jumped on me.
This girl is really crazy, isn’t she?
She kept holding me ti-ght and I could ha-rdly breathe.
“Alyssa, you…you’re choking me” I managed to say and she giggled and stepped down.
What a drama queen.
“Nigel, you won’t believe what I’m about to tell you” .
“Then, is there any nee-d telling me?” I asked and she laughed.
“Nigel, Mico apologised to me today in school! He s-ent everyone out of the cafeteria and asked me to sit with him. You can’t imagine it. I was so shocked.”
She kept talking and talking uncontrollably and my ears were alre-ady itching.
She talks too much.
“I still can’t believe it happened, Nigel. When he called me and told me to sit with him, I was so restless. I thought he wanted to expell me from the school. Then he told me recognised me as the waitress that poured drink on him and just when I thought my whole world was about to get shattered, he apologised to me! He told me he was sorry for raising his voice on me and ma-king me lose my job.
“But, wait; how did he know I lost my job?
“Anyway, maybe he got in tou-chwith Mr Franco.
“Oh, Nigel, I wish I could make it happen again. Everyb©dy’s eyes were on me. Immediately I stepped out of the cafeteria, all the students started crowding me. They were all taking pictures of me and I suddenly felt like a celebrity, Nigel!A queen!
“Even one rude girl in cl@$$, Pia, who didn’t want to @$$ociate with me at first, also ran to me and started talking to me. Everyb©dy suddenly wanted to be with me.!”
She paused and covered her face with her palm, laughing. I looked at her and smiled.
“I still can’t believe this happened Nigel” and continued. “Today’s my first day in school yet, I’m alre-ady ma-king a name. Oh, my Mico! He was so cute!”
I chuckled and looked away and that was when I noticed some basket of clothes on the floor by her gate.
Oh, no. Don’t tell me.
I looked at her and she was now itching her head.
“Uh…you know” she said.
“So many things happened in shool today and I was…thinking you’d want me to share it with you. So while I do so, you can just accompany me to Ma’am Boah’s house to return these clothes. We can talk all about it on the way.”
I looked at her and sighed pathetically.
This girl will not kill me.
Mico! Why did you have to come here again? Now, you’ll have to go throu-gh hell twice.
She didn’t even wait for my reply. She just gr@bb£d the baskets from the floor and gave one to me.
Alexa’s Pov:
I sat in the dining with my parents, unable to eat.
I was going throu-gh my phone and…who the hell is this Alyssa? I seriously can’t believe the news going around about her.
Her pictures were all over on the school group chat as the lady Mico had lunch with. Some fools were even saying she was Mico’s girlfriend.
But what’s happening? Why did Mico have lunch with her? Does he know her from somewhere?
But she’s a commoner.
“Alexa, you know I hate this habit of pressing your phone when eating” dad said to me and I frowned and stood up.
“ill be in my room, then” I stated and turned to leave.
“Baby come on…” mum called.
“I’ve lost my appetite mum” I replied churlishly and climbe-d the stairs, heading to my room.
I walked in and sat on the be-d, still going throu-gh my phone. I can’t believe Mico had actually s-ent everyone out of the cafe just to have lunch with that piece of trash.
It’s just her first day in school and she’s alre-ady famous. I was the most famous student in the school group chat but now it seems she was trying to take over.
No, I can’t let that happen. If Samantha heard of this she’ll laugh at me.
I nee-d to do something about this Alyssa immediately.
Mico’s Pov:
I returned home very tired and just wanted some rest. But I met my sisters and cousins in the sitting room and with the way they were sitting, I knew they had something in mind.
“Hey, hi” I said with a wave and tried talking the stairs but Angelo stood up and dragged me back, ma-king me sit between him and Michael.
What the heck?
“Where re you coming from Mico?”:Karen asked.
She was sitting in between Olivia and Octavia.
“And when has that started?” I also asked, opening my palms.
“in case you’re forgetting, Mico, we’re your elder sisters and you’re still un-der our care” Olivia said and I scoffed.
I looked at Angelo and Michael and they nodded in support of my sisters.
“You guys are so not serious” I said and tried standing up but Angelo and Michael held me back.
“Who was the lady you had lunch with?” Octavia asked.
Seriously?
‘Hell, I didn’t have lunch with her. She didn’t even tou-chher drink.” I replied with a gr-unted look.
“Yes, but you tried to have lunch with her. You s-ent everyone out of the cafeteria just for her. Who’s she?” Michael asked.
“And whoever said I did it for her? I just wanted to be alone and that was why I s-ent everyone out…”
“Except her” Angelo cut in.
“What did you two talk about?” Olivia asked.
“Where did you get to know her from?”
“Talk to us, Mico. What re you hiding from us?”
“plea-se plea-se plea-se, give me a break okay?” I cut in.
“Don’t you recognise her Michael? Angelo? She’s the waitress that poured drink on me in Ace of spade.”
What?”
“She’s the one?”
They asked at the same time.
“Yes. And that is why I called her to confirm she was really the one.” I replied impatiently and tired standing up again but they still held me back.
“But how did she get a scholarship Mico?” Karen asked.
“Yes. Who gave it to her?”
Oh God! These people will not kill me.
“What re you talking about? I don’t know anything about it okay? You can go ahead and ask the school management” I replied.
“Well, you’re the head of the school management. So we’re asking you instead” Olivia said, pointing that her tiny ugly fin-ger at me.
“Guys, guys, guys, listen okay? I don’t know anything about it so give me a break” I said and turns to Angelo and Michael.
“and don’t try stopping me again this time around” I told them and stood up and they didn’t try to stop me again.
They just kept lookin at me.
Better.
“He’s definitely hiding something” I heard Karen say as I climbe-d the stairs.
Yes, whatever.
I got into my room and plonked myself on the be-d. God I’m so tired.
I smiled as I recalled my day with Alyssa. She’s really fun to he with. I didn’t even feel the long distance we had walked anymore.
I brou-ght out my phone and logged in to the school group chat and woah! her pictures were trending over there. The school was talking about her. Some were even saying she was my girlfriend
I laughed and placed they phone on my che-st. She was so happy when she was telling me all about it and I kind of felt happy for her too.
Too bad she’s from a poor background. But…what if I do something to help her?
Yes! The young miss beauty contest!
I remembered she had also talked about it and she mind of seemed interested. She’s also very intelligent and I hears she had answered a question nob©dy could answer in the cl@$$; not even Alexa. I think she can meet up with the standard of the contest.
But will she be able to cope? I have a feeling she might get intimidated by other contestants.
Anyway, I still want to give it a try. I really want to help her out.
Oh! The number of contestants has been reached alre-ady. Anyway, that’s not a problem for someone like me. Besides it’s my school.
I took up my phone and dialled the principal’s number.
He didn’t pick at first but picked during the second time.
“Hello? Mr Fredo?
“Yes. I nee-d you to do something for me”.
The Unknown:
Hah! I knew it! I knew Alyssa was going to be a big challenge for me. Now she wants to become p@rt of the contest.
Oh, God! I can’t let this happen. Why’s Mico doing all these for her? I knew she was going to be nothing but a disaster.
No! This nee-ds to stop. I can’t take any more chances. I nee-d to act pretty fas-ter than I planned. I nee-d to kill Alyssa right away.
Yes! Yes! I’ll poison her. Yes! Perfect idea. I’ll poison her.
I’m sure she likes me alre-ady and she won’t suspect me ,so she’ll drink it.
Yes, that’s just what I’ll do. And I’m going to do it tomorrow.
Oh, thank goodness! Finally, Alyssa will be gone. My success will be guaranteed.
By tomorrow, Alyssa will be dead.
***
***
I got off the cab and took the street leading to Mico High. I met the securities at gate and greeted them as usual before walking in, my heart beating very fast.
After what happened between Mico and I yearsterday I was scared I might get bullied by soke students. I really hope I don’t get into trouble.
I kept walking quietly and all the students I c@m£ across were all staring and talking about me. They were probably talking about what happened yesterday.
But I think I heard someone say something like “contest”.
I waved it aside and continued walking humbly but when I got to the entrance leading to the stairs, I noticed some of the students were standing and staring at a picture on the wall. And the picture kind of looked familiar.
I decided to draw near and…Holy Christ! It was my picture! I was the one in the poster and it was stated I was the 11th contestant in the young miss beauty contest.
Whaaat?
How?
When?
I g-asped and covered my mouth with my palm and all the students turned to look at me.
I stood motionless for a while, trying to un-derstand what I just saw. How did I become a contestant? Who registered me? And for what reason?
How can I be oke of the contestants? After everything Sandy told me…
I was still standing there confused when a student cane up to me.
“Hi Alyssa. The principal is calling for you in his office” she told me and scurried off immediately.
Oh, God! My legs were shaking.
I turned around and headed for the principal’s office. All eyes were still on me and it increa-sed my nervousity.
The whole thing still seemed like a dream to me.
Or, could it be a mistake?
I got to the principal’s office and met Mrs Houston there. They were chatting and laughing blissfully that I felt I might be I intruding.
I cleared my throat and that was when the principal noticed me.
Mrs Houston also turned around and looked at me.
“Oh, Alyssa!” Mr Fredo called excitedly.
“Come in come in”.
I nodded and walked in.
“G…Good morning, sir. Good morning ma” I greeted nervously.
“Good morning Alyssa” Mrs Houston replied with a smile and Mr Fredo signalled me to take the seat next to her and I did.
“Uhm…A student told me you wanted to see me, sir” I said.
“Oh yes!”
He opened his drawer and brou-ght out a form.
“You’ve just been registered in the young Miss beauty contest. Congratulations. So fill this form over here” be told me as he p@$$ed me the paper with a pen.
I took a look at it and…Oh, God! It was real. I was really the 11th contestant. But how did it happen?
I looked back at the principal and he was staring back at me
“But sir…”
“I know you’re surprised Alyssa. Just consider it a gift” he interrupted me, knowing what I wanted to say.
I ran out of words, but to be sincere, I was really happy but I was still surprised and nervous too.
First, it was a free admission. And now, it’s a free registration. Who could be doing all these for me?
“Tomorrow’s the Orientation for all the contestants” Mr Fredo continued. “And the meeting will be taking place in the second emergency cl@$$ by 10:30. So don’t fail to be there because you’ll jet to know all about the contest from there.”
“Alyssa is quite intelligent” Mrs Houston said. “Maybe she might stand a chance in the contest.”
I smiled faintly and took the form, filling in my details.
When I was done, Mr Fredo upended his drawer again and brou-ght out a packet – it looked like a phone packet.
“And this…” he paused and p@$$ed the packet yo me. “This is your new phone”.
My eyes glittered as I upended them wi-de in disbelieve and shock.
A what?
I took up the packet and stared at it. Was it really mine?
But how?
“S…Sir, I…I…how did I get it?” I asked dropping the packet back on the table.
“Well, you can just consider it a gift r from me” he replied.
“You…you mean you bought it wit your money?” I asked confoundedly.
“Come on Alyssa 3 you’re too inquisitive. It’s yours okay? And that’s all that matters. Now hurry up so you won’t be late for cl@$$”
“But sir…” I tried talking but was interrupted by Mrs Houston laughing.
“You’re so funny Alyssa” she said. “if you don’t want it, I can take it for you”.
I looked down and smiled shyly. The whole thing was just so unbelievable for me.
I slowly took the packet and took a very good look at it again. I still can’t believe I was having a new phone.
“T…Thank you sir” I told him as l fixed the packet into my bag and stood up.
“Thank you Mrs Houston” I said to her.
“You’re welcome Alyssa” she replied with a smile.
“Have a nice day” Mr Fredo also told me and I bowed and left.
I heaved the big sigh as I walked out the door but disappointed, I ran into the vice principal- that arrogant Mrs Tamara- and she gave a loathing look at me.
“Good morning ma” I stopped and greeted her, staring at the floot.
“And what’s good about the morning?” She asked huskily.
“Oh! I guess th morning is good for you because you just got registered as the 11th contestant. Now, I don’t know how or why all these si happening but I want you to have this in mind; you don’t belong here” she said belligerently and walked away.
Why the hell does she hate this much?
I shook my head and continued on my way to the cl@$$. My heart was racing so fast.
Who could this secret helper be?
I got to the door of the cl@$$room and conniption gripped me once more. How do I get in?
All the students were alre-ady stating at me and I’m pretty sure they were talking about me.
“Hey, Alyssa” sandy called and waved at me from inside the cl@$$ and that as when I finally gathered up courage and walked in.
I kept my head low, ignoring the mumblings of the students as I walked to where sandy was sitting together with Pia.
“Hi” I greeted nervously and sat beside her.
“Hey Alyssa. Do you know you’ve just become famous right now in Mico High?” Sandy asked and I smiled bashfuly.
“But how did you become the 11th contestant? There we meant to be just 10 contestants” Pia said disgr-untled.
“I…I don’t know” I replied.
“This is so not fair” Pia Said angrily.
“My dad pleaded to pay triple of the money for the registration, but they rebuffed his offer. But you, you’re just a new student yet, you were made the 11th contestant within the twi-nkle of an eye. It’s just not right”.
She took up her bag and left the seat, going to sit behind.
Oh, Alyssa! I think you’ve just created a lot of enemies.
Sandy sighed and held my hand.
“Don’t pay attention to her Alyssa” she said. “She can be crazy at times.
“But I’m still curious. How did you become the 11th contestant?”
“I don’t know. I’m as surprised as you all are and the principal wouldn’t tell me” I replied and sandy placed her chin on her hand.
“Wait!” She suddenly said and I looked at her curiously.
“Yes, yes; I…I think I’ve finally gotten it. I think I know who this secret helper is.”
My eyes beamed.
‘Who is it?” I asked curiously.
“Think about it, Alyssa. First, it was a free admission. Mico High doesn’t give scholarships. As a matter of fact, they have a population limit and the population limit for this semester has been reached alre-ady but surprisingly, you got a free admission.
“Secondly, you bec@m£ the magical 11th contestant
A lot of students tried all they could to get an opportunity in the contest ,but couldn’t. But you, you surprisingly got it so easily without stress, without paying a dime.
“So who do you think is powerful enough to do such a thing?”
I thought for an answer.
“The…principal?” I asked.
“Even the principal doesn’t have such authority” she told me and I arched my brows at her.
Then, who could it be?
Wait; don’t tell me it’s…
No. It can’t be
“Who else, Alyssa?” She asked. “It’s Mico!”
TBC… ☺☺