A Chance For Love

  ***

  Rumors of me living with Sir Aaron had spread all through the school, and everyone believed he had ulterior motives, but he didn't seem to care. So why would I?

  Just as the teacher for last period made her exit, Raheem advanced to me. "We need to talk."

  Nonchalantly, I threw my books in my bag. "If it's about the rumors-"

  "Screw those rumors," he said, his voice loud enough to steal everyone's attention. "I just want my Toria back. Is that too much to ask? You won't even speak to me. Farah's upset. She thinks I hurt you somehow, when in reality you're the one hurting me."

  My Toria. He'd called me his Toria. But why?

  I ignored the butterflies in my stomach. "Please keep your voice down."

  Raheem smirked. "Is that a yes?"

  "A yes to what?" I asked.

  "Going home together so we can clear things up," he said. "You must think ill of me."

  "I can't go with you," I said. "Sir Aaron-"

  "I'll go talk to him. I'm sure he'll be okay with it." He turned to leave, but I sprang to my feet and grabbed his arm.

  "Please, don't," I said. "I've got a phone now. I'll give you my number so we can talk."

  Without waiting for his response, I picked up my pen. As though reading my mind, a grinning Amarachi presented a piece of paper on which I wrote down my number. "Here."

  Raheem took it with a smile. "Look how desperate you are to give me your number. It's not like I asked. Gee, thanks."

  Sir Amadi's voice screeched over the intercom. "Victoria Brown. Main office. ASAP."

  "Someone's in shit," Amarachi said.

  "Oh Lord, what have I done now?" I thought aloud.

  "Let's go find out," Raheem said.

  "What? No. There's no way you're going with me."

  "So you think." Winking at me, he walked out of the class.

  "Someone's twitterpated," Amarachi said.

  "Yeah, right."

  "Keep me updated."

  "Okay." I waved her goodbye and headed for the main office, only to find Raheem waiting for me in the stairway. Wordlessly, I led the way.