Chapter Six
Fifteen minutes later, all the cars but two had left and the lights dimmed in Headmaster Castile’s home. Upon seeing this, Roderick silently left his convertible and walked quietly to the other car parked in the street. He opened the passenger door without looking over and sat heavily in the seat, staring straight ahead. “Archer.”
“What?”
“What happens now?”
“What happens now, good friend, is that you go home and get some sleep.”
“I’m going to take a very long sleep and maybe never wake up.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“All this waiting around is killing me, so why not kill myself?”
“Could you be a little more dramatic? Don’t you see the progress we made tonight?”
“I can’t. Devony’s dad gave his damn blessing to the two of them being together! How could I have ever thought that I had a chance with her? She didn’t even look at me when she came into the room and saw me sitting there! Why do I have to love her so much?”
“Because you’re a man and men are always full of lust.”
“It’s not lust, Archer. I really care about her.”
“I’m sure you do,” Archer said, rolling his eyes. “So I guess that means Orion truly cares for her as well. Did you hear that speech about no sex until he’s married? What a load of crap! Those people don’t have the restraint to wait until marriage! It’s all a lie, I’m sure. A dirty lie coming from Capetown, as usual. It’s lust, Roderick. What you feel for her, what Capetown feels, and what every man out there feels for any man or woman! I’ll bet our good mayor is satisfying his right now. The Headmaster too.”
“I think Orion’s telling the truth. He seemed sincere—”
“Those people are never sincere,” Archer growled. “Now stop all of this crap, you’re beginning to piss me off. You’re talking about killing yourself when the plan has just gone into effect.”
“What plan? I don’t see how any of this is helping me get Devony.”
“Shut up and listen,” Archer said, pulling him close. “Just because Capetown and Devony are together now doesn’t mean they will date forever, does it? A man who won’t have sex until he’s married? Please. Devony will get bored quickly. She may not think she has the urges now, but believe me, she’ll want a real man soon enough. Remember the money Darren gave you? Put it away. Save it for when that day comes so you can shower Devony with the gifts and a life she deserves.”
“Orion says that his parents are well-off.”
“According to South African standards.”
“But they’re always traveling somewhere.”
“It’s…dammit, Roderick! I’m sure he’s lying either way. Just make sure you have your money ready. You’ll have Devony between your sheets before you realize what’s even happening so continue to be patient. And for the love of God, don’t talk about killing yourself! Do you want someone to put you on suicide watch?”
“Well no, but—”
“So you have to trust me. Tomorrow during lunch break put your cash in the account that I set up. Listen, Roderick and make sure you’re using your ears this time. I hate Capetown, I hate him more than words can say and I’m just as dedicated to destroying him as I am to finding you happy with Devony. We can work together.”
“Are you going to be at school tomorrow morning before classes?”
“You know that I have to pick up your future girlfriend.”
“I’ll be at the school early too.”
“Oh, don’t bother. You won’t do anything to help. Just go home. And one more thing—”
“What?”
“I’m serious, man. Stop talking about killing yourself. I can’t hook you up with Devony if you’re in the loony bin.”
“I’ll stop.”
“Good. Make sure you put that money in the account.”
“Okay,” he said, starting to smile. “Thank you, Archer. You’ve been a good friend.”
“Just go!” Archer said, shoving him playfully towards the door and starting the engine. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, then,” Roderick said, stepping out of the car and quietly closing the door. A moment later Archer pulled away from the curb and disappeared down the street.
Smiling, Archer looked at himself in the mirror. Did being rich automatically make you stupid? It would be more fun to scam these brats from their money if only it were a bit more challenging.
“I hate him so much,” Archer growled as he slowed down to wave at the guard of the gated community. “All that bullshit about saving himself for marriage! What a bunch of lies! How does he explain the rumors about him sleeping with Ellie?” He pounded heavily on the dashboard. “I know he did! If I ever get my hands on any proof that he and Ellie – grrr, just thinking about it makes me so pissed I can barely control my anger,” he said, swerving violently into the opposing lane.
“It’s all working out. Orion trusts me and Micah’s girly features will certainly help with my plan. How can I hurt Micah and Orion at the same time?” After a moment an idea came to him. Pulling his car into a parking lot, he quickly texted Roderick while the idea was still fresh.
~ M may be getting too close to O’s girlfriend.
M’s a player so O won’t be surprised
O wants to trust others.
He’ll believe me.
Call me when you get home.
~A~
He veered back onto the main road with a smile on his face. Yes, this could work. With a little luck, this could definitely work.
Act Two