Chapter 35

"Wow. I didn't know that. That's beautiful"
He said dryly. Kim didn't know why she'd told him that and she didn't regret it. Not even his sudden standoffishness made her regret it or shout that it was a joke. Which in her heart, felt it was not a joke.
The evening ended in a different way..not as hearty and chatty as it had initially been and she didn't care much.
"Goodnight, Kim. I'll be out of town tomorrow but I'll keep in touch with you. As an impresario, we might be working together soon", he said in a businesslike manner.
"Thanks again for dinner. I'd look forward to working with you, Walker".
He left. She took the stairs to her apartment. It was cold out and she needed above all things, to break a sweat. She reached her apartment and felt the sudden surge of heat in her. Her fireplace had gone cold since the last time. She'd not had a help clean and set up a fire for her..
Flash back
Years ago.
"Jennifer Stone !"
Oh dear...that's mum. Yes, that's my name. I'm Jennifer Stone of Brooks Street. My family became popular in the neighborhood after my parent's big fight. Since that day,I'm surprised that they are still married. Ever since then ,everyone calls us the Stone of Brooks Street. More like "The Broken Stone of Brooks Street."
"Jennifer! Am I suppose to tell you when to come down for breakfast?"
"Sorry mum"
Wait for it, wait, just a little while
" Go and get your Dad "
I don't need to remind you guys. My parents don't talk to each other. I'm like their communication device. Yes Dad,a deep sleeper, lazy and...never mind.
"Dad? Wake up. Mum has prepared breakfast fast,"
" Leave me alone Jenny," he said
Jenny...I love it when he calls me that. I prefer Jenny to Jennifer. Jennifer sounds like trouble. Look at this man. He's sleeping again. Awwn...he looks happy in his sleep. I'll leave him to sleep. Sweet dreams Daddy.
"Where is he? I mean the lazy man," mum enquired.
" He wouldn't wake up. You know him," I answered.
"He's lucky I'm in a good mood today"
Talk of good mood. Thank God .Now, I can ask for money for new notes. This kind of mood is rare and opportunity they say comes but ones.
"Mum?...can I ask for money now?"
"There you go. How much this time?"
"One thousand. As in 1-0-0-0"
"Do you think money grows on trees, Jennifer?" She asked.
"Please...."
"Don't give me that look Jennifer."
The puppy eyes. Always works on mums. Wait...relax... don't chew me raw. I know it doesn't work on all mums but Mrs. Stone always falls for it.
"Fine! Check my purse. This is the last time," she said.
"Thank you mum."
I always hug her when I get something I wanted from her and she loves them. She even gave it a name; Jennifer of Brooks Street Hugs..
Before I forget, I need to check my school timetable for Tuesday. I have Maths, English,Economics and after the break; I have literature, two periods. Can this day get any worse?
SCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL
Knowledge High School,. I'm an Art student who is aspiring to become Knowledge High School's Literature Teacher. Don't look at me...I can do anything to be with him. I mean literally anything. Maybe he will finally notice me. By then, it won't be a Student Teacher relationship but a Teacher Teacher relationship accepted by all. We could get married and have the chance to fu....
"Oops...sorry. Day dreaming again?"
Claire Monte. The Literature Club Queen. Through her talent in writing stories, she was able to achieve the title. Last year, she published seven books. No one has ever taken the title. The Literature teacher calls her Chinua Achebe. I'm 100% sure the man won't name her after himself. Rubbish!
"I'm sure if I buy you classes Claire. You still won't see. So don't apologize"
"Maybe cause you are too invisible," she said waldave to the class.
Invisible?! Can you imagine?! Invisible...
Yeah...she had a point. Mr. Ben doesn't even know me. All he knows is that I'm a student. Half of the school do not know I exist. Mmm...but that's about to change. Last term I enrolled in the Literature Club and I can only be granted access if I'm able to write a wonderful story. Why do you think I new notes? Haha.... I just need an inspiration. I can't use Mr. Ben as one because I might end up writing a porn story.
"What are you thindave about," a familiar voice spoke.
Jess! Eric foster! God ! Can you stop doing that.
"You startled me. Jess...Eric foster"
"Sorry...I just saw you lost in your thoughts again," he said smiling
Eric foster aka Mr. Weirdo and my best friend. We've been friends from primary school days and have stocked together for years. He wants to become a Lawyer. Good luck to him
"Jennifer, I just saw the Maths Teacher."
"Why did he decide to come today?"
The problem is not that I hated Maths but Mr. Akan is my Sunday School Teacher ( a teacher a teaches teen section in church before the main service). He never misses a class whether sick or not. It's like he comes to class to teach only me. He expects me stay away from kids who don't answer questions in class. He acts like he's my fucdave Uncle. Sorry...no swearing. He also acts like my parents asked him to keep an eye on me. I won't be surprised if mum did. You can imagine my suffering.
" let's go Jennifer. It's too early to complain," Eric said dragging me to class.
Am I complaining? Someone help me. Please....I need help.
BREAK TIME SCHOOL
I'm here in the library. I have to come up with a good story. What do I write about? My life? My parents? No...it will bore my audience. I'll just write anything that comes to my mind.
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JENNIFER'S STORY
He woke up. He didn't have the courage to tell his wife his pains. The truth behind his daily separation from her. The truth that he was impotent. How would Mary take this? he thought. He looked at his beautiful wife who was sleeping soundly beside him. He placed a kiss on her forehead and left for the bathroom.
************************************
That's was a good start. I hope I get an inspiration to complete it. The story sounds interesting. What do you guys think? Ah ...I need inspiration.
"PRANG! PRANG! PRANG!" The bell sounded
I know what you are thindave. It's literature class and Mr. Ben is going to be there. Oh...happy day ,oh happy day.
I wonder what he's going to teach today but I came prepared.
"Class, I'm sorry. I can't teach today. I have got a cold. I will be heading home but I asked someone to stand in for me. She'll read out the Scheme of Work for the term. She will ask questions from the Q&A booklet."
Oooh no...why?...wait...please no....
please let it not be what I'm thindave. Lord stop this madness from happening. This is wrong. Why is that witch smiling. Can this day just stop?!
Kill me! Just end my whole existence.
"Chinua Achebe,will stand in for me. I know she will do a great job. Thank you class for understanding," he said leaving the class
Please Mr. Ben (sobing). Don't leave us in the hands of this ugly beast. Come back...please.... Look at the evil smile on her face. Claire Monte ,you have not heard the last of me. Enjoy it while it last. One day that will be me standing there torturing your rotten soul. BITCH!
"Hello class. It is me. Claire Monte, your literature teacher for one hour and thirty minutes (two periods)."
The class already knows her. She was going to torture us. Hello guys. It's her. Claire Monte, your witch for an hour. Enjoy.
ONE HOUR AND THIRTY MINUTES LATER
"Hey! Jennifer! Are you OK? Jennifer!"
Aaaarh!.... Why does he keep doing that? He needs to pop down with the startling stuff. I'm still trying to recover from what happened.
"What is it Eric foster? What do you want?"
"You have been in shock for 20 minutes. Claire Monte was done five minutes ago. I wanted to make sure you were OK. What happened?"he chuckled.
Is he seriously asdave that question? Did he not see what happened? Claire Monte called me a first class "dummy" front of the entire class. She just ruined me. Now the whole school is going...
"Dummy Jennifer. Jennifer ,the dummy"
The entire school will be that. I didn't even land from my journey to the land of shock. My whole life in secondary school just ended before its time.
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POLICE STATION
"Jennifer was a crazy girl," Inspector Renard declared. He readjusted his seat. He didn't want to miss any details that could help him solve the case.
"Are you still reading Jennifer's dairy?" His partner asked.
"Leave him alone, James," David cautioned him.
Renard placed a smile on his face as he reads further.
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"Jennifer, let's go. Please let's go. More students are coming."
Definitely Eric, i can't stay here. I know Eric is hurt that they are bulling me. That witch will pay for this so dearly. I hate her so much. Claire, you will regret this. I'm going to end your little career before you even achieve something better. Ohhh....I'm tadave her title.
" Aaaarhhh...Aaaarhh...Aaaarrh...."
"Stop crying An with A--N. Oh God !" Kimberly said.
Did I tell you about  Kimberly foster? Eric foster's elder sister. My one and only admirer. I still keep wondering what she sees in me. She is very romantic and nice but I'm not use to receiving love from the opposite sex. She studies Chemical Engineering at the University of Brains (UOB). I actually hope to gain admission into the University. I heard Mr. Ben graduated from there.
"Aaarrh...Aaarrh...Aaarrhh.... "Forget it Kimberly . She's still a baby," Kimberly 's best friend said.
Haha...haha...haha...look at who is taldave. H. T. --: Half transformation. Haha...haha...haha.... I call him. That's the name I call him. He acts like girl but hates being referred to as one. He has a sharp tongue and will win an argument with actually doing anything. He's name Peter but he calls himself Arthur
"Give me a go ahead and I'll teach that little girl a lesson. Just say it and it will be done. Nobody hurts you when I'm around," Kimberly said.
No... thanks Kimberly foster but this fight is for me alone. I want to do this myself. I want to show her whose better.
"Don't worry Kimberly . I want to handle this alone."
"Thank God Jennifer. Beny doesn't need to help you all the time," Peter hissed.
If this H.T.--: Half Transformation
doesn't shut up. I'll beat him back to shape. Idiot....Don't judge me. I'm just saying but I can really throw a punch.
Oh Dad...always forgetting to turn off the television. I wonder if he has eaten all day. Should I wake him up? Nahh...I think he was busy all afternoon. Busy sleeping. Wake up jhor!
"Dad? Wake up. Haven't you slept enough?"
"Jennye dear,you're home? Sit down."
Guys? Is something wrong with my dad? Why is he in the kitchen? I think what Claire Monte did today is affecting my eyes and ears. Let me check them.
"I made lunch Jennye. Sorry it's burnt."
"Dad, that was nice of you."
My dad made me lunch. The last time he did that was before he decided to quit his job. I miss this version of him. Why was he not sharing his problems with us? I thought we're family. Why did he quit his job?
" What are you eating, Jennifer?!"
And the drama begins. Mum comes to safe the day or heavens gave her a reason to argue with dad.
"How many times have I told you to stay away from my kitchen?!"mum yells.
" This is my house! Don't talk to me using that tone! "
"Lazy old fool, I pay the bills if you haven't noticed!"
Do you all want to listen to this? I know you don't. I'm tired of it. I wish they would just stop fighting about me or something. What is wrong with dad? Why did he change all of a sudden?
Why can't mum see that dad has a problem?
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POLICE STATION
The D.P.O. came in few seconds ago but Inspector Renard was too focused on Jennifer's book. Mr. Cletus, the D.P.O. walks towards James and taps him, enquiring about the investigation.
"There is no progress. Renard has been reading that book."
Before Mr. Cletus could reach for Renard, David stops him.
"Let's leave him to do his own investigation. I and James will do the needful. I believe Renard knows what he's doing."
The D.P.O. frowns but agrees later with David." I want you and James in my office." The two police officers follow Mr. Cletus.
The telephone rings. Renard moves his eyes from the book to the phone.
"Hello, Police Station. How can I help you?"
There is no response. Soon after, the caller ends the call. Renard dials the number again, no reply. Was this call connected to Jennifer's case?
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SOBBING... LOUD THUNDER...RAIN...
Jennifer's room
Today went very bad. First Claire and now, my parents. This is my life. Claire Monte is going to hear from me soon.
I think guys this is the best time to complete my story for the club.
************************************
Jennifer's story
He was tired of life. His pride was gone and he was at the verge of losing everything. How could he tell his "beauty" that could no longer satisfy her? He was also tired of how he pushed her away madave her feel unwanted. He turned off the shower and arrived at the conclusion; he had no choice but to leave her even though it hurt. He was going far away and never coming back. He was sure Mary would be happy without him. He rushed into the bedroom and packed his belongings. Mary woke up shocked at what she saw. Was he leaving her? What had she done wrong? she thought. He came home a week ago, sad and angry. Ever since, he has never been the same again. He distanced himself from her and now he was leaving?
"Gideon? Please...don't go," Mary begged. He didn't reply but kept on pacdave. Mary knelt down crying and begging. "Please Gideon, I promise we will work things out. Tell me what the problem is. Am I not dressing well? Did I wrong you?" Gideon fell on his knees in front of her in tears. He wanted to tell her but the pain of losing her was bigger than to leave her.
"Mary, it's not you," he cried aloud.
Mary was overwhelmed with fear. "What! Tell me! What is it?!" She screamed.
"You will be better off without me," he said.
Gideon continued with his pacdave and confused Mary was left on the floor crying. Hours went by, Gideon was gone. His family members could not explain his actions...
************************************
SCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL
Knowledge High School
My book has become the talk of the school. I'm sure everyone is asdave who Jennifer Stone is. I know what you are all thindave. How did she finish the book ? I stayed up all night writing. The name is Broken. Guess what...my book made the first five chart. Broken is number two. Yes, I got into the literature club. Yes, Mr. Ben congratulated me; and no, I haven't been given a special name yet. You need to have seen Claire Monte's face.
"Jennifer, I heard about your book"
Yes, Eric foster. You said it right. My book . Look at him, so happy. He is more happy than I am.
"Jennifer , do you know what you did?"
"No?"
" you made me popular too. Everyone is taldave to me. Especially the girls. Claire Monte talked to me."
Claire? Do you guys smell something fishy? I'm sure she's up to something and I don't like how she's going about it.
"What did she want, Eric ?"
" she just asked how I was. "
It's unlike her. She doesn't like Eric and I excluding others. I feel like it in my bones, she has a motive.
"Eric? Don't let her sweet talk you."
"Relax Jennifer. I've got this. Hey...I have to go. Dave's Gang invited me to a party. Bye."
"Wait! Eric!"
Dave's Gang? Is that the group of the richest and the most handsome boys in school? From what I heard, Claire's boyfriend is Dave. Why would they want Eric? What's the connection?
Jennifer's pov
Two weeks has gone by. I have been busy with the publication of my book, Broken. I apologize for not keeping you updated. Rewind.... My school volunteered to help me publish my book. Mother is very happy. Dad...doesn't really care much about stuffs like this. I'm now dating. Wait...did I say that? Dave doesn't want anyone to know. I'll give you the gist.
Remember when Eric was invited by Dave's Gang to a party. He informed me that Dave liked me. Before I knew, he broke up with Claire Monte in front of everybody and he asked me out. What do you think of me? I said 'no'. I thought about it after Claire gave me I hate you look. The last period ended, I walked up to Dave and accepted. No one knows we are dating. Claire hates me.
"Jennifer! Kimberly fosterohn is here. Should I tell her to come up?"
"Yes mum! Kimberly ? Come up."
Don't be surprised. We've known each other for long. Since we were little.
"An with A-N. I saw you today with Dave."
Woah... Kimberly was not supposed to find out. I'll just deny.
"We just met and remember he still likes me."
She doesn't look convinced. I don't know how to lie to her. God give me the strength.
"An with A-N, I saw the two of you hugging."
I forgot about the hug. It was comforting. She's waiting for a responds. Think! Jennifer think!
"An with A-N, I'm still waiting for a responds. Did Dave forcefully hug you? That bastard!"
OK? Let's keep her thindave that way. I hope he doesn't cause trouble for dave.
"Kimberly , I can handle everything. You don't need to protect me all the time. Trust me."
"You don't know Dave like I know him," Kimberly said.
There is more to this issue. He's afraid Dave might take me away from her. I'm not in a relationship with Dave because I love him. I want to show Claire who is Queen. You got scared for awhile. Mr. Ben will always be my one true love. No one else. Till I'm done with Claire Monte, Dave will have to be mine.
" Kimberly , I know how much you care for me but you need to let me grow. Let me be my own person."
"Fine...you have your way. Be careful. I love you."
"I love you as a friend, Kimberly ."
"Ouch! That hurt An with A-N," She laughed.
At times I wished I could love her. We are together in this. We both want love but they don't want us.
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St Joseph Hospital
Mrs. Stone stopped by the door of Jennifer's room. She couldn't help but cry. She blamed herself for everything. She wasn't a good mother. She neglected her daughter due to the problems in the family.
Dr. Manny came out of Jennifer's room and saw her crying. " Mrs. Stone? Are you sure you don't need help?" He has been concern for Mrs. Stone. He wished she could see a therapist to help her through this hard time. If only he could her, his hands were tied.
"Doctor, I'm OK. Is Jennifer's health improving?"
He didn't know what to tell her. The truth or the lies he has always be telling her. He walked away.
Renard's House
He kept loodave at the first suspect in Jennifer's case. Claire Monte. He wasn't sure she could kill her. Why would Claire Monte kill Jennifer? He stared at Jennifer's book for some minutes and he picked it up. He had to finish the book.
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If only you were here to see Claire Monte and her friends loodave at me like they wanted to choke. This is the perfect time to tell her about Dave and I. It will destroy her.
"Hello there, Claire Monte"
"Look at what the wind blew here. Dummy Jennifer."
If only she knew that this dummy Jennifer is about to fuck her up.
"Listen Jennifer. I am going to take back everything."
"There is no use Claire. I am the new Queen."
"What are you taldave about?"
I am about to give her a shocker. Something to remember. Never mess with me.
"Everyone! Dummy Jennifer says, she's Queen."
Alright, I see what she's doing. She wants to play this way. I wanted to go easy on her but never mind.
"Yes, I have something to say. Listen carefully. I'm dating Dave!"
This very moment, the shock that walked in our midst is bigger than anything seen. I'm about to write history.
"Unbelievable! You said no," Claire said.
"She said yes actually. It's true," Dave added.
Dave? Omg...Dave! He doesn't look happy. He's dragging me away from the crowd.
"Dave!Stop!You are hurting me!"
"We promised to keep this between us until we were ready."
Yeah...that...jess... I forgot in a rush to deal with Claire. They were going to know soon. What can be done?
"I'm sorry Dave. Claire... "
Moaah...moaah...God!...that was amazing. Did Dave kiss me? No...rewind...we were arguing seconds ago and now this kiss.
"Jennifer, I'll see you later. I have a class."
Yeah...I'm not blushing. Later...my first kiss...that was unexpected. It wasn't part of the plan.
"Wow Jennifer! What kind of a friend are you?"
Eric? I...goodness. What do I say to him?
"Eric? I was going to tell you."
"Stop lying! Ever since you gained fame. You act like I'm nothing but bullshit to you!"
"Eric?"
"Please leave me alone! I'm done with you! Wait until Kimberly hears this. You lied to him! Fuck!"
I'm sorry Eric. Once I get my revenge. I'll explain everything to you guys. I promise.
Three days, six hours and forty five minutes. My lonely world was soon filled up. Claire Monte's friends deserted her for me. When you are famous, everyone wants to hang out with you. When you are nothing, no one wants you. I learnt that the hard way. Now, it's Claire's turn.
Five days,two hours and ten seconds. Mr. Ben gave me a name; James Patterson. Yes, we talk a lot now. He calls everyday to check on me and my new work. He cares for me like a real boyfriend. I'm not saying Dave is not trying. Mr. Ben will always be my true love.