CHAPTER 67

Monica P.O.V
Charles took me to Campus best restaurant, the campus's prime spot. Luckily for us, there weren't many people there and I didn't know how I would feel if we had several curious gazes trailing us about. I realized most students would be studying and I felt a pang of guilt that I wasn't anywhere near my books right then.
'I really need to study," I said nervously.
'But we just got here." He looked shocked.
'I know but I have a lot to cover." I shrugged.
'I understand I won't take your time." He smiled and gestured for some service from the waiter.
When we were served, I'd chosen to have a bottle of soft drink and pizza. I waited for him to begin because I had no idea what to say. ‘
'You really don't talk much do you?"
I shrugged and shook my head.
'I see," He smiled slightly. 'I was wondering if you thought about what I said."
It suddenly became difficult to swallow. I coughed and spluttered before I grabbed my drink to take a sip.
'Wow, never knew I had that effect." Isaac chuckled.
'It's not you…" I began.
'It's me," He wrinkled his eyebrows. 'Sounds like a breakup line. We haven't even started… yet."
I cracked a small smile and bit my lip to hold in my laughter.
'I don't think I've heard you laugh before."
My smile became dim when I remembered my roommate saying that a long time ago but I was sure I had made progress since then.
'Sorry, did I offend you?" He asked.
'No, I just remembered something."
'So, back to my question," He said. 'You may be very beautiful but you can't distract me from the purpose for which this meeting is holding."
I froze and lost my voice somewhere in the back of my throat. It wasn't often that I was called beautiful. Ryan did a long time ago but it was meaningless to me now.
'Did you think about what I said, about giving me a chance, getting to know me?"
I cleared my throat before I spoke. 'I did."
'And…?" He looked like he very much depended on my answer.
I hoped I was about to say the right thing. Meeting Ryan was a disaster for me but Charles had shown none of the traits Ryan exhibited. But then again, Ryan had been the perfect gentleman too at some point in time. Charles claimed to have given up on his former ways but I still knew next to nothing about him. However, in order to discover more about him, I had to give him a chance, get to know him better. God, please let this be the right decision. I prayed silently.
'I thought about it and I don't judge you based on your past. I think there is more to you than meets the eye and I want to discover it if you'll let me."
The way his eyes lit up warmed me up from inside and I knew I had made the right choice.
'You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that." He took in a deep breath. 'Frankly, I was scared of rejection. I know that not many people would want to associate themselves with me, not after knowing about my past. My cousin only tolerates me because we're blood-related. Do you want to know a secret?"
I leaned closer at the almost-shy look he had in his eyes. 'I'm all ears," I whispered.
'Before I met you, I told you I met some people who helped me out right?"
'Yes." I nodded.
'They were Christians and they convinced me to give life another shot but to do things differently this time around. I made a promise to myself and God that if I should find someone, anyone who could accept me the way I am, I'd never go back to my old ways."
'I had no idea…" I trailed off at the realization of just how much had been hanging on my decision.
'I know and that's why I'm going to treasure our… friendship." He hesitated like that wasn't the word he planned to use but I let it slide.
'I've been meaning to ask you something." I started.
'Yeah?"
'You told me that you nearly died twice in one day, how did that happen?"
'That's a day I wish I could forget," He sighed. 'I was ambushed by a rival cult gang that wanted to overthrow THE REDs on campus. Back then, I was pompous and sometimes careless because I thought I was invincible. My right-hand man then warned me but I couldn't be bothered."
'Your right-hand man was his name Leo by any chance."
'Yes, why?" He looked shocked for the second time that day.
I gasped lightly but brushed it off. 'Um, nothing. I just figured since I heard rumours that he's the current leader, he must have been your right-hand man back then."
'Oh alright," He said but his eyes still held curiosity. 'Well, that fateful day, I was challenged on campus and decided to fight back. I didn't know it was all a trap. I gathered a handful of my men to fight with me, Ryan was one of them and we met the other gang some distance from the campus.
We were outnumbered and it was an ambush. I ordered the rest of my men to get away from danger and single-handedly fought the rivals off but they were too many. I was beaten and stabbed several times. By the time I managed to crawl to safety, I was so disoriented that I walked right into a car. There was a family in it but I didn't remember any faces. I couldn't wait for the man's help and stumbled away before the rivals met up with me or worse, with the innocent people who were trying to help."
Something pricked at my memory.
'Do you remember what day that was?" I asked.
He frowned as he thought about it and the date he mentioned was the exact same date that my family and I came to London for me to register in the university.
'Charles, this may sound strange but that's the day I came to this state. I think it was my family that you saw that day."
'What are the odds? That's impossible."
'No, it isn't," I shook my head. 'Think about it. A man came to help you with his wife and there was a girl in the car. I saw you that day, you were bleeding from a cut on your side and I found it strange that you refused our help. Now that I think about it, there were people in the shadows, still chasing you but they withdrew when they saw us."
Charles was quiet for so long that I began to worry. 'You mean…I nearly died a second time that day, because of you?"
Oh no, I didn't mean for him to see it that way.
'Charles…?" I said tentatively. 'I'm sorry."
'I can't believe it." He shook his head.
'It was an accident. We stopped to help." I defended slowly.
'It's been so long I rarely think about it, but that doesn't matter now. It shouldn't." He struggled to smile but the difficulty was obvious.
The mood was ruined after that and we ate in silence.
'I have to get back to study," I said quietly.
'Huh? Oh yes," He seemed lost in thought. 'I'll take you back now."
We walked back to my hostel in silence and when he turned to leave, I couldn't just let him go.
'Charles, please I'm sorry about what happened that day."
'It's not your fault Monica, you weren't behind the wheel. It was partially mine for being so disoriented that day. I can't blame you or your family." He smiled and walked away.
I felt terrible as I walked up the stairs to my room. I just hoped that our friendship which had only just started wouldn't be ruined by this. Should I have just kept my mouth shut? I sighed shook the thoughts out of my head, I had to focus right now. I picked up my chemistry lecture notes as soon as I stepped into the empty room and busied myself with my studies..
As soon as I submitted my script, I felt such a great sense of relief. Now, of course, the real happiness would depend on whether or not I passed.
'I still find it strange though," Alison said as we left the hall together. She'd also written an exam that morning along with Victor who walked beside us.
'What do you find strange?" I asked.
'Have you been listening to anything I've been saying at all?" She frowned.
I shrugged apologetically.
'Anyway, I said I think it's strange that a student would mysteriously go missing right in the middle of exams."
'You're still stuck on what happened in the exam hall?" I asked.
'Why wouldn't I be? How can someone be absent for an exam and no one has any idea where he is?"
'Maybe he's sick," I suggested.
'Does he not have a roommate who can vouch for him?" She asked. 'I think it's suspicious. You know I read about something like this that happened in a university sometimes ago, a girl went missing and no one thought much about it until they found her dead a week later. Then they began to panic but it was too late."
'So, you're saying this Yousof guy might be hurt or at worse, dead?" I asked in disbelief. 'This isn't a thriller movie Alison, this is just regular university life we're talking about here."
'I'm not saying anything, I'm just concerned." She shrugged. 'Or, Victor what do you think? You've been strangely quiet."
Victor jerked his attention towards us, looking like he'd been lost in thought.
'Huh? Oh, well I don't know."
'What do you mean you don't know? You usually have a theory for almost everything."
'Not this time. I don't." He shrugged and walked away.
We stood and watched his retreating frame.
'I don't know about you, but Victor isn't behaving like his usual self."
'I noticed too." I nodded.
'What do you think could be wrong with him?" Alison asked.
'I have no idea, we aren't that close." I said.
'Oh well, I have to go to the library. I've still got an exam at noon and I don't feel as if I've read anything."
'Alright, I'll see you later. Good luck!"
She waved as she walked away. So I guess it was just me now. I sighed and made my way to the cafeteria.
Halfway through with my meal, my phone rang.
'Hey, honey." It was my mom's voice and it felt like a soothing balm.
'Mom, I've missed you and dad so much."
'We missed you more, your dad's here now."
True enough, I heard my dad's deep baritone voice calling out in the background.
'Anyway, how are you and how are your exams going?"
'I'm alright and exams are going on fine," I replied.
'Tonia advised us not to call you too much, she said we have to let you grow and take care of yourself. I mean it's my baby girl we're talking 'bout here."
'Mom, I'm not a baby anymore."
'Okay, fine." She sighed. 'But I worry about you often."
I'd decided not to tell anyone but Tonia that Ryan was on the same campus as I was. If I told my parents, they might order for a transfer to another university and I was starting to like it here. Besides, I was done running from Ryan.
'I'm fine mom. I'll be home after my exams."
'Okay, shall we come and pick you up?" She asked. 'I'm sure your father and I should be able to navigate the roads better this time around."
'There's no need, I've got a friend named Lisa, who lived nearby, we'll come home together."
'You're sure it's safe?" She asked. Concern was evident in her voice.
'Yes, I'm sure."
'Okay then, that's fine. I'll call you later alright? Take good care of yourself. You better not have lost weight before I see you."
'Bye, mom." I chuckled as the call disconnected.
I smiled as I finished up the rest of my meal. I'd spent a whole semester at University of London and I'd survived it. I was glad at the prospect of going home soon though. All I had to do was to get through. Maybe I would finally get a good night's rest. My phone rang as soon as I entered the hostel.
'Hello?" I answered without bothering to check the caller ID.
'My Monica," A male voice said.
I gasped in shock and quickly checked the phone screen. It was an unknown number but I'd know that voice anywhere.
'Ryan, what do you want huh?"
'I see you haven't forgotten the sound of my voice."
'Why would I?" I snapped. 'It's the most irritating sound I've ever had the misfortune of hearing."
'Does this have anything to do with the company you've been keeping lately?"
I froze and held my breath.
'What do you mean?"
'You have an affinity for danger, don't you, Monica?" He chuckled. 'Maybe that's why I like you. But why go for an ex-cultist when you can have the real deal?"
'What I do with my life is none of your business Ryan, you lost that right a long time ago. Besides, Charles isn't like you. He's completely different and actually has a conscience."
'But you see that's where you're wrong. I heard the rumors that Charles was back in town but I never expected that he would find his way directly to you. Have you thought about why he chose you? Why he is around you?"
He nearly threw me off my train of thought. I stalled for a second but quickly regained myself.
'What does it matter to you? You're in charge of THE REDs now. Or are you just plain greedy?" I'd thrown caution into the wind by now. 'What you did in high school wasn't enough? You got the power you were looking for and nearly ruined my life in the process. Just let me be, pretend I don't exist."
He was silent for a moment.
'That's impossible."
'Why?" I nearly sobbed.
'Ryan?"
When there was no reply, I looked at the phone screen only to realize he'd ended the call. I tried not to let his words bother me but could it be true that Charles and I hadn't met by coincidence?
Could his interest in me be as a result of something other than what he told me? I shook my head and slapped myself lightly on the cheek. Why would I believe a word that Ryan says? Charles is a changed guy now and if I were to compare and contrast between him and Ryan, he would win hands down in every category. But how well do I know Charles? I groaned in frustration.
I grabbed my phone and searched through my contacts for Charles's number. I hesitated for only a second before I called him.
'Hey, this is a surprise." His voice sounded pleasant enough despite how our previous meeting ended.
'I hope I'm not bothering you?" I asked nervously.
'Not at all, are you alright though? You sound a bit worried."
This was my chance, a perfect opening.
'Can we talk?" I blurted the words out before I could chicken out.
'Wow, those are some heavy words, usually a cause for worry. Is anything the matter?"
'No, I just need to discuss something with you and I don't think I can do it over the phone."
'Alright, how about I come over to your campus tomorrow? Are you free then? Lisa told me you guys are writing exams."
'I'm free tomorrow," I confirmed.
'It's a date then."
There was an awkward silence that lasted for several seconds.
'I mean," He cleared his throat. 'I shall see you then."
'Right of course," I mumbled and ended the call.
We'd chosen a different place to meet this time.
'So, what do you want to talk to me about?" Charles raised an eyebrow.
Well, he liked to jump straight to the point. I noted.
'I've been thinking about a lot of things lately and I wanted to clarify a few things." I began.
'Sure, go ahead."
'Why are you interested in me?" I blurted out. Suddenly I wished I could have added a bit more finesse to my words.
'What do you mean?"
'I mean, why are you hanging around, why do you talk to me, basically why did you choose me?" I found myself repeating Ryan's words and wanted to smack myself for that.
'Where is all of this coming from?" His eyebrows lowered and a dark expression came over his face.
I opened my mouth to speak but it wasn't the sound of my voice that I heard.
'Is there trouble in paradise?"
No, no please, he wouldn't--
'Why are you here?" I snapped.
'I'm sorry to crash in uninvited like this but I need to catch up for old times' sake."
'Ryan," Charles said. The single word held a lot of meaning.
''Dan'', Ryan grinned without humor.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. It felt like the temperature just dropped a few degrees. What did Ryan just call Charles?
'I heard you were back in town. You didn't bother to get in touch so I decided to reach out to you instead. After all, we were as close as brothers once." Ryan glanced over at me and winked. 'I see you've been very busy."
Charles's hand gripped the tabletop tightly and I saw his knuckles strain against his skin. I felt stupid as I realized that Ryan must have put all that nonsense in my head just to lure me to meet up with Charles so that he could create a spectacle like this.
His fingers trailed lightly over my neck and I sucked in a deep breath before batting his hand aside. Charles looked like he was ready to pop a vein.
'No words?" Ryan directed the question to Charles who still hadn't said anything. 'You know, I never thought I'd see the day where the great Dan, dreaded ex-leader would turn weak… for a woman, especially one who has quite the history, if you know what I mean."
My heart threatened to crumble at what Ryan was implying and I shut my eyes feeling drained. I nearly missed out on something important he just mentioned. Wait… it was just outside of my grasp.
'Why are you here? I see you're doing just fine now that you're in charge of THE REDs." Charles said as he watched him carefully.
'It's no secret that THE REDs would thrive under my lead," Ryan said. 'But you were a coward,
'I expected you to return to THE REDS. Not to drop off the face of the planet only to resurface months after without a word and what do I learn? I learn that you're chasing after her." Ryan pointed at me.
'Leave Monica out of this," Charles growled.
'What do you know about her anyway?"
I shot Ryan a pleading look.
'Did she tell you that she's been with me? That we knew each other a couple of years ago or that-..."
The sound of a chair violently scraping the floor made me look up. Charles had jumped off his seat and was headed straight at Ryan, fist first. I winced at the sound of impact when his fist connected three times in rapid succession with the side of Ryan's face, underneath his left eye. Blood streamed from a nasty-looking cut and before I knew it, three guys seemed to show up from nowhere. Ryan raised a hand to dismiss them.
'I told you so Monica," He grinned wickedly at me. 'You can take a man out of the cult but you can't take the cult out of him. He never truly changes. Let's go." He signaled to the three guys and they all left.
There was a deafening silence between Charles and I, even in Ryan's absence.
'Are you okay?" He asked after several seconds.
'Sure I am, and you?"
'Yes."
I realized that I couldn't stay there for a minute longer.
'I need to go," I whispered.
He stared at me without a word but slowly nodded and made no signs of getting up to follow me. I was secretly relieved. I had a lot to think about. I walked as quickly as my legs could carry me and was glad to find the room empty.
The quiet room helped me think as I sat Indian-style on the bare floor. Ryan had once again succeeded in making a mess of things.
However, something junked my mind. The initials I found in the library. Could the D stand for Dan? I shook my head. If my suspicion was correct, then it could mean that Charles was Dan and he'd been the one to write in that journal I found in the library. But he didn't seem to know anything about it when I showed it to him earlier. Was he lying and if he was then why on earth would he do that?
'Well, you look like you're having a rough day. What's wrong? Are exams giving you a tough time?"
I looked up startled. I hadn't realized Lisa entered the room.
'Okay, you really don't look well. Are you alright?" She placed a hand on my shoulder and squinted to look directly into my eyes.
'Remember what I told you about Ryan?" I began.
'Yes, what about it?" She sat down and faced me.
'Ryan is bent on making my life a living hell. He tricked me into meeting up with Charles only to show up and cause a scene."
'What?" She gasped. 'I really hoped those two would never meet again but I guess it was inevitable with how often Charles started visiting. Listen, it's not your fault, it was bound to happen eventually."
'Oh, that's not even the worst part." I sighed. 'Ryan dropped very obvious hints about my past with him."
'Oh no, that's bad, really bad." Lisa shook her head. 'I know my cousin and he doesn't like to share, especially not with someone who used to be his subordinate. Ryan and Charles had their differences even when they were in THE REDs group but now, for Ryan to go around parading his bragging rights over you, it's bound to get to Charles."
'But I find something strange Lisa," I frowned. 'It seems like an open secret. Some people know who is in charge of THE REDs and who was behind the raid so why doesn't anyone do anything about it? Not even the school authorities."
'Shh," She raised a finger to her lips. 'Only a few people know about this and some of us wish we could erase it from our memory. Look what happened to Stacy when she got involved with John. He might love her but that love was toxic. The only reason I'm backing down about you and Charles is that he left THE REDs long ago and he's not going back. There are some things you just can't do anything about. Now, about Charles, I could talk to him for you."
'No, don't worry about it. It's my problem. I'll sort it out."
'You don't have to deal with everything by yourself, Moni. Let people help okay." She rolled her eyes.
'Okay, fine." I raised my hands in surrender. "I'd appreciate it."
'That's what I wanna hear." She smacked me on the arm playfully. 'Have you eaten? I'm starving."
'I'm not hungry, you go ahead."
'Alright then, see you later."
When she shut the door behind her, I thought about what she said.
It was evident that Ryan had a talent for riding people up but surely, someone knew something about Ryan that could be used to his disadvantage. I knew it was dangerous but I had to try something. I was tired of being on the receiving end of all his mischief. Why couldn't I give back a little of my own?