The Promise by Mahlatse Mokone (most interesting books to read TXT) 📕

“Yeah, I’m going with Liam.” She said; my eyebrows shot up “Hastings? The right back?” I asked and she nodded then smiled “Yeah, oh and he asked me,” she said, I could tell she was pleased to have him as a date but he’s not the ultimate for her. I nodded “Yeah he’s cute.” I said and she chuckled “I know right? He asked me in the bus.” She said and I paused,

“Right in front of JT?” I asked a little shocked and she frowned “Don’t worry his poker face was unfazed by that, and why would it be?” she said a little sadly and I decided to keep quiet. Maybe I was wrong about JT feeling something for her too, who would blame him? With that bitch Adrianna’s claws so deep in him? I stopped my train of thought before I got worked up.

We got into class and I took my seat, my table had already occupied by my partner James who greeted me coolly. I felt myself frown; he didn’t use to treat me with such indifference before and I wondered what caused it.

“So…you and Carter huh?” he said and I stilled for a second, I wasn’t going to like where this is going “Its getting serious?” he asked, I’ve asked myself that very question but its still too early to tell for sure.

“As serious as can be expected.” I said hoping he’d let it drop.

“So I’m guessing you’re taking him to the dance then?” he asked and I tensed again, realizing why he’d been so cold these past couple of days. He’d asked me to the dance first and I left him hanging and now there’s Brandon…oh boy.

“Well yeah, we are going out after all.” I said, hoping it didn’t sound as cold as it did in my head. With that he frowned,

“And you’re sure he’s that type?” he said with slight bitterness, his questions were really starting to piss me off.

“What are you getting at James?” I asked more sharply than I intended and he shrugged “Come on Katelyn, everybody knows he’s got a bit of a…reputation, I’m just being a friend and I don’t want to see you get hurt.” He said and I took a deep calming breath, I’m really getting sick and tired of hearing that.

“I get it, I understand the draw.” He went on with the same bitter edge. According to him what was the ‘draw’ to Brandon? His looks? His charm? His money? If so then he didn’t get it, they all didn’t. I hated Carter the arrogant ladies man, I couldn’t get away from him fast enough in the classroom the other day. But what made me stay was Brandon, the person behind his defense mechanism.

“Just giving you a heads up.” He added “Thanks.” I snapped hardly meaning it and I was glad when class started.

I tied my kicks for the second round of our volleyball match; I glanced warily at the cheerleading squad practicing a yard away from us. I didn’t understand why we had to play here of all places, just listening to their voices put a slight dent in my game, but I most tried to ignore them.

I served the ball and the opposing player stroke it hard and it few off all our heads. I’m guessing it went to the cheerleaders because I heard our someone ask them to pass it over; I had my back to them and didn’t bother to turn around.

“Katelyn, watch out!” I heard Tess call to me before a ball hit me behind the head with enough force to make me fall to the ground.

Tess rushed towards me but I looked to where the ball came from only to see Adrianna and the rest of them giggling while Rhiannon covered her mouth with feigned shock.

“Oops, sorry.” She called out to me, barely stifling her own laugh, I saw red. Could she be any more obvious that she did that on purpose? With irritation from my talk with James still fresh on my mind and her constant humiliation of me, I snapped. I swiftly got up with one thought on my mind; I’m going to kill her!

“Oh no, no—” Tess trailed off as I darted off towards her; she folded her arms, as I got right in her face.

“I ‘am this close to losing it with you Rhiannon, so why don’t you tell me what you’re problem is.” I shouted at her. A small audience gathered as she laughed coolly “Look at you sharpening your tiny claws, and everyone thinks you’re so perfect and sweet.” She said with biting venom. My eyes closed for millisecond as I realized I knew her problem all along.

“Really Rhiannon? This is about Brandon? Still?” I asked and her mouth curved into a resentful frown and for once I felt sorry for her. “I’m not doing this with you, I’m not going to have a catty fight with you over a guy who clearly wants only one of us, and we both know who that is.” I added and the small crowd made a sound. “Do us both a favor and get over it, this thing you keep doing is wasting my time.” I said then turned to walk away.

“Right, like he is wasting his with a little twat like you?” she called after me and her friends giggled. I could’ve just walked away like I didn’t hear her, but we’ve already established that my tolerance for her has worn off. Besides I want to show her just how tiny my claws are.

“Oh yeah, just so he doesn’t have be around a little bitch like you.” I said and gasps emanated from somewhere around us, but all I saw was her priceless expression. Our couch appeared out of nowhere and she stepped in between us with a livid face.

“Both of you. The Principal’s office. Now.” She shouted at us and we shot each other a glare before I turned around.

“I will not tolerate such behavior at my school!” Mr. Hammond almost shouted at us, after grilling us about our fight. Rhiannon and I sat a considerable distance away from each other, both of us refusing to even look at one another.

“I want you both in detention and don’t even think that’s the last of your punishment.” He said, “Get out of my office.” He added.

After the long day and detention finally ended I walked through the empty hallway towards the door. I pulled out my phone, Tess probably left and I hitched a ride with her this morning. Maybe today was not the best day to leave my car at home, just my crappy luck again!

“Hey, I know I’m supposed to give you a ride but something came up at home.” Tess said after she picked up, “Everything okay?” I asked frowning.

“Yeah, I’ll tell you later. Anyway someone offered to give you a ride.”She replied as I pushed through the double doors and before I could ask her who, I saw Brandon waiting across the parking lot. He was leaning against his black Audi before he straightened and smiled when he saw me. I chuckled inwardly, feeling my mood improve.

“Well speak of the devil. Are you sure you didn’t arrange this you sneaky girl?” I asked returning his smile. Tess’ laugh rang through the small speaker“Me? Sneaky? Oh I’m not the one being late to classes, making late night visits and getting into fights with mean girls. Seriously Katie, I never thought I’d say this but ride on!” she chimed. I chuckled as I walked towards Brandon

“Way to go sum up the most interesting two weeks of my life.” I teased and she chuckled “Oh and I’ll be sure to send Mr. blond and delicious a thank you card.” She added and I shook my head smiling.

“Chat later.” I said and I hung up when I reached him, he gathered me in his arms and I welcomed the embrace. I was greeted with his unmistakable scent and I sighed. I haven’t seen him all day, yet my whole day’s events revolved around him. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at myself.

“I never figured you to be the detention type.” He teased, with an innocent look on his handsome face. He knew exactly why I was in detention; it probably reached his ears before I even got into the principal’s office. I was also a little chagrinned, I never saw myself as the kind of girl to get into a nasty fight over a guy, regardless of how gorgeous, charming and brilliant he is, or how crazy I ‘am about him. Rhiannon pushed me way too far.

I shot him a scowl “Don’t you start with me.” I said and he held up his hands before he opened the door for me.

“My parents are going to kill me for this, so get me home so I can get it over with.” I added settling onto the red leather seats. He closed the door with a smile and walked over to his side. “You don’t really have die now you know.” He said as he started the car. I looked at him bemused,

“I was thinking that you could have dinner at my house tonight.” He said and I stared at him for a moment. “With your family?” I asked, as he pulled out.

I’ve never been to his house before, or even met his family, but he’s talked a lot more about them now. He is very fond of his father, stepmom and his 9-year-old stepsister.

“That’s the plan.” He said eyeing me for a second; I glanced at my all too casual, even a little scruffy appearance. “Brandon I ‘am not dressed for that, at all.” I said and he chuckled warily.

“You’re honestly worried about the way you look?” he asked, I glared at him and he sighed “You look beautiful princess, as always. Trust me,” he said and I paused then decided to give in “Alright lets do it.” I said and he stepped on the gas turning onto the highway. I took out my phone and quickly texted Mom about my plans. ‘Okay, have fun.’ Was her reply minutes later.

CHAPTER 14

Brandon’s house was a Mediterranean style two-story mansion, complemented by lush gardens and classic LA palm trees. It was very beautiful and huge but not as big as my family’s retro Spanish design estate.

Anxiety started to slowly creep into me as Brandon opened the door for me. This was a bad idea, what was I thinking? I’m terribly underdressed and my hair probably looks like a haystack.

I nervously raked a hand through it as Brandon and I walked up to the covered front porch. “You look fine.” He said surprising me and I gave him a small smile before he turned the doorknob. We walked into the huge entry hall; the receiving area opens to a formal dining room. A bronze haired woman probably in her mid thirties approached us with a warm smile. From Brandon’s description this was his stepmom.

“Honey, welcome home.” She said to Brandon with a brief kiss to his cheek before she faced me with a welcoming smile when he introduced us.

“Katelyn its such a pleasure to finally meet you, well aren’t you just a lovely girl.” She said and I tried hard not to blush “Thank you, its nice to meet you too Mrs. Carter.” I said and she rolled her hazel eyes.

“Please call me Ellie.” She said kindly and I smiled, just then his stepsister I presumed came rushing down the curved staircase. She had the same hair color as her mother but she had Brandon’s grey eyes, which I guessed they both got from their father.

She ran to Brandon who smiled catching her in his arms, I felt myself smile at the scene; she seemed very