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

I heard Brandon call me but I kept walking, I’m not ready to deal with him just yet, he caught up to me grabbing my waist to halt my escape. He let go but he took hold of my arm this time around. “Christ Katelyn, stop running, please.” He said and I struggled to pry my arm free “Let go.” I said quietly.

His grey eyes darkened “Why haven’t you answered my calls? I was…worried.” He said and I stared blankly at him.

“That’s sweet, but I had nothing to say to you.” I said, my voice just as blank as my stare; he ran his free hand through his glorious golden locks.

“Why wont you listen to me?” he asked, his voiced laced with rooted frustration.

“What are you trying to do here Brandon?” I asked, my voice coming to life “Explain? Apologize? Well there’s no need. Because I realized that we never really had a thing, I was never really your girlfriend.” I hissed, trying to keep my voice down and he flinched “And that’s okay I guess, I just wish you didn’t have the gall to pretend and treat me like one.” I said and he almost looked wounded “How can you say that after everything?” he said and I shook my head.

“How could you two-time me after everything?” I said, and his eyes closed. I started to take notice that we were attracting some attention in the hallway.

“Its not what you think Katelyn.” He said and my eyebrows shot up “Oh my God, you’re really going to feed me that crap? I hope she makes you happy.” I said trying to free myself again but his hold on me was unwavering.

“Katelyn please—”

“Don’t you Katelyn please me!” I shrieked, feeling tears threaten to spill but I held them back, I didn’t know how long I’d do that for. If I had to endure one more minute of this or his touch, I’ll breakdown. “Damn it Brandon, damn you! Let me go, you’re causing a scene.” I said my voice breaking at the end. His eyes quietly beseeched mine but I glanced at the small crowd of whispering spectators.

“Let her go Carter.” I heard JT’s voice behind him before I saw him, anger evident in his blue gaze as it fixated on Brandon’s back. For once I was glad for JT’s intervention. Brandon’s eyes glazed over and he turned his head towards JT but didn’t turn or let go of my arm.

“Stay out of this Gilbert, I just want to talk to her.” Brandon said coolly, but warning was clear in his voice too.

“It looks like she’s done talking to you. Now let her go before I put my fist upside your head.” JT said, menace in his tone now palpable. Brandon looked back at me, his grey eyes pleading with me again. In the battle of wills Brandon was not backing down and I knew he wasn’t intimidated by JT. But if he cared about me at all he’d let me go and spare me this humiliation.

Oh just let me go Brandon. I thought and as if he heard my unspoken plea he reluctantly let go of my arm. I spared JT and him a look before I turned and the small crowd made way for me, as I walked towards the exit. I felt the pained look in Brandon’s eyes like an electrocution, but I was the one hurting here, I was the one betrayed. I walked towards my car grateful that I didn’t have gym class today; I had to get out of here. Fast.

JT and Brandon could possibly get into a brawl over this and the fact that I didn’t care spoke volumes about my detachment. I got into my car and I leaned my forehead against the steering wheel and let out the tears I’ve been holding back all weekend, soft sobs shaking my body.

The taste wouldn’t be worth it when I’m poisoned, I remembered my own words a month ago. I was wrong, even poisoned; the taste was worth it. If given the chance I wouldn’t try to change the decision to go out with Brandon. But I would change these feelings that have taken root so deep in my heart.

Students started to slowly flood the lot and I quickly used the back of my hand to wipe off the tears and I started my car.

I felt a whole lot better when I got home; having left school early there was no one home. I found Maria in the kitchen who offered me a snack, I curled up on the sofa and distracted myself with TV.

About an hour later Mom and Janie came into the great room, Janie smiled and jumped onto the couch next to me. I smiled back at her; her enthusiasm was always infectious.

“Hey honey.” Mom said to me putting her laptop bag on the corner table, “Hi Mom.” I replied gazing back at the flat screen “How was your day?” she asked in her concerned measured voice, I resisted rolling my eyes. “Fine.” I said, not bothering to get into my dramatic day. Janie tugged on my arm standing up

“Katie lets go to the game room.” She said her eyes bouncing up and down in anticipation. Why not? I could use a distraction from everything.

“Sure.” I said standing up to “Wanna to bet?” I asked as we walked towards the hallway. She nodded “Bring it on! I can beat you at anything.” She said and I couldn’t help but giggle.

Two weeks blurred by, I would sometimes zone out unaware of what was happening around me. The only time I felt like myself was when I was with Tess or Janie, they forced that right out of me.

My life is exactly how it has always been prior to Brandon, so why did it seem colorless all of a sudden? What disturbed me the most was that there seemed to be no end in sight.

Brandon for one was going about his life as though I didn’t exist anymore. I’d see him everyday but he kept his distance and he’d hardly gaze in my direction if he were close by. He’s only doing what you told him the little voice inside me would point out whenever I’d get upset about it.

Its true, I told him to stay away from me and he obliged, what else did I want?

“Katelyn?” JT said in exasperation and my gaze zeroed in on him “Don’t forget about Saturday.” He said and I nodded “I haven’t forgotten.” I said, Mom and Dad asked us to help out at one of the charity homes. They normally did the work themselves when they find the time but they’d also involve us. I loved taking part in it, and I loved everything the Gilbert Foundation has done.

“Tess, are you coming with us?” I asked Tess and JT shot her a look I couldn’t understand. It looked as though they were hiding something, but it was probably some boyfriend/girlfriend thing they do. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that they’re seeing each other. The great thing is that they both looked very happy, which was more than fine by me. “Uh…no, a cousin of mine is coming over this weekend, my parents would think its rude if I where to leave.” She said.

I nodded, though I was bummed out, Tess normally went with us.

The bell rang and we all stood up, JT kissed Tess’ forehead then walked away. I chuckled at her as we made our way to our lockers. “You’ve got it bad.” I said and she smiled sheepishly “I know.” She said “I just never thought he felt the same way, I hope someone’s not playing a practical joke on me,” she said. “I doubt he’s that heartless.” I said “Well I have art class, see you later.” I added.

“Good day class.” Mr. Anderson said after we all settled down and he removed a cover from a canvas to reveal a painting. “Today well be focusing on interpreting art. Debates can ensue on the meaning or message behind certain artwork.” He said as he walked around the classroom, “Now I want you to take a good look at that painting and I want to hear what you can make of it.” He said.

I looked at it myself, it looked very impressive and gallant but there was no authenticity to it; looking at it didn’t inspire any emotion out of me. And that’s what I want out of art, to connect to it emotionally. Mr. Anderson listened to the mixed opinions of the students then he called my name.

“Well its grand I’ll give it that much, but to me it just looks like unorganized explosions of random energy, thus meaningless.” I said and Mr. Anderson nodded then looked behind me and I tensed.

“Mr. Carter I see you shaking your head, you have anything to add?” he asked

“Certainly, I’ll have to disagree with Ms. Gilbert, had the artist been more subtle with their technique, it wouldn’t have translated as well.” Brandon said and unlike the rest of the class I resisted turning to look at him too. “This painting is more abstract and requires one to look beyond the complex symbolism in order to decipher the true meaning of it,” he added and I resisted rolling my eyes.

“But in some cases such as this one, what you see is what you get, honesty and simplicity get the message across. To an observer sometimes the connection is just not there, no matter how deep you try to look—” I added before Brandon cut me off.

“There is always meaning behind the mystery of a painting, sometimes things are not always what they seem.” He said and Mr. Anderson halted our argument with a raised hand.

“Fair points made by both of you, and that’s what we’re talking about people, different interpretations from different perspectives.” He said and the rest of the class looked back at him looking thoroughly entertained. He continued to listen to other students’ analysis. His voice faded into the background and I tried to calm my aggravated nerves. I knew that our heated debate had nothing to do with the damn painting; it was personal.

Feeling his gaze on me I turned to glare at him and found him watching me with a strange emotion in his grey eyes. We just stared each other down for a moment; it was the longest we’ve looked straight at each other for a while now. I felt my annoyance slip away the longer I stared at him, his own gaze softened a little and I looked away before I crumbled.

My focus turned back to Mr. Anderson, trying by all means to unsuccessfully avoid the ridiculously good-looking boy behind me. Story of my life these days.

CHAPTER 18

“Are you ready?” JT asked, I nodded and he started his Maserati and pulled out off the circular driveway. I was excited to be doing some charity work today, I always felt good afterwards and the people there were awesome.

“Its too bad Tess couldn’t come with us, I know she loves this just as much as I do.” I said, and then frowned, Tess didn’t mention that her cousin would be visiting until that day in the cafeteria. “True.” He said.

JT surprised me when he turned into a pathway then cut off the engine. I looked at him questioningly “What are we doing here?” I asked and he smiled slyly.

“We’re just waiting for a friend.” He said and I threw my hands up “Well this friend of yours better not take long or were going to be late.” I said.

5 minutes later a black Audi convertible pulled up across from us, I stared at it in shock, there’s only one person I know who drives that car.

“You’ve