Purple Romance

It was soon closing time. Maria stood by the roadside chatting with the other teachers as they each waited for their means of to transport to go home.

Maria laughed at something one of the teachers said and instinctively turned to look at the school's entrance and her eyes met with Karen's.

Maria felt that the girl was looking at her with a weird gaze and it made her feel somewhat wary of her. Maria looked away forgetting about her.

Previously she had felt that someone was watching her. She thought it was Ad-Din and decided to turn and see thereby noticing the way Karen was looking at her.

Truth was, Maria didn't really like Karen and this was not the first time she felt that way. She felt the girl wasn't. genuine, especially with the way the latter approached her in class today.

She wasn't someone who liked to hate on anyone without a reason but strangely enough, something about that girl spelt trouble hence Maria decided to stay away from her.

Unknowingly, Maria's thoughts were proven right because right at that moment even as Karen Kash was waiting on her driver to come and pick her, she was scheming in her heart of how to bring Maria down. She was already feeling insecure.

The subtle interactions between Ad-Din and Maria in the classroom, their expressions especially Ad-Din's smirk didn't escape Karen. All she did in class was to look at Ad-Din so it was not hard for her to not know there was something going on.

From the moment her instincts told her that something was not right with the way Ad-Din and the new teacher acted. She had been vigilant not letting anything to escape her.

Now, she was sure that there was something going on between them and she intended to find out.

To Karen Kash, no one deserved to be with Ad-Din. No one but she alone deserved to be the one he needs and should want.

Even at such a young age, one could see the possessiveness and obsession buried deep inside her. She was a naturally greedy person. Being the only child of her parents; there was nothing she wanted and couldn't get. If she couldn't have it, then, no one deserved to have it.

She would destroy something she couldn't obtain just so no one else could have access to it. She had grown up being shielded and pampered by her parents. She was someone who couldn't accept it if someone didn't like her or give in to her demands.

Karen Kash saw the way Miss Lee turned her eyes away quickly when their eyes met.

She gave a cold chuckle and dialled an unknown number on her phone. When it connected, she spoke saying ''I want you to find out something about someone. Everything you can get on her. Even dirt. Her family secrets. That will even be better. I will send you her picture right away''.

Karen hung up and sent the picture to the unknown number before walking to her driver who had also just arrived.

...

Maria got down from Lexis' car and they went into a coffee shop called 'DELIGHT'. They ordered two cups of coffee along with sandwiches.

Maria barely sipped her coffee when Lexis said something making her spit out the coffee on herself and screamed at her.

''You are what?''

Maria choked on the coffee after spitting some on her clothes.

''People are watching us, Portia. Can you behave like a lady? Look what you did?'' Lexis pulled out a stack of tissue and handed over to Maria.

''This is all your fault. You just dropped a bomb on me''. Maria said. ''You are pregnant? When?''

''I'm already two months gone. I found out today when I went for my check-up''. Lexis said.

''You were two months pregnant already and you didn't even know?'' Maria asked.

''I missed my period? Yes. But, I was too busy to even think about that. You know how my job is. The doctor ran some tests on me and asked me if I missed my period and I said yes so he decided to run a pregnancy test and then that is how I found out I was pregnant''.

''Is Kobby aware? Will he take responsibility?" Maria asked worriedly.

''Yes. He is the first person I called when I left the hospital. He was so happy about it. Is now left with my parents. I don't know how to tell them. You know my mom always wanted me to get married in the church before I give birth"

"That being said. My dear best friend. Will you come with me? I need moral support while I disclose the news to them''. Lexis wrapped her hands around Maria's with puppy eyes.

''Aye, you are going to put me on the spot. Why did you even sleep with him in the first place?'' Maria said.

''Portia, don't underestimate the power of love and romance. You wouldn't even know when you have fallen. Trust me. So, are you going with me or not?'' Lexis said and looked at Maria.

''I will. I don't even want to go home today''. Maria leaned back on the chair after saying that.

''Why? Did that bastard come again? That's why I told you to get him arrested. For how long would you continue to allow him do whatever he wants? He is abusing you, Portia?''

''I know. But, he is my father. I can't let the police arrest him? I just wish one of those loan sharks will get him arrested instead''.

''Aye. What a kind heart you have. You are the real Buddha, Buddha, anyways, you know you are always welcomed at my house right? My parents will be happy to see you but, it won't last long when they find out I am pregnant. Portia, you have to protect me and my baby, okay? You are her godmother after all''.

''Godmother? Whatever. I will just tell aunt to beat you everywhere and leave your stomach''. Maria teased her.

''Tsk. What a friend you are''.

''But, I am imagining how your mother's face will be when she finds out that her daughter is pregnant for her competitor's son. You know how bad the competition between aunt and Kobby's mother is at the office? Damn, Lexis. I admire your boldness''

.....

HAVEN STREET.

Lexis pulled over and they got down. Lexis nervously held Maria's hand and Maria smiled and held her hand assuredly and they entered the house together.

Mrs. Mathias was cooking when the she heard the door opened and turned. The kitchen was an open space connecting it to the dining table and living room. She was able to see the girls as soon as they walked in.

Maria rushed to her and gave her a hug saying ''aunt, good evening. I missed you so much''.

''Portia, how are you kid? I missed you too''. Mrs. Mathias said.

''I'm doing well''.

''How is your new school treating you?''

''Is treating me well, aunt. How is work at the office lately?'' Maria asked.

''Child don't even make me start. That woman that leaves across the street there is a real headache after receiving her promotion'' Mrs. Mathias said and Maria turned and looked at Lexis.

':Quick, go and wash your hands. Food is ready. Lex, call your father to come down for supper. Maria is sleeping tonight, right?'' Mrs. Mathias asked.

''Yes, aunt. I will help set the table first after washing my hands''.

Maria went to the wash up sink to wash her hands and Lexis whispered to her.

''It was wise for you to come home with me. later on, remember to talk the bullets for me''.

Maria pushed her away lightly and turned on the tap to wash her hands and Lexis went up to call her father.

Maria helped Mrs. Mathias to set the table and placed the cutleries needed down. Mr. Mathias walked out of his study and Maria greeted him.

''Uncle, good evening''.

''Oh, Maria. You are here?''

''How are you doing, uncle?'' Maria asked.

''I'm doing well''. Mr. Matthias gave Maria a hug before going to his seat.

''Sit and let's eat while you chat. Portia must be hungry''. Mrs. Mathias said making them all to join her on the table.

''Lexis, pray for us''.

''Yes, dad. Dear God, I thank you for the opportunity to share a meal with my lovely parents and best friend. I ask that as I plan to talk about this life changing issue in my life; my parents won't lose their appetite or beat me up. Answer my prayers in Jesus Name. Amen!!!''

Lexis finished and opened her eyes and saw that everyone was looking at her curiously.

Maria shook her head and looked down because Mr. and Mrs. Mathias were now looking at her.

''Aunt, uncle. I am not the one who has a life changing issue to talk about. Is Lexis''.

Maria safely pushed everything to Lexis and looked away quickly picking her cutlery to eat. Soon Mr. and Mrs. Will turned back to Lexis and asked in unison.

''Say it. What life changing issue do you have to tell us about?''