1 The Tourist

One day I thought of visiting my Aunt who lives in United Kingdom for all her life. I had been planning this visit for as long as I could recall. "when is your plain going to depart Luke?" Mother asked me…

"It's departing in the next hour," I said.

"Very well, don't be late or else you will miss the plane," said mother. "Noted mother". I now live her in the house while I head to see my friends as I had to bid them good-bye. On my way to our playing spot, I bumped into Lorraine and we began to talk. I informed her that I was going to leave Zimbabwe going to United Kingdom for the whole summer. She emotionally hugged me and wasn't ready to let go. She was heartbroken and obviously was going to miss me. "Lorraine, if you keep on hugging me, I might miss my plane," I said. "oh yeah, I will miss you a lot and travel safe. "of-course," I said. Lorraine and l parted ways that time and went Back home as mother repeatedly called me. She called a cab and accompanied me to the airport. I had been at an airport before but this time it was different, I was not going to pick up any relative of mine but I was leaving.

"Attention to all today's flight passengers, the United Kingdom plane will depart in the next ten minutes. Please check on your tickets and go on board," said the Announcer.

My mother and l bid each other farewell. She emotionally cried and that left me to rethink about leaving her. "Son go now before they close up," mother said. "Goodbye mother". I let go of her hand and went to board the plane. From a distance, you could see mother crying and I really wanted to go and hug her for the last time. I went on board and put on my headphones. I began to listen to jazz music. "The plane will depart in the next two minutes, fasten up your sit belts and lay low," said the flight attendant. The plane moved slowly and in a few minutes it took off. We were now in the sky and I peeped through the window as I was mesmerized by the clouds. It must be a long way to the ground, I thought to myself…

"Sir," called out the air hostess.

"Yes," I responded.

"Sir…what would you like to have! You can check on our plane's menu," she lovingly said.

"Excuse me…I would like to eat burger and fries with cold drink and also can't you see I m still so young to be called sir," I said…

She apologized for being so formal and served me the food I ordered. I ate my burger and fries meanwhile I felt sleepy. The plane had a nice warming air that made me sleepy and within a few minutes, I was catnapping. The plane landed in South Africa in an hour after we left from my country. We took a five minutes break and boarded our next plane which was the British Airways. Now we were going directly to United Kingdom from South Africa. Our plane was expected to land in United Kingdom in the next five hours. We arrived there by dawn and my aunt was waiting for me at the airport. She waved at me and how delighted I felt on seeing her. I was nervous as I was surrounded by new people. My luggage got checked and I went to meet my aunt.

"Hello aunt," happily greeted her.

"How are you Luke," she replied.

"I m doing fine don't know this side," I said.

"We are all good my favorite nephew. Hope you had a safe flight,".

"Nothing to complain about," l began to laugh.

My aunt and I left the airport and went to her house in Liverpool. There I met my cousins and also my uncle. They all welcomed me with pleasant open arms. Luca, my nephew took my luggage to my room while I sat on the sofa with the rest of the family members. I was served food by my niece and I began to eat. How thoughtful of her to bring me food. I was hungry after the journey but I was shy to tell my aunt. "Luke, how was your flight," uncle Roberts asked. "The flight was great uncle, I enjoyed it a lot," I said. " can I use your phone to contact mother, I have to inform her that I have safely arrived," I asked my aunt. "Sure, let me ask your dear nephew to bring it from my room," she said.

She called Luca my nephew and asked him to bring her phone from her room. He quickly went to get the phone and my aunt called mother. "Hello my dear sister, how are you," said aunt. "I m fine and did Luke arrive safely," mother asked. "Yeah and he wants to talk with you, what a grown man he has become," said aunt. Aunt handed over her phone to me and I spoke with my mother. Half part of me felt good as I was talking to her but the other half missed her so much. We talked for fifteen minutes and it was very emotional. Ruth my niece so how emotional I was and she took away the phone and began to talk to mother. I went outside and began to shed tears. I was so lonely and missed my friends back in Zimbabwe. As I glanced my face before the across street, I saw a group of friends playing and also dancing to some of jazz music. I was into jazz and began to feel the beats. That made me smile for a moment.

One of the girls from the group noticed me and approached me. "Hey, how are you," she said. "I m alright thank you," replied with an uncool gesture. "By just looking at you it's evident that you are new here," she said. "yeah you are right. My name is Luke and I m from Zimbabwe, just a tourist who came to see her long distant aunt," I said. "I got you. My name is Mariah and I m from this country also I welcome you to United Kingdom and look forward to being friends with you," she warmly said. "Nice to meet you Mariah," I replied back. "same here Luke. Hey if you got no problem can you please join us, I would be very happy," she offered.

I accepted the offer and joined them. I introduced myself to the friends and they welcomed me. I felt like I was at home after I made friends with this group. I danced to some of the songs they played and also sang some lyrics. They were amazed by my dance moves that they even wanted to be taught. As I was looking to be part of them I agreed to teach them. I parted ways with them and I went back to my aunt's house. On my way there I spotted my aunt standing at the door. "I m very impressed Luke. It's not long since you arrived here and already you are making friends," she said amusingly. I smiled and we went inside. Luca showed me my room and I was surprised to see it perfectly clean and also it was big than my room in Zimbabwe. Luca joined me and asked if I could play a game with him. We played God of war that day until we suddenly slept. We did not notice that we were fast asleep on the floor.

"Boys wake up," said aunt.

"yawn, what's wrong now," said Luca.

"Hey can't you see it's morning," aunt replied.

"What, thought it was still evening," Luca whispered.

I woke up and greeted my aunt. I did not talk much and went off to bath. I joined the family on breakfast table a while later. Unexpectedly there was a knock at the door. "Who could that be so early in the morning," she said. Aunt went to check who it was at the door and to her surprise she saw Mariah, my new friend. She didn't say much and shouted, Luke someone is here to see you and I am inviting her to the breakfast table. I asked myself who it was until I spotted Mariah when aunt brought her to the breakfast table. My cousins began to go crazy thinking she was my girlfriend. They began to chant, Luke got a girlfriend. I began to feel embarrassed as I was not used to their way of living. From Mariah's facial expression, you could see she was blushing. For a minute I thought she was really enjoying what was being said. "Hey Mariah if you are done eating can we leave now," I said.

"Yeah I m done, let's go" she replied.

"Luke where are you off to," aunt responsibly asked. "Mariah is taking me out for site seeing, I will be back in a few hours," I said. "alright be safe," aunt said. Mariah and l left the house and went to their friend zone. We sat there and began to talk. She said things about her life and I joined in with the same thing. From the life we had experienced till that day, was nothing than an emotional story. It was crazy to notice that her and I had the same experience of life. We talked and laughed at some jokes I cracked. Out of know where, Mariah said, " Luke, you are the first guy who have managed to make me this happy and also made friends with in a day. I feel like I could trust you as you are someone special," She Said. I was out of words and I began to stare deep in her eyes. I was like a sculpture so was she. We were both lost in each other's eyes until the rest of the crew joined us and invigorated us out in the dream world. They all began to guffaw. Mariah and l began to stare here and there feeling embarrassed about the earlier stare.

"Don't they look great together," Sasha said.

"You are right, the wedding board will be written like Mariah Weds the Tourist," Raheem said.

"Quick question guys why are you calling Luke a Tourist," James asked as he was dump.

"Luke came to see his aunt and to see our monuments that makes him a tourist," explained Sasha.

"Hey stop it, don't say Luke and I look great together, you will make Rodwin angry if he hears about this," Mariah said.

"Mariah, who is Rodwin I m lost there," I asked.

"Rodwin is this gangster guy who is Mariah's boyfriend," they all said.

"Boy…Boyfriend!" I stammers.

"Yeah my boyfriend, why are you so stupefied about it," Mariah asked.

"Oh no I m not shocked….excuse me I got something I have to do at home," I disappointedly said.

I left the friend zone corner and went back home. I was depressed on hearing about this Rodwin guy. I went straight to my room and didn't inform anyone that I was back. I went straight into my blankets, I was feeling dejected, cold and to make it worse she was into gangsters. My aunt got worried as I haven't returned home as she thought. My uncle went out in search of me and also informed the police. They searched me every corner of the city and also informed different locales about me. I was all over the news. Really I wasn't missing, was just in my room and if I knew they were looking for me I would have shown my face. The news got into Mariah's ears and she came at my aunt's house. "Mariah, you were the last person to be with Luke, where is he," asked aunt. "Yes ma'am, I was with him and then he left when he said I have something important to do at home," she replied …

"That means Luke is in his room," said Luca.

They all came to my room and to their nonplus, they noticed me sitting on the bed staring at the chandelier. I was very sad and needed private space. "Luke when did you come, do you know how worried I was," Said aunt. "Aunt I m very sorry, I didn't mean to worry you," I emotionally apologized. "Alright ma'am, I shall take your leave now," Mariah sadly said expecting me to stop her but I didn't. My uncle and the police officers were informed that I was safe also they should call off the investigation. Surely on uncle's return, I was going to be scolded but that did not happen. Two weeks passed without me attempting to see Mariah and friends. My aunt even asked why aren't I leaving the house. Obviously I lied to her.

I asked my uncle to get me admitted at Oxford College as I needed to finish my Computing and Finance courses. He agreed and by the end of the day all arrangements were ready. I was so happy and even thanked him for agreeing. I was to stay in United Kingdom just for the summer season by I saw myself permanently staying. Next Morning I wore my uniform and looked smart in it. My uncle dropped me at the Oxford College and gosh the school looked so classy than how it was advertised on newspapers, TV and reports. The moment I stepped into the school, my heart began to race as I was scared. I went into my classroom and to my surprise I saw Mariah. "oh no, thought I managed to run away from her. Now we are in the same class," I thought to myself….

"Oh hey Luke, when did you arrive," Mariah asked.

"I just arrived," I replied.

"So where have you been in these past two weeks," she asked.

"Somewhere I think you don't need to know," I coldly replied.

"Hey man, if you keep on talking to Mariah in that tone we are going to have a conflict," Rodwin confronted me with a threat to fight.

"Oh so you must be Rodwin, man if any of these students fears you that doesn't mean I m also afraid of you," I bravely said.

"Black boy, it's your first day at this college, so I would rather suggest you be calm," Rodwin said.

"Or else what?" I said.

"Luke will you please stop it," She reprimand me.

"of-course you would side with your so called boyfriend, Rodwin," I said.

Immediately I left the classroom and went to the restrooms. Every single student who watched Rodwin and l argue were left flabbergasted. They didn't expect me to stand up for myself. While we were busy arguing, Sasha was recording the scenes and she posted on YouTube. By the time we were leaving school, the video was viral. It trended and everyone began to mock Rodwin. This made him angry and surely when we bump into each other, there is going to be a fight. My uncle came to pick me up from school. We went out for lunch just me and him. I told him about the argument I had with Rodwin.

"Don't worry Luke. This happens to all the kids in schools," my uncle said.

"Uncle you very well know I m an martial art student. Please can you talk things out with Rodwin," I said.

" yeah I know Luke and isn't the argument over," uncle said.

"There is a problem, a girl recorded the argument and posted it on YouTube. So that made him furious," I replied.

"That's a really big problem. Surely he is going to try fight you," he said.

"Of-course that's why I need your help. If he try to pick a fight with me, that might end him up in the hospital", I scarcely replied.

We left the restaurant and went home meanwhile Mariah came to my house. When we arrived at home, I saw Mariah waiting for me. I took her to my room and asked aunt if she could bring coffee. Mariah was worried about me and she didn't want any fights to take place. I didn't understand why Rodwin was feared. Of-course he is a gangster but I don't fear them.

"Luke, Rodwin is going to fight you tomorrow, please skip school," she said.

"College is what I am going to attend tomorrow and as far as it goes for your lowly gangster boyfriend I don't fear him. If fight is what he needs, I m going to give him that," I replied.

"Alright that's what you want right, go fight him then. If he kills you don't say I didn't warn you," she worriedly replied

"We will see about that," I said.

Mariah left my aunt's house worried and went back to her house. Aunt seemed to have ear dropped onto our earlier conversation I had with Mariah. She began to worry and asked me not to go to college the next day. She was worried about my angry side. Of-course, everyone who is related to me knows about my martial art training, exclusively speaking, everyone in our families trained martial arts. I told my aunt not to worry and I went to bed. Next morning, I went to school on my hoover board and when I arrived, I saw the whole school gathering. I wasn't surprised at all as I knew what was going to happen. "oh the brave boy arrived," said Rodwin when he spotted me from the gate. I confronted him and told him to call off the fight before one of us got hurt. He refused to compile with me and he pushed me to fall on the ground. "Rodwin please stop this madness. You will kill him," Mariah said….

"Why do you even care about him. I saw it since yesterday, how do you know him. Are you in love with this bastard," Rodwin questions Mariah.

"yea..…yes I do know him…. From….", before she could finish Rodwin clout Mariah.

Everyone at school were astonished. Why could he have slapped Mariah when she didn't do anything. All she had said was she knows me. Cameras were already turned on and people began to record. On witnessing the slap I got furious and I stood up. I dropped my bag and a jacket I was wearing. I walked towards Rodwin and gave him a back kick. The kick was strong that it left him to bleed. The last thing I wanted was to keep on fighting him. He was arrogant about his gangster reputation and he stood to attack once again. I dodged the attack and pinned him down.

"Luke stop it, underestimated your abilities to fight. Now I can see who could die. Please leave him," Mariah said while crying.

"How dare he slap you, it was okay when he had a problem with me," I replied….

I let go of Rodwin and went to the classroom. The crowd still gathered while Rodwin was embarrassed after losing to me. He was injured on the leg and right that moment I knew he was still going to strike back. Mariah followed me to the classroom meanwhile Rodwin was taken to the hospital. Mariah confronted me and she apologized again and again for underestimating me. The moment passes when Sasha joined in and began to praise me. Surely if I had lost to Rodwin, I was going to be a laughingstock at both the college and to the world. Rodwin and my fight was reported at the principal earlier that day by our senior prefect Mary. I was called to her office and was given detention for the whole month and Rodwin was suspended until further notice. I was lucky to get detention rather than getting expelled that too on your second day at college. I went home after the meeting I had with our principal. She also asked I bring my aunt the next day as she had to talk with her. I arrived home and already the video of my fight had circulated the entire city. "oh no.. why is the media here," I asked myself…

"Oh Mr hero Luke, come over here and be answerable to the media", aunt spotted me and called out loud.

"Good afternoon aunt," I said with a feared face.

"Don't good greet me as if everything is alright", she walked towards me angrily.

"Come on aunt, Rodwin provoked me by slapping Mariah", I said.

"With what right Luke, why do you care about what happens to her," aunt asked.

"Because she….", I replied.

"Because she what Luke," she asked.

"She is my best friend aunt," I said.

My aunt had nothing to say after my reply and she went in the house. I followed her after I got rid of the media. She was not happy after the fight. I so much hoped she moved on and also this news doesn't reach to my mother. I did not talk to my aunt that day and neither did she attempt to as well. Her anger broke me and I felt I should apologize after the argument we had. I was in such a despair. I went to bed and decided to apologize in the morning when her anger cooled down. I couldn't sleep the whole night still stuck on the incident which took place that day. Next morning without thinking, I quickly went to my aunt's room to apologize. When I arrived, I happen to hear her arguing with my uncle. They were arguing about my fight with Rodwin as uncle seemed to have told her that he allowed it to happen. I intervened their conversation with a "good morning". They both kept quiet and my uncle left the room heading to his office. I was left alone with my aunt and when she was about to leave, I stopped her. "Aunt can we please talk," I said….

"What's left to talk about when you already poured your heart out yesterday Luke," she said.

"I m here to talk about that. I m sorry aunt for what I said yesterday. I have no excuse to give on my uncalled behavior. I m sorry aunt," I kneeled down to the floor and began to cry.

My aunt hold me by my shoulder and lift me up. She happily forgave me and everything was back to normal between ourselves. I knew I had one last thing to do and that was to create truce between my uncle and aunt. I went to my cousins and asked for their help. We booked a suite in a Five star hotel and immediately sent them on a blind date. That was so unfortunate that I made my aunt and uncle fight. Since that day I had nothing but guilt with in me. I went to see Mariah at out friend zone and to my surprise she wasn't there. I found Sasha and James sitting by a large rock and I confronted them. There they told me that Mariah broke up with Rodwin after that slap and I felt sorry for her. I thought of visiting her at home but I was told that she went to her mother's house in Manchester. I asked her home address and Sasha gave me. Later….I waited for my aunt to arrive so that I could be permitted to go to Manchester. I had no intentions to lie to her so I just had to go on point. My aunt and uncle arrived home in the afternoon. I was scared to ask her but I gathered a lot courage to do so. I really had to meet Mariah before it was too late. I asked my aunt if I could go to Manchester and by dawn I would be back. She trusted me and allowed me to go. I asked James if he could accompany me and he agreed to join. We went to Manchester and in half an hour we arrived at her house. I rang the front door and her mother answered. "Greetings ma'am. My name is Luke and I m here to see Mariah," I introduced myself and went on point…..

"Hey Luke, your name sounds familiar. Oh yes, are you the boy who fought for Mariah when she got slapped by Rodwin," she asked.

"Yeah that's me and ma'am can I please meet Mariah. I have come a long way and I don't want to miss this opportunity," I desperately asked.

"Alright dear come inside and Mariah is up stairs in her room," she said.

I rushed to Mariah's room and left James standing on the door. I was not thinking about anything except for Mariah. When I arrived at her room's door, I heard her sobbing. She was crying I thought. I knocked at her door and responded I come in. She thought it was her mother. She was shocked to see me and came running to me as she was not expecting my arrival. She embraced me with so much love that I hugged her back. I felt warm and cozy. We hugged for a few minutes until I greeted her. "Hello Mariah, how are you", I said….

"I m not fine at all Luke. By now James and Sasha must have told you about my break up with Rodwin and I m sure that's why you are here, right", she emotional said.

"Yeah I heard that and also I m not here because of that but I felt you needed a friend to be with you in such a rough time," I replied.

"aww, have anyone ever told you that you're very sweet Luke. Hope you live happy forever", she said.

"Oh my, I m flirted," as I laughed.

"Come on I m being serious Luke," she said.

"Alright Mariah. Jokes aside now, can we return back to Liverpool," I said.

"Why can't I refuse when you have come such a long way. Let's go," she happily agreed.

Mariah, James and I went back home that same day. I was happy that she returned in Liverpool and also our friendship bond tightened. I went home and took a nap after that long journey. Next day, it was a Friday. I went to school and first did my detention work then went to the assembly hall. The principal was going to announce something important. Before she said anything, I went to the stage and took permission from her as I had to apologize for the fight which took place at the school. I was trying to get everything back to normal and also to free myself from guilt. I finished off my apology with a thank you. "Mr Luke, that was such a beautiful and emotional apology. What you just did needs courage and u managed that. Keep it up and yes, see me in my office afterwards," said the principal. I went to take my sit and we began to sing the national anthem. I thought the way they sing it was as boring as how we sang ours in Zimbabwe. That was not the case, it was completely different and they sang it in a rocking way whereby one feels the power and love of our beloved ancestors. Students sang happily and jazzed to the beats. When it was time for the announcement, the assembly hall was as silent as a simile only the principal was to speak. "Good morning Oxford College. I as your principal gather you all as the board of this school finalized the day of your prom party. It is to be held one week from now so buckle up and prepare for the beautiful night. You're dismissed," said the principal.



One week to go for the Prom Party Night.

Chapter 2

After the assembly, the principal summoned me to her office. I thought I was going to be in trouble but instead she wanted to make a deal with me. I had experience in decorating and also on the day my uncle admitted me to the school, he stated this talent of mine to the principal. The principal asked if I could be in-charge of decorations thus I will no longer be in detention. I agreed to help and needed help from my friends to decorate and she complied with my request. She said the College had a budget of 900£ to spend on prom party decorations and food to be enjoyed that day. Surely that was enough as I just had to buy Arche, Balloons, Banners, Cardboard stand ups and scene setters. "ma'am don't worry about the decorations and arrangements. You have selected the right person," I happily said….

"I hope I made a good decision by trusting you," said the principal.

I left her office and went to meet Mariah and Sasha. I asked them if they could help me to decorate the school hall and also to buy some decorations we will be needing for the Prom Party. "Quick question Luke, why are you asking us to decorate the hall," Mariah asked….

"The principal asked if I could do it and also this will deduct my days of detention," I said.

"Alright and are you good at it cause these people needs their work to be done perfectly," she said.

"About that don't worry, I used to be a wedding decorator back in my country. So I have enough experience for the job," I said.

"Alright so what do you need us to do," she asked.

"Do you know a best place in Liverpool where we can buy Prom decorations," I said

"Yeah, Bizarre Fancy Shop got all the things you need. It's not far from this school. When do you want to leave," she asked.

"Can we go now and get this over with," I said.

We left the school and went to the Bizarre Fancy Shop five blocks away from our school. We arrived there and looked for the decorations I needed. I bought Balloons, Arches, Banners, Cardboards and lights. This didn't cost much as I had expected. We went back to the school to leave the decorations material we bought and went home. I was focused on making the Prom party the best of all. I arrived home and asked my aunty to buy me food for the school party. She asked for the list and it contained Chicken entrée, Vegetables, Roasted potatoes, sea foods and drinks. I didn't ask her for alcohol as I knew it would drew trouble for me. All the things were ready by Sunday and what was left was to decorate. Now it was Five days till the Prom night. I went to school on Monday and gathered all the things we bought. I called Mariah and Sasha to the assembly hall. "Luke, did you decide what kind of theme you going to put," Sasha asked….

"Oh yah. The theme to our Prom Party Night is going to be Fire and Ice," I said.

"Fire and what now…," James joining in.

"A fire and ice themes combines elements of Light and dark where the fire elements are darker sometimes the evil side and light airy often represent the good side. The elegant look and theme of this style of party makes it a good choice for our Prom. Also the dress code is going to be Black for boys, representing dark and White for the girls, representing light", I explained.

"Wow I m flabbergasted Luke. I once saw this theme being used in USA ball," said Mariah.

"Man you are just full of surprises. I m impressed," Sasha said.

"Okay, enough of Chitchat now. We have to be done by Wednesday because the Prom is on a Thursday night," I said.

We all went in business, began to decorate the area while we listened to our favorite jazz music. We were enjoying that we did not get bored of what we were doing. I decorated the stage and the roof while Mariah and friends decorated the dance floor. We also bought a photo booth of which couples, friends and more could take pictures for remembrance purposes. I made a list of games which were going to be enjoyed that day which include fashion competition, dance offs, sing along and also eating competition. The eating competition was one of the funniest I could ever think of. I took the list to the principal and she made sure she was going to put it on the notice board.

"Attention Oxford students. An announcement regarding the prom party night. There are some games which we just put on the notice board and we need you to go check them out so you can choose which ones will you perform. Also you are only allowed to wear black and white for the function dress code," said the school board through the announcement speaker.

When we were half done we left and went home. I had no time to greet anyone as I was tired and went off to bed. My aunt was like why did your uncle have to tell your principal about your talents, look now you don't even have time to eat. Though I was sleeping, I heard what she said and began to laugh. She left my room and few hours later I woke up. As the sun had already sunk in a pool of blood in the western horizon, darkness was drifting towards mother earth. As minutes run pell-mell into one another, I was already enjoying every minute with my ancestors. Darkness always terrifies me ever since I was a little boy. There was a sudden blackout in the city the moment I woke up. I made a loud scream and that made the whole family to check what was wrong. I fell off the bed and sat at a corner of the bed praying to be protected from ghosts. Really it was a cold moment for me. The whole family was surprised by my sudden weird behavior. They all began to laugh when they noticed I was frightened of the dark. "Huh, mother Luke is frightened of the dark ha-ha-ha-ha," said Luca while laughing.

"Hey stop making fun of my cute favorite nephew. Why don't we light up his room and accompany him until the electricity is back," said aunt.

"No aunt you may go and sleep, I will try to sleep in the dark," I replied.

"No ifs and buts now, we are going to play a game together as a family and I don't need any assumptions from anyone," aunt said.

We played a game called Kiss and Kill. My aunt's family really is weird as how mother described. It was a messed up family and that's the family which I very much wished for. We enjoyed the game and laughed that night. Drank a few drinks until I became emotional in the process of laughing. I began to thank my aunt and uncle for bringing me in United Kingdom and meeting new interesting friends. Unknowingly I seem to have told her that now I want to permanently live in Liverpool with them and my cousins insisted as well. Uncle and aunt looked at each other and stood from where they were sitting and left my room. "oh no what have I done," I thought to myself.

"Luke you really screwed up man," said Luca.

I went to bed after the incident. I was a bit shaken off and that was not alright. Next morning, I went to school and finish off decorating for the Prom Party Night. We continued decorating the hall but that day I was not myself due to what said the previous night. By dawn we were done with decorations and we were left to cook food which was going to be served at the party. Mariah went to the school cafeteria with Sasha and they began to cook and I joined them after I took rest also to calm my mind. Mariah noticed that I was worried and she confronted me about the matter. "Hey Luke, I have noticed that you are worried about something. What's the matter," she asked…..

"Oh I m alright. It's just that I have a slight headache," I said.

"Mmm I don't think that's the reason why you are a bit off. Come on, you know that you can trust me with anything," Mariah said.

"Argh fine, yesterday I asked my aunt to make my stay here permanent and that might have made her angry. So since then I had been worried," I release my heart to her.

"Come on that's it, don't worry she will forgive you and also bind your words and make your stay here permanent," she said.

Later...The principal joins us in the cafeteria and tasted the food to make sure nothing was done with failure. She praised our good work and left. Everything was ready and we were now just waiting for the day of Prom Party. Just a day left and I couldn't wait to see everyone stunned by the theme we put in the hall. "Alright guys, I will be off now. See you tomorrow evening," I bid farewell to my friends to call it an end day.

Chapter 3

The Prom Party Night

Fire And Ice themes



This is it, the long awaited night has finally come. There I m at home preparing myself to leave for our Prom Party at school. Shining like sun and feeling to jump up in the sky. I couldn't wait to see my own decorations getting light up on that day. I wonder what could Mariah be wearing right now. I began to picture myself in wonderland with her, dancing to some romantic songs. I wore my black suit and put on my tie finally brushed my teeth. So I could smell good, I took a mouth spray and sprayed my mouth with it. Finally it was 1830hrs and it was time to go. I was nervous to leave the house until Luca pushed me to the car. What a night it was. Already feeling the romance of air. I left home and went to school. The moment I stepped out of the car, my heart began to race as I saw Mariah. She was wearing the exact dress I insisted her to wear and the way she spread her hair made her look beautiful than before. As she walked towards me people began to stare. She approached me and was like Luke you looking handsome tonight. I was still dump struck and did say a word. She began to smile and I smiled back but my smile had more to it. She flicked her fingers at my face and I snapped out of my thoughts. "Shall we go if you are done dreaming," she said….

"Oh yes let's go," I replied. We went inside and I was amazed at how the hall was. It was shining fire and ice like seriously. How can one have so much talent, I began to praise myself. Wish this day lasts forever I said to myself. The dj began to play a song by Whitney Houston called I will always love you for entries. This song was one of my favorites. Every student brought their date to the dance floor and began to dance to the song. It was a slow motion song but interesting to start with. I could sing the lyrics to the song the entire night. A little while long the song was off as there was going to be an announcement from the principal. "Good evening Oxford College students, how are you all feeling," she shouted with so much energy. We all shouted back responding to her with entertained voices. "Some kids got special talents and you should help them archive something from it. Do you know that one of your fellow school friend is the one who decorated this hall and look how glowing it is. This is not just a Talent or Gift it's his blood, mother nature. I m proud of you Luke keep the good work and Mr Dj drop the music," shouted our principal. I began to think maybe she was high or something cause the way she was speaking definitely wasn't her.

Now the song which played was Mariah's best song called Rain on by lady Gaga and Arianna Grande. The moment the song began she went crazy that she began to sing along. She ran on the stage and told the Dj to stop the song and leave just the beat so she can sing along. "I didn't ask for a free ride, I only asked you to show me a real good time. I never asked for the rainfall. At least I showed up, you showed me nothing at all. It's coming down on me. Water like misery. It's coming down on me. I'm ready, rain on me. I'd rather be dry, but at least I'm alive. Rain on me, rain, rain. Rain on me, rain, rain. I'd rather be dry, but at least I'm alive. Rain on me, rain, rain. Rain on me. Rain on me. Mmh, oh yeah, baby. Rain on me. Living' in a world where no one's innocent. Oh, but at least we try, mmh. Got to live my truth, not keep it bottled in. So I don't lose my mind, baby, yeah. I can feel it on my skin (It's coming down on me). Teardrops on my face (Water like misery). Let it wash away my sins (It's coming down on me)", she sang to the song.

I took my phone from my pocket and began to record her as she sings with her melodious voice. The moment was very entertaining and sweet to picture for a whole life time. I wish I knew the lyrics and I could have joined her. How I love singing, I just sound like the owner when I sing along. But I didn't worry to much as I was going to sing along a song by the Righteous Brothers called Unchained melody. This was my favorite since the day I heard it at my aunt's wedding. The song is bomb if only you are a love person of course I m one of the love type person so definitely I would know it. She left the stage and ran towards me and embraced me. "Wow did you see how I sang out there Luke," she said happily….

"You were a bomb out there Mariah, I m impressed but don't get over confident cause I might take away the title from you as my voice is more melodious than yours," I said.

"So you mean apart from being a decorator, dancer and martial art student you can sing as well," she asked.

"Yes I can and you will witness it as time pass," I said.

So it was time for fashion competition and those with the most fashionable outfits were going to be crowned King and Queen of Prom. There was a sudden quietness and the music was off. So Five contestants were called to the stage. There was Mariah, Julia for girls and , Rodwin and I for the boys. I have to admit, Rodwin was looking smart but he wasn't that much compared to how I was dressed. First they announced the girls Queen of the Prom. The crown was given to Mariah. Everyone applaud for her and she was happy to win the title. Now it was time to announce the King of Prom. It was a hard decision to make as Rodwin and I wore the best clothes also they shouldn't two Kings at the same events. The principal said, this goes for a vote but that was unfair as everyone disliked Rodwin. "I have a solution to this problem and I challenge your so called hero Luke to a dance off," Rodwin said. Does this dude knows what he is saying, I thought to myself. James and Sasha shouted ",Rodwin you will embarrass yourself once again. You might not know, Luke is full of surprises"…

"hey you two, stop talking nonsense. This isn't a battle ground for fists and kick", Rodwin says.

"Fine man, I accept your challenge," I said with confidence.

Rodwin thought he was the King of dances in the city. The battle challenge began and Rodwin danced to the old dances and I did new generation dances. Round 1 he danced a Harlem Shake. That dance was a dope that when I was sideline I began to groove it. I was next and I had to find a dance which might score our points to a tie or make me win so that moment I thought of the Galley dance. This was the first dance I mastered when I was eight years old. I was really feeling the groove that I made the whole school cheer for me. Now it was time to announce who won the dance off and to my surprise I heard it was a tie. I had put much hard work in there so that I won't lose to his dope Harlem Shake. Round two began and I had to perform first. My heart began to race as my opponent was stronger with his old school dances and I had to think outside of the box. I thought of this dance my dad used to teach me called the clown walk. It was an old school dance and to Rodwin's, I seemed to have performed it world class that he was left with no guts to dance round two. He gave up and I was crowned the King of Prom. Rodwin hated losing and that's what his nature had been since the day I arrived at Oxford College. The crowd cheered for me as I wore the king's crown. Mariah was shocked to see these mesmerizing dances I used in battling Rodwin and she whispered in my ear," tomorrow please will you teach me these dances". I was like sure why not. The night continued and we had to finish off the games for the night.

"Attention everyone we have 2 participants in this competition. We have Luke and our college best and undefeated singer George Wilbert. And in this competition they are going to do a sing along," said the principal.

My heart was already skipping a bit when I heard the principal calling George the best singer at Oxford College. I shouldn't have been scared as I never heard him singing before. George came on stage and he insisted he sings first. I could not say no as I wanted to hear his popular melodious voice. He was going to sing "I m the boss by big bad bosses". On hearing the title I was already freaking out.

"Open a dictionary. Turn it to Mastermind. You'll see a picture of me with my other bros in line. I'll burn your village and I. Won't even look behind. I need not be kind. (You know why?). I'm the boss. I'm the boss. I'm very, very sorry for your loss. I'm the boss. I'm the boss. And just in case I didn't get my point across. I'm the boss. Of a whole 'another castle. Am not no princess inside. Am not nobody going to come and find me. I got mad reptilian pride. If you want to step in my kingdom, can you beat that," he sang.

I was flabbergasted, he really had a nice voice and the crowd cheered non stop and they began to shout his name repeatedly. How was I going to defeat such a person and also I had no song I had in mind that could beat his song. He already stated he is the boss and these lyrics are so powerful. I turned around and faced the crowd and I spotted Mariah looking at me with that face which stated, how can you beat such voice when I failed my entire life. I was stuck in mud and sinking slowly. "what a bomb George dropped, can our new student over take the singer like he did to our best dancer," said the Principal. Her words worsened my fear I better come up with something cool or romantic. George handed over the mic to me and began to shiver with fear of embarrassment.

I thought of a song by Itchy called I dropped the bomb. I hoped the song does the trick before I got more embarrassed than I already. "Saw an add on the tv screen. Advertising this institution. It sounded good to me to fight for peace. And to finally make ends meet. Paid vacation with a gun in hand. On land, in the air, on the water. Exploring nature on foreign sand. Where we will march and fight. And kill, 2, 3, 4. We want to know where are we supposed to go. Drop the bomb, drop the bomb. And we'll fight our way through. We want to know where are we supposed to go. Drop the bomb, drop the bomb. And we'll kill ourselves for you. I signed up and I made some friends. Willing to take the chance of a lifetime. Coz trying home is not how it ends. For me, for me, for me, for me. We go their way and without a doubt. There'll be parades held in your honor. My mom is scared but my daddy's proud. And now we march. We fight. We kill, 2, 3, 4," I sang back.

Finally breath out after the song. I was sweating like crazy and I thought that song shall teach him. The crowd was shocked on hearing my voice was equivalent to George. I looked at Mariah and she had no words to say to me. All I heard from the crowd was ," who is this black guy?". George returned on the stage and took away the mic from my hand and was aggressive. He began to sing a song coming from his aggressive attitude. "Couldn't stand the meaningless. Couldn't cope at all. All is problem more or less. Don't care if I fall. So what the hell should I do. No reason to stay. All is bad my point of view. Must get through another day. I'm so mad at dangerous dude. I'm so bad with aggressive attitude. Couldn't see that this is wrong. Couldn't change my way. Trauma follow me all day long. Another fight is all I say. So what the hell should I do. No reason to stay. All is bad my point of view. Must get through another day. I'm so mad at dangerous dude. I'm so bad with aggressive attitude", George aggressively sang. Argh can't this dude just give up. He will burst with anger if he keeps singing with heart.

"wow this is a great night. Two melodious singers standing at the stage and also giving us such a glorious time. Now that we know Luke can singer beautifully, can he end George's Chapter once and for all", said the principal.

"What now, what should I do? Can I overrun his song. Is it possible. But how", I thought to myself. I thought of just singing from my heart and finish all this with a harmony song.

"I was born in a town full of red pine trees. County sign says follow your dreams. Westbound train makes the whole town shake. Friday night lights decide your fate. Born again in a church where the steeple's white. Preacher preach Book of John and my momma cried. Meaning' of life was in verse 2. Didn't make sense 'til I found you. I could search the world from south to north. But I've already found what I'm looking' for. Wherever I go and whatever I do. I was born to love you Mariah, I was born to love you. Mariah looking' in your eyes, yeah it's all so clear. Every time you smile, I know why I'm here. Wherever I go and whatever I do. I was born to love you, I was born to love you Mariah," I sang with bomb confidence.

This song was a hit that it attracted everyone's heart and wait a moment did I just poured my heart out to Mariah. The crowd went crazy and they began shouting my name out loud. George thought of returning to the competition with a song but he failed. The principal announced me as the winner of the sing along competition and I felt great about it. The moment was very entertaining. Mariah left the school and went home. She left unannounced and I thought it was because of my song. How was I so stupid to do that. I left the school also and went to home too planned to meet Mariah first thing in the morning at school.