8 Chapter six

Pearl's p.o.v

Today is the day Jeff would be coming to help me with my studies but somehow I have this feeling I don't want him to come. After he treated me the way he did like I was a total stranger, my thoughts about him changed abruptly. What did I even do to him to make him treat me like that???

I got his message yesterday but I chose to ignore it. He has no right to treat me the way he wants to.

It's 5p.m already and I knew he would be approaching my house. I thought as I heard a knock on the door. I chose to ignore since I know it would send him a clear message.

"Pearl, are you in there??" He asked still knocking on the door. "Pearl, come on...I know you are mad at me but please open the door" He said as I slowly went to the door and turned the knob, ushering him in.

I did not bother listening to him as I went to the dinning table, arms folded and waiting for some kind of explanation.

"Listen Pearl.." he said dropping his school bad on the table and getting a seat close to me. He took me by the hand and looked at me. "...I shouldn't have treated you the way I did Pearl and I'm sorry".

I pulled my hand away from his. "And you think just because you hold me by the hand and look me straight in the eyes and telling me you're sorry, I am going to jump right into you and give you a big hug isn't it? but no Jeff, not this time". I stood up only to be pulled back my Jeff.

"Pearl, I'm really sorry. You know I'd never do anything to hurt you".

"That's just the thing Jeff. I know you'd never do anything to hurt me but why you did that is what I honestly don't get". I said as I sighed.

"Ok, the thing is...." he paused before looking at with with a frown on his face.

Jefferson's p.o.v

I knew she was hurt but what on Earth am I supposed to tell her. "Ok. The thing is...." I paused while looking at her to see I have her full attention. This better has to work. "...few weeks ago was my dad's death anniversary and my mom was pretty much worked out and she wasn't herself. When I came back from school, I met her drinking. I knew she hadn't gotten over my dad's death but at the same time, I couldn't watch her doing that to herself. I was angry with myself for not being a better son to her. I didn't mean to take that all up on you". I said wishing I sounded convincing enough but I think I did because Pearl came and gave me a hug.

"I'm really sorry about your dad and about everything else". she apologized as I smiled making her pull a little away from me, giving me a sarcastic look.

"what??". I asked as she moved away from me but of course, I ain't letting her go away that fast. I pulled her back into my embrace. "I care about you Pearl and I promise I won't do anything to hurt you". I said without even thinking about it.

"promise?". she asked looking at me like the answers lies in my eyes. I used my finger to push her forehead a little.

"of course I promise...now let's get to what I actually came here for". I said grabbing my school bag and bringing out some books which I handed over to her as we sat down back in our seats. " But I was wondering...". I said looking at Pearl who was busy flipping through the pages of the book. "after we are done studying, what next?". I asked.

"What do you mean what's next??? you're going back to your mother's house of course". Pearl said as she continued flipping the pages of the book as she came across a topic she didn't understand which she passed to me. "I think we should start with this". I looked up at her and she really did seem damn serious about the reply she gave but I decided to honor that maybe she's still isn't completely healed yet.

I cleared my throat. "Algebra expression it is then". I said as we got into the business of the day.

After two hours we were done studying. Pearl walked me to the door as she rested her arms on the door. "Thanks so much Jeff. I guess I'll see you tomorrow". she said as I quickly remembered I had a meeting with my side chick.

"um...I won't be able to come in tomorrow". I said which made her raise an eyebrow in suspense.

"Why is that??". she said folding her arms right in front of her. There's just no way you can lie to her. She's just too innocent and sweet.

I put my arms in the pocket of my trouser as I whispered in to her ears. "Damn Jeff!!! you know what, forget I asked" and with that she shut the door at me.

"Not even a good night?". I yelled loud enough for her to ear.

"Get lost Jeff". she replied back as I smiled my way home. One thing I'm grateful for is the fact I settled that scores with her, I don't think I can deal with not talking to her even for a second. I feel hurt though because I didn't tell her the complete truth coupled with the fact I promised I won't hurt her but how sure am I that I won't??. I like every minute I spend with her even if I want to deny it, I can't deny the fact that I do feel something for her but does she feel the same way?. That girl is really a hard nut to crack and I'm willing to take my chances of course.