Chapter 29
Chapter 29
At that, Daisy sensed the conversation wasn’t going her way. Jocelyn, let me tell you, don’t you go looking for excuses. If a girl hits thirty without being married, she really becomes the talk of the town Look around, all your childhood friends. are either married or having kids, and here you are, not even a boyfriend in sight”
Jocelyn knew arguing was futile. She took out her phone, flashed a grin at Daisy, Tm gonna take a call. You carry on.”
Things were getting busler as finals approach
Everyone was grinding away, teachers and students alike. Teachers were gunning for their classes to top the school while the students just wanted to ace the finals and kick back for the break.
Jocelyn, as the homeroom teacher, had her plate full.
“Did you and my uncle break up?” Preston popped the question while handing in late homework, seizing the moment. when the office was empty
Jocelyn had already unfriended Melvin on all social media and deleted his number.
Not sure if he’s done the same, but she hasn’t heard a peep from him.
It’s all water under the bridge now
“Finals are around the corner, so you’d be better off hitting the books. Don’t fall behind later,” Jocelyn said as she accepted his homework Back to class.
Preston rubbed his nose, Psh, no way I’m coming in last.”
Out of curiosity, Jocelyn asked, “So what’s the goal? Rank in the class?”
Top five in the whole grade.”
Jocelyn chuckled at his bravado. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
A guy who had always been scraping the bottom suddenly wanted to shoot for top five in the finals?
What a joke, right?
But she didn’t want to burst his bubble of confidence. Who knows, he might just pull a rabbit out of his hat.
After all, even a fishmonger can turn into a big shot.
“Give it your best!” She felt a surge of pride as a teacher seeing her student so pumped.
Preston rolled his eyes. “Don’t act like you believe in me. Tell you what, let’s make a bet. If I crack the top five, you gotta agree to one condition.”
Feeling good, Jocelyn asked, “What condition?”
“I’ll tell you when the time comes, Preston kept it a secret.
Jocelyn raised an eyebrow Alright. As long as it’s nothing illegal or against the rules, I’m in. And if you don’t make it?”
Preston thought for a moment, “You name it. Even if it’s arson or murder, I’ll make it happen.”
Jocelyn grabbed a workbook from her desk and smacked him on the forehead, “What the heck is going on in that head of yours?”
He didn’t flinch, just fixed his hair. “You can smack my face, but please, not the hair.”
“Enough already, get back to study At this rate, you won’t even make last but five,” Jocelyn dismissed him.
“I mean it, Jocelyn… can’t you show a little faith in me?” Preston gave her a side glance, “Seriously, if I don’t make the top five, I’ll do anything you ask.”
Glancing at the clock, Jocelyn said, “Okay then. Go for it!”
“Do you believe in me?” he asked, suddenly serious.
“Of course, Jocelyn nodded earnestly, Work hard and give it your all! You’re fighting for your own benefit.”
Preston knew she didn’t buy it and threw down the gauntlet, “Just you wait!”
After Preston left, Jocelyn shook her head with a resigned smile.
After school, it was already late at night. Jocelyn packed up and left the school. The bus stop billboard now showed.
Willow endorsing jewelry in a huge, eye-catching poster.
She was over it.
It had been over half a month since she and Melvin last spoke. Over time, it seemed less and less of a loss
Once the break started, she decided to visit her hometown for a few days, then hit up some domestic tourist spots to totally unwind.
She’d never really traveled solo before, always waiting on Melvin. But he was always too busy
If he didn’t go, neither did she..
Men can be such a drag sometimes.
Walking on the street, she noticed more punks around these days, with security and auxiliary police patrolling, on alert for any who might try to trick students.
Just around the corner was her apartment when three punks stepped out, whistling lewdly. “Hey, been watching you for days How about coming over to your place?”
Jocelyn was shocked at their audacity.
The cops are all over this place. You’re being way too brazen, she said coolly Scram before they get here!”
“Oh, playing tough, huh? You must be a teacher there. We’re poor students, so why not teach us a lesson at your place?” one of them said, edging closer creepily.
Jocelyn clutched her bag and stepped back when suddenly something whooshed past her ear, followed by a yelp.
Turning around, she saw Preston rushing over, all fired up. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. She was about to ask why he hadn’t gone home when she saw the punks running towards Preston. She yelled, “Preston!
He was already scrapping with the punks.
Without hesitation, Jocelyn called the cops and found a thick stick in the greenery.
She swung it at the punks backs.
“Run, will you?” Preston yelled even as he was fighting.
She couldn’t just leave him there.
Her jumping into the fray drew one punk’s attention, who grabbed the stick and snapped it with a yank.
Jocelyn’s eyes widened in shock. Holding the broken stick, she said, “I’ve called the police. Leave now or wait
arrested”
As she finished, flashing police lights appeared in the distance
“The cops are here, run!”
They took off, shoving Preston on their way out.
Jocelyn rushed to check on him, whose face now showing signs of bruising.
“Are you okay? Hurt anywhere?” She frantically checked him over.
Preston frowned, “I was fine until you started poking around”
“Sorry.”
The police arrived, and after Jocelyn explained the situation, they started checking the surveillance footage.
Preston insisted his injuries were just minor, nothing serious enough to require police or a hospital visit
Once the police left, Jocelyn helped Preston up. “Let’s go, I’ll put some antiseptic on those cuts.”
I’m okay. A little scrap never hurt any tough guy, Preston was stubbom.
to be
Jocelyn gave a light smack to his forehead. “You’re still a minor, kiddo. Hurry up, if you get a scar, you’ll be a turn-off for the ladies later on. Either we head to my place or the hospital, take your pick ”
Preston was adamant, Just call my uncle and have him come gel me.”
Jocelyn was speechless.
“I might be underage, but I’m still a guy. You’re the only lady at your place; it wouldn’t be proper for me to go there,” Preston said, all prim and proper, “I got smacked in the head just now, gotta get it checked out at the hospital. Exams are around the corner, so I can’t afford to have any issues upstairs Just call my uncle, will you?”
The last thing Jocelyn wanted was to get in touch with Melvin again. She always felt like she was the one making all the effort, almost chasing after him.
Seeing Preston looking all down and out, she did feel it was necessary to notify a guardian.
She dialed that familiar number, her heart fluttering with unease, and held the phone to her ear
The phone rang for ages, and just when she thought there would be no answer, it was picked up.