Chapter 7 My Departure

THEIR POINT OF VIEW "Let's go into the classroom." Apollo told Cloyd. Cloyd followed Apollo on his way to their class. "Zaf is probably absent now. Khaye and Jazzy are already inside." Cloyd said as he noticed that Zaphia is not around. "I tried callin her but she did not pick up." Apollo still shrugged. Cloyd turned his mouth. Because they are currently on the third floor of the building. "There, Zaf is downstairs. Who is she hugging. "At the same time, he pointed to Zaphia's position. Apollo immediately turned in the direction Cloyd had pointed. It was clear in the sunlight that Zaphia was in that area. And it was also very clear that someone was hugging her and Zaphia was hugging one hand on his waist. And before they finally parted, Zaphia hugged the man with both hands. Zaphia waved at him before finally climbing the stairs. She was smiling. Smiles Apollo always sees when she faces him. He smiled knowing that Zaphia only provided for a select few. ZAPHIA'S POINT OF VIEW "Why aren't Pot and Cloyd here?" I immediately asked when our class was over. "Earlier they were out there. We thought they were waiting for you." Khaye replied. "Maybe they do not want to attend this class. They'll show up later." As Jazzy fixes her bag. Maybe! Where did those two go? My day isn't really complete when I don't watch Apollo. It is Friday! No school for two days. Why didn t Pot-Pot show up? I had to stay home this weekend. We have important things to talk about and take care of. Whatever it is is not yet clear. But just thinking that I can go on makes me feel very sad. I haven t even told Jazzy and Khaye yet. I need to make sure first. Monday, back to school. "Hi there!" I greeted Apollo when I saw him with Cloyd and MJ in the canteen. I even put my hand on Apollo's shoulder. I was surprised when he removed my hand. Because before it was just usual for him. "Wow! I'm not sick. Am I contagious?" I am joking with another question. He suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me away from his friends. He walked fast as if he was just dragging a can. I just followed him and smiled. It looks like his heart has softened for me. He held my hand tightly and did not let go. Until we get to a part of the university that does nit have too many people. "Stop, will you?" He said and let go of my hand. "What? I do not understand." I frowned. "Stop acting like you like me but you are fooling around. You are exaggerated always! You are over acting! You are too sweet to everyone! You are a flirt! You are not the type of woman I should like. How many men have you been with? Hugged you? Kissed you? Or even more than that! Stop making me feel that I am special to you even though we know that all men are special to you." There was anger at the words thrown at me by Apollo. "The way you speak to me really hurts. You don't know me so you don't have the right to say all that." I clenched my hand because it seemed like he literally threw stones at me and hit every part of my body. "I do not need to know you anymore. I already know that type. Jusy stay away from me. Or better get lost of my sight." Weak but like a bell that repeatedly rang in my ear. "I hate you." I couldn't help but say and I slapped him hard on the cheek. After that, I ran away from Apollo. As my tears continued to flow. I did not think he could say those words. I accepted that he did not like me. And I thought maybe we will just be friends. Very painful! It was my very first heart break. I want to bury myself in the ground first and then I won t breathe. What he did was as if he had killed me. The many times he rejected me and being genuine that he did not like me, is still acceptable. But when he describes me in different versions of being a useless woman, I can't accept that anymore! Ever since I thought about the world above, my parents never failed to show my worth. They always say how important I am. They always let me know that I have no shortcomings. That is why I am always confident and strong. It s the very first time, that I felt like I did not matter. I have no value. To the person my heart still cherishes. THEIR POINT OF VIEW "Why does Zaf has been absent for few days now?" Cloyd asked Jazzy. "Ask your friend." Jazzy replied angrily and stood up to leave. "Wait, where is she? I need to talk to her." Apollo said softly. "No way! We won't let you come near her anymore. As you told her, she will be out of your sight, forever! "Khaye also said angrily and pulled Jazzy s arm out of the classroom. "What's that?" Cloyd no longer understood what was happening. "I am a foll, a shit! I spoke ill of Zaphia. I can't admit to myself that I am really jealous with that guy. His companion last time." Apollo admitted and sat down again due to depression. "I mean, you like her too?" Cloyd confirming this. "I cannot explain why. I am still in denial. But after I say the hurtful words to her, I want to hurt myself for doing that. And now that she's not roaming around, I really miss her. I want to talk to her. I want to say sorry. "He punched his armchair slightly. "That is how it is, Apollo. You only know a person's value when they are no longer with you. Call her! Talk to hee."Cloyd's advice. "I already did that! Her phone is dead. I need to know where she lives so I can talk to her." Apollo stood up and went out to see if he could catch up with Khaye. But he failed. They are gone. Tomorrow .... Saturday. "Zhafi, be careful there! We are going to miss you so much." Jazzy crying. "I will miss you both too. Let us just chat all the time." I shouldered them both. "It is sudden! It's really immediate." Khaye was also crying. "Our papers has been in order for a long time. We need to go to Aunt Dyessa. She needs us. Then of course, so that I can be with my dad too. That is why Brother Vhil came home so that he could pick us up. "I explained to my friends while trying to hold back my tears. "What about Apollo? He wants to talk to you. Maybe he wants to apologize. Give him a chance. He looks sincere." Khaye's announcement. "Yeah! He keeps on texting us even calling to ask for your address." Jazzy wiped away her tears. "Don't! Please! Everything is clear with me now. I'm lying if I say I'm just fine! I'm not okay! I want to prove to him that he is wrong. But for what else? He was one of the reasons why I didn t want to leave. Seeing his face everyday makes me happy. But the pain I felt was tripled after he stabbed my heart. Please, do not give him any information about me. "I couldn't help but cry. Jazzy and Khaye hugged me. I cried even more when they did that. I feel like they are also hurting because they love me. I am important to them. "Are you alright?" And Mommy held my hand. "I will be okay too." I forced a smile. "I'll make sure you'll enjoy our place." Brother Vhil suddenly spoke. "I know, Brother! I know I will." I nodded further. I turned my gaze to the plane window. I can hardly see where we came from. I can only see thick clouds. And after a few hours I was on the other side of the world. Away from the people important to me. Far from the person who does not appreciate me.