The black book

Slowly walking through the small antique shop that had once belonged to my now deceased father, I stop when I see a small black book with what seems to be golden pages. I reach forward, intrigued by this little book. Slowly brushing my fingers against the cover I smile slightly. I feel drawn to it. Like I need to protect this book from all peering eyes. With in a few quick second, I take it and stash it away in my pocket before pretending as if nothing happened. Heading back to the counter I see my mother. Just like myself, my mother looks at me with her electric blue eyes and stark white hair as I strode over to the front counter.

“Mother,” I say simply in greeting.

“Mali, we need to talk,” she says gruffly.

“Of course mother, what do you need?” I ask, knowing my fathers death was hard on her.

“Since your father never got to write his will before he passed, while sick he asked me to give you this,” she informs me while sitting on the counter top.

“Give me what?” I know he was to sick to lift his arms to it makes sense on why he didn’t write his will. She hands me a brown parchment note, folded neatly in three. I open it, completely confused and read it.

To my youngest son, Mali,

If your reading this it means I’m gone and had your brother write this before I passed.

I know that you’ve always had some fascination in the shop so it’s yours.

I want you to have it, for I know that you’ll look after it as well as I did.

I’ll be watching over you,

Lots of love and care,

Your father.

Yeah, that’s my brothers handwriting alright. I hold the parchment in my hands, rereading the letter over and over again. “Mali, what do you have to say?” I hear my mother ask at the back of mind. As I look up, her expression goes from ‘hurry up’ to her usual annoyed one.

“I’ll take it” I say, determined to make my fathers legacy live on. She nods once then hops off the counter heading to the large oak door at the front of the shop. I look back down at my pocket and pull out the small book and open it to the first page, staring in amazement as words elegantly appear on the paper.

THE BLACK BOOK

To you in my bloodline who comes in possession of this,

I bid you well on your journey of patience.

You must wait sixteen days while every hour one page of this book

will turn to a fifty dollar note. If you can not wait the length of time,

the book will become the property of someone more eligible.

I bid you well,

Edward Paciencia.

Reading the elegant cursive over and over, I smile to myself, ‘So this is how my father kept the shop open as well as keep us fed.’ As I start to pace back and forth, my mind starts to get brilliant ideas which whiz around my head. Buying better clothes for my family, better food then just the scraps we eat and keeping the shop open. Finally, I sit in an old antique chair, layered in dust and cobwebs. “Mali, you ok?” My older brother, Kirt asks.

“Y-yes dear brother,” I answer stuffing the book away in my jacket pocket.

“You sure? You seem out of it.”he says worriedly.

As I nod I say, “ mother just came in, I’m just missing father, that’s all.”

“So do I….” He walks towards me. Kirt’s usual smile fades to a thin line of sadness. He sits next to me in another chair.

“Will you help me clean this place up?” I ask hopefully.

“Yeah of course I will… we’re in this together,” he rests a hand on my shoulder. Smiling softly, I stand and grab a broom that was leaning against the wall. I watch as he grabs the duster and starts dusting. Within a few short hours, there isn’t a speck of dust anywhere. “Looks good Don’t you think?” He asks me.

“Hmmm, I think it’s missing something,” I explain.

“Which is?” He looks at me confused. I grab a photo of father and set it on the counter. I see kirt smile sadly and nod, agreeing with my choice. I walk over to him and engulf him in a warm hug. I feel him wrap his arms back around me in return. “I hear mother calling for tea,” I say.

“Let’s go then, we’ll open up soon,” he says back. I nod slightly and let him lead the way upstairs to our small but cozy apartment above the shop. We sit at our small dining table with our mother. Mother is in her apron stirring a pot of what seems to be stew, on the hot and steamy stove.

The next day while Mali is at school

I place my bag down beside my desk as I sit down. The loud echo of students bounces around the classroom distracting me from my tasks. Sighing, I try to block them out. The teacher calls me up to write on the ancient, dusty chalkboard, leaving my bag unguarded and open for predators to strike. After writing the answer, I glance at my bag and my eyes widen when I don’t see the book. A slight anger builds up in my fingertips as my grip on the chalk hardens causing it to snap in two. “Sorry sir… but something is missing from my bag..” I seem to hiss out the words.

“Mr Paciencia!”my professor barks.

“It was my fathers sir,” I look at him, “it just came into my possession.”

“If you say someone stole it…EVERYONE EMPTY YOUR POCKETS!” my professor orders.

“What about their bags professor?” I ask.

“AND BAGS!” he shouts. I start searching and see a girl refuse to empty her bag. She fiddles with some notes as the class erupts into chatter. I stalk over and stand in front of her.

“Excuse me? Miss?” I ask.

“W-what?” She stutters out going a little pale.

“I’m going to have to ask you to empty you bag contents,” I say, trying to be polite.

Setheen’s point of view

Glancing to my left, I see Mali, with his stark white hair and electric eyes. He’s just walked in and sat himself at his desk. He’s the sweetest, our parents were friends in school and they’ve kept in touch.

I glance over at Jess, who’s quickly finishing her homework that was assigned for today. I look down at Mali’s bag and see a small flash of gold. The professor calls the class to be silent then asks for Mali to answer the homework questions. Staring at the flash of gold, I feel drawn to it, like I need to grab it. I try to ignore it but my eyes keep going back to his bag. I double check to make sure Mali isn’t looking and snatch it before opening to read it’s contents. Staring confused as the first page is blank, then my confusion turns to shock as words appear, like magic. The sensation of the pull, convinces me to read more.

Congratulations to you who is outside my bloodline,

You are reading this because you felt compelled to grab it,

Not everyone is like you, this book has chosen you, for this

Quest of patience will not be a challenge for you to finish.

I bid you best of luck,

Edward Paciencia.

I look up to see Mali glancing over at his bag and panic. So I stuff the book into my pocket. I look over at jess who looks over at me at the same time. Soon our professor is yelling at us to empty out our pockets and bags and I panic even more. Looking over at jess again, she seem to understand and nods slightly in my direction. I slide the book across to her after retrieving it out of my pocket. I fiddle with the paper on my desk as I stare at the ink pot at the top of my desk. Mali comes over after noticing I didn’t start to empty my bag or pockets. I look up at him and try not to blush as his intense eyes settle on my form. “Excuse me? Miss?” He asks me. I can hear the force of his politeness in his voice and I feel myself go pale.

“W-what?” I stutter out.

“I’m going to have to ask you to empty you bag contents,” he explains.

“Ok,” I say simply and stand and grab my bag. He waits patiently as I keep emptying my bag. I pull out a small paper bag and put it on my desk. His eyes seem to soften when he finally realises I don’t have it. “And you can see into my apron pockets.” I mumble. He peers down ,nodding before moving back to the board. I repack my bag and sit back down. Again when his back is turned, Jess slides the book back over to me. I quickly put it in my bag as well, under everything. After that tense moment the rest of the day is a breeze. Soon it’s lunch and we can go out to the caught yard. I wait for Jess as she had to stay behind. I hear yelling from the professor and walk in to intervene. “ I-I’m Sorry professor,” I hear Jess whimper slightly.

“Professor there’s a fight outside,” I lie, protecting my sister. Our professor looks up and nods a thanks before rushing out. I rush over to Jess and hugs her. “Are you ok?”

She hugs me back tightly and whimpers out,“ he beat me.”

“I’m sorry Jess I’ll protect you from now on I’m promise,” I say, feeling guilty. Jess curls up more in my arms as we walk out to the courtyard. I try to hide her but since we’re both small it’s hard. Many eyes land on us, especially from the older more nosy kids. “What?” I snap and glare at them. Most just go back to their conversations. I straighten myself out but keep Jess close to my side. I sit down with Jess next to me and we split our thick white ham and cheese sandwich.

I pull out our shared pocket knife and slice the sandwich in half carefully. I notice Jess’s mouth start to water. I hand her one half and bite into my half. We both finish our sandwich and stand again, having the same idea of saving the apple for our next lunch. I hold Jess’s hand as we walk towards the giant tree in the centre of our play area. Jess runs to get the only free swing that’s set away from all the noise. I follow closely, not wanting to lose sight of her. She asks me to push her so I do. I listen to her giggling away happily and smile to myself.

Mali walks over mumbling to himself. As he walks I feel my face heat up. He looks up from the ground and we make eye contact. The moment is tense for a short minute, before we both look away. For me, guilt, and for him…I’m not so sure. He walks to the trunk and sits with his back against it. There’s a slight breeze so his hair blows gently. Like normal, he has it half up and down. I admire it’s brightness then go back to pushing Jess. I must of pushed to hard while I was looking at Mali because when I look Jess looks at me sadly. I’m very quick to apologise, “Oh lord, Jess I’m so sorry did I hurt you? I’m so so sorry.”

Her expression changes quickly as she giggling and smiling so my apology must have worked. I sigh softly in relief and smile back at her. After that, the day moves quickly and before we know it, it’s home time. Walking beside Jess, I watch her sadden as we get closer to home. “ what’s the matter?” I ask already knowing the answer. She gives me her ‘I know you know’ look. As we round the corner to our home I feel her tense up. I hold her hand tightly and we walk up the steps. The moment the door opens that’s it for us. We walk in and our father comes over.

Frederick’s point of view

“You’re late!” I explain annoyed as my daughters walk in.

“Sorry father… our teacher held us back,” Setheen, my eldest explains. Nodding slightly, even though I don’t believe her, I gesture for them to go and show me what’s on their bags. I watch as they both open their bags and I search them. I see gold at the bottom of Seths bag. Curious I reach in and take out the book. I pick it up, seeing the gold pages, “what is this?” I asks her roughly. My youngest, Jess, takes it quickly from my clasp. “Hey! Give it back!” I bark out, something is clearly important about this book if she wants to take it from me.

“T-this is Sethy’s…” she mumbles, for the first standing up to me.

“I don’t care! Give it to me now.” I snap, I don’t like her standing up to me and being disobedient. She goes to run upstairs but I pull her back firm enough for her to fight off tears. I couldn’t care less, I want to know why that book is so important. “Nooooooo!” She yells.

“Shut it!” I snap angrily. Finally with enough force I pry the book from her hands and push her away into her sister. I watch as Seth catches her and stares at the book with what looks like guilt. “Setheen…go to your room! Jecinta to your mother!” I yell. I can see her hesitance but she lets go of Jess. I can tell they both know what’s coming for her, that’s why I see Seth cling to her.

I rip Jess away and push Seth towards her room. Once Seth is out of sight, I escort Jess to mine and my wife’s room. I knock on the door as I enter and push Jess forward. “What is it dear?” My wife’s Elizabeth asks. “She’s yours for the evening,” I say simply. She nods and takes Jess’s wrists. I walk out and leave Jess with my wife the rush upstairs to my study. Nearly slamming the book on my desk, I open it.To my surprise, the pages are blank. I go through page by page to see if there are any hidden words, but every page draws blank. Almost seeming to growl in frustration, I slam it closed. “Why all the damn fuss then ?” I snap to myself as I rub my forehead in frustration.

The next day just before school: Jesse’s point of view

I come downstairs, holding my bandaged side after a long night. I go to my fathers study just down hall, to see if I can get the book back from his desk. I enter the spacious study nervously as I’ve never been in there before. I got straight to the desk and start to search, trying not to move things around too much. It’s not on the desk so I start searching the draws as carefully as I can. I try not to rummage but I eventually find the book. Sneaking out, I head to the kitchen where Seth is making our lunch. Today it’s last nights leftovers, a small bowl of broth and a few bit of broken up bread. Walking up to Seth, I show her the book that’s in between my jacket and dress. Seths expression changes to one of relief when she sees it. “what’s for lunch?” I ask.

“Mother and fathers leftovers from last night,” Seth mumbles back. We hear the sound of angry feet on the stairs.

Seth looks at the stairs then back at me with a worried expression, “quick go get the bags them meet me by the the door in a minute.” I nod and rush to grab our bags, the sound of angry thumps getting closer. Once I grab the bags I rush back to meet Seth at the door. Seth has already managed to pull on her jacket and I hand her, her bag as we rush out. The trip to school is shorter this morning as we reach the front gates puffing.

We try to calm our breathing as we walk into through the gates. The yard is crowded by many students from all the different classes. I hold Seths hand as we walk up towards the main building. The boy from yesterday, Mali runs over. I see Seths eyes fall to the floor immediately, her eyes filled with guilt. “You should give it back,” I whisper to her gently. Seth nods and grabs the book out of her bag. I watch as she walks over and explains to Mali that it was on the floor and she picked it up and took it home for the night so she could give it back to him the next day. I wait patiently but my legs start to hurt after what happened the night before, so I walk over to her and tug gently on her sleeve. She turns and gently asks, “yes?”

“I need to sit down,” I explain. Seth nods, understanding and holds my hands gently after saying a quick bye to Mali.

The bell for class starts to ring so we all just go inside anyway. We take our normal seats and I sigh sadly as Seth moves away to sit in hers. I immediately get called on by the professor. My entire body freezes. Seth is quick to answer for me, “13 sir.” The professor writes something down and I think I know what it is. Seth just looks over at me and smiles softly, as her way of saying it’s going to be ok. I nod to myself and start copying the work from the board just like everyone else. The days goes on like this, with the professor picking me the entire time and Seth always answering. By second lunch I’ve had to stay in twice, Seth each time helping me by calling the professor away.

Mali’s point of view

Walking into school, I see the two girls from yesterday. The slightly taller girl walks over fiddling with something small and black. She looks up slightly to meet my confused gaze and simply hands me the object. It’s my, book…but how did she get a hold of it, unless. She seems to notices my conflicted gaze and answers, “I saw it outside the school gates yesterday outside of school and I didn’t see you around, so I took it home to give it to you today at school.” I smile in thanks and and finally take it from her hands. She simply nods as I see her sister walk over. Her sister tugs on her arm gently and a few moments later shes saying goodbye.

We say goodbye just as the bell rings, so I walk with them both into class and sit between them. I notice the second girl look away sadly but I know I can’t do anything about it. I glance between the girls but I know I can’t move for the professor will notice. The school day commences. I notice the slightly taller one always answers when the shorter one is called upon. This happened all day. I also notice that the first girl never leaves the second girls side. I really need to learn their names, I think to myself. I feel silly for not doing that sooner. Soon enough, with the teacher calling out their names, I soon learn that one is Seth and the other Jess.

At the end of the day I decide to talk to them again. I nervously walk up to them before they can exit the school gates. “U-uh, excuse me…girls?” I asks politely and nicely. The girl I now know as Seth replies to me with a simple ,”yes?”

“I realised that I never introduced myself,” I start, as I extend my hand for her.

She just smiles politely, ”there’s no need, I know who you are.” Slightly shook I nod my head slowly. Nether the less she shakes my hand. “We really must get going,” she explains sweetly. But I can see the fear and nervousness in her eyes. I nod my head just before her and her sister leave for home. I watch them both for a minute, then turn the other direction to head home myself. Little did I know, while we were all distracted, the book was taken once more. One I reached my shop, I rummaged through my back for my keys and notice the book isn’t there. I groan in annoyance as I unlock the door. “This is the second time it’s been taken,” I grumble under my breath.

The large oak door groans as I open it. I see my brother at the front desk. He is looking slightly concerned and I walk up to him to see what is the matter. He starts explaining, that in order for the shop to stay open I have to pay a few large bills. I sigh heavily, “ when are they due?”

“In less then three weeks,” he reply’s grimly. I nod and think to myself, ‘ I need to get that book back.’ Kirt walks around the shop inspecting small rocks and other objects.

“How much money is due?” I ask.

“ twenty thousand dollars,” he sighs.

I let out a heavy sigh and nod,” I’ll get the money.” His expression changes depending on what he’s looking at. “Did you hear me kirt?” I ask.

“Yes, yes I did brother but I’m wondering exactly how?” he looks at me confused.

“All you have to know is that I’m getting the money,” I huff. Soon he’s walking to the back door leading to the stair case. I follow needing to put my bag down. Once my homework is done I decided now is a good time to open the shop. I open the door and put out the open sign. That afternoon it is very slow and I only make a few small sails. I sigh heavily but I cannot complain. So I close the store and lock up as it’s a dinner time. After tiding up, I head upstairs for dinner. I wash my hands and sit down at the tables just as my brother comes in.

“Mother, dinner smells lovely,” I try to change the mood. She just nods in response. “How was your day?” I try again. She shrugs. I look over at kirt and he shakes his head. I nod slightly and stare at the table. The next few days, the book comes in and out of my possession. On the fifth day, kirt and I go for a nice long walk. We walk through a park, and I see a familiar flash of bright red hair. Since it’s so familiar I drag kirt over. “Where are we going?” He asks confused.

“I want you meet someone,” I grin.

“Oh?” he asks confused, “who is this person?”

“A girl from school,” I reply

“Ohhh is she pretty?” He teases.

“Shut up,” I nudge him playfully. He snickers softly beside me.

Seths point of view:

I look around, viewing my surroundings. I enjoy the silence that me and Jess share. It’s nice to get out every once in a while, away from mother and father. I hold Jess’s hand as I hum softly. From the corner of my eye I spot a familiar face. I see them walking over. Excitement fills my chest, as butterflies fill my stomach. I nudge Jess to get her attention as she is distracted by a butterfly. “Looks who’s heading over here,” I say pointing. Jess’s expression lights up slightly. I smile when Mali is close enough to see. I noticed he is hurrying over rather quickly and has to skid to a holt to stop. I notice he has someone else with him and I go rather shy. “Morning, Seth, what a lovely day today is ,” Mali inquires. I simply nod agreeing with him.

“This is my older brother, Kirt,” he explains. I nod in greeting, smiling towards Kirt. Kirt nods and shakes my hand. I turn back to Mali to see if he wants to add anything else. He just smiles and we all start walking. I walk beside Mali. As we walk, he walks a bit closer to me. I feel, once again, my stomach erupt with butterflies. While walking I notice sometimes he moves closer. At first I find this a little uncomfortable, but once he stays long enough the butterflies settle down. I look towards Jess who is on my left. She is slightly trailing behind , mostly because there is new company with us. I hold back my hand for her to take. She takes it rather quickly and moves closer into my side. I let her close and happily hold her there. If this is what makes her feel safe, I’m alright with it, I think to myself. I listen to the boys as they seem to argue.

Kirts point of view

While being dragged by my brother, I notice two girls he’s heading towards. One has vibrant red hair and the other with what seems to be the deepest of browns. “ which one do you like ?” I tease Mali.

He almost seems to blush and I snicker. “Let me guess…the red haired one ?” I ask. He simply just sends me a short glare.

The closer we get the more details I can see. “ I can see why you like her, she’s a real looker,” I grins.

Introductions are made soon after and we’re on our way again with the tow girls. I glance over at Mali, who has moved closer to the red haired girl, who’s name I learnt was Seth. “Just ask her already,” I tease. He glares at me and hits my shoulder “ Oi, what did I do ?” I ask annoyed.

“You know what” he growls.

“You’re not so innocent yourself,” I Blurt out. He some how sees to glare even more. “ when where you gonna tell me about that book ?” I hiss.

“I don’t know what you mean ?” He replies innocently.

“Yes you do!” I raise my voice a little. I see both girls flinch but I think nothing of it. “I took the book off your mantle piece when you went to wash up,” explains.

“So you took my book ?” he hisses.

“When we’re you going to tell me we could be rich?” I glare.

“Because I didn’t want to spend the money that way, I want to save it!” he raises his voice slightly to. Both girls seem to flinch again, but once more I pay no mind. Mali and I argue for a good ten minutes before the brown haired girl cracks. The brown haired girl starts to tear up and that causes Seth to snap at Mali and I. “ Alright both of you, listen up, you just made my sister cry, so you can either shut it and apologise or I’ll slap your faces until they’re red raw,” she threatens. Immediately Mali and I back off but keep glaring at each other. We both see her raises her hand, the back of it facing us so we immediately look away from each other.

The brown haired girl tries to lead Seth away, too frightened to continue walking with them. Seth complies and mumbles a slightly angry goodbye before walking away. I turn and look at Mali with a sorry in my eyes. I watch as he scoffs in disbelief and walks back home. I run after him saying sorry over and over again. He doesn’t listen and ignores me so I just shut my mouth and walk beside him silently. Once we’re home, I go upstairs to get the book, but it’s gone. W-what? It was just here! I panic as I think to myself. I start frantically searching, trying to find the black book. Mother must’ve come in to clean! I internally groan and facepalm. I race to mothers room just down the hall, almost tripping over my own stubborn feet. I slam the door open, knowing mother isn’t home, and start neatly tearing apart the room to find the book. I never find it, and sigh in defeat. I turn to leave and see Mali in the doorway. He fiddling with book, but how..when? I think in surprise. “Where did you find it?” I ask in shock.

“Mother came home with it,” Mali simply says.

“So she gave it to you?” I’m very confused.. mother doesn’t just give things back.

“No,” he sighs, “I took it when she wasn’t looking, in about five minutes she’ll be yelling fo us,” he explains.

“You better hide that then… she’ll want it back,” I sigh as well.

“No…I found it, so it’s mine,” he argues.

“She won’t think that,” I argue back. I see him clench his fist but as soon as he goes to hit me, mother walks in. I grab his wrist and shove it to his side.

“Boys?, what’s going on here?” our mother demands.

“It’s nothing mother… it’s not important,” I narrow my eyes towards Mali to tell him not to say anything. “One of you took that little black book, don’t lie to me as we all know about it,” she demands.

“It was me… it’s in my room, mother,” I don’t want Mali to get hurt so I lie.

“Mali, is this true ?” she looks at him. I give him a look to tell him to agree with me.

“No mother,”he sighs. I internally groan. Really Mali?! “But hear me out mother,” he starts, “I found the book in my shop so it’s mine.”

“But I’m your mother! And besides there’s nothing special about it,” she huffs. So you think, I think to myself. I have to hold my amusement as our mother storks off. I look over at Mali who flashes me a quick cheeky smile. I chuckle under my breath and go back to my room.

Athea’s point of view

After a long day at work, I clutch my purse tightly knowing how dangerous the streets are after dark. Walking quickly but not suspiciously, I make my way home. Entering the front door of my apartment, I set the purse on the table and pull my apron on to start dinner. I hear soft rustling but think nothing of it and keep cooking. I turn around to set the table and to my dismay, my purse is gone. Those damn boys! I hurry upstairs and see the boys at the entrance to my room, Mali about to punch Kirt. “Boys? what’s going on here?” I demand.

“It’s nothing mother… it’s not important,” Kirt explains, narrowing his eyes at Mali.

“One of you took that little black book, don’t lie to me as we all know about it,” I demand again.

“It was me… it’s in my room mother,” Kirt lies.

“Mali, is this true ?” I looks at Mali.

“No mother,” Mali sighs and I see the annoyance in kirts eyes. “But hear me out mother,” Mali starts, “I found the book in my shop so it’s mine.”

“But I am your mother! Besides there’s nothing special about it,” I huff before storming off. Once I get back to my place in front of the stove, I continue cooking.

For once I wish my sons would talk to me, I don’t even remember the last time they came to me for advise, I think to myself sadly. Maybe I should ask if they want to bake with me tomorrow…..one can only hope. I sigh to myself, then nod and finish up cooking dinner. When dinner is ready I call the boys down to eat. I hear them clopping down the stairs so I serve dinner quickly. “Boys, we need to talk,” I say gently. They look at me confused but nod. “I feel you’ve been avoiding me lately and have not been truly honest about how you fell,” I sit in between Mali and Kirt.

“I’m not sure what you mean mother?” Kirt says nervously.

“Ever since your father, you both have seem to be avoiding me,” I almost whisper.

“We haven’t mother,” Mali reassures me.

“Well, I was wondering if you two would like to me tomorrow?” I ask softly. Both boys grin and I now satisfied, we all start to eat in peace. We all sits one next to the other, eating our dinner in a comfortable silence.

At the end of the sixteenth day: Seths point of view

My sister and I run to the exit gates as the school bell rings at the end of the day. We wait outside to see if Mali comes out soon after. My face lights up at the sight of him. When he’s close enough I wrap my arms around him in an happy hug. “W-what is this for?” he stutters blushing.

“Just happy to be outside of school,” I reply grinning.

“Oh…alright,” he mumbles slightly sad.

“Is there a meaning you want behind it ?,” I ask teasingly.

“ Yes actually, I do,” he teases back.

“And what would that be?,” I ask amused.

“Maybe because a certain boy is now in your arms?” he smirks.

I let out a small giggle and pull away from him, “don’t get your hopes up.” He smiles and kisses my cheek cheekily before pulling away. My fave lights up bright red.

“Like that, did you ?” he smirks.

I huff, my cheeks still bright red, “no you just caught me off guard I lie.

He laughs and kisses my other cheek, if you say so.”

I look away from him and hold Jess’s hands, “now you just being mean.” I hear Jess giggle beside me and that makes me smile. I love that we can be so carefree outside of school hours before we go home.

By now my face is fully red but Mali doesn’t stop at kissing my cheeks, because at random times he’ll lean over and place a peck on my cheek. Then he starts to brush his hand against my, purposely or not I do not know. Every now and then I’ll glance over and see him glancing away from me. I also notice Jess seems a little left out as we all walk together. So I turn and kiss her cheek surprising her. She jumps with a slight squeak and tiny giggle. “ you alright I ask?” With a small grin. She nods but still seems a little off. “what’s the matter?” I ask confused.

“Yeah, I’m just thinking about what happened today,” she whispers.

“What happened today again?” I ask confused trying to think back on it.

“when our professor made fun of me in front of everyone,” she whispers again.

I sigh heavily and squeeze her hand gently, “don’t worry about him, I’ll deal with him tomorrow.” Mali leads the way, walking down a fancy street called Robert Avenue. I look around at all the snobbish looking houses and almost make a disgusted face. We walk into the bank as Mali is pulling out a handful of gold pages from his book. I hold out my hand to help him, and let him place the notes in my hand. In the end his shop is saved and eventually me and Jess move in with Mali after we marry a few years later.