Just For Love – Episode 23

JUST FOR LOVE
(Love made her)

#Chapter 23

© Azeemah Salami✓

(Zeemah writes)

Ellen’s POV

“Jessie Baird is dead” Mr Allen said.

I sat still in shock!
I know what killed her!
I knew who killed her!
Quilah why?
She’s the only child of her parents!
She shouldn’t have asked me anything about Mara.
But,Quilah gives warning before hurting someone.

I didn’t know tears has started rolling down my cheeks.
Even with how mean Jessie is,I’ve never wished her death.

The whole class screamed and everyone started crying.
Jessie is well known in the school,even if she use to be a bully…she entertains people a lot and a lot of people loves her.

I looked over at Mara and found her weeping..
She looked so hurt and sad.
But she was the cause of Jessie’s death!
If she had just remain being fat, Jessie wouldn’t have been inquisitive.
Well…I pushed Mara into what she did so she’s not to blame.

I’m the one to be blamed!
I caused everything!
I regret ever helping Mara.

I cried not only because of Jessie but for myself.

I’m so scared…Quilah might hurt me too.

I watched as everyone cried, shouting and wailing.
Some were almost screaming out their lungs.

It’s so obvious everyone is pained..this is just so sad.

I cleaned my tears but more keep rolling down my cheeks…i couldn’t believe i can be crying for Jessie this much.
I suddenly missed her.
I was actually planning on making her my friend and now she’s gone.

I was so pissed with her when I got disqualified for the practical..I had thought she intentionally didn’t come not knowing she was battling with Quilah at that moment.

I’ve never felt this terrible.
This is way too much, Jessie just died like a normal chicken.

The wails got louder and i couldn’t help but feel guilty.

“I want everyone in the school podium,we have to announce this” Mr Allen said and walked out with the two other teachers.

No one stood up… everyone was buried in cries.
I watched as Bryan patted Mara’s back and i felt more enraged.
Does he loves her or what?

I shouldn’t be bothered about that now, presently the whole class is in tears..I shouldn’t be thinking of all this!

🌹Mara’s POV🌹

“Oh..no Jessie is gone” I cried as we headed towards our cars in the parking lot.
It was a shock and i didn’t believe at first but it seems real!

Mr Allen told everyone to go home earlier than closing time.

Bryan held my hand and i saw how hard he was trying to hold his tears.
Jessie can be so mean but she doesn’t deserve death.
Such a beautiful girl doesn’t deserve death!
Sometimes i get jealous of her looks cause everything about her is complete natural.

Grade 8 student’s are the saddest people right now in Makers high school.
Everyone cried for her…Bryan, Kelly,Ellen,Laura and i cried as we stood in the parking lot.
Other students got into their cars with tears still in their eyes.

It hurts so much to lose someone like that.
School will be totally boring without Jessie.
I’m starting to miss her.

Why couldn’t she live just for us,her family,her friends and everyone.
What was the cause of her death?
Did she fell sick?

“Ellen, Jessie was your practical mate right?” I asked and she nodded wiping off her tears.

This is the soft side of Ellen…she’s so emotional.

“Did she show any sign of sickness while you were at her place?” I asked.
“She d..idnt ,she was so health– Wait..why the hell am i talking to you” She yelled in tears making me flinch.

“We lost a friend and all you can do is yell!” Bryan barked.
He’s also as pained as everyone about Jessie’s sudden death.
“Bye” Ellen said and walked towards her car in tears.
She got in and her driver drove off.

Ellen’s cry rate is totally off,she acts like she’s feeling guilty or so but what could she be feeling guilty about?..she’s only worried about Jessie’s sudden death.

“I can’t believe Jessie is gone so soon,she was such a sweet girl” Laura cried.
“Yeah She was,even if she acts mean at times..no one would have wished her dead” Kelly said sadly.

“I will leaving for home now…bye” Bryan said and also walked towards his car,he got in and Rollins drove off.

I remained there with Kelly and Laura…who stood saying nothing.

“Bye” We all said at the same time.
Each person walked towards their car got in.
“Hi Max” I said sullenly.
“Mara why are you crying?” He asked.
“I lost a friend” I said and cried more loudly.

I won’t be seeing Jessie anymore.
No one is gonna be stepping on my toes!
No one is gonna be teasing me!
No one is gonna make me mad!
No one! No one! No one!
I’m gonna miss Jessie.

“I’m so sorry about that..may her soul rest in peace” Max said tensely.
He turned on the ignition and started driving out of the school gate.
I peered out of the windscreen and saw Laura and Kelly’s cars gone.

I sighed and rested my back..

🌹
🌹

Max drove into the compound and parked at a suitable shade.
I picked my backpack and alighted from the car.

I walked straight into the house..
I met Liam laying on the couch but not asleep.
He was busy with his phone.

He looked up at me and smiled..
He suddenly sat up when he saw how strained and puffy my eyes looks.

“What happened…did Mr Curt flogged you again?..I swear I’m not gonna let him off the hook this time” he said and slipped into his footwear.
He stood up.

“Jessie is dead!” I announced and saw his phone fell from his hand.
His eyes widened in shock as he momentarily sat back on the couch staring into space.

“Oh..my..God” he muttered slowly over and over.
Liam and Jessie do not get along,but i know Liam likes her a lot. He only threatens her so she can let me be.
Liam doesn’t have a thing against her,so as i and everyone.

I can tell he’s more shocked than i am.
“W..what was the cause of her death?” He asked trying hard not to cry..
I know he’s gonna cry once he gets to his room.
“We were not told” I sniffled.

I walked up the stairs to my room not wanting to burst into tears again.
I opened the door and got in.

I dropped my backpack on the floor,sat on the bed and cried.
My tears dropped on my pop sock making it gum to my skin.
I cared less as i cried, remembering the moments Jessie was alive.

I wish i had treated her more nicely.
I wish i hadn’t beaten her up the day she smashed my phone.
I wish i hadn’t responded to any of her insults.
But she was mean to me,how could i have known she’s gonna die soon.

I wish you rest in peace Jessie…I’m so gonna miss you.

I yawned after crying for a while..
I pulled off my shoes and laid on the bed,i tried staying awake but the sleep won.

🦄
🦄

I opened my eyes slowly as i felt an headache over take me.
My head is aching seriously..
I yawned and felt my eyes has gone heavier.
My mouth was so dry and bitter.
I rubbed my forehead and yawned once more.

I turned to the other side of the bed and flinched on seeing Mum and Liam beside me.
Liam’s eyes is so red and puffy,mum looks a bit sad and that was when i remembered Jessie..

Oh..no!
The headache increased with full force making my entire body tremble.
I drew the blanket closer to me as i felt suddenly cold.
I noticed i was still in my uniform..I didn’t pull it off before falling asleep.

“Mara… Liam told me about your friend..I’m so sorry about that okay?” Mum said pitifully bringing tears to my eyes.
I nodded.
I sneezed and coughed the next minute.

Mum felt my temperature and gasped.

“Mara you’ve caught the flu..you are burning hot” She said.
I’m burning hot,yet I’m feeling damn cold.
“Will you go to the hospital?” She asked.
I shook my head sharply.
“How exactly are you feeling?” She asked.
“Just headache and cold” I said praying inwardly she won’t force me to the hospital.

“Liam, go put a call through Doc Mart, explain how Mara is feeling for him” She said.
“Okay mum… sorry huh?” Liam pecked my forehead and left the room.

“Is the..is she your best friend?” Mum asked.
“No” I replied sadly…she was not even my friend.
“You care so much about her?” She asked and i nodded.
I didn’t even know i care this much about her until i heard she’s dead.

“Don’t worry huh? May her soul rest in peace” Mum said.
“Amen” I said.

The headache kept increasing but i couldn’t talk cause mum is gonna force me to the hospital.

Liam walked back into my room..
Doc Mart said you should run a cold bath for her and he also prescribed some medications for me..I will quickly go to the pharmacy and get it now” He said.
“Alright.. don’t take long please” Mum said as she felt my temperature again..

I just hope she won’t change her mind and send me to the hospital.
“Okay Mum… Sorry Tam,i love you” He said before walking out of my room.
“I love you too” I said but was not sure if he heard me.

“Get up…Doc Mart said you should run a cold bath” Mum said.
I held out my hand and she helped me up, almost carrying me in her arms if i hadn’t refused.
They treat me like a kid and it’s sometimes annoying.

I picked my towel.

“I will help you select an outfit, quickly go have a bath” Mum said and turned towards my wardrobe.
I peeled off my school uniform and wrapped my towel around my body.

The headache seemed to be increasing and decreasing..

I walked to the bathroom, dreading the fact that I’m gonna bath with cold water despite how cold I’m feeling.

🦄
🦄

I got into the outfit mum selected for me.
It was a pink tank top with white shorts.

I had felt so relieved after bathing.
But the headache still took the better part of me.

I finally zipped the shorts and landed back on the bed.
Mum drew closer to me with an hair dryer,she plugged it on the socket beside my bed and began drying my hair.

I forgot to use my shower cap,due to how badly i wanted to return back to bed,it was late when i realised it and i can’t walk out of the shower to pick my shower cap after my hair has gone wet already.

I didn’t know mum was done drying my hair until i didn’t hear the sound of the dryer anymore.
She switched off the socket, unplugged the dryer and returned it back to the drawer.

She picked an hair pack from the shelf and walked back to me.
She helped me pack my hair in a simple bun and told me to lay back on the bed.

I did, and I’ve never felt more better.
I stared at the ceiling as mum walked about putting things in place.

Tears clouded my eyes but it couldn’t drop due to how im laying.

I felt mum sat beside me on the bed.
“Mara..it’s okay huh?” She said and took my hand in hers.
I nodded and that made the tears in my eyes roll sideways.

Mum sighed and kept on patting my hand..

Liam walked in with my medications.
Mum collected it from him..
“How did he say she should take it?” She asked.
“Two pills of the red one while a pill of the white one” he said.
Mum nodded and started bringing it out.

“Bring a glass cup of water” she said to him.
“Doc Mart said she must have a meal before taking any of the medications” Liam said,the mere mention of ‘meal’ made me feel like puking.

“Okay..Mara what do you want eat?” Mum asked.
“I don’t want anything” I said.
“Should i prepare pancake and omelette ?” She asked.
“No…I don’t feel like eating anything right now” I said.
“But you have to eat something before taking your medication” Mum said.
“I know. But I don’t want anything,i don’t have appetite for anything” I said.
“Then how will you take your medication?” She asked.
“I will take it tomorrow when I feel like eating” I said.
“Are you being serious right now?” Liam asked.
“Why not?”

“Mara please you just have to take something! ” Mum said.
“And i said,i don’t want anything..I will take the medication tomorrow…I’m starting to feel better” I lied…the headache was increasing as i kept on taking and i was shivering beneath the blanket.

“You don’t wanna take anything right? Then get up,you are going with me to the hospital” Mum said making me groan.
“You can just have little of the meal,just eat something please” Liam persuaded.

I nodded not wanting mum to get serious about her threat of taking me to the hospital.

Hospitals sucks!
With that crazy sick smell and some other annoying smell which always made me wanna puke.

“Okay..Liam go make pan– No! you may end up burning it to the scratch” Mum said and stood up.
“I will be right back angel” She pecked my cheeks before walking out.

Liam took her position and began stroking my hair.
I held his hand and weep silently.
He sniffled…”It’s so hard to believe that girl is gone,i don’t really get along with her but i like her so much..she’s one beautiful girl..i never even thought she will gone so soon” He said sadly.

I cried…”She’s just a teenager, aspiring to be great in the future but death…it’s just so sad!”

Liam nodded…”i kept putting myself in her parents shoes,she’s an only child right?”
“Yeah…her parents are still very young to have another child but loosing a grown up is unbearable”

“Was she sick or something?” Liam asked.
“Ellen said she didn’t show any sign of sickness while she was at her place on Saturday…I really wanna know the cause of her death” I said curiously.
“Me too” Liam said.
“I’m gonna find out when we attend her burial” i said.

Mum returned with a plate of steaming pancake and omelette placed on a silver tray with a bottle of water and glass cup.
Liam stood up and collected it from her.
She placed my bedside lamp on the floor and shifted the bedside table closer to me.

Liam placed the tray on it,that was when i saw how delicious it looks.
My dried mouth was suddenly salivated.
Mum helped me up..

“Should i feed you?” Liam asked.
I shook my head…”my hand isn’t broken”
I started eating and each bite got more delicious..
I ended up emptying the plate to everyone’s surprise and mine also.

I twisted the cap of the bottled water and poured some into the glass cup..
I gulped it down and felt more better.

I gazed up and saw Mum and Liam grinning..
They tried to stop but i already caught them.

“What?” I asked.
“Nothing…just take your medication and go to sleep” she said.
“You said you had no appetite,yet you finished the whole meal” Liam teased.

I shot him a look and he laughed,i sighed…how did i end up finishing the entire meal.

“Well..I’m glad you ate,it’s gonna make the medication work faster” Mum said and dropped two different pills in my outstretched palm.

I threw it directly into my throat then quickly gulped it down with water.
I dropped the empty glass cup with a sigh and laid back on the bed.

“Liam take that tray back to the kitchen” Mum said.
“Is there still some pancake and omelette left for me?” He asked.
“Yeah…” Mum responded.
He walked out of the room with the tray.

Mum shifted my bedside table back to its place,and then placed the lamp back on it.

I was starting to doze off…mum tucked me perfectly into the blanket and sat beside me.

She watched me as i slept…

🌸🌸Five days later🌸🌸

It’s a sunday..

Mum, Liam and i walked into the house after attending Jessie’s burial.
It was so disheartening, everyone ended up crying..
Bryan, Kelly,Ellen,Laura,Ammy and most of our classmates were present. Mr Allen and all the teachers were also present..

I didn’t see her body cause it was placed in a designer coffin..I almost wept out my eyes.
It was a sad occurrence…
Jessie’s parents just stood numb at the burial,they were still as shocked as everyone over their daughter’s burial.

The burial rite was finished in three hours and everyone left sadly for their home.
I didn’t talk to anyone at the burial except Bryan whom i wept in his arms.

I was shocked when we were told about the cause of her death.
She was bleeding from the chest.
The autopsy report shows that a sharp object was pierced into her chest and yet no object was found.

The four detectives investigating Jessie’s case were found dead,since then every detective avoided the case like a plague.
The case was closed.

“I will be in my room” I said to Mum and Liam who already sat on the couch.
I climbed the stairs to my room and kept wondering how Jessie’s death came about.

I opened the door to my room and closed it behind me.
I sat in the bed and placed my face in my palms.

I feel like finding out about it,i feel like getting to the root of her death.

“Tamara Weston” I heard a thick voice said.
Fear ran down my spine as i raised up my head slowly..

My worst nightmare was confirmed when i saw Quilah leaning beside my shelf.

I screamed loudly and got up from my bed.
I rushed to the door and pulled it open but it didn’t bulge..
I kept throwing fist at it, dragging the door knob with all my strength but the crazy door didn’t bulge.

I was already covered in sweat…I turned back in fright but couldn’t find her beside my shelf anymore.
She was sitting right on the bed with a grin on her face.
“Keep on screaming and pushing the door open…no one will hear you and the door won’t bulge” She laughed.

She’s in her normal red robe but she wore her hair differently,it’s packed in two ponytails,then she plait the tip and—

Pontsplait!

“Yeah…I made pontsplait, doesn’t it look good on me?” She asked.
“I..it does” I said…her pontsplait is so long reaching her feet.

“Anyways,i came to warn you!” She said in a hoarse voice.

Warn me?
About what?

“Yeah I’m gonna tell you what i came here to warn you about but first,see this” She said and stretched her hand.
I flinched and ended up hurting my arm when a shiny sword appeared in her hand.

She held it tightly…my legs were starting to tremble.

“P..lease don’t hurt me” I cried.

“I won’t hurt you! I came here to warn you..stop being inquisitive!!” She suddenly yelled.
“I’m not being inquisitive” I cried, praying she won’t hurt me.

“This is the sword i used to ki*ll Jessie” She said.
I stood shocked and couldn’t feel my feet anymore.
I wobbled to the floor and stared in disbelief.

“She was being inquisitive about you! About your sudden transformation! I warned her but she didn’t heed…have Ellen ever told you i hate inquisitiveness?” She asked and i was forced to shake my head.
I was still in shock knowing she was the one who killed Jessie.

But I’m not being inquisitive…
‘What am i being inquisitive about?’ I thought.

“You are being inquisitive about Jessie’s death and i hate inquisitiveness over my work!” She said.
“I..I’m S..orry,i won’t be I..inqui..sitive anymore” I stammered in tears.
“Good of you..if Jessie has been obedient as you,i wouldn’t have killed her!” She said.

She laughed and threw up the sword…it disappeared into thin air..
“I will be leaving now” She said and turned to the wall.

I started breathing sigh of relief when she suddenly turned back making my breathing cease for a moment.

“I will come back for you!!” She said and disappeared just like the sword.

“What have i gotten myself into” I cried.

Zeemah

© Azeemah Salami✓