A Chance For Love

  ***

  "Sometimes I really don't understand him." I stabbed a potato chip with my fork and shoved it into my mouth.

  I'd been nagging endlessly over Raheem taking sides with the enemy. Flora and Amarachi had barely even said a word. Their silence didn't bother me anyway. I'd rather have them say nothing than take sides with the enemy.

  From the corner of my eye, I could see Raheem, Farah and Mary staring at me from their table. They were obviously talking about me. Losing appetite, I shoved off my tray and took a sip of my water.

  "Victoria," Amarachi called. She reached out to hold my hand. "You have to calm down and think about this with a cool mind. Raheem is only trying to help. He is doing the right thing. Everybody deserves a second chance."

  My face wrinkled with confusion. Prior to this moment, I'd thought I knew her, and that she wanted the best for me. But it turned out I was wrong. Weren't we supposed to be best friends? Wasn't she supposed to understand and support me?

  "I thought you were my friend," I said, snatching back my hand. Although I tried hard to shroud my rage, success eluded me. "But here you are, supporting the woman who wants me dead. Who knows, she could be faking the memory loss!"

  "Not everyone survives a bullet to the head," she said. "But that woman is alive. For a reason."

  "To kill me," I said. "Because she failed the first time." I glanced at Flora, hoping she was on my side. But I knew better.

  Throwing my hands in frustration I yelled, "My God! What is wrong with you people?"

  "If God has given her another chance, who are you to deny her?" Amarachi asked. "Vicky, you are my friend. All I want is for you to be happy."

  "I am happy without her," I said. "If you really are my friend, then you should know this." I bolted to my feet and stormed out of the cafeteria.

  I returned to class, my heart heavy and weighing me down. I plopped down on the seat that was once Cynthia's. There I sat, drowning in my hopelessness as I watched hours roll by.

  Once the closing bell went off, I grabbed my bag and dashed out of the class. I heard Amarachi call after me. Tuning out her voice, I dismounted the stairs.