Empire High School - Season 1 - Episode 50

4 years ago

Empire High School - Season 1 - Episode 50

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Emeka dropped me at Jeffrey’s store before
driving off. My heartbeat rapidly as I
stepped into the store. Aunty Joke was
sitting at the pay desk. She looked at me
when the door beeped.

“Oh! Kate!” She said
“Good evening Ma” I greeted
She gestured to me to move closer to the
counter.

“How was school today?”
“It was fine Ma”
“I guess you are here to see Jeffrey”
“Yes.. He didn’t show up at school today
and his line is switched off”
“So you are worried about Jeffrey” she said
Aunty Joke rested her chin on her elbow. I
was worried about Jeffrey!
“Perhaps did Jeffrey tell you about his
mom?” She asked

“Yes..He did..” I stuttered
The store was silent
“So what did you say to him?”
“Ahmm..l told him not to blame anyone for
mom’s death”
She shook her head.

“Good..Kate” she said
“Is Jeffrey..”
“Do you like Jeffrey?”

Aunty Joke interrupted me
“Come on..Tell me the truth. You don’t
need to hide anything from me because
Jeffrey showed me the pictures you
snapped at the mall” she said with a bright
smile

Aunty Joke must be someone like my mom
who likes gists!

But I wasn’t ready to admit to her that I
like Jeffrey. She might tell him!
Her smile dropped and she turned Serious.
“I need your help” she said
My heartbeat accelerated
I hope Jeffrey is fine!

“Wh..Where Is Jeffrey?” I panicked
Her forehead creased.
She was taking too much time.
I need to see Jeffrey! I wanted to say but I
held back in restraint.

“Lola had a miscarriage Yesterday
afternoon..So he’s sad about it”
“Is he at the hospital?”
“He just came in a while ago”
I looked around the store but I couldn’t
find him.

“Where is he?”
“Behind that shelf over there..before
getting to the restroom” she pointed
towards the direction.
“Ca..Can I go and see him?”
“Of Course” she answered
I walked on but soon stopped and came
back back the counter.

“You said..that you need my help”
“Oh Yes! It’s something simple”
She picked her phone on the counter.
“I want you to work your magic on him so
he can smile like this again..” She pointed
to an image on her phone.

We were both smiling with our head
together!

Jeffyrey didn’t delete them?!
And why did he transfer it to his Aunt?!
“Please do this for me..And I’ll be grateful”

She held a pleading look. And slowly I
made my way to the shelf.

What gave her the assurance that I could
put a smile on Jeffrey’s face?

To be honest I was sad about Madam Lola
Miscarriage. I met Jeffrey behind the shelf,
he sat down with his knee up and head
bowed. I walked close and sat in front of
him in India style.

“Jeff?” I called in a low tone.
He didn’t respond maybe he was fast
asleep. I leaned forward and touched his
knee.

“Jeffrey? Can you hear me?”
Then he raised up his head. He was
surprised to see me.
“Kate?” He rubbed his eyes
“When did you get here?” He asked
“Not..Too long..”
He sighed

“Are you okay?” I asked
Jeffrey readjusted his position and sat like
me.

“I’m fine..Or don’t I look well?” He said
with a half smile
“You look tired..and sad to me” I said
Jeffrey closed his eyes for a second.
“That’s not going to change the
expression” I said
He reopened his eyes and rubbed his palms
together.

I reached out to him and held his large
hands in mine.
“Aunty Joke told me what had happened to
your stepmom”

Then he looked straight at me. His fake
smile disappeared and it was replaced with
the saddest look I’ve never seen. I wasn’t
happy to see him like that..and i wanted to
put a smile on his face.