Chapter 033

The other day, after lectures, two popular girls walked up to me.

“Hi Beau.” They chorused enthusiastically, like they usually did in the good old days.

“Hi girls. Anything the matter?” I asked graciously.

“We're throwing a party. It's on Saturday, next week. We'd love it if you attended.” They said.

Yes! Beau is back! These girls were known for throwing the best parties! The come back is complete!

“Of course, you don't have to worry, I'll be there.” I said.

They smiled at me.

At that moment, I got a very devilish idea, “Girls, will you grant me one favour?” I asked smoothly.

*  *  *

Later that day, while we were practicing our speech, I told Solar and Virtue about my invitation to a party.

“I'm so happy for you.” Solar gushed.

“Me too.” Virtue smiled.

“What day is it holding?” Solar asked.

“Next week Saturday.” I answered.

“What time?” Virtue asked, alarmed. I wondered why.

“You know, evening time. There is no set time. Just show up and leave whenever you feel like it.” I shrugged.

They both gave me disappointed looks.

“What?” I asked, exasperated.

“How could you forget?” Solar asked.

“Again what?” I reiterated.

“That's around the same time that we're having the fundraiser.” Virtue said.

Oh! So that was the problem. I was actually torn. I wanted to help out at the fundraising party but I also wanted to get my popularity back. It was a tough decision to make but I did.

“You know what? I've decided that I'll forgo the fundraising party and attend the party.” I said.

“Seriously?” Solar asked disbelievingly.

“Yes. I'm putting myself first because I've earned it. With all the time I put into volunteering, I think I deserve a break.” I defended myself.

“No. This isn't a break. You came here just to make yourself look good. Now you've gotten what you wanted, it's time to say goodbye, isn't it?” Virtue said quietly.

Her words hit close. So close that I snapped, “Stop trying to shame me for wanting to do this. It's not as if the fundraiser will not hold without me. Solar can take my place. I'll be back.” 

“At the time this NGO needs you, you're going to turn your back on us?” Solar asked.

“Stop making a mountain out of a molehill, you guys. I actually had a life before I came here.” I said.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Virtue asked.

“I have a life outside this. That isn't a bad thing. Stop making it seem like it is.” I said intractably.

“Nobody is saying that you shouldn't party, we're just saying that it shouldn't be on the same night as the fundraiser.” Solar countered.

“Stop this! You're just saying this because you weren't invited to the party.” I said.

They both looked shocked.

“And misery loves company. But I won't fall for it. I have a life. You two need to get lives too.” I couldn't stop myself from saying those words and they hurt looks on their faces actually made me feel ashamed, but at that moment, there was no going back.

“I thought you'd changed Beau, but you're still the arrogant, self-centered human I made the mistake of meeting.” Virtue said quietly.

“Yeah. I thought you were one of the good ones but sadly, you aren't.” Solar echoed.

“Whatever, guys. I'm going to the party and nothing you say will make me change my mind.” I declared.

“Then there's no need for this.” Solar said. He stood up and left. Virtue gave me one last look and followed him.

I wanted to scream with rage. What was their problem? It wasn't as if I was deserting them. I just wanted to attend this party to cement my comeback. What was wrong with that? I'll tell you; nothing, nothing at all.

They'd called me selfish when they were the ones being selfish.

If they cared about me, they wouldn't have made me feel bad about ditching—, no, leaving them for just that night.

I convinced myself that they were the bad ones, not me.

This was the moment I'd been waiting for and I wasn't going to let those two ruin it for me.

I went over to Ms. Grumpy to tell her that I wouldn't be around for the fundraiser.

“Why?” She asked perplexed.

“You see? The thing is, umm, my maternal cousin, twice removed just died. His funeral will be held on that exact day. I have to go.” I lied. I didn't want her to think less of me.

“That's sad. The death of a family member always hurts. By all means, Beau, you can go.” She smiled, patting my back. 

I nodded, kept a sullen face and left.

*  *  *

Back at my hostel, I began to plan what outfit I was going to wear, (no way I was getting it wrong).

I was looking for the perfect pair of sneakers to wear, when I overheard Stan, Dean and Unibrow talking.

“The party is holding next week Saturday, shouldn't we have been invited by now?” whined Unibrow.

“Shut up! Those girls are probably saving the best for the last.” Stan assured them.

“Are you sure? Everyone we know has been invited.” Dean said.

“Even if we aren't invited, we'll just sneak in.” Stan said, “but don't worry. They'll get to it.”

I laughed mischievously as a diabolical idea hit me. 

I picked up my phone and pretended like I was answering a call. When I passed them, I made sure they heard what I was saying.

“Thank you for inviting me to the party. Next week Saturday is going to be tight!” I gushed, pretending like I didn't know that my enemies were there.

“Oh, I'm the last person you're inviting? Talk about saving the best for the last. Don't worry, I've been invited to five other parties but I'll attend yours.” I laughed.

“No. I'm not bringing anyone with me. I'll be there alone but don't worry, there's enough Beau to go around. Bye.” I said and put my phone in my pocket.

In my periphery, I saw Stan, Dean and Unibrow staring at me open-mouthed. Good! That'll teach them not to mess with Beau. From the looks on their faces, I knew it was only a matter of time before they came crawling.

I went back to my room and kept my ear to the wall.

“Stan, didn't you hear what he said? They're not inviting any more people.” Dean said.

“Yes, in fact, I suggest we go to Beau and apologize. It seems he's gotten his popularity back.” Unibrow suggested, ever the opportunist.

“Have some shame. Dude was probably faking that call. He probably wasn't even invited. One thing is for sure, we're going to attend that party and nothing will stop us.” Stan proclaimed.

I wish them luck! I can't wait to get to the party and get some Babes and Booze.