Chapter 33: I will take away the very thing you love the most.

It was another Monday and Maria had to get ready for school. After being at the hospital, the school gave her a leave to rest which ended on the weekend hence she had to report back to school today.

Maria got ready but felt scared to go to the school. She didn't know how people were going to view her now. Maria sighed and sat back on her bed when her phone buzzed. She took the phone and saw the incoming call from Lexis and a wide smile spread on her face.

Lexis had called at the right time.

''Lexis, I missed you so much'' Maria screamed into the phone.

''If you missed me that much, why don't you come down right now and see my face?'' Lexis said and Maria rushed to her window and opened it. She saw Lexis waving her hand at her and she chuckled.

Maria took her bag and ran out with new found enthusiasm.

Once she got outside she ran to Lexis and gave her a side hug because of the pregnancy.

''Lexis, I never knew I would miss you so much. I thought I was going to go crazy from missing you" Maria said in one breathe. She was so happy that her best friend was back.

''En? Look at you, all smiles. Did you miss me that much? Tell me, how do you feel?'' Lexis asked.

''I'm fine. How about you? How is my little godchild doing?'' Maria asked and touched Lexis stomach.

''Trust me, this girl is very stubborn. It just keeps kicking me. I woke up in the middle of the night with severe pains and had to call my mom. I don't know what she did but it made me fall asleep again and finally got some rest. Are you ready to go to school?''

''Yes, but I really don't feel like going. I don't know how people are going to see me after what happened? Should I just quit and run away? Maria said worriedly.

''Why do you care so much about what people will think? His mother already accepted you. In Kdramas, it is the mother in law who is always against the relationship but in your case, she is happy to know you.

Listen, as long as your mother in law likes you, you will have no problem. As for that bastard who came and made things difficult for you? He should wait till I give birth. I will give him a good whacking. How dare he bully my best friend?'' Lexis said making Maria to chuckle.

''Wait, how did you come her?''. Maria asked and looked at the car by their side.

''I drove here myself. I wanted to see you. It's being so long and I missed you. Kobby was still asleep and I didn't want to bother him''. Lexis said.

''Lex, are you out of your mind?" Maria scolded her best friend

''Oh my!! Don't scream like that or I will give birth prematurely''. Lexis said.

''How could you drive all the way here with that stomach? Lexis, you are almost in your 8th month, don't you know is dangerous? How could you be so careless?'' Maria scolded her and checked her body ''let me see. Are you hurt anywhere? Don't you feel pain anywhere? Tell me!!"

''Portia''. Lexis mentioned her name and hugged her ''you are still the one who cares about me the most. But don't worry, I am fine''. Lexis said and pointed at her stomach.

''Don't ever do that again. I will visit you from now onwards. Come, let me take you home before I go to school''. Maria opened the passenger door and helped Lexis inside.

''But, you drive like a turtle? No, scratch that. Even a snail can do a better job at driving than you'' Lexis said making Maria to frown.

''You dare to even say that to my face? Ad-Din taught me how to drive properly, okay? Besides, you are pregnant, I need to be careful''. Maria said and got on the driver's seat.

''Speaking of Ad-Din, how much progress have you two made? Is he big down there? You know, men who are athletic have huge…'' Lexis teased.

''Lexis, stop. Don't you dare continue unless you want us to get into an accident''. Maria said and curved into the main road.

''What? Can't I live vicariously through you? Tell me already. How is he in bed?''

''God, Lexis, you are going to be the death of me''. Maria said and added shyly ''he is not bad''

''Really? Wow. So, how was it like the first time? Tell me into details, please best friend"

''Lexis, I am not telling you anything anymore. I need to concentrate on the road''. Maria ignored Lexis and drove away while Lexis frowned.

....

Maria got down from Kobby's car and waved at him before entering the school compound.

After dropping off Lexis, Kobby brought her to the school since it was on his way.

Maria entered the school compound and saw that some of the students were playing basketball while others were doing some physical training. She then remembered that they were having a sport week starting from that Monday. She noticed the eyes on her but ignored them.

Maria soon arrived and got into the staff room and strangely the female teachers that were busy chatting stopped at once and went back to their desks.

That morning, someone uploaded pictures of Ad-Din and Maria on to the school's forum. Though the pictures were later taken off, everyone had seen them already and now had a clear understanding of what was going on.

''Good morning''. Maria greeted them and went to her desk. She was well aware of their questioning gazes that followed her.

The female teachers threw disgusting and questioning gazes at her. Their gazes were almost burrowing a hole into Maria's back and she couldn't take it anymore and stood up saying ''if you have something to say, just say it already. I don't like the way you all are looking at me''.

''Ah''. Miss Mani chuckled and looked at Maria.

"I guess we really can't judge a book by its cover" Miss Diana added sarcastically.

''Is there something you want to say to me?'' Maria asked.

She was now 22 and wasn't going to allow anyone to bully her again. No one had the right to judge her.

''How could you be so thick-skinned? Your pictures and that of Ad-Din's were on the school forum this morning. Well, that is to be expected from someone with such a background''. Miss Mani said smugly and looked disdainfully at Maria.

''Tell us the truth. We all have heard and seen somethings. Are you dating Ad-Din Denarius?'' Miss Diana asked and saw Arnold entering the staff room. She had always had feelings for Mr. Arnold but since Maria came, he had been ignoring her and giving all his attention to Maria. Miss Diana was determined to tear Maria's kind and innocent mask and make everyone see the kind of person she was.

''I told you it wasn't just a rumour but the truth. She is dating Ad-Din Denarius''. Miss Mani added "No wonder that man came to cause a scene. He must have advised her against it"

''What are you talking about? What kind of nonsense are you two spouting?''. Arnold asked as he walked closer.

''Why don't you ask her? She came to this school pretending to be kind and innocent. She even lied to everyone that she didn't have a boyfriend before but now, she is dating a student and that is Ad-Din Denarius''. Miss Diana said.

''That is why she didn't see the male teachers as anything. She was aiming high as expected. Did you think you could change your family situation by seducing an innocent boy? He is just a minor? Aren't you ashamed? To think you were someone with a kind heart'' Miss Mani added.

''Miss Lee, what are they talking about? Is what they said true?'' Arnold asked and the two female teachers threw disgusting looks at Maria.

Maria didn't say anything and picked her bag to leave but Arnold held her hand stopping her.

''You should say something. Tell them is not true. Why are you not saying anything, Miss Lee?'' Arnold said.

"She has nothing to say because it is the truth" the two teachers said together.

The dean walked in and called Maria.

''Miss Lee, see me in my office right now''. The dean said and walked away.

Maria shook off Arnold's grip on her and went out with her bag.

''I told you, she wasn't that innocent. Seducing and sleeping with a student. Arnold, you always follow her around, do you see what you have gotten yourself into?'' Miss Mani said.

"Just shut up. Does it make you feel better by talking about another teacher in that manner?" Arnold said and threw his bag on the table before going out.