Novel - Drama Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Monday.
Chapter 8
First thing in the morning. Jocelyn pounced on Preston at the classroom door, demanding his written reflection.
Truth be told, she felt awkward around Preston.
With Melvin crashing at her place these past few days, he hadn’t lifted a finger to look after his nephew.
Melvin’s justification was, “The kid’s big enough to fend for himself. He won’t starve
What would Preston’s folks think if they knew they’d entrusted their son to such an unreliable dude? Would they be kicking themselves?
Preston fished a piece of paper from his backpack and handed it to her, all casual like, and quipped, “When’s my uncle heading home?”
Jocelyn felt a lump in her throat her gaze fluttered in confusion.
Trying to appear calm, she fiddled with the textbooks in her hands. “Why don’t you call him and ask?”
“Hmph, if I could get that out of him, would I be asking you? Preston gave her a sidelong glance, his backpack twisted in his grip. Didn’t you say you had a boyfriend? Are you playing the field now, or is this some secret love affair?
Jocelyn almost choked.
Raising an eyebrow, Preston teased, “You’re not planning to become my auntie, are you?”
Turning her head and covering her mouth, Jocelyn took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure.
Forget about it. Dream on, but don’t get your hopes up, he said before strutting into the classroom.
Jocelyn felt a chill run down her spine.
Maybe before, Melvin’s reluctance to tie the knot was just a passing thought. But now, Preston’s words seemed to confirm that Melvin wasn’t just temporarily against marriage; he’d planted this idea long ago and was dead set on it. unlikely to change his mind.
Back in the office, Jocelyn saw several students from the class next door standing with their heads down in front of their teacher, Freya’s desk
“What’s up with them? Jocelyn asked casually.
Freya glanced at the students. “Caught them using their phones during class
Jocelyn chuckled. “What’s so fascinating that even your class monitor risked getting caught by you to sneak a peek?”
Freya passed her phone to Jocelyn “Some starlet who hit the big time the moment she debuted.”
“Willow?” Jocelyn glanced at the screen. “My folks were glued to the TV for that talent show. They were rooting for her
too.”
Freya shook her head, “She got famous on a foreign talent show, debuting with the whole innocent scholar image. Heard she’s coming back home soon, and some hotshot director’s got his eye on her
for a leading role. The whole nation’s buzzing, counting down the minutes till her plane lands so they can welcome back their goddess.”
“How do you know all this?” Jocelyn was curious
Freya gestured to the kids in front of her “They spilled the beans just now”
Jocelyn let out a laugh.
“Don’t just stand there grinning Keep an eye on the students in your own class, Freya wamed her
buning a class in the afternoon, Jocelyn didn’t dive straight into teaching instead, she chatted with the students about
Mer dols, and naturally, the conversation turned to the nation’s newest darling, Wille
Chapter 8
At the mention of her name, the excitement in the room was palpable.
Even Preston, who usually couldn’t care less about anything, perked up.
“I know
you
all love her, and why not? She’s hardworking and a brainy beauty. I’m a fan too,” Jocelyn said. “I’ve checked, and she’s due back at the beginning of next month. If you guys can top the grade in the upcoming monthly exams, I’ll see if I can organize a trip for those who want to go welcome her at the airport. How’s that?”
The room erupted in cheers
Jocelyn’s smile brightened even more.
Only Preston rolled his eyes and slumped onto the desk, muttering under his breath, “Dumb”
After evening class, Jocelyn was packing up in the office when she spotted Preston lounging on the flowerbed steps outside the school gate.
He got up as soon as he saw her.
“Why haven’t you gone home yet, Preston?”
Preston, lugging his bag and slouching like he couldn’t stand straight, his hair almost covering his eyes, complained, “I’m sick of takeout. Can you cook?
Jocelyn frowned slightly. “Are you planning to head over to my place for dinner?”
As if it’s a big deal. You’ve already taken in my uncle; what’s one more?
Jocelyn was speechless.
She’d almost forgotten he was Melvin’s nephew.
The nephew came to stay with his uncle, only to find the uncle was not home.
“Don’t worry. I’ll leave after I eat and won’t be any bother,” Preston said with a look of distaste.
Jocelyn couldn’t refuse, given that Melvin was sprawled out at her place.
It was just a kilometer from the school to where she lived. Breaking the awkward silence, Jocelyn asked, “How come your parents are cool with leaving you in your uncle’s care?”
“You think my uncle’s unreliable too? Preston countered.
Jocelyn swore she meant no such thing. novelbin
Then Preston dug in again, “How long have you been with him? I’ve never heard him mention having a girlfriend.”
Another brutal jab to her.
Jocelyn felt suffocated.
Locked behind closed doors with Melvin, their relationship, intimate as it got, was still one that couldn’t see the light of day.
Three years of physical solace, devoid of love.
Once home, Melvin was lounging in the living room on his laptop. His brows knitted when he saw Jocelyn followed by someone, “Why are you here?”
Preston glanced around the place, then back at the casually poised man, “The teacher couldn’t bear to watch a student go home all alone, so she brought him back
Melvin clearly didn’t buy it and looked at Jocelyn.
By then, she was already in the kitchen, ready to whip up something quick and easy
Tak Jocelyn’s got it tough, coming home late with no one to make a midnight snack, and having to take care of a grown jed. Maybe she should trade up for someone more helpful, Preston said, his mouth running like a loose
Chapter a
Melvin, irked, picked up some papers from the table and flung thern at Preston, who dodged with ease, giving his uncle a defiant look, Jocelyn, you’ve got skills when it comes to teaching, but how come you haven’t managed to educate my
uncle a bit better?”
Jocelyn was speechless, Preston was really poking the tiger.
Melvin stood up, ready to lay into Preston, who quickly scampered to the kitchen, “Auntie Jocelyn, save me!
Jocelyn froze.
Melvin’s face sank as he warned Preston, “Cut the crap, will ya?”
The atmosphere turned oddly tense
Jocelyn didn’t say a word, pretending not to notice Melvin’s dark and displeased look, and just kept on cooking her pasta.
like nothing happened.
Preston, not giving a hoot about who felt awkward, went on, “Uncle, this is where you’re screwing up You’re freeloading at Jocelyn’s place, eating and living for free, and you won’t own up to it? Man, you’re worse than my old man.”
Melvin looked like he wanted to throw the boy off the balcony.
“It’s pasta time. Jocelyn dished out three plates and took hers to the table to sit down.
Preston didn’t stand on ceremony, grabbed his bowl, and plunked down next to Jocelyn, “Jocelyn, why keep a guy around who won’t take responsibility? You like making life harder for yourself?”
“Preston!” Melvin gritted his teeth.
Preston chuckled at his snarling face, No use getting mad at me. I just don’t want Jocelyn getting her heart broken and it messing with her teaching gig.
Melvin was huffing through his nose, his eyeballs nearly popping out.
Preston wolfed down his pasta in no time and, being the considerate guy he was, even washed his plate. He politely said to Jocelyn, Thanks for the midnight snack, Jocelyn. I’m outta here.
Jocelyn only reminded him, “Be safe on your way.”
With Peterson gone, the room fell silent.
Melvin just stood there watching Jocelyn clean up. He walked over and hugged her gently from behind, “Are you angry?”