The Promise by Mahlatse Mokone (best ebook reader ubuntu txt) 📖

you’ve only been asleep for 30 minutes.” He said, answering my unspoken question. “Where’s Tess?” I asked looking around; glad my voice wasn’t throaty. “She was kind enough to trade seats with me,” he said then chuckled “She’s having fun with the boys.” He added. I turned and looked back and indeed I saw her with the jocks, laughing with them.

“Don’t worry I warned them to play nice.” He said and I frowned, I was going to have a talk with her about manners. Then I decided against it when I saw JT in the seat next to her; that’s exactly where she wants to be, in the center of his attention. That scene couldn’t possibly be sitting well with…I then spotted Adrianna and a few of her friends scowling at the group; Rhiannon and Brea where glaring at my direction. I sighed and sat back on my seat then thought, to hell with them; Brandon wants to be with me. In a mischievous attempt to work them up, I leaned my head against his shoulder and inhaled deeply, taking in his oh so lovely scent. He smiled and surprised me when he kissed my hair tenderly.

“I could get used to this.” He said and I chuckled “Hmm” I said, me too.

“Hey I thought gadgets are not allowed when camping.” I said with mock disapproval at his iPad. He chuckled “Yeah like you abide by that rule.” He said referring to my iPod and I playfully pouted. His playfulness disappeared when he touched my pouted lips with his thumb; I slightly turned away from his touch in an attempt to derail his intensions. Is he crazy? He can’t kiss me now.

“Not here Brandon.” I whispered and he raised an eyebrow “If you haven’t noticed we have an audience.” I said, and no matter how much I dislike Rhiannon and her friends, I don’t want her to combust with rage. He smiled but let me go, I breathed easily; glad I didn’t taunt his own mischievous side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 11

 

Most of the bus ignored Mr. Hamilton, our chaperone along with Mrs. Greene as he babbled about our trip and learning outcomes. Half an hour later we stopped on what looked like a hiking trail, LA was nowhere in sight. I was suddenly glad I was dressed for any outdoor activity. He got out of the bus and Mr. Hamilton told us that he had more or less arrived at our destination. Also that we’d set up camp at a sight later on but now he wanted to show us something.

He and Mrs. Greene led the way for us up the trail, we climbed and passed the beautiful plants and trees “I know this place.” Brandon said next to me and my head whipped towards him in surprise.

“You do?” I asked then noticed that we were trailing slightly behind, mainly because Brandon was walking leisurely, bored even.

“My uncle and I used to come here a bit, he’s the outdoors kind of guy.” He said then I understood why he looked bored. “Mr. Hamilton is going to show them a small waterfall down this trail.” He said and I frowned at him.

“Thanks for the spoiler alert Brandon.” I muttered and he smiled apologetically “Besides, I want to show you something better.” He said with a cute boyish grin, his grey eyes flashing with excitement, how can I possibly resist that?

I looked at our group in front; they seemed not to notice us much. “I don’t know Brandon, we can’t separate from the group.” I said.

“They won’t even notice were gone, we’ll be back before they do.” He said beckoning me with his eyes and hand “Come on princess.” He added softly with a megawatt smile. I sighed in defeat and took his hand as we discreetly went up another trail; no one seemed to have noticed us. Except for Tess, whose eyes widened then she looked ahead before anyone could notice. I knew she’d cover for me should anyone ask.

“You’re a bad influence on me.” I said, but feeling giddy with adrenaline, Brandon chuckled “Just when I thought I was the best thing that’s ever happened to you.” He teased and I snorted, “Okay ease up on the conceit buddy.” I said and he grinned. I became wary of this trail and if he knew where he was going, it was not as clear as the one we were on. He stopped and looked me straight in the eyes, his grey gaze serious and searching “Do you trust me?” he asked and I paused taken aback by his vehemence. I nodded slowly, it was true, I trusted him, I wouldn’t have gotten into his car that day if I didn’t. He smiled then kissed my forehead.

“Good, I’ll keep you safe.” He said fervently, as if he’d do so with his own life. What I didn’t understand is why he’d say that.

“I’m not scared.” I said, maybe that was the reassurance he wanted. We passed tall and bushy trees and ferns. I then got an idea.

I stopped then tapped his shoulder “Tag, you’re it.” I said and he grinned, “You can’t possibly beat me at this game Katelyn.” He said and I folded my arms, raising a challenging eyebrow. He ignored me “The only way it can be fair is if I give you a head start.” He said then closed his eyes. He really wants me to hide? Here? He’d never find me. I then smiled to myself, maybe that would teach him some modesty. I tiptoed away from him as he began counting to ten. I hid in a very large fern a few feet away from him; I could see him as he opened his eyes and they sharply scanned the area. He began to move and so did I, making sure I’m as silent as can be as I maneuvered between the ferns. I turned into a large rock when I saw him walk towards me but he then stopped and went the other way. I tried to look for him but he was nowhere in sight. I peeked around the big rock then I squealed when I was grabbed by the waist from behind and lifted off the ground. “Gotcha.” Brandon said and I laughed in amused frustration, oh right he knows the area. I put my arms around him and he eased me back to the ground, letting me slide down his body.

“I believe you owe me a kiss.” He murmured caressing my chin and bottom lip, I smiled “Oh how ever will I pay up?” I teased and he smiled kissing me. I giggled when he planted chaste kisses all over my face.

“How did you find me?” I asked “Hmm?” he kissed my hair, “How did you know where to look?” I asked, honestly in this place, I could’ve been anywhere but he found me without breaking a sweat.

“I followed your scent.” He said, what? He looked at me “Your perfume, its quite hard to miss.” He clarified, then I frowned, does that mean I wear too much? Hell.

He chuckled then shook his head “I like it.” He said then he ran his nose down my neck, inhaling deeply “Its decadent.” He whispered and I chuckled when he pulled away and took my hand. He likes the way I smell, good, because I love the way he smells.

We continued up the path until we came across a surface runoff with shallow waters flowing in a very strange but beautiful pattern. Brandon moved forward and he looked at me when I refused to move.

“Oh no, I’m not crossing that.” I said; I don’t want to get wet. He rolled his eyes “Come on Katelyn, our destination is right up ahead” He said. I shook my head stubbornly and he sighed then scooped me up over his shoulder, I didn’t even have time to squeal my surprise. He started to move, stepping on rocky places that had less water and I groaned, “You’re exasperating.” I said and he chuckled “This runoff flows to the waterfall.” He added when we reached dry ground. Oh.

He took my hand again and we walked for a few minutes then turned a corner, through another heap of plants and into the clearing. My mouth dropped as I took in the stunning view, we were up on a hill overlooking a valley covered by perfectly green and lavender colored bushes and flowers. It was breathtaking.

“Oh my God.” I breathed. “Better, right?” he whispered wrapping his arms around my waist. “I doubt anything tops this…wow.” I said reaching for my phone then snapped a few pictures. Tess was going to be livid if I didn’t take a picture.

We sat on a rock for a moment chatting and enjoying the magnificent view; way too soon he got up. “We better join the group before they send in a search party.” He said holding out his hand “We’ll, take a shortcut.” He added then we started walking back to where we came. He turned right into an even dodgier trail but he was right, it took us a few minutes before we joined everyone else. Students we still admiring the waterfall, which paled next to the view Brandon just showed me. Mrs. Greene came up to us, with relief and anger in her expression. “Where were you two? You know you’re supposed to stick with the group.” She admonished us with a low voice so the others wouldn’t hear.

“Sorry Mrs. Greene, I got a little light-headed and Brandon helped me back to the bus.” I said evenly, impressed with myself given that I’m a terrible liar.

“When she felt better, we followed your trail.” Brandon injected just as perfectly. She eyed us speculatively “Are you okay?” she asked me and I nodded “I’m absolutely fine now.” I said with a smile and she nodded then walked away. Brandon looked at me and smiled “I’m in awe of you.” He said and I chuckled then curtseyed “Why thank you.” I said and we walked up to the students. Tess saw me and shot me a ‘you have some serious explaining to do’ look. I sighed inwardly and mouthed, “I know”.

 

We drove 10 minutes south from where we stopped and we set up camp in a nice level clearing. The sun was already starting to set. After supper the boys got a big fire started and we all gathered around it, as we roasted marshmallows and everyone took turns telling scary stories. The later it got the more chillier the air became, Brandon rubbed my arms “Where’s your jacket?” he asked with a frown.

“In my bag in my tent.” I said and he shrugged out of his hoodie and handed it to me, I slipped it on and zipped it up, it smelled like him, only more potent.

Considering that we were in the presence of a dozen other students it felt like we were in our own little bubble. It quickly burst when Rhiannon sat on Brandon’s other side after practically shooing off some other scruffy looking boy.

I winced when she tugged on his arm and started making small talk with him, completely avoiding me. Brandon acknowledged her coolly and even so I felt like the third wheel, maybe if I went away he’d relax.

I tried to get up but he had my hand and wouldn’t let go, I tried a little harder to free myself but he wouldn’t budge. He turned his grey gaze back to me, an obvious warning for me to stop fidgeting. Then he started ignoring Rhiannon altogether until she glared at both of us and stood up.

“What were you doing?” he asked, his tone terse and low enough for my ears only “I was going to go sit with Tess, you know, give you and Rhiannon a chance to talk.” I whispered with more venom than I would’ve wanted.

He inhaled sharply “Don’t.” he said “Don’t what?” I asked and he eyed me

“Run. It—” he shook his head