C10 Out of her shell

Forbidden desires

(He's a brother and more...)

Episode Ten:Out of her shell.

After the incident, Mandy withdrew into herself, she stopped interacting with her friends, she stopped joining school clubs, quitted a lot of things she loved doing and eventually, she just stopped talking to everyone. She is always, moody, gloomy, depressed, out of clouds.

She wanted to talk to someone badly but she didn't know who to talk to. Her friends? She knew them well and as much as they care for her, they are chatter boxes and sooner or later, the whole school is going to know, the news is going to spread like wild fire.

Lisa? ,Would she understand her? ,

Aunt Caroline? She'd probably want to protect her and take her away from her brother, Maxwell and to that she would require the knowledge of their parents and Maxwell is right, the last thing... Mandy wants is to be the cause of her mother's death.

Mandy had developed a new habit of sitting in the school garden, during recess, closing hours, extra curricular period. She loves the serene environment, the cool breeze and the chirping of birds is an activity that she loved to enjoy and look forward to. It steadies her thoughts and keeps her sane and from taking irrational decisions.

Sound of footsteps interrupt her thoughts and she looked up to see a guy wearing the same school vest, the distinguishing feature that struck Mandy was his geek glasses.

"Hi, I didn't mean to disturb you but can I have a few of your time?."Mandy was surprised because she was pretty sure that she is seeing the guy for the first time.

As much as she would love to be alone, she wasn't the snobbish type, so she carried her school bag and placed it on her leg, creating space for the guy to sit. The guy didn't say anything but he looked thankful.

"Am Oliver... Oliver Hathaway, "the guy introduced himself nervously.

"Okay... "Mandy said and paused, her voice sounded new and bizzare to herself. She wondered if it has been so long she talked.

"I... Um... I actually wanted to tell you something and I hope you don't take it bad or in a wrong way... "He paused a little before he continued.

"I like you," he said suddenly catching Mandy off guard.

Mandy couldn't believe her ears, it is not that this is the first time a guy is confessing to her but they don't say it plainly, they usually add some poems or sweet words that they memorized online or maybe from the friends play boy handbook.

"Like me?, What do you even know about me?. "She said after finding her voice.

"I know you more than you know you. " he said and Mandy couldn't help but grin.

"You love playing tennis, you are always reading comics and mangas even when you are in class. You always pack your hair in ponytail, you are jovial, respectful and you relate with the janitors, securities without contempt and you are the only rich girl in this school that doesn't bully and associate with the pupils who are on social welfare... "

"Whoa, whoa, whoa... Have you been stalking me?. "Mandy interrupted him.

"I have always liked you and noticed you but you never knew... " Oliver said lowering his head.

"So, why are you just approaching me?. "Mandy asked out of curiousity.

"Well, I have seen a lot of guys ask you out and they I have also heard that you turn most of them... down. So I was kind of scared and decided to just watch from the sidelines. "

"Hmmm.... So what changed your mind?. " Mandy asked placing a hand under her chin.

"Your recent mood, I noticed you stopped smiling and it breaks my hearts to shred whenever I see you looking sad and more over, am in my final year so I decided to try, at least when I see you with another guy then I wouldn't regret and know I actually gave it a shot. "Oliver said and Mandy was moved.

"Okay, you are great at coaxing so I will think about it. "Mandy said simply and Oliver had the satisfied look of a mouse who just found a great and large piece of cheese.

"Thank you so much. "Oliver said happily and Mandy was momentarily confused.

"I didn't say I have agreed, I simply said that I would think about it. "Mandy said laying emphasis on the"think about it"

"I know but since you said you will think about it, it means I have a chance. For goodness sake, you are Mandy Maximus!... The only girl who has never said yes to a guy. "oliver said still smiling and Mandy couldn't help but smile as well.

"Wow, you have no idea of how much I have missed your smile. "Oliver said seriously and Mandy turned crimson red.

"I will leave you to whatever it is you were doing and I hope you go back to being yourself. "Oliver said while leaving.

Mandy was alone again, and she found herself smiling when she remembered Oliver's word.

When she got home that day, she was back to being herself and all the maids were glad to see her happy again, most especially Lisa. She even volunteered to help in the kitchen and the maids were so glad to accept her offer.