Chapter SEVENTY NINE.

' Today makes it a week that Paul isn't the school. Teacher Dan said he called in sick." Ian says, worry evident in his voice. They are in the bus on their way home. ' I doubt that he has been sick for a week." Arianna chirps in. ' Me too." He responds. ' I think he is trying to avoid us. Maybe skip school but he is really lacking behind and we have a whole lot of assignments to submit before prom." Aurora puts in. ' We should branch by his place then. Let's check how he is fairing." Ian suggests. ' Yea, we should." Arianna replies. ' Are you sure Arianna?. Are you ready to do this?." Aurora asks worriedly. ' Do what?." She questions. ' Have that conversation with him." Aurora replies. Arianna nods. ' It's either now or never Aurora besides we already have a plan. I think he will feel better when he hears that." Arianna replies. They get down before their initial destination and walk the path to his place. Aurora is the first to ring the bell the minute they get to the gate. ' Who is that?." Soweto, the house-help asks. ' It's Aurora, Soweto." She speaks into the mic. ' Oh, Aurora!. Come on in." She replies and opens the door from her side. The three steps into the house and walk in through the open door. ' Mr and Mrs Smith ain't home." Soweto says as she walks up to them. ' It's fine. We are here for Paul." Aurora replies. ' Hi Auntie." Ian greets. ' I like your hair." He compliments almost immediately. ' Thank you." She responds with a smile on her face. ' You guys should make yourselves at home while I go get Paul." She adds and exits the room. They settle on the sofa. ' You good, Ari?." She asks out of concern. She noticed that Arianna has been unusually quiet since they got here. Arianna nods in response. ' We could bail out now, if you want." Aurora says. ' I'm fine." Arianna replies harshly then realizes it. ' I'm sorry, I am just nervous. I understand your concern Aurora but I'm fine." She adds. Soweto comes back into view. ' I'm sorry but he doesn't want to see you guys." She says. ' What was his response, if I may ask?." Aurora replies. ' He just doesn't want to see you guys. Not just you but everyone else. He had been like that for a while now and he never leaves his room to come down to eat. Most times the foods sent up are always left at his front door untouched." Soweto narrates. ' I'm really worried about him. I just hope he doesn't injure himself someday." She adds sadly and settles on the sofa. ' Everything will be fine Aunty. We will try talking to him. We believe he will listen to us." Ian assures as he holds onto her shoulder. It makes Aurora's heart melt to see that he can be so concerned and sweet at the same time. ' Let's go." She beckons on the others and they climb up the stairs heading straight for his room. Aurora knocks the door softly but gets no response. ' Paul, it's us." She scream enough for him to hear then knock the door again. ' Paul!." She calls out again. ' Go away!." He screams in response. ' Paul. It's fine. We are here for you." Arianna replies. ' Is that Arianna?." Paul asks. ' Yes." She responds. ' You guys should go away. Leave." He yells out. ' Paul!. You are missing out on school." Arianna says. ' School doesn't matter to me. My Father does." He tells. ' Your Father will be fine, Paul. He will." She assures. Her heart breaking that she hasn't been there for him to help him through his pain. ' You guys should just leave. I don't want to talk to anyone." He replies. ' We are your friends, Paul and we miss you." Arianna says, feeling relieved that she is finally having ‘the conversation'. ' So you don't hate me?." He asks. ' Hate you? I don't hate you Paul." She replies. ' But my Father killed your parents." He says. ' We don't know that for sure yet, Paul so you can't just conclude." Arianna replies. ' But the council said so." He says sadly. ' The council assumes, Paul. You know your Dad well and you know he can't hurt a fly." She says. ' But the council doesn't know that." He responds. ' Exactly. That's why we have decided to show them instead." Arianna replies. ' How?." He asks. ' Aurora and Ian have a plan. We have a plan, Paul and we need your help." Arianna informs. The door clicks and pulls open. ' Come in." Paul says and steps out of the way. ' Oh Paul!." Aurora calls out softly and wraps him tight. ' I missed you." She whispers to his ear. ' I missed you too." He replies and hugs her tightly. They break the hug after a while and Arianna steps forward. ' Hi, Paul." She says shyly with a smile curved on her lips. ' Hi Arianna." He replies and smiles back. They hug each other briefly and break it few seconds later. ' Hey man!." Ian says cheerfully and takes his hand in a friendly shake then pull him closer for a hug, patting his back gently. ' Oh! The school hasn't been the same without you." He adds and pulls away. To him, using the word ‘ I miss you' for a male like himself feels awkward to him. ' You should get something to eat." He adds