CHAPTER THIRTEEN: LOVE PROBLEM
I looked at John, wondering what to say since I was short of words. I didn't even know where to begin.
I felt both annoyed and irritated at the same time, with a tiny flicker of jealousy curling inside me.
"Okay," I replied, the only word that managed to escape my lips.
He looked at me, and his expression shifted when I gave him nothing more than that single word.
"I suppose I should say congrats," I shrugged, turning away, unwilling to be swallowed up by his beauty.
"By the way, why did you ask about my relationship with Sunshine?" he asked, still watching me even though I refused to meet his eyes.
"I was suspicious of your closeness with her, since you stood up for her when others were receiving strokes of cane," I shrugged again, fighting the strong urge to face him.
"Okay," he muttered, and finally looked away from me.
The English teacher entered, launching into her schedule.
After her class, two more teachers came in, and by closing time I was drained.
It was painfully boring—neither John nor my friends spoke much.
I packed my book into my bag after attempting the assignment.
"Let's go to the hostel," Morayo said, strapping her bag to her back.
I slung mine over my shoulders and followed. Daniel suddenly stepped into the classroom just as I was leaving with Morayo and Victoria.
He didn't bother saying anything to me—perhaps he hadn't seen me.
We walked to the hostel, dropping our bags in front of the solar building since the hostel was closed.
Why did we even leave class then? I asked myself, watching other students stream into the girls' compound.
"I guess many are avoiding sweeping the class, except those being punished," Morayo said, and I realised that answered my question.
Today had been heavy—in class and outside it—full of love tangles and things I never saw coming.
"I was even thinking, with that face of his, no girl could resist him," Morayo smiled, clearly referring to Daniel.
Jeez… nobody should drag that topic up again.
"Boys will be boys," Victoria said, as though giving counsel.
"Are you sure the boy ever truly loved you back in elementary school?" Morayo asked, glancing at me.
Jeez, Morayo. Can't she give me space? I didn't say it out loud, but my look should have been enough.
"Yes, he even confessed to me back in grade four when we collected our report cards," I answered, remembering how convinced I was that he'd love me forever.
Back then, I thought our love would last till marriage. Looking at it now, that dream seemed impossible.
"You know we're still kids. You can't depend on love until you're mature enough," Victoria added, sounding like she was directing the advice at me.
I nodded in agreement. Maybe it meant I shouldn't fall in love again until I was grown.
"But let's be real, Daniel is very fine," Morayo admitted, glancing between Victoria and me.
"Morayo, don't bring that topic up again," Victoria said flatly.
"I'm not upset. I don't love him anymore," I murmured.
Morayo gave me a small smile. "It seems you're getting over it quickly. I like that about you," she said sincerely.
I smiled in return.
"Yeah, Daniel might have stolen my heart back in grade four, but that doesn't mean I don't have a spare one in my store," I laughed.
"Girl, you'll help me write a love letter when I finally fall," Morayo grinned, as though noting down my promise.
I nodded at her before watching other students pass by.
"What about John—did you like him at first sight?" Morayo suddenly asked.
"Keep quiet, don't ask me that. Ask Victoria!" I replied, smiling and turning towards Victoria.
Victoria, sitting on the bench, shook her head as though saying, you're not serious.
"You mean Victoria likes John?" Morayo whispered in my ear.
I nodded and went to sit beside Victoria.
"Come on, am I missing something?" Morayo pressed, following me.
"Nah, I thought you already knew," I said.
"If I knew, I wouldn't have asked you—I'd have asked her directly," Morayo teased.
"Enough already, I'm right here. Have you forgotten you're sitting next to me?" Victoria cut in, half-laughing.
"Sorry, madam."
"Besides, the boy's already taken," Victoria added.
"Floral, right?" a female student, around my height, asked, pointing at me as she stood in front of our bench.
"Yes!" I replied, confused why she was asking for me.
"Bimpe, why are you asking for her?" Morayo cut in, calling her by name.
"I didn't ask you—I asked her," Bimpe snapped rudely, turning back to me.
"You short rat, don't let me start," Morayo hissed, angry at the girl's tone.
"Morayo," Victoria warned, calming her down.
"What do you want?" I asked Bimpe.
"Your brother's asking for you at the canteen," she said, before strutting away without waiting for my reply.
So rude!
"Jeez… she'll get herself beaten one of these days," Morayo muttered, watching her leave.
"I'll meet you guys later. My brother's at the canteen—the same one we went to at break," I said, rising from the bench.
"Alright, but don't take too long. It'll be lunchtime soon," Morayo reminded.
"Okay." I left them and made my way to the canteen.
When I got there, I found my brother sitting with Daniel.
Why him?