CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO: A MINOR ARGUMENT
"I saw what you guys wrote in Sandra's year book," I said immediately, my voice firm yet tinged with disbelief.
Morayo and Victoria froze. I could see the shock on their faces, like they had just been caught doing something wrong.
"Why didn't you write me as part of your friends?" I asked, my gaze shifting between the two of them. "It's not even about that—it's about the fact that I saw my name listed as your enemy in both of your profiles in the year book!" My voice rose slightly, tinged with confusion and hurt.
Morayo looked at me, her face tinged with guilt. "What do you expect?" she said softly.
"I expect an explanation!" I snapped. "Why did you put me as your enemy? We've been friends for three whole years!"
"See… it doesn't mean what you think," Morayo replied, her voice almost apologetic.
"What do you mean?" I asked, my frustration mixing with curiosity.
"Why the hell would you be hitting on Victoria's boyfriend?" Morayo said, her tone sharp but hesitant. "Her boyfriend has had his eyes on you. Even John's friends mentioned it… the twins said so. Victoria herself said John likes you."
"I didn't know! I'm not his heart to control," I replied immediately, feeling my chest tighten. "You don't have to blame it on me as if I did something wrong."
"You are!" Morayo exclaimed, frustration creeping into her voice.
"How?!"
"Remember that day he called you after the maths exam?"
---
AFTER THE MATHS EXAMS
The exam hall had been filled with stress and tension. Morayo, Victoria, and I were walking toward the hostel when my phone rang—it was John.
I was surprised but excused myself politely to meet him. Morayo and Victoria waited behind, knowing John wouldn't take long.
"Thank you!" John said as soon as I reached him, hugging me unexpectedly.
I stumbled back slightly, shocked by the hug. "For what?" I asked, trying to regain my composure.
"For helping me in the exam hall! I forgot the formulas for shapes almost immediately and was completely stranded. I'm just happy you were chosen to sit beside me and helped me."
"It wasn't intentional," I said, shrugging lightly. "Our surnames just happened to clash, and that's why I ended up beside you."
"Yeah, I know. But still… thank you!" He smiled at me warmly.
"You're welcome," I responded, returning a small smile. "I don't want to keep my friends waiting. Bye!"
As soon as I turned to see if Morayo and Victoria were still there, they had disappeared.
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BACK TO THE PRESENT
No wonder! No wonder they left!
"You should have communicated with me instead of acting like that," I said, frustration still lingering in my voice.
"You should have told us why you hugged him," Morayo retorted, her arms folded across her chest.
"You should have asked me!" I countered, exasperated. "I didn't know that leaving you two out of annoyance would make you label me as your enemy." I turned toward Victoria, my face showing a mix of disappointment and disbelief. "I expected more from you! Why argue with me over something so minor and then put me as your enemy? That's outrageous!"
"Are you blaming us now?" Victoria asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Urgh! I'm not going to argue with you over something like this. It's so wrong!" I exclaimed, closing my locker with a sharp snap. I walked away, trying to push down the sting of betrayal.
It was annoying and painful at the same time. I didn't expect this, especially from Victoria.
Just at the right moment, I heard Daniel calling my name from the dining hall. I picked up my drink and walked toward him. He was sitting at the window, waiting patiently for me.
Funny thing was, ever since our class had become the only one left in school, the dining hall had become a makeshift "love garden" for couples in our set. Everywhere I looked, couples were laughing, whispering, and sharing snacks. Lol!
"You wanted to see me?" I asked as I approached him.
"Yeah! Just wanted to see your fine face," Daniel said, flashing a smile.
"Enough with that!" I said, rolling my eyes as I sat beside him on the window sill.
I had grown closer to Daniel over time. He was maturing, becoming more fun, more responsible… and somehow even more charming. He had just turned thirteen on Sunday, and I had given him a small jewelry set—a wristwatch, ring, and necklace. They weren't expensive, but my brother had helped me buy them the day before Daniel's birthday. He was actually "shipping" us together, lol!
"What happened?" Daniel asked, noticing my distant expression.
"Nothing." I tried to shrug it off.
"You sure?" he pressed, his eyes narrowing slightly as though he could see straight into my soul.
"Just a little argument with my friends," I admitted reluctantly.
"Who?" he asked casually.
"Who else? I don't know… could be Samuel or those girls," I said, shrugging again.
"You hear 'friends,' with an 's'," he muttered, teasing but understanding.
"Oh… okay. Those girls," he said, nodding thoughtfully. Then he leaned closer, his tone curious. "What happened that caused the fight?"
"Um… just a minor issue," I said, trying to downplay it.
"What minor issue?" he asked, insistently.
"It's… stupid," I admitted.
"What's stupid?" he pressed, refusing to let me evade the topic.
I explained everything about the year book and the hug with John. He listened silently, occasionally nodding, though he avoided looking directly at me for some moments.
"It's minor indeed. You guys need communication. But omo, the fact that they placed you as their enemy is so diabolical," he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I know, right?" I sighed, feeling a weight lift off my chest simply by telling someone.
After that, the tension between us lessened. Sharing my frustrations with Daniel made me feel lighter. For the first time that day, I could relax a little.
But the truth remained—the friendship I had with Morayo and Victoria was gone. They didn't bother to talk to me or ask if I had forgiven them. Every time I tried to reach out, they pushed me away. Something told me it wasn't just about the hug—it went deeper than that.
We finished junior secondary school without mending our friendship.
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RESUMING SENIOR SCHOOL
Months later, we returned for senior school. Everyone had changed. People looked more mature. Some had grown taller, others chubbier, while others were even more handsome, beautiful, or cute.
This was the year I had been waiting for. A new beginning. A chance to grow beyond the petty conflicts and focus on myself. Senior school promised new challenges, new friendships, and new opportunities—and I was ready to embrace it all.