CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE: YES, I LIKE HER
The year I had been waiting for was finally here. My senior year. A year I had carefully planned to turn a new leaf, a year to redefine myself, to grow, and maybe, just maybe, enjoy a little freedom.
My brother's car cruised through the school gate, the familiar change of air hitting me instantly. I let out a soft sigh, leaning back in the seat.
"You felt it too, right?" Francis asked, a teasing smirk on his face as he glanced at me from the driver's seat.
"Yeah… the breeze," I responded, letting the sigh escape again.
"You hate this school that much?" Francis asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Without friends? Yeah!" I muttered, staring out of the window at the sprawling campus.
"What about Samuel and Daniel?" he prodded, his curiosity evident.
"They are… I don't know. I just feel they are different, like the friendship I had with them isn't the same anymore."
"You like them?" Francis pressed, his voice teasing.
"I don't know," I admitted, shrugging.
"Awwn! I knew it," he laughed loudly, shaking his head.
"Just park the car," I said, turning my gaze away and looking at the school's gate, trying to hide my embarrassment.
"I will! I will!" he replied, feigning surrender. "So… if both of them asked you out, who would you say yes to?"
I shrugged and smiled wryly. "I'll cross that bridge when I get there."
"Feed me the gist by then," he teased, finally pulling the car to a stop.
I turned to glance at him. "School's been fun for you, right?" I asked, curious about his life abroad.
"You mean Wisconsin?" he asked, turning to look at me, eyebrows raised.
"Yes. When are you going back?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"After your midterm break," he replied casually.
"Wait, so I'll see you when I come home for the midterm break?" I asked, my eyes lighting up.
"Yeah… you must have missed me a lot," he said, stepping out of the car with his usual confident grin.
"Don't let that swell your head," I teased, hopping out as well.
Francis opened the booth and retrieved my box along with my Ghana-must-go—a large bag we were instructed to bring for the senior year, since the old beds were infested with bedbugs.
"Hey!" a familiar thick voice called from behind me.
I turned to see… Daniel.
"Daniel!" Francis called, his face breaking into a wide smile as he hurried toward him.
Daniel immediately returned the hug. "It's been long!" he said, his voice cheerful.
Daniel had grown! My eyes scanned him. He looked taller, more confident, and his presence seemed to fill the space around him.
"What with the thick voice? You've grown taller too—almost reaching my shoulder," Francis remarked, echoing exactly what I had been thinking.
"Don't expect me to stay a small boy forever," Daniel joked, brushing off the comment with a grin.
"Is that a strand of beard I see?" my brother asked, gently touching Daniel's jaw.
"Where?" Daniel asked, confused, trying to feel for it.
"Here," Francis replied, pointing.
"I don't feel anything," Daniel said, frowning.
"Should I help you pull it out?" Francis teased.
"No! That strand shows I'm maturing—becoming a man!" Daniel said proudly, puffing his chest slightly.
"Hmn… that's nice," my brother nodded approvingly.
"You've become so fresh! See that skin. Abroad must be treating you well," Francis added, impressed.
"At least, but the stress though…" Daniel said, shrugging slightly. He looked serious for a moment.
"It must be stressful studying medicine. You're looking forward to taking over dad's hospital, right?" Francis said, his voice gentle.
"Yes… but when I finish, all the stress will have been worth it," Daniel assured, his tone confident and calm.
"Thanks… you're really maturing. That assurance hit me hard," my brother said, patting Daniel on the head.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Daniel replied with a grin.
"Yeah, it's a compliment," Francis confirmed.
Daniel reached for his braids casually. "What with the hair?" he asked, smiling.
"Hey, careful!" Francis said, chuckling. "Some universities don't even allow braids for medicine students."
"You said some. Besides, there's always a need for a head warmer," Daniel replied confidently.
"Yeah, you look sharp with it," Francis said approvingly.
"Normal… I'm a handsome guy," Daniel replied smugly, laughing at his own statement.
"Sharp indeed!" Francis agreed.
"Oh! Almost forgot about my sister," Francis said suddenly, turning toward me as he and Daniel approached.
"Where are your parents?" I asked casually.
"My dad left early after dropping me off, as usual," Daniel replied with a shrug.
"Sorry?" I asked, surprised.
"No need. I've been used to it for four years now," he said, shrugging again.
"You done with your registration?" I asked as soon as they stopped in front of me.
"Yes, since. Look at your time," Daniel said teasingly. "At least you should have greeted me."
"Greeted you? Because you're my daddy?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I looked him up and down.
"Hey!" Daniel said, covering my eyes playfully with his hand.
I could smell his familiar refreshing perfume as he leaned in. "Stop that!" I said, pulling his hand away.
"Woah! Sorry!" he laughed. "Let me help you with those," he added, lifting my bag to assist me.
"My brother is here!" I exclaimed as I carried my things.
"Doesn't mean…" Daniel trailed off, smiling mysteriously.
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THIRD-PERSON P.O.V.
"You like her?" Francis whispered into Daniel's ear.
"Yeah… a lot. Don't tell her. I plan to break the news at the right time," Daniel replied, his tone serious yet excited.
"Lol! News?" Francis teased, grinning.
"Yeah," Daniel said, carrying Floral's bag with ease, his eyes glinting with determination.
---
NARRATOR P.O.V.
As soon as registration was complete and all tasks finished, we returned to the car.
"Take this," my brother offered Daniel some money, trying to insist.
"Nah! I can't take it," Daniel refused politely, his pride intact.
"If it were a small amount, I would appreciate your rejection—but this isn't small money," my brother said, smiling knowingly.
Daniel hesitated, glancing at Francis, then gave a small nod. "Thanks. I'll take it, but just this once."
The atmosphere was light, filled with laughter, teasing, and the relief of familiar bonds rekindled. I couldn't help but feel excited for the adventures senior year would bring—new friendships, new challenges, and perhaps, the beginning of something deeper with Daniel.