CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT: CAN'T YOU JUST SAY IT?
"Please… sit down fast," Samuel said, worry etched across his face, still holding my hand.
I started hearing laughter and whispers behind me, the murmurs of curious classmates making my heart race.
"Please!" he whispered again, firm this time.
"That boy over there, what is it?" the teacher asked, noticing Samuel's intervention.
Samuel stood straight. "I'm sorry, ma'am. Can I answer the question instead?" he asked, positioning himself directly behind me.
"Why? If I may ask," the teacher inquired, walking closer.
"She isn't feeling well. I don't think her brain will process properly," Samuel said quietly, but firmly.
"Just thank your stars I'm in a good mood, or you'd be answering to me," the teacher replied, turning her attention from Samuel to me. "You can sit."
I didn't hesitate. The pain in my stomach was too much, and as I lowered myself onto the chair, I felt warmth spreading across my skirt. My heart sank.
Samuel glanced at me, then calmly walked to the board. As he answered the question, the teacher continued giving him problems, and he answered each one correctly. The class, guided by the teacher, applauded him.
When he returned to his seat, I whispered, "Thank you."
"You're welcome… sorry about that," he replied, adjusting his chair and desk.
"Quiet in my class! I don't want to call you again," the teacher ordered, frowning at our hushed chatter.
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After class, I started packing my books.
"Why did you even help me?" I asked Samuel, curiosity bubbling under my exhaustion.
"Because…" he started, but Daniel cut in smoothly.
"How far?" Daniel asked, smiling at me.
"Fine," I said lightly.
"Are you sure? Samuel said something else," Daniel teased, glancing from Samuel to me.
"I just have a stomach pain," I replied, shrugging as I zipped my bag.
"How is it now?" Daniel asked, concern evident in his tone.
"Better… for now," I replied, placing a hand on my stomach.
"Don't tell me you're pregnant," Daniel said, teasing with a mischievous grin.
"Nah! How can I?" I laughed, shaking my head.
"Just saying," he replied with a shrug.
"Then don't say it," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
Jokes aside, Daniel turned serious. "It means you can't go buy what you want for this break period."
"I can! I'm craving the canteen swallow already," I said, smiling.
"Are you sure?" he raised an eyebrow. "I can help you if you want."
"No, I want to exercise my legs," I said, lifting my desk to stand.
"Really, there's no need for that now. You shouldn't walk too much; I can help you get it," he insisted.
"There's no need—it'll be stressful for you," I replied.
"Nothing is stressful for me when it comes to helping," he said firmly.
I moved to stand, but Samuel suddenly grabbed my hand, stopping me.
I turned to him in shock.
"What is it, dude?" Daniel asked, amused and curious, echoing my own thoughts.
"I have my reason," Samuel said, eyes fixed on mine, still holding my hand tightly.
"What reason?" Daniel asked, stepping closer. "She said her stomach is fine now."
"Yes, Samuel. I'm fine. You can let go of my hand now," I said gently, trying to ease the tension.
"My reason isn't something I'll say out loud. I insist you stay seated!" Samuel said, his grip firm.
Daniel stepped forward, frustrated. "What's wrong with you? She's not your baby sister. You're forcing her to stay when she doesn't want to, even after she said she's fine. Isn't that cruel?"
Samuel ignored him, turning his full attention to me. "It's for your own good," he said calmly.
"I'm okay… really. My stomach feels better; I just need to eat something," I explained, hoping to reassure him.
"Even though…" Samuel started, his voice low.
"Can't you just say it? I don't want to pull your hand off by force," Daniel said, warning him.
"Can't you at least see this and stop being so dense?" Samuel snapped, emotionless as he stared at Daniel.
"All I see is you forcing her to stay against her will after she told you she's fine. Isn't that cruel?" Daniel retorted, eyes sharp.
"Can you just tell me what's wrong and stop beating around the bush?" I asked, curiosity tinged with urgency.
Samuel turned from me to Daniel, then back to me.
I raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
"You're… red-stained on your skirt," he said quietly, almost in a whisper.