C6 Taken?

I get home totally lost and absent-minded. My mom took the day off today and my father has been on leave since last week but it's ending tomorrow.

When I get home, Bummi runs to the living room to give me a welcome hug and help me take my bag upstairs. Our usual ritual.

Bummi is always home before me because her school is close to the house. Just down the street and if you use a bike, it would not take up to twenty minutes to go and come back.

When I get home, the living room is filled with an amazing aroma. I can't help but ask Bummi what is being made for lunch.

"What is mummy cooking?"

"Cooking? ... She has cooked and everyone has eaten," Bummi replies

"Okay... What did you eat? "I correct.

"I have not eaten" Bummi replies and my brows crease

"Okay, what did everyone else eat?" I question.

"Well.., they all ate bread and tea... With egg... You will then choose if it is fried egg or moi moi that you want. Also, you will now pick if it is fish or egg moi moi you want" Bummi replies in her usual parrot mode.

"And why haven't you eaten? "I question in reaction to her earlier statement.

"I was waiting for you na" She replies. How sweet.

"Aww" I reply

She runs ahead of me to our room with my bag and she runs back out before I am done climbing up the stairs. She is watching her favorite cartoon Sofia the first.

I drag myself lazily up the stairs and I'm sure if my hands were long enough to touch the floor, they would be dragging behind me as lifeless as I am dragging myself up the stairs.

When I get to my room, I shut the door behind me but do not bother to lock it with the key because only Bummi and my mom have the freedom to open the door without knocking.

I toss my uniform on the bed and take my polo off, then my shorts, I am left in my white camisole and black tight.

I take my time to assess my body in the mirror. I am not bad. I am curvy enough for a 14-year-old, and I'm not at all busty like Dina and Faith, and my ass is just the perfect size. Just in between.

My mom often tells me that I did not get my ass from her side of the family but from my dad's side. You would not argue with her on that if you see my paternal aunts. I for one pray never to have such a huge weight to carry at my behind.

Silvia is very pretty and busty. But she is also dirty, rough, and cruel.

She plates whatever hairstyle she wants, has huge black spots all over her legs and hands, has incredibly ugly nails, but still a killer voice and attitude. She is also an amazing artist and she has an amazing laugh too.

It's not that I'm looking down on myself. Of course, I am! She is good at some things despite the flaws that are so inevitable and yet people still pick her over me! What could be wrong with me? Even my best friend left me for her.

I walk into the bathroom and this time shut the door with the key. I take off my inner wears and hang them on the rake in the bathroom. I head for the lavatory, sit in it and turn on the shower.

The warm water flows over my body and helps to loosen the tensed muscles in my body.

I leave the shower on and drift off in thought while I enjoy the warmth of the water on my skin.

I think about when I was in junior school. How much Kora and I hated each other although we refused to show it to each other, we acted behind each other's backs.

The first day Silvia came to the school and how arrogant she was, the first day I met Sharon, how I had a crush on my ex-senior Desmond... Who was a lot older than me and never noticed me and then when I had a crush on another senior; Feranmi, who had a crush on my school mother, and when I developed a knee problem I have been hiding from my parents and only Bummi knows.

When I won a poetry competition for my school when I had a crush on one of my teachers when I met Mohammed and up to this very moment.

Then I begin to think about The idea of Victor and I being a thing or how good Nathaniel and I will look together.

I am pulled back to reality by a persistent knock on the door. Then I look up at the clock and my eyes widen at how much time I had spent in the bathroom.

It was my idea to have a wall clock in my bathroom to keep track of time because I am a lover of water and once I'm in water, it takes time for me to leave it.

Hence I asked my mom to place a wall clock in the bathroom so I would know when I am running late.

But right now, the wall clock had been of no help as I had spent one and a half hours in the bathroom just thinking!

"Jade! What are you doing in there?! "My sister impatiently calls out to me.

I quickly grab the soap and run it along my skin letting it foam and then wash it off with the now lukewarm water.

"I'm coming love"I call back.

"Please be fast. I am hungry" she replies. I then realize that I had been keeping her waiting.

Carefully, I climb out of the tub onto the now wet floor as a result of the overflow caused by the shower I left running. I take off the block and let the water drain then I rinse it with clean water and then head out.

My hair is wet and dripping with water and that is not something I want to deal with as my hungry sister is sitting on my bed and watching me. She would devour me if I waste any more time unjustly.

I walk to my wardrobe, take out fresh undergarments, a white oversize shirt, and baggie joggers. Then black furry flip-flops.

I just comb my hair and dry it a bit. It is still wet so it clings to my face and neck and I know better than to pack it, else I would have smelling hair that would itch me.

When I am done, Bummi and I head to the dining table.

Bummi takes bread, tea, and moi moi while I settle for bread, tea, and fried egg.

I am not quite a fan of beans, hence many people mock me and say that I am short because of my hatred for it.

Although my dad is tall, I think I got my height from my mom and Bummi was lucky enough to gain height from my father's side of the family tree.

My brothers come down to meet us in the dining. Although they have had their fair share, they still take out of Bummi and my plates.

All four of us talk and share a few good laughs and then our parents come to the living room.

My mom needs my help in the kitchen to prepare dinner so I help her out and then I go to my room to finish up my assignment and other stuff for tomorrow.

One thing is certain though, I am not preparing for tomorrow as much as I had for today.

*********

It's yet another day in SHA and I deeply hope Victor is in school and the dark part of me secretly prays that Nathaniel would bunk school today so Victor could resume his old position if he comes today.

When I get to the class, I feel my jaw on the floor. My mouth hung open and I know it's obvious but right now? I don't give two damn shits about any bodies opinion. What I want Is an explanation for what I am seeing.

I blink repeatedly. Hoping that the image before me would fade away and is just be a mere illusion but no!! It's actually there.

Victor... he is in school but not anywhere near where I want him to be. I'd rather him not come to school an entire week than have him where he is now.

He is seated in Silvia's circle... And not just seated... his bag Is there too! They basically put him at the extreme end of the class and the rest of her gang formed a wall around him. This can't be! This is the last thing I expected.

And when I turn to my seat, Mr. Nathaniel is still seated there! on Victor's seat like he owns it!

I honestly would not mind if it was Nathaniel that was sitting in Silvia's circle. well maybe I would but... Not this much.

Faith sees what I see and knows what I feel so she places her hand on my shoulder. Giving it a light squeeze. A gesture to remind me to be strong and I reciprocate with a simple smile...

We both walk to our seats and on getting to mine, Nathaniel welcomes me with a warm smile and a kind greeting. Which I reply with a fake smile.

I drop my bag on my chair and walk briskly out of my class down the hall and into the female toilet.

I can feel my cheeks heat up. My neck as well and I feel tears form in my eyes. I rest my back against the door and sightly hit the back of my head against the door. Just a random act... that I have no explanation for.

Now I know I have no reason to cry but remember I told you; Tears are my system's stupid way of reacting to anger. And yes I am angry. I am mad about the fact that I have once again lost to Silvia!

I practically cry away the first free period and I hadn't realized how much time I spent in here till I heard the bell go off for another class. Then I muster the courage to go back to class.

It Is Maths class and I do not understand Maths. Well for one... Mr. Owolabi, our maths teacher is not one to teach maths like he is dealing with amateurs but rather he teaches like he is dealing with university students. Which makes it hard for me to comprehend. Bless my soul.

On the other hand, the man is just naturally terrifying. I mean his most genuine smile can send chills down your spine and I will have to deal with this for three years! Oh Lord save my soul. Cause I do not think I can survive three years without understanding Maths but still having to write tests and exams on it.

As I am walking to class, I see Faith coming in an opposite direction. She looks worried and had been searching the whole school compound in a bid to find me.

I find it silly that she did not think to come to the restroom first to find me but I swallow my thought.

"Girl, are you okay? "She asks with much concern.

"Sure I am" I reply between sniffles. I hadn't tried speaking in the last 50 minutes so I did not realize how hoarse my voice had become.

She looks at me and raises a brow as if to say 'See... you're not.'

I exhale loudly to show that I have given in to the fact that I am not okay.

"Do I look like I have been crying? " I ask her

"Well, I can't tell you that. But you looked better this morning" She adds facial expressions to portray that she is not trying to be harsh.

"But luckily, I know how to fix that. Can you wait for me in the restroom?" She adds

We are meant to be having class and I do not fancy the idea of missing Maths class. Also... what if we get caught? What excuse would we give?

She practically runs back to class and I head for the female toilet again. I stand in front of the wash hand basins and then I take out time to look at myself in the mirror. God... I look terrible!

My eyes are puffy, wet, and red. I look like I hadn't slept for nights.

Faith is back in not less than a minute and informs me that Mr. Owolabi said he would come for us in the next class and that right now he is extremely busy. For which I am grateful.

Faith draws out a purse from her pocket. A small long purse but when she opens I, I am thrown aback. It is like a secret weapon.

How could so much fit into something so little? The purse reminds me of Marry Poppins bag.

There are eyeliners, a blush brush, mascara, lip gloss, lipstick, foundation, nail polish, and even contact lenses in it also a few other stuff I do know. As I am not the makeup kind of girl. What a best friend!

"What do you think you are doing Faith? It's against the school rules to wear Makeup in school, and even if other teachers would overlook it, you know Miss Ana won't. Rather let's.... "

"Let me know when you're done with your speech," She says to shut me up. I give her a questioning look and she gives me a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. I'm an expert. I know what to do and I don't think it's a bad idea to help you get a little bit more of Victor's attention" She says.

I nod in alliance with her and let her get to work. I sit on one of the water closets and obey her every instruction like; close your eyes, open, don't blink and so many others.

It takes us about five minutes to be done. Amidst this makeover, Faith and I have a little chit-chat.

"So how do you feel now? Do you think Silvia's gotten the upper hand? " She asks me and I know she is trying to mentally prepare me so I do not lose control again when I return to class.

What a best friend... So mother-like.

"To be honest, I do not know. I feel like she has but for some reason, I know I won't let go of Victor.

I know am in no competition and I am not playing a betting game on him. I also don't want to be a cheap girl like Silvia.

I am just... Well... I don't know... Kinda hurt and I can swear I do not know Why. "I reply honesty.

"And Nathaniel? "She asks with much seriousness in her voice.

"Well, I don't know. I guess I have settled him in the friend zone but my conscience won't let me go through with it and finalize it. " I say sadly.

"Hmmm... You see babe, from my experience, and the little I know about love, I'm gonna tell you one thing. Now I don't mean to sound like a motivational speaker.

I am just someone who is trying to give her best advice to someone who needs it.

Look... I don't know what you have for Victor, but whatever it is, you have it bad. You have to look into it and be sure it is something you really wanna feel. Else it's gonna stick to you and live off you like a pest" she pauses as she puts her hands on my shoulders and looks me in the eye

"Darling, I have seen you broken before... And trust me, it is not a pretty sight... You didn't fall as deep as you are allowing yourself to fall for Victor back then.

Imagine If Victor hurts you. What then? Look hon, you have to iron out your feelings and emotions. Know what you feel first before expecting anything from anyone else, and when that's done, We can talk about other stuff." She finishes and I get up and hug her.

I don't think I have ever gotten such good advice from anyone. I am so lucky to have her as a friend. What would I do if I ever lose her?

As we are about to leave the restroom, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and wow! Faith did a good job. My eyes are still a bit red but the puffiness is gone.

As we are going back to class, she whispers into my ear;

"Before I forget to tell you, Victor had been staring at your empty seat and the door expecting you ever since your absence. "

I felt my heart leap for joy on hearing this and I can feel an uncontrollable smile crawl onto my face.

Just as Faith had said, on getting to the class Victor's eyes are the first things I see when entering the class but I quickly avert my gaze to avoid the eye contact he wants.

When I get back to my seat, I see Nathaniel reading an Archie comic. I love those books, and can't help but ask to see it. However, he hands me one from his bag. He was sitting the appropriate way before I came in but now he has assumed the same position he took yesterday. Facing me.

I am so lost in the comic book I am reading that I pay no attention to if Victor is looking at me or not or if he Is having fun with Silvia...

The first free class is up and Mr. Owolabi walks into the class wearing his usually creepy smile that gets me every time.

The class is going well and Nathaniel seems to be a math expert. Maybe sometime later... I would ask him to put me through maths. My bandana falls off my thighs but I do not notice. Nathaniel helps me pick it up and I thank him.

Unknown to us, Mr. Owolabi had stopped talking and was now staring at us.

"Hey... New boy, stand up! "He yells and then Victor and Nathaniel stand up. He tells victor he is not talking to him and that he should seat.

"Aunty shakara, you too stand up. "he says while pointing at me. 'Aunty shakara'? I have done nothing to deserve such a title, I am not even close to being a slayer.

Well, we mostly know Mr. Owolabi for his desperate attempts to be funny and this is also one of his many failed tryouts, as that statement did not have any effect on the class. It's still as quiet as ever.

"What are you doing? " he asks Nathaniel all of a sudden which startles me.

At this point, the whole class has turned to look at us. Faith uses her eyes to ask me what's wrong and I used body language to reply to her with an I don't know.

"You ma. What have you done to him?" Mr. Owolabi asks me. Causing my confusion to swell like bread in water.

"I am sorry sir, but I don't think I did anything wrong, and neither did she. "

I am amazed by Nathaniel's bravery. Talking to a creepy teacher you are just meeting for the first time like that?

Nathaniel did not portray any form of disrespect in his voice but it did sound as deep as possible. In a bid to show respect while exercising his rights.

"Well, I am afraid you did. " Mr. Owolabi replies with a sick smile

At this point I find myself taking hold of my locker and directing all my energy to my fist which is now clenched to the table.

I am very quick to anger and if I talk while I am angry... I would not know that I am shouting cause I do not need to strain my voice.

I automatically turn to an MP player and my assent changes while the whole class keeps quiet and no one dares interrupt me during my outbursts.

Right now? I know Mr. Owolabi is not the one I want to mess with so I'd rather channel my anger and energy to my fist than my mouth and mind.

~~~'~~~~'~~~~~'

Yh it's Aider again😘💖✌.

What do you think went wrong this time?

What do you think Mr. Owolabi is up to?

Do you think Silvia did something?? Let me hear what think in the comments

💁.

Pls, do not forget to vote and comment🙏🙌.

XOXO Aider KWIN 😋😘💖✌