C1 💞 Chapter One

Jemeelah rested her head on her cheek, totally forgotten the teacher in front of her.

Her thought traveled to Jammal.

Jamaal was like a big brother to her, he was her elder brother's best friend. He lives in the next street to hers, he was a tall, calm and gentle dude.

The first son of his parents, he came from a middle-class family and was well known among his peers.

He usually comes to visit Habeeb, Jameela's brother. And whenever he comes to visit he gives Jameela his attention the most.

He comes with goodies for Jameela and her sisters.

Whenever he visits her house, he would assist her with whatever chore she is doing. Even if she is loosening her hair. And he called her "princess of beauty".

He hates to see her cry, whenever she cries he would tease her and make her laugh telling her she looks like a wet kitten. With that, she will quickly dry her tears.

Jammal was her confidence. Anytime something bothered her, he would be the first person she tells even before her sisters hear.

He was her, she hangs on his words like Pearl, anything he asks of her she quickly does it...

★

' I wish I gotta marry a kind, generous and religious man like Jammal.....'

"Jameela!!!'

She heard her name and jerked away from her thoughts.

"What do I say photosynthesis is?" Mrs. Olatunji the science teacher inquired with a raised brow.

'Am sorry ma'am, I didn't hear the definition' she replied numbly.

'Do you have a pain in your ears?

'No ma'am'

'So where were your ears when I was explaining to the class?' Mrs. Olatunji said coldly and the class burst into laughter.

'Actually ma I was... I.. was... ' she stammers incoherently

'Don't give me a silly excuse, 'cause this is not the first time you will get carried away in class.

Now get up and go to the back of the class. I want to see you in my staff room after class.'

'Yes ma'am, Jameela muttered and walk slowly to the back of the class.

★

During the break, Jameela walked sluggishly to the staff room.

The door was open but she still taps it slowly before she entered.

Mrs. Olatunji was seated behind her table piled with bulky books. She wore small glasses and flip through a book.

'Good morning ma'am. she greeted humbly.

"Morning"

Miss Bolarinwa, will you tell me why you're easily carried away in class? she began abruptly.

Yes, became I fall in love. she said to herself.

'Am still waiting for your reply... '

Jameela knew where the conversation was going and quickly take drastic action.

'Am sorry ma'am I promise to always be attentive in class. She said quietly.

'I suggest you meet the guidance counselor to offload whatever is bothering you. You need to be focus on your studies.

I believe you know the reason why you were in school?'

' Yes ma'am'

' You may leave then, but do go to the guidance counselor to free your mind. Have a blessed day miss.'

'Thank you ma'am,' Jameela said and went out.

Once outside, she dropped the meek act and heave a sigh of relief.

She saw Fatimah, her best friend coming from the canteen. She waves at her.

Fatimah stopped and she ran to her.

'Hello, girlfriend! Have you gotten something to eat yet?' Fatima inquired with smiles

' No dear, am just coming from the staff room'.

'Let share this snacks then, Fatimah said passing her snacks to Jameela.

'Thanks'

'So, you've gone to see Mrs. Olatunji?'

'Yes, girl.'

'And what did she say?' Fatimah inquired eagerly.

'She asked me to see the guidance counselor.'

'For what? Has it gotten to that?' Fatimah said in surprise.

'Forgetting carried away in class.' Jemeelah mutteredd indifferently.

'Come to think of it, what were you thinking of, that you we're totally carried away during the lessons?'

'Have got something to tell you, let get a silent place to sit.'

★

They found a shady spot beneath a mango tree and took their seat to continue their conversation.

'I think am in love Fati' Jameela reply dreamily.

'What! , are you crazy? You gotta be kidding, you know.' Fatimah scolds her.

'Am serious, am truly in love.' Jameela said in affirmation.

'What do you know that is called love at this tender age?' Fatimah press further.

'I don't care, all I know is am in love with Jammal.' She admitted

'Jammal, your brother?' Fatimah said with mouth agape.

'Not my brother but my brother's friend. Jameela corrected.

'But it still the same thing, Jammal is still your brother....'

'Don't even go there, he is my brother's friend, not my brother. Jameela replied firmly.

'Alright, but what do you plan to do now?' Fatimah asked rolling her eyes.

'Chill girl, put your mind at rest I didn't plan to tell him yet.' Jameela shrugged.

'Better Fatimah said as relief rush through her.

'Please be easy on yourself girl, don't fall blindly.'

'I won't, thanks for your concern I appreciate it. Jameela said sincerely.

Then bells rang and the girls head to their classroom.