Lela's POV

  It was almost the end of the term and exams were around the corner. It was also during this period that Golden Pen Academy hosted a swimming competition between the SS1 students and the SS2 students. I'm also sure that I had pointed out that I couldn't swim. Hence, I was among those who would cheer the competitors and not swim.

  “Let's go already.” Judith said impatiently. A few of us were still in the classroom and the competition was about to start.

  “Take a chill pill Judith.” Huoma said and shook  her head at Judith and Judith in turn, rolled her eyes at her.

  “Okayyy, let's go now.” I said while getting to my feet.

  “Finally,” breathed Judith and she led the way out of the classroom.

  When we got to the swimming pool, a lot of students were there already and the competitors were getting ready. On the boys side, there were three boys from SS2 going up against three boys from SS1. Temi and Joel were from the SS2 Art class and the other boy who I could recognize, but didn't know his name, was from the SS2 Science class. On the girls side was Edith from our class and two others from the Science class, going up against three other girls from SS1. The girls were to go first and they were asked to take their positions. Mr Caleb was there with his cane as usual and he made sure that the students who weren't competing were a reasonable distance away from the pool.

  The SS1 students won the girl's round and it was so obvious that Edith was furious and in a state of rage. Soon afterwards, it was the boys' round and the SS2 students were the winners, all thanks to both Temi and Joel. Turned out that the boy from the science class wasn't really a good swimmer. In a state of euphoria, the SS2 students were shouting and pushing towards the pool to lift the victors up in the air. At that point, even  Mr Caleb's threats and swing of his cane didn't scare them.

  I was caught in between the crowd of students and neither Judith nor Huoma were in sight. I was trying to make my way back to the area meant  for spectators when I felt someone push me forcefully and the next moment, I was in the pool, gasping for air. I was kicking, splashing and trying to keep myself from sinking. Air was leaving my lungs and I was terrified when I had the thoughts of drowning. I was scared of having to die in the pool, at my young age and never being able to see my parents or my friends again.

  The students had probably realized that someone had fallen into the pool and was drowning, because I heard shouting. Someone was shouting, “somebody help her!” And another voice shouted, “she can't swim!” Then, I heard a splash in the water, but by then, I was tired already and was loosing consciousness. How I left the pool, I couldn't remember, but when I opened my eyes, blurry figures stood over me. Slowly, my vision became clearer and Joel, Huoma, Judith and Temi were standing over me. Water was dripping from Joel's bare body and it was then that it dawned on me—Joel had saved me.

  “Move aside! Move aside!” It was Mr Caleb yelling as he made his way through the crowd of students who stood around me. “Please take her to the sick bay,” he was obviously speaking to my classmates, “and I'll go speak to the Principal. The rest of you, go back to your classes now.” Slowly, the students started retreating.

  “Lela, can you walk?” Joel asked with concern.

  “I don't think she can.” Huoma said before I could answer.

  “Don't worry,” Temi said while stepping towards me, “I'll carry her.” I was shocked and Judith and Huoma exchanged glances.

  “No, I'll carry her.” Joel said.

  “You've done a lot man. Lemme just help out with this.” Temi insisted and Joel seemed to agree, but he seemed reluctant to do so.

  “I don't think the carrying is necessary. You might send out the wron.....” Judith was saying, but before she could complete her statement, Temi had lifted me up already. I couldn't explain my emotions at that time. I was a bit embarrassed and a bit glad. I was also a bit mad and wanted him to put me down and to tell him that I was no child that he could carry about. But I couldn't find my voice. I couldn't tell him. Something inside me, sort of liked it.

  They carried me to the sick bay and the nurse asked Temi and Joel to leave in order for them to get their uniforms on. So, Huoma and Judith were the only ones left with me.

  “I see you've come visiting again.” The nurse teased and I smiled at her. “So, how did you end up in the pool when you knew you couldn't swim?”

  “I don't know,” I started saying when I found my voice, “one minute, I was on land and the next moment, I found myself in the water. I think I was pushed.” Huoma and Edith exchanged glances.

  “So, someone actually pushed you?” Huoma asked.

  I nodded, “I think so. I mean, I felt a force push me.”

  “And you didn't happen to see a face?” Judith inquired and I shook my head to signify 'no,' as my answer.

  “Hmm,” the nurse breathed, “no need to worry. I've already told you that you'll  be fine. But let's get you out of these wet uniforms first.”

  “But what will I wear then?” I asked, a bit worried.

  “That won't be a problem,” she smiled, “let's just get you out of these ones first.”

Author's Note:

Hello people. Hope you liked this chapter. I'd like to know what you think about it.
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Your own Sweetheart,
Anna💓😘