Chapter Thirty Three

MICHAEL

A frown appears on my face as I watch John pull Cynthia away to one of the classrooms on the corridor. I'm a step away from removing her hand from John's grip but Dorcas stops me by stepping in front of me.

She continues to sniffle in front of me, making a show of wiping her tears from her face and I just had to roll my eyes.

"That's enough already." I snap at her, letting her know that I'm not buying her little show. She seems a bit shocked by my words but she is quick to get over it.

She opens her mouth to talk but I step out of her way and start to head to our classroom. Grace is on her phone so she isn't really paying attention to us. She is standing next to the classroom John has just taken Cynthia to and I eye the door of the classroom maliciously.

What are they even doing in there?

My curiosity gets the better of me and I begin to approach the classroom but that's until Dorcas steps in my way again.

"What do you think you are trying to do?" She asks, her voice sounding amused.

Grace looks at us at that moment, confusion crossing her face.

To be honest, what was I going to do?

Drag her out of the classroom? Interrupt them?

Why?

I ignore the question, not ready to come to terms with whatever is going on with me. So without saying a word, I continue on my way to my classroom as planned. I know Dorcas is still following me but I'm not as irritated as I should be about that.

That doesn't last though.

As soon as she sees that I've gotten my bag from the class and I'm about to leave without so much as sparing her a glance, she resorts to her favorite pass time.

Cause drama.

Just when I'm sure that I've left her behind and I won't have to deal with her, she calls out my name.

No, she screams.

Attracting the attention of thankfully, just a handful number of students who immediately turn to find out what's going on.

I contemplate ignoring her and just leaving but I'm not really enjoying the attention right now.

I turn to look at her and find her with a defiant expression, "What do you want?"

She closes the distance between us and comes to stand right in front of me.

"Won't you even apologize?"

Apologize? I don't think I've done anything to warrant any apology.

"Apologize for what?"

She looks offended by that question, "Are you serious right now? Have you forgotten how you humiliated me in front of your friends and that stupid 'orphan' girl?"

"Can you stop calling her orphan? You know she's actually not an orphan, right?"

"Why? Are you suddenly bothered by the name I call her? You never seemed to care until now." She eyes me intently and I just shrug.

"Suit yourself then." I turn to walk away but it's a futile attempt as I have not taken two steps before she ends up in front of me again.

I swallow a frustrated groan and decide to just ignore her. So I stare at everything except her. The wall, the floor, the few students still hanging and fooling around.

"Do you like her?"

My attention immediately returns to her.

Is it that obvious already?

Of course, I like her. That's the only reasonable explanation as to why I feel the way I do when I'm with her.

But what scares me is I know within me that it isn't just attraction or infatuation and I'm afraid to know the depth of my feelings for her.

But am I going to admit that to Dorcas? Absolutely not.

"You like her, don't you?" She asks again.

"I thought you wanted an apology." I reply instead, trying to change the topic.

"Like you would actually apologise. Screw the apology." She utters with annoyance and steps closer until there is not much space between us. She smells like lavender and an exotic female smell that she actually pulls off well.

But I prefer the subtle vanilla smell that reminds me of ice-cream.

The events following happen so fast.

She grabs my face in her arms and stares right into my eyes. The expression in hers not readable.

"I'm not losing you to her, Michael. You are mine and will always be. And I will do whatever it takes to let it remain that way."

She leans forward then and gives me a soft kiss on my lips before dropping her hands from my face and turning around.

I stand there and watch her go until she's out of sight. Even when she's gone, I stare at where she just left because I can't even begin to think of how everything might have gotten to this point.

I suddenly want out of everything.

I should never have gone to that party two years ago and meet Cynthia.

I should never have gotten involved with Dorcas.

I should never have ran into Cynthia again in the cafeteria.

I should never have been blinded by my stupid ego and anger and decide to prove her wrong.

I should never have taken Peter up on his stupid offer.

There are lots of things I shouldn't have done. At this moment, I would give anything to go back in time and change everything.

I don't want to be burdened by feelings and the baggages that come with it.

Developing feelings for Cynthia was never part of the plan.

Because even if we had met under different circumstances and we end up the way we are again, I still won't want to fall in love with her.

I hate love, marriage, family, relationships.

I hate the commitment, responsibilities that come with it.

And as someone who has seen and witnessed what love had done to lots of people close to me, I can wholeheartedly say that I never want to fall in love.

And I never want to be in a relationship with someone.

That's why whatever I'm feeling for Cynthia has to die.

I can't give her a happy ending.

***

CYNTHIA

I watch as John leaves the classroom and place my hand on my chest to feel my heartbeat. It is beating fast but I know it isn't from excitement. Kissing the corners of my lips did little to nothing for me.

The real meaning of excitement would be how I felt when Michael had pulled me into his arms when we had gotten back to school.

The tension, the tingles, the overwhelming feeling, I can now say for sure that I have experienced everything I've read about in romantic comedies.

But what does that mean?

That Michael is my soulmate? Or as Grace had pointed out that day, sexual tension?

I don't even know what to think right now.

There's no denying the fact that I have the strong urge to kiss him whenever I'm within close proximity with him and I guess that might count as sexual tension.

But Michael being my soulmate?

I think back to everything he has done until today, all our encounters and although things are certainly different from how it had begun, am I willing to risk it? To give him my heart?

Can he give me my happy ending?

I hear the door open and close again and see Grace's face come into view. She peers down at me and studies me carefully.

"Did John kiss you or what?" She asks, taking in my countenance. I realise my hand is still on my chest and I sigh before nodding.

"Are you for real?!" She squeals then gives me a teasing look. "I always thought I'd have my first kiss before you but look at you, becoming all grown up." 

I drop my hand from my chest.

"He didn't kiss me on the lips, stupid. He kissed me on the corner of my lips." I correct and point at it.

"Oh, so now you feel all tingly?" She questions with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

I say nothing and she hands me my school bag then we both leave the classroom.

"Grace, let me ask you something." I say as we walk down the corridor.

"I'm all ears."

"If you have to choose between a sweet, kind guy who does everything to please you and an annoying, egoistic guy who tries his best to irritate you but has his own good moments, who would you choose?"

She gives me a dead look before answering, "I don't know. I'm not you."

"What do you mean?" I ask, knowing she has caught on to my question. I wasn't being all that subtle though.

"I can't choose between John and Michael for you." She replies straightforwardly.

"You got me." I breathe out heavily.

"So you are now really considering Michael? You have feelings for him, don't you?"

I don't reply her but I guess she has gotten her answer already.

"You are my best friend, you should help me make decisions." I tell her instead.

"No, as your best friend, I advise you and support whatever decisions you make."

"Even the bad ones?"

"Of course not." She replies and I roll my eyes.

We get to the school compound and I remember John telling me that she marked my attendance on my behalf. I hug her and she stiffens in surprise but hugs me back.

"What's the hug for?" She asks as I release her.

"For marking the attendance for me, I was actually worried that I would be marked absent." I respond and she scoffs.

"You weren't worried when you were enjoying Michael's company and didn't realize time was going." She counters and I shake my head.

"If only you know what I went through today, you will know I was far from enjoying Michael's company." I defend myself and she raises an eyebrow.

"Really? Then why aren't you telling me about it?" She asks and I chuckle.

"I promise to tell you everything when you come back from your date." I smile and she scowls but says nothing.

"Oh Grace, forgive me, I'm a terrible best friend." I announce, suddenly remembering something and she nods her head in agreement, even though she clearly doesn't understand why I have just said that.

"I know you are a terrible best friend but at this moment, I don't know why." She answers and I almost smile. I hold her hand and give her an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry I missed your try-outs. I didn't even get to watch you jump and to know whether you made it or not." I say with a sorry tone and then give her an expectant look.

"Tell me you made it as one of the people that will be jumping for your team." I ask hopefully and she gives me a sad look.

"You didn't make it?" I question again, starting to feel sad myself but she says nothing.

I start to feel really bad for not being with her at the tryouts and to think of ways to make her feel better when she suddenly grins, "What do you mean I didn't make it? I'm jumping for my team, baby." She says and I blink at her.

"Really?" I ask to be sure and she nods, still smiling.

I squeal excitedly and we both jump up and down, holding our hands. I grin widely then remembered how she just fooled me and hit her on the shoulder.

She rubs it and glares at me but I give her a dead look, "That's for lying to me." I tell her and she chuckles.

"Your expression made it worthwhile." She responds and I try to hit her again but she dodges it.

"Look, our rides are here." She points to the direction of the cars. I thought she is just trying to divert my attention so I won't hit her but I discover she is actually saying the truth.

"Remember what you have to do. Tell your mum that you will be going on a date but tell your dad that you are sleeping over at my place to do an assignment." I remind her of our plan and she nods.

"I really hope it works." She gives me a hopeful look.

"Me too."

"Let's get going then. The earlier, the better."

"When is your date?"

"6pm."

"The time is thirty minutes past 3. I'll be expecting you at my place latest 4:30 so we can dress you up." I say and she nods.

"See you later." She waves as she heads to her car.

"I'll be expecting you." I reply as I enter my car.

***

GRACE

I discover that the twins are still in their school when I got into the car and there is no one else in it except me and the driver.

Oddly, a bit of relief washes over me as I realise that our journey won't end so quickly.

I still don't like the fact that my dad is still around and won't travel until next week. I wish he is gone already.

"Solo, good afternoon." I greet, remembering that I haven't done that since entering the car.

"Good afternoon. Is everything fine?" He asks and I give him a small smile.

"Yeah."

He says nothing else after that and I withdraw into my thought, nervous that the plan might not end up working after all.

But it should work, right? Cynthia and I have been friends for a long time and this won't be the first time I would be going for a sleepover even when he is around.

After coming up with numerous scenarios in my head on what might happen when I ask him for permission to go for a sleepover, we finally arrive at the twin's school.

The bell rings just as we get to the school and their students start to file out, their voices overlapping each other as they all talk in loud voices, walking in groups.

I watch as they all continue to chat among themselves, some entering into cars that is waiting for them while the remaining few continue to trek down the road.

The door to my left suddenly opens and the twin comes in, both of them still having remainder chats of what they were talking about with their friends.

Thankfully, Kenny is no longer sulking because he lost the bet to Taiwo anymore and he is now acting normally.

"Hey, sis." They both chorous simultaneously, startling me.

Both of them are now looking at me expectantly, waiting for a response, with the same identical look on both their faces.

Are they having a twin moment?

I blink at both of them and raise an eyebrow in question.

"What?"

"We just greeted you and all you gave us in response was a weird look." Taiwo responds, giving me a 'what's-wrong-with-this-one' look.

"Is everything okay?" Kenny asks, looking a bit worried.

"Yeah." I respond, smiling at him. I will choose him over Taiwo in a heartbeat but I know Taiwo can also be caring.

"Is it because of Dad?" He asks again.

"Or because of the date?" Taiwo puts in, edging closer.

I glance at the two of them and sigh, "It's because of the date and Dad." I answer with a resigned look.

"Do you want us to lie for you? I can pretend to be asleep in your bed too." Taiwo suggests without hesitating.

"No, joh. Mum is going to freak if she checks on us during the night and one of us isn't in bed." Kenny quickly counters.

"We can tell her about the plan too so she knows." Taiwo shrugs.

"Guys, I'm going on a date not a sleepover or a overnight party. The date is by 6 and I should be back before 9 or 10." I correct them and they both have the same identical look of realisation.

"I totally forgot." Taiwo says with a twist of his mouth.

"So what now? If you leave by 6, dad will surely ask around for you when it's time for dinner." Kenny adds, looking a bit worried.

"Don't worry guys, I'm already thinking about something. I just hope it works out."

"It will." Kenny smiles reassuringly.

Taiwo slumps back on his seat, saying nothing else, and brings out his phone where he starts to play a game, also diverting Kenny's attention.

I smile at them as they banter on the correct move to make and continue to think and hope that everything really works out well.

We arrive home not too long after and after thanking Solo for driving us home, we all head inside the house. The twins in front and me following slowly behind.

The first thing I notice in the sitting room is my dad in front of the television, watching the news channel. He knows we have entered into the house but doesn't turn to look around.

Mum comes out of the kitchen, followed closely by a girl who looks a bit older than me and has a bright look on her face.

"Hey, darling. How was school today?" She stops in front of me and pulls me into a hug.

"It was fine." I reply, hugging her back. "Why aren't you at your boutique today? And who is that girl?" I ask as I break out of the embrace.

"Stella, come closer." She gestures towards the girl who hurriedly comes over, a smile on her face.

"She works for me in my boutique and I have decided that she will also be helping out with some of the house chores." Mum explains.

"Why? We've been doing just fine without a maid." I respond but when the smile on Stella's face reduces, I start to feel bad. Maybe I shouldn't have called her a maid.

"Grace, she isn't a maid. She won't be living here also. Her job will be to come over from the boutique if I'm still there to take care of the house chores. We can use the extra hands and she can also use the extra cash."

Well, if that's how it's going to be. I don't mind. We might even get along.

I turn to her with a smile, "Sorry for my words earlier. I'm Grace."

"I know." She replies and I give her a confused look. "Your Mum always talks about her pretty and amazing daughter."

"Oh." I respond with a small chuckle.

"You look pretty too, Stella." I compliment her and she gives me a shy smile.

Mum watches our exchange with a satisfied expression before asking Stella to quickly check on what's on fire in the kitchen.

When she's gone, I turn to Mum with an anxious expression.

"Mum." I groan out and she immediately looks worried.

"What happened? Is something wrong?" She asks, giving me a quick once-over.

"I'm fine, Mum. But I'm worried about my date. It's today and Dad is around and he won't let me go." I tell her and she gives me a bit of a resigned look.

"Do you want me to talk to him for you?"

"Of course not!" I immediately respond. "It will only make it worse and he might even end up hitting me."

"I already plan on going to the date from Cynthia's place."

"Oh."

"So you will tell your dad you want to spend time with Cynthia?"

"I will tell him that I have an assignment that we want to work on together and I might sleep over because it's a bit difficult and it's going to take time."

She laughs at my antics but nods in agreement, "I think that's a good idea. I can verify for you if you need someone to back you up."

I hug her in appreciation, "Thanks, Mum."

"When are you leaving?" She asks once I'm done hugging her.

"After I'm done eating lunch and freshening up. I still have to dress up and do my make up." I respond with a giddy smile, just thinking about looking pretty for Femi.

"I really have not seen you this excited about a date before." She comments with an amused smile.

"Mum, you will understand me when you see him." I respond and we both burst into laughter.

"Grace, you won't even come and greet your Dad after coming from school." He calls out from the living room.

"Quick, you should go and greet him." Mum says, nudging me towards him.

I hurry over to him, kneeling in front of him.

"How are you, my dear? How is school?" He asks, patting my back.

"It was fine, sir."

"Good. Keep concentrating on your school works and leave boys out for now, okay?"

A shudder leaves my body at the condescending tone he uses and I give him a fake smile.

"Okay?" He asks again and I nod in agreement.

"Good. Go upstairs and freshen up." He waves me off and I immediately run upstairs, wanting to leave his presence.

If he only he knows I'm going on a date in the next two hours.

I head over to my room, take my shower, change my clothes, empty my school bag, put in my English notebook and textbook, a pair of panties, my school uniform and my make-up kit in it.

I don't bother with the clothes and shoes because Cynthia and I wear the same sizes of clothes and shoes and she have lots of new clothes at her place compared to mine.

I remove my phone charger and phone from the socket and I'm also about to drop it in my bag when a text comes in.

Sister Funmi Usher Two: Am I the only one who is so excited for this date? 😉

I smile at his message, holding in a squeal. He is excited to go on this date with me? If only he knows what I'm going through because I don't want to cancel on him.

Me: No. You are not the only one. See you at six p.m. Pick me up at Cynthia's place. I will send you her address.

Sister Funmi Usher Two: Why? I was thinking of coming over to win my future mother-in-law's heart.

My heart swells at the message but I try to remind myself that we are not even dating yet so mother-in-laws are still far out of reach.

Me: Calm down, Mister son-in-law. I will explain everything to you later.

He still doesn't know about my Dad and the way he is and I don't want to scare him off by telling him about it.

I delete the messages and put my phone on silence before dropping it in my bag. I glance at the clock, realising that it's almost 4 o'clock and I agreed to be in Cynthia's place by 4:30.

I hurry downstairs with the bag and I'm met with Dad's questioning look as he is still sitting in the same spot in the living room but now he is eating Asaro (yam porridge).

"What's that bag for?" He asks as I climb down the last stair into the living room.

"I'm going to Cynthia's place for a sleepover. We have an English assignment that we want to work on and it's due for submission tomorrow. I will be going to school from there tomorrow." I explain to him, glancing around for Mum so she can back me up like she promised.

"Cynthia? Do you still talk to that girl?" He asks. My eyebrows furrow in confusion, wondering where the question just came from.

"Yes, she's my best friend." I reply, a bit defensively.

"Best friend." He repeats, chuckling a little. "Was she not the one that slapped a Senator's son in your school?"

"Yes. But-

"And you still talk to a girl who is that uncultured and brazen?"

I don't like where this is going.

Telling me not to talk to guys can still be forgivable but trying to separate me from my best friend is unacceptable.

"Dad, you don't even know what happened." I reply, trying to keep my voice from sounding irritated.

"I don't think that guy could have done anything to warrant him being slapped across the face. I have also heard that she goes about looking for trouble and she is always surrounded with boys." He continues and my mouth falls open in disbelief. Where the hell did he get that stupid information from?

"Is that really someone you consider a best friend? Someone that spoilt and corrupt?"

What the hell is he talking about?! I'm an ounce away from pulling my hair out in frustration and anger.

What is all this?!

"Grace, you are my first and only daughter and I have a lot planned for you. When you end up being a lawyer, these are things that will be looked back upon when your rivals start digging dirt on you. What do you think will happen when they find out that you were friends with someone like that? What if she ends up influencing you?"

I stare at him, speechless, flabbergasted and feeling like I'm going insane.

I have never hated my Dad as much as I do at this moment. I'm not even ashamed to wish that he will develop an heart attack right now or the spice from the food he is eating goes to his brain.

Why does he not want me happy?

Mum comes into the sitting room just then, carrying a tray of juice and a cup with her. She glances at me then at Dad, realising something is wrong.

"You are not going anywhere to do any assignment. I pay a lot to your school every year so you can be intelligent enough to do assignments yourself." He scoops a spoon of yam porridge into his mouth and washes it down with a gulp of water. "Go and drop your bag into the room and come back downstairs to eat."

I don't even realise that tears are falling from my eyes until I close my eyes and they pour out.

The twins and Stella who are heading towards the dining room with their own plate of yam porridge are all standing on their path, watching apprehensively.

Even Stella who just started working here now knows how miserable my Dad treats me.

I hate him. I hate him so damn much.

"What is going on?" Mum finally asks, heading over to me but I flip her off.

"Ask your husband." I reply without thinking, shocking everyone before stumping upstairs.

"Grace!" My dad shouts angrily from where he is sitting but I ignore him, almost tempted to give him the middle finger.

I don't care anymore.

He can go to hell.

***

That's another chapter for you to enjoy. I'm too lazy to edit this chapter but I hope it was manageable. I will read through it later.

Don't forget to tap that little star down your screen when you're done reading, and don't forget to drop comments.

Until next time,

Hikmah.