This update is to make up for the one I failed to upload on Wednesday. Our next update is still on Wednesday so that's not affected.

This chapter is unedited.

Happy reading!!!

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Chapter Fifty Four

CYNTHIA

I glance at my watch to check the time as my driver approaches the school and I discover that it's almost 7:30am.

The doctor had removed the bandage from my leg and I'm free from it and those crutches. Finally.

But as we get closer to my school, my stomach starts to turn nervously at the thought of facing Michael.

It gets even worse when I remember that I also have to speak with John today.

The driver drops me off at the school entrance and I can see Grace already waiting for me. She has a big smile on her face as she waits for me to approach her and it only grows wider as I get to her.

"Good morning, girlfriend." She greets cheerfully.

"I thought we already agreed that we won't be calling each other that." I say in response to her greeting.

"Oops. My bad." She blurts but she doesn't look sorry.

"Come on, why do you look like someone whose ice cream has been snatched. You should look like someone that has been served a big bowl of ice-cream."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning you should be excited. Is something wrong?" She asks but I don't reply.

"Oh. I know what's wrong." She continues when I don't answer. "You're nervous, aren't you? That's why you are being grumpy." She adds with a sly smile and I groan.

Here comes the taunting.

"You know, I remember a long time ago when I was in your shoes and I was nervous about a date that I was going to. You said to me that I shouldn't be the one nervous but the one taking me out on the date. So I don't get why you are the one nervous when it should be Michael getting nervous." Grace comments, wiggling her eyebrow.

"Grace, you of all people should understand why I'm so nervous about this date. This is going to be the very first date of my life and I don't even know what I should do or say. I don't want to do something that would end up ruining the date or make Michael get angry with me." I explain and she gives me a small smile.

"Cynthia, you are a beautiful, innocent, sweet and respectful girl. I know that you won't do anything to jeopardize your date because whatever you do would be perfect. You don't have to worry yourself too much."

"I don't know. It's easier said than done. I-

"You are overthinking." She interrupts me. "Calm down and go with the flow."

She notices the paper bag in my hand and raises an eyebrow, "What's in the bag?"

"Clothes."

"You can't get dressed for your date in school!" She shouts alarmingly and I roll my eyes.

"The clothes aren't mine."

"Whose clothes are there?"

The bell for assembly rings before I can reply so we enter the school and head for the assembly hall to stand on our respective class queue.

I go to class after assembly and I'm surprised to see that Michael isn't in class with his head on his table as usual. He was not even on seat and in the classroom. I go to my seat still wondering where he is because it feels odd to not hear his usual greeting or seeing the lazy smile on his face.

I guess I'm getting used to it.

I bring out the books for our first lesson and I'm about to put my bag inside my desk locker when I notice a piece of paper sticking out from it so I remove it.

I smile, thinking it is probably from Michael again. I wonder if he is trying to impress me by leaving notes for me.

My excitement however quickly changes to disappointment when I open the note and discover it isn't from Michael but from John. I glance at where he is sitting and see that he is looking at me with an expectant smile. He gestures to me to read it and I nod in response then I open the note to read.

My love (permit me to use that),

I know that your date with Michael is soon and I know you're going not because you want to but because of the deal.

I just wanted to tell you not to worry because we will also be having our date very soon and I would make sure our date is memorable so you will be able to forget whatever unpleasant moments you have with Michael.

Don't forget that I will always love you and I will wait till whenever you are willing to accept me as your boyfriend.

Yours forever and truly,

John.

I stare blankly at the letter after reading, wondering how I ever missed the fact that John is way over in his head.

I read over his note, realising that he is so wrong about many things but I can't help blaming myself because these are things I failed to clear when I had the opportunity.

This is even more of the reason I really need to speak with him.

"Hey, why do you look like someone who is rethinking her life choices?" Michael's familiar voice asks jokingly and I turn to find him already seated next to me. I don't even know when he entered the class.

He is looking over my shoulder to see what I'm reading and I quickly move the paper from his line of view. He snatches it from my hand though and raises it high up so I can't get it back from him. I stand to take it from him and he also stands and raises it higher.

The whole classroom is now staring at us, including John and I have to reluctantly stop so as not to call more attention to us.

Michael smiles victoriously when he sees I'm no longer trying to take it from him and I roll my eyes. I sit on my seat and wait for him to read it.

When he looks like he is done reading it, I snatch the note from him and throw him a dirty look.

"Are you satisfied now?"

"No, not really."

I glance at him and find him frowning, "What do you mean?"

"I don't know about the rest but I definitely know he wrote something wrong in that note."

"Which is?"

"That you are going on the date with me because of our deal." He tells me.

"Yeah no one is denying that." I respond, still not clear of the point he is trying to make.

"But why is lover-boy here claiming that you are going not because you want to go but just because of the deal?" He looks at John then turns to me, a serious expression on his face.

After realising what he's trying to say, I start to feel guilty so I look away from him and begin to play with the note in my hand.

"Did you tell him that?" He asks, sounding a bit hurt.

"No." I instantly shake my head. "He thinks so because I couldn't bring myself to tell him that I actually want to go on the date with you." I chance a glance at him and find a bewildered expression on his face.

"Don't tell me you were trying to protect the feelings of someone who has been lying to you for two good years?"

"That was before I found out he lied to me two years ago." I quickly defend myself.

"But you convinced him that you are going because of the deal?"

The bitter tone of his voice makes me look at him and I'm not prepared for the hurt written all over his face. He isn't even trying to hide his feelings.

"Not really. He reached that conclusion on his own." I reply, hoping that makes him feel better.

He says nothing for a while then nods towards the note, "So you are also going on a date with him?"

"No. Not if I can help it."

He doesn't speak afterwards, his face unreadable.

I glance at John and find him looking at us. He looks angry and it makes me want to punch him on his face.

He has no right to look angry. I should be the angry one. The one who can't stand all he's been doing for God knows what reason.

"What time should I come to pick you up?" Michael asks suddenly and I'm grateful for the change of topic.

"I don't know. What time do you want to pick me up?"

"How about 6 o'clock in the evening?" He asks and I smile, remembering that was when Femi came to pick Grace up.

"Is 6pm the standard date time?" I ask and he looks confused.

"What do you mean?"

I shake my head, "Never mind. 6pm is okay by me."

The teacher chooses that moment to enter the class and our first lesson of the day begins.

By lunch time, I'm no longer nervous about the date anymore but I'm rather excited especially since Michael has refused to tell me where he is taking me to.

"Where are we going?" I ask Michael for probably the fifth time today and he groans.

"I already told you I can't tell you."

Oh My God! I remember my dream.

What if he is actually planning a romantic dinner in his backyard?

"Why? Do guys always keep where they are taking their dates to a secret?" I ask with a smile.

He gives me an amused look and looks like he's studying me carefully, "Have you never been on a date before?"

I blink up at him. Did I already make it obvious?

"Why are you asking?" I try to play it off.

"Because you've been asking me strange questions concerning this date." He replies and raises an eyebrow. "Is this your first date?"

"Um... it's not like... of course, I've..." I'm actually feeling flustered.

I don't know if I should tell the truth or not.

It's not like he will make fun of me if I do.

His eyebrow is still raised and he has this amused smile on his face while he is waiting for my reply.

Okay, he could make fun of me.

"Can you just make a complete sentence? Or better still answer yes or no." He teases with his stupid smile.

"Girlfriend!" Grace calls out from the window and I can't help the huge grin that appears on my face as I turn to her.

"Um, sorry. I keep forgetting that we are not allowed to call ourselves that word anymore." She quickly adds from the window but I wave it off.

"Don't worry, it's nothing." I reply, still smiling. She looks surprised by my response and I hurriedly rush out of the class, not even glancing at Michael.

"Is something wrong?" She asks as soon as I get to her. I pull her from the window and make sure we are a little far from the class before giving her an offended look.

"You are freaking me out." Grace says worriedly.

"And why is that? I welcome you with a smile and you ask if there is something wrong? How does smiling amount to something being wrong?"

"First, I saw this huge grin on your face when I called you girlfriend. And then you said it's nothing but when I called you the same name this morning you gave me a death look. Then I asked if something is wrong because of your reaction and then you give me this offended look. You were acting strange so of course I was freaking out." She explains.

I roll my eyes in response and we both begin to walk towards the cafeteria.

"Why do you look so happy when I came to call you for lunch? I mean, you were surely smiling for a reason." She asks, changing topic.

I make a dramatic sigh, "That was because I was happy that you arrived at that moment. Michael was asking me if our date was going to be my first date." I reply and she bursts out laughing.

"And let me guess you couldn't say yes." She says, still laughing.

"Yes." I reply sourly but she continues to laugh. "It's not even funny."

"Sorry, I just find it amusing." She smiles.

"Good for you."

I try to walk ahead of her to show my annoyance but she catches up with me and chuckles. "By the way, have you spoken to John yet?"

I shake my head, "No. I was thinking after school closes. But I'm definitely speaking with him and demanding answers."

"Girls!" A voice that sounds like Femi's calls out and all the girls - including us - on the corridor turn to look.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you other girls, I was just calling those two." He adds loudly and I roll my eyes.

Femi is crazy.

Grace sighs before smiling, "He's so perfect."

I eye her warily. She's the one who has gone crazy.

We watch as the four of them approach us and honestly, I still don't feel too good that we are going to the cafeteria together. I know this is not the first time it is happening but I prefer just meeting up with them there.

"Why do you not always wait for us?" Femi whines to his girlfriend as he and the others reached us.

"Because of these." Grace replies and waves around. When we look around, we see that we are the object of people's fascination. Everyone is staring at us.

"I'm sorry girls, but it follows us everywhere we go." Femi shrugs.

"Let's just go." I dismiss whatever they are saying and start to head for the cafeteria.

Grace and Femi are now in their world, whispering God knows what to each other and I'm left with Wole, Peter and Michael.

Wole is on his phone, Michael seems to be thinking or rather day dreaming because he has this smile on his face that is slowly but surely making me uncomfortable and then Peter seems to be brooding.

He has this don't-mess-with-me look on his face but when he sees me looking at him, his face softens and gives me a faint smile.

I return his smile and turn to look forward only to almost collide with someone that's clearly standing in my way.

"Hey! Are you bli..." I trail off when I realise I'm staring into John's somewhat unreadable face.

All the guys and even Grace are shooting him dirty looks. Michael is soon by my side and puts a protective hand on my shoulder.

"What do you want?" He asks, annoyance lacing his words.

John's stare lingers on Michael's hand on my shoulder before he finally looks up at me.

He looks a bit confused but still smiles and gives me an expectant look, completely ignoring Michael, "Cynthia, you said you wanted to talk to me."

"She will talk to you later. As you can see, we were going for lunch before you stopped us." Michael replies before I can even say a word.

"I believe Cynthia doesn't need a spokesman. She can tell me what she wants to tell me herself." John tells him calmly but I can see his hands clenched by his sides.

Michael's grip on my shoulder also tightens and I realise it's only a matter of time before they start throwing punches.

"It's okay, Michael." I gently remove his hand from my shoulder. "I will meet you guys at the cafeteria."

I refuse to look at Michael, not wanting to see his expression but I catch the satisfied smile on John's face.

"Come down quick." Grace tells me as she and the others move to go down without me. She gives John a hard glare to which he raises an eyebrow, clearly not understanding why she just did that.

But I do and he is also about to find out.

Without saying a word to him, I lead him towards the empty classroom that's just few feets away from us and step inside. There are no students there since it's already lunch time but I'm still grateful for the privacy all the same.

When John walks in, I close the door without locking it and I don't move from the entrance. I need to leave the classroom as soon as I'm done talking with him without giving him a chance to stop me.

I turn around to find him staring at me. His expression soft and confused and he looks like he has questions.

Well, I do too.

"Cynthia, I'm glad you decided to speak to me. I was thinking you didn't want to because you have been avoiding me ever since the day you got injured on the head."

When I don't say anything, he continues. "But I don't think anything happened between us that day that could have made you annoyed with me. We still even confirmed our feelings for each other-

I just have to keep him quiet at that point, "Stop."

He begins to panic, "Cynthia, but you told me then that you still like-

"I said stop talking!"

He flinches and his eyes widen. He looks at me like he's just seeing me for the first time.

Taking in a huge breath, I decide to start calmly this time.

"I know the truth." I tell him.

He looks perplexed and starts to think, trying to see if he can figure out what I'm talking about.

I decide to give him a chance. Maybe he will realise then tell me the truth himself. He will explain and ask me to forgive him and I will have no choice but to do so.

So I wait for him to think. Even doing so hopefully. But when all his thinking did for him was give him a blank expression, I knew I was wrong.

I can't believe I ever liked this guy.

"Two years ago, I was rescued by a guy at a party but I got so drunk that I couldn't remember anything except the fact that he saved me." I begin to narrate and I notice the moment he finally realises where this is going because he starts to get all fidgety and his eyes move to staring at the floor.

He doesn't stop me so I continue, "I was very thankful so I decided to find him and even Grace helped me when she discovered that I was serious about it. I took the jacket he gave me and started asking around for the owner in case it might lead me to him."

I stare at him intensely as he keeps his eyes glued on the floor and he wrings his hands together. He says nothing though so I still continue.

"And that was how we got to you. The quiet, handsome guy in our class that almost all the girls were crushing on. Grace told me then that there would be no harm in asking you so I did. I asked you about it."

"But guess what? You lied to me. And it doesn't even make any sense." I add with frustration.

The memory of that time and the fact that he had lied is making me so angry that I'm actually trembling with fury.

"Why did you lie? We barely knew each other. You could have just said no and it would have ended there. But you lied and kept it going for two years! You fooled me for two years!"

Sometimes, I hate the fact that I get too emotional. That's the only thing that can explain why there are tears pooled in my eyes right now. But I blink them back because the guy standing in front of me, looking all helpless - or pretending to - doesn't deserve a single tear.

He exhales shakily and starts to walk towards me.

"Stay where you are." I warn him and he immediately stops. "All I want from you is an explanation."

He nods and breathes out heavily, "Cynthia, what I'm about to say now might sound insensitive but I need to ask."

I watch him warily, wondering why he isn't answering my questions but asking his instead. And what question does he even still need to ask in this situation.

I say nothing, waiting for him to ask whatever question he wants to ask.

He looks at me as he speaks, a bit of fear in his eyes, "Is our date still on?"

I blink once and then twice, wondering if I just heard right.

Did he really just ask about a date right now?

"Have you gone mad?" I ask, and then I get even more angry at the fact that he still looks offended by my words. "I just asked you for answers to why you lied to me for two years and you still have the nerve to ask for a date?!"

It sounds so ridiculous even to my ears.

"I'm asking because you asked for explanations. I have my reasons and I will rather I explain to you over dinner than for us to stand and talk like this."

"Well, I am not complaining." I glare at him. "The last thing I want to do right now is have dinner with you."

"I know you have feelings for Michael." He suddenly announces and I'm left momentarily speechless.

I stare at him, thrown off by his admission.

But then, that doesn't change anything about this moment.

"What has that got to do with anything? What has that got to do with the fact that you lied to me two years ago?"

"I agree it has nothing to do with it." He nods. "But I liked you and then fell in love with you. I was willing to wait for you and I know I lied to you but you never told me about your feelings for Michael either."

If he really knew about my feelings for Michael, then Grace was right when she said he only listens to what he wants to hear.

But he's still blaming me for that?

"Don't you dare try to make this about me." I tell him, getting absolutely livid. "If you had actually tried to listen to what I've wanted to tell you on different occasions, you would have known the truth by now. You knew what I was going to tell you so you refused to listen. That wasn't my fault!"

I don't mean to but I end up shouting at him again. I can't believe he's still throwing blames right now instead of him to give the explanation I want from him.

And then he does the last thing I expect from him.

He goes down on his knees.

Thankfully we are the only ones in this class because if anyone has been witnessing what is happening, they will be convinced John has serious issues.

"What do you think you are doing?"

If he thinks kneeling in front of me is going to make everything better, he's so wrong. I'm seconds away from punching him in his face right now.

"Cynthia, please." He begs, staring at my feet. "I know I lied to you and you deserve to know the reasons for my actions but you have to go on this date with me. I love you and finding out that you like Michael hasn't been easy for me but I'm willing to let you go."

He finally raises his head to look at me, his eyes teary, "Just go on this date with me. I will answer all your questions and I will at least have the memory of us at that date as a gift."

If John is acting right now, then he is a very good actor. So good that I'm actually considering going on this date with him.

If I stay too long in this classroom, I might actually say yes to him and that's why I open the door and walk away from him.

Part of me expect to hear him call my name or to have him holding me back and demanding an answer but I can't say I'm not relieved that none of that happened.

When I finally arrive at the cafeteria, most students are already halfway through their lunch. Some are even done eating already.

Grace is seated at the guys' table so I go to get my lunch and join them. A faint smile appears on my face when I see that there's an empty seat waiting for me between Michael and Grace. The seat is also placed directly in front of Peter but I don't look at him as he's the first person to notice me.

"Oh. Cynthia is back." Femi announces like it's not already obvious.

As soon as I place my food on the table, Grace reaches out to squeeze my hand.

She must have noticed the solemn look on my face because she gives me a small smile, "How was the talk with him?"

I shake my head, telling her that I don't want to talk about it here and she nods, understanding.

She gives my hand a final squeeze and drops it. I feel Michael tug at the finger of my other hand so I turn to look at him.

I give him a smile, trying to tell him that everything is fine but he doesn't look convinced.

I try to remove my finger from his that's still holding it so I can eat my egg-roll properly. But then I almost drop it when Michael's palm laces through mine.

I turn to give him a questioning look and find him already looking at me. He shrugs at my expression and takes a sip from his juice with his other hand.

If only he knows how hopeful he is making me with what is probably a small gesture to him.

I don't realise we are still watching each other until Femi clears his throat and I turn to look at him.

He gives a mischievous smile as he speaks, "So Cynthia, your date with Michael is today."

"Yes, it is." I reply.

"Let me tell you a fun fact." He glances at Michael as he says this and Michael quickly gives him a don't-you-dare look.

"Okay." I reply, watching their exchange with amusement, thankful for the distraction.

"Do you know Michael has never ever taken a girl on a date?" He asks and I look at Michael in surprise.

"Really?!" Grace and I reply at the same time and then share a look.

"You mean he has never even taken that psychotic girl on a date too?" Grace asks.

Both Wole and Femi chuckles while I raise an eyebrow at Michael.

He gives me a defensive look.

"And you had the guts to ask me if I had ever been on a date when you've never taken a girl on one before." I mention with surprise.

"Well..." He starts but trails off.

"Are you sure you know what you are supposed to do on a date?" I ask and he gives me a dead look.

"You aren't really in the position to ask that." Grace mumbles and scoots closer to Femi before I can pinch her.

"That's what we are here for." Wole replies, answering for Michael.

"Aww." Grace says suddenly and we all look at her.

"What?" She asks, glancing at all of us.

"What are you awing about?" I ask her.

"The fact that he is taking you on a date, duh. I mean he has never taken a girl on a date but he is going through the trouble for you." She smiles.

I admit that I'm pleased to know that but there is no way I'm letting it show.

"Will you guys stop it already?" Peter asks, shocking everyone at the table. "You are making it sound like going on a date with Michael is a big thing and all you've been talking about since we got here is Michael and Cynthia's date. Can we please just change topic?!"

Femi and Grace's mouths are hanging open. Wole looks like he didn't just hear what Peter just said. Michael's grip on my hand tightens a bit.

"Did Peter just say more than ten words in a roll?" Wole asks no one in particular.

"I thought I was the only one that heard him talking." Grace adds.

"Who are you and what did you do with Peter?" Femi asks causing Peter to roll his eyes.

"Bro, are you okay?" Michael asks.

"I'm perfectly fine." Peter replies with a hint of annoyance.

"You guys are overreacting. The fact that he chooses not to talk doesn't mean he can't talk." I mention in his defence, remembering how long we had spoken yesterday and why he chooses not to talk in the first place.

"It isn't our fault that we find it strange." Wole comments.

"Really strange." Femi adds dramatically.

"Peter, why do you want us to stop talking about Michael and Cynthia's date? Are you uncomfortable with the topic?" Grace asks with a knowing smile and I waste no time in pinching her.

"Ouch." She cries and gives me a look.

"You deserved that." I tell her frankly.

"You haven't answered her." Michael taunts. Peter glares at him but he only smirks.

I don't think I've ever seen Michael smirk.

Peter's glare doesn't waver and soon they are having a glaring contest.

I glance at the both of them, sensing the tension and trying to make light of the issue.

"Don't mind them. You don't have to reply." I tell Peter.

"What? You've become suddenly quiet again?" Michael asks, ignoring what I just said.

What's wrong with him?

"I can speak perfectly well." Peter grounds out.

"Then answer her question. Are you jealous about the fact that I'm going on a date with Cynthia? Is that why you want us to stop talking about it?"

Peter says nothing, his eyes never leaving Michael's face.

"Well?" Michael raises an eyebrow.

"I didn't know my question will lead to this." Grace whispers with remorse.

I glare at her, "That's why you should think before talking."

"Sorry." She apologises but I ignore her. I just want whatever is happening right now to stop.

"That's enough, guys." I try again but none of them is listening. There are still both murdering each other with their eyes and none of them is ready to break eye contact.

"You heard Cynthia. You guys should cut it out." Wole finally speaks up but they still don't look away.

"If this continues I'm going to cancel the date." I announce.

That catches Michael's attention thankfully and he quickly looks at me. Even Grace looks surprised, her eyes widening. Maybe she thinks I meant it.

"What?!" Peter asks mockingly. "I thought you really wanted to hear my reply." He tells Michael.

Michael gives him a dry look before replying, "Well, I'm not ready to hear it anymore because I can't afford to lose my date with Cynthia."

"Who do you think you are?"

That question was so random, especially coming from Peter that we all look at him again.

The students are glancing our way, knowing there's an argument at our table but since Michael and Peter aren't raising their voices, no one knows what's actually happening.

"If you want to hear the answer, I must tell you. And if you no longer want to hear it, I should keep quiet? Just who do you think you are?!" Peter shouts this time and bangs his fist on the table.

I get startled and so did Grace. Even Wole and Femi looks a little bit alarmed, only Michael is indifferent.

It's clear to see to everyone that Peter's no longer talking about the date. Did they have another argument?

Michael places his other hand on Peter's shoulder and gives him a jeering smile. "Bro, you are taking this issue way too seriously."

Peter looks at Michael's hand on his shoulder with disgust and removes it. Michael doesn't seem fazed and raises his hands in the air as if to say he surrenders.

"Fine, I'm sorry for what happened earlier."

There isn't any sign of sincerity on Michael's face or attitude and it is as clear as day.

"Okay." Peter replies coolly but he looks like he is trying to control his anger. He stands up from the table and walks away while Michael snickers.

Femi and Wole gives Michael an unimpressed look and he just shrugs in response.

I'm not only disappointed in Michael but for some reason, I find what he just did annoying.

And so I remove my hand from his, stand up and also walk away.

***

What do you think Cynthia should do concerning John? Go on the date with him or not?

I hope you enjoyed this change.

Don't forget to vote, comment and recommend.

Love you guys.

Until next time,

Hikmah.