I'm back 😍⭐ This chapter is dedicated to olo245 for encouraging to write more on wattpad.

          SAMANTHA's POV

Why did I lie to Daniel that I had a crush on him? Because of Nora. Full stop! Just because of her.

She had visited my family last week and had confronted me that I had a crush on her Daniel. She insulted me and yelled that I wanted to steal him from her. I ignored her and she made a scene in our house. She told my parents I wasn't concentrating in my academics and only had time for ball. She told them I sleep in classes and that the football competition I want to join, I'll never be able to play. Mr Balogun, our football coach, had told me that he will speak on my behalf among the school boards regarding the competition. I will be the only girl playing amongst boys but he assured me that I won't be disqualified about that. But Nora told my parents to ensure I do not play for the football competition. She also told me that even if I'm allowed to play nationally, I won't play internationally because there is a big difference between female and male football. It's either I join a female football team or I don't play at all. Fear caught up with my dad and he said I won't be allowed to play football again till I'm done with all my external examination. I burst out and disagreed with him. I made a lot of rude comments and now, there is tension between my dad and me. It's all Nora's fault.

I roll my eyes. It's a bright afternoon and the sun is calmly settled among the clouds. I walk up to Mr Balogun. "Sir, is it true I won't be playing in the football team again?"

"I'm sorry dear. The principal said I can only create a female football team for you but you cannot play among boys to represent our school. I'm sorry"

My eyes go round and I exclaim, "But sir! The first time I came to this school, you promised me you won't ever disqualify me. What's this na? I could have just changed my school then. How will I ever actualize my dream? What's the meaning of this?"

He is silent and tears begin to gather around my eyeballs. He shut his eyes and place his hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry"

I push his arm off me and yell, "Is that all you can say? Eh? Are you kidding me, right now?"

"Hmm..." he hums and turns to leave.

"Wait...sir," I quaver, my tears set free.

He glances over his shoulder. "Yes?"

"Is there another option for me?"

The corner of his lips twitch up. "Now you are talking. I thought my brave Sam has given up."

My heart slams my chest like a hammer to a gong. My blood runs cold and my legs are barely supporting. Any bad news will definitely end me.

"If you can be in your best behavior, if you can top your class, if you can make positive change in this school— " he exhales and pushes his hands into his pockets, the smile still on. "The school principal will recommend you to the best female football team in our community so you can play with them for the competition. They have won for years and their players are great. If you join them, you'll definitely get the scholarship to study in the best football academy. You can even get the opportunity to study abroad."

Surprisingly, I have no words to say.

"The question now is....Will you impress the principal and prove him that you are worthy of it? Can you top your class? You have never gotten first position before. Can you do it?"

I shut my eyes and wipe my tears with my tie— a tie I didn't knot well by the way. That means at this moment, I have already failed my mission to impress our School Principal who is a strict that has hate me ever since I came to this school. On my first day, I had called her guy. Also, I had worn crazy jeans with a baggy top and black boots. The next day, I didn't wear my uniform they had delivered to my house, I had worn red sweatsuit. I have broken so many school rules that I'm supposed to be expelled but my dad had bought school supplies and supported many school projects to pacify them.

It looks like today is my judgment day. The principal can easily decide to punish me without giving me a chance. I raise a brow at Mr Balogun.
"Are you sure the Principal agreed to this? Mrs Dozie? Are you sure?"

"Yes! I pleaded with her. I told her two wrongs can never make a right and that as God is merciful to us, we should show mercy. I just whine her head," he chuckles and his body vibrates with his mirth.

I heave a sigh. "How will I do this now?"

"Make good friends and start afresh. Go and print a copy of the school rules. It's time to put the effort for a good result"

"Thank you. I'll start now," I grumble. "But first, can you teach me how to knot tie?"

"I have a P.H.E class soon. The students will be waiting for me," he tells me. "Ask your class mate to help you with that".

I roll my eyes. "Okay"

He spins on his heels and jogs out of the field. I pick my school bag that I had tossed on the floor earlier and head to class.

I reach the entrance door to my class. Daniel is knotting his tie at the side and I pause, studying the movement of his hands. The tie goes in and out, turn around, drag, twist......What the hell is going on? I don't get.

I couldn't understand the process and I groan, drawing his attention. He flinches and sends a nervous smile.

"You're here"

"Is there a problem with that?" I ask.

"No o! You just scared me"

I press my lips together and narrow my eyes on his tie. It looks perfect. I need to learn how to knot a tie this good.

"Sammy, why are you frowning like that? Are you angry with me about yesterday?" he rambles and rubs the back of his neck with his hand. "My brother said you were taking over his game. I didn't mean to stop you from playing. I just felt it was his turn since you played for two hours".

"Whatever! I've found a new place to visit. The dude has better games sef," I hiss.

"So...um...You won't come to my house again?"

My brows shoot up. "You want me to come?"

"You said you were coming to read. Won't you read with me...again?"

"Oh!" I laugh out sarcastically. "No!"

"Why?"

I am about to hiss but I pause. This is a nerd in front of me. The best way to impress Mrs Dozie is by using her favourite student and he is standing right here, offering me a free tutorial with him. I've got to be wise.

"I'm just joking," I giggle and proceed to smack his arm playfully. "Of course, I'll come to your place. We need to study chemistry today".

"Hmm...you only said weekends," he points out.

"Oh! Then, we can study in the library. Daniel sweetie"

His brows knot in confusion.

"Firstly, can you teach me how to knot a tie?"

"Err....Is this Sammy speaking?"

"Yes," I reply. "In fact, I need your help to achieve a dream of mine. Will you help me?"

His eyes lit up and he smirks. "I like you Sammy and I'll do anything to help you".

Why is he being cheesy now? Ewww!

What do you think of this chapter? What's going to happen? Will she be able to prove to the Principal that she has change?

Thank you for reading to this point. I think I've successfully conquered this writer's block.

I'm back. 🥺♥️♥️🇳🇬🇳🇬