Chapter 16: Chapter 16
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Unugwa
I got dressed for school and strolled out of my room. I entered the dinning and met grandma and dad eating. I greeted them and joined the breakfast.
Last night was so fun. Grandma kept us lively. Even dad joined in and chipped in stories about his childhood.
I had the opportunity of telling dad about Daniel and his dad's company. He agreed to give them a trial. He also said he was going to partner with two other companies here in Cebu. I was so happy, I tried to call Daniel but his number wasn't connecting
I finished breakfast and hurried off to school. I was hoping to see Daniel but I didn't. I didn't see Loretta either.
I sat in class and looked through my books. I kept looking to see if my friends would come but they didn't.
When Loretta and Claire eventually came, they sat in front and didn't look back at me. I wanted to go to them but the teacher came in so I stayed still
Immediately after class, Loretta and Claire stood up and walked out. I ran after them and called out but they ignored it.
I began to wonder why they were trying to avoid me. Did I do something wrong?
I went back to class and decided to let them be.
Later, I went to the cafeteria and caught them eating at a corner
Me: why are you guys avoiding me?
They stared at me blankly
Me: I asked a question
Claire: wow, Unugwa you're in school?
Lorette : we didn't know...
I sighed. Obvious lie
Me: OK. Well I'm in school. See you later
I turned and left to my own table. I brought out my lunch and ate in silence and rising anger. I thought they'd call me back but they didn't, I wonder why they're acting that way
After lunchtime, I went to class and sat down. Later the girls came and apologized. They said they were trying to punish me because of Daniel. So I won't fall for him
That was really ridiculous. So ridiculous. I forgave them by the way
School was still boring. Daniel didn't come. I asked his friend Miguel why and the idiot was trying to flirt. He did it wrongly, he really needs to learn how to do it better
After school, Loretta and I walked to the parking lot. My tongue began to itch me to ask about Andy and why he wasn't in school. I wanted to shove it off but something kept pushing me to ask
Me: Loretta why was Andy not in school today?
Loretta : I don't know. I was also wondering
Me: why don't you call him later?
Loretta : why don't you call him later?
Me: no... I.. I can't
Loretta: and why??
I sighted Anibe's car
Me: I'll see you tomorrow girl
I kissed her cheek and hopped away before she could say anything else. Anibe told me silly things on Friday after she left and I didn't want him to put them into action if he sees her today
I quickly entered the car and said hi
Anibe: are you in a hurry to go home or what?
He must have asked by the way I hurried in and shut the door
Me: no.. No.. I'm not..
Anibe: let me say hi to Loretta
He opened the door but I pulled him back
Me: I'm in a hurry to go to an ice-cream shop that closes in the next one hour
He stared blankly at me like I was lying though I was
Me: I'm serious
He looked at where Loretta was standing, fortunately she wasn't there anymore
Anibe: okay..
I let go of him and he started the car and drove off. We didn't talk much. He was singing along with the hip hop song playing in the car
I was just thinking about the ice-cream shop that I would run off to and that also closes in the next one hour. I didn't want questions from him so I had to go to an ice-cream shop. He might even ask to drop me off
I kept looking at the roadsides to see if there was an ice cream shop.
Thank God I saw one before we could take a turn to our street.
Andy
Mom and dad had a heated argument last night after she attended to me. I was too tired to join in. I only listened and prayed he didn't hurt her too. Luckily, he left the house despite the fact that it was past midnight.
My tummy was really aching and I couldn't sit up. My feet had little injuries that definitely turned sore before morning and my lower arm had long bruises caused from the brushes when I fell.
I couldn't go to school like this. I had to stay back at home. I was also feeling depressed and sad. I didn't have lunch and I'm not planning to have dinner either. I only had breakfast because mom would be really unhappy if I didn't eat, that's the last thing I want with her. Getting unhappy because of me
Because I was feeling sad, I decided to drop by at Goodwill's Ice-cream shop. It belonged to my dad's cousin, Goodwill. He always gives me free ice-cream. I love that place because children always come and make noises, and cry and laugh. I feel amused while looking at them.
I wore red sweatpants with white strips down the length at the sides and wore it's sweater, the same color and design. Made by adidas.
I managed to wear white sneakers, luckily my feet didn't hurt in them.
I took my keys and camera then headed out. My mom wasn't home so I didn't tell her.
When I came to the shop, Goodwill was giving free candy to some kids. I smiled and went to stay at my special corner. It's a bit covered by a wall built in. I can see almost the whole shop but it would take a really sensitive person to notice I was sitting there.
I sat still, looking at the kids. The glass door opened and I looked.
It was Ugwa, the black girl.
Something made me smile lightly
She was wearing a red and white T-shirt. She wore Jean trousers and put on a white face cap. Even her sneakers were white.
It's like we planned this outfit.
I wanted to call out to her but I didn't. I sat and watched her speak with my Uncle who looked thrilled to see her. He gave her her order and even gave her a free cake. She smiled brightly, thanked him and turned to sit somewhere. Her eyes came to my direction and I tried to move in so she wouldn't see me but, she already did.
Why was I even trying to hide in the first place?
She called out to me and I smiled and waved. She came to my table with the plastic takeaways which held the ice-cream and cakes.
Me: Hi Ugwa
Ugwa: hello Andy. How are you?
Me: I'm fine. You came to get something?
She nodded and bit her lower lip.
Me: are you in a hurry to go?
Ugwa: not really
Me: mind sitting with me?
Ugwa: sure..
She pulled out a seat in front of me and sat down then placed the ice-cream and cakes on the table
Ugwa: what brings you here Andy?
Me: just to chill out..
I leaned against the chair and placed my hand over the top of the other chair beside me. I also placed my left leg on the bar below the table that conjoined the legs. A sign that I was chilling out.
Ugwa smiled
Ugwa: I don't see you taking anything?
Me: ohh... Uhm I haven't ordered. I'll do that now..
Ugwa: why don't you join me?
She pointed to her accessories on the table. I chuckled
..
Me: I don't think so. I'm a greedy eater.
Ugwa : and so I'm I. Well... Not always. Only when it comes to my brothers
I chuckled
Me: how many brothers do you have?
Ugwa : Two. Little one and big one
She opened the lid of the ice-cream and picked up her spoon. I took the spoon from her and scooped a little ice-cream. My plan was to have a taste of it but I found myself moving it to her mouth
Me: open up
Her eyes widened. But I think they also sparkled