Chapter 11: Chapter 11

My heart thumped loudly as I approached Faith’s house, I did not know how I was going to face her. Somehow, I felt like a betrayal that had betrayed her friend.

I greeted Adamu, the gatekeeper as he opened the gate for me with his signature cap on. I muttered a silent thank you to him and hurried along to the front door.

“Good evening ma.” I said. Faith's mum was seated on the chair facing the TV, she was reading a book that she dropped in my arrival as she turned to me.

"My dear, how are you?" She asked, giving me a warm smile that always made me feel like I was home all the time. Today however, was a different case as I wondered what she would think if she knew I and her daughter currently weren’t on speaking terms.

"I am fine ma." I said politely as I took my seat on one of the chairs.

"Why did you come so late, I had to call your mom again." She said as I muttered something incoherent in reply not really sure of what to say.

"Your friend is in her room." She added. Returning her full attention to the book in her hands while I just nodded. I was not eager to see Faith but what other choice do I have if I didn’t want her to be suspicious of my actions.

"Aren't you going upstairs to meet your friend." She asked, staring at me weirdly after almost two minutes of not moving a muscle.

"Ooh okay, I'm going ma." I muttered as I stood up and walked slowly upstairs. I walked past Kemi's room which was slightly ajar so I stopped to see her first and if possible, avoid Faith by sleeping in her room.

"Good evening." I greeted her, smiling as I opened the door fully.

"Enitan, how are you." She said, a bright smile on her face as she looked up from the book she was reading. She was wearing a bum short and a tank top, her legs were crossed with a book in hand as she leaned against the pillow.

"Come in." She urged, since I stood by the door unmoving. She sat up as I walked in and dropped my bag on the bed.

"Being a while, what's up with you?" She asked, placing her opened book face down beside her on the bed.

"I am fine jare, Just there." I said, taking a seat beside her.

"Hmm, so why haven't you been coming over." She said but, it was more like an accusation. A little something to inform me that she actually noticed that I had not been coming over.

"Nothing." I didn’t know what else to say.

"Did you fight with your friend?" She asked, giving me a knowing look as I shook my head. I might consider her a big sister but, she was still related to Faith not I so, I wasn’t about to start talking badly about her in front of Kemi but, I also wanted to talk to someone and Kemi was my best shot.

"Hmm... Not really. " I stuttered.

"Why did you guys fight?" She asked as I thought about how stupid it would be to say we fought over a guy.

"We didn't fight." I lied instead.

"Are you really sure because your expression states otherwise." She asked with her brow raised as she shot me a disappointed look.

"Yes..." I stammered. I was cornered and I didn’t know exactly what to say anymore.

"What did I tell you girls about my door three years ago?” She asked.

“You said it would always be open to us.” I replied.

“And did you think I would go back on my promise.” She asked as I shook my head. “You girls are growing, you are at a stage where everything would seem confusing and there are times when you would need to talk to someone, it’s always hard to talk about those stuff’s with one’s parent, especially in Nigeria and that was why I asked you girls to always come to me if anything is wrong because you are like my little sisters." She added.

“I know and I am sorry for not coming to you earlier.” I muttered and she nodded.

“It’s alright. Now, tell me what the problem is?” She asked as I spilled everything that has been happening all through the term. She sighed deeply after relaying my story and asked me a question whose automatic answer I provided shook me to the core.

“Itan, before we proceed further, I want to ask you. Do you like this boy?” She asked. I replied without missing a heartbeat.

“Yes.”

“How much do you like him?” She asked me a question that I have been asking myself as I tried to answer.

“A lot. I like him so much that a day without seeing him automatically becomes a terrible day.” I said, recalling the subtle glances I threw his way in class. I didn’t realize what it meant till now, I had thought I was simply checking to see that Faith was doing good but, I suddenly realized how that excuse sounded. I had been glancing at Tayo all this while to assure myself he was still there because I can feel my heart racing just at the thought of him disappearing.

“I simply cannot stop thinking about him and if I am not thinking about the way his voice feels as silky as water then, I would be thinking of how he takes one step after the other in a confident gait that makes me feel like he is the king or how his forehead furrows slightly when he is thinking long and hard about something or even how he bites his lips lightly when he is anxious.” I stopped, wondering if I had said too much but then figured I might as well just let out all the pent-up feelings.

“I notice every single thing that he does kemi, even the way his eyes get smaller and his face brighten up when he smiles. I notice everything and yet, I cannot do anything about it. I cannot do anything Kemi, simply because I do not want to ruin a friendship of almost four years but Faith doesn’t understand that, I just wishes she sees it. I wish she sees my effort.” I managed to let out as tears trickle down my face.

“Hush, hush, don’t cry.” She said, coming closer as she drew me into a hug.

“I am tired Kemi, I don’t know what to do anymore.” I said as she uttered soft words of reassurance.

“It’s alright, everything will be fine.” She muttered as I nodded. She let me go after she was sure I was done crying as I wiped my face with my clammy hands.

“We met today.” I said as I wiped my hands repeatedly on my clothes, avoiding her face.

“You say that like it is a bad thing.” She said as I glanced up at her so fast, I could have suffered a whiplash.

“It is a bad thing.” I said, giving her a look that suggested that I thought she was nuts.

“Itan, loving or liking someone isn’t a bad thing. Also, you can’t control your heart. You just have to learn to deal with it.” She had a faraway look on her face that made it sounded like she was quoting something or someone. “Now tell me all about your date?” She uttered.

“It was fun. It was like it was the first time I was talking to him, we spoke, watched a movie, ate, shopped and I enjoyed every aspect of it.” I confessed, a little shy.

“Great, I am glad you enjoyed yourself.” She commented, her signature smile was back on her face.

“But kemi, what do I do about Faith?” I asked, a bit confused. I was relieved now that I had finally told someone how I felt, I didn’t realize how big of a burden it was till now but then, I also didn’t really know what to do about Faith,

“Don’t worry, I will talk to her. If you girls are going to compete then at least you should have healthy competitions but, I’m counting on you Itan because you are going to do exactly what you have always done.”

“What is that?” I asked, now very confused.

“Be the bigger person.” She said, standing up.

“I should make dinner. Make yourself comfortable, you can stay with me in my room.” She added as she walked to the door and yanked it open. Faith came tumbling into the room with the door as Kemi screamed. “Jesus.”

Faith stood up and ran into room as Kemi shook her head and closed the door behind her. I sat glued to my seat as I wondered how much she has head.

The weekend went absolutely well except for the part of Faith avoiding me. After she had fell into the room that day, she avoided me like a plague till I left their house on Sunday evening. However, that wasn’t allowed to ruin my weekend as mum fulfilled her promises and brought back not only the jollof but also other delicacies including asun but, all that still didn’t make me energetic on Monday morning.

“I hate Mondays.” I muttered to myself, imitating Garfield as I stood up from my bed to prepare for the day.

“Good morning ma.” I knelt down to greet my mom as I entered her room after preparing to collect my pocket money.

“Good morning my dear.” She handed me 200 naira note. “I will be starting shop today so in case you need anything and that isn’t enough, you would have to borrow me till I get back.” She added as I nodded.

“Alright, thank you ma.” I said, standing up to leave.

“Bye, have a nice day.” She said and I replied with an inaudible bye.

I got to school extra early, partly because I had gotten a free ride from a man down our street. He was one of the few neighbor’s my mum acknowledged with so much respect.

I entered the class smugly; sure I would be the first student to arrive in my class. I don’t know why that always gives me joy. However, my joy was short lived as I saw Tayo sitting calmly by the window.

“Does this guy ever sleeps at home?” I muttered. My heart starts to race as I thought of how bold I had been during the weekend. We had chatted endlessly and I had felt like a different person as I give snide, bold replies but now looking at him physically, I realized how shy I was and those things I had said were things a normal me wouldn’t have said normally.

“Oh my God, I am in trouble.” I thought as I heard his silky voice ask me.

“Are you going to stand by the door forever?” He asked, and before I knew it, I was back the unusual and bold Itan again.

“Of course not, I was just thinking about something. Do you ever sleep at your house?” I asked as I made my way to him and dropped my bag on my seat, taking a sit on Bode’s chair.

“Of course, where else will I sleep.” He replied, chuckling.

“Yea, sure.” I replied absentmindedly.

“How was your night?” He asked, staring deep into my eyes like he could see through my soul as I avert my gaze, my tongue tied.

“Could you stop staring at me like that. Your eyes…” I trailed off as I looked around me nervously.

“What is wrong with my eyes?” He asked, still looking at me. I could feel his gaze on me.

“They are too intense.” I blurted out. “ it is always like you can tell what I am thinking or read my mind when you look into my eyes.” I added as he laughs.

“I am no Edward Cullen love and I certainly do not know what you are saying but, do you know why I love to look at your eyes?” He asked, as I wondered why.

“No.”

“It is because they are very beautiful. How small they are amaze me and also the color is beautiful. It is like a very light brown and very attractive.” He replied, as I start to blush. I look away, smiling as someone knocked over a chair on entering the class.

I turn around in shock to see none other than Faith saunter into the room. I felt embarrassed as I looked away and Tayo muttered a “Hello.”

She scoffed at me and I could almost tell she was resisting the urge to clap her hands in the way those market women do so as not seem like an illiterate or embarrass herself so instead she said to Tayo. “Can we talk?”

He excused himself and stood up, leaving the class with her. I didn’t see the both of them until after assembly.

The assembly bell was rung after a while as students gathered outside at the assembly grounds. “Everyone get to the assembly grounds now!!!” Mr Ajayi came bouncing down the corridor then with his long cane swinging around as everyone hurried along, including I.

The morning devotion was fun since it was Monday and the prefects were more than happy to be back at school. After the Anthems and pledge had all been recited, the Vice principal graced the podium with his presence.

“Good morning students.” He said, adjusting his ever-sliding glass on the bridge of his nose.

“Good morning sir.” We chorused.

“it is with great joy that I announce to you this morning that Focus high school came first in the National level of the quiz competition we attended. Help me in giving a round of applause to the students who participated in this competition as I call out their names.” He said. He turned his attention to the certificates with him and called out the first name.

“Goriola Williams.” He said as everyone clapped and I watched in awe as she walked up to the podium confidently, a humble smile on her face and I couldn’t stop myself from clapping and smiling happily for her.

“Daniel Okafor.” He continued as everyone clapped, the clap mainly came from the side of the final year students so I figured he must be a final student.

“Finally, John wellington whom is the S.R.C speaker of our school and the one who led the quiz for this great institute.” He added. Everyone clapped as the school’s golden boy climbed the stage smiling.

The vice principal praised the student, handed their certificate to them, gave them the awards and finally took pictures with them before dismissing us but, before he did, he advised us to all be serious and make the school proud.

I was quietly sitting on my chair during long break, still reading my crippled giant which I was finding very intriguing when Faith came to meet me. "You, what exactly is your problem eehn?" She asked me while I just stared at her in confusion

"Excuse me?" I asked, looking up from the book I was reading as I wondered what she was up to this time.

"Shut up!! Shut up that your dirty mouth, don't come here and start forming eficko or one serious student for us." She said.

"What is all these now." I complained as the students gathered around us. I hated been the center of attraction and Faith knew it or maybe, she just didn’t care anymore.

"You want to steal Tayo from me abi, it is not possible. I am warning you to leave Tayo alone otherwise you wouldn't like what will happen to you." She threatened as I started to get angry.

"What exactly is your problem? Why do you keep accusing me of something I haven't done? Besides, weren’t you the one shouting about me giving you some competition." I shouted angrily and by then everyone in the class was around us. It was like a ring and we were the two boxers, just throwing punches with words as the spectators oohed and aahed.

"Eehh eehn, see me see trouble ooh.” She said, clapping her hands as if she couldn’t believe I was talking back at her. “After trying but failing to seduce my boyfriend. You think you can come here and start saying bullshit. You are nothing but a boyfriend snatcher." She yelled as I stare at her, willing myself not to cry. Everyone in the class gasped as they all turned to look at me with judging eyes. She had won this round and it was now 1-0

I was about to burst into tears, not able to keep it in any longer when thankfully, Goriola interceded.

When Bode and Tayo got to the class later, there wasn't any evidence that we might have confronted each other yet, throughout the rest of the day, I could hear the whispers and feel the judgemental eyes that stared at me but, everyone seemed to forget that dating wasn't also a good conduct especially at school.

I was sitting with Goriola after school, staring at the white ceiling of the class as I thought about the scene Faith had made earlier. “Was I really trying to steal her boyfriend? Has he asked her out? Are they dating? His he playing the both of us because we are best friends?” All these thoughts ran through my head as I resolved to ask him later.

I was supposed to sweep the class today with some other students so, I picked up a broom and did my share of the work. No one else was left in the class or around it by the time we were done except Tayo, Bode and Faith who were leaning against the window outside the class and three boys who argued with all their might about who would lose the match that night.

Everyone starts to depart as I helped Goriola pack the brooms, packer and basket. She had been saddled with responsibility because she was the assistant class monitor, the class monitor who was given the post because he was a boy was nowhere to be found and the class had to be neat.

Returning to the class, we picked up our bags. Over the past few days, we had picked up the habit of leaving school together. Exiting the class, I walked past Faith who was hovering the corridor like a stranded cat.

“Itan.” She called out my name as we passed. I ignored her, I wasn’t in the mood for her petty fights or trouble’s.

“Can’t you hear me?” She asked. I was planning to ignore her again until I felt my bag and I being dragged backwards.

“Is this girl mad?” I thought furiously as I struggled to free myself from her grip. I ended up freeing myself but with my bag still in her hands.

“What is your problem!” I yelled, fuming.

"Why were you looking at me like that?" She asked.

"Like how?" I asked, confused as I wondered if she was still in her right senses.

"Don't ask me how. I know all about your date, he told me. You planned to steal him away from me abi and now you are jealous because he is mine, news flash girl he is MINE." She said and I just couldn't take it anymore. I was about to lash out on her when something I had never imagine will happen, happened.

"I am not yours Faith, I do not belong to you and I certainly did not tell you about our date so how did you know about it.” Tayo said, swopping in to be my knight in shining armor with Bode behind me, probably his most trusted guard or something.

“Ehrmmm…” Faith stuttered, trying to make an excuse. “Tayo, it is not what you think.”

“Then what is it? Mind you, I heard about the stunt you pulled this afternoon and here you are wanting to start another one again. When did I ever ask you to be my girlfriend, we have never even gone on a date and I don’t plan on going with you on anyone soon. I already told you I do not like you and you keep doing all of this. What exactly is the matter with you?” He asked, his expression and voice were cool enough.

However, I knew he was angry. His eyes were blazing, it was like they were breathing fire and his forehead was a little wrinkled.

“But Tayo, try to understand me. I love you and I would do whatever it is to be with you.” She said, her eyes welled up with tears and I felt guilty. I felt bad that I was part of the reason why my best friend was sad.

“Faith, try to understand me too. I don’t love you. My heart belongs to someone else; I am sorry.” He said.

“Who is it? It’s her right?” She asked him, pointing at me.

“Faith, don’t…” Goriola started but was cut off by her.”

"Hey you, don’t even talk to me. Because you have won award now, you think you are better than everyone else. Besides, I thought you were better than this but apparently, I was wrong. You are now her second in command after I dumped her abi." Faith said to Goriola with a disgusted look on her face.

"Excuse me?" Goriola started, while I stopped her with a pleading gesture. I knew Faith was just saying those things because she was hurt and over the years, I have learnt that if one is hurt, we all tend to reciprocate by hurting the people who have hurt us even harder.

"Yes, you heard right. You are now her second in command. I pity you." She said to Goriola, who in turn ignored her.

“Now Tayo, answer my question. It is Itan right?” She asked Tayo who had been watching from the sidelines with Bode.

“Faith…” He started.

“Just answer the question dammit!” She yelled.

“It’s her.” He said, surprising all of us or at least that was what I thought until I saw everyone’s expression. I was the only one surprised, Tayo looked relieved, Faith looked like she had just confirmed what she suspected all along and sad.

Bode had a blank look on his face and Goriola looked like she knew all along.

“I knew it. I don’t know why I ever tried.” She muttered as she grabbed her bag from the window and ran off.

“Faith.” I called after her but she was long gone.

“Well, we will leave you guys to it.” Bode said, dragging Goriola along with him.

“Well…” He started.

“I feel guilty.” I blurted out without thinking.

“Why?” He asked.

“We are supposed to be best friends Tayo. What type of friend I am if I cause my friend pain and make her sad.” I said.

“You are a good friend Itan, don’t ever doubt it. You tried to stay away from me just to make her happy, you tried everything you could not to ruin your friendship but she didn’t.” He said. I nodded; I didn’t really know what to say.

“Are you hungry, do you want to eat?” He asked as I shook my head.

“No, I just want to go home.” I said as I picked up my bag that had fallen out of Faith’s on the floor.

We left school together and when I got home, I observed solat, did my physics assignment and slept off.