CHAPTER SEVEN

After some time, everything felt normal again. We still go for our tutorial classes as usual. But of late, Nathan had stopped calling me. When I call him, he misses my calls and won't return it. I have complained to his sister on several occasions about his nonchalant behavior. He calls Sandra and his parents but doesn't call me. He comes online once in a while to update his profile and post pictures of him with school mates. I wonder why he leaves my text messages on read. When I managed to get to him, he gives excuses like he's been busy or having a rough time in school. It was as if our relationship wasn't a priority anymore. 

I was in class resting my head on my desk because I was feeling sober and lonely. I used my pen to write randomly on the back page of my notebook. The thought of Nathan could not escape my mind. 

Sandra and Precious wasn't as close as they used to be. After that incident at Sandra's house, it was as if their friendship was sinking.

They were interacting separately with different peer groups and did not notice I was sad. 

The class became calm as the maths tutor walked in. I wondered why two boys accompanied him into the class. One was taller and darker. He was putting on a white polo and blue Jean. The other was chubby and average in height. He was wearing a red polo on blue Jean. 

I sat up right and watched as they took a seat behind. Oh they are students, I said thoughtfully. 

The tutor solved lots of math problems on the board. He asked questions on every step "204 divided by 12...". 

I punched the calculator to answer 

"17!" a voice behind answered. 

"Okay class, add 17 with 46 and divide by 2". 

I heard same voice echoing the answer. I had to turn to see who. Oh it was the new student, I said to myself. 

"Okay class, what do we do next?" the maths tutor withdrew his hand from the board and corked the whiteboard marker in his hand. 

The whole class kept mute. 

"Any ideas?" our math tutor asked again. 

The new boy on white raised his right hand to answer the question "Sir, you cross multiply then divide both sides by the factor of x to find x". 

"Very good" the tutor was impressed.

"Now class, do that quickly. Cross multiply what you see on the board" 

Geez! I wasn't even done punching the keys on my calculator. This same boy have answered the question. I turned to see if he was also using a calculator. He must be really fast in typing. 

Oh no... He doesn't have a calculator. I was mesmerized so I spied on him to see how he answers the next question. 

"Divide both sides by 126" said the maths tutor as he waits desperately for the class to respond. 

"x is equal to 1.63 sir!". 

Wow amazing. I thought out loud. This guy was not solving on his book, he was not even using a calculator and he got a decimal right. A maths genius I suppose. 

"So students, that's your final answer". 

The tutor wrote down another problem on the board. He walked to us and handed the marker to the new student on white to solve it. 

The boy got up, adjusting his saggy pant and walked up to the board. I watched how he calculated in his head and wrote every numeric correctly. I wasn't impressed with his handwriting as it was going up and down the board. I anticipated for him to flop. 

"Done!" he said and handed the marker back to the teacher. 

The whole class applauded, then the tutor asked for his name. 

"Nicholas" he responded. 

Oh my!  It was then I realized Nicholas is a fine and intelligent guy. 

After lessons, the girls in the class flocked him, touching his hair, abs and raining compliments. Others requesting to buy him lunch. Some even asked where he lived. 

Sandra walked up to me, seeing I was miserable, she asked "he still hasn't called you, has he?" 

I looked at her and bite my lips real hard. I tried not to blink to control the tears in my eyes because I was in public. 

"No he hasn't. I don't know why Nathan is avoiding me, I mean the last time we met, he was cool with me before he went to back to college. What did I do?" I burst into tears. Immediately she covered me, not allowing people to see and quickly wiped my tears with her hand. "it's okay baby girl, it's okay. I will talk to him again. Please don't cry". 

I dried my tears completely with my handkerchief and smiled pretending everything is gonna be okay. 

"In related news, have you seen the hot guy" her gaze was alluring. 

"What hot guy?" I asked. 

"The new student on white" she acted so seductive, biting on the head of her pen. 

I turned to his direction stared for a moment "Hell yeah, he's hot" 

...with my hands covering my mouth "Oh my God... do you like him?" I giggled. 

Her face lit up with impish glee "hell Yassssssssss". 

"Go talk to him then" I said. 

"I wasn't expecting a hot guy in class today and I'm wearing this ugly dress. Urgh! You think I wouldn't if I was looking sexy today?" she bewailed. 

I laughed but it wasn't just me laughing. We turned around to see 'mucus boy'. That was the nickname given to him. I don't know his real name though. None of us do but I can tell he was called mucus boy because he's got catarrh clogged in his nose. 

As he laughed, it bubbled and burst. "Ewww" we felt disgusted. 

He had overheard our conversation then he said "Sandra, I love your dress, you know I'd kill to have you". 

I held my laughter. 

"Oops!" pointing to no direction "...thats my ride". She gave me a peck on the cheek and walked out of the classroom. I laughed as she dashed out. 

"How about you Emily, will you be my girlfriend?" 

I hissed and left him there. 

School was dismissed already. I encountered a classmate on the hallway and we chit chatted for a while. As she walked away, I glared at the new student on red approaching me. 

"Hi" he greeted nicely, rubbing his palm together while he licked on his lips and gazed at me with those sexy eyes to catch my attention. 

"Hello" I responded with a friendly smile. 

He introduced himself "My name is Luke". 

"Hello Luke, nice to meet you" I held out my hand. 

"I don't usually shake hands with pretty ladies but it's quite obvious I won't be getting hugs today so..." he accepted my hand in his soft palm and pressed a kiss upon my wrist. 

I giggled, covering my mouth. Then he asked; 

"Can I borrow your biology note?" 

I did not want to give him because he was new. I wasn't sure he'd proceed with the lessons. 

"Oh, don't worry I won't mishandle it. I promise to return it to you tomorrow morning" he said. 

He promised tomorrow, a word of affirmation that I'd see him again.

"Okay" I searched in my bag and handed it to him. "Please handle it with care, I don't like my book torn, rumpled or stained" I instructed. 

"Yes ma!" he saluted and I chuckled. 

"You are funny, can I have your number?" He said swinging his phone in his hand as though to perform a trick. I nodded and called out my cell number. 

"So what is the name" he asked. 

"Emily" I responded. 

He winked and walked back to his friend.

My vision was blank. "Guess who" 

I recognized the voice and the fragrance of the palm covering my face. Only one person would surprise me from behind "Precious" I said. 

She laughed "Hahahaha you got me" She poked me on my tummy and said "how did you get the new guy to talk to you".  

"I didn't. He just walked up to me" I said checking my phone to see if Nathan had replied my message. 

"Oh my God, that's amazing. Can you hook me up with him? Gee girl, you are damn lucky" she teased my arm. 

My mind was diverted as I couldn't hear Precious talking. I only visualize her lips moving. The thought of my baby boo clouded my head through out our conversation. 

I got home pretty exhausted. After dinner, I picked up my book to study in my room.

I was studying when I got a message from whatsapp. Beep-beep!  I hurriedly picked up my phone from the reading desk and placed my finger on the finger print sensor to unlock my phone. 

I clicked on the unread message from an unknown contact. 

"Hello dear". 

Disappointed it wasn't Nathan, I dropped the phone to continue studying. 

Beep-beep!  

I checked my phone again as I got another message. It was from the same number;

 "It's luke. Sorry I'm just hitting you up".

 I replied "Okay". 

I wanted to put down my phone on the desk when I got another beep:

>> "Nice DP, you look stunning❤❤".

<< " ☺ Thank you". 

>> "How is you evening going? Had dinner yet?"

<< "Yes, I ate soup"

>> "Quite an appetite for a girl".

<< " LOL 😂😂 "

 << "The guy on white with you today, is he your brother or your friend?" 

>> "He is my friend but I call him my brother. Why? Are you interested in him? 

Reading this message, I was baffled then I responded:

<< "Oh not what you are thinking, Pardon me. I only admire his intelligence. How can he be faster than me using a calculator. He's a genius!"

 The conversation was beginning to interest me. I left my books open on the reading table and hopped on my bed. With my legs crossed and my phone elevated to my eye level, I laid on my back.

 I waited for some minutes. I did not get a response. I must have said too much, I said to myself. 

He left the message on read and replied after 6 minutes;

>>"Oh really? Thank you".

I sent "Okay" wondering why he would say thank you when I was rather complimenting his friend.

>> "So what do you like about him? 😉"

<< "well...lets see, 🤔 his eyes and height". 

>> "oops! Too bad I'm not tall enough for you😔". 

<< "Awww.... Don't feel bad, my friend likes you".

>> "Who is you friend?😃" 

<< "The Skinny dark girl on pink blouse today. Her name is Precious. She's very tall. I'll say she compliments your height *wink* 😉" 

>> "😂 LMAO. Are you kidding me?!"

<< "No jokes."

>> "Okay then 🤕"

The chat went on and on until I dozed off with my phone in my palm. I woke up the next morning feeling tired. Yawn! As I stretched out my arms and cracked my bones. The alarm had stopped beeping. It was 7:30am.

"Oh my God, I over slept". 

I quickly did the house chores and washed the dishes from last night. I took a quick shower and came out of my bathroom unclad as usual. 

"Okay, okay, what do I wear today" I said scouting for a nice outfit in the wardrobe.

 "Perfect!"

 I got dressed in a lemon t-shirt and a black jean. I took time to do my makeup and hair. I had to look at the mirror a zillion times just to make sure I was flawless. 

"Morning mom, morning dad" I gave mom a peck on her cheek as I grabbed a pancake, munching and hurrying outside.

 "Emily?!" Mom yelled.  

I murmured and went back in 

"Yes mom?" I responded.

"Why are you in a rush today, sit down and eat properly" she said politely. 

"Oh no mom, it's..." checking my wrist watch "it's 8:25am already mom, if I delay any second, I'd be late. And you know I can't eat very fast" I added. 

"Alright then, have a nice day" mom chuckled praising me for being punctual these days. 

I took a taxi to school. Reaching school, it was just me and seven other students in class. 

Damn! I arrived too early. I checked my wrist watch and it was 8:48am. Just 12 minutes left for classes to begin, I thought.

 Where are the others? And where is Luke. I need my biology notebook before the tutor walks in. 

My vision was dim. I could catch the scent of her palm covering my eyes from behind;

 "Precious" I said. 

"Hahahaha you guessed right" she sat on my desk laughing. 

"How are you precious" I asked. 

"Never been better. Emily, my mom put to birth early this morning" She said.

"oh wow! Congrats girl" 

I was really excited to hear that. Precious mom has been pregnant as if for ever. We were really expecting. 

"I'm gonna have a baby brother" she said in melody batting her lashes with a wide smile showing her complete set of teeth. 

I smiled and asked her to sit properly with me. 

"oh not yet girl, I'm gonna spread the news to everyone. FYI you are the first to know" she winked at me. 

"Have you seen Sandra?" I was worried because Sandra is always on time. She's the reason I became punctual.

"No I haven't. You should know better because she's your friend" Precious said arrogantly and left. 

I got the feeling she's mad at Sandra. I really cannot tell the reason. Oh well... I brought out my phone from my handbag and scrolled to dialed Sandy💞. 

It rang for a while and she picked up before the call dropped. "Hello Sandy Crush, how are you" the energy in me died down to hear the sound of her voice. 

"I'm not okay" she said in a faint voice.

 "Goodness! What is wrong dear?" I was worried. 

"I have fever, I'm sorry I won't be in school today" she uttered sluggishly. 

"it's okay dear, you need to rest" I said. She expressed gratitude and hanged up.

Our biology tutor walked in and we greeted him. He responded. He was writing Biology on the white board when Nicholas walked in.

 I admired his Jordan "Can I sit here?" he said to me. 

I removed my bag from the seat beside me as I rolled my eyes and muttered "Late as usual". 

He licked his lips and responded with an eyebrow lifted "What! What was that? Where you expecting me?".  

"What?! Ewww! No. Where is your brother?" I sounded irritated. 

"He can't make it today, got some important business to attend to" he stated. 

"WTF! He is with my notebook. How do I jot now! He should have informed me he won't be coming today. I don't like things like this...." 

I nagged, Nicholas did not let me finish talking as he  brought out my biology notebook from his bag and slammed it on my desk. 

"Tchew!  Why didn't you tell me it's been with you the whole time" I hissed. 

He didn't respond and pretended to be focused on the teacher. I wanted to do so many bad things to him for ignoring me. I had already stabbed and buried him in my head. I squeezed my ball pen to let out rage.  

"So Emily, are you saying you thought of killing Nicholas?" The female detective asked. 

"I had many chances to kill him but I did not". 

Wow. Did I just say that? OMG seems there is a truth serum in the glass of water she gave to me. I don't know how I'm spilling every detail, I thought. 

The detectives noted my response to the previous question as they made eye contact and nodded. 

"No, no, I didn't mean to say that. Nicholas was just really pesky and gets on my nerves every single day. It was only an expression" I justified my statement. 

"Okay, go on" the male detective insisted. 

I got closer to Nicholas after understanding he was just seeking for attention. I started developing feelings for him. We sat together in class everyday. He invites me over to his place and I met his kid sister. She was adorable and likes my company. Soon Nicholas asked me out. I told him I have a boyfriend.

"pff! Where is your boyfriend? It's been two months since I met you and you have never mentioned him". 

His statement rendered me speechless. I almost shed tears recalling how Nathan ghosted me. It pierced through my heart like a knife, I just had to fake a smile and leave. 

I couldn't sleep that night, all I could think of was Nathan. I stared at my phone screen for a long while without blinking expecting his call or text messages to come in. I went through our previous chats, reading through the lines and smiling like an idiot. I closed the app and entered my gallery. I swiped through the pictures we took together. Adrenalin rushed to my brain. I missed him more. Should I call him? I asked myself. 

I opened my call log to dial his number. My thumb became numb. I couldn't touch the call key because I was afraid he would snub. I closed the call log and locked my phone screen. 

"Ahhhhhhh" I screamed in frustration with my head under my pillow. 

I picked up my phone for the second time to dial his number, but again I just had to let him be. I was still holding my phone contemplating to call him.

Brrrrrrrt... Brrrrrrrt  

it was Nathan calling. I didn't hesitate to answer the phone. "Hello?" I spoke softly. 

"Hey sunshine, how are you" he responded. 

"Where have you been babe, I've missed you. You don't take my calls anymore. You don't reply my messages" Tears broke out of my eyes as I spoke. 

"Hey hey, babe, please take it easy, it is not what it looks like. I've been very busy with my school project work...". 

I sniffed in the mucus continuously as I listened to him 

".... Please babe try to understand me. I called because I've missed you. Why would you even think that?" He asked.

I felt really dumb hearing those words from him. "I'm sorry babe, I just overreacted and jumped into conclusion." I appealed to be pardon. 

"Hey! Big head, let's go!". 

I heard a feminine voice in the background 

"Who was that?" I asked. 

"Who are you with" I interrogated. 

"It's no one" he answered. 

"Oh really? You have a female in your apartment and you are telling me it's no one?" I became furious. 

"You see what I'm talking about, we just discussed this Emily. I'm not in the mood for any drama tonight" he was pissed. 

"I'm sorry babe, I really am, please babe, I love you" I pleaded. 

"I have to go now, take care of yourself" he said and hanged up. 

My heart became heavy, I quickly reached for my inhaler to support my respiration as I gasped for air. Tears flowed down my eyes like a river. Could it be that he is cheating on me? Who was that girl? What business does she have at his place by this time of the night. I told him I love him and he did not say it back because she was there right? I can't believe he called me by my name. 

I couldn't help but think about it. I cried myself to sleep that night, soaking my pillow with tear drops.