Naya and Vince

5

FRIENDS TO BE

I was resting my head on my desk during the break period. I was really hungry. I hadn't eaten anything that morning and I wasn't sure I had enough money for whatever they had in the cafeteria.

Just three more hours to go, I kept reminding myself.

"Nairobi," a female called. I was very sure it was Jessica. The urge to ignore her was there but I felt I should probably thank her for what she did.

"Yes," I answered raising my head from the desk.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean to annoy you."

"It's alright," I assured her.

"Good. Our school doesn't admit students into JSS 3, SS 2 and SS3 unless it's scholarship. That's how I knew."

"Oh," was my reply. At least this explanation made sense. And it also explained how Olamide knew I was on scholarship. AND THE WHOLE CLASS.

Mission one was not a success.

"Yeah. And besides scholarship students are not paupers. Some kids from the middle class are also on scholarship. So relax this isn't some cliche teen fiction novel where being on scholarship is for the poor."

I faked a something hopefully close to a smile. If only she knew.

"Besides, there's no big deal about Regal high. It's not only affordable by the rich. Some middle class can still afford it," she added like that was going to make me feel any better. Keyword, SOME. Some middle class can afford -insert air quotes -it if they've decided to train only a child in school while the others work as apprentices and learn handwork. "Aren't you coming to the cafeteria?" She asked.

"No. I'm not-" my stomach rumbled loudly interrupting me. I felt kind of embarrassed.

"Um. . .change of plans," I said nervously. I know I couldn't afford to eat but I had to show the girl that I was not a helpless scholarship student.

When we got to order, I literally salivated. The meal and snacks on display were mouth watering. But I had a problem, I couldn't afford it. If I bought anything, I'd end up cutting short my transport fare.

"I'll pay," Jessica offered with a smile. I think she noticed my hesitation.

"I'm not a charity case," I stated.

"I'm not saying you are. I just guessed that you forgot your feeding money that's why I'm offering to pay," she explained.

"Um- ok. Yeah I forgot my money," I lied.

"Just let me pay, please," she begged. I was really hungry and the offer was tempting but my stupid ego didn't let me accept it.

"Please. As your friend or rather your friend to be," she added batting her long lashes.

I cracked as my stomach rumbled again. She bought me a meal of fried rice and grilled turkey wing with Coca-Cola while she took spaghetti and beef with orange juice.

We walked to an empty table and ate our meal.

"Thank you for having my back this morning, even after I walked out on you," I said.

"It's alright," she assured me. "Though you have a thing for misunderstanding people," she smiled. I managed to smile back.

We kept eating our meal as she told me about the school and told me some thrilling stories of things that had happened in the school before my arrival.

"Wifey, why are you not eating with me today?" Chijioke arrived from nowhere pouting like a sick kitten.

"I wanted to keep our new friend company," she replied with a smile.

"I'm not his friend," I countered. I managed to keep a straight face.

Chijioke placed his hand over his chest in mock heart break. "Oh heavens, what have I done to make my fragile heart get broken by this fair maiden?".

Jessica laughed while I tried to suppress my smile.

"William Shakespeare the second. Sometimes I wonder what pushed you into science department," Jessica said still laughing.

"Me too," he said stroking his chin dramatically.

"Joker," I mumbled under my breath.

"He's my favourite super villian," he shrugged. Then cackled like the super villain making Jessica laugh. I just focused on my rice. "You two should come and join us at our table," Chijioke said pointing towards his table. Jessica looked at me for affirmation. One look at the occupants of the table and I decided I wasn't going there. Vincent and Olamide were there, they were enough trouble for me. In fact only the thought of sitting at the same table with Vincent irritated me.

"No thanks," I said gulping my Coca-Cola.

"You heard the lady," Jessica said to him.

"You can go. I'm okay with it," I told her honestly. I couldn't let her forfeit hanging out with her friends for me. Besides, I preferred being alone even though I was enjoying her company.

"Not happening ma'am," she replied with a mouthful of spaghetti.

"Aww. There's so much friendship in the air, it's tearing me up," Chijioke said in his dramatic way.

I really found it hard to believe it was this same boy I had dismissed this morning. He had seemed rude and arrogant. I guess I did have a thing for misunderstanding people. He wasn't a brat at all just a big joker.

He took an empty seat at our table.

"I've decided to eat with you guys," he said stealing a spoon of Jessica's spaghetti. Jessica swatted his hand with force making him wince.

"I don't joke with my food mister."

The two kept joking around at the table till break period was over.

When school was over, Chijioke came over to my seat and sat on my desk

"Yo Naya. I'm going to miss you," he pouted. "Can I have your phone number?" He pulled out his phone from his pocket.

"Don't call me Naya and you can't have my number, I don't have it off head," I lied packing my bag.

"Madam it's 'I don't know it by heart'. Anyways you can have mine," he said giving me a piece of paper with his number.

"O. . .okay," I said studying the paper. I knew deep down that I wasn't going to call him because I had no phone but I was not ready to admit that. "Now do me a favour and get your bum off my desk," I said but in a joking manner.

"CJ eave the poor girl alone," Jessica said.

To be honest, I frowned at her words but I let it slide.

"Nairobi you better don't try competing with me," Chijioke said.

I looked at Jessica for some kind of explanation.

"You're on scholarship meaning you are very brilliant," she explained.

I hissed. "I'm here to graduate in flying colours."

And I hope you guys would not ruin it like the other plans, I wanted to add.

"Have you heard? Now get out," Jessica said pushing him away from us.

"Fine. I'll go were I'm needed. See you tomorrow wifey," he said blowing kisses at Jessica. She rolled her eyes not able to hide the smile.

"Vince, my man," I heard him hail before tuning him out.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," I said to Jessica packing the remaining books into my bag.

"Yeah. Have a nice day. It was nice meeting you Nairobi".

"It was nice meeting you too," I smiled.

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Nagode,

Ann✷