𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐀

Stage Fright

I was in the assembly this morning. After the assembly, the senior prefect called me to her class. I was a bit nervous though because I felt uncomfortable walking into a Senior's class, so I asked KC to come with me. We walked into the class together.

"What's your name again? Tiger? Anyways, you're giving a morning speech tomorrow". The senior prefect said.

I froze.

I couldn't give a speech in front of all the students in my school tomorrow, I have stage fright and... I wasn't prepared, what topic would I speak on, what if the students and teachers didn't like my speech, what if I forget the things I was supposed to say, what if---

"Tega". a voice called. I snapped back to reality. "You aren't saying anything". KC said to me.

"You look frightened. Don't worry, public speaking isn't as bad as you think". The senior prefect said. Easy for her to say, she got to choose whenever she wanted to give morning speeches.

I walked out, silently thinking about all the worse things that could happen when I come up in front of the assembly tomorrow morning.

"Tega, if it makes you feel any better I'll talk to the senior prefect and replace you. She's my sister after all". KC said.

Oh, I would've loved that a lot, but I was afraid I would have to say no. I didn't know if KC was doing this with her free will, or she was just doing it so that I could give her something in return.

What if she hates me and wants to get back at me by making a big deal about me not speaking up and having stage fright after I speak up. No way! That isn't going to happen.

"Thanks for trying to help but I'll manage". I told KC, trying to sound as polite as possible. We walked to the class in silence.
     

Later at lunch break, I walked towards Kemi's seat.

"Why didn't you come to school yesterday?" I asked.

"Family issues". He said simply. "So how far?".

"I'm not fine at all! I have to give a morning speech tomorrow morning!!" I said in a dramatic tone.

"That's not so bad na". He said

"I have stage fright and I'm very pessimistic about things having to do with the public. I'm not a social person. Notice I don't have many friends". I said, hurting my own feelings. Ouch!

"Umm, that's because your previous friends were mad, crush - obsessed girls. Who can blame Williams anyway, I'm irresistible.". He said wiggling his eyebrows at me. I laughed, then I choked. After I stopped choking he said.

"Sorry, the point is, one, those girls are mad and they don't deserve you, secondly, just look at me when you give your morning speech tomorrow. I promise your stage fright would disappear after that". He said grinning. He was a guy of his words.

"Thank you so much". I said about to hug him, then I stopped, remembering my vow to avoid too much skinships. I was lost in thoughts when I felt someone hug me, It was Kemi. I pushed him away.

"Kemi remember that seminar we had when the girls were separated from the boys? In the girls' seminar we were told to NEVER be best friends with boys so I ---"

"What?!! So you're just going to stop being friends with me? Do I look like an irresponsible boy? My parents brought me up to be who I am today!" He said out of anger. I slapped my palm on my forehead.

"I'm not going to stop being your best friend, silly, we just shouldn't hug or do skinshippy(not a word) stuffs anymore". I said.

"I'll try to get used to that". He said, looking unsatisfied.

I changed the conversation to lighten up his mood. Shortly after, one of his friends called him outside to play football. That was pretty much all they ever play.