Little Do You Know

4. A KISS.

"Let's meet keh? Ah, how, where, when, why?"

My heart was doing a somersault when I saw Alex's message. Before I could process my next thought, I heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching.

Ah, wahala! I quickly shoved my phone inside my bag just as my mother barged into my room, her arms folded across her chest.

"Jumoke! Jumoke! Jumoke!"

Ah, I'm finished.

"Mom, I"

"How many times did I call you?"

"I'm sorry, I was"

"Answer my question!"

"Three times ma."

"This is your last warning, Jumoke!"

Her face was a thunderstorm of rage her thick brows knitted so tightly they could form a single straight line, her full lips pressed together in a tight frown, and her nostrils flaring like a dragon about to breathe fire. The dimples that usually softened her face were nowhere to be found; instead, her cheeks puffed out in a way that made her look like she was holding back an outburst of war.

"What did she even come and do in the room that she had to leave her food in the kitchen without covering it?" I heard Brother Timi's voice from the sitting room.

I rolled my eyes. Traitor. He would always take side with Mom.

"Anyway, is your dad back?"

"No."

"Okay. Any food?"

"Brother Timi cooked beans."

"Bring mine with a cup of garri."

I exhaled in relief as she walked out.

After serving her, I went back to my room and re read Alex's message.

Why are you so anxious, Jummy? He obviously wants to talk about the project and that's all. Stop imagining things!

I replied.

"Where and When?"

His reply was faster than I imagined.

"School, of course. Come with your Biology textbook if you have one."

I said it. Nothing special.

"I have one, I'll check for it. Where in school and when?"

"8 am, ENT Hall."

"That early?"

"I have other things to do."

"Fine, I'll be there."

Oh my God, I'm going to see my crush tomorrow! What should I wear?

I opened my small wooden wardrobe. My mother detested trousers, so most of my clothes were skirts, gowns, and blouses. The only trousers I had were given to me by Enny a pair of blue jeans.

I can't go and see Alex looking like a church woman! I need to look hot.

My mom always said trousers were sexually provocative, but I knew she mostly didn't want me revealing my body especially my hips. Even though I was slim, I had curves that could cause traffic. However, the oversized clothes I wore always hid them from the world.

But not tomorrow.

I pulled out the jeans and admired them. The only problem now was how to wear them without my mom knowing. Dad wouldn't notice he was always too busy with his job as a secondary school teacher. He taught Government at a public school nearby and was usually out of the house by 7 am. Mom, on the other hand, had a small shop in front of the house where she sold foodstuffs, provisions, and snacks. She left for the market every morning by 7:30 am. That was my only chance to escape unnoticed.