Melody

CHAPTER 2

I didn't really have much time to give it more thought that day. Next I knew, the day was over. And the next. And the one after that. Time just flew by and in between all of that, I don't think I even spoke to Marcus. Not that I paid any attention to that little detail.

It was time to write our second continuous assessment tests. As usual, I read as though it were my final exams. I forgot to add to my intro that I'm a nerd, just not a geek. Yeah, I just separated both. I believe in my terms there's a difference. It doesn't matter anyway. You can have it the way you want.

As I was saying, the test week had arrived and of course I was constantly being buried in a book or two. It was a custom in our school to publicly announce the results to all students on a set date. It was to no one's surprise that I made the first five.

It was no surprise either that Marcus made the last five. I know I said I had no time for minor details, but it didn't escape the notice of the class that his school work was practically non-existent, just as his social life.

What was a surprise though, was the fact that he cried after his name was announced. Yes, you heard me correctly, he cried.

"You've got to be kidding me." Lily was more than shocked.

"I know right," I blinked, my heart aching for some reason, "he acted so strong and untouchable. To be honest I didn't believe he had emotions too."

Our thoughts were not far from those of the class. I guess everyone realized he's just as human as we all are. So they helped him. Yes, they did. They helped him get his notes complete, they helped him get new friends, they helped him by putting in a good word for him with the teachers.

Marcus didn't enjoy the attention though. At least he pretended not to. It was too late though. He'd already shown how vulnerable he could get. He was supposed to be independent, but no, of course the girls in our class had to fall all over themselves to get his attention.

And believe me when I say this, but a bunch of girls struggling for attention never works out well. And I mean, never. Things could get really... dicey for lack of a better word.

"Femi."

No answer.

"Femi? What's wrong?"

"Can you imagine what Emily did? You know how down Marcus was after the tests results were out. I just tried to make him feel better by copying his notes for him. Next thing I know Emily's gone to tell Alex I like Marcus!"

Before I continue, I'd better tell you who Alex is. He's the current Head Boy of the school, and rumors had it he was cousins with Marcus. They spent a lot of time together too.

My eyebrows shot up so high it nearly disappeared in my hair.

"And that's making you sad?" That was Lily.

I mentally facepalmed. She could get really insensitive, especially in matters like this.

"What does she hope to accomplish by doing that?" I asked Femi, stepping on Lily's polished to shine black shoe.

Stepping on a lion's tail. I knew she'd have my hide the moment she got a chance. But for now, she got the message.

"Maybe paint her in a bad light?" Lily suggested.

"And what's wrong with helping a guy out with school work? I mean, it's supposed to be perfectly normal. Jeez, we're twelve!"

"I know Mel," Lily put an arm around me, "but this is Africa. Our mentality needs to grow up."

"Honestly it does," I turned to Femi, "I mean, who does that? Just, how could she?"

"She's jealous I was talking to him. She thinks she's the only one supposed to talk to Marcus."

"That's it?"

"Cause she's close to his cousin that's why she's acting crazy? I'll never understand girls."

"Lily, you are a girl," I was quick to point out to my dear friend, "except there's something you'd like to tell us now."

She gave me a look, which I heartily returned with my most innocent smile. Ah! The perks of friendship.

"Look Femi, forget her. We have more pressing needs to take care of."

"Like?"

"Books of course," I slanted my gaze to take in her full profile, "what else?"

I mean, it was perfectly obvious what I was talking about, right?

Lily mouthed, "how motivational".

The end of term exams came sooner than expected. One would think with all the effort the girls put in trying to get Marcus on his feet, he'd have the decency to get a grip and even try to study.

To be honest, they did a really good job even though they were at cutthroats with one another.
Marcus never learned from his failure. When he wasn't seen dilly-dallying somewhere on the premises he wasn't seen at all. It made the girls wonder where he went at times.

When you attend class everyday, you hear things and of course pick up information. So don't think I was following up on the guy's life. I just heard catches of conversations about him. Why am I even making excuses? It's normal to be interested in the welfare of others!

All this while, I didn't get anymore threatening smiles or snide remarks from him. Maybe a drop of a smile here and there. It was making me uneasy, the lack of glares. When it should have been making me happy. I tried not to get distracted though, at least not until we finished the exams.

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