Whispers of Destiny

Chapter 4

Late at night, as the moonlight softly illuminated the room of Nsiah and her cousin. She and her cousin, Nana Akosua lay side by side on their beds, they usually talked about how their day went and fun stuffs that happened in their classrooms. Nsiah was two years ahead of Nana Akosua in terms of class and age. But that night, they were both lost in dreams. Suddenly, Nsiah stirred awake and her heart was pounding with excitement she gently shook her cousin whispering, "Wake up, I need to tell you something."
Nana Akosua blinked sleepily, curious to know what could be so urgent. And there, in the quiet of the night, she shared the story of the new boy in her class and how she thinks that she lies him.
She also told her about what Adjoa Dickson said as well.
Then Nana Akosua was silent the she asked her to erase him from his thoughts.

Two Month Later
Time passed, and as the days turned into months, Nsiah with a heavy heart, concealed her true feelings as she witnessed her friend's affectionate gestures towards Kwaku. The air was thick with emotions as she watches them interact, her heart breaking with every snack Adjoa bought for Kwaku during every break time.
Joel noticed how Nsiah's gazes were always lingering Kwaku and couldn't help resist teasing her about it but she denied it.

Thursdays afternoon were the absolute favourite for the primary six students. It was the time when they got to unleash their creativity in their creative arts class. Each week brought new opportunity for them to design unique artwork.
One bright Thursday afternoon, the students were tasked with creating picture frames using their childhood pictures.
Nsiah walked into school clutching her precious elementary school pictures. With each careful stroke, she poured her heart and soul designing the picture frame. As she unveiled her masterpiece, a hushed of silence fell upon her friends captivated by the beauty of her work. Just then, Joel came around and as he took a look at the picture he shouted Kwaku has picture of you.
Nsiah's heart heart skipped a beat as Joel's word's echoed in her ears.
Her eyes widened in disbelief as she tried to comprehend the shocking revelation. Thoughts raced through her mind wondering how Kwaku could have a picture of her.

Nsiah mustered up the courage to approach Kwaku's desk. With a mix of anticipation and nervousness , she asked him directly if he truly had a picture of her. The classroom fell silent as all eyes turned to Kwaku, waiting for his response. Kwaku brought out the pictures he had from their elementary school. Nsiah instantly recognised him as the guy who gave the opening prayer during their graduation then.

The weight of their shared past hung heavy in the air, filling the room with an electric intensity. In that moment, memories flooded back and the significance of their connection became undeniable. A mix of emotions swirled with them as they realised the depth of their intertwined history. It was a dramatic revelation that would forever change the course of their status as mere classmates.

In the aftermath of that life-changing moment, Nsiah notices that Adjoa has been avoiding her. They no longer sat together in class and whenever Nsiah tries to strike up a conversation, Adjoa gave short l, distant replies. On the other hand. Kwaku started showing interest in Nsiah. He started giving her extra attention, initiated conversations and actively listened to what she had to say. He also tried to spend more time with her using her hobby of drawing as an excuse.

Kwaku's POV
Her glances were piercing as I stood in front of the class. After my introduction I was asked to go and take a seat. She was captivating. I couldn't help but steal glances at her, admiring her beauty and charm from afar.
But there was something familiar about her. Then memories long forgotten surged through my mind. I was certain that she was the same girl from elementary school.
Oh that girl, Adjoa always vying for my attention was with her. I think she thought I was staring at her. She was like a persistent mosquito buzzing in my ear constantly seeking my gaze.
She leans in, whispering words into Nsiah's ear, while she nonchalantly turns to meet my gaze completely unfazed.
The days rolled on and that persistent girl continued to cross my path, spreading the word that we both reside in the same neighbourhood. Those curious boys in the classroom who were always trying to dig up some gossip kept asking if I had feelings for her. I found her constant snack-buying annoying though going out to meet the scorching sun kept me from going out during break time.

That Thursday was quite nostalgic for me. I intentionally took some pictures from elementary school to use for the childhood picture frame we were asked to design. I made an exception to my private nature and showed the pictures to the boys, including Joel. And Joel made my job simpler by telling Nsiah that I had a picture of her. As she walked towards me, my heart raced with joy, and my mind was filled with screams of pure happiness.

"Hey, do you really have my picture?" Nsiah asked.
Without a word I instantly brought out the pictures.
"You gave the opening prayer at the graduation." She added .
I nodded at her, silently confirming that yep! That was me!
Back then, even though she was not my close friend, her playful nature and spirit of competition were like a whirlwind that consumed my every thought.
I wasn't really open to friends then and in fact I still am. Looking at her, my mind was consumed with thoughts of how she always joined sack race despite her lack of prowess in it. She found joy in the challenge every Friday when it was time for games. I admired how she embraced the race, even knowing she may not excel. She truly had a knack for getting involved and making lessons come alive in the classroom.
And how after school, she and her brother played on the see-saw waiting for their mom. The laughter that filled the air with each up and down as I witnessed her enthusiasm to soar higher than her brother.
Taking time off school back then made it challenging to connect with my classmates. But in the wake of my father's tragic demise, my entire family was devastated and thrust into a whirlwind of grief. As I returned to the classroom, the once familiar faces seemed distant. When I returned back to school after the funeral it was almost time to write our exams to complete elementary school..

I couldn't help but notice Adjoa's piercing gaze from afar which drew my attention but into the classroom. Her eyes were filled with a mix of curiosity and annoyance.
Ever since that Thursday, Nsiah and I have been getting closer. She has been flushing more smiles my way and playfully teasing me about my height in elementary school and that I had to even stand on a chair just to say the opening prayer because I was short.