BETWEEN THE PANES

Chapter 9

I stared at him, trying to process what he had just said. Was he joking or being serious?

"I don't understand why you're asking me this question," I replied, feeling a mixture of confusion and irritation.

"I just wanted to clarify something because it seems like you're exhibiting the behavior you labeled on my girlfriend," he continued, his words making my frown deepen.

"Excuse me?" I retorted, taken aback by his accusation.

"Yeah, a whore. I saw you and Kelvin kissing, and you aren't even dating, so... that means you're a whore," he stated matter-of-factly.

"Are you stupid or out of your mind? What nonsense are you spouting? Did you see me kiss him? He was the one who pecked me on the lips without my consent. What's wrong with you?" I burst out, my annoyance bubbling over.

"Exactly what a whore would say," he responded plainly.

"You know what? Screw you. Do whatever you want with your boring life in Nigeria. It's none of my business," I snapped.

"Boring life? We all know you're the one with the boring life here," he countered.

"I can make it interesting if I want to tonight," I shot back, a surge of defiance coursing through me.

"Very funny. You? I'm sure you're not even going to the party," he scoffed, catching me off guard.

"Says who? Kelvin invited me, so... I'm going," I declared, determination in my voice.

~~~~~~~

"So, are you enjoying this?" I asked Kelvin, who nodded with a smile. When I told him I was coming to the party, he was ecstatic.

"Yes, the fun part hasn't even started," he said, beaming. I knew I shouldn't find his smile charming, but I couldn't help it.

"Let's dance," he said, extending his hand, waiting for my acceptance.

"No, thank you," I replied, smiling.

"As much as your smile is charming, I really want to dance with you," he persisted.

"What kind of dance?" I asked.

"Just a good dance," he replied.

"Something like grinding on your crotch?" I quipped, looking at him.

"No, not like that, but something similar, though that's not what I had in mind," he explained, nodding.

"Do you want to dance with me?" he asked again, this time more seriously. I hesitated before nodding.

"Thanks," he said, taking my hand.

"You're going to enjoy this, I promise," he assured me as we walked over to where most people were already dancing. The party was mostly for our class, but some juniors who were dating seniors also came. Not surprising.

"Turn around," Kelvin instructed, leaving me speechless. I complied, and soon I felt him move closer, his hands on my waist as he danced behind me, just as I predicted. But I stayed still.

"Move, Timi," he whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"I can't," I replied.

"Just move with the song," he urged. As I listened to the music, "Under the Influence" by Chris Brown playing, I began to sway to the rhythm. I didn't even realize when I started grinding against Kelvin's crotch.

It was surprisingly fun, and I couldn't help but laugh when he joined in. It felt wrong to be enjoying myself like this.

After dancing, we were both exhausted and needed to rest.