~Jason's POV~
This morning, anticipation surged through me as Tiara was returning to school today. I prepared earlier than usual, even leaving my sister at home. Arriving at school, I made a direct course for Tiara's class, eager to see her. Yet, as I approached, uncertainty crept in. What should I say to her? During our last phone call, I confessed how much I missed her.
Lost in my thoughts, a junior student's voice broke through, "Head boy! Head boy!" Startled, I turned to see him trying to get my attention. "What is it?" I asked, slightly annoyed by the interruption.
"The principal wants to see you in her office," he replied and hurried off.
I wondered what was so urgent this morning.
"Wait, what's today's date?" I quickly checked my phone, realizing we were supposed to meet with school alumni for the upcoming reunion and fundraising event. Rushing to the principal's office, I greeted her, "Good morning, ma'am."
"Jason, good morning. I'm glad you're here early. We're going to meet Chief Adekoya. Remember, he chairs the alumni committee. Our afternoon meeting got rescheduled to this morning as his flight to the UK was moved up," she explained, peering at me over her large glasses.
Being the head boy wasn't easy; sometimes it felt like a full-time job. I couldn't wait to pass on the responsibility once exams started.
"One more thing, Sharon will be joining us," she announced proudly, "I've included her as part of the planning committee for the upcoming event. You know she was very instrumental in planning the last event."
"Like she's joining us for the meeting this morning?" I asked
I knew she would be at the event, but as part of the planning committee? I didn't expect to see her involved so soon.
"Yes, her the university is on break, and she was more than happy to join us," she confirmed.
"Ma'am, with all due respect, I don't think she needs to be part of the planning committee. I know she successfully planned many events while still a student here, but she's no longer a student, and we should give the current team a chance. We have our head girl and social prefects who are more than capable. Wasn't the costume party a success? We organized that. I'm sure we can handle this too."
"Don't get me wrong, Jason. I'm not saying the school executive council cannot handle this, but this event is bigger than just a school affair. We need to raise funds for the school, and many scholarship students are counting on this. We need the proceeds. Besides, Sharon is now an alumna, and the planning committee is a combination of the school administration, alumni, and school executive council. Trust me, Sharon is an asset; she has a good relationship with these people. I'm not undermining the school executives; I just want us all to work together for success."
It was evident she had already made up her mind, so I decided to drop my objections. After all, she had a point; my only concern was having to face Sharon again.
"Alright, ma'am, it's fine," I conceded.
"Okay, get ready. We'll be leaving in the next 15 minutes, and Sharon will meet us at the office."
*********
We arrived at the office, a sprawling company located at Victoria Island. As we waited at the reception, Sharon walked in and greeted the principal. Then, she turned to me, seemingly waiting for my greeting.
"Hi, Sharon," I greeted.
"Jason, good to see you again," she replied with a smile. Why was she smiling as if everything was fine between us?
The secretary informed us that the man we were meeting with was ready for us.
During the discussion, the man expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event and assured us of his support in making it successful. After the meeting, he kindly offered to host us for breakfast.
"Jason, will your Dad be attending the event? He's an alumnus too, although he hasn't been joining our reunions lately," Mr. Adekoya asked as we sat down for breakfast.
"I'm not sure, sir. He's currently out of the country," I replied, deciding not to inform him about the event. I definitely didn't want my dad to attend.
"We're all busy, but we should make time for events like this, we should give back to the school that impacted knowledge in us and in a way made us who we are today. And it's always nice to catch up with old schoolmates and relive memories," he remarked.
"My dad will be there," Sharon chimed in.
Mr. Adekoya chuckled, "Of course, he will. I can already hear him boasting about his daughter being in medical school."
"He must be proud of you. I would be too. I hope Folu does well in his finals so he can also get into university to study medicine. You also plan to study medicine in Unilag too right?" he asked me.
"Yes, sir, but I'm considering attending OAU. I've heard their Health Science department is excellent," I replied.
"That's a good choice. The Great Ife. Just study hard; you need good grades to get into any university," he advised.
"Sir, it's been a delight meeting with you. Let's not keep you any further sir. I'm sure you have other important things to do. Thank you very much for meeting with us and for your support. We wish you safe travels," the principal said.
Sharon and I left first and waited by the principal's car. Throughout the wait, we didn't exchange a word.
"OAU? You always wanted to go to Unilag. What changed?" she finally asked.
"I only wanted to go to Unilag because of you, Sharon. But now, I'm choosing OAU for myself," I explained.
"You've stopped calling me Jason" she said trying to touch my hand but I removed it" I know I haven't been good to you since I entered school, but Jason, you must understand that university is very stressful," she said.
"It's fine. I've come to terms with the fact that we're over. Enjoy your time at university; be assured that I won't bother you anymore," I replied.
"Are you really ending things with me?" she asked, her tone uncertain.
I laughed, "I didn't think we were together but if you insist, I'm ending things with you Sharon.
Before she could respond, the principal approached, and Sharon bid her farewells reluctantly before leaving in her car. The principal and I also departed.
I felt relieved to have properly ended things with Sharon. I finally felt like I was moving on. I couldn't wait to see Tiara; just thinking about her made me smile.
Back at school, the principal thanked me, and we parted ways. It was already break time, so I headed to the cafeteria to find Tiara.
Spotting her with my sister, Paula, and Folu, I approached them, catching Tiara off guard.
"Talking about me?," I teased, looking at her with delight, happy to see her beautiful face.
