Replica: Crazy Versus Smart (Nigerian Story)

Chapter 29: Surging Feelings

Grace trudged home, her steps heavy with defeat. Tears blurred her vision as she replayed the moment her job slipped away, each word of dismissal a dagger to her passion for teaching. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on her shoulders, casting a shadow over her once-bright dreams. Her eyes clouded as tears hung in the brim of her eyes. She tried hard to conceal her feelings a bit it was just impossible.  Drown in thoughts, she returned the school textbooks to the Creative Minds Academy library and handled the class register and lesson plan notes to Mrs. Tunmise, the school Principal.

Grace just resumed class that morning when she called her into her office with a stern face.

"Miss Grace, look. I care about my students so I won't let anything jeopardize my years of hard work and dedication.  I've done a lot to brand this school in the eyes of the public. What I'm trying to say is, a strange young nan visited yesterday asking of you. He introduced himself as Oreoluwa Clifford, and he said that he was your fiance. He talked about an incident that occurred in the primary school you previously worked with.  About the missing pupil and how the police found her. I know how nice and hard-working you are. Last night, I barely slept a wink because I had doubts, I had to reach out to Mrs. Njoku who you worked with. She confirmed that it was true. I don't think you can continue working with us anymore. If the parents find out, I'm afraid of what might happen.  I also discussed this with my husband, the proprietor this morning. He gave me the go-ahead."

"Did the guy mention his reason for visiting?" she summoned the courage to ask Mrs. Tunmise.

"Yes, the averagely tall guy wanted to see you. He introduced himself as Oreoluwa, and he begged me for your contact,  I was scared of causing you more trouble so I didn't give him."

Tears rolled down Grace's chin as she strolled to the bus stop. She wiped her eyes and sniffled repeatedly. Some passersby gave her awkward stares while others didn't care. Life was tough, everyone had their fair share.

Grace sighted a green taxi awaiting more passengers by the side of the road. Grace joined a seat and asked a lady to help get with her phone. She needed to call someone urgently. The lady was kind enough to lend it to her. Thanks. Grace bowed slightly and clicked Ore's contact on it.

It was closing time at Creative Minds Academy. Ore was at the school gate, awaiting Grace to emerge. He looked charming and eager, in his usual jean trousers and white long-sleeve. Keeping through the gates, his phone rang.

It was a strange number. Ore wondered whether to answer or not. Once the caller dialled his contact again, he picked it up with a clouded mind. "This is a wrong number! Please,  don't call me back." He fired, about to end the call when he heard the call's voice.

"Ore, it's me, Grace."

Listening to her calm voice, he recognized it to be hers.
"My love, is that you?" his eyes widened in disbelief, while his have brushed through his low haircut.   "Where have you been? I'm at your school gate waiting for you." his calm voice suddenly heightened amidst a withheld smile. "We could visit a restaurant and chat if you want."

"We've broken up, Ore. It seems you don't realize but it's over between us. Please, forget me as soon as I end this call because we'll never meet."

"No, grace... I'm not over you yet and I'm not letting go. Let's meet even if it's only once. Living is hard without you, I can't eat or sleep, Grace." His voice breaks over the phone. "My mind isn't settled. I know my dad convinced you to leave but we can solve this ourselves. How can you return the proposal ring like that? Do I mean nothing to you?"

Grace looked up and away, with tears pouring down her stormy eyes. She held her forehead to hide her face. Her legs felt weak, she sat under a nearby tree while the driver alerted "One more, one more!"