K.C Philips

Chapter Sixteen

16 Years Earlier

The 30th of September was a date all of Nova Gus looked foward to every year. It was the nation's independence eve. It was customary for the school to observe a cultural fiesta as part of the National Day celebrations. Students were to turn up in attires unique to their tribe of origin. However, the students cherished the fact that it was a non-learning day.

14:16.

12-year old K.C stared at his wristwatch as he put a finishing touch on his Igbo traditional attire. In a black long-sleeve tunic and trousers, both with gold accents-coupled with a red cap and a feather to match, K.C was set for the occasion.

"K.C K.C! I'm feeling you o! Bad guy!"

Those were the words of Dotun as he strolled into the empty classroom K.C found himself in.

K.C smiled. "What about you? See how you want to kill all the girls with your Agbada and Sokoto, so don't even start with me." The class was illuminated by the bright afternoon sun, just as the air-conditioner whizzed softly.

"Sure, but your own case is undeniably better. We should leave now."

K.C and Dotun were already out of the class when K.C stopped abruptly.

"What's up, K.C?"

"We haven't seen Fisayo today. That is really awkward."

Dotun smiled and folded his arms. "Since Year One, K.C. When will you stop liking this girl? Haba!"

"Guy, I don't know. I just need to see.. "

K.C would never complete that statement.

He and Dotun had just bumped into an angel in Fisayo. Dotun mouthed a 'Wow'. K.C heart raced so fast to the extent that no cheetah would have been able to keep up with his pace. He was speechless.

"Hello boys! I didn't see you at the hall. Just had to find you both to make sure all was O.K. How are you doing?"

"You look stunning." shot out from K.C's mouth.

Fisayo cocked her head coyly and said thanked K.C. Then she added, "Sorry, I can't wait. I have to get back to the hall. My stage presentation is commencing soon. See you!" With a smile, she glided back to the hall. Not long after she turned her back to them, Dotun raised both eyebrows and smiled at K.C. K.C smiled and looked away.

"Don't just start."

"Too late. Baba is in love."

"Don't let me catch you."

On their way to the hall, they discussed football. By the time they got to the hall, Fisayo's presentation had reached it's climax. The spacious school hall was filled to the brim with ardent spectators. The green and white decorations, as seen on the national flag, adorned the oval hall. On stage, Fisayo glowed like a latent diamond. K.C and Dotun were held spellbound.

"I always knew she had many talents. I just never counted acting to be one of them." K.C said loudly, trying to compete with the racuous applause slowly building up.

"I know, right?" Dotun replied.

K.C caught sight of a pretty, light-skinned girl sharing the stage with Fisayo. She looked strikingly familiar; K.C could not just place the name.

"Say, Dotun, Do you know that fair girl on stage, the one dancing right now, left of Fisayo?" He said as he pointed in the unknown girl's direction.

Dotun stifled a laugh. "How can you not know Jessica Etteh? She's in our class, and we've been in session for two weeks. Don't tell me Fisayo is the only girl you ever notice in your life." K.C prodded Dotun in the shoulder playfully. The atmosphere surrounding the hall seemed to heat up with each passing second.