Sing Of A Tree In The Wild

Serendipity

Now, I'm beginning to get worried.

It's been three days since Elfrida left for her village for God-knows-what and she hasn't returned. How long is she going to be away? I really need an answer to that. I'm in school, and once again I'm scanning for her. This time, I'm conscious of it. I am moving ahead with my head tilted to the side, searching, when I bump into someone.

"Speak of the devil, Dennis." Ehis says, Najite standing beside him.

Urgghhh.

I exchange pleasantries with Najite, who decides to leave me and Dennis alone to discuss. I guess I should annoy Ehis a bit. He seriously needs to be whined. Again.

"When did you leave Hadiza for Najite? Enh?" I say and smile, much to Ehis' displeasure.

"Not funny, Dennis. And my, I see you're looking for someone..." He trails off, feigning seriousness, with his hands in his pockets. I hate this boy.

"I haven't seen her in school this week. She travelled."

Everyone's moving out for break. I'm outside my class right now, gazing at the expanse of green below me.

"Travelled?"

"Yeah. I don't know why she hasn't returned yet."

Ehis heaves a sigh and takes his hands out of his pockets. "You. You're already missing her. Don't tell me you already fancy her."

"It's not as if I fancy her. I just have this strong desire to know her more. There's something none of us know, and I need to find out."

Ehis reaches out and hits my shoulder. "Guy! Where are you rushing to? You've not even known her for long. You will still do. Small-small. And besides, everyone's moving out for break. Let's go." I must say, Ehis has a point. And man, I'm starving.

We arrive at the cafeteria to get lunch and boy, it's already getting crowded and noisy. We rendezvous with Najite, who now has company in the person of Adunni, her fellow 'Swiftie'. At least, that's what Taylor Swift fans call themselves. The week's menu is favourable; we take our packs and search for available seats. Once again, Najite and Adunni leaves I and Ehis to join other girls. I don't know why girls like keeping to themselves so badly. Come on, boys are also human beings. Mix with us for goodness sake! We don't bite!

"I really don't know why you aren't in the school team, Ehis." I begin as we take our seats. "You've got the talent."

Ehis shakes his head. "You know I live far. And besides, I have other priorities."

"Like Hadiza?" I say sharply. Ehis gives me a straight. I can tell he's not faking this time.

"It's not funny. But, on second thought, she's actually a priority." He gulps down his bottle of water. This boy isn't serious at all. "And moreover, my test results aren't encouraging. Asides Chemistry, I didn't do so well in other subjects. If you were in my shoes, your priority would be doing excellently well in the exams. I'll consider it later."

Truly, he has a point. "Later as in Year Six?" I ask.

"I guess. But then, we'll be facing WAEC."

I don't have to say anything at this point. The football team is a no-no for my friend, Ehis. Honestly, if Coachie is going to bench Isaac, the best winger we have, Ehis would have been a good replacement. I mean, they both have pace and stamina. Right now, I just have to pray that things go in the team's favour tomorrow.

Out of the blue, after eating in silence for a long period, Ehis nodges me. "Dennis."

"Huh?"

He motions to my back. Turning to look behind me, I behold the very last person I want to see. Instantly, I turn back to my food. I'm not in the mood to discuss with her right now.