Things We See Yet Ignore (WEB)

Things We See Yet Ignore 2

Samuel sighed as he watched his classmates play soccer in the open field. He loved soccer, but he couldn't admit that to his mother because that would mean her getting to wash all those clothes alone, which he just couldn't bear. So for now, he would have to spare his own dreams for his mother.

As he sat on his seat during break, he realized how fast the weekend flew by and he wasn't able to talk to Adaobi as much as he had wanted.

He saw her on Saturday, but it seemed like she was busy with chores. And basically, that was his only free time so he had decided to use it for something much more meaningful — football.

Every step he took while he was on the field was a whole new level of high. Sometimes, he couldn't help but grin throughout a match. And whenever he announces that he would be playing football, both sides of the game would want him on his team.

He would watch as both teams would argue how it was their turn to have him on their teams. After a good couple of laughs, he usually settled their differences by  making them draw straws or simply remembering the team he played with the last time.

Samuel has had a higher percentage of winnings than looses and that Saturday afternoon was no different.

'Samuel. It's break, let's go play.' A boy in Samuel's class approached Samuel with a ball in hand and asked him as soon as it was break time.

Samuel laughed and replied him. 'You being first to ask doesn't necessarily mean that I would play with your team. But go, I'm not playing today. Tell the guys.' He replied and eyed Adaobi who sat in front arranging her books.

The boy followed his eyes and spotted Adaobi. 'Ooh, I see. I understand. Mhmm.' He started to leave before adding, 'You can come cry to me if she breaks your heart oo. You know she rejects everyone.'

'Oh, get away from here, Joseph.' Samuel tried slapping him but he was long gone.

By the time he was done arranging his bags, Adaobi was ready to leave the class.

'Ada, wait.' He called after her and ran up to her.

'Oh, hey Samuel.' She greeted with a soft smile. It didn't reach her eyes, just like all of her smiles.

Samuel remained quiet as he pondered on what to ask her. She rarely smile, always top of the class, doesn't befriend anyone and always keep everyone at a distance. Was she really alright?

'What is up, Samuel?' She asked shifting her eyes from left to right and clutching her bag handle.

'I saw you yesterday. You were running home happily. Plus, today when the teacher was calling out the results, they didn't call out yours.' A furrow appeared on his forehead — a gesture he makes whenever he was insanely curious. 'Did something happen?'

'Oh?' Adaobi realized that she hadn't told her uncle the good news yet. Would it be alright to Samuel? He was just a friend. Then again, wouldn't the teachers announce it on the assembly grounds?

'Ada?' He called out to her.

'Excuse me, you're both blocking the entrance.' A few students were waiting at the entrance for the two of them.

'Oh sorry.' Samuel apologized and Adaobi bowed. Then, they both paved way for the students to pass.

'Shall we go to the canteen? We would be able to sit in peace, but no so quiet,' they both laughed. 'And listen to your story.'

'Yes, I'd like that.'

They both walked to the canteen and got themselves some refreshments. Samuel insisted on paying for her as his way of saying thank you for giving him her time. This made Adaobi laugh, a genuine one.