HIM

CHAPTER 5

That evening I avoided any company home. I felt like I needed that walk alone, it serves to ease me most of the times. The competition was still days away, there was nothing new...

Well no, there was something new; Flen was right ahead of me. Seeming like he had been waiting for me all this while.
"Hey, how are you? " he asked me.
"Am fine, what's up? Waiting for anyone? " I tried to sound polite for once.

"Yes, apparently she's here already."

"Wait, you ain't talking about me, right? " I asked checking my back if there was anyone around.

"I don't need to answer that I believe. But let me just ask, why were you so rude to me at the party? "
Wow! That was such a great quiz.

"Asks the one who called me a baby, " I told him in return.

"Linn, do you think you are beautiful? "
Ouch!! That hurt.

"Am I supposed to answer that? I mean, that's just a direct insult thrown to my face. Flen, you're so mean! " I replied feeling so angry. Then I started walking away; and I bet I was almost in tears before I had a hand pull my wrists.

"Well, am not talking that gesture politely. Come along with me. "

"Flen, you just insulted me and here you're holding me in the name of I should go along with you. Aren't you ashamed? "

"Linn, it's not what you think, OK? Just come along with me, please. Please Linn, it's a polite request. Will you? "

That sounded genuine, but why did he want me to follow him? Why was he being nice all over a sudden? Weird!

"Fine, I will, but no more insults. "
It's not that I took it lightly, no. Maybe it was just the fact that everyone is allowed to have their opinion. Flen thought I wasn't...,no need to say it. Fine.
No words were spoken after that, he just took my hands and maintained the lead. Though it felt strange having someone hold my hand, it's only my Mum...
Oh God! What will my Mum think if I don't get home early? I've never done that before, not without May at least. But this was Flen!

"My Mum is going to get angry if I don't get home early, " I managed to speak out.

"Don't worry, it won't be long, I promise," he spoke with a lot of ease.

"Can I trust you on that? "

"Linn, I made a promise. I'll keep it, let's just go."
That was reassuring enough.

"Would it be bad if I asked you where we are going?" I asked him.

"Patience dear, you'll see when we get there," he smirked.
Patience? I guess am not one with such thing.
We walked silently for about ten minutes, then he stopped right in front of a river.
"Here we are," he said looking at me.

"Wow! It's beautiful! How did you find this place? "

"Stupid question, " he replied.
Yeah, he'd used that against me.

"Fine then, what are we to do here then? "
"Come, sit beside me," he said motioning to a small clearing next to him.
I had no objection.
"Well, you know, this is my favorite place. I do come here so often,almost daily. Just to admire the beautiful sunset, the peace and tranquility this environment offers, I mean I just love this place," he said not looking any disturbed, but in a tranquil manner.
And for the first time, I realized he was really handsome. He had a mahogany black hair, short and neat; deep brown eyes, full lips which I guess were soft... I mean, he was handsome. Maybe that's what Daisy had seen in him.

Yes, he was right. This place was beautiful. The sun was almost setting, it's reflection peering through the woods, and into the water leaving a shimmer.
"Why did you bring me here? "
"I just thought you'd like it, or you don't so we can get going? "

"Actually I love it. Am only wondering why you had me bring you here. Or is this the place you bring every other person you think is not beautiful?"

"No, you're the first person I've ever been with to this place. I come here alone. But Linn, that was not an insult, believe me. "

Oh, so anyone should just ask you if you think you're beautiful and expect you to take that as a remark. What a strange world!
"What was it then,a compliment? "

"Hey, let's go or I won't have to answer if you get home late," he spoke as he stood up and wiped the dirt off his pants.
He was right, but why did he evade my question? Was there something hidden about it?
We walked away silently again, not holding hands this time though. I think he was the quiet kind probably.
I stopped at our gate and was about to say goodbye when something stopped me. Instead, I ushered him in.
"Come on, you want to know where I stay, don't you? "
"I wouldn't mind, " he replied with a grin.
I don't know what my mother would think about him, but at least she'd hold that am responsible. Letting your Mama see your friends is kind of a really responsible choice.
She was in the kitchen when we got inside the house. Our house wasn't a big luxurious kind, it was the normal, well maintained house,with all the basics needed to make it a house.

"Mum, am home... with a visitor." The last bit kind of heavy to bring out. But I wasn't a bad girl anyway, or so I thought.
"How was school today honey? " she asked me so sweetly.
"It was OK mum, any coffee? "
"Well, there's plenty on the kitchen table, " she replied taking a step towards Flen.
"Hello young man."
"Good evening Ma'am,am Flen Norman, a friend to your daughter. "
So I didn't even know Flen's surname till today.
"She must've told you am Anne Armor, her mother definitely. Have a seat. Linn! Bring your friend a cup of coffee."

No, I haven't Mum.
I walked in with two cups, one was mine and the other was Flen's. They talked for a while before he excused himself and left us.
"Thanks for your warm welcome, the coffee was good, " he said before turning his back.
"Welcome again Flen, " my mother said in return.
Again? Mum!
"Goodnight Flen, " that's all I could say.
"Goodnight. "
"Well Linn, am glad you brought your friend home. But I just want you to be careful with him, OK? " Mum was speaking again.
"He's not a bad boy, don't worry. Besides, we're just friends. "
"I didn't say he is, I only said be careful with him. You can trust no one these days. "
"OK fine. "