The boy they couldn't see

Chapter 2: I can see him.

S.S.2 - Senior secondary school 2 (High school)

                    I CAN SEE HIM

I know. I must be evil for smirking at the thought of another's misfortune but if you were me, you'd most probably understand why I did that.

Adebayo Ladipo was the only student at our school who couldn't afford the school fees. A kid who had been lucky enough to win a scholarship to attend one of the prestigious and elite schools in Nigeria. To me, he was nothing out of the ordinary but most teachers at our school would counter that.

The bottom line is I, Kamharida Godwin used to be the top student in all of S.S.2 but I was pushed to second after his arrival. I've spent the last two years following him from behind. The first time I went home with the position of second in my result, dad gave me an earful. Everyone in my family belonged to the category of being first and dad wouldn't tolerate otherwise from me... so, I smirked when I heard my worst nightmare might soon be over.

A silent sigh eluded my lips as I momentarily looked down, trying to put a halt to my rampant thoughts. I was in class and it would be really helpful if I could pay attention instead of filling my mind with thoughts of someone I'd never concerned myself with.

I watched as the female teacher scribbled a few things on the whiteboard and soon, her attention was back on the students. I looked my side, two columns before mine and my gaze fell on the vacant seat that had once been occupied. Staring continuously, at nothing in particular, I felt a strange wave of guilt. Suddenly, I lowered my eyes, rejecting such feelings entirely.

It's not my fault.

I told myself repeatedly and raised my eyes once more. Steadily, they widened at the sight of him seated on his seat, arms folded, his legs up on his desk and his focus on the teacher. He wore ordinary clothes. I couldn't look away. I was in shock. I recall Laila telling me of his accident and how he's presently comatose.

How... How is he here?

He turned his head and our eyes met. I felt glued. I found it hard to look away and he didn't look away as well. The longer he stared, it seemed he found something out. I noticed how his brows calmly narrowed, a clear expression of confusion.

Suddenly, I lowered my eyes, gulping down immediately. The beating of my heart was starting to accelerate. Fear was slowly engulfing me.

He can't be here. I have to be seeing things.

To satisfy my assertion, I looked at his direction once more and he was gone. There was no sign of him. I was right. My eyes played a trick on me. I placed a hand on the left side of my chest to keep my heartbeat in check and decided to pay more attention to the teacher in class.

I paid so much attention that every other thought was blocked out.

"Rida." I heard my name and turned to the boy seated by my side.

"Did you call me?" I asked and he shook his head before returning his attention to the teacher. Something felt eerie but I overlooked it anyways and returned my attention to the teacher.

"Rida."

This time, I looked back and Laila smiled at me. I smiled back.

"Did you call me?" I asked and she furrowed her brows as she shook her head.

"No, but I wish someone would call Mrs Matthews and free me from this boredom." She complained and all I did was a nod to her statement as I lowered my eyes, looking away in the process and feeling more uncomfortable than earlier.

I looked up. "Can you see me?"

Instantly, in a startle, I stood up, jerking back and forcing the attention of everyone on me.

There he squatted, in front of my desk, staring back at me, his eyes searching for a reply from me.

"Rida, what's the matter?" Mrs Matthews questioned as she witnessed what just happened. I shifted my eyes onto her, my breathing abnormalized. Fear and panic took over me.

"Please excuse me. I... I need to use the restroom." I told her and hurried my way out of the class regardless of the minor side talks that started to fill the classroom.

... and now...

Sobbing, I buried my face in my palms without having enough guts to move an inch or look up.

"Please go away. I beg of you." I sobbed.

"I promise, I'll never harbour such horrible thoughts ever again." I pleaded and hoped with all my heart that my plea would pave a way for my safety. This has to be a dream. He can't... he can't possibly be here.

"Horrible thoughts?" The familiar voice repeated and it only sent shivers down my spine.

"Rida, I don't know what you're talking about. I... I can't believe you can see me."

"What do you mean? Please stop talking to me? I don't want to hear anymore. Please don't haunt me for something I never put into action. I only made a few wishes. I didn't know you'll get hurt. Please don't kill me." I pleaded without daring to unbury my face out of my palms. I sobbed nonstop.

"I'm not going to kill you. I don't even know how to do that. Rida, look at me."

His comment held all the words I needed to hear but I couldn't seem to throw away fear and take a look at him.

"Look at me." He urged once more and this time, his words felt nicer. Nice enough for me to trust him.

"You promised alright," I mentioned before slowly lowering my hand away from my face and eventually opening my eyes to a sight of him in front of me.

Though still a bit fearful, I couldn't help analyzing him. He had his usual black, neat and low-trimmed hair, his dark skin and his height of an inch or two taller than I was. His features were the same but his uniform was absent.

"Rida." Mrs Matthews called from the entrance and I watched as she and a few more people strolled into the restroom.

"Are you okay? Why did you scream?" She queried, worry laced in her eyes and voice.

"It's because of him." I was quick to confess as I pointed at Bayo who looked back at me.

I watched as Mrs Matthews and the few students around looked the direction I'd pointed.

"Who are you talking about?" Laila questioned as their gaze returned to me.

"Him." I looked Bayo's side once more and the look in his eyes gradually steadied a realization as I met the faces of Laila and the rest.

They can't see him. He's standing right here and yet, they couldn't see him but I... I can see him.