THE EXTERNALS

Chapter Twenty-Six

Just as Bene Repo took a few steps out of the house, he turned back with a smile and we finished accessing the list of the students that would follow us for the trip. Of course, I had to include Sukurat's name like Bene wanted because I didn't want to seem selfish and didn't like seeing him unhappy. Jess was wrong when she said I hated the girl because she derived joy in disturbing Bene Repo. I disliked her unruliness and couldn't wait for her to prove my point, so I can boldly tell him, "I told you so" to his face.

Bene and Jess left Omma's place around 4pm so they could go help their moms with preparing dinner while I returned. Omma claimed she was impressed with my achievement so she decided to make me yam pottage for dinner. Then after I've gulped down the last bit of that which was dished on my plate, she told me how she got the ingredients she used in preparing it....from Zach. Can you believe that?

God! I was tempted to bite her for what she did! I don't know how I was able to deal with a friend that solely depends on male figures to survive. Arghhhh!

She was the reason I had to knock on the door of Zach's apartment with a raging mind and trembling hands. She was the one that made me do what I didn't want to do. She was the one who put me in an awkward situation. She was the only devil in my life that could be seen physically!!!!!

"Hey, Lily", Zach tapped me after opening the door to his apartment to get my attention since I already turned my back on it.

"Hi", I got a hold of myself.

"It's so good to see you", He smiled like someone who just won a jackpot.

"Thanks", I used my right hand to clean a non-existent stain on my skirt, due to nervousness.

"How may I help you?" He sounded polite.

"Nothing. I just came to see you because you didn't look okay this morning", I muttered words my lips didn't originally plan to tell him.

"Oh. Thanks so much. I'm so sorry for what happened earlier", He didn't finish a sentence completely before adding the others.

"It's okay", I subconsciously held one of his hands. "Omma also told me you paid for our dinner. Thanks".

"Come on, that's nothing compared to how happy you make me", He blurted out and an awkward silence ensued between us.

"Babe, you're still here ni? Oga oo. I go love oo", Omma's voice killed the silence.

"I have to go now", Both of us pretended not to have heard what Omma said.

"A pretty lady like you shouldn't be left to walk alone in the dark", He got ready to keep me company, despite my hesitation.

On Tuesday, both the club members we chose and didn't choose for the trip came to school since we planned on meeting there to begin our rehearsals. I suggested chasing them away but Bene pleaded to let them be so they can learn one or more things as well. Funnily enough, the Sukurat I didn't take seriously was the one our principal told to open the gate when he arrived because before everyone else and didn't meet anyone except her. She also swept and arranged the class we were to use for our meeting. She really surprised me. I didn't even know how Bene was able to contact her because neither of her family members owned a phone, and her place was far.