HIDDEN

Chapter 16

Mrs. Okafor began to teach.

Chimamanda looked at Mia and thought, "She clearly winced when I touched her back to wake her up in class before she actually woke up.... I remember telling her not to go to the alley yesterday. Did she hurt herself there?.... Why is she lying though? I don't get what she's trying to hide. Wasn't Dale mad at her before?"

Chimamanda put those thoughts behind and faced her studies.

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RIIIIIIINNGG!!! Went the bell. It was time for lunch.

"Hey Mia. You're sure you're okay?" Chimamanda asked concerned.

"Yeah", Mia lied, then thought about it. "But I do have a question.... Do you know anything about the gods?"

"Huh? Why are you asking this all of a sudden?" Chimamanda asked confused.

"Nothing really, it's just... that project that we did on Greek gods really got my attention."

"You're seriously hung up on a past project? Eh, whatever.... I don't actually know much about Greek gods."

"What about the gods of your place?"

"The gods of Nigeria?.... Honestly, different tribes had different gods. I'm Igbo so I only know the ones of my tribe. We basically had gods for a lot of things. I don't know their names. The only one I remember is Amadioha, god of thunder. Nowadays, people stopped worshipping them and divided into Christianity and Islam. I'm a Christian though, Catholic to be precise."

Mia contemplated on it.

Chimamanda chuckled, "I didn't expect you to be so interested."

"I-It's just fascinating", Mia said forcing a smile.

Chimamanda noticed and immediately changed the subject.
"We should get going before the line in the cafeteria gets too long", she said grabbing her bag.

"Yeah", Mia said a little distant.

They both went out of the classroom when Brandon caught up with them.

"Here are my two favorite girls", he said putting his arms around them while staying in the middle.

"I know you're not talking about us", Chimamanda said removing his hand from her shoulder.

"Why do you always have to be so mean", Brandon said pouting.

Mia also removed his hand gently from her shoulder then remembered something, "Oh yeah. Remember when you came early today,... who was the girl that came after you."

"Oh you mean Cathy?" Brandon said recalling.

"Cathy?" Mia asked.

"Yeah, Cathy Forger. You know, the girl with straight long blonde hair in a pony tail and blue eyes."

"Oh.... Umm I was wondering if she saw what Dale gave me. I really don't have the strength to explain things to her", Mia wondered.

"Well, I don't think she saw anything though. She may have heard your voices but she came in when you already hid it. I just happened to see it by chance", Brandon clarified.

"That's a relief", Mia thought then decided to ask, "You suddenly came to us, is there a problem?"

Brandon looked offended, "Do I always have to have a reason before I talk to you guys?"

"Well...." Chimamanda said recalling their previous chats.

"Ok ok, I get it. Today is your lucky day though. I'm going to sit with you guys in the cafeteria."

"Why?" Chimamanda asked confused.

"Can't I just sit with you guys?" Brandon inquired, he then calmed down, sighed and said, "You always stay alone, just the two of you. A little company wouldn't hurt."

Mia was a little touched.

"That's sweet and all but what's the real reason you're here", Chimamanda asked sternly.

Brandon groaned, "Ok. The real reason I came is because, my buddies are mad at me for accidentally making them lose a game, so they kicked me off the table just for today. So pleeaase, can I sit with you guys. I actually really meant what I said."

"Don't you have other friends?" Chimamanda asked.

"Yeah, but I want to stay with you guys."

"Stop being mean", Mia giggled, "Its alright. You can come."

"Nice!" Brandon said walking ahead of them.

Mia came to Chimamanda and whispered, "You're really something."

"Don't worry, I know him too well", Chimamanda whispered back.

"How do you know him when you've been here for like three weeks."

"Ummm, did I say three weeks? More like since the 7th grade."

"What?"

"I'm sorry for lying. I was actually joking initially, just trying to make some small talk", Chimamanda said laughing awkwardly.

Mia rolled her eyes playfully.

"Oh that's her", someone said in the distance, "Hey, Mia!"

Mia turned to see Roxanne calling and approaching her.

"Oh no", Mia said to herself.....