"Salma, will you go to the dining hall?" Mona asked behind me. The bell had been rung for lunch and students were slowly, but surely leaving their classrooms like ants going to hunt for food. I turned around to face Mona and she was holding a pack of chips with a bottle of Coca-Cola.
"Yes," I responded off-handedly, fishing my phone out of my breast pocket. Phones weren't allowed in class, but they were allowed in the dining hall. Mona quickened her pace and fell in step with mine. We walked to the dining hall, bumping into other students to whom we mumbled some apologies.
Soon, we entered the vast dining hall which was sometimes turned into an assembly hall for public announcements. The seats were being filled up and I spotted a few students queuing up for some snacks. If I hadn't been in a rush this morning, I could have gotten some snacks from Mom's kitchen, but now I had to take the school's own. Everybody knew the school's snacks weren't that good.
"I'm going to find some seats while you get some snacks." And with that, Jennifer sauntered to find a table for two. I grumbled as I joined the queue of students collecting snacks.
The dining hall had a staircase. The top part was where we collected snacks, then you descended to eat. The tables and booths were painted grey while the chairs were white. The walls felt stony, just like the school's name. The floors were tiled with marble tiles of white and grey colours. Everything felt retro, old, yet clean.
Maintenance culture of Ghana.
While the line progressed, I busied myself with my phone. Aaliyah was still MIA on me, and although Mona's words made sense, I was beginning to get tired of sending her thousands of messages without a single reply.
From: Salma at 12:13 p.m.
To: Aaliyah
Hi, can we talk?
I pressed the 'send' button and made up my mind that this was the last message I was sending to Aaliyah. If she did not respond, fine, but it would be damn good if she did.
"Hello?" I felt a hand wave over my face. I snapped out of my reverie and looked up to see a light-skinned boy a few inches taller than me with curly hair cropped neatly. He was giving me the biggest smile ever and even though it irritated me at that moment, I was still gazing at his stupidly handsome face.
"What?" I questioned him, finding his smile which was still growing wider irritating. Weren't his cheekbones hurting?
"Um... choose the snacks you want to eat." The boy said shoving a few packets of chips and biscuits in my face. I smacked them away and he chuckled.
"A large bag of plantain chips and a bottle of Coca-Cola," I said, rummaging through my purse for some money.
"Alright, that will be 5 cedis," the boy said handing me the chips and keeping the bottle of Coke in black polythene.
"No, I don't need it," I replied, stopping him from destroying the environment with a bag of plastic. I handed him a crisp 5 cedi note and took my snacks. Just as I was about to leave for a booth where I spotted Mona munching on her chips, the boy stopped me.
"This semester, you get a hug after taking your snacks," and with that, he spread his arms wide like Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. I backed away from him. Who gives hugs to random strangers in a dining hall?
"Okay, first of all, eww and secondly, who even made that damn law?" I questioned him, planting my hands on my hips, the dripping water from the bottle of Coke making contact with my skin. The chips crackled a bit and I can feel a few people turning to look in our direction.
"Aww, don't be that salty. The school agreed with my friends and me to spread positivity in the school by giving free hugs. Just a little token to change the world."
I laughed a cynical laugh, clapping the bag of chips and Coke together. "Change the world? Boy, what do you know about changing the world?"
"Well, every little act counts," he said philosophically. That sounded like something from Malala Yousafzai.
"How corny," I laughed again. Then, I wiped the smile off my face and moved slowly towards him. I didn't have to tiptoe to reach his ear. And I whispered, "You can't change the world with a hug. Get that through your thick skull."
And with that, I sauntered to my seat, feeling a few eyes travel in my direction. It was then I notice the dining hall was silent and it soon broke into whispers.
Whispers I knew are about my little encounter with a Malala Yousafzai wannabe.
I tried to zone out of the hall and just enjoy my snacks in peace. I was not one to give a tuppence about what people thought of me. But I did care about what my friends and family thought of me. I could feel the eyes of Mona bore holes in my bowed head.
"What?" I asked, not able to contain myself anymore. I looked up to see a smirk on Jennifer's face. She had already downed her bottle of Coca-Cola with a few chips in a bag. Her phone was on the table and whatever was on my face, it sure was fascinating her.
"I just can't believe you talked to Rahim like that."
Rahim.
So that was the boy's name. It sounded like a nice name, but come on, giving hugs to random people wasn't the best move, Rahim.
"What about him?"
"He's like the most optimistic boy in the school and everybody treats him like gold. He's so nice. I can't believe you spoke to him like that."
"Listen, Mona, you know I don't like an invasion of privacy, and come on, that boy - Rahim, was all up in my space. Just to get a hug and change the world. Were his brains abducted by aliens or what?"
"It's not his fault. That's what he believes in, and he managed to stop a student from killing himself last semester," Mona argued.
"Oh, so now he's a superhero. Well, I don't care. No hug means no hug." I said with a sense of finality, picking at my chips with a pout on my lips.
"But Salma, he was totally checking you out," Mona said, wiggling her eyebrows. I shot her daggers.
"Were your brains abducted by aliens, or you're trying to get on my nerves?"
"No, I'm being honest."
"Yeah, right. Somebody I met in less than an hour and had a bad encounter with me would be checking me out. Totally normal," I retorted, sarcasm oozing like a fresh cut on the lip.
"Don't fight it. You're beautiful so it shouldn't be hard for someone to check you out. Besides, you and Rahim would make a cute couple. The both of you are cute and all," Mona replied with a feign of innocence. I gagged in retort. Is this girl okay?
Just when I was about to shoot her a reply, the bell was rung for break over. Students started dispersing from the dining hall, booth by booth. It got to my turn and I had to walk over to the snack bar and put the leftovers in the dustbin. Rahim was still there, saying goodbye to each and every student that passed him by.
And even though it was annoying, they actually responded with smiles. Oh well, too bad he was not going to get that from me. I walked over to the dustbins which had Plastic, Metals & Glass, and then Paper. I put the bottle and pack of chips in the Plastic Dustbin and when I turned to quickly leave without getting the attention of that insufferable boy, he called me.
"Salma!" he called out. I turned to look at him and he had a smirk plastered on his smirk face. I turned around, screaming curses at him in my head. What could he possibly want?
"What do you want?" I questioned, fiddling with my wristwatch. Mona was waiting for me by the exit of the dining hall, checking the time. English Composition started in three minutes, and I was not ready to sprint from the dining hall to the washroom, then the classroom block, and later my own classroom in a record of three minutes.
"I just wanted to say goodbye," he said with a wave and flashed me a smile. A smile that would put Shirley Temple to shame.
I ignored him and walked out of the dining hall, leaving his hand still in the air. He was gaping at me to the giggle of a few passers-by. Seriously, was wrong with him?
_____
Realising there was still some time before Miss Nadia came for the Composition Class, I left the classroom for the washroom. There were a few desks lined before the huge building detached from the main classroom block. Those were for those whose classes were so noisy they could not concentrate.
I sat in the second seat away from the building and busied myself with my phone. Aaliyah had still not answered her text messages. Her phone was switched off, and there was no sign she was ready to communicate. I bowed my head a little, feeling the tears sting my eyes, but I brushed them off with the back of my hand. This wasn't the time to feel like a weakling.
I stayed there for a few minutes and later when I heard a commotion from the classroom block, I sprang to my feet, rushing towards my classroom. One thing about the SS3 Block was that it was on the fourth floor which wasn't a convenient thing. Couldn't they just build the blocks separately?
When I reached my classroom, out of breath, panting like a dog, I felt myself colliding with something. Or someone.
"I'm sorry," I mumbled, picking up some books scrambled on the floor and a pair of spectacles. While arranging them, my eyes landed on a Lesson Notebook, some guidelines on essay writing, Those glasses could belong to only one person -- Miss Nadia. I quickly picked the books up and handed her the spectacles.
"Miss Salma, I see you're now a boulder," she said, trying to feign anger, but I could see a smile crack her face.
"My apologies Miss Nadia, I'll send the books to class," and without waiting for her response, I skedaddled to class, dropping her books on the table.
"Miss Nadia is coming!" Ronald, the Class Prefect whispered, but in a way, everyone could hear. Miss Nadia wasn't one you would call strict, but she was known for her legendary punishments such as raising your hands till you cried throughout the entire lesson, balancing a bucket of water on your head from the SS3 block to the Boarding House (which by the way was like Sunyani to Kumasi without traffic)
She was just 25 years, but it felt she had been teaching at Stonewall School for ages. She was the daughter of one of the board members of the school and an alumnus. I thought she was a bad teacher, but she's actually efficient. She knew her stuff and made Composition actually fun.
Soon, the shuffling of Miss Nadia's famous flat shoes were heard and the class fell silent. Someone shouted "Class Greet" and the entire class chorused in greetings. I moved to my seat and stopped in my tracks. Seated on my desk with an insufferable smirk plastered on his stupid face and my backpack rested on his laps was Rahim.
"And we meet again," he said . My hands curled into fists, my nails digging into my skin. What did he want from me?
"Just leave my seat," I demanded, trying to intimidate him. I moved closer to my desk -- a smooth grey table with a marble surface, a white metallic chair painted with oil paint and a locker below the table. It was a double desk, but nobody sits by me. My backpack is the only companion I need.
"Salma, does there seem to be a problem?" Miss Nadia questioned. I shook my head no and sat by Rahim. He only flashed me one of his smiles, and I snatched my bag away from him. I looked up from my desk and spotted more than ten pairs of eyes, including the four eyes of Miss Nadia, watching my little 'show' with Rahim.
"Are you okay?" Miss Nadia asked. I nodded and she continued with the class.
Today's lesson was on Narrative essays. She gave us a class exercise, and after submission, the bells was rang again for Change Lesson. Miss Nadia halted the class from breaking into their usual "Change Lesson Spirit."
"Settle down, class," she began, throwing glances at Rahim and I. He had been trying to engage me in conversation for the past twenty minutes and had been called out by Miss Nadia for a million times. She waited until everyone was silent before continuing with whatever she wanted to say. "Ever since you gained admission to Carters', there has been this presentation from your predecessors. They are given a topic to write on in groups and present it on their graduation. The best is published in the school magazine and you know the rest. For some reasons, the school scrapped it out of its usual routine, but now it's back."
The entire class broke into loud whispers as everyone discussed what Miss Nadia just said.
"I can't wait to show my writing skills," Rahim said, spreading his arms wide like he did in the dining hall, but this time, he leaned his hands against the back of our desks, stretching his legs. I rolled my eyes, eagerly waiting for Miss Nadia to continue.
"This batch is expected to write an essay on how this school year has impacted them, particularly their group member. However, now it's just going to be two people so working can become seamless. You're given from now till the end of your WASSCE to submit your essays and read them on your graduation. So, make it count. Your partner is the person sitting next to you on your desk. Goodbye. An e-mail will be sent out to your parents."
And with that, Miss Nadia strutted out the class, her curls bouncing after her. Afiba, the cupboard monitor followed closely with the exercise books. The class discussed what Miss Nadia announced in class and even though I wasn't looking at him, I could tell Rahim was excited.
"So," Rahim announced, stretching his body and later letting out a yawn. "I hope we can work together as partners and make some beautiful literary magic. Time to get our writing juices flowing."
And out of nowhere, he fished out a notebook and started writing his ideas with a ballpoint pen.
"So Salma, what are your ideas?" It was then I knew, this semester was going to be hell. I let out a sigh and dropp my head on the table, turning away from him.
_____
School was over, students crowded around the shop, buying all sorts of snacks. Those who would attend classes would go, and those who didn't want to hang around the Boarding House or the school's stadium.
Mona was gone, and since I didn't want to stay by the boarding house or the stadium, I bought FanMilk's CocoPine and sucked on it while taking a stroll around the school compound. Carters' was a large school and it didn't help matters that it has too many facilities.
I passed by the Science Lab, the Library which overlooked the school garden, the classroom blocks and later the football field. A few boys were playing football while some delusional girls were ogling over their 'toned abs' and their 'strong muscles'. Eww.
Tired, I sat on the grass, and spread my school books on the ground. I might as well get some work done while waiting for Mom. She was probably at the hospital, getting her antenatal checkup like she said she would.
Just as I took my pen from my side pocket, I feel the hot breath of someone, glide down my neck. I raised my head from the grass and find Rahim smiling at me.
"Okay, now I'm convinced you're a full time stalker," I stood up from the grass, dusting my dress.
"I just like you," Rahim declared, plopping onto the grass.
"But that doesn't give you the audacity to go all up in my space."
"Salma, I just want to get to know you. Is that too hard to ask?"
"Fine. My name's Salma Mohammed. I'm sixteen years old. I attend Carters' School of Arts and Sciences and I'm currently in SS3. I want to study law and I run a YouTube channel on politics. There, are you happy?" I said with an exasperated sigh.
"Not quite," he said, shaking his head.
"What else do you need to know?"
"Why are your eyes so sad? Why do you look so angry? Are you lonely?" The audacity this boy had was legendary. So now, he went around asking stupid questions.
"It's either you have a hyperactive imagination or you just want to get on my nerves," I replied, packing my bag. I've just spotted Mom's car.
"Where are you going?"
"Home. My car's in."
"I'll go with you. We need to brainstorm on our essay," Without even waiting for a 'yes' or 'no', he picked up his bag, hiked it on his shoulders and followed me. This had to be the worst day of my life.
I dashed to the car, but he followed closely.
"Hello, Miss..." Rahim trailed off when we get to the car. She removes her sunglasses and smiled at Rahim. Her eyes look less puffy and she was refreshed.
"It's Janet," she stretched her hand out for a handshake and Rahim kissed her hand. I gagged, rolling my eyes at his display of chivalry. Didn't he hear chivalry is dead?
"You're very beautiful, and so is Salma. It's such a pity she's too serious," he said, ending his statement with laughter. Mom did same and I felt they didn't know I was around. I cleared my throat, climbing the back seat.
"Well, that's how she is, but she's got a heart of gold," she whispered, but she knew I heard it.
"Umm, Miss Janet, can I hop in your car? Salma and I have been paired for an essay and we have to start brainstorming," Rahim asked.
"Sure, hop in." Rahim immediately gestured for me to scoot, and I didn't. He shrugged, turned to the other side and hopped in, sitting by me.
"This is going to be a fun ride," he said, stretching his muscles.
Oh God, give me the strength to overcame the temptation of pulling this jerk's hair!
_____
CocoPine is a product of FanMilk which blends the flavours of coconuts and pineapples.
_____
Hello everyone, I hope you're enjoying the story. I had a blast writing it and I hope you show your support. Kindly take time to vote, comment, and follow me. Also, add this story to your reading list so you're always notified of a new upload.
Secondly, I try my best to let this story flow freely. I'm trying to improve on my writing, so please be kind in the comments.
Also, tell me what you think of Rahim and Salma?
What do you think of Janet? What of Salma's encounter in the dining hall?
Have you ever felt you were drifting apart from your best friend? How did you feel?
Were you ever given some sort of essay to prepare and read on your graduation?
Thank you for reading this chapter! See you in the next chapter. It's goodbye for now!!!