"It's not what you think", Mia said trying to explain while snatching it from Brandon's hand.
"It all makes sense", Brandon said standing still.
Mia became anxious. "What makes sense?" she asked thinking of how to come up with an explanation.
"I always had my doubts but now I'm sure.... Dale must be the son of an Underworld Mafia Drug Lord!" (someone that loves watching Mafia movies and mangas).
"What?" Mia and Chimamanda were dumbfounded in unison.
Dale was coming towards the class then paused for a while as if he heard something. With a confused expression on his face, he went back to the restroom.
"Like it makes so much sense", Brandon continued seriously, "That's why we've never seen his parents. His dad must be the Mafia boss. Because of this position, he wasn't able to show affection to his son and often neglected him. Due to the tough environment he lived in, he became indifferent and rude so that he won't be seen as weak."
Mia and Chimamanda looked at him weirdly, wondering where the story was going.
"He must have been angry with his old man so he decided that the only way to get back at him was to overthrow him as the new underworld drug lord. Being quiet was just his cover. No one would ever suspect the quiet kid. Using this to his advantage, he began to make drug deals secretly, starting from this school. (Gasp) Roxanne and Nathan must be his partners, distributing the goods to higher classes. It should be, because they always walk back home in the same direction. They may be going to their underground hideout- lair or something. "
"So what are you insinuating?", Mia asked basically lost at this point.
"You must be one of his clients", Brandon gasped while referring to Mia, "I don't know you that well so you may be purchasing his contents at early school hours. No wonder I always see you early in class."
Mia tried to figure out whether he was just joking or actually being serious.
"So everything you just said makes sense to you?", Chimamanda asked stupefied, "And for your information, she's not always early, you're just always late."
"Well, what other explanation do you have. Mine can be a possibility", Brandon said proudly.
"I don't know but it can't be that exaggerated. Even Mia looks confused", Chimamanda went on, "Let's just allow her to explain."
They both looked at her, awaiting an explanation. Mia panicked but tried to remain calm.
"I've been feeling a little sick lately and my mum gave me some medicine to take in school in addition to the ones I take at home since she's a nurse", Mia lied, " Yesterday, I mistakenly left it in class. Dale happened to come to class and see it on my desk. He gave it back to me figuring it was mine."
Brandon immediately believed but Chimamanda was skeptical.
Mia noticed this and proceeded to say, "I'm sorry, I didn't want to bother anyone so I pretended to be okay. I usually take the medicine in the bathroom so no one would find out."
Chimamanda looked at her then sighed and said, "It's okay. You should have said something sooner. I hope you get better."
Mia chuckled nervously, "It's not that serious but thanks."
"Huh. So that means I was waaay off with my analysis", Brandon realised.
"You think", Mia and Chimamanda said in unison.
Just then their form teacher walked in and Brandon speedily went back to his seat. "I gotta go. Bye." He said as he left.
Mrs. Okafor looked at him suspiciously. His head was bent, nervously staring at the book in front of him.
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.
~■~
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.....