Chapter Four – Bernice's POV
You know when you wake up and something in your spirit is just like today is going to be wild? That was me. I didn't know why, but I just had a weird feeling in my chest—either I was about to fall in love or catch malaria. It wasn't malaria.
I got ready, did my usual morning routine (bath, brush, complain about life, wear my uniform), and headed downstairs. Mom was already packing food for Atsufi and Atsu while trying to force Samuel to eat his cereal.
Samuel, the seven-year-old energy ball that he is, was running around like the house was a playground.
"Samuel! Come and sit down and eat!" my mom shouted.
"I'm not hungry," he said, doing a whole action movie stunt across the living room.
That boy needs a full-time referee, not a mother.
I greeted everyone and gave Mom a quick hug. Dad was already outside, loading the car and calculating how he could survive another day dropping those three chaos agents at school. I waved goodbye, picked a taxi, and headed to school.
When I got to the gate, I literally bumped into David.
Okay… not literally literally, but close. I was checking my lip gloss in my compact mirror, and boom—there he was.
"Morning," he said with that deep voice of his. I swear that voice has bass like a speaker at a wedding reception.
"Hey, David," I said, trying to keep my cool. (Meanwhile, my heart was dancing azonto.)
"You look nice," he added.
Ah. Again with the compliments. What does this boy want? Does he want to marry me or what?
"Thanks," I said, brushing invisible dust off my skirt and trying not to blush… again.
As we walked to class together, he suddenly asked, "So… do you read all the time?"
This boy and this reading matter. Is it a crime now?
"Yeah. Books are kind of my thing," I said.
"Wow," he said. "I don't like reading at all."
Gasp. I nearly tripped.
I stared at him in horror. "Wait—at all?"
He nodded, totally unbothered.
Ladies and gentlemen, I almost fainted.
"So what do you even do for fun?" I asked, holding my books like a disappointed mother.
"I play games… and sleep," he said, smiling like he'd just invented relaxation.
I sighed dramatically. "You're hopeless."
He laughed. "Don't worry, you can teach me how to read one day."
"I'll consider it," I said with an eye roll, secretly pleased. I mean… that's kind of cute.
We reached class and went our separate ways. I sat down with Clara and Kim, who were already whispering and giggling.
"Was that David?" Clara asked with a smirk.
"Uhh, yes?" I replied, pretending not to know what she was talking about.
"You're blushing," Kim added.
"No, I'm not!" I said, fanning my face like I was in a telenovela.
Class went by fast. David was acting normal for once, and thank God he wasn't staring at me like I was the last jollof rice on the table. But something told me I'd see him again before the day ended. And I was right.
During lunch, my friends ran off with their boyfriends again. I was left with my spaghetti and thoughts, so I decided to eat in peace and quiet. But peace and quiet don't exist in my world.
David showed up.
He just appeared. Like a ghost. But a ghost with sneakers.
"Can I sit?" he asked.
Did I have a choice?
"Sure," I said, chewing slowly.
"Why don't you ever talk to me?" he asked.
Eiii. Emotional damage.
"I do talk to you," I said.
"No, you avoid me," he said, laughing a little.
Maybe I do avoid him. But not on purpose. Okay maybe a little on purpose. I don't know what it is about David. He's just… confusing. Sometimes quiet, sometimes too bold, and other times just—staring like he's solving a mystery.
We talked for a bit, mostly about school and how boring Mr. Douglas' class is (don't tell him I said that). Then he asked something that almost made me choke on my spaghetti.
"Are you single?"
Pause.
Why?
What do you want to use that information for?
"Yeah… why?" I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.
"No reason. Just asking."
Boy, if you don't—
Before I could react, Festus came to call me. I quickly said goodbye and escaped before my heart decided to betray me again.
After school, as usual, the lovebirds walked home while I acted like the cool independent one who didn't need a boyfriend. But deep down, I was like, "God, is my own coming or…?"
At home, I greeted Mom, who was frying plantains. The smell nearly made me scream. Atsufi ran to me the moment I entered.
"Bernice!! Come let's watch MSA!"
I dumped my bag and followed her to the living room. We cuddled up on the couch and started watching. She's the only person who gives me peace in this world. I told her everything that happened—David, the drama, the compliments, the "Are you single?" question.
She gasped like a pro.
"Maybe he likes you!" she whispered like we were in a spy movie.
I giggled. "I don't know what they want ooo."
"Well, you're smart and pretty. Maybe they just see it."
I hugged her. "Thanks, Atsufi."
Even if she's only ten, that girl is pure gold.