Chapter five
Bernice's POV
I was at school earlier than usual because my childhood bestie was coming back to town. Yep, Grace was coming! I missed her like crazy. The memories we shared? Pure chaos. We used to run out of the house completely naked just because… kids are weird. And my mom—poor woman—had to chase us down like a SWAT team to force clothes on us. Sigh, those were the good old days.
But then, she had to go abroad.
Now, before you start picturing Europe, relax. Her "abroad" was just Togo. Yes, you read that right—TOGO. I know, people dream of traveling abroad, but this wasn't the U.S. or Canada or Paris. It was literally our neighbor. You could walk there if you felt energetic enough. And to make things worse, it's smaller than our own country. I can't help but laugh every time I remember that.
Anyway, I got to school at 5:30 AM. Don't ask me why I was that early—okay fine, I already told you why. But really, who comes to school that early? The ghosts probably hadn't even finished their morning meeting. I sat alone, the whole school dead silent, like the calm before a storm.
Then I heard footsteps.
Someone came into the classroom, not realizing anyone was there. He stretched dramatically, yawning like he owned the place. I cleared my throat. Loudly.
COUGH.
He froze like a statue caught stealing meat from the soup. Then, he tried to play it cool, but I saw right through him. Boys and pride? Hmm. Classic.
He came toward the terrace and greeted me. OMG. It was the novel guy! I had asked him about the book once, but—true to Bernice form—I never got his name.
"Good morning," he said.
"Morning," I replied.
"You're quite early today."
"Um, yeah," I nodded. "My childhood friend is coming today so I wanted to…" I stopped. Why was I oversharing? Bernice, zip it! You barely know this guy!
"Okay," he said with a calm smile.
We started talking. I told him how I fell in love with books and how I write poems and short stories. But drama? I hate it. I can't stand pretending to be Queen Mother or Okyeame. Like, please. My imagination is wild, yes, but reading drama is a whole other sport.
I also confessed how I've lived in a Fante town for eight solid years and still can't speak Fante to save my life. Meanwhile, I can speak French. Yes, the language of elegance and kisses. But English? English is the GOAT. No argument there.
His name was Gerald. Tall, calm, a professional listener. I liked him—not like-like, just... liked him. He promised to teach me Fante, but said I had to pay. Ha! I offered to teach him Ewe in return. Deal sealed. No coins exchanged.
Soon, the others started arriving. Clara and Ernest, then Kim and Festus—lovebirds all around. Then he walked in. Yes, David. My heart did a little cartwheel. I swear, if my cheeks get any redder, people will think I've been slapped.
He came over, complimented my outfit like he always does, and I swear my insides melted like butter in a microwave. I had dressed up today because of Grace, but his words hit differently. Then—cue drumroll—Grace arrived!
She stepped out of a pink and black Mercedes Benz like she was in a Netflix original. Gucci dress. Chanel bag. Louis Vuitton shoes. My girl was rich-rich now. The whole school froze like statues. Jaws dropped. It was a moment.
I rushed to her and we hugged like we hadn't seen each other in ten years.
"I missed you, gal," she said.
"I missed you more!" I replied.
"What happened? You're now dripping luxury!"
"My dad got a big promotion," she said casually.
I introduced her to Clara, Kim, and their boyfriends. Then she turned to me and asked, "Bernice, don't you have a boyfriend?"
I almost choked. "I don't oo. Hmm."
"Then you're just like me!" she smiled. Finally! Someone who wouldn't third-wheel me.
During break, I left the group to read, because books are my escape. But peace? No, peace said goodbye. David came over. Again.
"Hey," he said.
"Hi," I replied, barely looking up.
"What are you doing?"
I looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Are you blind? I'm reading."
He chuckled. "Okay."
He sat beside me and we chatted for a bit. Then, the handkerchief drama began. He noticed my handkerchief looked like his and started panicking. Only to later find his in his pocket. Boy really thought I was out here stealing handkerchiefs.
Then he asked, "If you forgot your hanky and I had one—already used—would you use mine?"
I blinked. "Is it clean?"
"Nope. Used."
"Then it depends," I said, raising one brow.
I wasn't sure if he was flirting or trying to gross me out. Either way, it was weirdly cute.
We started watching a K-drama on my phone. He lost interest halfway—he's not into that stuff. But me? I was invested. K-dramas are my therapy. Eventually, we returned to class.
Sadly, my friends and I do different programs, so I had my last class alone. It was painfully boring. I had to fight sleep like it was a WWE match. But I need that perfect GPA for my dream school. I'm only in SHS 1, but a girl's gotta plan!
Finally, school was over. Grace's driver came to pick her up in that fancy Benz. Meanwhile, I walked home with Clara and Kim like usual. No cars, no AC—just foot and gossip.
Still, I couldn't help smiling. Grace was back. Gerald was cool. And David... well, he was a walking confusion wrapped in charm. Let's see how tomorrow goes.