Falling For The Playboy

But the deed was done. People were now whispering and not-so-discreetly pointing at me. The number of eyes on me made my skin itch, making it almost unbearable to be in. I wanted to cry. Badly.

A loud, prolonged hiss rang out, “These girls can disturb for assembly. ” a male voice said.

[These girls can disturb for assembly: These girls talk too much during assembly.]

“Abeg let me hear word. ” a female voice retorted.

[Abeg let me hear word: Please spare me that. ]

“Who’s that one talking to? ”

And so they began, successfully deviating from the topic. Although not for long. They would come back to it. They always did.

Few gazes lingered, but I kept my head straight forward, acting like I didn’t see them. I had gone through worse after all. And even though I left with battle scars, I left victorious.

The school principal, from his standing point where he had been addressing us, threw a warning look in our direction for the distraction we caused. That shut us up pretty fast.

The principal dismissed us soon and we trailed towards our classes -I actually ended up in class B, thanks to the principal. At least it was better than a C.

I waited for everyone to sit before glancing around, looking for where I would too. There were only two vacant seats. One beside a girl and another beside a boy.

The boy, probably guessing that I was searching for a vacant seat, frowned, placing a hand on the chair protectively, “I can’t share this space with anyone. Sorry. ”

Well, there was only one place left.

The girl rolled her eyes at the boy before giving me a warm smile, “It’s okay. You can come sit with me. ”

I smiled gratefully.

The form teacher walked into our class the moment I sat. She was outstandingly prompt, another difference between my old school and this one. My form teacher back at my old school could never find the time to come to class this early. God forbid she let a drop of her special pap go to waste.

I smiled. Mrs Gbenga. I would definitely miss seeing her chubby legs going on tiptoes as she struggled to reach the top of the blackboard as the students laughed away.

My current form mistress seemed like a woman I would like. A smart, no-nonsense, straight to the point woman.

“So I came into the class and you people couldn’t even coordinate yourselves to greet. ” she asked, dropping a file on the table in front, “Class Prefect, you’re there sitting. You, too, zipped your mouth abi? ”

{Abi: Right }

“Are we children? ” a guy hissed.

I gaped, shocked at his audacity.

She narrowed her eyes, “You’re asking me if you are children. So you think you are adults now. ” she fumed, “And even adults don’t respect their elders? ”

She shook her head, crossing her arms, “As you can see, you’re in the second week of SSS3 already and time is running out. I pity those of you that think that just because WAEC is next year, you shouldn’t start preparing now. Next year is just four months from now in case you’re deluding yourself into thinking it’s a long time. All of you better sit up. ” she pointed at me, “And you. What kind of student transfers to a school in SSS3? In my opinion, you’re just desperately looking for failure. “-someone laughed- “We’re serious people here. You better be one too. ” she paused, glancing at her watch, “Your teacher will be here soon. I trust you’ll behave yourselves. ”

With that, she left.

Well, I may have been too quick to judge her.

She was definitely someone I would hate.

Between periods, my seatmate decided to strike up a conversation with me.

“So what’s your name, if you don’t mind me asking? ”

“I’m Eva. ”

“Nice to meet you, Eva. I’m Coco. ”

I blinked, “Coco? That’s your name? ”

She laughed lightly, “Well, it’s Chloe but everyone calls me Coco. ”

I nodded. That made sense. “Oh okay then. ”

“You don’t talk much. ” she noted.

“No, I-”

“Is it the nerves? Being a new student? I totally understand how hard it must be for -”

“The girl isn’t in the mood to talk, Coco. Take a hint. For once in your life. ”

The girl who had just spoken, occupied the seat directly behind me and had her head down, focused on the book she was reading.

I peered closer at the cover, trying to get the title, but she slammed it down on her desk. She gave me an odd look, “You’re welcome. ”

I assumed that was my cue to turn around.

Chloe’s eyes were filled with guilt. “I’m sorry if I was making you uncomfortable. ”

I shook my head quickly, “No, no, you weren’t.”

She smiled, her eyes lingering on mine. I looked away.

“Were you born like this? ”

Of course. My eyes.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“Yes. ”

I focused on catching up on the math work they’d learnt the previous week.

She cleared her throat. Loudly. “So they’re really not contacts? ”

“Of course not. ”

Why would I even wear contacts to school?

Good question. You should ask her.

“Cause, ” she continued, undeterred, “You know, everyone thought that’s what you were wearing. ”

More like assumed.

“No. ” I said simply.

She shifted to the edge of her seat, leaning heavily on her desk. If only she could topple over. “So, if it is true, what’s it like having eyes like yours? ”

If it is true.

I might have made a terrible mistake choosing to sit with this one, not like I had been left with another option though.

“If you don’t mind, I’m very busy. ” I mustered up a smile, “Your last week’s math is giving me a headache, “-it wasn’t-“and I really need to concentrate so…. ”

Her eyes widened with faux innocence and understanding, “Oh, it’s okay. ”

I nodded, returning my eyes to the textbook.

“But-”

The bell cut her off, signaling it was time for lunch break. Saved by the bell. Thank goodness. I dashed out of the seat and I thought I heard a faint sound of laughter from the girl behind me.

But now that I had run out into the corridor like a little chicken, where to?