In Lilac Bloom

Lingering.

Daniel didn’t come to school today.

I noticed the empty seat beside mine the moment I walked into the classroom.

Initially, I thought he was just being late as usual, but as the classroom kept filling up with students and the bell for assembly rang, Daniel was still not here.

I tried to take my mind off him for a while and used that opportunity to make new friends and socialize.

I looked around the class and amidst all the cliques and groups, I saw a girl sitting alone at her desk, reading a book.

Please God, let her be nice.

I walked up to her and struck a conversation. “Hi, I’m Success.”

I said with a small smile.

She looked up from her book and smiled.

Omo, thank God o.

“Everyone knows who you are, I’m Covenant by the way, it’s nice to meet you.” She said.

Eh?

What does she mean everyone knows me?

She chuckles softly. “You know I can hear you right?”

“Eh? You can hear my thoughts?” I asked, with a confused frown.

“No, silly, you said them out loud.” She said.

Oh. Omo, I don fear.

“By the way, I said everyone knows you because of the clash between you, Daniel and those two teachers.” She said softly.

“Oh, that.” I scratched my head and subtly glanced at Daniel’s seat, again.

“Anyway, you seem like a really nice person, I don’t think you’re a troublemaker like they say.” She added.

Oghenemigwor.

As I opened my mouth to say something, a teacher walked in for the first period.

“We’ll talk later eh?” I said.

She nodded.

Soon it was lunch break, Covenant and I made our way to the field to watch the boys playing football.

It was her idea, not mine. Apparently, it's fun.

We sat by the bleachers, watching our class boys make a sorry attempt at playing football.

I mean, even I can play better than that for God’s sake.

My mind drifted to Daniel once again. I wondered if he was okay, he seemed very disturbed and restless yesterday at the library.

I looked around, hoping he’d just pop out behind me, laughing.

Covenant noticed and asked, “Who are you looking for?”

“No one.” I answered quickly.

“Hm, okay.” She said and continued droning on about her undying love for Gavi, a player in Barcelona or whatever.

The rest of the day went by in a blur.

In no time, school ended. As I packed my bag, my eyes landed on the library book we’d used yesterday- the one we were supposed to continue working with today.

I hugged it closer absentmindedly.

Something wasn’t right.

Daniel wasn’t the kind of person who just disappeared.

At least for the few days I’ve known him.

Somehow, his absence felt heavier than his silence.