A show to be remembered
1037 Words
I barely slept that night.
Not because of fear, but because my mind refused to rest. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the school courtyard. I saw the way they laughed at me.
I heard could hear their whispers. I could still feel the sharp kick of Damien against my ribs.
The phones raised in the air while I lay on the ground groaning in pains.
But then I would open my eyes I was back to the luxury room I slept in.
I got out of bed slowly. The room I was given was bigger than the entire apartment my mother and I shared.
The bed alone could sleep five people. The curtains were thick and dark, blocking out the morning light. When I pulled them aside, the morning sun envelope my face.
For the first time in my life, I wasn’t rushing because of lack. I wasn’t late because I had to take a bus. I wasn’t worried about what I would eat or how I would pay my fees.
Still, all of this felt unreal to me. It was like a nightmare that I was going to wake up from.
Today, I was going back to school. I looked at my phone and I could see my mother had called several times.
My hands hoovered over the screen of my latest iPhone that I was given yesterday by Mr Adeniyi. I texted her telling her that I was alright.
A knock came at the door.
“Good morning, young master,” the voice said calmly.
I could tell that It was the chauffeur.
I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. “I’m coming.”
They had prepared clothes for me. It was not flashy but it was clean, well-fitted, and expensive. I looked at myself in the mirror and almost didn’t recognize the boy staring back.
The ride to school was quiet. I was lost in my own thoughts. I couldn't stop staring at my self in the front mirror.
I clenched my hands gently, I wasn’t going back to fight.
I wasn’t going back to beg.
I was going back to stand.
When we arrived, the gates were already open. Students were walking in groups, laughing, talking, pretending yesterday never happened. As the car slowed, it got everyone's attention.
I let out a gentle breath. But the whisper grew slowly.
“That’s him.”
“The guy from the video.”
“Isn’t he the one that got beaten?”
I stepped out of the car.
Then I was met with another silence. They all stared at me like they had seen a ghost.
The same people who laughed yesterday suddenly didn’t know where to look. Some couldn't stop staring while others quickly turned away.
I walked past them heading towards my department..
In the hallway, I saw Noah.
My best friend.
Or the one I thought was.
He stood by the lockers, laughing with two guys I barely knew. The moment his eyes met mine, his smile froze.
In class, the seat beside me stayed empty.
People still avoided me like I carried a disease. Phones buzzed constantly. I didn’t need to check to know the video was still spreading.
The lecturer came in afterwards and started teaching like nothing was going on.
Halfway through the lecture, my phone vibrated.
I answered quietly. “Hello?”
“Good morning, Olamide,” Adeniyi’s voice said. “I hope you arrived safely.”
“Yes,” I replied.
“Good. We have got to get your mother. You both are going to be living under my protection till your father gets back."
I looked up slowly with a gladden heart. " Thanks you, Mr Adeniyi. I am forever in your debt."
“Dont thank me, Young Master. We are here to serve you.,” he said simply, then hung up.
When classes ended, students poured out in groups. I stayed back waiting for my ride but then, a girl ran by me.
" It is going to be Prom night!" she said loudly waving her buttocks.
I could see most of the guys hooking up. I saw Vanessa and Damien laughing in the crowd holding hands.
My stomach churned, I had dressed neatly but still, I was not noticed.
Maybe I don't need too.
Maybe all I need to do was try and create an awareness.
My gaze met with Delilah who was laughing with her friends.
She was not only the prettiest in the university ground but she was expensive.
None of the male students dares talk to her. Not even Damien.
I strapped my backpack properly and started to walk towards her.
I could hear the loud whispering of the male students the moment I got to her.
" And to what do we owe the pleasure?" one of Deliah's friend said laughing.
" Isn't this the rat boy?"
" He is looking clean don't you think?"
" Not clean but handsome." Another said loudly with a smile
Instead, Delilah looked at me from head to toe, " What do you want, Ola?" she said with a frown.
" Will you be my date to prom?" I asked
[ Students gasp ]
" Is he joking?"
" I can't even imagine him and her?"
Delilah laughed. " And why would I want to go prom with someone like you? You are.." she looks around. " You are practically nothing."
" How much?" I said immediately, my eyebrows arched.
" How much what?" Delilah asked.
" How much do I have to give you? You are going to be my girlfriend for the semester."
Delilah scratched her brows and looked at me. I could tell that she was surprised. " Why don't you use the money to buy yourself a new pants Ola. And if you are thinking about going toe to toe with Damien, I would advise you to let go of the thought."
Delilah walked past me with a smug grin but my next words shocked her.
" One million dollars." I said loudly gripping the back ATM card tightly in my hands.
Delilah stopped, her head turned towards me. " What did you say?" she asked again.
- Writer
