SHATTERED

Something New

CHAPTER TWO

Saturday came as usual, normal house chores, breakfast, and family bonding.

At around 2 pm, I was getting ready to visit Amina so we could study together when I heard a knock on my door. I went to open, and guess who was standing?

Denzel, my heart skipped for a second. Hi Hikma, he said with a smile on his face, “won’t you ask me to come in?” He teased. “I have a message for your elder brother Kabir from my brother Joe” I stood there dumbfounded until he called my name again…. Please, you can come in I said faintly.

I stepped aside, allowing him to enter. He walked in, looking around the living room with interest. "Your home is nice," he said, smiling. I nodded, still trying to process the unexpected visit.

Denzel handed me a note from his brother Joe, addressed to my brother Kabir. I took it, feeling a bit more composed. "Thanks, I'll give it to him," I said, trying to sound casual.

We stood there for a moment, awkwardly silent. Then Denzel spoke up, "So, I saw you at school yesterday. You seemed... distracted." I felt my cheeks flush, wondering if he was referring to our eye contact in the cafeteria.

"I'm just a bit busy with schoolwork," I replied, trying to downplay it. Denzel nodded thoughtfully, "I know the feeling. But maybe we could study together sometime?" My heart skipped a beat at the suggestion.

“Eermm.. I am actually on my way to Amina’s house, we have some study to do before the quiz competition” he looked at me with surprise “are you representing our school at the quiz? I nodded “well I am not surprised because you have always been a brilliant student, keep it up, he added.

Denzel smiled, looking impressed. "That's great! Maybe we can study together another time, before the competition?" I felt a flutter in my chest at the suggestion.

Just then, Mama Hikma walked into the living room. "Hikima, who's your guest?" I introduced Denzel, and Mama Hikma greeted him warmly. "Would you like some refreshments, Denzel?" she asked. Denzel politely declined, saying he couldn't stay long.

As we stood there, I realized I needed to leave for Amina's house. "I should get going," I said, grabbing my bag. Denzel nodded, "Okay, I'll walk with you. I need to head in the same direction." My heart skipped a beat at the prospect of spending more time with him.

As we walked out of the house, Denzel and I chatted about the quiz competition and our shared subjects. The conversation flowed easily, and I found myself feeling more comfortable around him.

As we strolled through the neighborhood, Denzel asked me about my interests and hobbies. I shared my love for reading and writing, and he told me about his passion for sports and music. We discovered we had more in common than I thought.

When we reached Amina's house, I felt a pang of disappointment that our walk was over. Denzel smiled and said, "It was great walking with you, Hikma. Maybe I'll see you at school tomorrow?"

“Tomorrow? Have you forgotten there is no school tomorrow until Monday?” I felt a flutter in my chest. He smiled and tried to hide his face while walking away.

As I watched him walk away, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the start of something special. I took a deep breath, excitement building in my chest, and knocked on Amina's door.

Amina opened the door, a big smile on her face. "Hey, girl! Come on in." I walked in, still feeling the excitement from my conversation with Denzel.

As we settled into her study room, Amina noticed the look on my face. "What's going on? You look like you're floating on air," she said, raising an eyebrow. I tried to play it cool, but Amina's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Spill the beans, Hikma. What's happening?" she asked, leaning in. I hesitated for a moment before sharing the story of Denzel's unexpected visit and our walk to her house.

Amina's eyes widened as she listened, "Oh my gosh, this is getting interesting! It sounds like Denzel might have a crush on you!" I blushed, feeling my heart flutter at the possibility.

Amina squealed with excitement, "I knew it! I knew he was interested in you!" I laughed, feeling a mix of emotions. We spent the rest of the afternoon studying for the quiz competition, but my mind kept wandering back to Denzel.

As the sun began to set, Amina closed her books and grinned at me. "So, what do you think? Are you going to see Denzel again?" I shrugged, trying to play it cool, but Amina knew me too well.

She nudged me playfully, "Come on, Hikma. You can't deny the chemistry between you two." I blushed, feeling my heart skip a beat at the thought of seeing Denzel again.

As I headed home, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us. Would we become more than just schoolmates? Only time would tell.