Worth it?

Worth it? Part 5

Hattie really had a long day, especially with everything that was going on. She kind of felt sorry for Mia, especially after Mia approached her respectfully. Deep down, Hattie kept telling herself that there was nothing going on between her and Louis. She even regretted agreeing to combine her clothes with his.

She decided to text Mia on i********:.

"Hey Mia, hope you’re good. I feel bad, especially after talking to you. I swear there is nothing going on between me and your boyfriend. Bye."

After sending the message, she sent another one to Chichi, asking to meet by the benches. Luckily, Chichi agreed, and Hattie left her room to meet him.

As she was waiting, she heard a voice.

“I hope you got some hot tea for me. In fact, tea is too weak — it better be coffee,” said Chichi, wearing a mini dress and sunglasses.

Hattie: Unfortunately, I have none, just a request.

Chichi: Say it, my baby. What do you want me to post on your behalf?

Hattie: I want you to remove that post about me and Louis.

Chichi: Ask me properly then.

Hattie: I am asking you.

Chichi: No, Hattie, I won’t.

Hattie: Do you know some people are fragile? What if Mia kills herself?

Chichi: You should’ve thought about that before gallivanting with her man. Poor Mia.

Hattie: You know what? It’s fine. I don’t care. Do whatever. Bye.

Hattie was pissed. She went back to the hostel. Bella and Eunice were already waiting for her so they could go to the Dining Hall (DH). Hattie refused, making an excuse about having a headache, and they understood.

She lay on her back, staring at the white ceiling. Lost in thought, her phone beeped. It was a message from Louis.

"Hey, wanna watch a basketball match around 7pm at Leaders Hall?"

"No, not interested," Hattie replied.

"Ouch, that was brutal," Louis said.

Hattie left him on seen.

An hour later, Bella and Eunice came back with medication for Hattie. She took it so they wouldn’t ask too many questions.

Hattie: How was the dumpling with chicken today?

Bella: Argh, as usual. I don’t even wanna think about it.

Hattie laughed.

Suddenly, an i********: notification popped up. They all checked their phones. Of course — it was the Leaders High School Confessions page.

"Mommy Hattie and Daddy Louis didn’t go to the DH. Probably tired of dumpling and chicken and went on a date together. Shame, poor Mia."

Hattie had no words. She felt defeated. Bella and Eunice scrolled through the comments.

Then Mia commented, attaching a screenshot of Hattie’s message.

"Hattie is a real snake. Acting innocent while sleeping with my man. Can’t believe I believed her lies. The manipulation is insane. That girl has always been a he, sleeping with everyone. I hope Louis uses protection or else we’ll bury him if he doesn’t take ARVs."*

Hattie was furious. Really furious.

She texted Louis.

"Is the offer still standing?"

"Yes," he replied.

Hattie wore her mini skirt, sandals, and a drop-shoulder T-shirt. She left to meet Louis by the benches. On her way, she texted Chichi:

"I’m on my way to the basketball court. I’m sure you don’t want to miss this."

Louis saw Hattie approaching and opened his arms. They hugged tightly. After a moment, they pulled away and started walking.

Louis: What changed your mind?

Hattie: Story for another day. Are you playing tonight?

Louis: No, I’m recovering from an injury.

Hattie: Then why did you invite me?

Louis: Wanna see me playing?

Hattie: Yeah.

Louis: Next time, I guess. Where are we gonna sit?

Hattie: Damn, it’s so full. Let’s sit over there. (pointing to the back)

They sat down. Chichi was already there, doing his job as usual. Hattie and Louis were so cozy, it was like they knew Chichi was taking pictures of them.

After the first match, they ordered food because they were hungry. Hattie asked why Louis didn’t go to the DH.

Louis: You noticed? Were you looking for me?

Hattie: No, I saw it on i********:. I didn’t go either.

Louis: Couple goals, I guess.

Hattie: You’re crazy. (punching him softly)

It started raining.

Hattie: Whoa, is it raining?

Louis: Damn, it is. Take my jacket.

Hattie: No, it’s fine.

Louis: I insist.

Hattie: Let’s wear it together then.

Louis: You’re so stubborn, for real.

Louis took off his jacket and placed it over Hattie’s shoulders. He put his hands on her waist, pulled her closer, and kissed her.