A Kiss
1148 Words
Let's meet keh? Ah, how, where, when, why?
My heart was doing a somersault when I saw Alex's message. Before I could process my next thought, I heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching.
Ah, wahala! I quickly shoved my phone inside my bag just as my mother barged into my room, her arms folded across her chest.
"Jumoke! Jumoke! Jumoke!"
Ah, I'm finished.
"Mom, I—"
"How many times did I call you?"
"I'm sorry, I was—"
"Answer my question!"
"Three times ma."
"This is your last warning, Jumoke!"
Her face was a thunderstorm of rage—her thick brows knitted so tightly they could form a single straight line, her full lips pressed together in a tight frown, and her nostrils flaring like a dragon about to breathe fire. The dimples that usually softened her face were nowhere to be found; instead, her cheeks puffed out in a way that made her look like she was holding back an outburst of war.
"What did she even come and do in the room that she had to leave her food in the kitchen without covering it?" I heard Brother Timi's voice from the sitting room.
I rolled my eyes. Traitor. He would always side with Mom.
"Anyway, is your dad back?"
"No."
"Okay. Any food?"
"Brother Timi cooked beans."
"Bring mine with a cup of garri."
I exhaled in relief as she walked out.
After serving her, I went back to my room and re-read Alex's message.
Why are you so anxious, Jummy? He obviously wants to talk about the project and that's all. Stop imagining things!
I replied.
"Where and When?"
His reply was faster than I imagined.
"School, of course. Come with your Biology textbook if you have one."
I said it. Nothing special.
"I have one, I'll check for it. Where in school and when?"
"8 am, ENT Hall."
"That early?"
"I have other things to do."
"Fine, I'll be there."
Oh my God, I'm going to see my crush tomorrow! What should I wear?
I opened my small wooden wardrobe. My mother detested trousers, so most of my clothes were skirts, gowns, and blouses. The only trousers I had were given to me by Enny—a pair of blue jeans.
I can't go and see Alex looking like a church woman! I need to look hot.
My mom always said trousers were sexually provocative, but I knew she mostly didn't want me revealing my body—especially my hips. Even though I was slim, I had curves that could cause traffic. However, the oversized clothes I wore always hid them from the world.
But not tomorrow.
I pulled out the jeans and admired them. The only problem now was how to wear them without my mom knowing. Dad wouldn't notice—he was always too busy with his job as a secondary school teacher. He taught Government at a public school nearby and was usually out of the house by 7 am. Mom, on the other hand, had a small shop in front of the house where she sold foodstuffs, provisions, and snacks. She left for the market every morning by 7:30 am. That was my only chance to escape unnoticed.
What top should I wear?
"What's the occasion?" I heard from the doorway.
It was Brother Timi, standing there with my plate of beans.
"Oh, my beans! Thanks."
"You've been acting weird."
"I didn't like what you said earlier."
"What?"
"Forget it. I've forgiven you."
"You had better." He smirked. "So, where are we going? Why the cloth hunt?"
"Cloth hunt ke? You've come again with your English."
"Aren't you hunting for clothes?"
"I have a date," I said, grinning as he settled on my bed.
"Hahahaha!"
I threw a pillow at him.
"So, have you finally gotten over your obsession with Alex?"
"Brother Timi, I said it's not an obsession!!"
"It's not true love either. You can't love someone for that long!"
"That's when it's true love, na!"
"Enough of your motivational quotes. So he finally noticed you?"
I giggled. "We were paired for a project. He asked me to meet him tomorrow."
"Hmm, so he obviously wants to discuss the project."
"I know." I smirked. "But it's still a project date."
"Funny."
I raised my pillow and brought out the jeans. "What top should I wear?"
"Wait—where'd you get that? What if Mom sees it?"
"Enny gave me. I'll hide it."
He sighed and scanned my wardrobe. "You need a wardrobe change. Enough of these oversized skirts."
"I know."
"I'll give you my white round-neck top. It's baggy, but it'll look good."
"Aww!"
"Yeah, yeah, come get it tomorrow morning."
"Thank you!"
He patted my head and walked out.
I waited for my parents to leave before dressing up. As soon as I bid my mother goodbye, I ran to the bathroom, showered, and dashed to Brother Timi's room.
His room was the exact opposite of mine. While mine was neat and organized—my books stacked carefully on my shelf, my bed properly laid, and my curtains a soft peach color—his room was an absolute mess. Clothes were scattered everywhere, his reading table was covered with empty biscuit wrappers, and his sneakers were tossed in random corners.
I shook my head and picked up the top he had left for me.
After dressing up, I checked myself in the mirror.
Damn, Jummy, you're so pretty!
The jeans hugged my waist perfectly, and the slightly baggy white top made me look effortlessly stylish. My thick, curvy waist was finally getting the recognition it deserved.
And damn sexy!
By the time I reached school, it was exactly 8 am. I walked to the ENT Hall but couldn't find Alex.
"What's up, Jummy?"
I turned.
It was Samuel. His rugged appearance was impossible to miss—his scruffy beards looked like they had never met a razor, his hair was rough, and his shirt had suspicious stains. He always looked like someone who just finished wrestling with life.
"Oh, hi, Sam," I greeted.
"This is the first time I'm seeing you in trousers. You look stunning."
"Thank you," I replied, already feeling uncomfortable under his intense stare.
"Can I get a kiss from you?"
Ehn?
"A kiss? Why?" I folded my arms.
"I'm just attracted to you, that's all."
"Are you drunk?" I scoffed.
Before I could react, he suddenly leaned in and planted a kiss on my forehead.
And as if the universe was working against me, Alex appeared at that exact moment.
His eyes locked onto mine, then shifted to where Sam's lips had just been.
"I hate to interrupt," he said coldly, "but I have things to do. You and your boyfriend can finish this up later."
Oh. My. God.
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