UNFORGETTABLE HISTORY

18

Clara looked puzzled as she froze there instantly,staring at the young man blankly.

"Wh....what do you mean?"she fought hard not to stutter.

"You know what I mean"he retorted,blinking rapidly.

"Uhm...well ah....I'm sorry but I have to go now"she hurriedly said pulling her self away as she packed her things into the mini bag rushing out.

He grabbed her hand before she could leave the door, "Don't tell me you've never kissed before?"he teased,pushing her to the wall as he looked her both hands above her head.

"It's none of your business"she fought back which got him chuckling.

"So can I kiss you then?"He requested,drawing his face closer as she slowly raised her knee hitting him in-between his legs with force.

"Ouch!!!"he winced in pain releasing her as bent low in pain.

Clara out of fright of what she just did,took to her heels before the other boys could intervene.

The learning class was upstairs and it was pretty difficult for someone to know what's happening there, unless with a proper check. She ran swiftly without hesitation down th stairs until she climbed the last step reaching outside.

She sighed relieved. She walked causally like nothing happened, carefully examining up if the boy was still in pain on not.

She couldn't see anything since the other boys covered him already, "bet he'll be fine later"She thought as she rushed home,swinging her mom bag along side.

She collapsed on the chair as soon as she got home, "you came back home early today,what happened?"Helene bombard her with questions,staring at her suspiciously.

"Nothing, nobody to teach me as always"Clara replied shrugging.

"Ah,what kind of place is that anyways??,I mean you've paid for your six course already didn't you??"Helene asked.

"Nah,I'm still with the remaining money,I'll join it with my salary next week to get a momi laptop"Clara explained.

"Wait for real????!!"Helene squealed.

"Hahah that's great then,you could learn from bro Francis,bet he wouldn't have an issue with that"she added sitting next to her.

"Yeah.... that's the main reason I'm buying the laptop,I dont want Dad's money to waste just like that"She said.

"Awwn..good child"Helene mocked teasingly tapping her head like a child.

"Yo!,stop it!"Clara half yelled immediately pulling her hand away.

She chuckled, "whatever"she murmured relaxing on the cushion.

****

*What??!!"Samuel burst out laughing hearing Clara's gist.

"Guess the guy was smitten by a beautiful sassy b***h eyy"He teased.

"Shut the f**k up!"Clara playfully hit his head,pushing him lightly.

"But I ain't lying girl"he chuckled.

"He would be like...fuck,this girl is gorgeous,I wanna have her"he said In a dreamy manner.

"What??!!"Clara stared at her friend in a fed up manner.

"You're crazy!"She chuckled.

"Whatever..."he said.

"Uh...huh,but sincerely speaking,why didn't you kiss him??,don't tell me you're a lesbian b***h,you can't just push guys away like that"Samuel said.

"What??, Samuel he's a f*****g stranger!"she defended patting him on the head again.

"And who said I don't have a boyfriend tsk"She scoffed, shaking her head as she returned to what she was writing.

"Huh???....you have a boyfriend already??!!..."Samuel asked marvelled.

"Tell me what's he like??,so I know him??,for how long now?,two three months???..."he bombard her with questions.

"Jeez!!,how do you expect me to answer all that huh?"she turned to him,pushing his face away realizing they were just inches apart.

"Fine,just answer from anywhere"he replied.

She could tell he was hurt from the tone of his voice but ignored.

"Well,If I can remember vividly,it's been a year now"She muttered.

"A year in what??!!!!!!"Samuel asked almost immediately in shock,holding her arm with both hands.

"In the relationship of course "she replied turning to him.

"You didn't tell me anything Clara"he pouted sadly.

"Fine,I'm sorry....I just couldn't tell you,besides the relationship is a bit awkward...I don't even know how to explain this"She lamented, fighting hard to put him in a better mode.

"Whatever..."he waved it off,shaking his head.

"Who's the gu...."

"Silas!"she responded sharply.

"What!!!!!!"he yelled out immediately, drawing attention towards them.

Clara was in shock also as she leaped a bit in fright.

"Are you crazy??"she whispered to him.

"I'm supposed to be asking you that!!!"He half yelled.

"Yo!,can't you keep your voice low huh??"A girl from behind requested.

"Well it's f*****g breaktime and I ain't the only one making noise!!,you could clearly hear some noise from outside!!!"He attacked back.

"Samuel!!!"Clara dragged his face to face her, "stop it already!, you were loud after all"she reminded.

"f**k whatever!"he fumed.

"Sami...I'm sorry I didn't tell you on time"she pleaded after few moments of silence.

He stared at her blank for a while,though she could visibly see the pain in his eyes.

"Clara out of all people??,yo I know you lack taste but I never expected you to date someone like that,ugh I can't even process all this s**t!"He stated.

"This is the main reason I don't wanna tell you"she murmured to herself which he clearly heard.

"Because you know I'm gonna scold you??,yo! Clara I'm a guy,yes I love you...but at least we're friends even if you didn't accept my proposal, I can't just see you doing something wrong and ignore that!"he lamented.

"Samuel .."she called lowly with a sigh.

"Fine...I'm sorry,but as it stands now ..I can't help it"She stated.

"Ugh you're beyond help!"he slapped his forehead in disbelief,resting his head on the desk.

She could tell he was trying to keep his cool but couldn't tell what he was angry about .

If he was jealous or maybe been angry about her decision.

She couldn't tell. She sighed returning back to what she was doing.

***

"Hey...uhm hi..."Clara stuttered seeing Silas at the gate.

Samuel just hissed, "see you tomorrow Cla"he stated leaving immediately.

"What's up with him?"Silas questioned.

"Ah don't mind him,just got a bad day, nothing serious"she responded sharply.

"Oh I see"he replied downcasted.

"What's up with you??"Clara asked seeing his dad face.

"Nothing much,can we go home first??,I'll explain when we get home"He said scratching the back of his head.

"Oh....k..you sure it's not something serious??"She questioned.

"Not really...come on let's just go already"he dragged her by the arm pulling her closely to himself as he wrapped him arm around her shoulders.

"Jeez,Silas someone would see us"She mumbled.

"Does that matter eyy??,you're my girlfriend after all"he teased pulling his hands away after seeing how uncomfortable she was.

"Come on,if my parent know I'll be dead for sure..you remember what happened to Helene when my mum found out about she and Wale"Clara reminded.

He chuckled, "so your parent would flog you?"he questioned.

"My case is different,they'll do worse"she responded smiling.

"Huh??.."

"Never mind,let's go home"She switched off the topic immediately seeing he was smiling.

"Your phone was seized??!!!!"Clara half yelled,staring blankly at him as she adjusted herself on the pavement she was sitting on.

"Keep your voice low...I don't want mum to hear it"Silas reminded.

"Oh.."she muttered, "so what are you going to do now??"She questioned.

"Clara!!..."Annabella called from behind.

"Ma??".

"What are you doing there??"She questioned,starting at her junior sister suspiciously.

"Uhm talking to a friend"she feign a lame smile staring at her sister blanky.

"Come and help me with this"Annabella shook her head as Clara nodded leaving Silas varenda immediately. She rushed over to her sister,helping her to take the things she brought inside.

"Clara,just a year I left the house..you've started making friends, I don't you don't like friends??..."Annabella asked, a little puzzled with her junior sister's behavior.

"Actually...his a neighbor,so I thought interacting with them wouldn't be a problem so..."

"So ..you ended up going to sit with his varenda discussing what??"Annabella retorted immediately.

"Come on sis,it's not like that..." Clara defended,forming a puppy face.

"Better be careful,I don't want to hear any news as I'm in school"She warned.

"Yes ma'am"Clara replied sharply with a salute.

"Hmm"Annabella shook her head bending to offload the bag.

"This are some things Dad bought for you guys,I don't know why he didn't call you to come and collect this thing yourself...I told him I'm having class today"Annabella whined.

"Well I think he must have called Francis,maybe he didn't pick up,you know how your elder brother can be at times"Clara reminded.

"Ugh whatever,I'll just get mine,later you arrange you guys own...I'm rushing back to school now,I have church practice by 5pm today"Annabella complained further as they both arranged the items.

"Okay I'm done now,see you guys soon "Annabella said with a sigh.

"You mean till Christmas??...if probably they'll even give you guys holiday in that school"Clara teased.

"Annabella chuckled, "such is life,you can't do anything about it"She said carrying her bag.

"Greet the kids when they wake up from sleep for me please,I'm in a haste can't wait till they're up"

"No probs, I will"Clara smiled as she excorted her sister out until she got a cab.

"Bye.."she waved before running back into the compound.

"Hope your sis isn't angry?"Silas asked immediately.

"Nah,she's always like that"Clara feign a smile.

"Ah I see"he nodded,like he was processing her statement.

"So about your phone how would you do it?"she asked.

"Uhm,I don't know Clara,I'm just confused....he said he'll deduct my pay too"he explained.

"I don't really get it,what happened in the first place?"She asked.

"Actually a customer came by to the shop to do some transaction,you know as it's with a betting game...he said I should place a bet of 50k that he'll pay,told him je should pay first,he said his network was having issues that someone would bring the money him,and I replied ok..and did the stuff for him,only for this guy to say his coming and left immediately...I couldn't stop him at first cos there were bunch of customers before I could stand up to check on him I did not see this guy again...I've searched everywhere for him"Silas broke down in tears.

"Ah...why would take such risk??..."Clara asked confused, surprised by the whole incident.

"Do you recognize the guy's face?,like if you see him,would you know it's him?"She asked calming him down with a pat on his shoulders.

"Yes I know him very well,I and some other guys went to look for him but couldn't find him,like I just got pissed off ..when boss heard about it he got furious,came to shop and took my phone,he said if I don't replace it he'll sell my phone to replace his money"He lamented.

"Ah ah,that's wickedness now,don't worry we'll go there this night, I'll talk to him ..your boss is in shop today right?"She asked.

"Yeah,he didn't leave the shop after the incident,some of his friends might be there by now"he replied.

"Hmph,so how much is remaining to pay of this dept?"she asked further.

"Just 15k,one of my friend gave me 20k plus my salary which I asked him to deduct that's 15, both is 35k"he responded clearing of the tears from his jaw.

"It's okay...uhm how about we go now,this one you said he wants to sell the phone even after collecting some money already,at least we'll talk to him"Clara suggested which he reluctantly accepted.

They both strolled down to the betting shop, "hi good afternoon "Clara greeted immediately seeing the boss.

A tall, skimpy young man.

"How many I help you??"the man replied rudely sighting Silas.

"Uhm...."

"You think bringing your sister would change my mind??,no! It won't!!"The man attacked before she could even say anything.

"Mister man calm down na!"Clara shunned him up immediately, irritated and as well surprised by her utterance.

"Are you talking to me?"He questioned.

"Sir chill...we didn't come here for any issue,and besides I'm not his sister,we don't even look like each other in the first place"She corrected that part immediately.

"And secondly I'm here concerning what happened earlier today,I know my friend messed up big time...he actually told me what happened and on his behalf I'm sincerely sorry"She stated.

"So would your sorry bring back the money??,this fool just took my money with his friend and be telling me nonsense...."

"Ahh ahh chill!!,it hasn't gotten to that,if he took that money would be be struggling to pay back?or would you even see him here in the first place??"Clara defended immediately.

"We're here to settle what happened not to start arguing, please"She pleaded.

"Okay...so how are you settling it?, cash or transfer??"The man questioned unbothered.

"Jesus Christ!!with your intonation,I can tell you're a Yoruba man,and this guy working for you too is Yoruba...I never expected such response from you, at least this is not the way I thought yorubas are...!"She flared up.

Silas dragged her lightly, "Clara let's go home please"he mumbled fighting back the tears that were threatening to pour down.

"Leave me alone"She pushed his hands off.

"And for you..."She pointed at him, "I'll give you cash!"She added gaining the man's attention as he smirked.

"Okay,so where's the cash??"The man retorted.

"I'll be back"She turned to Silas, "15k right??"She asked him as he nodded in affirmation.

"Okay let's go"she said in finality gazing at the man irritatedly before leaving.

"Clara how would you get the money now?"Silas questioned puzzled.

"You just challenged that guy..."he added.

"He's not worth to be called a boss,jeez!how do you meet this kind of people??....the other one was you clumsily hit a laptop which was a customer fault, we had to pay! And now this??!!!!!!"She yelled at him angrily.

"I'm sorry"He apologized lowly.

"You don't need to apologize to me,you need to stand up for yourself and mind the kind of work you take,I mean who in their rightful sense would work in a betting shop??"She exclaimed.

"Keep your voice low cla"he whispered.

"Whatever..."she mumbled pissed off.

She got Inside with a sigh, "God!I didn't plan to touch this money....I just hope it serves"Sge murmured to herself, opening her work bag.

She counted out the required amount of money as she rushed to meet him, "let's go"She said.

"What do you mean Cla?"he said confused.

She showed him the money,"are we going or not??"She questioned,his eyes beaming with joy.

"Clara how'd you..."

"It's for my laptop...don't worry,you can pay me back when you start a new work"She reassured.

He nodded sadly, "what's up with that face??"She asked chuckling.

"Clara I didn't expect you to help me.."he broke down in tears.

"Ugh this is the main reason I don't like dating last born..."She eyerolled scoffing.

"I'm sorry..."he smiled cleaning off his tears.

"Heheh...I'm not angry tho,but sometimes you need to learn to control your emotions,you don't just cry in front of people that way"She stated poking his jaw teasingly.

"So cheer up!"She added.

"Thanks alot"he smiled.

"Here...."she threw the money to his lap.

"Complete 15k,now the phone"She requested immediately.

The man stated at her in shocked as he picked up the money,counting it.

"You're lucky your friend came to your rescue"the man commented bringing out the phone.

"You wouldn't have seen your phone by this time tomo ....."

"You wouldn't even try it,cos I'll sell yours that same tomorrow "She attacked"

"Yo see this girl oh...you're pretty good at challenging,is he your boyfriend??..."The man asked.

"The relationship I have with him is none of your business,so f**k off and as for your shitty work,don't ever call him to work for you again, understood??..."She questioned, gaining a surprises speechless look from the man.

"Silas,let's go.."She dragged him out immediately.

"Thanks a lot"He appreciated immediately they were out of the shop.

"Don't mention,next time don't work with someone like him, he'll probably be a bad guy with his skimpy ugly look"She cursed shrugging her shoulders in irritation.

"Clara...."He called out laughing.

"I ain't playing,he man looked like a starved being even having enough money to cater for himself,such nonsense"She hissed.

"Christ, I've never seen this part of you before"he chuckled.

"You never asked" She defended.

"No no...I don't want it"he playfully pleaded which got them both laughing loud.

"Whatever"....

Chapter 19

Everything went back to normal. Clara and Silas seemed close after that incident.

He could freely talk to her openly,not as a boyfriend who normally has some dirty stuff with her but as a friend.

They seemed pretty close,that he sometimes hardly listens to his mother and siblings especially when it's regarding her.

Same goes for Clara,she wouldn't listen to Helene's constant advice of withdrawal from him. It felt like they were both hypnotized to each other.

"Hi Clara,I'm going to the laptop shop today,hope your money is set?" Francis called one day, when he was away for work.

"Bro...you didn't tell me on time,you'll be going today"Clara whined.

"I thought your money was complete?"Francis asked.

"Yeah maybe...I just have 40k on me"She replied.

"Oh I see...I'll look for a smaller laptop then, probably you'll manage that one first before buying a bigger one"he explained over the phone.

"No problem brother,should I send it to your account now?"

"Nope,you'll send it directly to him when I get there,I don't wanna touch your money"he replied.

"Okay ... .that's no big deal then..."she replied as she hung up squealing alongside Helene who was listening to their conversation.

"Hoho .. finally,I'll be having a laptop!!!!!..."She squealed.

"I just hope it serves."She mumbled, smiling sweetly.

"It will..bro said he'll get a smaller one,you should just pray It lasts.... because I know those smaller ones are pure headaches"Helene commented.

"I know ...but at least It'll go a long way for me"she replied dreamily.

"Ugh whatever!"Helene shook her head.

"Have you told your fantasies boyfriend?"Helene teased.

"Shut up!!"Clara faked a frown.

"Well yes,he knows I'm gonna buy a laptop soon but...don't know when cos even I don't know either"She replied boastfully.

"Ohk..,I'm still happy for you anyways,hope you told Sammy too?"Helene asked.

"Come on,if I told Silas is it Samuel or Melissa I'll keep this kind of stuff from??"She asked.

"Mmm I'm just asking,you could act pretty funny at times"Helene defended.

"Ugh pu... .lease"Clara scoffed with an eye roll folding her legs.

______________

"Here.....I've installed some applications for you including your learning apps too"Francis explained, handling her the laptop which she took as he closed his bag.

"Here's your change.."he added.

She took it,counting it"remaining 4,000??,you bought 36,000?? Wow it's cheap"She exclaimed.

"Yeah I priced him though. .that's why"he explained.

"It's nice"She smiled admiring the tiny laptop in front of her as she peeled off the nylon on it.

"Here.."She handed him half of the money, "thanks a lot...."she added.

"You don't want the money?"he questioned.

"Well you bought it and I didn't even give anything in return...."

"That's because you're my sis,I don't normally do it for free"he reminded me.

"Fine, just take this 2k as a sister's reward,"she smiled, blinking rapidly.

He chuckled, "who taught you this style??"he shook his head collecting the money.

"Well...aren't I cute??"she tilted her head, still blinking her eyes.

"You look silly doing that!"He laughed, shaking his head as he went into the room.

She smiled,watching her brother leave before concentrating on the laptop she was holding, "hehehehe,this one is cool,I don't mind if it's small....as far as I can save my drawings and edit some stuffs in it,it surely worth it"She chuckled inwardly.

Her phone beeped, "babe is your brother back??"Silas tested,adding a grinning sticker.

She smiled, "probably he's heard out conversation".

"Yes" she texted back, "wanna see it??"She asked.

"Sure,why not?"he responded sharply.

She chuckled, "silly boy" she mumbled strolling out of the room with her laptop.

"Woohoo...Miss indoors finally got a laptop "he exclaimed immediately as she came out.

"Tsk!!!,silly!!"She mumbled walking up to his veranda as she sat on the pavement.

His mum just watched them as she concentrated on the food she was cooking.

"How much is it??"he asked.

"36 thousand"She replied.

"Woah...!!!,it's cheap man!!,your bro really tried in selecting this one"He commented admiring the size and beauty of it.

"So we're gonna watch film with this right??"he asked with a smirk.

She chuckled, "of course" she smiled warmly.

"We'll all watch film with it"she added,her smile broadening.

"You will use this laptop to learn at home at once right?"Silas mum's voice came up,her Yoruba accent visible audible in her voice.

"Yes ma'am,my brother would teach me,"She explained.

"Ahh,that's better then,at least you won't waste much money on learning"The woman complimented.

"Yes,"she smiled.

"Ah ah,ah ah...see laptop oh!!!!!" Matthew,Sila's senior brother exclaimed from behind.

"This girl is a big girl, oh,from iPhone to laptop"he said, which got her chuckling.

"Oh pu.... lease,it's just an iPhone 5,what's there?"she asked with a little bit of sarcasm.

"You're a big girl now,look at me that's working I don't still have a laptop....phone sef is having issues"he explained.

"Tsk...God's time bro Matthew..."she reminded.

"Yes oh, God's time"he said.

"Damn!!,this laptop is nice!"he complimented admiring it.

"Silas see??...your wife has bought laptop,what are you waiting for?"Matthew teased him.

"Please shift!,have you bought yours before?.."Silas retorted, slightly pushing his hands off the laptop.

Clara smiled,staring at the both of them..her mind wandering at what Matthew just said.

Your WIFE!!!, your WIFE!!!

The word kept replaying in her head.

"Hey!....should I add movies for you through my phone??" Silas brought her out of her thoughts immediately.

"Mm...if they're interesting, yeah"She replied.

"Okay....lemme send some for you"he winked with a smile.

He opened his phone, "you have a USB cord??"

"You know I don't use USB"She reminded showing off her phone.

"Ah yeah...."he mumbled

"Matthew....!, what of your cord??"he half yelled for his brother to hear him.

"Come and take it "he's brother murmured from inside like he was eating something.

"Matthew hope it's not that bread you're eating like that??"His mum attacked.

"No oo...."he chuckled..

"Mummy is it!!!!"Silas retorted.

"If it's me,you'll start shouting"he added murmuring.

Clara kicked him slightly on the leg giving him a signal to keep shut.

"But ..."

He was cut short by her look of "you're still talking?".

"Fine...whatever,help me get the cord from him"he stated in finality, focusing on the laptop in front of him as she stood to leave.

"Here..."She stated throwing the cord on him as she sat back.

"Thanks" he replied connecting his phone and laptop using the cord.

"Wanna check which one?"he suggested as she nodded leaning forward to select the movie in his phone.

His mum just watched them silently yet suspiciously.

She was done with the selection of movie and he began sending while she just played some short reels in his phone.

They both laughed hard watching the comedies and soon children were gathered around them

****

"Clara you're late again!"her boss yelled at her.

She worked at a bar,always on evening hours since she was still schooling which was accepted by Maria,her boss.

"Uhm ma'am,I'm..sorry,I was tryna..."

"Always an excuse Clara!"The lady lamented.

'when would you grow?"She added.

"I'm sorry ma'am"Clara apologized.

"Well...the thing is I brought someone else to replace you,you ain't working here anymore"Maria dropped the bombshell.

"What??, ma'am??...please I'm sorry,it won't happen again!!!!"She pleaded kneeling down.

"Ma please"she teared up,clasping her both palms together in a pleading manner.

"Do you want me to now sack someone I just brought in because of your clumsiness??"the lady questioned.

"Please leave!!,when you're ready to work,find someone else and be deligent!!!"Maria stated firmly closing the glass door behind her immediately.

Clara sat on the tiled floor,her mind wandered.

Stopping work means a lot for her,no monthly allowance,no way to get money for food if her dad doesn't send or mum doesn't have,if problem arises, there'll be no way to solve it,what about about church activities!!!

The thought of it all wanted her to go berserk that very moment

"Arrrgh!!!!!"She screamed,wrapping her arms around her leg as she rested her head on it.

"Please another chance ma'am"She pleaded inwardly.

"Hey!..."she felt a tap,few moments later.

She lazily raised her head up, "you okay??"A young man asked.

She just sniffed,nodding like an agama, "you sure??"He further asked.

She tried saying something but all she could do was open her mouth and close them right back.

He sighed, "come on get up now..."he encouraged her.

He gave her a supportive hand raising her from her arm as she stood straight.

"Thanks"her voice cracked.

"Nah it's okay.... you've eaten something?"he asked which she nodded negatively.

"Okay okay....you mind taking a pepper soup here?"he further asked.

She nodded, "yes"

"hi...welcome customer"Maria walked out immediately.

"Why's Clara not working today?"he questioned immediately which marveled her.

She's never seen the man before,yet he knew her name.

"Uhm actually she's sacked....she hardly comes early to work which affects her colleagues at work"Maria explained feigning a smile as she gave Clara a deadly look.

"Oh i see...,uhm get us some soup and drink"he requested.

He turned to her, "what kind of drink would you like??"he asked.

"Uhm anyone"she replied,her gaze tightly fixed to the ground as she fidget the hem of her top.

"Okay get me my usual,while you get her a malt, we'll eat outside here"he said .

"Oh ok...a minute please"Maria smiled not without giving Clara an irritated look before moving In.

"It's okay cla, don't mind your boss"he encouraged her as he carried her to a nearby arranged table.

Soon, Maria brought the dish, carefully arranging them on the table, "enjoy your meal"she smiled warmly.

"Thanks Maria"the man said informally which got Maria smiling broadly, "enjoy your meal"She said before leaving.

Clara guessed they were close since he called her by her name, Normally,no one dared call her Maria...they prefer calling her Mama B(meaning biggie for the B),due to how fat she was.

"So??...I know I'm not in the right position to ask you why you came late but....do you mind sharing that with me?"he asked after a brief moment of silence.

Clara who was hungrily munching on her food stopped abruptly,her gaze slowly going downwards.

"If I should tell you, would there be a difference?,I know madam B...she'll never accept me back, she did this to a former worker when i came here.

"Oh I see your point...."he mouthed.

"Actually I was trying to make sure I settle my siblings before coming but our stove was having serious issues"Clara explained feeling agitated.

"Oh..."he said.

"But it's okay,I guess you'll find another job soon"he encouraged her.

She chuckled, "nah...I won't,I'll write my exams first before working again"Clara explained.

"Oh,that's nice then,what class are you in?"he asked.

"I'm in grade 12"she replied.

"Oh...your set are writting WAEC this year "he exclaimed happily.

"Yeah,I'm really happy"She replied.

"Who wouldn't be happy huh??"The man smiled warmly.

"You'll be a big girl soon,I'm so happy for you"he commented.

She smiled flushed, "I won't be any big girl oh,I'll just be Clara"She said.

He laughed, "okay okay...Clara!"He teased.

"Just eat,I don't wanna disturb you anymore"he gestured for her to eat more as she smiled reciprocating to his request.

Soon,they were done eating and one of the waitress came to pick up the plate.

Clara just stared at the young man as he pressed his phone. she wanted to leave badly,but she wasn't the type of person to just leave without a permission especially after his kindness.

He dropped his phone on the table,dipping his hands in to his pocket. He brought out some money, "here...it's fifteen thousand"he stretched out his hands to give her as her eyes widened in shock.

"For me?"

"Yeah..you could manage it while you write your exams, I don't want you to be stranded"he explained stretching his hand further for her to take the money.

"But...."

"Clara!!!"He callled out immediately.

She bit her lower lips nervously,staring at the money.

Yes!, she needed the money but she was confused why he wanted to give her such amount. What if he asked for something she wasn't ready to give?.

"Just take it okay"he smiled warmly.

She stretched her hand, accepting the money. "Thanks alot"she muttered.

"My pleasure"he smiled warmly.

"I'm Derrick by the way"he introduced.

"Oh..."She mouthed,not knowing what to say since he knew her name already.

"I'm Maria's younger brother"he blurted out.

"Huh??!!!!"She exclaimed, surprised and shock at the same time.

"I'm sorry sir,I'm really sorry....I..I..."She stuttered,rising up to her feet as she kept apologizing bowing at interval.

He laughed, "jeez!!!, enough of that"he said.

"I'm nothing like my elder sister,I'm just a normal guy, stop apologizing, I'm not even a prince"he added.

"I...I..I'm deeply sorry...uhm...here the money"she stretched her hands about to drop the money on the table but Derrick was quick enough to hold.

"This is my money,not my sister's, and besides she's never gonna hurt you even when she sees you on the road because I gave you some money, okay"he explained.

She bit her lower lips,still confused of what to do, "but..."

"Clara..."he called out again.

"Don't worry about anything,just move on with your normal life"he reassured her.

"Thanks a lot"she appreciated, "I'm really sorry if I bothered you"she added apologetically.

"Nah,it's fine,you can go now...I don't want to keep you waiting...probably your siblings might be waiting for you even if you come late or early"he said.

"Thanks alot"she bowed one more time before leaving immediately.

She dipped the money into her bag feeling a bit better yet confused why he help her.

He was so kind,unlike his bossy sister and then it dawned on her he didn't ask anything in return.

"Omg!"She gasp as she stopped abruptly on the road.

"She didn't even exchange contacts at least..."she murmured.

Should I just go back?- she thought.

Nah, it'll look like she's desperate...but I want to just thank him more...uhh what ever - she waved thr thought off.

If he truly gave her the money with true intentions,then there's no need to overthink it.

She strolled down the road until she got home, luckily for her Helene has cooked dinner.

"You're back from work early,sure there's no probs?"Helene questioned immediately dropping the soup spoon on the counter.

"Well ..I've been sacked"Clara stated with a sigh.

"Huh??... but why?!"

"She said I'm always late to work,which affects my colleague...and the most annoying part is that I normally share my salary with her anytime I'm been paid because i understand itts not easy for her to wait for me for like one to two hours"Clara explain down casted.