Truly... (bxb)

Truly... I Hate People

Are you gay or something?"

Something. I was something because if I wasn't something, these annoying ass people wouldn't be bothering me every chance they got. What was their problem?!

"I don't understand", I said, though I knew exactly what they were on about. They were talking about me and Charles.

They were always asking whether we were 'dating' because we were always together. They even claimed that Charles barely came to class in the beginning, but ever since I came– I resumed quite late, for personal reasons– he'd been coming. They were saying that I put juju on him.

Now, if I were a girl and they were saying such things to and about me, I'd probably blush and smile, or something. But I was a guy–the same gender as Charles, whom I'm sure wouldn't find such things funny. Yeah, they needed to chill with the claims.

I had no issues with gayness, especially since I didn't know if I was one because I've never dated, but I had issues with people's assumptions. Heck, people were starting to look me suspiciously, some with jealousy–mostly girls–and just… I was experiencing more than I'd bargained for.

"No, I'm not", I answered for the umpteenth time, annoyed.

The last class for the day was over and I just wanted to jump into my bed to sleep in peace.

I was waiting for Charles to get out of a lecturer's office so he could drive me to my hostel. He didn't live in school like some of us, so, he was able to move around. My ride to anywhere and everywhere was mostly him, so I had to wait. Normally I'd walk but ever since I'd gotten him as a friend, he'd decided to be my personal chauffeur. How nice.

"You sure?"

Between the both of us, he'd be the one people should be asking if he was gay. Ali Hanson was the most effeminate man I've ever seen… physically. That didn't mean he was gay but he was the one people should be questioning, not innocent me. Mr. Man legit had on a pink crop top to go with his leather pants, he also had his hair in a bun, painted his nails... While he looked fashionable, people would say he was gay, but I've never seen anyone publicly asking him such questions.

Probably because he's rich. Son of an American influencer-model and Canadian businessman.

"I'm not homophobic", Ali said as he noticed me silently looking him up and down.

"Right".

He smiled. "I'm just curious".

I was curious now. "Why? You want to know whether Charles is gay because you want to date him?"

Ali stood in silence for a bit, an incredulous look on his face before he started laughing. "W- what? I'm not- I'm not interested in your boyfriend, Ike".

My eyes widened. "You know my name?" I paused. "If you don't like him then why are you questioning me?" Then I remembered. "And he's not my boyfriend".

I was happy people weren't even around like that anymore. No stares, and no stupid comments.

"Of course I know your name, you're always with Charles. And you're one of the biggest brains in class. Also, I'm into the huge, giant-like type of guys. I just wanted to know because people are always asking you…"

I gaped. "You're gay?"

He shrugged. "Of course".

So I was right! Holy moly! I didn't expect to be right.

"People know?" I had to ask.

"Nope. But I'm sure it's evident". He whispered. "I'm not really hiding anything”.

Okay, I was shocked.

"Why the hell would you tell me this?!"

He shrugged, moving to leave my presence. "Because you're gay".

I choked on air. "Hey!"

He grinned as he waved me bye and a fancy car stopped in front of him.

"Did I just see you talking for more than a minute to someone other than me?"

I turned to face an amused yet, curious-looking Charles.

"Let's go home", I was all I said.

"Why were you talking to Ali Hanson?" He asked, walking beside me. "He only talks to his fellow colourful people".

"Yeah", I groaned as I remembered our encounter. "He keeps insisting that I'm gay and that you're my boyfriend".

I expected Charles to laugh but he just smiled. "He's not the first, so don't worry".

*****

"You're seriously beginning to act like a sugar daddy", I teased as I took the food packages he gave me.

Charles took me to buy some food because he didn't want me to come to school hungry the next morning.

"Anything for you", he joked.

For real though, the guy was acting like he was my partner. Anytime he sees an opportunity, he'd buy me something- mostly food– and pays for anything I'm in need of. It was crazy how he'd changed my life.

"Thanks". I appreciated his kind gesture, even though I knew that he didn't need to be nice to me if he wished.

Why exactly was he nice to me? Why did he never stop bothering me ever since we met? And why wasn't he always hanging out with his fellow rich kids? He was so f*****g weird.

"You're welcome. Have a wonderful evening".

"You too". I waved him goodbye and promised to call him later. It was the least I could do for him.

Oh it'll be wonderful indeed. The food he got for me would make it great. Thank God I was staying in the room alone.

Ah yes, the room. My brother was able to get some people in school to give me a single room. It wasn't big and all, but it was all I needed. My brother knew how much I loved my privacy and I was so appreciative of his efforts.

"Akuabata is back", someone called my surname.

I paused in my steps. I was going up the stairs when a hand grabbed my arm. I almost panicked until I saw the tattooed arm properly.

"Nick".

He was very popular in the hostel. Always playing his guitar and singing. From his looks, you'd think he's some thug but he was the nicest person I'd ever met. His hair was braided, he had tattoos on his arms and jewelry.

He gave me a playful shove. "How fa?"

"Fine", I answered. I wasn't in the mood to get into unnecessary conversations with anyone, I just wanted to go to my room and rest. But he was being nice and I didn't want to seem rude.

"Maybe later we'll talk".

Yes. Yes! Later we'll talk. We'd never talked 'later', but I'd take it.

"Okay. Later". I didn't wait for his response as I ran upstairs to my room.

Alone and in my room, after stripping down to my boxers, I picked up my phone to play some music. I was interrupted by a call, unfortunately.

"Hello".

It was Auntie Oma, my father's sister. I hated her guts but I was obligated to answer her call whenever because she was 'family' and because she'd probably cook up some lie if I didn't. Why did she even bother when it's obvious that she didn't like me?

Why did I ever bother to reply her when I knew it'll never end well?

"Just hello?" Came the annoying voice. "You don't know how to greet your elders again?"

I rubbed my temples, sitting on my bed ready to end this call and continue my life.

"Good evening, auntie".

"Ehehh". She sounded satisfied. First time in a while. "How are you? How's school?"

"Everything's fine".

"I hope you're studying hard to make your parents proud o", she said. "I'm not sure what people who study business admin do for work but I hope it'll get you more money than what your brother's earning… for the entire family".

Family. By that, I know she means the extended family members of whom I don't even know half of.

Also, my brother was earning more than anyone in the entire extended family. She had no right to speak like that.

"I'll make sure to make my parents proud", I simply said, not taking the bait.

I didn't care about anyone else but my family.

"Not just them though", she disagreed. "You know, it takes a village to raise a child and you…"

That was when I opened the food Charles bought for me. I was hungry and I wasn't going to let this woman stress me with her usual long and unnecessary epistles about family and money.

The one I opened contained jollof and chicken. Must've been expensive because the aroma coming from it, plus, the quality packaging was crazy.

"Don't forget that my birthday is next month, Ike".

So, I should now do what?

This woman would call my brother and I to bother us about everything that has to do with money and if we said we didn't have, she'd come up with crazy accusations. The only reason I was tolerating her so much is because I don't want my parents to be harassed by extended family members.

"Happy birthday in advance", I said through gritted teeth.

"Get me something o", she sang.

"I'll still be in school so– "

"Eh, you can send me money na. I'll send my account number later so you'll not forget".

The way I was holding myself from saying anything nasty's so… amazing. I'm so freaking amazing.

"Ma, I'm not exactly working now so I don't think I have money to give anybody".

Not even my parents. They were even the ones sending me money.

"I'm sure you'll get a job anytime from now. You've always been a hard worker".

I really didn't like this woman. Of all the people to call, she had to be the one. Not once in my life has she ever been nice unless when it comes to asking for things. To always have a smile on his face must be exhausting for my brother. Could never be me. And it certainly won't be me next time we meet during the holidays.

"Also, your cousin is planning on applying for your school after secondary school so, I– "

I hung up.

I was going to receive a sermon from someone tomorrow, but for now, I was blocking every single extended family I had saved in my contacts. They should leave me the f**k alone.

I'm afraid I'm not going to be as nice as Nduka if I talk to anyone of them again.

I didn't want to deal with this anymore.