CHAPTER SIXTY EIGHT: CAN'T YOU JUST SAY IT?
"Please, sit down fast" he said looking worried and wanting me to take action fast.
Then, I started hearing laughs from behind me. I started hearing whispers behind me.
"Please!" he said again
"That boy over there, what is it?" the teacher asked not getting why Samuel will stop me from obeying her.
Samuel stood up almost immediately. "I am sorry ma'am! Can I answer the question instead?" he asked her as he stood directly behind me.
"Why, if I may ask?" the teacher asked walking towards us.
"She isn't feeling well, I don't think her brain will process well"
"Just thank your stars that I am in a good mood if not, you will be answering to me." the teacher responded as he turned her attention from Samuel to me. "You can sit" she said
I didn't hesitate to sit because the stomach pain was too much, as I sat I felt my skirt wet.
Samuel turned to look at me and then, went to the board to answer the question.
Inwardly, I thanked him for saving me from the troubles.
I looked at Samuel answering the questions, the teacher gave him another question to answer and he answered everything correctly. The class clapped for him ordered by the teacher.
He walked back to sit down, as soon as he sat down "Thank you!" I appreciated as he adjusted himself on his chair. He adjust his desk as well.
"You are welcome, sorry by the way" he responded
"Quiet in my class, I don't want to call you again" the teacher ordered us as soon as she noticed us talking in the class.
…
After class,
"Why did you even help me?" I asked him as I arranged my books into my bag on my lap
"Because…" he was about answering until he got interrupted by Daniel
"How far?" Daniel asked with a smile as he looked at me
"Fine"
"Are you sure because, Samuel said something else" Daniel asked as he looked at Samuel and then, at me
"I just have stomach pain" I responded with a shrug as I zipped my bag
"How is it now?" Daniel asked as he looked at me, looking worried
"Getting better for now" I answered as I put my hand on my stomach
"Don't tell me that you are pregnant" Daniel teased as he smiled
"Nah! How can I?" I laughed trying to not bring any sense from what Daniel said
"Just saying"
"Then, don't say it"
"Jokes aside" Daniel said as he looked serious and looked into my eyes
"What?"
"It means you can't go buy what you want for this break period"
"I can! I am even craving the canteen swallow already" I responded smiling
(In Nigeria, we call swallow any native foods like Eba, fufu and others)
"Are you sure?" he asked as he looked at me with his eyebrows raised "I can help you if you want" Daniel responded with a tone of assurance.
"No besides, I want to exercise my legs" I said as I lifted my head and shifted the desk so, I can stand up and leave.
"Really, there is really no need for that. You shouldn't exercise them now maybe, later." Daniel said as he stood aside as I shifted my desk. "I can help you get whatever you want."
"There is no need for that, it will be stressful for you" I said as I adjusted my shoes well so, it will be comfortable for me when I walk
"Nothing is stressful for me when it comes to helping"
"Still, I insist!" I responded as I made way to stand up; as I was about standing, Samuel held my hand to stop me.
I turned to face him in shock
"What is it dude?" Daniel asked amused by the way Samuel suddenly held my head. To be honest, he asked the exact question I wanted to ask Samuel.
"I have my reason" he responded still fixed on my eyes and his hands still holding my hand.
"What reason?" Daniel asked as he came closer to our desks "she already said, she isn't feeling pain in her stomach anymore."
"Yes Samuel, I am fine. You can leave my hand now. Thanks for the concern" I responded as my gaze shifted to his hand holding my hand.
"My reason isn't something I will say out loud. I insist on you sitting down still!" Samuel said as he held my hand tightly
"What is wrong with you? She isn't your baby sister. There is no specific reason that you still hold her from going to where she wants to go when you aren't even her father besides, she insisted on stretching her legs. Just leave her alone!" Daniel explained as he looked Samuel confused at his behavior.
Samuel ignored Daniel and faced me, "It is for your own good." he responded as he looked at me with a calm expression
"It is okay, I am feeling okay." I assured him and then placed my hand on my stomach "my stomach feels better; I am just hungry, I have to put something in this stomach" I explained to him hoping what I said is more assurable.
"Even though"
"Can't you just say it? I don't want to pull your hand off her hand by force" Daniel said as if warning Samuel.
"Can't you at least see into this thing and stop being so dense" Samuel responded as he looked at Daniel emotionless.
"All I see is, you forcing her not to do what she doesn't want to do after assuring you already that she is fine. Isn't that cruel?" Daniel blurted out at Samuel with a straightforward look
"Can you just tell me what is wrong and stop beating around the bush?" I asked as I looked at him curious to know why he will just stop me out of nowhere
Samuel turned to look at me and then turned to look at Daniel and then, back at me.
I raised my eyebrow wondering what is wrong. "You are red stained on your skirt" he answered in a low tone.