βYour sweetheart is coming.β Edward Chianumba announced to his friend, Eric Conrad.
Eric looked up from his markings on the sand and smiled. Indeed, his sweetheart was coming. His sunshine, his best friend.
He didnβt quite know when or how but he knew he had fallen irresistibly in love with her. He threw the stick away, sat back on the wooden bench and watched his approaching childhood sweetheart. The sun beating down hard on the earth didn’t even make him squint his eyes. It was as if he was in a trance. Memories flooded his brain.
He continued watching her intently as she approached them along with her friend, Ezinne Uzoma. She looked good as usual in their unique uniform of Burberry pencil skirt, white shirt and black tie. It was completed with white socks and black sandals. He felt his heart beat faster than normal as it usually did whenever she was around him.
βAs I was saying, Kemi is my latest target. Men! If I donβt get that girl, I might dieβ¦.Ericβ¦Ericβ¦here we go again!β Edward complained when he realized his friend was no longer listening to him but looking steadily at his childhood sweetheart with a stupid smile on his face.
He wondered at the kind of love between these two and also wondered if he would ever find such love. As he stared at his friend, lost in thought, he was surprised to see Eric suddenly frowning. He followed the direction of his gaze and smiled mischievously. Uche, their classmate had stopped Oleng for a chat.
Eric tried to control himself because he felt like going over there to warn Uche to stay away from his girl. He shook his head. Oleng wasn’t his girl. He had not made his feelings known to her nor asked her to be his girlfriend. Everyone knew they were the best of friends and have been friends since he was six and she, five and now they were sixteen and fifteen years old respectively. They had come a long way together.
He couldnβt pinpoint exactly when he had started developing feelings of love towards her. At his study time, when he was supposed to be reading, thoughts of her always infiltrated his mind. He would stare at her photograph over and over again. He couldn’t t tell her of his feelings lest he ruin their friendship. He didnβt know if she felt the same way towards him. Looking at the way she was smiling at Uche made him think his love wasnβt reciprocated. It made him sad.
Ezinne who had been glaring at Uche with her upper lip curled in disdain left them and walked towards where he and Edward were seated on the bench. Ezinne, Olengβs closest female friend, a very slim, black beauty with a sharp wit usually didnβt mince words when it came to saying her mind even though she was a very loyal person.
βHi Eric, hi Eddy.β she hailed when she got to them.
βHi, Zinny.β Eddy hailed also.
βHi to you too, Zinny.β Eric greeted as she sat down beside him on the bench to glare at Oleng and Uche still chatting.
βEric, you should tell Oleng to stop pretending and start showing her true feelings.β Ezinne said angrily.
Eric’s face showed surprise. βWhat do you mean?β
βShe isnβt enjoying that conversation. Sheβs just too polite to tell him sheβs tired of it. Sheβs like that with every guy who approaches her. Sometimes, she is so nice, I feel like killing her.β Ezinne put her hands together as if she was wringing the neck of a chicken.
βCome on, Ezinne. Oleng is a very beautiful girl. She should enjoy the advances made towards her.β Eric countered.
βNot when sheβs got you. Youβre the guy in her life so others should just get the message.β Zinny put her right leg over her left leg and hissed in anger.
βZinny, are you saying this out of jealousy, since they all approach her and none spare you even a glance?β Edward quipped with a smile.
Ezinne glared at him. βEddy, if you werenβt my senior in class, I would have bitten you right now for that nonsense you just sprouted.β
Edward smiled in a charming manner. βYou can bite me anytime, Ezi mummy,β he chuckled. βBut you know where.β
βGod! Youβre incorrigible!β she exclaimed in disgust. The boys laughed.
Edward was a notable flirt. His tall, dark and handsome features made him a ladies man coupled with his charming personality. Just sixteen, he used his good looks and honey-coated tongue to win girls over and sleep with them. He saw himself as Godβs gift to girls.
Just then, Oleng came to meet them. She stood before Eric.
βHi Ricky. Hi Eddy.β she hailed, smiling shyly as she did lately whenever she was close to Eric.
Eric smiled. She was the only one who called him ‘Ricky’ and he loved it.
βHi Oleng.β Eddy hailed also, gazing intently at her beautiful face.
βHi sunshine.β Eric smiled. βI can see your admirers are increasing by the day. Tell them they have to pay homage to me first before they attempt speaking to you.β
Oleng laughed. Eric and Edward were captivated by her musical laugh and beautiful face for the umpteenth time.
βDonβt tell me itβs the green eye monster talking in you. Uche is just a friend.β She sat down beside Zinny.
βAnd pigs fly,β retorted Ezinne.
Oleng turned to fix her gaze on her irate friend. βZinny, you know itβs not like that. He just wants us to be friends. Nothing special.β
βAkwuko.β Ezinne chipped in Igbo language.
Oleng hit her playfully. βYou know vernacular isnβt allowed in school.β
Eric shrugged. βWhatever you say. Just know Iβll kill anyone who tries to toy with your heart.β he solemnly declared. She turned to look at him intently. Their eyes met and held.
Oleng was the first to look away shyly. She couldnβt describe her feelings for Eric these days. She was always breathless around him. She couldnβt look into his eyes again like she used to. She just couldnβt understand what was happening to her concerning him. He was no longer just her best friend. She fantasized sometimes about being his wife. Her feelings for him now ran that deep.
She prayed he would never find out because she would die of embarrassment since it looked as if her feelings weren’t reciprocated because girls were always around him especially Senior Oge. She desperately wanted her feelings to be reciprocated. She was however ready to take her secret to the grave. She took a deep breath and pushed her feelings aside.
βWhereβs Dave?β
Eric shrugged. βI donβt know.β
βI think heβs doing runs.β Edward supplied smiling.
βThatβs all you know Eddy.β Ezinne complained.
Edward shrugged nonchalantly. βBut itβs the truth. Whereβs he now? He knows we normally come here to wait for you girls at break time before we go to the canteen but he left the class before us without informing us of his whereabouts. By the way, whereβs Marvy? Is she missing too?” He grinned. “Maybe they went to do runs together. We better go and search the toilets and hidden spots in this schoolβ¦I really canβt imagine Dave and Marvy getting down though.β He burst into laughter.
Ezinne and Oleng got up to hit him playfully while Eric laughed.
βMarvy went to deliver a message to her aunt in the staff room. Sheβll meet us in the canteen.β Oleng informed them.
βAlright! Alright! Letβs go to the canteen then.β Eddy said after fending off their hands and stood up.
Eric and got up also. They walked quietly to the large red and white canteen.
The canteen was jam packed and noisy as usual with students. While the girls went to the table reserved for the Senior Prefect, close to the entrance of the place, the boys ordered for snacks and drinks at the counter. The students on the queue gave way for Eric because he was the Senior Prefect. Eric thanked them in turn. They took the goodies to the table and sat down to eat. It was while they were eating that Marvelous Ogaranya came to meet them with her own snacks. She was Olengβs second closest friend. Chubby in a cute way and dark in complexion, she was an introvert though not with her friends.
She sat down beside Zinny at the round wooden table. βHi everybody.β .
They greeted her in return except for the naughty Edward who asked, βWhereβs Dave?β
Marvelous shrugged. She removed the wrap from her meat pie. βI donβt know. Was he looking for me?β
βDonβt mind this silly boy. Just ignore him.β Ezinne told her. She bent her head to look under the table in order to locate the position of Eddy’s legs before stamping one of them hard with hers. He yelped and she laughed.
They continued eating and talking about this and that. It was a very lively affair. Looking from the outside, one would notice how close they all were especially Eric and Oleng who couldn’t keep their eyes off each other.Β Towards the end of their meal, Ezinne suddenly said, βO no! Here comes the bitch.β
Oge Dialu walked majestically to where they were seated. Her big busts jiggled as she moved toward them with arms akimbo. Her fair complexion shone and she took delight in the fact that all eyes fell on her artistically beautiful face even though she was vertically challenged.
βHi Eric.β She batted her eyes at him seductively, ignoring everyone else at the table. βMay I have a word with you?β
Eric groaned inwardly. He was sick and tired of her overtures but could do nothing about it. βSure.β he said and got up, βPlease excuse me.β he told the others but glanced at Oleng who lifted a shoulder nonchalantly.
Oge held his hand and they both went outside the canteen to where she made sure they could see them. She stood close to Eric, touching his shirt buttons. She brushed aside imaginary flecks from his curly hair. She didn’t really have anything to say to him but she wanted to stamp her ownership in front of the whole school. If she could pee all over him, she would have done it. Who wouldn’t love to have Eric for a boyfriend? It was a thing of conquest for any girl to call him her boyfriend. She would do everything within her power to get that title. She moved closer to him and tried to rub her big frontal twins on his chest but he moved back a step. Disappointed, she sighed. She took consolation in the fact that her lacy black bra could be seen by all and sundry through her white shirt. She tried to get his attention to her chest by twirling a finger on her tie but his gaze was fixed above her head. She sighed again.
Oleng was mad but she controlled herself. Oge was her senior in class even if it was just a year and the school took seniority seriously. Oleng really couldnβt do anything because she had already been a victim of Ogeβs wickedness. Oge punished her unnecessarily just because of Eric. She had told her face to face that she would deal with her because Eric refused to show her attention. She didnβt tell Eric because she knew it would only make matters worse.
βThat Oge is a harlot. Just look at the way sheβs talking to Eric.β Ezinne asserted angrily.
Oleng was appalled. βZinny, please be careful. You know weβre in a public place.β
βWhoever wants to report me to her should go ahead, I donβt care!β Ezinne retorted sharply. βAfter all, it’s not today she started punishing us for nothing. At least now her punishment would be justified.β
βDoes she punish you girls?β Edward questioned in surprise.
βYes, especially Oleng.β Ezinne replied tautly.
Surprise was all over Eddy’s face. βWhy? You girls are just one year her junior. I donβt punish SS2 students, only SS1 and below.β
βItβs because of Eric. Sheβs jealous of Eric and Oleng.β Marvelous spelt out bluntly.
Edward smiled. βI see. Does Eric know about it?β
βNo. Oleng refused to tell him. Sheβs scared that Ogeβs punishments becoming worse.β Marvelous responded drily.
βWhy Oleng?β Edward queried the silent Oleng.
βYou know Ricky na. Heβd blow the whole thing over proportion and that will only make Oge more furious. I donβt want any trouble. Sheβll soon graduate with him. Iβm prepared to continue suffering in silence till then.β Oleng remarked clamly.
Edward smiled and rubbed his hand on his chin. βDonβt worry. Iβll handle her.β
βNo Eddy. I donβt want any trouble.β Oleng pleaded.
βItβs no trouble at all. There are many ways to kill a rat. Itβs just to tell her that if she doesn’t back off, Iβll tell everyone what happened between us at the back of the hall on Valentineβs Day.β He smiled mischievously, leaving the others dumb founded.
Just then the bell to announce break over was rung. Oge gave Eric a peck and left, shaking her buttocks. He walked up to the others as they got up from their seats. He noticed that Oleng refused to meet his eyes. He stood before her but she still wouldnβt look at him. She walked away amidst the students trooping out of the canteen.
βIβll meet you in class, Eddy.β he told Eddy who smiled and left.
Eric hurried up to meet Oleng, Marvy and Ezinne. He held Olengβs hand and she stopped walking. She still wouldnβt look at him.
βMarvy and Zinny, please excuse us.β He requested of her friends who shrugged and walked away.
βWhatβs wrong, sunshine?β he asked softly after studying her steadily.
She stared at her sandals. βNothing. Why do you ask?β
βWhy were you ignoring me?β he prompted.
βI wasnβt ignoring you. It’s break over.β she replied, still with her eyes on her sandals.
βSunshine, look at me.β Eric coaxed gently.
She raised her head slowly to look at him.
βIs that the green eye monster I see there?β He threw her own words back at her.
Oleng couldnβt help smiling. Eric noticed again her charming smile and savored it.
She hit his chest playfully. βAnd you accuse me of having many admirers?β
βOge is just a friend.β he asserted cooly.
βUche is just a friend.β she replied, smiling.
He laughed. She laughed too. He held her hand and they walked towards their classrooms, ignoring the students who were looking at them and smiling. There were a few jealous ones frowning though.
βSo long as they donβt come in between us.β he stressed with emphasis.
βNever.β she firmly declared.
βDitto.β he concurred. βSee you later.β Eric told her when they got to her classroom.
βByeβ she responded and went into the classroom just as two of her classmates who entered with her giggled and said, βLove nwa tin tin!β
The embarrassed Oleng went quietly to her seat.
At closing, Oleng went to where they normally sat to wait for the boys at break time; the wooden benches at the recreational area.
After a short while, she saw Eric advancing towards her. She noticed both junior students and senior students alike hailed him as they passed. Her best friend was indeed drop dead gorgeous.
A head taller than most of his mates, his skin was so light he was called a half-caste by almost everyone he came in contact with. Most people thought he was of mixed birth but only a few knew that his dad was the half-caste. Ericβs paternal grandmother was an American while his paternal grandfather was a Nigerian; that made his dad half American. Eric took after him in coloring while Damian, his elder brother took after their chocolate skinned mum. Eric had white features and spoke with a slight accent. His mother had given birth to him when they were based in America. They’d relocated to Nigeria when he was five. They still went there on hols.
Oleng thought all these, coupled with his brilliance, made him a favorite amongst girls and boys alike, teachers and the school authorities. She was indeed fortunate to have him as her best friend. Despite these wonderful qualities, Eric was very humble. His beauty, brilliance and wealth never got into his head. Everyone was equal to him. It was little wonder that Senior Oge and the girls in his class wanted him for keeps. It was very unfortunate for them that he refused to date anyone. They all blamed her and were jealous of her. She shrugged. It wasnβt as if Eric had asked her out or anything so she wondered what they wanted to kill her for. Losers! She hissed.
Eric sighted Oleng at their usual waiting place and his face lit up like a light bulb. She looked lost in thought. For the umpteenth time, he thanked God for bringing her into his life. Oleng, his rare gem.
It wasnβt just her beauty that captivated him even though she was a very beautiful girl. She acted as if she wasnβt aware of it though. Her chocolate skin shone at all times, so much so that she’d been asked to advertise a body cream but she’d declined.
Petite, that was the best way to describe her. Her stature always made him feel like lifting her up in his arms and swinging her around. The part of her that captivated him the most was her pointed nose which he loved touching. He couldnβt quite contain what he felt for her. Someday, he knew he would have to voice it out but he didnβt know how she would take it with her being a very shy and reticent person.
He finally got to her. βHi sunshine. Have you been waiting here for long?β
She shrugged and got up. βNot really.β
They both walked hand in hand out of the school with their school bags on their backs.
Ever since he got to SS1, he had pleaded with his parents to allow him to start walking to school since it was just three streets away. He felt like a child always having to wait for their driver to take him to school and take him back home again. Besides, the large estate was a safe place in Port Harcourt; Woji and he was grown up now. His parents had obliged with the help of Damian, his elder brother. In the past he’d always instructed their driver to stop by Oleng’s house to pick her up since her house was on the way to school but now they walked to school together and went home together.
They talked about this and that until they got to her house, oblivious of their school mates walking around them.
βWill you come in?β she asked when they got to her red iron gate.
βNope. Not today. My mum is at home and I donβt want to explain my whereabouts to her.β he answered, grinning.
βMummyβs boy.β she teased.
He touched her nose playfully and smiled again.
βWell, see you tomorrow then. Donβt come late like you did today or Iβll walk to school alone.β she threatened jokingly, stabbing a finger in the air at him.
βYou wouldnβt.β he dared.
βTry me.β she countered, laughing.
He laughed and shook his head. βSee you tomorrow, sunshine.β
βBye Ricky.β She opened the small part of the gate and went inside.
Just as Eric was getting to the end of the street, Edward and Dave caught up with him. They were all friends due to the fact that they all lived on the same street and got along. Dave was Ericβs close friend too. He wasnβt as good looking as Eddy or Eric but handsome nevertheless. He was also an introvert like Marvelous.
As usual, Edward was talking about girls.
βEric, please stay clear of Oge. Iβve already seen the color of her panties.β he declared with pride.
Eric and Dave shook their heads and stared at their friend as they walked down the busy street with students.
βWhose panties havenβt you seen in that class?β Dave questioned in bewilderment.
βNone. Iβve gotten down with all of them. All you have to do is use the right words on them and before you say βbedβ, they are down!β he laughed.
The others laughed and shook their heads. Eddy would never change. They were used to him and his escapades with girls.
Edward gave Eric a quick glance before saying, βFrankly, thereβs one girl I really would love to see her panties but I know it would be impossible because she belongs to another.β
βThat has never stopped you before. Who is she?β asked Eric.
Eddy shook his head and smiled. βForget it.β
βTell us so we’d bet on it.” Dave challenged.
Edward glanced at Eric again before saying, βOleng.β
Before anyone could say, βWhat?β Eric had punched Edward. Students who were walking around them quickly stopped to watch the show while those coming behind rushed forward.
βJesus!β Edward exclaimed and held his bleeding nose. βNa play I been dey o! I just wanted to see your reaction. You didnβt have to punch me na.β Eddy was shocked. Eric wasnβt an advocate of violence.
Eric’s eyes flashed fire as he dropped his bag from his back and palmed his friend on his chest. Edward staggered backwards. βDonβt you ever joke with that sort of thing again. Oleng isn’t one of your girls or play things.β Eric’s black eyes were filled with fury as Dave and some students held him from punching Edward further.
Edward raised both hands in surrender. βOkay, lover boy. But get down with her before someone else does.β Edward riposted as he brought out his handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his nose.
βYou donβt know my Oleng at all. My sunshine is not like that and even if I want to get down with her, I know how to play my cards right.β Eric fired back with strong masculine conviction.
βOkay o! Itβs my moons abi stars who are like that? Eric, you pack quite a punch! Iβm lucky my nose isnβt broken. Edward moved his nose to the left, then to the right with two fingers and winced.
βServes you right!β Dave scolded him, releasing Eric from his grip. He motioned for the other students to unarm his friend.
Eric looked shame faced at his outburst. βIβm sorry. Donβt joke about my sunshine like that again.β He looked around him at the students who were still watching the show. He lowered his head. He’d acted out of character. Damn!
βOkay. I just hope sheβs worth it.β
βShe is!β His eyes flashed anger again. Edward was hell bent on tempting him. He however swallowed his anger even though he felt like punching the lights out of his friend.
βLetβs go homeβ The ever quiet Dave dermanded of them when he noticed their school mates were watching them intently and making unfounded remarks. He knew the news would be all over school the following day; the true version and the one garnished with lies. Their cool headed senior prefect had punched one of his closest friends because of Oleng.
βAlright.β Edward conceded witheringly, smiling mischievously as he continued wiping his bloody nose.
Eric wasnβt as cool headed as everyone thought. It was good to know that his friend would fight for his girl. Sincerely, there were times he wondered how Oleng would be in bed but dared not tell Eric.
Oleng was a very beautiful girl; quiet but captivating even in her serene nature. What he loved most about her was her smile. She had a shy, cool and charming smile. He had to warn his classmates against approaching Oleng because he now knew Ericβs feelings for her ran deep and he would be prepared to fight anyone who dared to toy with his βSunshineβ.
With that thought, he said goodbye to his friends and knocked on his gate.
Great job! Can’t wait for part 2!
Audrey Timms, you’re good!
Thanks dear
wow! I love this, looking forward to reading more. kudos
I’m happy at that. Thanks
I like it already!!!!
Yipee! I’m glad. Thanks
This is good, keep up with the good work.
I will. Thanks
Nice. I am already in love. Audrey Timms.To read a story that has names of familiar streets is nice. Woji Port Harcourt. All Phcity people know this place.Tanks Sally for putting this on your blog
My pleasure
I’m smiling here. I’m happy you like it. I try to write realistic fiction. Thanks
I love this, looking forward to reading more
I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Thanks dear
This is extremely interesting,,a beautiful story indeed,well,I hope they open up to each other real soon,lest they end up losing their true love,kusod audrey,tanx sally
Thanks dear. I hope so too
Nice piece. You packed quite a punch. You are trying, shaaaa….
Thanks dear
Very nice piece. I just have a feeling dat sth bad like heartbreak and denial awaits oleng but plz don’t allow it happen o I don’t want to loose interest in dis tanks
Thanks dear. Lose interest ’cause of heartbreak? Let’s keep our fingers crossed then.
Ehen better than the first episode, keep it up Timms, thank you.
Really? I’m glad. Thanks dear
Sally thank you and Timms waiting for the next episode. lovely work
Thans dear
Part two,part two o!!!! I can’t breath!! I can’t Sleep!! Who wrote this!! Part two na!! Part two abeg!! Why na!! Don’t kill me!! Just the part two!! Tz crazy!! Reminds me of my sec school then!! PART TWO O!!!
Lol! Part two is out
aoutch, very painful. sorry eddy d play boy……. won’t oleng brake Ricky’s heart? let’s wait n see………”big frontal twins” I like d way u called ‘it’…
its becoming more interesting. waiting for the next episode.
thanks anti Sally, and also our upcoming writer Audrey Timms.
Lol! Well, we’ll see as the story unfolds. Thanks dear
Nice 1 andrey. More greeze 2 ur elbow.
A very captivating piece.