THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 27

I hid the envelope in my pocket and went to the classroom. I was still wondering what could be in the envelope. Could it be money? Could it be a letter? Could it be a cheque? Well, I would find out when I finally open it. I entered the classroom and spotted the empty seat which Lucy used to sit on. Her thoughts consumed my mind. Where could she be now? Was she still under "house arrest"? When would she be coming back to school? I also spotted JK's seat. I started recounting the risks I took together with my friends, and got to know that it was a pyrrhic victory that we had won. Now, the ultimate prize, Lucy, was nowhere to be found. The one person I loved and cherished most and the other one I hate to see were all absent. I went and sat down and tried to avoid eye contact with my 'CID'  mate till we closed.

I knew she would wait for me behind the toilet so I went straight there, when we dispersed from closing assembly. When I got there, she wasn't there so I decided to open the envelope and see what was in it. I opened it quickly and found out that it wasn't money or cheque that was in the envelope but it was a letter. I looked at the subscription and the name there was Lucy. My heart missed a beat when I saw her name. Before I started reading the letter, I made sure there was no one there.

The letter read, "Hi KD, I'm so sorry for what happened to you last Friday. I wish I had the chance to apologize to you personally, but I didn't get any. I hope you will find a place in your heart to forgive me for what I'm about to tell you. First of all, I will no longer be attending the same school with you. This is because my dad is taking me abroad to continue my education there. I know this will be a very hard blow for you, but trust me, I'm also hurting. I thought now that we have agreed to date, you were going to feed me with your love, but it never came to pass. I wish you all the best in your studies and I hope you will find another girl, who could love you and cherish your love. My mum told me you would come to our house last Sunday evening but you didn't. I had planned to tell you then, but because you didn't come that's why I wrote you this letter. I would be leaving for Accra this afternoon. I don't know if I can see you before I go. Goodbye."

My heart beat increased. I was shaking uncontrollably. I couldn't believe the love of my life was leaving me for good. She was traveling to a foreign. She wouldn't be coming back. Fear gripped me, pinned me down and made me incapable of thinking. I stood there in shock. Lucy said in her letter that she would be leaving for Accra that afternoon. I thought there was a chance that I would meet her in her house before she leaves. I folded the letter and put it in my pocket. Just when I was about to go, the 'CID' girl appeared. She was so optimistic that finally, she would get to taste my lips. I told her I was leaving. "Hey, you can't go. I'm sure you know the consequences of what that action could be?" she quizzed. "Look here girl, I don't care about what you know and who you want to tell. You can do it fast. I don't care anymore. Do as you wish girl," I replied her harshly. She wanted to hold my arm but I pushed her off which landed her on the floor. I overheard her saying she was going to report me, but I didn't bother.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me to Lucy's house. I didn't even take my school bag. All that was important to me was to catch a last glance at Lucy. I was cock sure I would see her before she leaves, but there was another faint voice that kept on telling me to stop wasting my time, but I kept on running. Just when I was about to reach the house, I met that car. That posh car Lucy's mum was driving last Sunday. The car stopped, Lucy called me from the car and I went. She was weeping. She couldn't say anything, but her tears said it all. Her mum bid me goodbye, because they were running late. The car drove off. I couldn't control my tears. I couldn't control myself. I sat in the middle of the street and cried like a baby. I didn't care about cars approaching, or people looking at me, or the girl going to report me, or JK or even my partners in crime. All I cared about was the love I had lost. All that concerned me was the girl I never had.

#THE_END

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 12

"When a man loses his prestige, he does not regain it by going to where he is not known. " I decided to right my wrongs. I would have to regain my reputation. I knew she would be going for choir practice that evening. I thought that would be a great opportunity to meet her again and beg for her forgiveness. I was so tensed that I couldn't control myself. I found a pile of blocks beside a house and went to take a rest there. By that time, ECG had taken their light.

As I sat there thinking about all the techniques and tricks that I can use to win her back, I saw that boy. That ugly boy. JK. I knew he attended the same church with Lucy but I didn't know he was also a chorister. If JK could sing with that irritating voice, then may God forgive me because I have been wasting my talent. He was heading towards the direction of Lucy's house. I felt uncomfortable. I felt uneasy calm swimming through my veins. I wanted to confront him, but I felt powerless.

He got to the main gate, entered, and a few minutes later returned with her. They were walking in a compromising posture. They talked. They laughed. They hugged and almost kissed. What prevented them from kissing was my cough. I intentionally did that. I didn't want them to go that far. Hugging was normal, but kissing? I couldn't stand that. I approached them. I wanted to teach JK a bitter lesson. I can't stand there and watch while JK put me through hell. Just when I was about to pounce on JK, I saw something that made me stop.

I saw that the girl wasn't Lucy. It was someone else. I couldn't believe I was wasting my energy on a strange girl. I couldn't believe JK had been cheating on Lucy. I had caught them red-handed. Right in front of Lucy's house. Lucy must hear this. JK saw me but said nothing. The girl saw me but wanted to ask me something. JK dragged her away. I'm very sure she saw me either entering or going out of the house. I didn't waste any more time. I started walking towards the gate of Lucy's house to reveal to him the real personality of JK. I got to the gate, tried to open it, but someone opened it before I did. Who could this be?

It was her. Lucy. She was decently dressed. Ready to go for choir practice. "You again? So what you saw wasn't enough eh? You want to come and enjoy yourself more. Shame on you!" she said. When I heard those words flowing out of her mouth like a river that has lost its direction, I felt bad. I felt stupid. I felt humiliated. "How could she be this mean to me. Upon all I have been through, just listen to the insults she's adding to my injuries?" I said it quietly to myself. Enough is enough. I turned to go home to "nurse my wounds" but she held my shirt. She pushed me towards her. She hugged me.

The hug was so tight. It was tighter than the one she gave me at the hospital. I was shocked. Was I in love with some kind of a psycho? How could she push me away this minute and the next minute, she's pampering me in her arms. I didn't want to fall for her tricks. I told her to stop what she was doing. I wanted to tell her what I saw between JK and the girl. I didn't know how she was going to take it. Would she be angry? Would she be disappointed? Would she be shocked? Should I tell her or just keep mute?

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART11

"You will never know whether your friend is a snake or a snake is your friend until one of them bites you." I didn't know whose room I was hiding until the owner entered the room. I didn't want to stand there for the person to see me. As soon as I heard the gate opening, I went and hid behind a giant old refrigerator in the room. I did that spontaneously without thinking. The person entered. A female. A girl. Lucy. She wrapped herself with a towel. I'm very sure she was coming from the bathhouse.

I was a bit safe now. I was still behind the refrigerator watching Lucy. She started dancing to the song being played. I watched her as she danced. She danced so well. How long will I hide? What if she finds out? What if her mum joins her in the room? I started sweating. The room was hot. I didn't know what happened, but I unexpectedly sneezed. Pandemonium broke out. She was so terrified that she screamed. I also screamed. I came out from my hiding place. When she saw me, she screamed the more. Her towel dropped to the floor and she stood there naked.

She stopped screaming when someone started banging at the door. Who could this be? It was a male. He tried to open the gate and come in but luckily for me, Lucy had locked the gate. He asked what the matter was. Lucy still stood there naked and speechless. She was shocked to the core. She stood there shaking. I stole a glance at her dangling breast. I couldn't enjoy the view because I was so tensed and frightened. The person kept banging the gate and asking her what the matter was. I begged her not to mention anything about me.

She finally spoke. She told him it was nothing. But this man wouldn't move an inch until she told him what made her scream so loud. She lied that she saw a big mouse on her bed, and that made her scream. That got the man so furious that he went away insulting Lucy. By that time, Lucy had wrapped herself again with her towel, but I could see that she was still in a state of shock. "What are you doing here? Why are you here? How did you get in here?" she asked me these questions and demanded answers from me. I told her to calm down, which she gladly did. I explained what happened to her.

I thought she would pity me. I thought she would comfort me. I thought she would kiss me. I thought she would hug me. I got none of these. She asked me to get out of her room. She pushed me out of her room. She was so annoyed. She didn't care about their dog who was lying in wait to devour me. She didn't care about the man who had come to bang at her gate. All she cared about that moment was herself. She got so pissed that I had seen her nakedness. She drove me out.

I entered her room with courage but came out with shame. My mind had been captured with shame so much so that I didn't even have a space to entertain fear. I didn't give a hoot about the wild dog. I didn't care about the man seeing me. I walked out slowly to the gate, opened it, and went out. I knew by then that my chances of winning Lucy's heart were very slim now.
#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 10

"You can't run and scratch your buttocks at the same time", that's what our wise folks say. I was faced with two difficult tasks. One was getting JK punished and the other one was winning the heart of Lucy. They both seemed easy tasks but actually, they were very difficult. I needed to plan with my guys. It was too big a burden for just one person to carry. I called for a meeting on Friday after school. We met. We planned. We decided to start with the revenge on JK, and after that, the three of us excluding Frank, will "fight" for the heart of Lucy. Whoever succeeds, takes her.

That Friday evening I decided to go and visit Lucy at her house. I had not seen her after we separated at the hospital. I wanted to make an impression. I wanted to win her heart, mind, and maybe the whole body. I took my bath. I brushed my teeth. I dressed very well. I didn't forget to steal my mum's perfume. I stepped out and set off. We lived in the same area so I didn't need any transport fare.

I got to her house. I opened the main gate and entered. I have never entered her house. She only gave me the direction to her house. I couldn't see anyone around. I heard music playing in one of the rooms. I decided to go there and knock. I went there and started knocking. I heard a dog barking. I turned to look at it, but unfortunately, it was running towards me.  My heart started beating faster. The dog was wild. I knew that it wouldn't spare my life. I had two options; face the wild dog and fight it, or run for my dear life. But run to where?

I kept on knocking. Very faster now. Still no answer. Just when the dog was about to pounce on me, I opened the gate and entered the room. I didn't care whose room it was. I didn't care who or what I was going to meet in the room. All I wanted was to escape that wild dog. I had done that courageously. The dog was still outside barking. I was safely inside someone's room. There was no one in the room. The dog waited for some time and went back. Just when I made up my mind to open the gate and go out, the gate opened. Who opened the gate?
#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 3

I quickly hid the letter in my pocket. I opened the toilet gate. Guess who was there? The new guy.
"What are you doing here, " I asked him." I'm here to do exactly what you came here to do, " he replied me. Exactly what I came here to do? Does he have any idea what I was doing in there? Is he aware I've been keeping a love letter from a secret lover which was meant for him? Was it the right time to spill the bean? Should I wait for him to finish so that I can give him his letter? I was more confused now.

I decided to wait for him. I wanted to tell him everything. I stood outside waiting for him. I saw my dream girl approaching. I saw that as an opportunity to book an appointment with her. I knew she would vehemently reject it, just as she always did, but there was no harm in trying. I called her politely. I knew she "had been called by nature" so I decided to make it brief. Miraculously, she agreed to meet me after school.

Right after I had finished booking my appointment with her, the new guy appeared. "Are you still here?" he asked me. "Yeah, I was waiting for you."  He was pleased to hear me say that. On our way to the classroom, he asked me what I was doing with Lucy. I explained to him that it wasn't anything important. He wanted to probe more, but I gave him that, shut-the-hell-up look, so he kept mute. I thought I had to give him the letter. I was so afraid of how he was going to react. How would I explain myself? Should I keep it and find out what this anonymous lover will write next. My hand was in my pocket, ready to fish for the letter.

I brought out the letter and handed it over to him. "Ei, another letter for me? I have received three already, just today,"  he said. I was shocked to hear him say that. So it wasn't a big deal after all. I asked him what all the previous letters were about. He told me the letters were from an anonymous lover. In fact, Lovers, but he wasn't ready for such stuff. "Crazy boy,"  I said that quietly to myself. We entered the classroom. A few minutes later, the school was over.

My next target now was to meet my dream girl. There was one challenge. My paddies. How do I tell them to go home and leave me behind? It became a headache for me. We were so close that none of us was seen without the other. I gathered courage and told them to take the lead, and I'll join them later. They found it strange, but who dares question the leader? They obliged. Everything seemed to be working for me. I also overheard Lucy telling JK to take the lead. Wow, what a moment. I had dreamt about this many times, and finally, the time is up. All the students left, except the two of us. I was alone in the classroom with Lucy. I was so tensed. I didn't know how to begin. I couldn't look her in the face. She was also looking away. She asked me why I asked her to meet me. I opened my mouth but no sound came out.

I stood there gazing at her. She was growing impatient now. She told me not to waste her time if I had nothing to tell her. I finally spoke. I begged her to give me just five minutes so that I can tell her why I arranged for the meeting. Just when I was about to start, our headmaster entered our classroom. He asked what we were still doing in the classroom. I explained that I was teaching her a Maths topic she was finding difficult to understand. The headmaster stood there for some minutes and went out. A few seconds later, he came back and called me.

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 2

I didn't want the new guy to see the letter. It could be him, and it could also be me. I decided to find out the writer of this love letter. Luckily for me that day, I was the first student to enter the classroom. The others started trooping in, so I hid the letter in my bag. The new guy joined me on the desk, and we had a good chat that morning. While we were talking, we saw our Maths tutor approaching. Complete silence rained on us. Most of my mates,  including me, didn't like Maths. I don't know if our teacher is the cause or just the subject. When the teacher started teaching, something happened that got us all shocked.
I never knew I was sitting with "Archimedes". The new guy was not only cute but a shark. He answered most of the questions our teacher asked. Surprisingly, he got all of them correct. He also asked intelligent questions. JK could not match him. JK scored eight out of ten in the test we did, but the new guy scored all. I'm sure you are wondering what I got? For the very first time in my life, I got all the answers correct. How do you expect me to even get one answer wrong, while I was sitting with the shark? I took advantage of him and copied all his answers. I became very happy that day. I felt like lifting the new guy with the last strength I had in me. But I didn't. I didn't even show I was happy. I felt I was doing him a favor. Why? I made him sit beside me. I accepted him as my friend. So if he's helping me to excel in my academics, that was not a big deal.

The new guy did not only excel in Maths but he extended his dominance in the other subjects. Soon, JK was forgotten. No one gave him much attention as we used to. All the attention was on the new guy now. Since I was virtually getting the same score as he got, I also got my share of the attention. I found that as an opportunity to win the heart of that pretty girl. Surprisingly, she was not seen so close to JK as she used to. She was either seen alone or with some female friends. I knew that was the right time to strike. I wouldn't waste time. But who wrote that letter? And who was the love letter directed to?

Exactly a week later, I saw another envelope. I went to the classroom with my two paddies, oh sorry, three. The new guy was a member of our group now. We called ourselves, MEGA BRAINS. I was still the leader. I needed to know the content of the letter, but I didn't want my other friends to know about this secret admirer. I decided to hide the letter in my bag again, and find a quiet place to read it. The first break came, I couldn't get the chance. The second break came, I couldn't find any chance. I needed to read it before closing because I couldn't bear the suspense any longer.

I decided to seek permission from our French tutor so that I can go out and read the letter. She wasn't that difficult. So far as you can ask for permission in French, then your permission would be granted. By that time, I had managed to sneak the letter into my back pocket without my paddies knowing. Well, so I thought. I walked to the teacher and rattled my French. Off, I went. I was so eager to know what this secret admirer had written. I went to the toilet, locked the door, took out the letter from my pocket, and started reading.

There wasn't enough light there to help me read. I had to strain my eyes. And the stench was so unbearable. I nearly threw up. I started reading the letter, and as usual, she went on and on telling me how she was dying to be in my arms. I was enjoying every bit of the letter, despite the foul smell I found myself in. I read and read and read until I got to that part. The part that the anonymous writer mentioned a name.

I started sweating. The bad smell was choking me. I couldn't stand it anymore. This letter I had been brooding over it wasn't even supposed to be mine. It was meant for the new guy. Oh, what a complete waste of my precious time. So how do I tell the new guy? How will he receive this? Will he be angry, or happy? Will he continue to trust me, after I had read a love letter which was directed to him? Avalanche of unanswered questions started weighing me. While I was still inside trying to figure out what to do, I heard someone banging hard at the door.

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 1

A very long time ago, when I was in Junior Secondary School, there was a particular girl in my class that every boy wished was his. We did all we could, but we couldn't snatch her away from the tight grip of one boy, whose forehead was so big that it could block the destiny of six generations. Yes, you read that right. We couldn't comprehend why such a beautiful girl would choose such an ugly dude over us. Love can indeed be blind.

We tried our best to convince her to stop seeing this ugly guy, but it felt like convincing a hungry dog to choose honey over bones. It was hard. Very, very hard. At one point, we even thought that this ugly dude had bewitched the girl.

There were three of us friends - EK, MA, and me, KD. We decided to separate the "couple", and then each one of us would try to win the heart of this damsel. Whoever wins, wins. Ewwwwww, you say? This shows how frustrated we were. I was the leader. I was the cutest. I was the smartest. I stood a better chance of winning her love than my other friends, so I never had a problem with that arrangement.

Here's how we planned to separate the two. Oh, I forgot to tell you that this ugly guy, JK, was the most intelligent in our class. He used to teach us during those times when our teachers went on strike. For obvious reasons, I didn't like him, but not his style of teaching. He taught us like a trained teacher, and he controlled the class as if he were the headmaster. He was loved by both boys and girls in my class, except the three of us. There was never a day that you wouldn't find JK and his books together. Most of the time, Lucy, the girl of our dreams, was found next to him in a compromising posture.

One hot afternoon, after we had returned from our second break, the headmaster entered our class with a boy. We thought he was our headmaster's last born. He was well-dressed, with a neatly ironed shirt, polished shoes, and well-combed hair.

You could see on the faces of the girls that they were dying to rest in his arms. He was so cute, perhaps even more than me. Envy was written boldly on the faces of the guys. We just couldn't believe a guy could be this cute.

The headmaster told us he was a new student who would be joining us the following day. After the announcement, he asked me to be the friend of this new guy. I was sitting alone at the desk; my two friends were behind me. So automatically, the new guy had to join me at my desk. I didn't have much of a problem with that arrangement, but my only fear was going to school one day to hear that the new guy had snatched the girl of my dreams away. I prayed hard against it.

The following day, I had a lot of fun with my new friend. You could see from his new uniform and even his skin colour that he came from a rich home. Although my parents weren't poor, the new guy had a lot of things that I didn't have. The very first day he came to sit beside me, he brought me a gift. I thought that was too thoughtful of him, but I asked him to give it to my other friends.

One early morning, I went to our classroom and saw an envelope under my desk. Since it was under my desk, I decided to open it; besides, there was no name on it. I opened the envelope, and it was a letter. A love letter, I should say. I read the letter carefully to the end, but the writer didn't add any name to it. The letter was from Miss. Nobody to Mr. Nobody. The content of the letter was simple; she was beginning to fall in love with a boy who sat at that desk.

The girl I never had Pt 23

The headmaster was seated in his comfortable chair, and five teachers were also with him. The room was quite small to occupy all of them. The room temperature was high. They were all sweating. JK was not an exception. It was as if water had been poured on him. His uniform was soaked with sweat. I could also see him sobbing uncontrollably. It was actually the first time I saw JK crying. I couldn't stand such an ugly face shedding tears. Ewww, it was such a pitiful sight. There wasn't any seat to sit on, so I stood there with the senior boys' prefect. I didn't like the experience I got the other time I came to the office. The images of what happened started rolling in my head as I stood there.

"Are you the senior on duty? " the headmaster asked me.
" Yes please " I responded
" I guess you are in the same class with JK so tell me what you know about this theft case. " he asked again
" ermmm sir, I didn't see him take it. I was outside supervising the juniors to work so I only came back to class when it was time for classes. It was during the lesson that I heard one girl complaining that her purse had been stolen. When a search was conducted, we found the purse in JK's bag" I explained.
" Alright, do you think JK is the one who stole the purse? "
" Sir, although I didn't see him steal it,   I think he can. He's a human being. Looking at how hard the times have become, if one doesn't take care, he or she can steal. " I added.  The headmaster looked at me for some seconds and discharged me without asking any further questions. When I got out of the office, I heard JK being lashed and also screaming. He was asked to confess but he didn't talk. I decided to stay behind the door and listen to what else will follow.

I stood outside and enjoyed how JK was suffering inside the headmaster's office. "Who's that standing outside?" one of the teachers shouted. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, when I heard that. When I got to my class, almost all my mates came to surround me. They all wanted to know what transpired. I told them everything. Oh, and the part about JK being lashed, I exaggerated it. They resolved to teach JK a bitter lesson in their own small way. While we were all scheming on how to add more pains to what we had already inflicted on JK, the headmaster entered our classroom. Everyone kept quiet. He was joined later by the teacher who was in our class when the incident happened, and JK, the thief. I was so happy to see him suffer that humiliation.

The headmaster told us all to remain calm and wait until they had completed their investigation. Investigation? What again are they waiting for? Can't they just sack him or suspend him? I only hope they don't drag the issue. The headmaster also admonished us not to call JK names or cast insinuation at him. "Until we're done with our investigation, we can't conclude he  stole it," he added. I got so furious. Why was JK being given a preferential treatment? If it were any other student, would the headmaster have treated him that way? I got so pissed. The headmaster asked JK to take his seat. They left our class. I felt we had been cheated. "How can we sit in this class with a thief?"  EK screamed. I, Frank and MA supported him. Other mates also joined. JK could not hold back his tears. He wept uncontrollably like a baby.

He couldn't stand the insults being rained on him. He got up, and started walking towards the door. Almost all of my mates hooted at him until he went out of the class. I was not satisfied. I told my partners in crime to go out and teach him a bitter lesson of his life. I wanted him to suffer physically and psychologically. My friends left the class immediately after I had given them the instruction. Just when I was about to join them, one girl pulled my shirt and warned me to sit down.
"Hey leave my shirt. What's wrong with you? "
"if you go out, I'll let the cat out of the bag." she whispered into my ears. I got so scared. Could she be the one who took the purse and put it in JK's bag? I had no option than to sit down.
#to_be_continued

The girl I never had Pt 22

Everyone was quiet. They couldn't believe JK stole someone's purse. The teacher was a bit shocked too. And JK? He was screaming on top of his voice, denying that he took the purse. I felt sorry for him, but when I thought of how he spread falsehood about me and which eventually landed me on a hospital bed, I stopped having pity on him. He deserved everything. In fact, that was just a tip of the iceberg. I'll unleash more fire on him. He would have to come and beg me, before he could have his peace.

While he was still screaming and saying vehemently that he didn't take it, the teacher got hold of his shorts and dragged him straight to the headmaster's office. I looked at the faces of my partners in crime, and what I saw was a relief. I had not fully recovered from the shock I had in class that morning during the inspection. I was still wondering who took the purse under my desk and placed it in JK's bag. I wanted to ask my friends which of them did that, but I thought the classroom wasn't a suitable place to discuss such a topic, so I held my peace. I remained calm and waited for the bell to go.

When we went out for the first break, I decided to ask my friends, which one of them went and put the purse into JK's bag. Before I could open my mouth, Frank asked me how I was able to slip the purse into JK's bag. I told him I didn't do it. He didn't believe me. MA and EK also didn't believe that I was not the one who did it. "Come on guys, so you mean none of you took the purse under my desk, and slipped it into JK's bag?" I asked them. They all told me emphatically that they didn't do it. I believed them. Then who did it? While we were standing there, trying to figure out who did it, the bell went. It was break over.

We went to the classroom and promised ourselves that no one would talk about what we've done to anyone. JK had not still returned from the headmaster's office. What was happening to him? Was he receiving some dirty lashes at his back? Was he crying? Was he still denying the fact that he actually stole someone's purse? Has he finally conceded? I wish I was in the headmaster's office to see every little detail of what was going on. The news of JK stealing a girl's purse spread to other classes. Soon, it was all over the school. It was then that I realized how super fast bad news can run. Most of the teachers had gone to the headmaster's office, so even when the break was over, we didn't have any teacher in our class.

The topic we discussed in our class was "JK and the stolen purse." I loved every bit of the discussion. While some students were defending JK, others were seriously accusing him of actually stealing the girl's purse. It was then that I realized the true nature of man. One gets to know his true friends in times of trouble. One girl went as far as saying that she saw JK stealing the purse. While we were enjoying the discussion, the senior boys' prefect entered our classroom. Everyone kept mute and waited anxiously to hear what he had to tell us. He pointed at me, and asked me to follow him to the headmaster's office. "Oh not again," I said to myself, "what could be the problem again? I hope that guy hasn't mentioned my name to them as his accomplice. Or could it be that person who transferred the purse from my desk to JK's bag? What about him? Who could that person be?" we got to the headmaster's office, knocked at the door and we entered. JK was on his knees crying, with his hands raised up. His eyes, so red.
#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVERHAD, PART 21

When the girl announced that her purse containing money had been stolen, everyone in the class started talking. Everyone was trying to convince the other that they had not seen the purse, let alone steal it. My other friends also joined in the conversation except me. The teacher stood in front of the class looking at our faces. I didn't know what he was trying to achieve by doing that. I was still sweating profusely, even though the weather was relatively cool. Finally, the teacher spoke. He would conduct a search.

"If you know you have taken the purse, or saw someone taking the purse, talk now before I conduct the search. If you own up now, there will be no punishment for you. I can assure you that. But if you don't own up, and I find out later that you took the purse, I assure you the punishment would be a very severe one," he said. His words even worsened my condition. I was virtually shaking. Frank saw how restless I had become, and told me to remain calm. I looked at his face, and said quietly to myself, "this guy doesn't have any idea what I'm going through. If he were in my shoes for just three seconds, he would collapse." I knew the purse was still under my desk, so I didn't even want to put my hand under my desk. I didn't want anyone to suspect me.

The search began. Pockets, bags, desks, even shoes were being searched. I was so terrified. So many thoughts came to my mind. One was to slip the purse into my pocket, seek permission to go out, drop the purse outside, then come back to class. No, that sounded too dumb. No teacher would give permission to a student in such a circumstance. I discarded it. One other thought was to take the purse and throw it to another desk without anyone seeing me. Wow, great idea, but how on earth can I do that? The last time I checked, I wasn't a superman. The teacher was seriously searching for it. He was almost at my desk.

I nearly urinated on myself. I couldn't stand the chance of being caught with someone's purse under my desk. How would I explain to my mum? How would Lucy take that news? Oh yeah, I still loved her in spite of all I have read from the letter. Since I had not heard anything from her, I presumed it was one of the devilish acts of JK. Finally the teacher got to my desk. He searched Frank first. He searched his pockets, bag and under his desk, but the purse wasn't found on him. The teacher ordered me to stand up from my seat. I stood up, raised my hands and he searched me. It was a thorough search. He searched my bag also, but nothing was found in it. I decided to sit down.

"Not so fast gentleman. I have to search under your desk too," The teacher said. My heart missed a beat when he said that. I knew my end had come. I planned evil against someone, and now, I'm about to face the concomitant effect of my evil plan. I knew there was no escaping for me. I decided to confess. Yes, that would be the noblest act in such a circumstance.
"ermm please sir..." I started
"hey gentleman, stop wasting my time and get up! " he shouted. I stood up. He searched under my desk, but amazingly, the purse wasn't there. I couldn't believe it. I stood still, while the teacher continued his search. I sat down after he instructed me to sit down. JK was the last student to be searched. The teacher searched his bag, and the purse was surprisingly found in his bag. How did the purse get into his bag? I was so shocked.
#to_be_continued

The girl I never had Pt 20

'We do not use our bare feet to search for hidden thorns which we have seen in daytime'. I knew going back to Lucy's house that evening wasn't going to be easy. It would be very risky. I decided not to go. "No matter how beautiful and
well crafted a coffin might look,
it will not make anyone wish for
death." I valued my life more than the reward I would get from Lucy's mum. I went straight to church. I prayed that day. I prayed about our plan. I prayed for Lucy and her mischievous JK.

After church, I visited Frank again. I went there to remind him of our plan. Our plan to take revenge on JK. Oh yeah, after all he had planned against me ,  not even the sermon about forgiveness that day could give me a change of mind. I was very poised for action. And oh Lucy, sometimes I don't know what will make these girls love us as we love them. I loved her with all my heart. I loved her so much that I didn't even care about the odds and dangers of my actions. I never knew she never appreciated the genuine love and interest I showed in her. It is true that, "If you lie on the floor and ask everyone to walk on you, some people will say you're not lying flat enough."

I called for a meeting. The meeting was for members of THE MEGA BRAINS only. At exactly 7:00pm, the meeting started under the mango tree in front of our house. I, the leader sat on a chair comfortably, while the others stood beside me. We talked about our plan. We agreed to execute the plan on Monday, that was the following day. We knew definitely that when our plan succeeds, the least punishment JK could get would be one week suspension from school. We closed our meeting, and I escorted them to a point and returned home.

I knew our plan was very diabolical, but I still prayed to God that we would succeed. "The child that has been sent by his father to steal is not afraid to knock down any door." I got to school very early that day. Even before the school gate was opened. Incidentally, I was the senior on duty. That gave me the opportunity to survey the school, and work out how well we could execute our plan. My three other partners in crime, Frank, EK and MA joined me later. They all wanted to know if everything was set. I assured them that they have the green light to proceed. Our target, a girl, entered the classroom.

MA approached her and started talking to her. She managed to get her out of the classroom. Now it was the turn of EK to strike. He went straight to the girl's seat, took her bag, opened it and took out her purse containing money. He handed over the purse to me. Frank was the watchman. He stood at the gate and watched. Now, half of the job was done. What was left was the more difficult part; getting the purse into JK's bag before the girl finds out her purse had been stolen. JK, very uncharacteristic of him, came to school late that day. You could just imagine how I felt when he finally showed up. Our teacher came to class, and we started learning. The purse was still under my desk. I felt very uneasy.

What if the girl realized during the lesson that her purse was gone? That would call for a search and there was no way I could escape being caught. While the lesson was going on, I kept looking at the girl to see if she had found out her money was gone. I saw that her face had suddenly changed. It was as if she had received the news of the sudden death of a loved one. I knew that something was definitely wrong. I started sweating. I couldn't concentrate on what was being taught. I wished I had an invisible button, that I could press so that I could go straight to JK's bag and drop it in, without being noticed by anyone, but it only remained a wish. The teacher saw her crying, and asked why. She told him her money had been stolen.
#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD PART 25

I was so shocked to hear that from her. It sounded like cutting a boil in between a woman's thighs in the absence of her husband. How could I kiss her in school, not to talk of behind a toilet? I told her I wouldn't do it. She got upset. She started to walk away. I couldn't just watch her leave with all the information in her head. I held her hand. I pulled her towards me. I... I...I... wanted to kiss her but I stopped. I stopped because it was inappropriate. How could I be kissing a girl behind a toilet? How could I fall for such a stupid act? I told her to meet me in the evening so that we could kiss and talk. "Meet you where? I don't have much time please. I don't think I can meet you in the evening. What will I tell my parents? That they should give me permission to go and kiss my classmate?" she asked me. Her question sounded funny but I ignored it and gave her the place and time of our meeting. She assured me that she would be there. We went our separate ways after the agreement.

I knew she was trying to lure me into another problem. I had enough problems to deal with already, but she was trying to compound them for me. When I got back to my classroom, my friends had left. I picked up my bag and headed home. I started thinking about all the problems I had brought upon myself. "All because of a girl, Lucy, look at how I'm suffering. Is she even worth all these problems? Is it love or lust or infatuation that has stacked Lucy's thoughts in my mind that I can't think of anyone else? How do I get myself out of this dirty game I have put myself into without getting my reputation tainted. Is it even possible that I don't have any knowledge about love? Is it even possible that I have been wasting my precious time chasing a girl who cannot be mine?, I asked myself these questions but sadly, the questions remained unanswered.

I got home so exhausted. I put my bag down, went to take a shower and came back to eat my food. After eating, I went straight to bed to rest for the evening meeting with the girl. I laid on my bed quietly trying to woo myself to sleep. I remembered about the promise. The promise I made to Lucy's mum. The promise to find out the guy Lucy was dating. I promised to go to her house on Sunday but I didn't go. That must be very disappointing for Lucy's mum. Should I go to her house after resting, instead of going to meet my 'CID' mate? I fell asleep.

I woke up at 9:35pm. I had planned to meet the girl at 8:00pm but I was 1hour 30mins late. I couldn't believe I was able to sleep for that long. Could she be there still waiting for me? I really needed to go and check. I got up from bed, dressed up and went to the living room. My mum had locked the door. She was in her bedroom. I was praying she should be asleep because if she wasn't, I wouldn't get the chance to go out. I searched everywhere for the keys, but I couldn't find them. I returned to my bedroom with disappointment. I had no choice then than to sleep.

I woke up the following day a bit late. I prepared very fast and went to school. I was the senior on duty so I had to be there early to supervise the juniors. The first person I met at the gate was my 'CID'  mate. I knew she had been waiting for me at the gate. As soon as she saw me, she frowned her face. I knew I was in for trouble. I also frowned. When I got to where she was standing, I passed by her without saying anything.
"Eh KD, didn't you see me? " she asked
" Do I have a business with you? " I replied her with a question.
" Maybe you don't have a business with me, but you have one with a woman. She has been here for the past 30mins waiting for you," she replied.  A woman? Who could she be?
#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 19

I was guided by this quote that evening, "Never go to bed angry, stay awake and plot your revenge!" I made up my mind to show JK "where the power lies." I was so angry but I tried to control. I didn't want what happened to me the other time to repeat itself. By that time my mum had returned from the funeral and wanted to know how my day went. I was so tempted to confess to her the deep shit I had put myself into. I had wanted to narrate everything that had happened to me, but I thought it wasn't necessary. I knew I could deal with the problem myself. I didn't want to add my problems to her pile of problems. So when she asked me how my day went, I told her it went fine. She saw from my face that all wasn't well, but I insisted I was alright.

When I finally got to my bedroom, I decided to open the envelope that fell from JK's pocket. I really wanted to know what was inside the envelope. I tried to open it. The more I tried, the more guilty I felt. I felt it was uncourteous to do that. I placed it beside my pillow, and fell asleep. At exactly 3:00am, I woke up. I couldn't sleep again. I tried very hard, but it was as if someone had stolen my sleep. I spotted the envelope still lying beside my pillow. It was begging me to open it, so I opened it fast before I could change my mind. A white sheet of paper had been neatly folded inside the envelope. I took it out, unfolded it and the sweet perfume that welcomed me was just unimaginable. I knew right then that it was a love letter.

Who was it for? I placed the letter on the bed, and went out to urinate. I returned shortly, and took the letter, sat on the bed, and started reading it. I'm sure you are dying to know what had been written in the letter. I'm sorry I can't tell you all but there was a part, that I thought may interest you. Here's it, "I knew it wasn't going to be easy for you. Looking at how stubborn KD is. Please my love, give me some time to deal with KD, after which we can continue enjoying our love. Hey, please stop getting so emotionally attached to my sister. She is not the target, but KD. I have my eyes on you. If you make any wrong move, I will spill the beans. Take care my sweetheart and I hope to see you at our usual place. Love you. Take care. Bye."

After reading the letter, I knew there was trouble looming. I knew I had been caged in a very dirty conspiracy to tarnish my reputation. "I wouldn't take this lightly. I will treat this with all the seriousness it requires," I said to myself. I was their target? How? And what beans was she warning that if JK doesn't take care, she would spill? The problems kept on getting bigger and bigger for me.

At exactly 6:00 am, I took my bath, ironed my shirt and polished my shoes. My mum was so surprised that I was ready for church that early morning. I explained to her that I would visit Frank, the new guy, before I finally go to church. She gave me money and I went out. I got to Frank's house but I couldn't meet him. He had been sent by his mom. I decided to go to church. On my way to church, I met Lucy's mum. She was in her posh car. She told me that she was now returning from Accra. She invited me to come over to her house that evening. I accepted the invitation. I thought that might be an opportunity for me to go and show her the letter. But what if I tell her the truth and she put me also under "house arrest"?
#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 24

"Hey, are you the one who put the purse in JK's bag?" I whispered
"Meet me after school behind the toilet, and we'll talk," she whispered back. Behind the toilet? Like seriously? Of all the places in the school, she couldn't think of any better place but behind the toilet? My goodness, the girl was full of shit. I could see from her face that she was up to a mischief. I felt very uneasy. My friends were keeping long outside. I didn't know exactly what was happening. Were they beating JK or doing something else to him? I decided to go out and check on them, but my 'CID' mate was still insisting I remained in the classroom.

While I was trying to explain to her why I needed to go out, my friends entered the classroom. I could see disappointment and frustration written boldly on their faces. I thought they were disappointed I couldn't join them, but that wasn't the issue. They explained that as soon as they got outside, ready to pounce on JK and devour him, a teacher appeared from nowhere and called them. The teacher asked what they were doing outside, but they couldn't give a tangible reason so he punished them by making them kneel down for some time. I felt sorry for my friends, but at the same time, I was happy my 'CID'  mate prevented me from going out.

During the second break, I called my partners in crime for a short meeting. I told them about the meeting the girl had arranged with me behind the toilet. It sounded funny and awkward to them, but they advised me to meet her and listen to what she had to say. We dispersed after the meeting. When I was returning to the classroom, I met JK with his mum going to the headmaster's office. I felt sorry for him. It was the first time I was seeing his mum. I went inside the classroom and sat there quietly thinking about Lucy, JK's woes and most importantly, the 'CID' mate. Who told her about the plan? Why did she do what she did? Could there be an ulterior motive? I waited anxiously for the closing bell to go, so that I could meet the girl.

When the bell finally went, we were all asked to meet at the assembly ground. I knew definitely that someone was in trouble. I, together with my friends, went to the assembly ground knowing very well that our "efforts" would finally be rewarded. I knew JK would be sacked from the school. I was praying hard for that to happen. Almost all the students knew why we had been called. We all waited for the headmaster. When he finally came, he was joined by JK, and three teachers. JK was weeping. His mum was still at the headmaster's office. The headmaster made it brief without boring us with any long speech. "I hope you have all heard the news," he started, "one student reported this morning that her purse containing money was missen. A search was conducted and the lost purse was found in JK's bag. He has denied ever doing that. Well, I must confess I believed him, but since the purse was found in his bag, and we don't know who put it in, we assume that he took it. Now, a decision has been taken, and that's, since it is his first time, we will warn him and suspend him for a week," he ended his speech and climbed upstairs with JK and the other teachers.

I was so disappointed he wasn't sacked. Most of the students decided to wait behind and hoot at JK. I would have loved to join them but there was a more pressing issue that needed urgent attention. I told my friends to wait for me in our classroom while I went behind the toilet to meet the girl. I never liked the idea of meeting a girl after school had closed. The last time I arranged a meeting with a girl after school, I ended up in the headmaster's office. I got to our place of meeting and the girl was already there. She scolded me for keeping her waiting for so long. I apologized and asked why of all places in the school, she asked me to meet her behind a toilet. "Do you know why? Because you are in a deep shit,"  she replied me. " Now, before we start, kiss me," she added.
#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 18

Even before she could speak, my heart was palpitating. I told myself to remain calm. I knew she saw that fright written all over my face. She asked whether everything was okay with me, and I responded I was alright. She started talking and I sat there quietly listening to every word with rapt attention. "KD, I know you are a good boy that's why I'm telling you this. But before I begin, know that what I'm telling you should remain right here in the hall. Have you seen Lucy?" she asked me.
"No mum" I replied her.
"Something happened to her yesterday that ... " she added. Before she could complete her sentence, her mobile phone rung. She excused me and went out to receive the call.

By that time, I was feeling uneasy. How could this woman put me through such suspense? I was sweating profusely within that short period that she went out. So this woman knew about Lucy and me? Was she the one who sent those guys to come and beat me up? What else does she want from me? Well, I was very sure she wasn't satisfied so she wanted to finish me in her house. I became more frightened. I was shaking. While I was still contemplating on those avalanche of questions tormenting my mind, she entered the room.

"Sorry once again. I have to rush to Accra right now, so let me make it snappy so that I can go. I have heard Lucy is now dating a boy in your class. I want you to find out who that boy is. I heard Lucy was with that boy last night somewhere in the dark. I sent my boys to go and bring them both, but they told me the boy ran away when he saw them. I was very furious they couldn't get the boy, so I have put my boys and Lucy under "house arrest." Until I find that boy, I won't set any of them free. I trust you and know that you can do this job for me. Find out who that boy is, and I'll reward you handsomely. " After her long speech, I became more restless. I looked at her with a wide frightened eyes. I knew by then that I was sitting with the devil under one roof. I sought permission from her that I wanted to take my leave.

Before I left her, I thanked her and assured her that I would do my best to fish for the boy Lucy was dating. She offered me money but I declined respectively. When I finally got out of the house, I heaved a sigh of relief. I knew right then that I had been to hell and returned safely without being burnt.
I knew I had gone out of the house safely, but not out of trouble yet. I had to plan. Lucy's mum is searching for the boy dating her daughter, but she didn't know it was me. She didn't know the "wanted" boy was sitting right under her nose.

I got home so exhausted. I wanted to rest for a while but I couldn't, because as soon as I entered my room, someone knocked at the door. I went and opened the door, and guess who was there? That boy. That boy who will never get off my back. JK. He was the least of the people I was expecting to meet at my house.
"Why are you here?" I asked him. "Won't you let me in?" he asked.
"No, whatever it is you came to tell me, say it hear, and oh, be fast because I have something more important doing inside, " I added.
" Oh, really? I knew you to be a rascal but I never knew you have also mastered in being rude to visitors in your house, " he said.
I could tolerate many things, but not when I was being called names in my house. I pushed him to go away from my house. As I was pushing him away, an envelope fell from his pocket but he didn't see it fall. I picked up the envelope after he had left, but was so furious to open it.

#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 17

"When you are eating with the devil, you must use a long spoon." How could I leave my meat in the care of a hungry cat? How could I send EK to Lucy's house, while we were all competing for Lucy's heart? It is true Lucy had agreed to be my one and only lady, but after what happened last night, I don't know if she would still stick to that decision. I finished eating my breakfast with EK, and we decided to chat for a while. We talked about so many things except our plan to take revenge on JK. I was beginning to lose interest in it.

After EK had left me, Lucy's thoughts sneaked into my head again. I felt alone. I felt disturbed. I felt confused. How could this happen to me? Any time I thought everything was moving on smoothly, then something from nowhere comes to steal my joy. Lucy had agreed to my proposal, but I felt something was wrong. I sensed danger ahead. How could something so right feel so wrong? I decided to go to Lucy's house to check if she was there.

I closed the doors, put the keys in my pocket and stepped out. It wasn't such an easy thing going to Lucy's house again. After I had been chased by that wild dog in the house, I was so scared to go and face it for the second time. I said a silent prayer in my head when I got to their main gate. There wasn't any "Beware of dogs" post on the gate. How could these people be that careless. At least they should have hanged a post there to warn any stranger trying to enter the house but there was nothing like that. I banged at their giant iron gate in anticipation that someone would hear it and answer the call. "Who's that?" a man asked me from inside. The voice sounded like that man who gave me the sound beating the previous day.

Should I answer him? Should I keep mute? Should I run away? Should I stay? "The surface of the water is beautiful, but it is not good to sleep on," that's what our wise folks say. I decided to go back home and save myself from another trouble. After I had taken few steps from the gate, I heard the gate opened. I turned to look and surprisingly, it was Lucy's mum. She invited me in. I didn't know what else to do than to obey. I followed her closely, while my eyes kept looking at every direction for the wild dog and that man.

Lucy's mum ushered me to a big hall. She showed me a seat to sit on and brought me a very chilled drink. She told me to enjoy the drink, and went out after that. I was left in the big hall alone. I didn't know what was going to happen to me. Could Lucy be in the house? Was she going to call Lucy? She came back later, after I had finished with my drink. She apologized for keeping me waiting. I wasn't bothered much because I was enjoying my favorite movie on the plasma TV in the hall. She told me there was something she wanted to discuss with me, but she wanted to make sure there was no one in the house. What could be the matter? Was it about the whereabout of Lucy? I got so tensed. 
#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 16

I thought I would wake up on a hospital bed, but nothing of that sort happened. I woke up and found myself at the same spot. The same spot that I was given the sound beating. I looked at my fake casio watch, and the time was a minute past nine. I knew by then that my mum had been combing the whole area for me. The whole area was silent. Everyone was inside their homes except a couple of people roaming about. I got up from the floor, and started walking home in pain. I didn't want anyone to see me walking in any funny way so I pretended everything was okay with me.

I finally reached my house. There was light in the living room. I knew definitely that my mum was widely awake, waiting to give me some lashes at my back before she finally kisses me goodbye. My heart started beating faster. I looked through the window and saw that she was lying in the sofa. She had placed a cane on the table beside her. I knew there was no way I could escape her caning, but the fact that I had received sound beating from that unknown man already, made me more afraid. I opened the door quietly, and entered nichodemously without her seeing me. I sneaked into my room and changed into my pajamas. It was when I came back to the living room that I realized my mum was fast asleep and in fact snoring. I locked the door, hid the cane and woke her up to go to bed. I also went to bed happily without any punishment.

The next day was Saturday. I woke up very late that day. I guess what I went through that Friday night made me tired. I thought my mum would ask me where I went the other night, but she didn't. When I came out of the bedroom, she was already dressed up and leaving for a funeral. She left some money behind and went out. I had the whole house for myself now. I took my bath and prepared myself a delicious breakfast. I started enjoying the food. I stopped midway. I remembered something. What happened to me the previous night started flowing in my head. It was as if I was watching a movie.

While I was sitting there thinking about how the good, the bad and the ugly sides of what I went through, I heard someone knocking at the door. Could it be Lucy? Oh, that poor girl. Where did those guys take her? Is she safe? The more those questions flowed through my head, the more petrified I became. The person kept knocking. I got up and went to the door. It was EK. I ushered him in and invited him to join me to eat. He readily did. I could see from his face that he was starving.

While we were eating, we were conversing. I wanted to tell him what happened to me the previous day. I wanted him to also go and check whether Lucy was in the house or not. How do I convince EK to go to Lucy's house to check if she was there. EK was also  very much interested in Lucy, so what if I send him there and he goes there to spoil my plans? I was now caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. The girl I love with all my life had been taken away by two unknown men. I don't know whether they are kidnappers. I wanted to know her whereabouts but the one person who could help me to go and check if she was there, was also interested in the girl. How do I go about this situation?

#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 15

"It is only those who are not hungry that complain that the shell of the coconut is hard." I was so hungry for the kiss. I meant it more than anything else, so I was not bothered by that person who appeared. I knew he  wasn't going to stay there forever. The person eventually passed by. Another person appeared from nowhere and passed by us. I was running out of patience now. She was begging for the kiss. I wanted her sweet kiss to fall on my body, but those passing by us made it such a herculean task for us.

She started talking. I listened to her. She was still in the love mood. She said, "I never knew this day would ever come. I never thought I would fall in love with someone so soon. I have only been dreaming about how people fall in love and out of love, until you approached me and made it a reality. I fell in love with you, the very first day your lips said "hi" and I replied "hello." I didn't want to show any sign that I had fallen for you. I covered the love I have for you with extreme hatred. I thought if I did that, it would drive you away and you will carry your "burden" away. Any time I talked to you harshly, or push you away I cried. I cried alone in my room. I cried because it hurt me so much that I couldn't show you my love. I cried because I was too afraid to love. I cried because I couldn't give you what you deserved."

I realized by then that I was lucky. I was lucky because I refused to give up on Lucy. Now, my persistent pressure had won me the heart of Lucy. There was no one around that time except the two of us. I drew closer to her. She stood there motionless gazing at me. I grabbed her by the shoulders and drew her more closer. I planted a kiss on her forehead. She closed her eyes. She couldn't look at me. I gave her another kiss on her lips. A very deep kiss. It was such a long lasting kiss. She practically melted in my arms. Nothing tasted better than her soft lips on my mouth.

After the kiss, I released her. I could feel she wanted more. I could sense that she had been yearning for my kiss for God knows when. I wanted to feed her hungry lips with more kisses. I  decided to obey the call. Just when I was about to grab her shoulders again, I felt a sharp blow at my back. I turned to look at who the person was. I turned, but before I could recognize the person, I received another hard punch right on my face. That blow landed me on the ground. I couldn't see anything again, but I heard footsteps. I also heard a voice. That voice wasn't JK's. But who could be this?

I didn't hear Lucy scream or talk. I didn't hear her talk. All I heard was that male voice warning me to stay away from Lucy. I also heard him ordering another person to take Lucy away. I couldn't see their faces. I  was gallivanting on the floor. The blow was so powerful that it blurred my vision. I shouted for help, but everyone around seemed too busy to come to my help. The other person took Lucy away, while he beat me up with a stick and left me there unconscious.

#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 14

"Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect." There could be no other better time and place to propose my undying love for Lucy than what I got. I asked her to stop walking and wait for me, for I had something special to tell her. Girls like special things, and so was Lucy. I would have found it difficult to tell her if it was in the morning or afternoon or in the evening when we have light. I took advantage of the darkness to make my proposal. Although it was dark, you could see if you strain your eyes.

She stood there. I got closer to her. I wanted to get down on one knee but I stopped. That was too formal. I thought I should start by telling her something. Something that would break all her defensive mechanisms. So I got hold of her left arm and started talking ; "You know what, Lucy? The very first day you entered the classroom and I saw you, I froze. My mind refused to work for some micro seconds. I couldn't fathom that a beautiful damsel like you existed in our part of the world. I thought I was day dreaming. I thought what I was seeing was just a figment of my imagination. Your skin, so smooth. Your eyes, so charming. Your shape, so curvy. I knew we are meant for each other, because my heart beat faster any time I see you and think about you."

By that time, I could hear her sobbing. I knew right then that I was winning the battle. I knew that I was breaking her hardened heart into smaller pieces. I decided to "punch"  her harder with my words. "Do you remember that early morning when you greeted me  "good morning" and I responded "good afternoon"? It wasn't because I didn't know the time, but I was way ahead of time, seeking for the key to unlock your heart. You are such a precious jewelry. Gold, diamond or silver can't be valuable than you. Your love has pinned me down. Your love has imprisoned me. I don't have any freedom now. I'm dying for your love. I'm sick of your love, but I don't want to be healed. Why? Because I love how you make me suffer for your love." By that time, she couldn't stand any more.

She leaned on me, and started crying out loud. Her tears soaked my shirt. I didn't care about the fact that we were standing behind someone's house. I didn't care if people were passing by. All I cared about was the fact that I was pouring my heart out to her. She also didn't care. She asked me why I was telling her all these now. I replied that her love had turned into an unquenchable fire and it was burning inside of me. I added that I needed her love, attention and time to quench the fire. "I want you to be my love, my darling and my best friend. I want you to be mine. I want to share my joy, happiness and sadness with you. Will you be my lover girl? I added.

" Yes, yes yes, I will KD," Lucy said. I  never knew it was going to be that easy. I thought she was going to prolong matters. I thought she would ask for more time to think about it. I thought she would tell me she wasn't ready to date me. I thought she would get angry, slap me and walk away. She did none of those. She agreed to be nobody's darling but mine. I was thrilled. I was thankful. I was ermmmmmmm, I can't even remember the word. While I was "celebrating" my victory, I asked her for a kiss. I had seen people kiss but that was the first time I was going to experience one. She told me to kiss her fast, because someone might appear from nowhere and spoil the fun. Just when I was about to experience my first ever kiss, someone appeared.

#to_be_continued

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 13

"Indecision is like a stepchild: If he does not wash his hands, he's called dirty, if he does, he's wasting water."
How could I love without courage? How could I have a faint heart if I really wanted to win Lucy's heart? I decided to tell her and face anything that would follow. I told her what I saw. I told her everything. Even the little details, I told her. She didn't look surprised. She seemed  not to care a bit. I was curious to know why. It was then that she told me the game she's been playing with JK.

"The girl you saw with JK is my elder sister. She's the girlfriend of JK. My mum is aware that the two of them are dating. She is allowed to date so far as she can protect me and prevent guys from harassing me. Because we don't attend the same school, she relegated her powers to JK to protect me from "scavengers" like you. Hahahhahaha.... just kidding. My sister has warned JK that if he doesn't do his work well, and allow me to date any guy, he'll lose her. So this explains why he's always around me, and never giving me a breathing space," Lucy confessed.

I stood there speechless. I never knew JK wasn't my rival. I needed to change my plan. I needed to sit down with my guys and think of another plan. I wasn't quite satisfied, so I probed her more. I asked why she pushed me out of her room and also showed me attitude anytime I come close to her. She explained that it was because she didn't want her sister's relationship with JK to break up. I was even wondering what will make a beautiful girl like her sister follow such an ugly dude, but Lucy told me to direct my question to her sister if I really wanted to know why.

Then came the time. The moment of truth. The time to ask her if she really love me and want us to date. Now that I have been told the naked truth, I decided to take the risk. Even if she doesn't accept my proposal, I would force her to. I would use any means possible. JK was being pushed by some invisible forces to protect her and prevent other guys from coming near her. I really love Lucy. I like everything about her. Even when she pushes me away, that's when I love her the more. I'm wondering if she also loves me as I do. I'm wondering if she thinks about me so much as I do.

She was getting late for her choir practice, but I was determined to finish what I had started. Upon all I had been through that day, I couldn't go home "empty-handed". I needed to go home with joy. So when she told me she was going for choir practice, I offered to escort her. She allowed me on one condition, that the two of us can't be seen together in public. Like seriously? Well, I had no other choice. She took the lead, and I followed her quietly. There was quite a distance between us. Whenever we don't see anyone on the road, we got close and talked, but when we see someone approaching, we would create space between us as if we were total strangers. We got to a quiet place. There was no one around. Everything seemed fine. I thought that would be a fine opportunity to propose.

#to_be_continued