~005
~ OLIVIA
SOME MONTHS LATER.....
"Hey bestie, what's up?"
Brian called out to me as he came to my chair to wake me up from my beauty sleep.
"Hey Bee. What's up? I thought you had some project to handle. Are you done with that."
I yawned and flew hands to my eyes rubbing it gently with my palms.
"Yeah. Done with that. But hey.. what's wrong with you you? You look so pale. I've never seen you like this before. What's wrong?"
"It's nothing. I'm just having a slight headache. That's all."
"Just a slight headache, huh? C'mon. Don't lie to me. I know you more than to act like this. Tell me, what is it?"
"Okay fine. I'm... I was diagnosed with typhoid and malaria."
"Have you taken your medications?"
"No. Not yet. I haven't gotten enough money to purchase them."
"How much does it cost?"
"$12.10"
"And how much have you got?"
"$7.10"
"Okay. That would not be a problem. After school today, we'll head to the pharmacy together to purchase the medicines."
" You don't get the point, do you? I said I haven't gotten enough money."
"Don't worry. Bills on me."
"Oh! Really?"
"Of course. What are friends for afterall?"
"Thank you so much bestie."
Brian - It's alright. Now, let's go to the canteen and get you something to eat. I'm sure you've been starving."
"Uhm..I don't think I'll be able to walk. I can't stand properly. I feel so weak."
"Sorry. Ok, wait here while I get us something for lunch, okay?"
"Okay. But don't be gone for too long."
"Yeah. I'll be back before you know it."
~BRIAN
I went to the canteen to get her favourite snacks, strawberry ice-cream and pizza. Then, I got some burger and vanilla ice cream for myself.
On my way back, I was thinking of the perfect way to tell her I love her. That I really want her. Yes, I know you all will be surprised.
But I really like her. And I want us to be more than friends.
But I think I'll do that when she's recovered fully from her illness. For now, I think this snack will lighten her mood a little.
I got into her class and met her speaking with some guy. I kind of felt jealous. Of course I am supposed to. I like her, a whole lot.
The guy was huge and hefty and that moment, I felt like punching him in the face till he bleeds.
As I approached her, the guy made to leave and I handed over the snack to Olivia.
"Wow. Are these for me?"
"Yes."
"Awwwwnn....thank you. But wait a minute, how did you know this was my favourite snack."
"Well, during one of our conversations, you told me yourself that you love them so much and that you would always get your cousin brother to buy them for you whenever he's coming back to the country."
"Geez! Do you still remember that. Anyways, thank you so much. I'm really grateful. You've really made my day."
She said and she gave me a quick peck on my cheeks before hurriedly opening the ice-cream.
"Seriously, what was that for?"
I asked , proving ignorant. But I truly liked it and I wished she could do it again.
"Well, that's my little way of saying "thank you" to you."
"Oh! Thank goodness it wasn't what I was thinking."
"And what were you thinking?"
"Hmmmm....nothing really. The other way round."
I said and she playfully hit my back.
"Such a silly spoilt little brat."
"Seriously? But wait a minute.... who was the guy that left your seat a while ago."
"Oh that. He's my ex-boyfriend's best friend. He's really pestering my life yunno."
"Oh you mean the motherfucker. Huh? That asshole."
"Yeah. Exactly."
"What exactly does he want?"
"Well, he's doing his best to convince me to go back to his best friend, Gabriel."
"He's got the nerves."
"But I told him we cannot and never work out again."
"Nice job."
"But why are you asking. Are you... jealous?"
"Hell no. Why would I?"
Deep down, jealousy was really eating me up.
"Sure?"
Her eyes bored into mine as if it was a hidden mystery.
"C'mon. I can't possibly be jealous. You're my bestfriend afterall. I was just looking out for my bestie."
"Ok. If you say so." Her tone still laced with disbelief.
(Bell rings)
"Uhmm... You know what? Finish up your lunch. I have to go. Break is over. I'll see you later."
"Okay bestie. Bye
**
"Hey Olivia. Brian was here again right?" Tasha, my close friend asked smiling at me.
God! This girl.
"Yeah. He's such a sweet soul. He got me these."
I showed them the snack he got for me.
"Awww. That's so thoughtful of him. I think he's Gabriel the second right now."
" Stop it, Tasha. Let this be the last time I will hear you talk about Gabriel."
" I'm sorry, just joking. But you shouldn't raise your voice at me that way again. I really don't like it."
"I'm sorry too but c'mon mon Tasha, he isn't. And why in the world would you think such a thing?"
"Because I saw how close the both of you were. That's exactly the kind of bond you shared with.. permit me to say Gabriel.
How you always laugh and chit chat whenever he's around you. C'mon Olivia...the chemistry is clear babe.. You barely have enough time for our girls hangout.
Like, it's literally on everyone's lips. People think you're dating already."
"Then?"
"Trust me not to engage in those types of gossips. Not until I've confirmed with my own eyes."
"Awwwwnn.... That's why I love you so much. Such a darling friend and sister. I love you so much."
"Love you too, via."
"Hey girls. What's up?"
Roxanna said, taking a spoon of my ice cream.
"Hey. That's not mannerly at all. You don't even know I came about this. You don't know if it's poisoned."
"Ok. May I know how you got it?"
"Well, someone special got it for me."
"Oh! Who's that?"
"My...Uhm... let's just say...my crush."
"Oh! My! Goodness! So you are actually crushing on him."
Tasha covered her mouth in shock.
"What guy is she talking about, Tasha? Is it that silver- haired guy?"
"Yeah. But it's actually a secret."
"That's great. But do you think he likes you too?"
"Of course baby girl. It's obvious." Tasha chimed in.
"Wow! So let's say Olivia and Brian=OLIVIAN. Awww.. so cute."
'Urrggghh... Roxanna, such an annoying friend I found myself.'
"Roxanna! "
"Yes sweetheart." (Smiling)
"Stop being so dramatic. I only told you had a crush on him and nothing more. We aren't dating yet. And I really don't think we can. So what's the fuss all about?"
"Well, I was just suggesting. But come to think of it, it's cute right?"
God! So annoying. I hissed and walked out of the class.
"Well, I could help you do justice to this pizza." The witch, in the name of Tasha screamed.
" And I'll have the ice-cream."
"Whatever!"
*CLOSURE TIME*
"Hey pretty. What's up?
I heard someone call out to me and I turned only to find the.... GABRIEL??
Gosh! This son of a bitch.
"What do you want?"
"Hey sweetie. Calm down okay. I'm not here to fight..."
"Who says I want to fight either?"
"Listen I just want to pass a message."
"Do I look like I care?I'm in a haste. I can't waste my precious time with you. What do you want?"
"That nonentity that I saw you hanging around with, how is he related to you?"
"Don't you dare call him such names. He's not a nonentity. And besides, it's none of your business."
"Well,baby you know I care for you a lot. Anything that bothers you, bothers me. And anything that makes you happy also makes me happy. Listen I can't...."
"Oh please. Spare me those rubbish explanations. You son of a bitch."
"You..."
"Oh yeah. That's what you are. A coward. Motherfucker."
"You dare insult me?"
He said and raised his hands to slap me. I had already closed my eyes awaiting the slap. Seconds later, I wasn't feeling anything. Huh?
I opened my eyes and I saw his hands stuck midway in the air. Someone held his hands. Gasps! Brian? Oh my Gosh it was Brian. Brian saved me?