BLOSSOM HIGH SCHOOL SERIES : BLOSSOM HIGH SCHOOL (A Nigerian-themed Novel) [✔]

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This chapter is dedicated to afiabonnah13 for messaging such beautiful words on my DM.

Enjoy.

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               §Gabriel's POV§

Why do I even try?

What I felt after that night, haunted me for two nights in a row. I told myself it wasn't worth it. I told myself it was the same girl that moved away from me the other day, like I was some monster. But my inner self also reminded me of the same girl that stood and tried to make amends even when she wasn't asked by anyone to do so.

I guess my inner self was just being blind by her good heart and beauty. She was still the same Ini that moved away from me like I was some monster and today proved it.

I shook my head in annoyance as I increased my pace, away from the computer lab and down the lobby.

"Gabriel!"

I forced myself and kept moving.

"Gabriel!"

Why on earth would I stop? I would only be a fool to stop for someone that makes me feel I wasn't welcome.

"Gabe!"

But I guess I was a fool. For some odd reasons, that nick name sounded right in my ears. Wasn't sure if it was because I've heard that name more than once or because it sounded perfect with her voice. I took a small sigh then turned swiftly to see Ini striding quickly towards me.

Ini inhaled and exhaled couple of times with her hand on her knees. Once she stopped in front of me.

"H-Have you ever thought of joining the male track team?" Ini asked breathlessly, as she finally stood straight to address me. "You were only walking but how can you be so fast?"

"Why'd you call me?" I really wasn't in the mood for her carefree conversation.

Ini curled her lips as both brows pinched against each other. She clearly wasn't liking my tone. "Did I do anything wrong?"

I bit my lower lips at the question she just asked. It made her seem innocent, oblivious. But I knew she was neither.

"Was that question for me?" I demanded coldly.

Ini eyes became a bit wide, making me to rethink my choice of words towards her. "Clearly. I want to know what I did wrong to warrant you changing partners."

"Take it has a free will for not being seen with me," I spread my arms wide, so she'd see me for whom I was. "A cripple."

"Oh my God," Ini dragged as she dug her fingers into her hair in a frustrated manner. My hands were already placed on both side as I watch her try to find words. "I kiss you. Why'd you think I don't want to be seen with you?"

"I kissed You," I corrected her of that fact. Ini was talking too much Friday night. We both knew we'd had to kiss or her brother would to the reporter. Ini through her eyes, wanted to help her brother. But Ini being Ini, wanted to seek my permission first. That alone would waste much time, so I had to kiss her. "And action speaks louder than words."

Ini must have not told me I was a cripple. She must have not made fun of me in my face like the rest. Must have not pushed me around and make me look down at myself. But those actions, not once but twice, made me feel she didn't want me close. So why prolong things? Here was I, giving it to her in a platter of gold.

Ini stepped further towards me but I didn't bother to move. "I.... I didn't move away from you because I didn't want to be seen with you."

Ini closed her eyes in frustration but let out a tiring breath. "Last time, I was scared. I admit that. But this.... This time, I was taking off guard by.... By something. But not by you being what.... What you said you are."

My whole being wanted to believe her, wanted to believe that she didn't move away from me because of what I was, a one armless man according to Yusuf. But the little reasoning in me, told me to walk away to avoid being hurt by the strange feelings I felt being close to her.

And so I did....

"Gabriel," I wish she had shorten it but still stopped none the less. "I really want to be your partner."

I moved...

"What do you want me to do to still remain your partner?!" Ini voice trailed after me, forcing many to turn to see what was happening. It was a bit embarrassing, so I had to stop.

I knew I said I wanted to change partners, but that was a lie. I really didn't want any of those mentally ill classmates to be my partner. All I wanted was to either do the assignment myself or email it to Bisola or Dami.

I finally turned to look at Ini's face which brightened when she saw me. I also wasn't wicked, I was still ready to credit her in the project without her bringing anything to the table. "How about you solve an equation?"

Ini let out the brightest and most beautiful smile I had seen today. I shook my head and scolded myself for having such line of thought.

"There's no equation in this world I cannot solve." I loved each confidence radiating from her as she spoke, while folding my arms.

"Is that so?" Ini nodded sharply. She was considered one of the most brilliant student in our set and the most brilliant student in Art class. So of course, her self esteem was supposed to be at its peak.

"Then we'll meet at your place." Fear flashed through Ini's eyes once I said that. I suggested her place cause most girls didn't like the idea of going to a guy's place on their first date..... Meeting. Definitely meeting.

"What's wrong?" The anger I had earlier felt towards Ini were all gone and all i needed was to know what the problem was. For some reason, I wanted her not to hide anything from me. I knew I was an asshole earlier, but no one would blame me. With what I'd gone through at this school, any slight move or comment from anyone, would have a negative impact towards my thoughts.

"N-Nothing," Ini stuttered, then cleared her throat nervously. "How about we meet at yours?"

"You'd be comfortable with that?" I asked concern, while Ini nodded. I watched as she didn't look at me but the ground. Still, I chose not to comment on it.

"Then it's settled," I ignored her dilemma and decided to believe it was nothing serious. "We'd go over to my place after school."

           

A/N

I know this chapter is very short, and I'm sorry about that. Next would be a bit longer.

Some readers are eager to know what Adenike would do to Yolanda. Like I said, this story is having two plots (story line) it hasn't gotten to their story yet.

But no worries, you'd know soon what Adenike would do

Do vote 🌟, comment and share

Till next time,

Much love lovelies,

X
-Eddy