HIDDEN

Chapter 8

Mia screamed as she saw Dale behind her.

"Why are you following me?" Dale asked angrily.

"How did he know?" she thought before speaking aloud, "Umm... I just wanted to give you your history textbook. I think you forgot in class", she said as she stretched out her arm to hand him the book.

He looked at it, still angry and said, "So that's why you couldn't call out my name. Instead you followed me trying to invade my privacy."

Mia tried to speak. "I-I just..."

"You just what?!" he cut in, "Thought it was ok to spy on me. I already know enough about greek mythology. I didn't need your help."

Mia couldn't take it anymore.
"I just wanted to help you out. Was that so wrong. I know I shouldn't have followed you but you make it really hard for people to understand you or what you do."

"I don't need anyone to understand me. And definitely not you."

He took the book from her hand, walked away, turned back and said, "DON'T- follow me again", then he left.

Mia stood there speechless.
"Misundersood my foot", she said as she recalled what Amanda told her.

~■~
The next day Mia arrived early to school in a bad mood. Her anger increased as she saw Dale entering the classroom some minutes later acting like nothing happened, without even sparing her a glance.

Chimamanda came in much later and realized right away that Mia was out of it. She wanted to ask her what happened but decided to respect her former request of not talking during classes and waited for a free period. Luckily it came sooner than expected.

"Mia, are you okay?" asked Chimamanda concerned.

"Yeah, why?" Mia responded quickly.

"Well, for starters, since today you looked like you were in a bad mood", Chimamanda pointed out.

"I already told you I'm alright", Mia said a little annoyed.

"Hey, don't pour your anger on me", Chimamanda said defensively, "I'm quite stubborn. You could keep deceiving yourself and endure my pestering- or you could tell me what happened and let me help you in any way I can."

Mia thought for a while.

Just then, Dale stood up from his seat and left the classroom, heading to the restroom.

"It's almost as if Dale uses every opportunity he gets to leave this class", observed Chimamanda as she saw him leave.

"Please, I really dont want to talk about him", said Mia looking more vexed.

Chimamanda contemplated for a while.
"Ooooh! So he's the reason you're angry?"

"W-what? What makes you say that?" Mia panicked.

"Its written all over your face, girl. Just tell me", Chimamanda concluded.

Mia sighed then said, "Yeah you guessed right."

"What could little mr. antisocial prince do to you", said Chimamanda confused, "Or do you like him?" she teased.

"Eww, No, don't ever say that again", Mia said disgusted. She sighed then continued, "It happened yesterday, when I went back to class to look for my key...."

~■~
She told Chimamanda what happened and the argument that transpired.

"Woah! That boy can actually talk?" said Chimamanda surprised.

Mia was taken aback by that response.
"Aren't you gonna say something a little more comforting."

"Like what?... Oh, my poor baby girl, don't feel sad because he reacted, after he caught you following him like a creep. Is that what you want me to say", Chimamanda critiqued.

"When you put it like that, it sounds bad", said Mia uncomfortable.

"Because it kinda is."

"Whose side are you on?"

"I'm not on anyone's side. As your friend I feel for you but realistically, you brought it on yourself. He kind of went overboard with what he said but I get where he's coming from. I won't be so thrilled if someone I regarded as an acquaintance invades my personal space just to spy on me."

Mia contemplated on what she said without responding.

Chimamanda noticed she was distant and said, "But- how dare he talk to you like that. Does he have a death wish. Who does he think he is. I could go to him and give a piece of my mind."

Mia laughed which brightened her mood.
"As much as I'd like to see that, I'd rather you not."

"Oh, thank God. I didn't mean what I said just now."

They both laughed then class resumed shortly after.

~■~
Classes had ended and everyone had left for lunch. Mia and Chimamanda were eating together as usual. Mia looked quite distant.

"You're awfully quiet. Please tell me you're not still thinking about that?" Chimamanda asked.

"It's just weird. What was he looking for on that wall? Why was he being so defensive? What is he hiding? Don't you wanna know?" replied Mia thinking aloud.

"No, no, no. That's the white blood in you speaking. If someone is doing something shady, the most logical thing to do is to turn the other way", said Chimamanda disagreeing.

"I'm just curious", Mia said pouting.

"Well, don't be. Just mind your business. Besides, what shady thing could the prince possibly do... Anyway, my mum's finishing up early and she wanted to take me back home in her car, so I have to go", she said as she got up and carried her bag. She then looked back at Mia. "Go - Home." She then left.

Shortly after, Mia got her bag and went outside.
"What does she take me for?" Mia thought remembering what Amanda said. She then looked back to the direction of the alley. She sighed.

~■~
Mia is seen standing in front of the wall in the alley.
"What are you doing, Mia", she thought to herself, "I dont know why but there's something ominous about this place. I feel kind of drawn to here."

She then remembered what Chimamanda said.
"Maybe she's right. I should mind my business", she said as she tried leaning on the wall but almost fell through.

"What?" she exclaimed as she saw her hand pass through the wall.
"This can't be real".....