Golden Girls: A Nigerian Highschool Romance. ✓

Betty and Joseph: Mine

"Charles!" Betty runs into a male's arms as he embraces her.

"Mmm" he sighs as he squeezes her tightly.

"Too tight, Charles" she taps his arm lightly

He releases her but still holds her by the waist " how's my princess doing?"

"Your princess is doing fine, thanks for asking. What about you? How's boarding school?"

"Not bad. Same strict rules" he shrugs. "You've grown. You look way better than last time I saw you"

"Yeah. Mum started this diet for me it's called..." Betty explains excitedly before someone interrupts

Joseph clears his throat in annoyance and irritation as he stares at the two.

"Oh babe, didn't see you there." Betty draws him closer by his elbow " this is my boyfriend, Joseph. Joseph, this is my childhood friend, Charles " She smiles at them as they exchange glances

"Boyfriend aye." Charles smiles widely "You've grown so much that you have a boyfriend. Nice to meet you" Charles extends his hand out for a shake

Joseph returns the gesture reluctantly "likewise "

"I'm really surprised mumsy and popsy allowed you to date " Charles says

"Yes it took some convincing at first but now they've kinda accepted him." Betty nods

"Cool" Charles takes a good look at Joseph

"So what about you, any damsels you met?" Betty smiles suggestively.

"It's a boys school, Lizzy " Charles rolls his eyes

"What school do you go to?" Joseph finally joins the conversation

"Imperial high"

"Isn't that the school for rich heirs of multi million naira companies" Joseph asks

"He is part of the said rich, babe" Betty states matter of factly

"Oh I didn't know that " Joseph looks at Betty with an accusing look. Betty shrugs in response " what's it like there"

"It's not so bad. There are enough facilities, good teachers, nice people
.. not everyone is nice though. There's this guy in my class, total jerk. He's always giving me a hard time "

"Bullying you" Betty's concern is evident in her voice. Joseph looks at her in annoyance

"Not really. Just loves passing comments. He's a politician's son."

"That's okay I guess" Betty holds Charles's hand. "Come on, let's go greet my mum's friends' children "

And like that, they leave Joseph behind as he glares daggers at Charles's head

*********

The whole barbeque event for Betty's mum's Business Anniversary is of Joseph glaring at Charles as Betty sticks by his side as if glued there while he watches from a table sipping his lemonade silently.

Betty was to introduce Joseph to her family friends not Charles. People are to ship them together not Charles and her. He wasn't to be here in the first place. Why wasn't he informed of this new addition?

Betty finally leaves Charles's side. She walks to their table where Joseph sits silently in his pile of salt

"Hey baby" Betty pecks his cheek " how's your evening going"

"Terrible" he deadpans

"Terrible?" Betty looks at him shocked "why?" She chokes out

"Why? You are asking me why" Joseph drops his glass of unfinished drink "you, Elizabeth brought me to this blasted party where I don't know anyone, you promised to be by my side and not make me feel left out. Look how that turned out"