Yet to Know [MORE CHAPTERS LOADING...]

- 25 -

I'm back! I'm on holiday and I made the decision to complete this novel. I'm sorry for the delay. Just in case you've forgotten the last chapter, please re-read. Prepare for a wholesome experience. This book will take you on a great ride.
- Signed, Mabel.

DANIEL's POV

Don't you like me, Daniel? We can be more than friends." Samantha had uttered those words two days ago.

I haven't responded since then. Her words had left me utterly speechless. Surprisingly, she hasn't spoken to me either. Is she serious about this? Does she truly like me? Does she want to take our relationship to another level or is she just teasing me? I decided to talk to her today.

As I enter into the school premises, I scan the students at the assembly ground. Sam is determined to achieve her dreams; so far, she's been a model student. She dressed properly, was punctual and never missed classes. I spot her doing stretches in a corner. She had a new hairstyle. Interesting! Sam is known for her afro, as she hated braids, but today, she had short braids on.

I suck in a long breath and rake my fingers through my hair. My gaze lingers on her as I stroll towards her. "Hey, Sam!" my voice falls out as weak as my limbs. She turns to me with a blank expression, her braids tucked behind her ears. Her skin glows under the morning light.

"Now you greet me?" she scoffs and rolls her eyes. "I thought you would avoid me for the rest of your life."

"Huh?"

"You've been avoiding me," she hisses, pointing an accusing finger.

"Me...What...err...no!" I stutter. "I don't think so."

Did I ignore her? Um...well...I did ensure we were not around each other since I didn't have a response to her words. I mentally facepalm myself. Then, the answer is yes. I did avoid her.

"You can't blame me for that," I chuckle. "You shocked me. You want to be more than friends? I had to rethink everything because the Sam I know has never pursued a relationship so speedily. Do you get?"

Her expression is blank and it makes me more nervous. I rub my palm on my trousers and bounce slightly on my heels.

She bursts into a fit of laughter, her braids dangling to her face. She slaps her thighs as she gasps for air. "Trust me, I was just teasing you," she says and winks at me.

A frown surfaces on my face. My deepest fear was this and she just confirmed it. I never thought it would hurt this much but it did. Hearing her laugh pisses me off. For two days, I begged myself not to have hopes, and I was right; my hopes were crushed. I forced a wry smile. "I'm glad you had a good laugh," I grumble and stomp off.

After assembly, I did my utmost best to suppress my feelings as I entered my class. Fortunately, Sam is in Science Class Gold, and I'm in Science Class Diamond, so I can successfully avoid her till I can control my emotions.

"Daniel, my guy! We never talk," Boma exclaims and places his arm on my shoulder. "Are you and Sam dating?"

I look at him, his excitement radiating from him like a fragrance from a flower. He shakes my shoulder.

"Say something, guy!"

My eyes ache in their sockets as I roll them and tell him, "She was just teasing me that day. Trust me, we are just friends."

Disappointment drags his face down. "Oh..."

"Yeah!"

"And?" he asks with hope.

"And nothing!"

"Chai! I thought my guy was finally in a relationship. Sorry about that, bro. So what's your relationship with her?"

"Just friends!"

"Are you sure it's healthy to be friends with her? At this point, I can safely say she's playing with your feelings," Boma says and sits on his chair. He drops his bag on the desk and pulls out his books. "What do you think?"

I'm silent.

"Last time, she said she had a crush on you. Then, she asks you out and look... nothing but confusion," Boma spells it and slams his hand on the desk.

"Chill," I say and let out a fake laughter. "I'm okay."

"Does she really have a crush on you, or was she also teasing about that?"

"She said she has a crush on me!"

"Hm...Be careful though. That's what I can say," he adds and rises from the chair. "I need to buy a pen from the bookshop. I'll be right back".

"Alright"

He runs off and I drop to my chair. I place my palm on my forehead and chew my bottom lip. I'll just maintain my friendship with Sam. I still like her a lot. I have a feeling she doesn't know what she wants from our relationship. Maybe she likes me, but isn't ready to act on it.

A thought occurs to me. Why guess when I can just ask her directly?

I smirk. What happened to the confident Daniel? I'll ask her. I pull my attention to the class and choose to focus. After school, I'll ask.

The day goes by productively, and when the closing bell rings, my heart starts racing. I have to find Sam now. I spring to my feet and run down the hallway. I check her class but she isn't there. I was informed that she went to the school field. I sprint there and find her jogging.

"Sammy dear!" I whistle her name and wink at her. She shudders and narrows her eyes at me. "We need to talk."

If she can tease me, I might as well do the same.

She halts her movement and I jog to her. "And what do we have to talk about?"

"Me and you," I say, my voice laden with sobriety.

She clears her throat. "Okay?" She quips.

"Sam, I've been honest with my feelings. I do like you. However, I've been confused because you send such mixed signals that it drives me crazy," I pause and draw in some air. "Do you like me?"

Her eyes reveal unreadable emotions but she is quick to mask them with laughter. She places her hands on her waist. "Don't you believe I have a crush on you? Are you letting Nora's words confuse you?"

"Nora?"

She scowls and rolls her eyes. "I guess you don't deserve to be added to our war. I'm sorry I sent those mixed feelings. I wanted to make her jealous."

If a shocked person could get more shocked, that person would be me as I stand in the middle of the school field— slacked-jaw.

She crosses her arms over her chest and sighs. "I'm genuinely sorry. I can't answer if I have a crush on you, but I have come to appreciate you as a friend. I'm nasty, don't worry, I know that. I'm sorry".

I raise my head to the sky, let out a raging breath and stride away. From one shot to another! Sam never ceases to surprise me. My heart wrenches with every step I take. This hurts.

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Drop a comment! I want to be sure my dearest readers haven't given up on me😭

What do you think will happen next?
If you were Daniel, what would you do to Sam?

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Expect more chapters.

From your Naija Writer,
Mabel.