So why chemistry?

  I blinked twice as I read the message. We hadn't been able to complete our discussion earlier because Juliana had called to inform me that Kike and Keyshia were around, so, I hurried away. And now that he wanted to continue the discussion, it looked absurd.

I glanced at Juliana and Crystal who were playing Ludo with full concentration, I'd been playing with them earlier until I lost which was still funny to me 'cause I always beat Kike and Keyshia in the game even Juliana who is now feeling herself because she won this time.

I've always loved the idea of mixing chemicals and finding out about it's composition. It's such an interesting subject and it's my best subject. Funny enough, I'm only excellent at Chemistry.

After clicking the send button, I dropped my phone to ease myself. I glanced at Crystal and Juliana who looked so serious with the game. After doing my business in the toilet, I walked up to them.

"Why are you guys so serious?" I inquired.

Crystal looked up at me while Juliana still fixed her gaze on the game, it wasn't until I smacked her head that she reacted with a scowl.

"Are you okay?" She eyed me and I eyed her in return.

"You guys look so serious with that game," I pointed out.

"We made a bet," Juliana replied.

"The loser cleans the room throughout the week and prepare our meals too, you know it's Juliana's turn this week and she's hoping I'll lose,"Crystal explained with a sheepish smile.

"Juliana has always been a lazy thing," I joked and she eyed me.

They returned their focus to the game while I went back to my bed. Picking up my phone, I realized Tise had sent me another message which made it seem surreal to me. He'd been behaving somehow friendly since the beginning of the day and I wonder why.

That's nice. I'm only excellent at maths and physics too and I must admit that your dream is unique.

I smiled before responding.

So I heard, Tumi told me you couldn't help her with her assignment and thanks for complimenting my dream.

His response came in few seconds later.

Thanks for helping her with her assignment. She got everything right. You're even better than Gbemi's boyfriend.

Turns out my chemistry brain was still intact. It would have been so embarrassing if she'd gotten any question wrong. The mention of Zayd's name made me somehow annoyed, though I'd gotten over him which was surprisingly fast but then whenever I come across his name, I still get annoyed and yeah I was better than him in chemistry, though he'd been the best student in my set but I always passed chemistry than him. Reminds me of how we got close, he'd needed help in Chemistry and I'd agreed to tutor him.

So have you been able to save up for your education?

I shook my head while calculating the money I had in my account. I'd received the first month's payment so I had up to ₦200, 000 which was still little.

I'm still saving up. I plan to take the next JAMB.

Crystal's scream made me look up from my phone as she ran to me in ecstacy.

"I won," she shouted and I smiled while Juliana glared at the both of us.

"So, that means Juliana will still do her chores?" I questioned and Juliana hissed while Crystal stuck out her tongue.

"I'm not accepting it, I didn't lose," Juliana claimed.

"It was crystal clear, you lost to me," Crystal countered and they started their banter while I returned my attention to my phone. Tise's response had entered then.

That's good. You already have WAEC right?

I nodded before realizing he couldn't see me.

Yeah, both WAEC and GCE.

"It's time to prepare dinner oo," Crystal announced and I glanced at her before checking the time. It was getting late already. Not waiting for Tise's response, I sent him another message asking for what he would like for dinner.

Beans and plantain

I creased my brows as I read the message. Crystal had told me never liked beans so I hadn't prepared it in the past one month. So, why beans all of a sudden?

It's surprising that you didn't reply with 'anything'. You must really be craving for beans but I heard you didn't like it.

"Let's go to the kitchen," Juliana said as she rose to her feet.

"Oh, it's time to start your duties," Crystal mocked while Juliana eyed her.

I just feel like eating it

I read the message before Juliana and Crystal called my name in unison.

"What happen?" I dropped my phone by my side and rose to my feet.

"Who were you chatting with?" Crystal asked with raised brows.

"No one," I shrugged and they gave me this mischievous look before we sauntered to the kitchen.

****************

"I'm already in front of your place," she said from the other end and I nodded.

"Okay, you'll see me now," I dropped the call and turned to Crystal who was reading a novel which she'd tried explaining to me but I didn't give ears; one that was written by Tise. It seemed interesting with the way Crystal was running her mouth about it and the way her eyes had been glued to it since morning.

Juliana wasn't around, she'd decided to go home with her parents after she left the church and won't be back until the following morning.

"I'm off oo," I announced before picking my black cross bag.

"Okay, don't come back late and buy something for me," she wriggled her brows while I chortled before walking out of the room.

The smile on my face disappeared when I got out of the gate. Turns out Zayd was taking us to the event planner Gbemi wanted to introduce me to.

I'd collected Gbemi's number from Juliana and asked her about the person who planned her birthday party and she'd decided to introduce me to her not knowing Zayd would drive us there.

I haven't set my eyes on him ever since the break-up and seeing him today just made me wonder how I even liked him let alone date someone like him. Was I blind? Why would I date someone with a big nose?

Our eyes met and he had the guts to smile at me. Eyeing him warily, I opened the door and plopped into the back seat.

"Good afternoon," I greeted and Gbemi turned back to me.

"You look nice, I love your gown," she complimented and Zayd turned to look at me. I glared at him before replying Gbemi's comment on my green floral gown.

"So, babe, meet Kanyinsola, she works here and she's my friend and K.Y, meet my boyfriend, Z.."

I cut in, "Zayd."

She looked taken aback and Zayd widened his eyes at me.

"You know him?" She inquired and I nodded.

I opened my mouth to reply but Zayd beat me to it.

"Yeah, I know her too, we attended the same secondary school," he explained with a smile while I smirked at him.

"Oh, I didn't know that," Gbemi commented.

"Yeah and we were kind of close, we even..."

I looked at Zayd who gave me a pleading look that made me scoff internally.

"You even what?" Gbemi asked giddily and I shook my head. If only she knew Zayd didn't love her as he claimed, he was only after her money.

I smirked at him before responding, "We even became best friends," I lied and Zayd exhaled.

"Are you guys still best friends?"

"Nope," I replied flatly and he started the car. Throughout the ride, all they did was converse and laugh while I stayed quiet and played game on my phone.

On getting there, Zayd stayed in the car while Gbemi led me to the events planner office. As we entered her office, I knew her price would be high and there was nothing Kike would do about it, she had to spend that money, whereas her birthday was only in a few weeks time.

After concluding with the events planner who also decided to help me contact a caterer, we strolled back and Gbemi decided we should visit the eatery opposite.

After settling down, Zayd left to take our order while I conversed with Gbemi.

"So, you guys have been dating for how long now?" I stared at her beautiful eyes and she glanced his way with twinkling eyes. Obviously, she was whipped.

"About seven months now."

I bobbed my head, "I hope he's treating you well though?"

"Yeah, he's been the sweetest boyfriend ever."

"Awwnn," I cooed and she blushed while I laughed. It was just a pity I couldn't tell her that he was only after her money.

He got back few minutes later with our order. While he and Gbemi ordered chicken pie and Ice cream, I ordered meat pie and Yoghurt. Not long after, Gbemi excused herself to the restroom.

"How shameless could you be?" I hissed when he pulled out his chair to sit. He'd left to collect a girl's number immediately Gbemi was out of sight.

"It isn't any of your business again," he deadpanned and I scoffed.

"Does she know you're only after her money? That you're a shameless jerk who is only being a leech?"

"Why are you insulting me? Are you still pained about the break-up?"

I erupted into a mocking laughter before replying, "How stupid could you be? Why would I be pained over a worthless shit like you?"

He glared at me and opened his mouth to retort but the appearance of Gbemi cut him short. After a while, we left the eatery but not without Gbemi giving me a pack for Crystal.

Getting down from the car, I bade Gbemi goodbye and Zayd zoomed off. I stared at the car till it was out of sight and shook my head. I just hope Gbemi catches him soon.

"Aren't you coming in?" A voice questioned from the house and I turned back as Tumi beamed at me.