Her last wish episode 6 – 7

HER LAST WISH 🌬️
🌟(Moremi)
 
❄️Chapter 6
 
Zeemah Writes📝
 
🌀_____
 
“Layla, what’s wrong?” Aria asked worriedly.
Layla sat numbly on the floor hugging her knees to her chest. Her eyes were w-t and red,even a blind could tell she had been crying.
This would be the first time she would sit without attending to customers, leaving only Aria to do it but Aria didn’t mind,she was only worried about Layla who ignored her and everyone else,if it was left to Layla,she wouldn’t have come to the coffee shop today,she would have stayed home and cried her eyes out but she had reluctantly come here knowing Philia wouldn’t take it lightly.
 
Aria quickly went to take customers order,she served them and returned to Layla who still remained on the floor, staring at nothing in particular.
Aria sighed..just yesterday and a day before, Layla’s happy mood was unbeatable and now seeing how sad she looked made Aria worried.
She doesn’t even look this sad whenever Philia scolds her.
 
Aria was unable to concentrate on her because customers kept pouring in and she had to attend to them.
She would go to Layla when she had served the customers and then quickly run back to the counter whenever another customer walks in.
 
It was almost time to go pick her kid and Layla doesn’t look like she was ready to get up.
She looked lost and so sad.
What could be wrong?..Aria wondered worriedly.
Should she call Philia’s attention to it?
 
Aria returned to the counter after serving the last customer who walked in.
She picked her phone and placed a call across her husband.
 
“Hey Dave”
“Ariana,how are you?” Her husband’s voice broke in.
“I’m fine, you’re back from work right?”
“Yeah,I’m clearing the garden”
“Could you help me go pick Jane, i’ll be working late today”
“Oh fine,I’ll go now”
“I love you”
“k-sses”
 
She dropped her phone and sighed as she walked back to Layla.
She crouched in front of her and stroked her hair.
That didn’t even made Layla look up,the horrible words kept replaying in her mind -Dylan told everyone that your l-ips felt like a dead log of wood that wouldn’t even lit up if ignited by a wide burning fire- the words made her dumb and weak.
Her hopes were shattered, Dylan doesn’t have the tiniest feeling for her,he had been nice to her maybe because he just wanted to be her friend.
He doesn’t even see her as a potential lover.
Maybe she’s the last person he would ever consider dating.
 
Okay..agreed that he doesn’t have feelings for her,she also knows feelings can’t be forced.
But how dare he called her l-ips a dead log of wood,how dare he embarrass her that much.
She was starting to gain people’s respect only for him to shatter it again.
 
She bursted into fresh tears, recalling how everyone had mocked her.
Dylan hadn’t even looked like he was sorry.
 
“Layla c’mon, whatever it is,tell me. please” Aria said.
“Is my l-ips that dead that even a burning fire won’t ignite it?” Layla asked absentmindedly.
She was talking to herself and not to Aria.
She was wondering out aloud,tears dropping out like a waterfall.
Aria was about to respond to her when she saw Philia approaching.
“Get up get up, Philia is coming” Aria said to her but she didn’t get up,she didn’t even act like she heard what Aria had said.
“She’s gonna scold you! Get up Layla” Aria said, trying to pull her up but Philia already caught up on them.
 
“What’s going on here?” Philia asked casting the both of them a questioning gaze.
“Well…” Aria stuttered, glancing at Layla whose head was still down.
“I..well..Layla has been seated here crying and she refused to tell me what’s wrong” Aria said.
“Oh” Phil sighed, thinking Layla finally let out her emotions,the news she had received is enough to make her cry. She had been wondering why Layla had been so strong about the news,it’s something even an adult won’t stop crying about.
Poor girl,she had been trying to keep it all in but she’s not been able to any longer.
 
“Leave her to cry Aria,it’s worth it” Phil said.
“Do you know what’s wrong with her?” Aria asked.
“Yeah,i do. You’re set to leave right?” Phil asked.
“No,I’ll be taking up Layla’s shift. I already called my husband to go pick Jane” Aria said.
It was then Layla glanced up at her,she thanked Aria with her eyes and Aria nodded with a smile.
She had been wondering how she was gonna cope,serving customers when she was feeling so weak to the bones.
 
“That’s so sweet of you Aria” Philia smiled.
Aria rushed off to attend to another set of customers.
 
“Come with me to my office,come sit your ass on the chair” Philia said to Layla who ignored her.
“I bet your ass is gonna hurt by the time you finally get up from the floor,come with me” Philia persuaded gently and Layla shook her head.
Philia is being nice to her again because of a reason and that hurt her.
“Okay come with me and get a chance to talk to Aunt Esther or whatever her name is” Philia rolled her eyes and Layla’s face lit up.
She got to her feet and truly,her butt hurts.
“I can’t believe that black Aunt of yours made you get up” Philia gro-ned and Layla walked after her to her office.
 
Aunt Esther is definitely gonna light up her mood and David also.
 
Layla sat on the armchair in the small neat office while Philia dialled Aunt Esther’s number.
She handed the phone to Layla with a frown after Esther had picked.
Layla placed the phone on her ear happily.
 
“Moremi Ajansoro” Aunt Esther called happily into the phone and Layla felt better instantly.
Aunt Esther and David calls her by her native name ‘Moremi’ and she so much loves to hear it.
Her parents do call her that also once in a while.
She had fallen in love with the name after her father told her the story behind it.
 
Queen Moremi of ile Ife kingdom, Nigeria. Was a courageous woman and is believed to have contributed to the Yoruba tribe’s liberation from oppression,she willingly surrendered to the Invaders,got married to the enemy king and seized the opportunity to discover the secrets of the group’s military strategy,she revealed that secret to Ile Ife people after she had managed to escape.
She subsequently helped to devise a plan that led to Ile Ife’s responding victory over the invaders.
 
“Moremi was a brave lady” Her father would tell her.
“She practically sacrificed herself for her people’s liberation, she achieved something most males couldn’t even attempt. I found her admirable and i made a promise to myself to name my first daughter Moremi,in our culture,it is believed that one’s child’s name do have an impact in the child’s life, i also want you to be the best of yourself” Her father would smile and k-ss her and she’ll giggle in his arms.
 
“Moremi,are you there?” Aunt Esther’s voice jolted her from her thoughts.
“Aunt Esther,i missed you” Layla whined on the phone like a baby and she laughed when she saw the look Philia sent her.
 
🦋
 
“Where’s that dude?” Felia asked, walking into the living room of the Keyes.
“Felia” Anne pulled her into a hug.
“Anne,how are you?” Felia asked.
“I’m good, you’re coming straight from school” Anne said, seeing Felia still clad in her school wears and backpack.
“Yap, i miss that dude so much” She gro-ned and Anne laughed.
 
Felia is this pretty strong girl that acts all bitchy but she’s actually so soft and kind on the in,side.
At first glance,one would think she’s an irresponsible kid,only those closer to her knows what she’s like and she doesn’t even try to change others perspective of her,she doesn’t care how anyone sees her,she just wants to do her thing and move forward.
 
“He’s not in at the moment” Anne said, sitting back on the couch.
“Oh,that crook with chicken legs” She growled and Anne laughed again.
“Where the f-ck did he go?” She asked, dropping her backpack.
“He went to apologise to a girl..”
“For?” Felia asked.
“He accidentally spilled hot coffee on her leg while rushing to get my inhaler to me”
“Oh..wow,he really needs to apologise” Felia said.
“Yeah,i hope he sees her today, he has been going for days now without seeing her” Anne said.
“Maybe she doesn’t work there anymore” Felia said.
“Or maybe she’s still healing from the burn” Anne said sadly, it had happened because of her.
She really hope the girl is okay,the pain might have been unbearable,she knows how it feels whenever a drop of hot liquid touches her skin not to talk of a wh0le cup of hot coffee.
 
“C’mon Anne, it’s not your fault. It was destined to happen” Felia said.
“I caused it” Anne insisted.
“You know what? It was an accident,no one would have loved for it to happen. If Dan gets to see her today and apologises to her, maybe you should too so you would feel better”
Anne nodded.
 
“Mr and Mrs Keyes are not back from work yet right?” Felia asked, pulling her shoes and socks and walking barefooted to the kitchen.
“Yeah” Anne said and resumed watching her animation while Felia looked for what to eat in the kitchen.
~
“Did you get to see her?” Anne asked hopefully as Dan walked into the living room.
He shook his head and she sighed.
 
“Are you sure she’s working there? She might just be a customer” Anne said.
“I’m sure she’s working there, though i didn’t get to see her face clearly that day but she was on the shop’s apron” Dan said, sounding exhausted and Anne knew he was hungry.
“If she’s really working there,how come you’ve not seen her since you’ve been toiling that place”
“I also dunno,I’ll keep going” Dan said.
 
“But you didn’t get to see the girl’s face clearly,how would you recognize her when you see her,you might have seen her without knowing she’s the one” Anne said.
“Nah,i would know her by her hair,she has a long brown-golden hair because i remembered it almost flipped in my face when i accidentally spilled the coffee on her feet”
“Oh and so far,you haven’t seen anyone with that hair?” Anne said.
“No” Dan sighed.
“Maybe you should ask the other worker,the lady you said you do see at the counter whenever you go”
“Sure i will, after we’re back from school tomorrow” Dan said.
 
“Felia is around,she’s in the kitchen” Anne said.
“Really” Dan smiled.
He got to his feet the same time Felia was walking back into the living room.
 
“Bitch” He laughed as she jumped on his back.
“How you?” Felia asked.
“I’m good except that your weight is almost killing me” Dan sighed.
“Endure it,I’ll be here for some time” Felia said and Dan gro-ned.
Anne laughed.
“Did you see the girl?” Fel asked.
“Oh, Anne told you. I didn’t see her,I’ll go back tomorrow after school” Dan said.
“You should ask other workers there about her” Felia suggested.
“I’ll do that tomorrow. F-ck! Fel get off my back!!” Dan said.
“I’m going to, i know you’re a lazy ass” She said, slapping his head as she got off.
 
Dan sighed and shook his head knowing Fel is a bag of trouble.
 
“Why are you still in your school wears?” He asked her.
“I came here straight from school because i was missing some assh-le” She deadpanned.
“I miss you more bush baby” Dan teased.
“F-ck you” She casted him a look and he laughed.
 
“Anne,come eat,i made pasta” Fel said, deliberately leaving Dan out.
“What the hell…you didn’t make mine?” Dan asked,his stomach rumbling at the pasta Fel just mentioned.
Fel’s pasta is second to none.
 
“You weren’t home when i started making it so i didn’t include yours” Fel teased.
“You’re joking right?” Dan asked,he looked so serious that Fel bursted out laughing.
“Are you that hungry?” She asked.
“I am and i also know you are teasing me about not making mine. I’m off to the kitchen to dish out mine” He stuck out his tongue at Fel who shook her head.
 
“I really wish i didn’t made his” She scoffed and Anne chuckled.
“Let’s go dish out ours too,or i won’t be surprised if there’s nothing left in the pot anymore” Fel said and they both laughed as they rushed to the kitchen.
 
🦋
 
“Thanks so much Aria and I’m sorry to have made you work late” Layla said as they walked out of the coffee shop.
They were done for the day and she had felt better after talking to Aunt Esther and her nephew.
She really missed them, talking to them again after a long time made her happy,they made her forgot her worries during the time she was on the phone with them.
 
“It’s nothing,I’m glad you feel better now” Aria said.
Layla nodded,the sadness in her eyes was still obvious but at least she was feeling better.
“Seems Philia knows what’s wrong with you” Aria prodded.
“She doesn’t, she’s thinking about something else entirely” Layla said.
“Oh. I hope by tomorrow you will be able to tell me what went wrong” Aria said.
“Definitely” Layla said.
“Whatever it is,do not allow it weigh you down okay? it’s normal to face challenges,you just have to brace up,nothing should worth making a strong girl like you sad” Aria rubbed her shoulder affectionately.
Layla smiled “Thanks Aria”
“Yeah! Good to see that beautiful smile of yours” Aria cheered and Layla found herself laughing.
 
God..she felt so much better.
 
“I hope you both know I’m standing here” Philia yelled.
“Bye Aria,say hi to Jane for me” Layla waved.
“Okay Bye” Aria waved and they went their separate ways.
 
“Good to see you finally let out your emotions,i knew you wouldn’t be able to keep it in for long. Poor girl” Philia said pitifully to Layla as they walked home.
Layla wanted to tell her that wasn’t the reason she was down but she decided to let it go.
 
“So,do you want me to keep being nice to you?” Phil asked blowing out a pink bubble.
“You can clearly see how well i pampered you today,if you want that to keep going on,just say it but mind you..it’s because of your pathetic situation…” Phil was saying.
“If you won’t be nice to me without a reason,then keep your niceness to yourself” Layla cut her short.
“You’re just so unbelievable for someone in this your pathetic situation” Phil gro-ned.
“And you’re so unbelievable for an aunt who knows about her niece’s pathetic condition but doesn’t even feel an iota of pity for her” Layla said, walking away fast.
She doesn’t want Philia to see her cry.
She wants to keep being strong but no one is helping.
She’s yet to heal from Dylan’s poor words and now this!
 
“Does your black Aunt knows about it?” Philia shouted after her but Layla was done discussing her predicament.
“Don’t f-cking tell me you won’t be making dinner again tonight,i swear I’m gonna throw you out of my house!” Philia yelled and passer bys turned to look at her.
She rolled her eyes and huffed at them before running after Layla.
 
🦋🦋
 
Layla arrived to school late the next day and if the teachers hadn’t been having a meeting,class would have started.
She had trekked like she normally does but this time,she didn’t hurry,she had walked so slowly like she had all day.
She didn’t have the strength to hurry like she normally does.
She had felt cranky when she woke up this morning.
 
Walking into the classroom,she was prepared for the mockery but she was of course surprised to see the students attention on something else, they hadn’t even noticed she had walked in.
She wondered what could have their keen attention as she slowly walked to her seat.
 
She peered at Dylan’s seat and she could see he wasn’t there.
Even with what he had said about her,her feelings for him didn’t waver a bit.
She would gladly forgive him if he asks her to..No,she forgave him already.
Everyone makes mistakes and anything or anyone shouldn’t make her sad like Aria had said.
 
She got closer to her seat and saw it was a new student,he was backing her, going through the pasted timetable on the wall.
She was wondering why a new student would get everyone’s attention this keenly when something caught her attention also.
She had noticed his hair looked familiar at first but a lot of people has brown hair but then she saw the scar on his neck.
She peered closer to see she wasn’t mistaken..
 
Fu..c..k
 
“Hot coffee!” She scre-med and everyone turned to her except the guy whose attention was still fixed on the wall.
 
“I can’t believe she’s starting to hit on the new guy” Miranda said irritably.
“I’m sure he’s gonna embarrass her more than Dylan had” Chloe said and laughed.
They all thought the ‘Hot coffee’ she had called him meant a sweet name not until Layla pounced on him, biting his back.
 
“Helpppp” Daniel scre-med in pain and everyone rushed to them.
 
Zeemah
🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭
 
Thanks for reading💜
 
Wahala for who they call hot coffee oo😂😂
 
HER LAST WISH 🌬️
🌟(Moremi)
 
❄️Chapter 7
 
Zeemah Writes📝
 
🌀_____
 
“Helpppp” Daniel scre-med in pain and everyone rushed to them.
 
“OMG! You’re a maniac!” The girls scre-med at Layla, Chloe’s voice was the loudest and most piercing.
They succeeded in pulling Layla away from Daniel who was still shocked at the incidence.
He nursed the teeth wound on his back as he turned to see who had bit him so hærd.
 
He blinked as he stared at the girl who was looking so furious, he doesn’t even recognize her.
God…is this school full of maniacs?
How could someone just bite him out of the blue!
And it looks like she was ready to hit him more if the girls hadn’t stopped her.
What the f-ck.
How could a pretty girl go crazy?
 
Perhaps she had mistaken him for another person but she wasn’t even looking remorseful..
 
Was he dreaming?
How can he get bitten that hærd,he was still so surprised that he couldn’t say anything.
He had only heard someone scre-m ‘hot coffee’ and the next thing he knew was getting bitten.
 
“That’s exactly how Africans like her behave! She’s a black! You shouldn’t have anything to do with her,avoid her by all means” Chloe said and the rest of the girls nodded in agreement.
 
Huh..could this be the African Anne had told him about.
Wow..she doesn’t even look like one.
He wasn’t even able to detect she was African until he was told.
Her skin was even fairer than most girls here and she’s way more beautiful.
But Anne had told him how gentle she was,what could have prompted her to bite him!
 
Gosh,till now,she isn’t even looking remorseful.
 
“What did i do to you?” Daniel finally asked.
“Motherf-cker!” Layla yelled before sitting on her seat,still fuming.
 
Daniel blinked rapidly in confusion, unaware he was setting most of the girls heart on fire.
He was trying hærd to understand what was going on,the ‘motherf-cker’ sounded familiar to hi..
 
“Oh my God!” He shouted, w¡dening his eyes.
“The coffee girl!” He exclaimed.
“But your hair..” He trailed off,he hadn’t seen her face clearly but he remembered the way her long hair had flipped.
Did she..trim her hair?
Seems so.
 
“You’re the coffee girl” He said to Layla who rolled her eyes at him.
Deep down,she was starting to feel bad to have bitten him,she just couldn’t control herself, rushing off after spilling hot coffee on someone’s leg without apologising is not a forgivable offense.
She nursed the pain for days, limped everywhere like an old granny and there’s even this scar there,the scar looks like it would be permanent.
 
“She’s a maniac! Don’t talk to her” Chloe said to Daniel.
“No, she’s not.” Daniel defended and they stared at him like he was the maniac here.
“I understand why she reacted that way,i offended her greatly. Thanks everyone for caring” Daniel said,indirectly dismissing everyone.
They all gave both Layla and Daniel questioning gazes as they slowly walked back to their seats.
Some started murmuring, whispering into one another’s ear.
Their gazes didn’t leave Layla and Daniel,they waited eagerly to see what’s next.
 
“I can spare you some balm for your back,it must be hurting so much. Africans teeth sometimes are like axe” Chloe said, sending Layla an irritable look.
“Thank God you know and if you’re not careful,that axe will be used to hack you” Layla said, looking so mean and serious that Chloe stepped back in fear..
“Beast” Chloe muttered under her breath as she hurried to her seat.
 
Daniel looked surprised…was this the same African Anne had told him about?
Or were they two Africans in the school?
This one looks far from gentle like Anne had said.
It can’t possibly be this African Anne was talking about.
Besides Anne hadn’t mentioned if she was in his class,so he was sure this wasn’t the African.
 
All that aside,he really needs to apologise to her.
He’s glad he finally met the coffee girl even if the first meeting wasn’t pleasant at all.
Whatever she wants to do to him,he would take it,he deserves it.
He thought of how best to approach her,the look on her face was something else.
Why would someone look this mean? and well..pretty at the same time.
 
F-ck, his seat was even close to hers and she glared at him as he sat down.
 
“Look, I’m so sorry about the coffee thing but there’s really an explanation behind it” He said gently to her.
“I don’t want to talk to you, whatever it is,forget it” She said bluntly.
“I know i was so wrong to have gone off without apologising after spilling hot coffee on your leg. I’m so sorry about that…”
“Fine” Layla cut him short and he noticed her attention wasn’t even on him.
She was staring at a guy,who Daniel knew was Dylan.
The guy had walked out of the class right after he had walked in and he had heard the students say Dylan was probably pissed to finally have a competitor.
 
The guy is good looking and he could see the reason Anne had said it was hærd to choose who was more good looking between him and Dylan.
But as far as Daniel was concerned,they were not competitors.
He likes to compete with people in knowledge and not in looks.
Looks absolutely means nothing to him.
 
He noticed Layla was yet to take her eyes off Dylan,who was busy with another thing entirely.
Oh..seems she’s an admirer.
She looked so mild while staring at him,the sudden softness in her eyes was unbelievable,she didn’t look a bit like the crazy girl who had bit him.
Wow.
 
He stared at her while she stared at Dylan.
She’s very pretty and simple and doesn’t look ski-ny like most teen girls here.
She’s attractively thick and curvy..she doesn’t look like she knows how attractive she is,many people with a body like hers would flaunt it.
 
He wondered why she had trimmed her hair, that was the reason he hadn’t recognized her at first, his mind had been on a girl with a long hair.
 
He shouldn’t keep on staring, Anne would be so disappointed to know he was staring at the girl he was supposed to apologise to.
 
“Coffee girl” He called slowly and Layla tried hærd to hold her laughter.
Seems he doesn’t know her name.
 
“Would you please allow me explain” He said and Layla switched her gaze to him.
He looked so sorry that her anger melted immediately.
She stared at him, feeling so bad and ashamed to have bit him.
“I’m sorry to have bit you” She said, finally looking remorseful.
Daniel looked surprised, maybe the girl wasn’t so mean like she had looked earlier.
She might have only been triggered, which was expected.
 
“No, don’t be. I deserve it,coffee girl” Daniel said.
“Maybe” Layla shrugged.
“And,my name is Layla” She added and Daniel smiled.
“I’m Daniel” He stretched his hand for a handshake.
“Well..i hadn’t mean to do introduction,i only told you my name so you won’t keep calling me coffee girl” Layla said.
 
“Oh” Daniel said, embarrassed as he started withdrawing his hand.
Layla quickly took his hand before he could withdraw it completely.
He smiled,she’s full of surprises..isn’t she?
Layla’s handshake has been rejected severally by people and she knows how it had made her feel..she wouldn’t want to make anyone feel that way.
Not this nice looking guy beside her who had admitted his offense openly and defended her.
 
The handshake took longer than intended and the fact that they were staring at each other while at it made their classmates question them with gazes.
 
“I can’t believe this” Chloe said, glaring at them from her seat.
“It’s just a handshake Chloe, and it looks like they have a history before now” Sabrina said.
“Looks like they were friends” Christy said.
“Who would bite her friend that hærd! They are no friends and whatever history they had was a bad one” Miranda scoffed.
“Looks like they are ready to turn the bad history into a good one” Rina noted.
“You all should just shut up,lemme think” Chloe said.
•°
“So,i really would want to know the reason behind you running off” Layla said.
“I’m equally ready to tell you but it seems that will be later” Daniel said, motioning to the front of the class.
Miss Moore just walked in.
 
“Good morning students”
“Good morning Miss Moore”
 
“We’re so sorry for the delay, the meeting was for the betterment of everyone and yeah before we start today’s class, i would love the new student in our midst to come out and introduce himself” Miss Moore said.
Daniel stood up and walked to the front of the class.
He stood before everyone and smiled before clearing his throat.
 
Layla found herself almost smiling,his smile seems contagious.
Most people were smiling already,females to be precise.
The females looked smitten by him just like they do with Dylan…looks like they even look more smitten with Daniel.
 
Layla hadn’t noticed how good looking he was until few moments ago,she had been clouded with anger earlier to care about his look.
 
He’s a good looking fella with striking violet eyes that gleam with delight,his glossy brown curls looked well permed and full,his caramel skin was so smooth that it glowed, he’s tall and attractively built with dashing chiseled features. If his looks were to be rated by ten, he’d score nine and half with no doubt.
 
And he doesn’t even look obsessed with his looks.
She doubts he knows how good looking he is.
 
“Hi everyone,I’m Daniel Keyes,im excited to be here and i hope we all get along, nice to meet you all” He said and there was an applause.
“Welcome to Ocean high school Daniel” Everyone chorused as the applause gradually died down.
“Thank you” He smiled.
 
He returned to his seat and Miss Moore started teaching.
 
🦋
 
“I can’t believe you are going to the cafeteria with someone who had bit you that hærd,what if she empties hot pasta on you” Chloe said to Daniel.
“She won’t do that” Daniel said.
“You would never know” Layla deadpanned.
“Gosh! She’s so scary” Chloe hurried away after glaring at Layla.
 
Daniel had insisted on coming with Layla into the cafeteria so they would discuss over their meal and he also wants Anne to meet the girl he had spilled coffee on.
 
“Would you really pour hot pasta on me?” Daniel asked and Layla laughed.
“I wouldn’t do that, not in my right senses” Layla said.
“I knew you wouldn’t” Daniel smiled,he liked that he had made her laugh.
 
He said hi and shook hands with the students who greeted him as he walked by.
Everyone seems to love Daniel.
 
“Are you this friendly or you’re just trying to be?” Layla asked,amused at the way he was relating with people.
Like he had known them all his life.
He had even delayed her a bit by asking her to wait for him while he quickly explained some maths equation to some group of students.
The smartness in which he had used in answering questions in class was adorable, he won everyone’s heart more,even the guys were starting to move closer to him.
 
What Layla found most amazing about him was this humble act of his to quickly get along with people.
She’s so sure every student in Ocean high school heard about him already.
His name would be on everyone’s l-ips.
 
“Nah,naturally,i love making friends,i love getting along with everyone” Daniel shrugged.
“Except bullies and people i feel strangely about” He said.
“Cool” Layla said.
 
They walked into the cafeteria and Daniel saw how Layla was crooking her neck, looked like she was searching for someone.
Maybe Dylan..he thought.
He had caught her steal glances at Dylan severally in class.
Looks like she’s crushing hugely on the guy.
 
“Oh my! She’s here” Layla said, smiling as she walked towards a table.
She?..Dan wondered as he followed her.
He was oblivious of the admirable stares he was getting.
 
He looked surprised to see Layla stop at a table Anne was seated.
 
“You’re here” Layla repeated with smiles.
She looked so happy to see Anne.
“Hi” Anne smiled back at her.
She glanced at Dan and back at Layla.
Did she just ignored him?
Cool..perfectly cool.
 
“You weren’t in school for days,i hope everything is fine?” Layla asked.
“Everything is fine,thank you” Anne said,she was so touched to see Layla care about her.
One of her classmates had told her Layla asked after her.
 
They do not really talk to each other,they only say hi and Anne never even thought Layla would worry about her that much.
“I’m glad you are fine” Layla smiled.
“Thanks to have worried about me. And i heard how..changed you are now,I’m glad you finally stood up for yourself” Anne said.
“I’m glad i did too, i would have done that long ago if i had known being free of bullying takes nothing more than to just stand up for oneself” Layla said,she was now sitting opposite Anne,they both almost forgot Daniel was there and he stared at them in disbelief.
 
Even if Layla forgets his existence, should Anne too?
They didn’t even ask him to sit.
Great!
 
“Yeah, standing up for oneself really saves one from a lot of shit,it’s so cool to see people don’t mock you anymore..” Anne said looking around, everyone was going about their business, the only person that was being stared at was Dan and it was a look of admiration.
She wished she was there during Layla’s change.
Her friends really filled her in on the things she missed.
She was even told students now sit on the same table with Layla for lunch.
And she could see herself that Layla wasn’t being avoided nor mocked anymore.
Though she heard about Dylan calling her l-ips a dead log of wood after a truth or dare game and she felt really sorry for Layla.
 
“You got a trim,it looks really good on you” Anne complimented Layla’s hair.
“Thank you” Layla smiled.
 
“I missed eating with you,even though we rarely talk then” Layla said and Anne smiled.
“I’m glad you didn’t feel lonely,i was told people don’t mind eating on the same table with you anymore”
“Well..yeah,but none of their presence felt like yours. It’s different eating with someone who accepted you when every other person rejected you than eating with people who accepted you just because every other person did” Layla said.
“Wow” Anne smiled.
 
“I think i should ask this guy to sit down before his eyes fall off” Anne said, referring to Dan who already sat before she completed her statement.
“Daniel,I’m so sorry but Anne has been an angel to me,she was absent for days and i was so worried, seeing her now made me excited that i almost forgot you were here and that you have something to tell me” Layla said.
“Dan,this is the African i told you about” Anne said.
“Uh..the African? Really?” Dan asked in surprise.
Layla looked confused..she wondered if they knew each other?
Of course..it’s so obvious they do.
 
“Yeah,the African” Anne nodded.
“You told me she was so gentle” Dan whispered to Anne, glancing at Layla with the corners of his eyes.
She almost laughed.
“She is,the only different thing now is she’s ready to face her bullies squarely”
“Obviously” Dan agreed.
 
“Oh” Anne said, seeing the confused look on Layla’s face.
“Daniel Keyes is my older brother” Anne said.
“Oh..really?”
Daniel and Anne nodded with a smile.
“Wow” Layla exclaimed, looking from Daniel to Anne.
They are both good looking and they have this ‘nice’ behavior in common.
Just like Anne, Daniel hadn’t avoided her even after knowing she was African.
Well..he might just want her forgiveness and then go off but he doesn’t look such.
 
“I don’t know what to say, honestly” Layla said.
“Pretty normal” Dan shrugged.
“I think now that it’s obvious you and Anne have a good relationsh¡p,that should make you forgive me easily” Dan said and Layla laughed.
“Forgive you?” Anne asked.
“Layla bit me in class today…” Dan was saying.
“Wha.t, Why? Why did you bite him?” Anne asked, looking pretty upset.
“He’s not a bully so i know he would never have bullied you” She added.
 
“Anne wait..Layla is the coffee girl” Daniel said.
“Coffee girl?” Anne asked, looking puzzled.
“The girl i accidentally spilled hot coffee on..”
“Oh my God!” Anne covered her mouth with her palm.
 
There was silence among them for seconds.
“Layla,I’m so sorry” Anne apologized, looking so sorry as she held Layla’s hand tenderly.
“Why? You weren’t the one who did it and i forgive Dan already,it was a mistake..I was only pissed he ran off without apologising” Layla said.
 
“I’m the cause of it,i made my brother run off…” Anne paused and sighed.
She wasn’t used to telling people about her health condition, only her close friends knew about it but right now she has no choice but to tell Layla,she wouldn’t want her to think of her brother as a mischievous being.
 
“Anne,you don’t have to say anything” Dan said, knowing how she feels about disclosing her health issue.
“I have to.” Anne said, facing Layla.
“I’m asthmatic” She said.
“Oh..I’m so sorry about that Anne” Layla rubbed Anne’s hand affectionately.
“It’s fine” Anne smiled.
“And the reason my brother had ran off without apologising was because i was having my attack and he was rushing to get my inhaler to me,my inhaler was with him at that moment” Anne said.
 
“We came to get coffee and Anne was waiting in the car with the driver,she had been careless enough to drop her inhaler at home,she thought we would just get the coffee and leave for home immediately but unfortunately her attack started, the driver called me immediately knowing i was always with a spare inhaler and i was rushing back to the car when i hit you,there was no time to stop and apologize, i didn’t want the attack to escalate but when i got to her, it was too late,the inhaler didn’t really helped this time and she was rushed to the hospital,that explains her absence from school for days” Daniel narrated.
 
“Oh my God..” Layla almost teared up.
She felt so bad instantly.
She never knew the reason behind Dan’s act was this touching.
She wished she could change things, she would never have bitten him.
That had been so unfair of her.
God…She should really learn not to act until she hears someone’s side of story.
 
“Dan, Anne..I’m so sorry, please” Layla said.
“You should forgive us” Anne said.
“I’m the wrong one here,i acted without thinking. I’m so sorry” Layla pleaded.
“No, it’s normal for anyone in your shoes to react the same way,i know the pain you must have felt for days,you reacted out of pain..it’s normal” Daniel said.
“Nevertheless,you both should please forgive me” Layla said.
“C’mon” Anne said.
 
“How’s your leg fairing now?” Anne asked worriedly, she and Dan peered at Layla’s feet under the table but it was covered in socks and shoes.
“C’mon guys, it wasn’t so serious,just a burn..it’s fine now,the pain was just for a short while” Layla lied.
“Are you sure?” Dan asked.
“Of course” Layla nodded.
“Anne, please apply some balm on Dan’s back when you get home” Layla said, looking ashamed,she blinked remorsefully.
“I’m not even feeling pain there anymore” Dan lied, Layla’s teeth was truly like an axe.
“Are you sure?” Layla asked.
“Sure” Dan smiled, he waved at some set of students who waved at him from their table.
 
“So, we’re all cool now right?” Daniel asked.
“Absolutely” Layla said.
“Let’s go get our lunch, break will be over soon” Anne said.
~
They were about walking to their table with their burger when the bell rang.
“Goddamn it!” Layla gro-ned.
Students were starting to walk back to their classes.
“Well..I’m gonna sneak mine into the class” Daniel said.
“What!” Anne and Layla stared at him.
“Daniel,this isn’t Prestige high school!” Anne cleared.
“Meals aren’t allowed in the class” Layla added.
 
“Rules are made to be broken” Daniel grinned.
“You both are free to leave your burgers at the counter and then starve for the rest of the day” He said, picking a paper bag,he dropped his burger in it and then hid it in his shirt.
Anne and Layla swallowed hærd,the thought of leaving the delicious looking burger at the counter didn’t sit well with them but then again they were afraid to break the school rule.
 
“Dan, you’re a bad influence” Anne said, seeing Layla already picked a paper bag too.
He laughed.
“God” He said laughing h-rder as Anne shamefully picked a paper bag too,placed her burger in it and hid it in her skirt just like Layla had done.
“Well..im just keeping it in there,im not gonna eat it in class” Anne said, pouting and blinking through her eyeglasses like a baby.
Layla joined Dan in laughing this time.
 
🦋
 
Dan and Layla were stealthily eating their burger while a teacher was teaching.
No one suspected a thing while they enjoyed their burger.
Layla wondered if the burger was more delicious because it was been hidden and eaten in the class.
The ones she eats openly and comfortably in the cafeteria do not taste this delicious.
 
She was taking another stealthy bite when her eyes met Dan’s who was taking a bite too.
 
They both laughed.
 
Zeemah
🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭
 
Thanks for reading 💜
 
Someone play me Bad Influence by Omah Lay💃💃😂
 
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