CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR: MY NEW SEAT PARTNERS
It was the second week of school, on a Wednesday, when a woman who looked to be in her early thirties walked into our classroom. She introduced herself as our new class teacher, giving her name as Ms. Hope. After briefly explaining her background, she laid down her own rules and expectations for the class.
"Next Friday, I will change everyone's seating arrangements," she announced. "This is to help you make new friends and work better together."
I groaned silently as we headed back to the hostel after classes.
"I pray she changes her mind," Victoria muttered, frowning. "I can't stand sitting next to someone I don't know."
Morayo, ever the dreamer, added, "Even if we change seats, I hope it's with someone cute—boy or girl—it should be someone I can… control." She trailed off, a dreamy expression crossing her face.
I laughed softly and shook my head. "I'm not going to decide. Fate will choose for me. Honestly, it can't be someone we're expecting anyway. My only concern is where my seat will be—I don't want to be too far from the front."
"Seriously, that's all you care about? Your seat's location?" Morayo asked, exasperated.
"Well, at least it's something that might actually come true," I shrugged.
Victoria added, "For me, any seat is fine as long as I'm comfortable with my partner. Anyway, John and I have an appointment, so I better go." She waved goodbye and left us, her arm linked with John's as they walked away.
Morayo let out a dramatic sigh. "See how John and Victoria are always going off together? Let's also find our… future dates so we'll have appointments to look forward to."
I smirked. "Abi o." Our conversation ended there as we continued to the hostel, each lost in our own thoughts.
---
Finally, Friday arrived. It seemed as if everyone in the class shared Morayo's secret hope that their new seat partners would be attractive or interesting. As the period drew to a close, Ms. Hope entered the classroom, and the excitement buzzed in the air.
True to her word, she began rearranging the seating chart. I held my breath, hoping for a favorable outcome. To my relief, she left my seat untouched. Instead, she moved Morayo and Victoria to other spots and paired me with two new students—a boy and a girl.
The girl introduced herself first. "I'm Precious," she said cheerfully, giving me a friendly smile.
I nodded and introduced myself. "I'm Floral."
The boy's turn came next. He said softly, "I'm Ayo."
Something about Ayo made him seem shy and reserved, almost awkward, whereas Precious was outgoing, lively, and confident. We spent the next few minutes discussing our likes, dislikes, and boundaries. Despite their contrasting personalities, I felt a sense of balance in our little group.
Soon, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. I stood and left my seat, eager to meet up with Victoria and Morayo.
"Ah! My seat partner is exactly the way I hoped!" Morayo squealed. "He's cute! His name is Ekab… I can't wait for Monday!" She was practically drooling with excitement.
Victoria rolled her eyes. "My seat partner is the complete opposite. Cute, yes, but not exactly someone I'd feel comfortable with. Definitely not my type."
I laughed lightly. "Why do you need your 'type' anyway? You already have a boyfriend."
"Flora, it's not about emotions! I just want someone I can be comfortable with," Victoria said, giving me a pointed look.
I shrugged. "Well, my seat partners are exactly my type. I got both a girl and a boy—Precious and Ayo."
Morayo leaned forward, intrigued. "What are their full names?"
"Precious Akintoye and… Ayo Makinde," I replied, pausing as I looked at her.
"Wait… Ayo Makinde? That boy?" Victoria's expression shifted to one of mild shock.
"Yes, that's what he told me," I said, blinking in confusion at her reaction. "Do you… know something about him?"
Victoria nodded knowingly. "He's one of the dumbest boys ever. Can you believe he didn't repeat a grade? He was at the bottom of the class in second term of J.S.S. One."
I laughed softly. "Well, bad grades don't define someone. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Besides, he's not that bad in person."
"And Precious?" Victoria pressed, eager to continue her interrogation.
"She's the sister of the current Head Girl, Akintoye Blessing," I explained, remembering that my brother had already graduated from the school and had moved on to the University of Ibadan.
Victoria's eyes widened. "Wow! I never knew she had a sister."
"Victoria, how do you even know all these people?" Morayo asked, incredulously.
"I have a lot of friends, and John always spices things up with the juiciest gossips in school. I just happen to stay updated," Victoria shrugged casually.
"So, you really do have a lot of friends, but you still like hanging out with us," Morayo observed, smiling.
"Well, you two happen to be my closest friends. My best friends, in fact," Victoria replied sincerely.
"Thanks, Victoria! Same here. I consider you my best friend too," I said, trying to straighten my shoulders and lift my spirits.
Morayo, ever the practical one, nudged me lightly. "But as you can see, you were given a blessing and someone who isn't exactly… a blessing." She gestured vaguely at my new partners, teasing, yet playfully.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Well, let's see how this turns out. Maybe this combination will surprise me."
The thought of sitting beside Ayo and Precious brought a strange mix of excitement and curiosity. I wasn't sure what the week would hold, but one thing was certain: grade eight was shaping up to be far more interesting than I had imagined.