CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE: AN UNEXPECTED REQUEST
"But as you can see, you were given a blessing and someone who isn't exactly… a blessing," Morayo said, trying to change the topic.
"You girls should stop saying that. You're making me feel awkward," I said, shifting uncomfortably in my seat.
Victoria smirked, trying to tease me. "Why are you defending the boy? Or… are you already developing a crush on him?"
I groaned in frustration. "Stop it! I don't like where this is going."
"Chill out, girl! No hard feelings," Victoria interjected, raising her hands in mock surrender.
I sighed and decided to change the subject. "Okay, let's talk about something else. I heard you kissed John yesterday after night prep," I said, curiosity bubbling in my chest.
Victoria froze, her eyes wide. "Ye…a…h… How the heck did you hear that? OMG! Did John tell you?"
I chuckled, trying to reassure her. "No, girl. You were the talk of the night. Every gist joint in the hostel was buzzing about you."
Morayo leaned in, eager to hear more. "So you've already had your first kiss! You have to tell me everything—how it happened, when it happened…"
Before I could answer, a familiar voice interrupted.
"…Uhm… Floral, can I talk to you?" Daniel's voice was hesitant, almost awkward, as he stepped closer.
I raised an eyebrow, feeling both annoyed and curious. "Okay, start talking. What is it now?" I asked, trying to hide my frustration.
"Like, I mean… privately," he stammered.
"What?! Private? What could you possibly have to tell me that you can't say in front of my friends?" I asked, my curiosity growing.
Victoria piped up, her tone teasing. "Yeah, big guy, what is it you can't say in front of us?"
Daniel's face turned slightly red. "Well, that's why I said I want it private… I don't want you girls to hear it," he muttered, clearly embarrassed.
Morayo groaned, disgust written all over her face. "You do realize we'll still find out, right?"
"Okay, Daniel. Let's talk privately," I said firmly, giving them a nonverbal cue that we would meet later. Once they left, I turned to him with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
"Okay, Daniel. What is it you want to tell me?" I asked, folding my arms across my chest.
He shifted uncomfortably. "Uhm, I heard you and my cousin are seat partners now."
I blinked, surprised. "Yeah, I was grouped with new seat partners. But seriously… is your cousin the boy or the girl?" I asked, confused. I had no idea he had a cousin at this school, and now the thought that my seat partner could be related to Daniel made me uneasy.
"The boy, Ayo Makinde," Daniel said cautiously, trying to gauge my reaction. "You know, I don't usually tell people he's my cousin… or act like it. The only time I talk to him is in the hostel—mainly because of his status and, well… my reputation."
I let out a sharp sigh. "Stop beating around the bush and just tell me why you dragged me here. What do you want from me?"
Daniel looked down for a moment, then back at me. "The thing is… his mom was annoyed at me. She said I didn't help him at all with his studies and treated him like an outcast." He paused, noticing my impatient frown. "Anyway, I promised her this year would be different."
I clenched my fists. "Please, just tell me already!"
"I want you to mentor him," he finally said, meeting my eyes. "Since you're already his seat partner, it shouldn't be too hard."
I stared at him, incredulous. "Why don't you take responsibility for your promise? Why are you involving me?"
Daniel tried to reason with me. "You're smarter than me when it comes to schoolwork. And like I said, you're already his seat partner—it shouldn't be too much trouble. Plus… I'll pay you weekly. How does 2,000 naira sound?"
I paused, weighing the offer. Money was tempting, but something about this felt… off. "Okay. I'll think about it and get back to you," I said, walking away without looking back. I wanted to distance myself until I could calm my thoughts.
Later that day, I told Morayo and Victoria everything that had happened.
"Go for it, girl!" Morayo urged enthusiastically.
"I don't know," I admitted, still uneasy. "I don't like the idea of getting involved in this. It just doesn't feel right."
"Think about it!" Morayo insisted. "Don't you see the money he's offering?"
Victoria raised an eyebrow. "I think she's right, Morayo. We don't know what he's really up to, and yet you're only thinking about the money. But at the same time, maybe it's worth seeing what he wants. You can keep your guard up."
I nodded slowly. "Okay… if you two agree, I'll do it. Next time I see him, I'll tell him my answer. But Victoria, can you help me confirm what Daniel is really up to? Maybe ask John to get some information?"
The following day, Saturday, Victoria returned from her appointment with John, a triumphant look on her face.
"So… what did you find out? What is Daniel really up to?" I asked eagerly, my heart pounding with anticipation.
She grinned mischievously. "Turns out you were right. Daniel made a bet with some boys that he could get you to grow close to Ayo… and even make him your boyfriend."
I froze, my mind spinning. The audacity! I could hardly believe what I had just heard. Daniel wasn't just asking me to tutor his cousin—he was trying to manipulate the situation for a bet. My anger flared, but at the same time, I knew I had to think carefully before I responded.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "So… it's not about Ayo at all. It's about Daniel proving something to his friends?" I asked, feeling both frustrated and disappointed.
Victoria nodded. "Exactly. That's why you need to be careful, Flora. You don't want to get tangled in his schemes. But at the same time, it's an opportunity to… see how Ayo actually is. Maybe mentoring him could help both of you."
I frowned, conflicted. "Hmm… I guess you're right. I'll have to be cautious. I won't let Daniel use me, but I can… maybe try to help Ayo without falling into any traps."
Morayo chimed in, "At least you'll earn some money, and you get to know your seat partner better. Who knows? Ayo might turn out to be better than we expect."
I exhaled slowly, finally feeling a little more in control of the situation. "Okay, then. I'll do it… but under my rules. No manipulation, no betting, no nonsense. And Daniel… he's not going to get away with this."
Victoria smiled approvingly. "Good. That's the spirit, Flora. Just be careful and watch your back."
I nodded, determined. This was going to be an interesting—and potentially chaotic—school year. But one thing was certain: I wasn't about to let anyone, not even Daniel, dictate what happened between me and my seat partners.