5 Chapter Five

Morning classes passed in a blur, soon it was afternoon. A minute to her free period, after her last class for the day. The energetic Young lady, calmly, went through her phone as it dinged with a notification. A message to be exact. she then proceeded to pick up her backpack, putting her notes inside. She stood up, flipped her bag over her left shoulder, and strode out of school.

She was on her way out, When she met someone she did not want to see. Before she could turn around, Madeline was walking towards her, "Adeline are you going somewhere?"

The Lady stared briefly at her and nodded in response, "mmm." Adeline answered, looking at the girl before her. "You should not wait for me, I am going to see a friend and I'll be back a little bit late." Without waiting for a reply, she walked away and into the Cab.

Madeline had an unspeakable expression on her face as she peered at Adeline's before she strutted to her class.

Not long after, a cab pulled over at the center of the city. Adeline stepped down from the Cab after paying the transport fare. She crossed over to the other side of the road and stopped at a gorgeous building.

It was a small restaurant with profound detailing; as Adeline walked into the restaurant, she was met with a intoxicating aroma. The place wafted with the fragrance of freshly baked pizza and conch-fritters. With how the restaurant gave out rich fragrance, it was surprising how healthy and fresh the air was. Must have done a great job with the ventilation.

"Over here, Del!" A youthful lady with slightly plump cheeks and a lovely face waved at her. She was on a white strapless crop-top and blue jeans, contrast to the strapless wide-legs jumpsuit she wore. When Adeline located her, she could not wait to give her a jab for getting the attention on her. She smiled embarrassingly and sauntered to the corner where Debbie sat.

"Oh, look at you. Seems like you've finished all the food at home." Adeline grinned and squeezed her plump cheeks, slightly with a taunt.

Not offended, the lady smiled and answered enthusiastically, "Uhuh.. That's my job." Adeline chuckled and they hug before pulling away. Debbie pointed to their table, "Come let's sit."

"Seeing you, now in person makes you seem much taller than in the video call. How much beans have you been eating?"

Adeline laughed, "Really? Beans?"

"What? Don't look at me, like that. Isn't it a thing in Nigeria to grow taller when you eat much beans? What? I saw it somewhere.." Debbie giggles amused.  "Oh, no. My goodness, that is a superstitious belief. Who even created that.." Adeline shakes her head while laughing.

"Hello, what are your orders?"

A male server came to their table with a note and a pen on hand as he stood at the side. They each picked up the menu, Adeline glance through and ordered conch-fritters with coconut milkshake. While Debbie ordered for 'Fresh catch of the day.'

"I'll get that too." and they ordered a couple of beverages. They smiled at each other as the waiter made his way to get their orders.

"Adeline, have you started schooling?"Debbie leaned on the table, and asked.

"Mmm, I'm attending the, 'Luther's Arts High School.'"

Surprised, Debbie sat up looking unconvinced. "Wait, what? High School? Aren't you supposed to be in College?"

Adeline took a sip of her drink, as the waiter placed their orders on the table. The table was wafting with a rich aroma of seafood. She could not wait to dig into the appetizing food. "Yes, but I have to write the College's entrance exams, so... Mmnnm!" The sentence died of as she moaned to the exploding flavors in her mouth, as she took a bit of her fritters.

"This, tastes amazing!"

"Yeah, I agree on that." Debbie agreed and started digging in.

°  °  °

"Why is Adeline not with you?" Madeline walked in strolling to the sofa and sat down beside her mother. "Mom, Adeline did not come back with me, because she left to see someone. She said, she was going to see a friend and I shouldn't wait for her."

Grace furrow her brows in thought, "Who could that be? Does she know anyone around here?"

Madeline innocently blinked her eyes and pretended to be hesitant to speak. Grace looked at her expression, and could not help asking, "What is it, do you know something?"

Madeline shook her head and muttered softly, "No.. It's just that, Cousin is rumored to be closed to a boy in her class... I don't know if.."

It's better if she misunderstands

"Is this true?" Grace frowned, seeing her nod her head, she no longer talk about it and sent Madeline to her room.

"Up you go, your brother came back earlier. Call him when you've freshen up. Your food is on the dinning table."

. . .

A man sat behind his desk in the teacher's office with as he scribbled something into his note. Beside the desk, was a striking art work.

"Mr. Grey, is this a student's work?" A Lady asked as she walked into the office, looking at the particular art, that caught her eyes. Some teachers nodded and exclaimed amazed, "this looks like a professional work, can you tell me whose painting this is?" A teacher asked with interest.

The man behind the desk just laughed, caressing his beards as he looked at the painting. A hint of mirth could be seen in his eyes as he answered, "Of course, it's my student. She came in a month ago, I think. Do you remember the Girl that came in the middle of the term?"

"Yeah, yeah. Wait... Do you mean, she is the one that painted that?" the Lady cried out, "I know her, she is in my class. She is a great student."

"Hmm...mmm.." Mr. Grey bobbed his head in agreement looking like a master who's disciple has just been praised. He was pretty much, basking in compliments of an outstanding disciple.

"I heard about your little announcement, so have you gotten a winner?" The Lady asked as she went to her desk.

"Of course," Mr. Grey gazed at the painting with interest. "This painting can not be hidden, much more its owner's talent."

Nobody knew he was one of the Preliminary Judges in this year's competition. Seeing her work; now, he was more sure that she would get a place in the finals.

*

"My cousin is coming to pick me." Debbie said after making a call. "He will be here in some minutes. They both strolled out, walking side by side.

"I can't wait to see you in campus. Gosh, it will be much more interesting." She tattled eagerly as a sports car pulled up before them. The Car looked familiar, she double take, when she caught a glimpse of someone she knew.

"Caleb?" Adeline mumbled with surprise as she turn to the girl beside her. "Caleb is your cousin?"

"Uhuh.. Yes. Are you two, dating?"

"What, Girl! your imagination is wild." Adeline playfully gave her a poke on the cheek. "By the way, he is my seatmate in Class. Didn't think i'd get to know your cousin before you introduce us." She concluded laughing as she said, "What are small world."

"Yeah, yeah. Let's go, maybe we could drop you off first."

Adeline wiggles her head slowly and politely refused, "Nah.. I can take a cab, I'll be home in no time."

"Oh, please.. Come on and I'm not taking No, for an answer." Debbie said pulling Adeline to the Car as the car window slides down to reveal Caleb's annoyed face. Yet, he looked surprised as his gaze met hers. "Adeline?"

A hint of smile could be seen on Adeline's lips as she waves her hand in greeting. "Hi, Caleb."

Debbie looks at her dumbfounded cousin and could not resist the urge to roll her eyes. Why was he staring at her friend, with that mushy gaze? "Since you both are acquainted, I would not bother with introduction."

Before they sauntered into the backseat.

.

A few minutes later, the Car pulled Over at the mansion. The car halted, a little before the gates, and the door opened as she alighted the vehicle.

She bent over the window slightly, pushing her fallen hairs behind. "It was good to see you, Debbie. I must say, I had a great time with you."

"Yeah, I know right? We should do this often, maybe visit some club one day."

"Oh, my Goodness. Debbie, do you want to get me in trouble?" Adeline exclaimed mystified.

"Oops.. I guess not, maybe during College. Right now, you are still a high schooler, darling." Debbie teased with a grin on her face. Adeline, shakes her head and scoffed before turning to Caleb. "Bye, Caleb. Thanks for the ride home."

Caleb's ears tinted pink as he answered, "Sure, it is my pleasure to have brought you home, Adeline."

"Okay, bye." She waved and watched as they drove away before walking inside.