12. Arabella. Handsome as sin.

"I have no money on me." I mouthed. My heart was beating fast against my chest. I didn't know how she would take this new found information but I had no choice but to tell her. Sadly,  I was starting to run out of options in my life.

"You think I don't know that. I know you don't. Even if you did have on you, it definitely will not be enough to buy food here." She smiled. I narrowed my eyes at her and smiled back. I felt a bit insulted but I chose to ignore how I felt. It was not as if she lied and besides I did appreciate that she voiced out how she felt. Over the years I have come to appreciate those who say things as they felt it and didn't mince words or try to sugar coat things. At least with people like that you know what you are dealing with. To me these class of people will always be better than those who hide their real thoughts smile in front of you and say behind you what they are supposed to say to you. Why sugar coat bitter leaf when it can be presented, washed and eaten. After all it is more medicinal.

"I'll get food for the both of us but you have to make the order with me. I really won't want to get you something you won't like." Elizabeth said standing up. I did too.

" It's Alright. I'll come with you."

She linked her hands with mine and smiled. Such gesture would have been awkward had I not been in a situation where I was practically afraid to walk alone. I wished I was invisible but since I couldn't get that having a hand to carry be through my fears was greatly appreciated.

We both walked to the counter and I was aware of the people watching us. Maybe she was too, maybe she wasn't. Even if she was she belonged here so she probably didn't care as much as I did.

Elizabeth ordered salad, chicken and plantain. And I ordered same with Rice. The bill was over three thousand and I was stupefied.

It will be enough for my family to eat in three days but she seemed to give out all that money without a single care. She acted like it was something she did everyday and I felt a pang of guilt and jealousy at it.

I wished that it was so easy for my family to spend like this. And I felt guilty that while I was eating like a king my brothers were probably hungry. I started to feel sad. In fact I didn't notice that I was now sitting with a spoon in my hand until Elizabeth spoke startling me.

"So tell me about your former school?" Elizabeth asked, looking genuinely interested.

She took her time to eat, while I was already half way through my food without even knowing, she was just starting. The fact that she talked more than I did was probably an additional factor to her slowness.

I couldn't even remember our earlier conversations or what I replied her in them. I was really getting lost in my thoughts too much as of late.

I cleared my throat.

"Is there anything to say about it. Hmmm." I hummed placing my pointer finger on my chin thoughtfully. "It's just a government school. Nothing much. The school for the poor If I should put it that way."

She laughed. "The segregation of life. The rich for the rich and the poor for the poor."

"Sadly. Do you know what is most sad? That the movies and the novels make it look like they can be together." I scoffed shaking my head.

She laughed." The illusions right. It makes one want to live. Without these illusions and the hope novels and movies give one may simply just want to die."

Her face contorted like she was thinking about the deeper meanings of life. I was about to ask her what she was thinking about when the same group of hot boys walked into the canteen and all head turned to them including hers and mine.

I looked away immediately. I wasn't about to join the bandwagons in fueling their already fueled ego. They didn't need it neither did I. They were handsome yes but they were bullies also and the Lord knows how much I hate bullies.

They stood at the door observing everyone and everything like they were expecting an attack. All four of them handsome and sleek as sin.

Then one of them started walking towards our seat and my heart beat increased drastically. I was also starting to get sweaty.