Chapter 30: Tea

<p>(I'm sorry that I'm bringing side characters' stories but please bear with me)<br/><br/>Hamida was in one of her classes, it was a week till exams and she was trying to concentrate but her mind kept replaying a scene that she didn't want to remember.<br/><br/>"Miss Hamida" she looked up at her professor. "can you repeat what I said?" the woman was a stern woman and she didn't tolerate nonsense in her class.<br/><br/>Hamida got up to answer the question. "the year was 1921 ma'am" The woman smiled "Correct sit down" She sat down and drifted off again. When the class was over the students went for lunch.<br/><br/>She walked to the counter and ordered what she wanted. paying, she went to look for a place to sit which was something she dreaded because she did not have any friends. They were not allowed to eat in class else she wouldn't bother coming here.<br/><br/>She walked, searching for a place to sit when she spotted Mr Walter eating alone she did not want him to see her but unfortunately for her, he saw her. "Hamida, I see you're looking for a place to sit. Come sit with me" He patted the empty seat next to him. She sighed and walked over but she did not sit next to him she sat across from him. He continued to eat but Hamida didn't touch her food. "you're not eating?" she shook her head, "why are you not eating" She looked up at him. "They are watching us" Walter looked around and noticed that indeed some students were looking at them which was not a good thing because rumours would begin to spread.<br/><br/>" Alright bring out your book let's act like I'm giving you lessons" She did as he said and brought a book out and handed it to him. While they ate, they pretended like Walter was teaching her. After some time the student who was looking turned back to what they were doing. After she finished eating Hamida was about to stand when Walter gestured for her not to.<br/> "what about those guys who were following you, did Bozo catch them?" <br/><br/>She nodded her head, "He was able to set a trap for them and now they are in police custody. I don't know how he did it but he managed to get them arrested". Walter nodded "So that means you will go back to your place?" his voice had a hint of sadness in it but Hamida failed to notice. <br/><br/>Upon seeing a few lecturers headed in their direction, Walter decided to dismiss Hamida. With her gone the lecturers came to sit at the table with Walter. Hamida used the opportunity to leave the cafeteria, she wanted to be alone and in her own company. <br/>On her way to the classrooms, she heard some girls gossiping. <br/><br/>"Have you seen the way he looks at her? A teacher ain't supposed to look at their student like that"<br/><br/>"well who knows it's all just rumours anyway it will all die down" The girls walked down the halls away from the classes. Hamida's heart had already begun to race because she knew they were talking about her. She decided not to attend the next class which was ironically Walter's class and just hid in the library.<br/><br/>When it was time for class Walter walked into the class and looked at the window seat which was where Hamida normally sat, he didn't ask the class members because he did not want to risk anyone misinterpreting him. He taught the class like normal and ended like normal. He dismissed the class and stayed back to read some things when In came his fling "Oh good that you're alone it's been so long since id spoke to you, did you miss me?'' she came to him and sat on his table. Walter looked at her and smirked "what are you doing here Ezra, I thought I made my thoughts clear to you" his voice stern. She sulked and opened her legs wide in front of him "What's wrong with you huh? How could you dump me just like that" Walter couldn't believe her shamelessness. "Please Ezra not here not now, I'm busy and you shouldn't be doing this we are on school grounds" Ezra laughed hysterically <br/><br/>"I see what's going on, you've found someone new haven't you, and I think I know who she is" Walter frowned "Just what are you on about Ezra? I told you I wouldn't commit to you or any woman so what's with these accusations? If you'd excuse me I have work to get back to see yourself out please" She stood up and slammed her hands on the table <br/><br/>"Fine I will leave but I will be back" she stormed out. <br/><br/>Driving out of the school, Walter drove straight home. He was surprised when he saw Hamida standing in front of his apartment building.<br/><br/>"I forgot some of my stuff so that's what I came for y..yes that's right" she stuttered she did not know why but she was nervous.<br/>"Okay, well let's go in and you can get your stuff" They entered his apartment and she went to the extra room where she stayed. She packed all her stuff and put them in the little suitcase she came with. She walked out of the room and saw Walter making tea. " Come let's have some tea" He held the teapot and held it way above his head as the tea poured into the cup. Hamida was stunned he was trying to learn the Arab culture.<br/><br/>She was happy about that but she couldn't stay for tea "I'm sorry I can't do that" She declined but Walter was adamant about making her stay. He walked up to her and stared down at her "I insist that you stay for tea, please" His last words faded into a whisper and Hamida complied. <br/><br/>They sat in silence and drank the tea, occasionally Hamida would moan in satisfaction because of how delicious the tea was. He sipped his tea and watched her silently, "The tea is delicious Walter, thank you" He smiled, "I made it special just for you" His sentence made her heart skip a beat. "You know I wanted to tell you something important, but I feel it's not the right time to say" He looked at her his expressions were calm and daunting at the same time. "W..well that's okay you can tell me whenever" She smiled her smile melted his heart. When they were done drinking tea in solace, he walked her to his door. <br/><br/>"Are you sure I shouldn't walk you out of the apartment building? She shook her head "No I'm grateful for everything" They stayed facing each other for some time before Hamida said "We'll I will be on my " Before she could turn around and leave Walter pulled her close and kissed her head then let her go. Her eyes rounded in surprise and shock, without further explanation he wished her goodnight and closed his door. Hamida stood there for some time before she finally left to where Bozo was waiting for her. "Is everything alright miss?" Her expression was so evident at how shaken she was. "I'm fine Bozo, Please take me home"<br/><br/>A/N: I'm backkkkkkkkkkkkk, after being on hiatus for a year. I can hardly believe it. But I think I'm back for good now 😌 🤔 😏....</p>