In the school's incomplete building,
Sala sits on the unfinished window frame. Erima sits on his lap, facing him. Sala cuddles her waist as she places her hands on his shoulder.
"Knowing how much I love you, I will do anything for you," Erima said softly, staring at him so romantically and charming.
"I can cross the ocean just to be with you, my love. You're my love," he said, kissing her neck.
"You know my friend Jenny?" she grinned, caressing his jaw, playing with the little beards growing under his chin. He bit his lip as he tried to remember who Jenny was.
"Jenny Benson," she said grumpily. Sala was still searching his mind, biting his lip deeper.
"Never mind," she said, disappointed, feeling like her only hope was gone. "It's just that… she invited me to her birthday party, and I would love it if you come with me." She doubted she would get a "yes."
"Wait a minute," he adjusted, smiling. "Andrew's kid sister—Jenny Benson? No way I'm missing that," he said proudly. Erima chuckled. "But I have a problem. I will be in the mosque for prayer," he said, dismayed.
"It's just a few hours. Besides, if you tell your parents, they should understand it's a school party," she mumbled, running out of suggestions.
"A school party? What will your parents say if you told them that?" he asked.
Erima felt stupid for suggesting it. "If you're not coming, it's fine," her voice came out weak and helpless, like she had finally given up. She stood up, leaned on the wall, and held her hands together.
"What's that? You're not going to put on that face if you're trying to bribe me," Sala said. She frowned, glaring at him, folding her hands. Her eyes looked as deadly as a hunter ready to shoot any creature that appeared.
"Okay, you won. Why would I miss such a great party?" he said gently, grinning. He held her hand. Her smile returned as she felt the warm weather and her heart melted at his tender touch. He stood to face her.
"Anything for you, my love," he said in a romantic voice. She felt her heart beating fast, like she had run a race. He glanced at his wristwatch. He caressed her hair down to her cheek; his hand was hot, making sweat form on her skin. They stared at each other, eye to eye, the motion proving their connection in that moment. He kissed her forehead.
"Whoa… break will be over soon. I have work to do," he said, holding her waist.
"See you after school," he said, kissing her cheek and gliding down to her lips.
Muna, Bolade and Alisha walked in.
Muna said, "Here go the lovebirds," teasing romantically as she swept herself onto a bench stuck to the wall.
"Hello guys," Sala grinned, swallowing his saliva, forcing words out of his mouth. Sweat appeared on his forehead. He snatched a handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped it off.
Sala—6.5 ft tall, shy and peaceful. Zero friends. Tagged as one of the most handsome dudes in the school. He didn't speak much. Before he gathered courage to toast Erima, he spent days rehearsing and practicing his speech. It felt like a life sentence for him just to face her.
Erima—5.8 ft, as beautiful as a mermaid. Her skin shined even from far away. Charming eyes, jovial, outspoken, and one of the most fashionable students. Anyone who didn't know Erima must be new. That was why he didn't have the guts to approach her, until the day he decided to put away his fears.
Erima came out of the female restroom. Sala was standing beside the male restroom, which was just at the side. He knew she was inside, so he waited until she came out. He turned toward the male restroom, fixing his two hands in his pockets. Butterflies filled his belly; his heart raced fast as if it would explode. He stared at her from the corner of his eye.
Erima adjusted her skirt. "Sala Adams," she said, smirking.
"Hello," he composed.
"Seems like you've been waiting. He's not ready to give in; only he knows what he's doing there," she whispered. Sala grinned.
He knew very well no one was inside. He prayed he wouldn't get caught. He prayed no one would walk in.
"This is the perfect time, Sala," he told himself. "She's about to leave. Now or never."
"Erima, can I have a little of your time?" he asked, not knowing how he managed the courage.
"Okay, what's that?" she said, walking toward him. Sweat crawled down his forehead. The climate suddenly felt hotter. He sweated profusely.
"I really don't know how to say this, but I have to. I have feelings for you, and I want you to be my girl." He had never been this hard on himself. As soon as he spoke the words, he was shocked they came out.
Erima grinned. The look on her face made him feel ashamed. It became the most embarrassing moment of his life. She stared at him for a few minutes. Her tongue pressed against her right cheek, making him even more embarrassed. He dipped his head in shame. He wished the ground would open so he could jump in.
"I guess you're taking 'NO' as an answer?" he managed to speak.
"I have waited long enough for this day to come. I say YES. I would have done it myself if I wasn't a girl," she said excitedly.
Sala chuckled. "I can't express how I feel right now," he said, demonstrating with his hands.
This was the bravest step he had ever taken. That day he came out of his shell. Erima became his confidence. The news spread through the entire school, but it dared not reach the principal's ears.
"I'm out, see you," Sala said, hurrying out of the building.
"Things are happening," Alisha said, smiling, sitting beside Muna. Bolade's eyes fixed on Erima, grinning.
"The only girl who knows what's up—slay mama, what's up?" Bolade walked closer and tapped her.
Gazing at them, she smirked. "What is new here? Please. Everyone knows Sala and I are in a relationship. Are you girls expecting something new?" she blasted, folding her hands, staring at them.
"Lovebird!" Muna stood up, spreading her arms like she wanted a hug. She danced around and hugged Erima. "Sometimes I wish I could be in a relationship like this," she said remorsefully, grinning and showing her white teeth. Erima felt honored and smirked.
"Love is beautiful. See the connection, the emotion—everything so perfect," Bolade said. Erima felt so fond of herself. Her shoulders rose proudly. She giggled, placing her jaw on her left shoulder, making sure she didn't miss any praise.
"I've never had a man like Sala before. He's so caring, understanding, and supportive," Erima said, sitting on a bench. She placed her two hands beside her, crossed her legs. Her expression showed how deep in love she was. Alisha grimaced, staring at Erima like she had never seen her this happy.
"Please, please, let's hear word," Alisha exclaimed, unable to hold her feelings.
"This one is jealous," Bolade said, clapping her hands.
Alisha walked toward Bolade; it looked like a war was about to start.
"Me, jealous? I'm just saying because all this history of love she carves with Sala ends here. I'm sure your parents know nothing," she protested. Erima put on a sad face, feeling cold suddenly, folding her hands.
"Why all this? When
will it all end—tribalism, religious discrimination, racism, and so forth? How would—"