There was no doubt that she liked him.
Michael was considerate, present, and a good listener. It helped, too, that he was easy on the eye and had a sudden grin that loosened something in her stomach.
Still, Orode hesitated.
She knew the question was coming soon: Can we go steady?
Swinging by her house constantly for the last few weeks was leading to the inevitable question. Taking her out to their mutual friend, Oreva’s, house and ice cream spots were just required rituals. That question would drop in a heartbeat or two; she anticipated it and knew her response would be the same, too.
Oreva couldn’t understand her. Her boyfriend, Sam, and Michael were besties. ‘But you like him,’ she insisted. ‘Everybody can see that. Even my mum has commented on it.’
It was as obvious as daylight that Michael and she were deeply fond of each other. It showed in their chemistry, easy conversation, playful acts, and unconscious leaning into each other when they got together. They couldn’t get enough of each other.
‘It’s not going to happen, girl,’ Orode told her friend calmly. ‘I’ll kill and bury my feelings for him. We’ll be alright.’ She paused. ‘It will hurt, but we’ll be alright.’
Orode remembered the lump in her throat when she uttered those statements aloud. She also remembered Oreva’s equally confused, ‘Why?’
It was no secret that Michael, Orode, and Sam had all attended the same primary school over a decade ago. What was hidden was his attitude.
This kind and amiable version of Michael that he presented to the world now was a mirage to Orode, and possibly a façade of his.
Back then, he’d been violently physical with female classmates, cruelly loudmouthed, and projected a superior air around him.
Once, he’d hit her hard and repeatedly on the leg because of an unintentional and minor issue. Even when resolved by their teacher, he’d refused to apologise. The incident was etched deeply in Orode’s memory. Meanwhile, Sam had been one of the quiet ones; a manner he still maintained.
Orode doubted that the succeeding years had changed Michael for the better. Her gut told her that much, and she intended to listen to it. This, this attitude of his was just to get the girl. Her. Then he’d revert to his original bearing. She was certain.
One night after spending the entire day together with him and their mutual friends, Oreva included, he drove her home and asked: ‘I’d like you to be my girl,’ in his rusty tone. ‘Will you?’ He threw her a glance before concentrating on the road ahead.
She waited until he’d parked at the corner of her street before she responded: ‘I really like you, Mike,’ she started, ‘But I don’t want to go steady with you.’
She saw his grip tighten on the steering wheel in the semi-darkness. ‘Why not?’ His tone and expression were neutral.
She opened the door and shrugged. ‘I’m not ready for a relationship now,’ she said and placed a leg on the grassy area below. ‘I still have exams to pass, and I really want to focus on them.’
‘Okay, I hear you,’ his tone eased into something understanding. ‘But we’re all in the same boat, preparing for exams, and Oreva and Sam are a couple. What’s stopping us?’
She sighed. ‘Mike, I’m 16,’ she said, turning to look at him. ‘And I have my whole life ahead of me to get into several relationships if I choose. Using this time to focus on my exams won’t kill me.’
He nodded. ‘Well said. You have a great head on your shoulders, Orode. One of the reasons I like you, but I’ll respect your choice.’ He paused, then grinned suddenly. ‘And I’ll keep asking.’
She smiled back, unable to help herself. Good luck with that. Thanks for bringing me home. Good night.’
‘Good night, you.’
Orode walked the few metres to her house in silence, knowing that Michael won’t leave until she was admitted into the house. She missed his expression change once her back was turned; it morphed from friendly to slightly unsettling.
Two days later, Orode walked into her house from her exam preparation classes to find a note from Oreva. It was the 90s; mobile phones were still in the future.
Orode, where are you?! It began. Don’t go anywhere with Mike. No matter what he says. Don’t enter his car or be with him in any place that’s not public. He told Sam that you were a (foul word) for turning him down, and that he’s going to get you alone, and rape you in revenge. Let me know you’re okay after reading this. – Oreva.
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