SHAWN’S POV
“You startled yourself. I was here by myself when you turned on the light.” Shawn said nonchalantly.
“But then, it’s your fault because you didn’t turn on the light to indicate your presence in the kitchen. And why are you not putting on a shirt?” She finally asked.
“My decision. Why are you putting on see through cotton shorts?” Shawn asked.
Tiffany’s face turned red in embarrassment. She had forgotten her short was transparent. ” I don’t have your Time. Kindly pass me a bottle of water since you are close to the fridge.” Tiffany said.
Shawn reached into the fridge and pulled out a chilled bottle of water and then handed it to Tiffany.
“Thank you, ” She said, opening it.
“So, the competition, are loved ones allowed to attend?” Shawn suddenly asked.
Tiffany stared at him momentarily before answering “yes.”
Was he planning on attending? She thought to herself.
“Do you plan on attending?” She asked, to satisfy her curiousity.
“No, I don’t plan to.” he replied.
“Then why did you ask?” She queried.
“Because I felt like asking. Now, can you just let me focus on this water?” Shawn asked, turning to look at her.
“Sure. You have the water to yourself.” She said storming off.
TIFFANY’S POV
Why did she even ask him? Her friends would be there to cheer her up and if her father was not occupied, he would be there too, so there was no point bothering about his presence at the competition.
Speaking of her father, she made a mental note to call him once she got to her room.
“Hello, Dad.” She said into the phone.
“Hey, princess. How are you doing today?” He asked cheerfully, over the phone.
“I have been fine. You have not called in a while. Don’t you love and miss me again?” Tiffany asked.
“Of course I do, princess. Just that, Daddy is trying to put things in order and get the company running once again.” Mr Dion said, a tinge of sadness in his voice.
“Do not overwhelm yourself with too much workload, Dad. Things will be fine and I trust you to always find a way.” Tiffany said.
“Thank you, my darling. You are indeed your father’s daughter. I’m so proud of you, Tiff.” Mr Dion said.
“I’m proud of you too. You are one of the strongest men I know and the best father ever.”
“Thank you, baby.”
“That reminds me, I was chosen amongst other students to represent my school in a spelling bee competition. Would you come, Dad?” Tiffany asked.
“Congratulations, Daddy’s girl. I would love to be there. What’s the date?” Mr Dion asked.
“It’s on the 22nd.” Tiffany replied.
“I will check my schedule and see if I can clear that day so I can come cheer you up, princess.”
“I would love that. Thank you, Dad.” Tiffany said, excitedly.
“You are welcome, baby. Daddy has to go now. Say hi to Shawn, okay?”
“I will. Goodnight, Dad. Love you!”
“I love you more.” Me Dion said and the line went off.
Tiffany smiled as she looked up at the ceiling. Talking to her father was always refreshing and rejuvenating. The one person that loves her unconditionally. Her father.
Sighing in satisfaction, she put on her face mask, turned off the bedside lamp and drifted off to sleep.
Lights out, Tiff.
FREYA’S POV
“The guts of her to ask you to back down. I sometimes wonder who her audacity plug is.” Freya said, angrily.
Tiffany was narrating her encounter with Mary to get and Timothy.
“That girl is impossible. If she thinks she is a better contender, why is she then scared?” Timothy asked. He was obviously angry like Freya.
“Of course she knows she is not. Tiffany will be the center of attention on that day, and she? she is just a backup plan.” Freya said.
“Honestly, I don’t know what I did to Mary Quevara. Of all people, why me?” Tiffany said, looking sad.
“The answer is simple. You are everything she wants to be, but at the same time can not be.” Freya said.
Just then, Mary passed and intentionally stepped on Tiffany’s shoes, hurting her toes. “What the hell?” Tiffany yelled in pain.
“Are you blind?” Freya asked, standing up to grab Mary.
“Take a chill pill. It was a mistake.” Mary said.
“A mistake? Or you did it intentionally?” Timothy asked.
“Stay out of this, McVeigh.” Mary warned.
“You are so bitchy and troublesome. I wonder how your parents or loved ones keep up with a nuisance like you.” Freya insulted.
Mary made to slap her, but Tiffany held her hand Midway. “You can hurt me, but stay away from my friends, you sadist.” Tiffany said.
“I see. Someone is learning to be tough.” Mary said and walked away.
“That girl is possessed. You can’t tell me otherwise, because what human being behaves like this?” Freya said.
“Tiff, are you okay? Are your toes hurting?” Timothy asked.
“A bit, but I’m fine. Thank you, guys. Thank you for everything. For always having my back.” Tiffany said soberly.
“Come on. That’s what best friends do, right? Never hold you back, ready whenever haters attack, make you go nuts.” Freya said and they all laughed.
“Where did you get those lines from?” Tiffany asked, fascinated.
“Umm…from a song “What best friends do” by a Nigerian actress and singer named Jeiel Damina.” Freya said.
“Huh? I never knew you were a fan of Nigerian songs.” Timothy said.
“Well, I love most of their songs. You guys should try listening to singers like Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and the rest. Their lyrics are top-notch.” Freya said.
“I will check them out. Thank you.” Tiffany said.
“So, you are staying back after school today, right?” Timothy asked.
“Yes, I am. As a matter of fact, for the next one week until the competition.” Tiffany said.
“Oh! We wish you all the best, Tiff.” Freya said.
“Yes, we do. We love to see you win. Always.” Timothy added.
“I’m so blessed to have you both. How about we hang out after the competition? There is this place Shawn took me to for dinner. Guys! You need to taste their bison stew and wild rice. Their salmon and oysters are to kill for.” Tiffany said, keeping a dreamy face.
“Now, I can’t wait.” Freya said, rubbing her stomach dramatically.
“Foodie.” Timothy teased.
“Na. Rephrase that word to “foodies.” We all love food.” Freya said.
“You wish.” Tiffany said.
Recess was soon over and they left the cafeteria for class.
Tiffany was heading for her geography class, when Oscar stopped her. “Hey. I haven’t heard from you since that day.” Oscar said, falling into step with her.
“Hey, stalker.” Tiffany said, sarcastically.
“I’m not stalking you. I just ran into you.” Oscar said.
“And why do I find that hard to believe? What do you want?” She asked, still walking.
“I’m serious about you teaching me Geography. I really want to learn.” Oscar pleaded.
“Let’s have this conversation later. I’m late for class.” Tiffany said, hurrying off.
OSCAR’S POV
He stared after her as she hurried away. She was still uptight and wary of him and he had to think of ways to make her loosen up to him.
Soon, when he finally cracks her open, his plans will sail smoothly.
With that thought in mind, he turned and headed for his favorite spot.