Chapter 3 When love calls

"Mom, is everything alright?" I asked, concerned about lacing my voice. She didn't respond, and we rode in silence until we got to school.

As we got to school, I bid her goodbye and she just zoomed off. I watched her drive off worriedly but there was nothing I could do, "she and dad must have gotten into a heated argument then" I thought while walking along my school gate.

I got inside the classroom and tried to study if anyone was looking at me somehow that way I can know if he truly told anyone, after minutes of looking no one even seemed to pay attention to me that's when I knew he truly did not tell anyone and I breathed a big sigh of relief.

Fishery class, my first period, awaited me, and it was a class I despised a lot. I wasted close to a few minutes before attending the class but I later went because I know how impactful it can be. I just find it boring. I walked through the hallway of our school going to the fishery class which was always held at our school pond so as to give detailed explanations to every topic. As I entered, I noticed Tom sitting there, engrossed in his reading. I quickly shifted my gaze so I wouldn't make any eye contact with him. The classroom was chaotic as usual, filled with the cacophony of students chatting away, not even minding if there was a teacher in front. I sighted someone waving at me and it was Tom, a smile on his face, and I reciprocated before making my way to my seat.

Good morning, class," Mrs. Agnes greeted us, as she made way into our class.

"Good morning, ma'am," we replied in unison. "Today, there won't be any lectures, the principal passed a loving piece of information to all the teachers yesterday at our meeting and guess what ?" she said, trying to make us guess.

"What teacher?" We all were on our toes to hear what would make our strict principal allow us to skip class for a day.

"As you all know, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and this time around, the principal as seeked permission from all parents of the school to allow their kids to enjoy this valentine, so that being said, start picking your partners, and I'll be waiting," she announced. Students started passing by me, but none approached me. They rushed toward Sarah and the other popular girls. Feeling invisible, I resigned myself to sitting alone until I saw a guy's shoe in front of me, I traced it up and saw a tall slender guy with curly dark hair at my front. Will you be my valentine?" he asked, catching me off guard. I hadn't even noticed him in class before, but he was undeniably handsome, more attractive than Tom.

"Hi, have I seen you before? What's your name?" I inquired, genuinely curious.

"My name is Marvin, but you can call me Marve. I'm actually a new student, and you seem calm and beautiful. I want you to be my valentine," he responded. I was speechless, my mind racing. But before I could answer, my eyes involuntarily shifted to Tom, who was already with Sarah. Disappointment washed over me seeing him happy with someone else, he didn't even look my way for one second, I turned back to Marve, saying, "Yes, why not?" With the hope of making Tom jealous. Marvin's face lit up with happiness, and he told me that he will contact me more on how our dress code should be and all other preparations. The whole time I wasn't even listening to him, my mind was just fixated on Tom trying to catch a glimpse of him, but he wasn't even looking my way. Marvin gave me his phone to get my number, I gave him and that's how our friendship began.

As the days passed by, everyone in class schedules grew busier with final exams approaching. My mother had arranged for a private tutor for me, Mrs. Valerie, who would help me prepare. Tom became increasingly occupied, yet he always managed to find time for Sarah. I am jealous, so jealous. It became evident to everyone that he had feelings for her, because no matter how much I tried, he didn't even pay attention to me. However, to my relief, he kept our previous conversation a secret, that felt good and I am glad. When the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, we all hurriedly packed up and left. I had to wait for my mother's car before I could head home. While waiting, I unexpectedly encountered Marve. I was delighted to see him, and I learned that he was also waiting for his dad. We engaged in conversation, laughing and getting to know each other better. Moments later, my mother arrived, and I reluctantly bid farewell to Marve, waving as he smiled at me, his charming dimples revealing themselves. In that moment, I felt myself falling deeper into affection. But love? No, I couldn't possibly be in love so soon. I shook off the thought as I climbed into the mum's car.

While in the car, I met Beck and Anna . My two adorable siblings, Beck and Anna, surrounded me as we played together in the car. My mother still wore a serious expression, leaving me curious about what was bothering her. Summoning up courage, I asked her about her day at work and teasingly inquired about her new love interest., I knew that would make Her laugh, because why? A love interest when she's got my dad, Her face softened into a smile, one I had missed dearly. She explained that work had been exhausting, and she wasn't feeling her best. "Mum is 'under the weather,' but you're in the car," Anna innocently pointed out. "Hey, lady, it's just an expression," I clarified for Anna. "It means she's not feeling well, do you understand?" Anna nodded, comprehending my explanation. My mother looked at me with pride, and then refocused on driving. We continued playing and made a promise to give her some medication once we arrived home. A few minutes later, we pulled into the driveway. My mother asked me to bring in the groceries from the car, and I dutifully obliged, carrying them to the kitchen and arranging them neatly. I quickly changed into more comfortable clothes, as I knew I would be assisting my mother with cooking dinner. With the tasks completed, I retreated to my room, grabbing my study notes and dedicating an hour to reviewing. Exhaustion began to overtake me, and I eventually succumbed to sleep. Suddenly, my phone began to ring, jolting me awake. "Who could be calling at this hour?" I wondered, momentarily disoriented. Gathering my wits, I summoned the courage to pick up the call. "Hello, am I speaking to Mary?" a familiar voice on the other end of the line asked. It was Marvin. A blush crept onto my cheeks, betraying the surge of happiness that flooded my being. Was I falling for him this quickly? It seemed impossible.

"Yes this is Mary, who am I speaking with", I queried acting like I don't know who it was.

"This is Marvin, I'm sorry for calling you this late, I just thought you would be less busy by now, but if you're in bed, I'm sorry, let's talk tomorrow" he replied.

"No, not at all, I'm not sleeping yet", I replied blushing.

We talked for what felt like an eternity, losing track of time as we shared stories, laughed, and discovered common interests. But as the conversation carried on, I suddenly noticed my bedroom door slowly creaking open.