It took days for me and Marc to see each other again, Marc was juggling his religious responsibility, schoolwork because prelims are fast approaching and his basketball practice; I on the other hand have to take care of my father’s chickens and feed them, then dash to the Church to attend the required seminars for renewal of my membership as a choir member.

Bea and Janelle got irritated because of the delay of our meeting, I told them to be understandable, whenever Marc said that he had a practice or he had something to do, I said to let him go and try to arrange the date some other time.

We agreed to keep this information to our own circle only; if anyone out there notice something, we just let it be, but we wouldn’t tell a single soul especially to Yang and Jerah whom we know will burst into anger if they knew about me being dragged into this whirlwind dare.

But there’s no secret that could be hidden forever.

Lexter, heard us talk about the dare but she said she forget every single darn thing, which she honestly said because she doesn’t care even a single thing, she’s not the type whose butting each other’s business not unless if she is involved. Nishrin, knew it as well, Me, Jelia, Claire and Janelle accidentally talked about it in her presence in the cafeteria; FYI Nish is Yang’s friend.

One time, Janelle invited Marc to visit the school’s cafeteria which was open for the public, so when I saw Janelle drag Marc into the vicinity, I immediately concentrated on my homework.

But to my dismay, it was already finished and I have no other information to add it up.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, I knew it was Marc, but no, please, not on this place, there are students and teachers who still knew him before and he even brought with him a friend.

“Hi babe, how are you? You know what, I just want to say I love you.” He said it… aloud.

Luckily, the cafeteria was already in a noisy buzz of different conversations of other students, but my concern is Jerah; she’s just there somewhere near.

I felt my shyness and I tried to say something like “I love you too.”, “Hi babe, I love you too.” Or “ Love you too, you know what babe, I miss you.” But because of my utter panic and my mind thinking of what might others think; my mouth was unable to muster up the courage to tell him something sweet… so I said..

“uuhhh……aahhhhh… I…… uhh…. – you know what Marc, can we do this later? I feel embarrassed, you’re here and everyone’s-“

“Marc! Meet Jerah!” Janelle said.

Marc pat my shoulder and went to Jerah and shook hands with her.

“OH MY GOSH ROSE.. what did you say? “uuhhh……aahhhhh… I…… uhh….” You are really funny.” Claire said.

“I-I j-just feel ashamed…..” I said

“ What the heck did you say Rose? You should’ve told him “I love you” is that how a girlfriend of Marc act? I’m really disappointed.” Bea said.

“I’m really sorry it’s just that Sir might be here somewhere.” I said.

“And you feel ashamed? Look, Marc volunteered to come here.” Janelle said.

So I went to Marc and said, “Hey, babe, can you accompany me to photocopier? I have to get an identical copy of these Economic Notes.”

But looks like Marc wasn’t paying attention. Great.

“Janelle, I have to go, I gotta get a replica of these pages.” I said

“Oh sure.” Janelle said.

I walk out of the school cafeteria feeling humiliated, I don’t know what to do but one thing’s for sure, I have to get my own copy of Chapter two of Economics.

Later on, Marc managed to catch up and he immediately held my hand.

“Hi babe.” He said

“Hi babe.” I replied.

“I gotta go..”

“Okay, so when we will meet each other again?”

“I don’t know, it’s exam week and I have to do some other things.” He reasoned.

“ oh.. so how about tomorrow?”

“I have a class until five..”

“Maybe we should have a dinner date.”

“That sounds a good idea.”

“Okay I’ll tell them.”

“We’ll just communicate through text.”

“Janelle will call you.”

“Okay.”

I let go of his touch and bade him goodbye.

When I return, all of my friends teased me saying “uuhhh……aahhhhh… I…… uhh….” In a exaggerated manner.