Esse - Episode 25

 

“Odun lo so pin o,” I sang out and waited for the choirs to reply. I groaned internally as the choirs replied. Mr. Simon has been making us practice a lot for the school Christmas Carol of today. Ever since we finished our exams, we practice at least nine to ten times a day. This is the sixth time today, he keeps saying, ‘You're almost there.’ For five days now, and we're still not there. Pfft!  

I smiled back at Joseph, when he smiled at me from the piano stand but quickly averted my gaze when I noticed Mr . Simon looking at me. My part came to an end as Ethinosa reduced the sound of the drum, for Ada to start her part, Little Drummer Boy. I sighed in joy, as I pulled the mic as far as possible from my mouth.

It was evening and almost time for the carol, when he released us. I didn't waste a sec, I made my way to the hostel quickly.

The hostel was empty, when I got there. I rushed to my cupboard and pulled out my red dress. I dropped it on my bed, undressed and made my way to the bathroom.

After refreshing, I got dressed. I was excited, too excited. I hummed joyfully as I buckled my red Berta black five inches stilettos. When I was done with my shoe, I stood up and dusted my dress

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. I did drew my eye brows and applied some lip gloss, held my Afro with a red headband and put small red flowers on it. I grabbed my purse and set for the door. Amarachi was stepping out of the bathroom, when I was stepping out of the hostel. I pray she makes it to the hall before its closed.

The hall was blooming with red and black, the dress code. The hall itself was decorated with green and red, adored with beautiful Christmas lights. I walked in, with a smile plastered on my lips as my dress swept the floor slightly. It was a all student night, teachers weren't allowed.

Joseph and I didn't get a chance to talk, before the choir was called.

Immediately we were called up, everyone sat down to watch our performance. Chika our student choir master from technology, arranged us on the stage before we started our performance.

Our performance was excellent as Mr. Simon wanted it. We made no mistake at all. Seems like our practice paid off well.

After removing my robe and giving it back to Chika, I went to seat with Ebun and Amarachi on the seat they reserved for me, in between them.

After the junior choir performance, different classes choreographed.

“See that chicken dance move,” Ebun mocked a set of junior choreographers. We are still not talking.

I turned to look at them, and truly they were dancing like chickens. Amarachi and I started laughing out loud, making people look at us. The dancing junior became nervous, and felt like they were dancing rubbish, which they were kinda dancing.

“She said something funny,” Amarachi quickly covered for us. “It's not about anyone, it's about herself.” Her words made everyone return their gaze to the stage, and encouraged the juniors.

After minutes of watching awful dance performances, and the display of different special talents. “This duo is one of the best duos I know in this school.” Chika started. “I heard them practice once, and together they sound like angels. I want you all to put your hands together for Joseph and Erica,” he introduced us.

I smiled at the name he chose to call me, I stood up and made my way to the stage, as Joseph did the same. Joseph took his place at the piano stand, while I sat at the center of the stage with my cello. I started ‘Silent Night’ on A major, while Joseph played it on C major. Before we could reach half way of our performance, the crowd started applauding and screaming praises.

I smiled before I started singing, “Silent night, holy night.” They're applauds became roars and woos, and I heard a certain ‘wow’ from the crowd. I've never felt more important, gifted, and special.

After our performance I went to the backstage, where Joseph told me yesterday to meet him, after our performance. “Hey.” I reflectively turned to where the voice was coming from.

I smiled, a toothy smile when I saw it was Joseph. “Hey,” I replied in a very low voice.

“You look beautiful,” Joseph complemented, making me blush.

“That sounds so cliché and cheesy.” I tried to hide the fact that I love, cliché and cheesy.

He smiled. “You didn't let me finish. You look aesthetic, pretty, gorgeous, goodly, attractive, stunning; I mean, words can't even describe how perfect you look to night.” I couldn't help the blush that decorated my face, making me hide it in my hands. He pulled my hands away. “Hey, stop obstructing my view. It's too breathtaking to not be seen.” I tried to pull my hands away, but his grip was firm.

He pulled me a little and started walking out of the hall, through the back door. I followed him. He was heading to the senior building. We walked side by side holding hands, the school compound was empty.

Immediately we entered the senior school gate, I was stunned by what I saw. Two chairs place opposite each other, with a center table. The table was covered with a red cloth, and decorated with red rose petals with a candle, lit in the middle. “How did you get all this,” I asked, stunned.

He smiled at me. “I have my ways.”

He turned to me and held my hands, looking straight into my eyes. I wanted to avert my gaze, but I couldn't. He's too beautiful. His right hand released my hand as they found my face, he brushed my cheek with his thumb before saying a low. “What are you doing to me?” I didn't get a chance to answer, before his lips claimed mine.

It wasn't like our first one, it was deeper and filled with lust. I didn't know what I was doing, but I followed what I had seen in movies. He pulled away after few minutes. I was breathing fast, it was my first breathtaking kiss, I could swear I wasn't breathing. Our nose were still joined, and our eyes still closed. “What are you doing to me?” he asked again. Before i could reply, he looked around hurriedly. “Go, go now.” He gave me a light push, looking a little scared.

I became confused. “But we just got here, why sho…”

“I said go.” His voice became fiercer and firmer.

“Go where?” a thick male voice asked.

Joseph was already looking at who was talking. I turned back to see a tall fair skinned guy. He looked familiar, but before I could remember where I knew the face from, I was hit from behind.

My vision blurred, before it went black.