CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN: INTERHOUSE TENSIONS
The morning sun beat down mercilessly over the school compound, making the dust and dry grass shimmer in the heat. The interhouse sports trials were in full swing, and the field was alive with energy. Students ran, jumped, and cheered, their voices colliding with the sharp whistles of the house captains. The smell of sweat, freshly cut grass, and a faint hint of perfume mixed with the hot morning air.
I stood at the edge of the field with the girls from my house, adjusting my tracksuit and wiping sweat from my forehead. Victoria and Morayo were beside me, smiling awkwardly. Their attempt to be friendly again wasn't lost on me. I gave them a curt nod.
"Morning, Floral," Victoria said, a little too brightly.
"Morning," I replied. My voice was cool, noncommittal. I wasn't ready to smile or talk too much.
Morayo, ever the cautious one, added, "Hope you're ready for the relay?"
I shrugged. "I'll manage." My mind, however, wasn't on the relay at all. Every time I glanced across the field, there they were—Samuel and Gift, sitting together on the grass during a short break between trials. They were laughing at something Samuel had whispered, and Gift leaned in close enough that I could see the ease between them.
It wasn't just my imagination; the other girls noticed too. Some whispered, some snickered, and a few openly pointed in our direction. I tried to shake off the jealousy, telling myself that Samuel wasn't mine, that Gift liked him too, and that I shouldn't care. But it was impossible.
"Floral… you okay?" Victoria's voice cut through my thoughts again.
I blinked, realizing I'd been staring too long. "I'm fine," I said, forcing my voice to sound normal.
Her smile faltered slightly, but she didn't push. Morayo remained silent, probably sensing my mood.
The first events began: the 100 meters, the long jump, and the shot put. I was part of the 4x100 meters relay, which was scheduled for later in the day. My nerves were tied in knots. Every time I practiced a few steps, I couldn't help but steal glances at Samuel. He was now standing, stretching his legs, occasionally glancing in my direction. Whether it was to notice me or to check on Gift, I couldn't tell.
By mid-morning, the relay trials had started, and students were getting more competitive. The girls' house was huddled together, encouraging one another. I positioned myself at the starting line, my hands trembling slightly, not from nerves about the race, but from the storm of emotions I couldn't shake off.
"Floral!" A sharp voice called my name. I turned slightly, and my heart skipped. It was Vanessa. She and Morayo had always had a competitive streak against me. Even though today, she wore a fake smile, her eyes still held a glint of old rivalry.
"You're running with us, right?" she asked, the tone overly cheerful.
"Yes," I said shortly. I kept my eyes forward, ignoring the thinly veiled challenge in her gaze.
The whistle blew, and we sprinted. My legs pumped as if fueled by adrenaline, but all I could think about was Samuel. How could he be sitting there with Gift, laughing and smiling, while I ran like my life depended on it?
After the first few heats, the relay race finally arrived. The excitement in the stands was palpable. House banners waved furiously, students chanted, and the air was thick with anticipation. I crouched at the starting block, Victoria beside me, and Morayo at the far end. My heartbeat thundered in my ears—not from fear of running, but from the anxiety simmering beneath everything else.
"Set…" The starter's whistle cut across the field.
The race began. My legs moved, pumping hard, my lungs burning. I focused on the baton, the line, the field… and tried my best to block everything else out. But my eyes flicked toward the stands unconsciously. There he was—Samuel—standing beside Gift, applauding loudly for their house relay team. Their hands almost touched as they exchanged a quick laugh.
It was almost too much. My chest tightened, and for a second, my legs felt heavier than normal. I shook it off and ran harder, passing the baton to Victoria. She sprinted like lightning, but I couldn't stop thinking about Samuel's smile.
After the race, as the houses regrouped and results were being announced, I headed toward the water station, trying to collect myself. Victoria and Morayo followed, chattering softly, trying to keep the mood light.
"You did well," Morayo said quietly. "You've improved a lot."
I nodded but didn't reply. My mind was elsewhere. I spotted Samuel again, now standing near the field officials with Gift, waiting for her event. They were talking in low voices, leaning slightly toward each other. There was no denying it: she made him laugh in a way that only she could.
"Why do you look like that?" Victoria asked softly.
I turned to her, a little annoyed. "Like what?"
"Like… you're about to cry or something," she said, whispering, trying not to be noticed by the nearby students.
I laughed bitterly. "I'm fine. Just… tired."
She raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Morayo didn't press either. They were testing me, I could tell, seeing how I'd react to seeing Samuel with Gift.
Later, during a short break, I sat under the shade of a large tree near the stands, sipping water. Samuel's laughter floated over to me again, carried by the wind. My chest tightened. I wasn't sure if it was jealousy, longing, or something else entirely.
Then, unexpectedly, Victoria and Morayo came to sit beside me. Their posture was casual, but their eyes were sharp, observing my reaction.
"We just want to say… we mean it," Victoria began carefully. "We really want to be on good terms with you again. No wahala, no past issues. We just want… peace."
I studied her face. There was sincerity there, but I didn't completely trust it. Still… I wanted to believe them. "Okay," I said slowly. "We can try. But it's going to take time."
Morayo nodded. "We understand."
We sat in silence for a while, watching the students run their events. I took deep breaths, trying to calm myself. Samuel and Gift were still at the edge of the field, whispering and laughing, their bond undeniable. And though it hurt, I reminded myself: he hadn't chosen anyone yet.
A part of me wanted to confront him, demand clarity. But the interhouse sports weren't the place for that. For now, I'd watch, wait, and focus on my own performance.
The afternoon sun was blazing as the final races approached. I adjusted my tracksuit and whispered a silent prayer to myself: keep your focus, don't let feelings distract you, and… survive this day without drama.
But deep down, I knew it wouldn't be that simple. Not with Samuel, not with Gift, and not with the complicated dynamics of the hostel girls slowly inching their way back into my world.