Chapter 64 Taste of Defiance
Godiva POV
I woke up the next morning feeling dispirited. For a second, I thought about breaking up with him just so Mama could be happy, but for the first time ever, I needed to rebel against her. I was ready to take the risk. Dina would always say, “after all, it’s high school love, regrets are bound to happen.”
“Good morning, Mama,” I said almost inaudibly.
Without responding to my greeting, she nodded and walked out, banging the door loudly.
Why is Mama leaving so early for work? I thought to myself as I walked to the kitchen.
“What, Mama! No breakfast?” I exclaimed, staring at the empty pot in front of me.
Normally, Mama would prepare oatmeal with pancakes, or she’d slice fruits, or even toast bread for me. But that day, she didn’t even warm me milk.
“Can’t believe Mama let her precious damsel go to school hungry,” Dina mocked, standing outside the door as I locked it.
“Wait up!” Dina exclaimed. “Since she didn’t leave any breakfast for you, I’m sure she dropped you something for the long break.”
“Damn, you genius!” I screamed, swinging the door open to check where Mama usually dropped money for me when we were on bad terms.
“There’s nothing there,” I announced, looking downcast.
“Okay, I now know Mama is really pissed at you,” Dina said, laughing.
“You advised me to date him, and now I’m facing the consequences alone. That’s not fair,” I said somberly.
“Girl, who advised you?” Dina denied.
“Wow!” I exclaimed, laughing. “Just know, Di, I’m going to repay the favor.”
............
We arrived in class at the same time as our phonology teacher.
As I walked to my seat, Jerald winked at me and whispered something I didn’t hear, smiling uncontrollably.
I leaned toward Dina and whispered, “Look how Jerald made me smile this morning. Can Mama do that?”
“No!” Dina exclaimed, and we both burst out laughing.
“Ewww, you sound like a horse,” I teased as she continued laughing.
“Diva X,” Jerald called out as he approached me during break. I was standing in my usual position by the window.
“Hey, boo,” I said, hugging him, but he refused to let go.
“Let me go, Jerald,” I snapped, hitting his hands wrapped firmly around my waist.
“Why are you always staring out this window?” Jerald asked, peering outside like he was searching for something.
“What!” he suddenly exclaimed, covering his mouth. “So all the while, you stand here smiling because you’re watching these naked men?” he added, pointing at the boys playing football without shirts.
“Noooo, that’s not it!” I shouted in defense, laughing hard. “I just love the peaceful view of nature around.”
“Of course you do. After all, their naked bodies are also part of nature,” Jerald retorted. “If that’s the case, I might as well go to the female swimming pool to admire the beautiful water body there,” he teased, attempting to walk away.
“No, no, alright, I won’t admire this nature again,” I said, turning back toward the class.
“How didn’t I know you were a pervert?” he continued. “I clearly remember you and your perverted friend admiring Ben’s body at the sick bay the other tim—”
Before he could finish, I quickly pressed my palm against his lips and glanced around to make sure no one heard.
“Well, let this follow you to the grave. Do not let Ben know about this,” I threatened, taking my seat.
“I really loved stepping on your nerves for no reason then,” Jerald said, sitting on my desk.
“Or were you just attracted to me?” I teased, running my fingers along his chin.
“Damn, no. You disgusted me then,” he fired back, laughing.
“Well, that’s also a law of attraction,” I replied, laughing harder.
“But on a serious note,” Jerald said, suddenly sounding serious, “don’t call me ‘boo’ again. We need a romantic name you’ll address me with.”
“But you also call me by my name,” I retorted.
“Oh no, I don’t. Even if I do, I add a meaningful ‘X’ to it,” he replied.
“Doesn’t matter. My name is still there,” I teased.
“Alright, I’ve heard you. How about I call you Amorzhino… Zhino for short?” he said, winking.
“What the hell is Amorzhino?” I asked, laughing.
“It’s a Portuguese word which means ‘little love,’” he replied.
“So am I little, or is your love little?” I asked, sounding petty.
“Yes, you, my dear, are my petite baby. So over to you,” he said seriously.
“How is it my turn so soon?” I asked, laughing. “I’m still a little clueless.”
“Let me free you of this worry. Just call me ‘my king,’ or ‘emperor,’ or better still, ‘my life,’” he said, laughing hard.
“Thank goodness you know you sound ridiculous,” I said.
“I mean it, those are great suggestions,” he insisted.
“Hello! This is high school love. I can call you that if we ever get married,” I replied, laughing.
“Alright, genius, suggest a better name,” he said, now slightly upset.
“Well, I love the name ‘Liebling.’ I read it in a novel,” I said, smiling.
“What on earth is that?” he asked.
“It’s a German word which means ‘darling,’” I replied, winking.
“Eww, girl, don’t do that to me ever. Give that crazy wink to other guys, not me,” he teased, laughing hysterically.
“So you’re my Liebling… bling for short,” I continued, ignoring him.
“Okay, ma’am,” he replied playfully.
“Why isn’t Dina back from the mart?” he suddenly asked.
“Nope, I’m sure she’s somewhere flirting with Ben,” I said, nodding.
“Hell yeah, they are,” Jerald said, pointing toward the entrance where they both walked in.
“Dina, you really hate me and want me to die. Do you know how hungry I’ve been, waiting for you?” I snapped playfully.
“Well, girl, you should be thankful to me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have anything to eat,” Dina teased, handing me the snacks.
Snatching them from her, I laughed and echoed her favorite line, “Remember, you can be a king for a day, and the next day be in chains.”