As expected, Sophia (my best friend) walked into the hall with the new girl, Kemi. My heart sank, as well as racing erratically. I felt threatened enough and wished I could disappear. What hurt me more was that Kemi was beautiful, light-skinned, and fresh-looking, and her smile was embellished with captivating bilateral dimples. I wasn't surprised Sophia clicked with the new girl; her attention had become rare to come by. I watched as both of them walked towards my seat to join me, and I swallowed a chunk of saliva.
"Good morning, Sophia; good morning, Kemi." I said, faking a smile in an attempt to conceal my discomfort and jealousy.
"Good morning, Stella; we didn't see you leave the hostel." Sophia said as she sat down opposite me with Kemi by her side.
At this point, I needed to cover my tracks. "I wanted to tidy up an assignment before class." I replied, hoping they'd not ask further. I was very uncomfortable, especially as Kemi sat mute on the table. I stole glances at Kemi, who apparently had stolen my best friend, and I felt intimidated in addition to the jealousy that coursed through my veins.
"Alright, Stella, baby. I am hungry; I can hardly wait for the meal to start." Sophia lamented; her face expressed some sadness. The meal was served at that instance, and for the first time in a while, we ate in silence, in contrast to previous times when it was common to pass side comments and gossip while eating.
Kemi was a transfer student and had come to our school to write the final examinations for high school. I learned her former school was shut down as a result of communal crises in the environment.
After the meal, I joined the new duo friends for class. Every step of mine was heavy, and I wished I could be anywhere other than with Sophia and Kemi. Sophia was the extrovert and certainly showed herself with Kemi around. I wondered if she didn't notice my withdrawal from her. I just wish she would be more sensitive. Luckily, our class instructor was in class, and we all rushed to our seats. Sophia gave me a quick questioning look, seeing that I sat right in front of the class. I was saved by the class instructor's presence. Throughout the 40-minute class, my mind kept traversing different thoughts, dreading the confrontation with Sophia after the class. I knew it was only a matter of time before Sophia would come crashing down on me. I hoped I would come out of my shell and express how hurt I felt that she was whisked away from me.
Immediately after the instructor stepped out of the class, I stood up to follow him but was held back by a gentle grasp on my right wrist, which was warm and unusual. I looked around, and I was surprised to see Kemi smiling at me. I didn't know what to make of her smile, but she looked so innocent and cheerful. She handed me a small note, neatly wrapped, and I walked out of the class. I didn't want to look back, suspecting Sophia might have her eyes fixed on me. I sat back on my seat and gently unwrapped the note. 'Hello Stella, I know this is awkward, but I want to apologize for stealing your friend from you. It was not intentional. I've always admired you since the two weeks I joined this school, and I've wanted to be your friend, even if it was through Sophia. I hope we can be friends. If it's fine with you, I'm outside the class waiting for a hug.' I was surprised and short for words. Tears almost welled up in my eyes, which I quickly cleaned off with my handkerchief.
I walked out of the classroom and saw Kemi standing in the corridor, blushing. I walked up to her and gave her a bear hug. We stood there for a moment, only to feel another arm wrap around us. I looked, and I saw that it was Sophia.
"Naughty girl, I've told you to always speak your mind." Sophia teased me.
"You know I'm too shy, Sophia. I'm sorry. I missed us," I replied, burying my head in the embrace. My heartbeat gradually normalized. I was glad I got my friend back and another treasure, Kemi.