I got to the rail way station, headed over to the reception to book a ticket for the train going to my destination, then sat on a bench close by, waiting for the train to arrive. Then I sighted a person who looked very familiar, the person seemed to be approaching me.
"Hello" he said, as he finally got to my side.
"Hi" I replied, "And how may I help you" I added, sounding serious.
"Please can I sit with you" He asked politely.
"Yeah sure, why not" I answered, I felt a bit uncomfortable, because, there are quite a number of other unfilled seats around, but he was bent on sitting beside me.
"Here have your seat" I told him, and then created a space for him to sit on the bench, being as polite as I could.
"Thank you... I'm Harry Stone by name, nice meeting you." He said, stretching his hand out for a handshake.
"Claudia Mike...nice meeting you as well" I said introducing myself and taking the handshake.The temperature was getting tensed as we both kept mute afterwards.
"I'm waiting for my elder brother, We forgot something so he went to pick it up" Harry said starting a conversation.
"Oh wow...ok... okay." I stammered, unsure of what else to say, this is so not like me.
'Get it together, Claudia.' I exclaimed I'm my head. Then I glanced someone coming close to us, this one, I knew so well.
I could hear the sound of the train I was waiting for faraway, as well.
"That's my brother." Harry nudged me to see the guy coming towards us.
"Hey, Hansel!" I said before Harry could completely introduc him to me, So Hansel was the elder brother that Harry was talking about. Hansel was our childhood friend (Clara and I) in Ef-town before my Mom and Dad divorced.
"Oh my world!... See who we've got here." Hansel's voice brought me back from my thoughts.
"What's up!, I said, still very much surprised.
"Oh my wow, Claudia." He said calling my name and hugging me.
"Awwwn" I said hugging him back.
"Where's Clara?" he asked, finally releasing me from the tight hug that almost cut short my oxygen supply, his face beaming with happiness.
"She's good, She'd left already, she should be at the college now, I'm going to meet her."
Suddenly, I remembered that I was waiting for a train earlier and to my surprise the train here.
"You missed the first train?" Hansel asked.
"Yeah, I was too late for it, I'd be taking this one now." I answered, nodding.
"Okay, If fine by you, can you join us? our drive is almost here" Hansel offered.
"Thanks, I'd really appreciate that. " I said, 'That should be more convenient, as we're heading the same destination.' I thought.
"Here's my brother Harry, he was staying with our grandpa in Telko, but had to relocate as our grandpa died 3 months ago." Hansel narrated.
"Ohh... I'm sorry about that, I never knew you had a brother, neither did Clara know as well." I said.
"I don't think she's aware too" Hansel said.
"Hey bro, Mr Plan's here" Harry who wasn't really interfering in our chat said. "oh yeah, let's go".
We headed towards the the black SUV with tinted windows. "Sorry for the delay, boys." The man said, I could not recognize him, I guess they changed their driver.
We fastened our seats belt and the car zoomed off in full speed, the trees and houses passed by in a blur.
"Thank you, sir." I said, unfastening my belt as we got to the main entrance. "Thanks Hansel, nice to meet you once again, Harry." I greeted both.
"I'll be heading to the library," I added, I dare not go into that classroom, Mr Robbins would have no choice but to punish me this time around, he had issued me several warnings.
I fastened my pace, not wanting anyone to notice me. Clutching my bag closer.
I got into the library and heaved a sigh of relief on seeing that my usual as spot was left empty, and more grateful as I was the only student present. I noticed the librarian on her seat, Ms. Dust, immersed in whatever she was doing, she raided her head up slowly.
"You're here quite early, Claudia. Shouldn't you be in class for now." She asked, as she sighted me.
"Yes Ms. Dust, it's quite a long story." I replied throwing my bag onto one of the tables. And strolled to check for a book to read, to at least keep myself busy till the first class is over.
"Claudia, wow!" I look up to meet those familiar doe eyes, it was Katlyn, my friend. "You never bothered to reach out during the holiday." She pouted, seeming unpleased. I hugged her.
"I'm sure you know better, we're no lesser than prisoners at home. My mum rarely let us out of the cage she created. But now my grandma is around, we have a little bit freedom from my mum's overprotectiveness."
"Yes, real " Katlyn laughed, softly.
Come-on get up, let's go do something interesting instead of sitting here, stucked between pages of paper." Let's go please.