A Spark in the Shadow
In Mr. Richards' classroom, the air always carried the stale weight of monotony. He was a man who wore his dissatisfaction like a badge, constantly grumbling about how the country's "bad government" had trapped him in the thankless life of a teacher. His nickname, Mr. Test Tube, was less an endearment and more a collective groan of frustration from students who struggled under his rigid, uninspired lessons.
As I sat on the second-row bench, my notebook open but untouched, my eyes wandered restlessly. Maxwell was nowhere to be seen.
Why am I so bothered by his absence? I thought, annoyed at myself. To distract my mind, I rummaged through my second-hand Louis Vuitton bag and began scribbling on the margins of my notebook. But the words blurred together. I couldn't shake the strange disappointment that tugged at me.
When Mr. Richards finally concluded his lecture, his signature scowl leading him out of the room, I looked around one last time. Still no sign of Maxwell.
Letting out a sigh, I picked up my bag and headed for the door. My feet dragged as I walked leisurely toward the faculty gates, my mind preoccupied with the image of him. Why can't I get him out of my head?
A wave of chatter and laughter pulled me from my thoughts. Near the gates, my friends stood waiting for me. Sarah, Adiaba, and Jummai greeted me with wide smiles, their energy infectious as always. Jummai's brilliant white teeth stood out against her deep brown skin as she waved me over.
"Hey, Anna!" they called out in unison, their voices carrying a warmth that eased my mood.
"Ladies," I replied with a faint smile.
"Have you heard?" Adiaba asked, her excitement bubbling over.
"Heard what?" I asked, my tone flat.
"I got it from a reliable source—a group of clinical medicine students is throwing a party tonight at Evergreen Hostel. And it's open invitation for all female medical students!"
Sarah and Jummai erupted into cheers, but I felt a pang of reluctance. Parties weren't my thing.
"I don't think I'll be going," I said, shaking my head.
"What? Anna, you can't be serious!" Sarah exclaimed. "This is our chance to finally escape our boring, boo-less lives! You can't back out now."
Her dramatics made me chuckle, but I shook my head again.
"Come on, Anna," Jummai chimed in. "We never do anything fun! It'll be good for all of us. You deserve to let loose for once."
After a few more minutes of their relentless persuasion, I finally relented.
"Fine," I said with a smirk. "I'll go. Happy now?"
"Ecstatic!" Adiaba clapped her hands, her excitement contagious.
"But what are we wearing?" Jummai asked, looking slightly panicked.
"Just wear your best," I suggested, eager to end the discussion and retreat to my thoughts.
That evening, I was startled awake by the buzz of my phone. The clock read 8:30 PM.
"Ugh, what now?" I mumbled, picking up the call.
"Anna! Don't tell me you're still sleeping," Adiaba shouted, her voice full of energy. "We're all ready and waiting for you!"
"I'm up," I lied, jumping out of bed. "I'll be there soon."
I hurriedly got dressed, choosing a simple yet striking red dress that hugged my frame. My friends and I met at Jummai's hostel, where we booked a taxi to the party.
The Evergreen Hostel was alive with energy. Music thumped through the air, and the smell of burning herbs lingered in the crowded room. Groups of students were scattered everywhere, their laughter and chatter blending with the booming bass.
As my friends quickly disappeared into the crowd, I found myself overwhelmed by the chaos. The smoke in the room clung to my throat, making it hard to breathe. I slipped away to the bathroom, seeking a moment of quiet.
When I emerged, the hallway was dimly lit, and the noise of the party felt distant. That's when I saw him—Maxwell, leaning against the wall with a bottle of beer in his hand. He looked striking, even under the harsh fluorescent light, but his body language screamed discomfort.
He was about to leave when our eyes met. My heart raced, and I quickly looked away, pretending to be fascinated by the peeling paint on the wall.
"MMA!" he called out, his voice tinged with surprise and delight.
"Hello, Max," I replied, my voice quieter than I intended.
"I wasn't expecting to see you here," he said, smiling as he approached. "Did you come alone?"
"No, I came with friends," I said, glancing nervously around the hallway. "But they've disappeared."
"You look beautiful in red," he said, his smile soft and genuine.
Heat rose to my cheeks, and I struggled to hold his gaze. I tried to steady myself, but the intensity of his presence made me feel like the room was spinning.
"Do you want to get some air?" he asked.
"I... I don't mind," I stammered.
We walked in silence along the quiet street outside. The crisp night air was a welcome relief, cooling the heat that lingered on my face.
"I didn't see you in class this morning," I said, breaking the silence.
He chuckled softly. "Did you miss me, MMA? I don't take physics with you—just chemistry."
"Oh." I felt my face flush again. "My mistake."
He stopped walking and turned to face me, his brown eyes locking onto mine.
"So, when are we starting the chemistry lessons?" he asked.
"Whenever you want," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
He smiled and took my hands in his, his touch firm yet gentle.
"How about now?" he teased, his tone playful.
"What? No, it's late," I said, pulling my hands away.
"Alright, MMA," he said with a chuckle.
Before I could reply, my phone buzzed. It was Sarah, her voice slurred and incoherent as she tried to ask where I was.
"I think my friends are looking for me," I said, turning back toward the hostel.
"Okay, but first," Maxwell said, pulling out his phone, "give me your number."
I rattled off my digits, and before I could step away, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to my forehead.
My heart skipped a beat as he took my hand, leading me back to the party. I didn't know what to make of the moment, but something about it felt like the start of something I couldn't control.