Mr. Charles and Lila crouched in the tall grass, their hearts racing with anticipation. Suddenly, Soma appeared, his eyes blazing with anger. "Mr. Charles , how dare you?" he thundered, charging towards them. Mr. Charles stood his ground, but Lila quickly jumped up, positioning herself between the two guys.
"No, Soma, no!" she cried out, her hands raised in a pleading gesture.
Soma's face twisted in a snarl, his fists clenched at his sides, as Lila's eyes implored him to stop. Mr. Charles 's eyes never left Soma's face, his jaw set in a determined line.
The only sound one could hear was the heavy breathing of the three of them, like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode and Lila's eyes snapped open, her body jolting upright as she gasped for air. Her hand instinctively flew to her chest, as if to calm the wild drumbeat of her heart.
Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her sheets were drenched with the evidence of her torment. "It was all just a dream," she whispered, trying to reassure herself.
But her legs betrayed her, refusing to support her weight as she tried to stand. With a faint cry, Lila collapsed back onto the bed, her body burning with a fierce fever. The room around her seemed to spin, and she couldn't shake the lingering fear that clung to her like a shroud.
Lila lay on the sickbed, her face pale and sweaty. The nurse gently placed the thermometer in her mouth and waited for the beep. As she read the temperature, her expression turned worried. She quickly walked to the principal's office, her white shoes making soft squeaks on the floor.
Inside, she found the principal sitting behind her desk, typing on his computer. "Ma, I need to speak with you about Lila's condition," she said, her voice low and serious.
The principal looked up, concerned. "What's wrong?"
The nurse hesitated. "Her fever is getting worse, and I think she needs proper medical attention outside the school."
But the principal shook his head. "No need for that. Lila's father is in South Africa at the moment. He'll take care of her."
The nurse looked uncertain, but the principal reassured her. "He'll be here tomorrow. Lila will be in good hands."
The next day, students were in class receiving lesson when a dignified figure emerged from a sleek vehicle, drawing the attention of students and staff alike. Lila's father, a man in his 50s, stepped out with grace, his tall stature and broad chest commanding respect. He wore a pristine white agbada, its intricate embroidery glistening in the morning light, paired with a traditional cap, perfectly angled on his head. His dark skin seemed to radiate a sense of authority, earned from years of experience.
With a gentle smile, he made his way towards the administration block, his confident stride exuding an air of quiet confidence.
The murmur of students' chatter and the rustling of leaves in the nearby trees seemed to fade into the background, as all eyes followed the respected gentleman, eager to catch a glimpse of his noble presence.
The receptionist smiled brightly and welcomed him, "Good afternoon, sir! Please come in." She led him to the principal's office, her high heels clicking on the floor. As they approached the office, Mr. Charles emerged out of the office, walking towards their direction. "Good afternoon, sir," he said, his eyes fixed on Mr. Dennis. But Mr. Dennis was distracted, his attention focused on retrieving his phone from his pocket. "Good afternoon," he replied absent-mindedly, not looking up to see who was speaking.
The receptionist ushered him into the office, the door creaking softly as it closed behind them.
The principal, Mrs. Tolu stood up, shaking Mr. Dennis when he arrived, she greeted him with a concerned expression. "Good morning, Mr. Dennis. I'm so sorry about Lila's condition." She explained how Lila was rushed to the school clinic after feeling unwell in class.
"We've been taking care of her, but she needs family attention." Mrs. Tolu led Mr. Dennis to the clinic, where several nurses welcomed him with kind smiles.
The clinic was clean and bright, with beds and medical equipment. Lila lay on a bed, looking pale but comfortable.
As Mr. Dennis entered the clinic, Lila's eyes lit up. She tried to sit up, but her body was too weak. "Dad!" she cried out, her voice trembling. Mr. Dennis rushed to her side, his face filled with love.
The nurses briefed Mr. Dennis on her condition, and he listened carefully, his face filled with worry and love for his daughter.
He grasped her hands tightly and kissed her forehead again and again. Lila wrapped her weak arm around his neck, holding him close. "I've missed you," she whispered. Mr. Dennis knelt beside the bed, holding her hands and gazing into her eyes. "You'll be fine, I promise. Daddy is here," he assured her, kissing her arms and stroking her head with gentle touches. The principal watched the heartwarming scene, smiling at the strong bond between father and daughter.
Tears filled Mr. Dennis' eyes as he held his dear daughter, grateful to be by her side.
Mr. Dennis looked up at the principal smiling and almost in tears again while the principal was smiling kindly at him. "She's all I have," Mr. Dennis said, his voice shaking. "My only child." He smiled a little, remembering good times. "Her mom passed away when she was 13. I took care of her in Scotland, but my busy life got in the way. I had to send her here to South Africa for school, so she could learn good values. I wish I didn't have to let her go. I miss her so much." He smooched her and stroked her hair.
The principal's face was so soft and understanding. "Don't worry, Mr. Dennis," she said. "She will be fine."
Mr. Dennis turned to Lila, his eyes locked on hers. "You're coming home with me," he said, his voice firm but gentle. But Lila's expression turned stubborn. She crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with defiance.
"No, I'm not going anywhere with you," she said, her voice firm and determined. The air was thick with tension as they locked in a silent for some time while Lila lay in bed, her face scrunched up in a frown.
"You have to." He said again but she tossed her arms and legs, throwing a tantrum like a child. "No, no, no! I won't go back to Scotland! I want to stay here in South Africa!"
Her dad tried to reason with her, his voice calm and gentle. "Lila, we are not going to Scotland but Abuja. I need you to come with me to Abuja. I have work projects and I want you to take a break from school. You're not well, and I want to take care of you."
But Lila crossed her arms, turning aside and giving him her back, her face set in a stubborn expression.
Lila was just afraid of what might happen if she left school, Mr. Charles and Ava, behind. She shook her head, her eyes flashing with determination. "No, Dad. I'm staying here."
Principal Tolu walked to her, patting her shoulders and she turned halfway, facing her principal. Mrs. Tolus kind face and gentle tone put Lila at ease, trying to hide her discomfort. "Lila, my dear, you're clearly not well. I can see it in your eyes and your sluggishness. Your father is worried about you, and I am too. Why don't you take a sick leave for a few days and go back to Abuja with your dad? He can take care of you and get you the rest you need."
Lila hesitated, not wanting to fall behind in her studies. But Principal Tolu reassured her, "We'll make sure you don't miss a bit. Your teachers will send your assignments and notes to you, and you can stay on top of your work from home. Your health is more important than anything else right now."
Lila's father, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up, " I promise to take good care of her. I'll make sure she gets the rest and medical attention she needs. We'll be back before you know it."
The principal smiled, "I know you will, Mr. Dennis. Take care of your daughter, and we'll take care of her schoolwork. Lila, go ahead and pack your bags. You can start your sick leave today."
Lila couldn't resist the principal's persuasive words and her father's concerned expression. She finally agreed, and with a mix of relief and gratitude, she stood up, ready to head back to Abuja with her father.
To be continued! Lila has gone out of school for now. Will her fears on Mr. Charles and Ava bonding together turn to reality? What do you think?