Chapter Three – Bernice's POV
I woke up early as usual, took my bath, brushed my teeth, and did all the regular "bathroom business" we girls do—don't ask for details. I went downstairs, and guess what? The smell of pancakes hit me like a love letter from heaven. My mom had gone full chef-mode. I swear I almost cried. I was literally salivating.
My elder brothers had already left for university, so it was just me and my three little siblings. I greeted everyone with my brightest, fakest, morning smile—the kind you give when your brain's still loading. Dad was at the dining table with his laptop, sipping coffee and looking like he was designing a spaceship. Engineer things, I guess.
"Good morning, angel. How was your night?" Dad asked, smiling over his screen.
"It was good, Dad," I replied, trying to act like I didn't just trip over Samuel's toy car on my way in.
I sat down and attacked the pancakes like a starving raccoon. I gulped the juice down like I'd been stranded in a desert for years. I was in food heaven.
After stuffing my face, I said goodbye to Mom and Dad and my little monsters—uh, I mean, siblings. Dad couldn't drop me off since he had to take them to school, so I picked a taxi. Reached school early as usual… and guess who I saw?
Yup, him. My secret admirer. That's what I call him since I didn't know his name yet. His dad dropped him off again. He looked kind of shy, kind of mysterious—with his face mask still covering half his face like a K-drama character. I couldn't resist. I tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Good morning."
He turned around and replied, "Good morning." Simple. Calm. Polite. Kind of made me blush a little.
"I forgot to ask for your name yesterday," I said.
"I'm David," he replied.
Then I laughed. "Like the son of Jesse in the Bible?"
He chuckled. "Yeah."
He held the door open for me and said, "Ladies first." I swear, my heart did a little somersault.
"Aww, thank you. You're such a gentleman," I said, and before I knew it, he complimented my outfit.
I blushed so hard I'm sure I looked like a ripe tomato. I could barely mumble, "Thanks…" before rushing to class. My friends and I always sit in front because the back bench is for those who want to make noise while the teacher is teaching. I looked around, and I noticed David—he was sitting a little far away, but I could feel his gaze drilling holes in the back of my head. It was like he had lasers for eyes. Chill, sir.
Yes, yes, I know I'm cute—but come on, the staring was intense. I tried to ignore it. But what annoyed me most was that he wore a face mask every single day. Like—sir, are you hiding something? Are you ugly? A celebrity in disguise? I tried not to judge. "Never judge a book by its cover," I whispered to myself like a wise old woman.
Mrs. Samuela asked a question in class, and boom—I knew the answer. Not because I was smart (okay, I am), but because my brother once asked me that same riddle. I thought it was a common one, but apparently, no one else knew it. I answered it, and guess what? I was right! Class went smoothly after that—with me dodging David's stares like I was in an action movie.
When it was time for lunch, my girls and I went to get spaghetti. We ate, gossiped, and laughed. Then I remembered—Dad told me to give the principal 200 cedis. I rushed out of class, stood on the terrace, and started reading Grief Child while waiting.
That's when it happened.
I was in my peaceful reading bubble, completely lost in the book when suddenly—this deep voice BOOMED into my ears.
"Bernice, what are you doing here?"
I jumped. I was ready to swing my book like a weapon. It was David. My whole body got annoyed. Why do people talk to others when they're clearly reading? That's a crime. The disrespect! I gave him a look.
"I'm waiting for the principal," I said sharply.
"Oh, okay," he replied, not even fazed by my irritation. Then he added, "I've noticed you like reading a lot."
What's this? Is he stalking me now?
"Uhm, yeah. Books are my safe place," I replied with a tight smile.
"What about you?" I asked, trying to be polite.
He smiled. "I like playing games and listening to music."
Bleh. Not my vibe at all. I just smiled and nodded like a nice girl. I didn't tell him that those are the two most boring things in the world to me. Anyway, we talked a little, then the principal showed up. I gave him the money and went back to my friends, who, surprise surprise, didn't even notice I was gone. They were too busy chatting with their boyfriends. Sigh. Being single is like being the only dry chip in a pack of spicy ones.
Who would even want me? I'm not that pretty. I've got problems. All I've got is brains. And apparently, guys only want the full package.
Clara snapped me out of my spiral. "Why did you take so long?"
"I was talking to David" I said casually, even though my heart was screaming.
School ended quickly after that. It was Kim's turn to clean the classroom, so Clara and I stayed behind. I noticed David pacing again. He was obviously waiting for his dad. I thought about going over, but one of my classmates called me and I got distracted.
Suddenly, David called me. "I thought you were coming to me."
Excuse me? Who told you I was? The boldness!
"I was going to talk to my friend," I said.
He just nodded. His dad came, and he left—but not before saying, "I'll talk to you tomorrow."
When Kim finished cleaning, we all left—five of us walking like usual. Of course, I was the third wheel. Clara had Ernest. Kim had Festus. Me? I had fresh air.
I reached home early. Mom was cooking lunch, as usual. I greeted her, then headed to my room. I didn't have much to do, so I started texting the girls. Then Atsufi—my little sis and bestie—walked in.
She's the best, honestly. Her name's Elizabeth, but I prefer to call her Atsufi—her twin name. Her twin brother is Atsu, and the last born, Samuel, is seven and chaotic. But today it was just me and my girl.
She came to watch MSA with me and I told her everything about David. She listened so well, nodding like a little therapist. But let's be real—what kind of advice can a ten-year-old give? Still, it felt nice to talk. She's my person.