EPISODE THIRTEEN 13:SICO

"And mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell,"Mrs Collins said.

While I just looked like an idiot.

We immediately heard the bell signaling the end of the period.

You see, in this country, the students leave the class immediately when the bell rings.

I just always remember my school back in Nigeria, if Mr Kazeem doesn't ask you to leave his class and you leave, just get your coffin ready, cause you are dead meat.

I packed my binders with the hope of just getting to the cafeteria and having lunch.

But there is always bad news.

"Miss Damilare,"Mrs Collins called me.

I always find it hard not to laugh cause they always pronounce my name without pronouncing the "E" that is the last letter.

I just pray I don't laugh one day and especially not in Mr Lois's class, that man is a big ass racist, we are five blacks in my class out of over fifteen students and he hates us all with a passion, that man is never scared to insult blacks.

He should just try out to be a green lantern, he has a strong will power.

"Yes,"Mrs Collins answered.

"The principal seeks your presence,"she said.

"OK, I'll be sure to go there right away," I said.

What did I do that warrants the principal to seek for me?

Hope I'm not in trouble.

I walked through the hallway and I stumbled into a certain room. It was like a locker room. What I saw next was out of this world.

It was Michael and he had basketball attire on, I think he has a game but how can a seventeen year old have a tattoo? He had a small spider tattoo on his right arm, but it was still visible.

"Oh my God, you have a freaking tattoo, is it even legal,"I asked.

"Keep your nose out of my business and the door is that way,"he said.

"Why should I be the one to leave? We are both students and we have equal rights," I said.

"It's either that eyepatch is blocking the view of your second eye or you can't read. It's the boys locker room and you are not supposed to be here," he said.

I felt bad immediately, did he just rub it in my face that I'm one eyed, one way or the other I always find a way to make a fool of myself.

"Thank you for reminding me that I'm one eyed goodbye," I said as I exited the room.

"Hey I'm sorry I didn't mean it that way," he said, holding my arm.

"Touch me next time and I won't correct you with my mouth," I said, yanking his hand off my arm.

So much for being in a prestigious school, he always finds a way to hurt me. It's not his fault anyway, how I wish I was back in Nigeria with my happy family.

I walked over to the principal's office, I knocked on the door and I was given permission to enter.

I scanned through the office and it was filled with awards and medals the school has won, it also had the photo of the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth.

And a calendar on her table says that the date is October 13.

"Have a seat Miss Damilare,"she said.

The principal is a black, with dark chocolate skin and brown eyes, she is average in height.

There was Principal Mavis on her table.

Wait Mavis, isn't that Maya's surname, hope I'm not in trouble with her daughter.

"Miss Damilare, I'll just go straight to the point, in the weeks you've been in this school you have not participated in any sports, which is against the school's rules,"she said.

"I'm sorry if I broke the school's rules, but I just haven't had the time to pick the sport I want," I said genuinely.

I was as scared as hell to choose a sport because, what if I don't meet the standards of the other students and they bully me.

"But I chose shooting,"I said.

It is just a way to kill time. It is not a sport here in this prestigious school, she said.

I could already pee in my pants by now.

Now choose a sport and I tell the coach he is having a new student, she said.

Football, I said.

Back in Nigeria I was actually a great football player and I think it may actually work.

"The football team is full,"she said.

There goes my only chance.

"How about volleyball," I asked.

"The only person, they need on the volleyball team is the person that will keep the equipments clean and if you are up for that, then why not," she said like it was no big deal.

"Oh," I said and I sighed.

"The only available sports are cheerleading and basketball,"she said.

Be a cheerleader and wear those extremely short skirts, hell no, so my last option is basketball.

"I'll take basketball, Principal Mavis," I said.

"Fine you can leave, I'll inform Coach Scott that he is receiving a new player by the end of today,"she said.

"Wait, today I do not even get to think about it and wrap my head around it,"I said almost rudely.

"Back out and we revoke your scholarship,"she said sternly.

I cannot afford to lose my scholarship.

"I'll keep that in mind," I said.

You may leave, don't forget you are going to try out today, she said.

"OK," I said.

"You may leave," she said.

I stood up to leave and as I placed my hand on the doorknob.

"Hadizah," she called.

I turned to look at her.

Wait, did she just call me by my first name.

"Can I ask you for a favor," she asked.

"Yes, ma'am go on, what's it,"I asked.

"Could you please rub a positive impact on my daughter," she asked.

Why would she ask me for that kind of favor? I'm a terrorist, remember.

"OK," I said and I left her office.

I sighed out heavily as I left her office.

I walked over to my locker, I picked a Twix chocolate to eat because lunch break was already over.

"Hey, where have you been,"Ava asked.

"Ahhh, you scared me and don't like being sneaked on,"I said almost angrily.

"Hey, I'm sorry, why is it such a big deal to you,"she said.

I immediately regretted snapping at her.

"It's fine, anyway I was just in the principal's office," I said.

Let's go for the basketball game. It starts in a few minutes, she said.

"I was about to go there anyway, I have to try out for basketball anyway,"I said.

"And I'm guessing that's why you were in the principal's office,"she said.

"Yep, my scholarship can get revoked if I don't choose a sport ASAP,"I said.

"Wait, are you on scholarship,"she asked.

"Yes, is that new," I asked without any emotion.

"You are like literally the first black and Muslim student to get a scholarship in this school. It is almost impossible, most of the people that try to earn one get dismissed by the time of the physical interview," she said.

"I didn't know that and wait how do you know all of this," I asked with keen interest.

"Aspiring Lawyer, I need to be in on all the details," she said.

"OK, Miss Barrister, let's head to the basketball court," I said.

We both walked down the hallway, it's always the same scene everyday, girls gossiping on the latest gist, people giving me weird stares that I can never get used to, teens making out, God this is a school for God's sake not a hotel.

When I got in, I saw Michael first, he was wearing a black body hug under his jersey. So he knew his tattoo was bad and he still had it after all.

We got into the basketball court and we both chose a seat.

I was reading a book and did not look up until I heard.

KINGS, KINGS, KINGS, KINGS, KINGS.

"What is going on,"I asked in awe.

"Wait have you ever been to a basketball game before,"Ava asked in amusement.

"Duh, I'm not into the game, what do you expect,"I answered.

She gave me a girl. Are you kidding me look.

"OK, fine, what do I need to know about the school basketball team,"I asked.

"Now you are speaking my language, so apparently, Kings and Queens Academy has like the best basketball team in all of London and they also have the youngest and fastest growing basketball star,"she said, taking a dramatic pause.

"Who is,"I asked.

"Michael Hamilton,"she said.

"What the, how is that douche bag a great basketball player "I asked.

"He has been playing for the NBA since he was fifteen years old and he has a tra" -

I caught her off in the middle.

"I don't even want to know OK, I don't give a damn about him I just hope that he doesn't cross paths ever again because he is annoying as hell,"I said.

"If you say so, but won't you hear the last part of my story," she said.

"No thank you very much, I'll pass,"I said.

"OK, let's just focus on the game,"I said in a very tired tone.

"OK, as her majesty wishes,"she said.

This girl always finds a way to crack me up, she should take a major in stand up comedy.

I continued watching the game. I couldn't help but agree with Ava about Michael being a great basketball player, the way the guy dribbled, dunked, he is as tall and built as what, God I can't even compare him to anything, he is perfectly created.

What the, I did not just call him perfect.

Man was he great at passing too, those were excellent passes, all I heard was.

"Such a powerful goal by Michael".

"What an incredible goal by Michael".

"What a powerful three pointer by Michael Hamilton once again". The

Man is he the only one in the game.

The game was finally over with.

Home:65.

Away:50.

That was one memorable match.

What was more shocking, as his other teammates were jubilating, he walked away like it was nothing.

"I need to go meet with the coach,"I told Ava.

"Go on, I need to get to the volleyball game anyway,"Ava said.

"Girl are you going to all the games today,"I asked.

"Not all, maybe just like, three more," she said, playing with the tip of her hair.

"Three more that like four or five hours,"I shouted in disbelief.

"Chill, it's just a game you can meet me there later,"she said.

"OK, now I seriously have to leave,"I said.

"Bye darling," she said. Blowing me kisses.

And I returned the gesture.

I walked over to the bleachers.

"Coach Scott," I called out.

The image that turned to me was a black heavily built man, in joggers and a face cap on.

"What seems to be the problem,"he asked.

"I'm the new intake for the girls basketball team,"I said.

"Who would have thought, I thought you were coming for the boys basketball team,"he said and all the girl team snickered.

"Oh," I said looking down at my snickers.

"The terrorist wants to join basketball, hope she doesn't smuggle a bomb in one of the balls,"Violet said.

"I'll be sure you do that and after that I'll throw it right at your pimple face,"I said.

What the, who the f*ck do you think you are talking to, I have no pimple she said rubbing her face,"she asked.

"Well, clearly not someone who's impressed by your attitude," I said.

"Girls, quiet down, I'm still here," the coach said.

"Sorry," we both chorused.

Then I realized that Violet, Cassandra and Dahlia are on the basketball team. Oh God this is so not good, those girls hate my guts.

"You have to try out and I need to check out your talent, I also need to get your jersey fixed up," he said.

I took a ball and I bounced the ball back and forth and you know what, IT SUCKED.

You want to know what sucked more, Michael was there and he did not laugh at me like the other girls did, he kept a straight face.

Maya also did not laugh, instead she just kept on rolling her eyes.

I tried throwing the ball in the net and it was a success,but throwing a three pointer, I couldn't do that.

"Hey, that's enough,"coach said.

I held the ball with one hand and I walked you to him.

"How, how did I coach"? I stuttered.

"You suck at basketball, but you've got talent and I'm not going to waste it", the coach said. Trying to make me feel less bad.

"Thanks, I'll try better," I said, trying to assure him.

"Don't worry I've got you covered" the coach said, but something told me not to be happy and I knew nothing good was going to come out of that.

"Team captain" he yelled, calling on the rude boy.

"Yes coach" he came running.

"From now on you are her stand-in coach for after school" the coach said and I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"No problem coach, I'll try my best to fix her up,"the idiot said.

"What," I shouted in disbelief.

"Either that Miss Damilare or you get a free ticket to the principal's office," coach said.

"Why me coach," I said faking tears and the idiot was smirking at me, as his yellow green orbs met mine.

"So I get the rude hijabi," Mr idiot said.

"And I get the dickhead," I said, trying to make him angry.

"So Miss Damilare, bye and enjoy your new stand-in coach," coach said.

"But coach," I said.

"One more word and you get detention," he said.

"OK fine," I said.

"Welcome to hell, miss," he said.

I knew what he meant and I'm not going to back down or give up, GAME ON.

Everyone left the basketball court, leaving only me and the dick head.

"So we are going to go about the after school practice like this,"he said.

"You come everyday at 2:00pm, till the time it takes us to finish," he said.

"OK, we'll meet tomorrow,"I said.

"Who said that, me or you," he asked.

"I don't expect us to start today," I said innocently.

"You know what, we are starting today and trust me damsel that is not a request," he said.

"Do you have to say it so harshly," I asked.

"Whatever, I'll meet you today, 4:00 pm sharp," he said.

"Yes, SICO,"I said.

"What did you just say," he asked.

"Nothing of your business," I retorted.

I left the court and headed to meet with Ava.

"Can you believe it, Michael is my stand-in coach," I said.

"Seriously I'm so happy for you," she said.

"No, that is bad, SICO cannot be my coach," I said.

"What do you mean by SICO," she asked.

"Stand In Coach One,"I said.

"Oh, now I get you took the initials," she said.

"Yes and it's going to be one hell of a semester,"I said.

"Sorry honey, if you need my help with anything don't even hesitate to call me, she said.

"I know you are always going to have my back," I said.

"What are we friends for, it's to help when we are in need,"she said.

"Let's go smarty pants," I said.

We both walked to our locker.

"By the way, do you remember that Ethan's concert is tomorrow,"she said.

"Oh God, I've totally forgotten about that, I might not be able to make it," I said.

"Why," she asked.

"Because I have practice," I said.

Can't you just skip practice, she asked.

But before I could answer.

"Hey darling, what have you been up to," Daniel, who was passing by, asked.

"I've been good, come to think of it you didn't come camping with us," I said, but it was more like a question.

"My dad who has been away for over six months finally arrived, my sister who was at the university came home and I had no other choice but to stay at home," he said in his girly voice.

"Oh, what is your dad's profession, if it's not too much to ask,"I asked.

"He is a soldier," he said.

"What the," I said.

"I know right, my dad is a soldier and I act like this. I get that a lot, so no worries,"he said.

"Have you guys forgotten that I'm here,"Ava said.

"I'm so sorry, damsel if I have offended you, I'll take my leave now", he said.

"No I'm not offended if you have anything more to say, you are free to go on,"she said.

I know she felt bad on the spot.

"No, really, I'm done here,"he said and he gave her a dashing smile.

"Bye,"I said and he waved back at me.

We both walked to the garden, I felt the need for nature.

"I need to take this call,"she said.

"OK," I said, munching on my snack bar.

She came back in a few minutes.

"I need to leave now," she said.

"Why so soon," I asked.

"My dad wants me home as soon as possible, I'm sorry sweetie but I have to leave,"she said.

"Bye,"I said, hugging her.

"Bye,"she said back.

"I want to go to that ice cream place," I heard a cute girl say.

"No, you are already a burden enough for Marion to come dump you on me with a silly excuse, " Michael said.

So he has a sister, she was as beautiful as morning dew.

"Hadizah, I don't think we can practice today. I need to run an errand," he said.

"OK," I said.

"Bye the way my name is Maria, his sister,"said as she hugged me.

"Maria, do you have to be so forward," he asked her.

"No, it's fine she is actually cute," I said.

"How can you call a fourteen year old cute,"he asked.

"And that's why boys can never know how we girls work, am I right Dee,"she asked.

I couldn't help but giggle.

"You are really pretty with your voice, eyepatch, and not to mention your big gold eyes," she said.

"Thank you, you are very beautiful yourself," I said as I blushed, it feels good to be complimented.

"We have to leave now,"Michael said.

"No problem, I'm about to head out myself,"I said.

"We could drop you off," Maria said.

"No thank you, but it's fine," I said.

"Maria, do you have to butt your head in every issue," he said.

"It's fine I can go myself," I said.

"If you don't drop her I'll tell dad you came back home 10 minutes past ten last week on Monday," she said.

"Seriously,"he asked.

"Yes and I will give him every single detail," she said.

I wished I had younger siblings.

"Hadizah, please get in my car and I'll take you home," he said.

So he can be polite. That's new.

I got into his car, it was a G wagon. I've loved this car since I was a kid.

The car was dope, man he as got to be loaded it's a 2019 brand.

The interior of the car was lit, even if I had the money to get a car my mum would never allow it.

This car was shouting I'm expensive.

The drive was smooth and cool with the winter breeze slowly hitting my face.

His sister had fallen asleep.

He asked for directions to my home and I gave it to him.

He dropped me off at the front of my house.

"Bye and thank you very much for the ride," I said.

"It's nothing,"he said and he drove off.

I got into the house and my mum wasn't at home.

I took some money and I headed to the supermarket to get flour to make some snacks.

I got to the supermarket and I bought what I needed.

I dislike the cashier, when I'm on the line she would answer the whites first, before the blacks and it is very annoying.

I got out and it started to feel extremely chilly.

I suddenly felt a huge jacket on my body.

I looked back and it was Michael.

"Hey, what are you doing here,"I asked.

"You looked cold and I happened to have a spare jacket with me," he said.

I hate that he is being nice.

"No thank you but I'm OK, " I said.

I walked over to him to return the jacket but in the process I slipped.

Anticipating to hit the ground, I felt his huge arms help me and at that moment the first snowflakes fell.

My first snow was with him.

Writer's note.

Hmmmmm.

Is there any connection between them.

Or not.

Anyways.

QOTD:

Would you rather live in extreme heat or extreme cold.

I would go for cold.

I could easily cover myself with blankets.

But heat it's Nigeria no light.

Hand fan.

UP COLD 🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶