•SALOME ALAN•

Blue jean, white inner singlet, causal jacket, and white thin hand bag, all laid on my bed and ready for me to explore.

Zara called earlier that we should meet up at the mall in thirty minutes, captioning it like a 'date' kind of thing. Although it's been awhile we hang out so I accepted without thinking twice. Best friends goals I'd say.

I sprint out of the bathroom, glancing at the wall clock which reads 1:20. Zara said we should meet up at 1:30, which means I have just ten minutes to get ready, which also is kind of impossible.

Within five minutes, I'm standing in front of my mirror, admiring the simply outfit I'm dressed in. I pray Zara won't complain about it because...she always does. Always saying I'm wasting my body shape.

I shake my head at the imaginary look on her face when she does but well, it's comfortable and that's what matters. I grab my bag and keys before walking out of my room, gently closing the door behind me because my Dad is around, wouldn't want to disturb.

"I won't stay too long." I finally say to him after explaining that I'm going out with Zara, my escape route all the time.

My Dad exhales calmly, taking his eyes off the laptop screen on his desk. "Okay, that's okay. And yes, your aunty might come later this evening so it's lightly you meet her when you get back."

My eyes light up at the news. I'm never tired of aunty Jenny's stay, no matter how bad the day seem to be. I nod, a wide smile displayed on my lips.

"Okay dad, I'll be back soon!" I wave and walk out of his room, smiling to how amazing today's going to be, been a sunny Saturday.

***

I'm trying my best to keep my eyes on my phone as I continually look up to see if Zara is coming. I'm standing in front of the mall gate and I called her to ask where she is, just for her to say she's just leaving her house.

Chewing the inside of my mouth, I tuck my phone in my pocket, staring at the cars driving in and out of the mall. I don't feel comfortable standing alone, or I don't like it rather. It makes me feel like everyone passing is seeing and judging me in their heads just be looking at me. But then if I'm with someone, my mind wouldn't even go there.

I raise my head with a sigh, spotting a caramel skin girl in red hoodie and white jean, and I don't need anymore clue to know it's Zara. Her eyes are scanning through the people passing, probably looking out for me so I raise my hands, waving so she wouldn't look too much.

My best friend jump into my hands the minute she got to where I'm standing.

"You are late, what happened?" I ask, pulling her out from my body, my face forming a frown at the instant realization. She should have a reason.

Zara place her hands on chest, smiling. "I'm so sorry babe, had to babysit my brother till my mom got back."

My eyes widens at her excuse. Zara has a younger brother which is about two...or three year old.

"Oh...but still, you should have called me."

She sighs, taking my hand as we start walking into the mall gate. "Sorry... I even thought my mom would get back earlier."

I take my eyes from a mother pushing a trolley filled with groceries with her little son tagging behind her. One of the reasons I love coming here is that I get to feed my eyes in real things, couple with different kind of people.

Exhaling calmly, I turn to Zara. "it's okay, at least you're here now."

She giggles, tightening her grip around my wrist and I shake me head at her quirkiness. I didn't mention why Zara also loves coming here because its obvious. To see cute guys. And she's looking at one right now.

I gently turn my Pumpkin's face to the front. "Zara, can't you see he's with someone?" I eyepoint the lady waiting for the guy to open the door of his vehicle for her.

Zara rolls her eyes, facially disappointed. "Doesn't matter." She glances back at them. "The guy doesn't even look like he likes her."

I burst out in laughter, pushing the transparent door to our favorite eatery open with the name written boldly on it. 'Red Caffino.'

"What? Just saying what I saw." Zara shrugs and I nod in affirmation. She isn't lying though.

We settle in our spot at the left corner while I stare at the well decorated interior designs of the place. Even though we come here often, there's still this attraction that makes me never tired of the aesthetics. The outside is in form of a playground kind of setting, only that there are have cute seats and tables, welcoming picnic vibes.

"So...what should we order today?"

Zara's voice draw me back to her. She's flipping through the red menu, her eyes taking every single detail. I quickly grab the second one by my side, glancing at their new updates, Red Caffino for you.

"Alfredo creme pasta, vanilla milkshake and chopped chicken laps." Zara calls out at once then look up to me.

"Uh...I think I'll go for chocolate milkshake, chicken and chips with Red Caffino signature Chapman as takeaway." I jam the menu close, satisfied with what I picked.

Zara narrows her brows, probably surprised at my choice.

"Are you sure you'd be okay with that? Because..."

"Yes." I interrupt before she starts babbling about how much I eat. I know I eat too but it was difficult wearing my jeans today so...I have to eat less.

Zara press her mouth to stop herself from laughing. She instead, calls the attention of a waiter who nod immediately, coming toward us.

"I'm drastically adding weight Zara." I lean in to her from where I'm seated. "So, I have to eat less."

"Yep! And it's all going to that ass..." Zara drawls and I shoot her a glare, just as the waiter guy reaches our table.

We ordered our food and waited for sometime before the tray got to us, the pleasant scent of chicken feeding my nose as he settles it in front of us.

"Thanks John." Zara says with a small smile and the latter replies with a wink.

"Enjoy..." He whispers then walk over to the counter.

"Hmm...nice guy." I comment, dragging my food closer to me. John has been working in Red Caffino since me and Zara started coming here and he always serve us in smiles.

Zara inhale deeply, looking at him then nod in acceptance. "Yeah...boyfriend material."

I take a sip from the thick chocolate milkshake, closing my eyes at it's insane taste.

"Look at someone who doesn't want to get fat taking chocolate." I hear Zara mumble incoherently, making me pop out the straw.

"Whatever...Take a sip and you won't want to taste vanilla ever again." I brag and throw one chips in my mouth.

My best friend frowns, stretching her hand to touch my mix and I allow her to take a taste. She raise it to her mouth and I laugh at how her facial expression is. Luckily, only few people are seated around, having their meal and not paying attention to the two teenage girls acting like it's their first time here.

Me and Zara.

We finished our meal and John came to take the plates. I'm strolling down my Instagram, staring at my number one role model. Latifah West. Anytime I open the app, I always check her page first to see if she has posted something new. Right now, I'm watching a reel on how she apply her new product lipstick, smiling beautifully in a black off shoulder gown.

"Who am I...oh my god!" Zara's voice jerks me to look up at her. Not only me but half of the people in the restaurant staring at us. I sigh angrily as I keep my phone on the table.

"Why did you scream like that?"

"Look..." Zara mutters, her eyes fixed on the transparent glass, enabling us to see the people walking outside. Following her eyes, I try to figure out exactly who staring at but can't point out, just bunch people moving around.

I pick my phone and shove in my bag. "I don't know who you're staring at Zara, let's just go." I gesture to stand and my best friend pulls me back to seat, pointing.

"Look clearly, it's Mr Alex with a girl...no, not a girl, a lady." Zara says and like on track, my eyes spots a muscular tall figure in black trouser and white hairy round neck long sleeves with a black jacket in his hand. Not only does he look more handsome but more... Hot.

"You're tripping, Salome."

I clear my throat, tearing my eyes off them and to my feet.

"Let's go, Zara." I tap my best friend who's lost in what she's staring at. It shouldn't be our business anyway, he's just our teacher on a date with his girlfriend.

She grabs her phone and keys, getting up from her seat and I stand too.

"Let's follow them." Zara finally turns to me and my mouth hang open. Follow them? That's like stalking. Even though I'm a bit curious about knowing how our super rude teacher is on a date with a pretty lady, it's still none of my business.

Come on Salome, you know you want to."

"I'm going home, Zara. How would it even sound like to be stalking Mr Alex? It's..." I trail off, watching Zara rush out of the restaurant and I fight the urge to roll my eyes, following. This girl always do what she wants.

Now that I'm outside, I can clearly see the outfit of the lady with Mr Alex. She's definitely in her 20s with the way she's appeared and I must say, Mr Alex has good eyes. The girl is putting on a pitch thin hand top, a pair of black jeans and white sneakers. Her hair in blond straight wig. She has nice shape too.

"That girl is beautiful..." Zara draws, appearing by my side from God knows where. She tug her hand in my elbow, dragging me along. "And that makes me what to see where they're heading to."

I pull out my hand and fold it beneath my chest. "You made me forget my takeaway on the table. You know what, just go ahead and when you're done stalking your teacher, meet me in Red Caffino."

Zara shakes her head, pleading with her eyes for me to come with her.

"Please... It's just to see where they're going. I promise we won't stay long." She rub her palms together and I sigh tiredly. "Then we'll go back, take your stuff and head home, asap!"

"Okay. Whatever." I roll my eyes, walking ahead then turn back. "But, if we get caught, it's you."

Zara nods rapidly, catching up with me.

"Yep! All on me!"

***

We are standing behind the walls of the cinema with Zara peeping at our teacher and his girlfriend.

"I think they're going to watch a movie." She glance at me to say. Eagerly, I stylishly peep to see them collecting their tickets, with the girl smiling like it's the happiness day of her life. Mr Alex on the other hand, is just acting like his normal self. One hand in his pocket and the other...holding the girl's hand. I shouldn't have seen that.

"These two are definitely dating, no doubt." Zara says again and I look at her, slightly regretting why I accepted her treat in first place. "Come on, let's go."

They are both walking inside and me and Zara walk closer to the counter. Some people are also getting tickets with popcorn in their hands.

"Two tickets please." Zara taps her fingers on the counter after handing five thousand naira to the man, stretching her neck to see Mr Alex and his girl retreating figure.

"Okay, please wait a minute." The man behind the counter answers and that's when it click to me that Zara is buying tickets for us.

"Are- are you getting tickets?" I ask, my brows furrowing in confusion and my best friend hums, her attention elsewhere. Must Zara go this far just to know everything about a certain person? Secret investigating job would suit her perfectly.

The man stretch two tickets to us and I collect it then glance at the title of the movie.

The man tilts his head. "Would you girls like popcorn too?"

I shake my head, smiling. "Oh no, we won't be..."

"Yes, two portion please." Zara butts in, giving me a wink. This girl should have just said we came here to watch a movie.

"I don't get you, are you here to watch a movie or to watch our teacher."

Zara hums for some seconds, collecting the popcorns. "I'd say to do both. Put it this way, using one stone to kill two birds."

I point a finger at her, squinting my eyes. "Remind me to punish you for this later." I warn then snatch a bag of fresh popcorn from her, emitting an evil giggle from her.

"Oh, yes I will..."

We showed them our tickets at the gate pass before walking into the dark cove, couple with some other people who are definitely not using two stones to kill two birds.

The lights of the cinema is still bright as the movie hasn't started. People are getting seated, some talking about how high the movie has been anticipated while some laughing at what-I-don't-know.

"Look at them." Zara points to the six roll and I immediately take my eyes there. Mr Alex and his girl, are settled side by side with the girl talking and gesticulating while the latter just smiles and nod.

Smiles and nod. That's quite unusual with Mr Alex. That girl must from another planet to be able to make him smile this much.

"Let's seat over there." I point to the middle seats in the ninth roll and Zara nods, a wide grin on her face.

We move to our seats, hoping they switch off the lights soon before Mr Alex turns around and see his students stalking him. Or even if does, well mark it as a coincidence. Yes, better.

The seat is cozy as usual, trapping my body in it's fluffiness. I sigh softly, reading the contents on the ticket. It's a movie titled 'CLOUDED' with the images of a girl and a guy looking dirty and brave on it. This better be interesting or else...

More people are coming in and our roll is already filled up, waiting for the time for the movie to start.

I glance at my teacher again. He's elbow is now perched his seat's hand with his jaw resting on his palms, a thin silver bracelet glistening on his wrist as he is eagerly looking and listening to whatever the girl beside him is saying. This girl surely never get tired of talking.

I wish the lights goes off now.

Like they are hearing my thoughts, the bright lights goes off immediately and the huge screen comes on, giving only shades of people heads.

"Yes...this is it." Zara mutters, giggling.

"This is what?" I have to ask because this girl is been creepy right now.

Zara face palms, shaking her head. "This is it Salome, the part where Mr Alex leans in to his girlfriend and kiss her..."

My chest suddenly feels cold, it can't be because of Zara said, this must be because of the air conditioners.

"How-how did you know that's going to happen?"

She shrugs. "Because that's what usually happens." She throws a popcorn in her mouth and chew loudly. "Just wait and see, that's why we are here."

I nod, letting out a small smile. I don't know if I want to see something like that. I'm not jealous, don't even go there but, it's just...weird. I mean, I'm going to be tutored by him on Monday so seeing him kiss a girl is just...weird.

It makes me feel uneasy.

The movie start with a family of three, driving to the cinema then noticing how the clouds form different kind of things like dolphins and bears. After a little while, another part of the cloud formed sharks and eat up the dolphins, earning grumbles from the people around me.

"This is...horror." Zara whispers to me and I tear my eyes from the screen to her. "Don't tell me you like this movie."

"Of course I do. You should like it too, after all you suggested we come." I blurt out and face the screen again. At least my attention won't be on my teacher.

Unfailingly, my brain does the opposite as my eyes find it's way to them again. Mr Alex is wearing his jacket around her shoulders like a gentleman. The girl stares at him, smiling timidly as the light from the screen makes her face more pretty.

Okay, I shouldn't have looked.

I'm apparently going to have a mental freeze from watching them and seating in this fully air conditioned arena.

I drag my eyes up to the screen once again, folding my hands beneath my bust as I feel my hands becoming chilly.

The movie is getting intense as an earthquake break immediately, the ground shaking and everyone running for their lives. It's sad because the girl got separated from her mom as the agents try to rescue them.

"I don't think I can watch this movie, Salome." Zara says and I notice her eyes glowing in...tears? Woah...

"Are...you crying?" I look closely at her and she blink away her tears, shaking her head.

"No...just didn't know the movie is this tragic."

With a smile, I pull her in a hug and she rest her head in my shoulders. Tapping her back, I inhale deeply, watching the heartbreak breaking movie.

"Just tell me when they start kissing, alright?" I hear Zara mumbles and I pull her from me. Is she still hoping Mr Alex would kiss his girl?

"Just- you know what, come here." I drag her back to rest in my laps, maybe if she sleep off, she won't see and say any other thing relating to them.

***

God is wonderful.

That's the what I'll say and continue saying. Not only because the movie ended in a miraculous way but because they made it clear that he is. Just when the main character thought she lost a friend and her hope is gone, it all got restored with the little faith she had. Sometimes, saying and believing the positive out of things goes a long way.

I tap Zara continually to wake up. She slept off when the movie was just thirty minutes in and Thankfully, it was a quiet one for me. No Zara to yelp in fear or excitement whatsoever.

"Zara...come on, let's go. The movie has ended." I mutter and she gently raise her head. We need to be out before the bright lights comes on and Mr Alex spot us on his way out.

"Oh...yes." Zara rubs her eyes. "I didn't sleep too long, right?"

I chuckle softly, getting up and holding her hand to stand too. "Nope! At all."

"Good." She mumble.

We walk to the entrance in darkness, taking one step at a time before Zara abruptly pulls her hand from mine.

"Oh...Salome, wait for me, I forgot my..." She drawls, walking back to where we seat and I whisper call her name severely but she's already few steps gone.

I find my way to the entrance, waiting for her to come fast so we'll disappear out of here.

Giggles and chats emits from people walking out in twos and threes, making me squeeze myself for them to pass without hitting me since they haven't turn on the lights.

A deep yet intoxicating scent wave pass my nostrils and my eyes widen in astonishment. It's Mr Alex's scent. I don't know how I figured it out but I can tell the difference. It draws nearer and I can feel heat feeling up my stomach. What if he sees me?

Footsteps followed by a girl voice pass by me but my eyes are on my feet. A very dumb way of hiding myself. Mr Alex and the girl walk pass me and out of the cinema completely, and I can feel my chest rising and falling in heavy breaths.

The lights come on at the moment and I squint my eyes from the sudden glow, also spotting Zara coming towards me.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, went to take my remaining popcorn." She waves the almost empty bag in my face and I feel like slapping it off. "Let's go. Where's Mr Alex by the way?" She asks, looking around and I walk out, leaving her behind.

I'm so happy I came out today to stalk my teacher and his girlfriend but I would like to cleanse it all by going home to see my aunt Jenny.

•••

I keep pressing the small button on the door without patience. Zara and I departed earlier after I was forced to tell her every single detail about the stalking she missed.

"Salome..." Aunt Jenny opens the door and I hug her like I haven't seen her in years. She giggles, tapping my back.

"I've missed you." I mumble inside her neck then release myself from her.

"I've missed you too baby." She says, closing the door behind and as I turn around, my all smiley face drains down in sadness as I see Maria and my Dad seated.

What a nice day after all.

------------------------------------------
~Please vote vote vote!💕 and comment💃
It encourages me to write more😌

SEE YOU NEXT TIME...🤗
XOXO😚