Chapter 2 WORDS OF

Ben scribes down what the English teacher was explaining to the class . He was seated with Kizzy who was not paying attention at all but muttering inaudible words . His homeroom seat mate ,The girl he classify as “Weird and rude “is seated at the far end of the classroom . He just sighed and continued paying attention to what the teacher is saying. ——————— It was like all the teachers in the school were born harsh and strict . It was fourth period already and none of the teachers were a bit calm nor nice . Anytime a teacher ask a question and he happens to know the answer ,He would raise his hand up and the teacher would just roll his /her eyes like it not a big deal . Ben could never been more happier when the bell rang for break period and the grumpy man who happens to be the history teacher left the class dragging his legs . “I hate that man!”Kizzy said rolling her eyes . “I know ,right “Ben laughed . She faced him “Should I take you round the school or we eat first ?” “Just show me around first “He said after some minutes . Flora wasn’t with them at the moment .She was summoned by the principal immediately history class was over . Ben and Kizzy walked side by side in the hallways as they walked silently . “So how about that girl ?”Ben suddenly asked breaking the silence . “What girl ?”She asked “My seat mate in homeroom class .She only attended English class with us .Did not see her again after that “Ben explained . “Oh !That true .I don’t know what up tho “Kizzy said thoughtfully . “Is she always like that ?...Rude or she is perhaps an introvert or ....Wait !,She can’t talk ?”Ben eyes widened . “I should have known .She didn’t answer my questions but continued looking at me .I should have known it because she can’t talk .Oh God !,I must have embarrassed her “Ben rambled as he ran his fingers through his hair . Kizzy chuckles .”She can talk of course .It just that .....” She was interrupted by a voice . “Hey yo!” Ben and Kizzy turned simultaneously and saw a guy walking towards them with a smile . “Hi Kel “Kizzy said with a blank tone rolling her eyes “I will pretend I didn’t see that “He smiled and faced Ben . “Ooh I haven’t seen you before “He said scanning his face . “He is a new student dummie “Kizzy eyes Kel. “How am I supposed to know that .This is a public school and we don’t wear uniform and he is putting on a housewear and of course ,he didn’t write ‘Hey yo ,am a new student ‘on his forehead “Kel rambled sticking his tongue out at her . “And I really don’t know why you are explaining your life history to us “Kizzy said sarcastically rolling her eyes . “Okay ...”Ben laughed awkwardly looking at the guy and Kizzy . “Right !This is Kelvin ,My dumb brother .He is a senior blah blah and Kel ,This is Ben ....,New student “Kizzy introduced with boredom . “Now Kel ,would you get out of here ...,am trying to show Ben around “Kizzy eyed him “Whatever sis “Kelvin smiled and move closer to Ben . “If you want to stay alive ,Stay away from her .She is a witch “Kelvin whispered to Ben and jogged away before Kizzy can say anything . Ben laughed . “What did he tell you ?”Kizzy glared at him folding her arms on her chest “Never mind “He chuckled . Kizzy rolled her eyes and continued Showing him around . They got along well and Ben was beginning to love her company forgetting the discussion they were having before Kelvin interrupted them. ——————- Ben later made friend with a guy ..,more like a bookworm ,Juel that same day. He was actually cool to be with also and they got along pretty well . The didn’t talk much .Juel only talked about books and historys and Ben later got bored and excused himself . Closing period ,Ben grabbed his backpack and left the classroom. It was his first day and he actually enjoyed it with Kizzy ,Flora and Juel . Kelvin too even though the meeting was brief . He passed through the hallways and bumped into a few students as there were all rushing . He chuckled within himself .Who wouldn’t be happy to go home .With Mean teachers and very short break period..,It was one hell of a school . He was about leaving the school compound when he sighted the’ girl ‘. His seat mate actually ,in homeroom class . She didn’t attend any class except for English and he wondered why . He stopped walking and looked at her .She was not alone .She was with a slightly older guy with dreadlocks. He is holding her hand and her backpack on his other hand . She glanced up and her eyes locked with Ben’s .She looked away immediately and walked away with the guy . Ben sighed and left the school compound .He boarded a taxi as his mom couldn’t pick him up . He thought about the girl again and realized he don’t even know her name .

Ben got to school pretty early the next day .He got to the home room class and met only two student in .A girl and juel sitting together at the far end of the classroom .The girl was reading a novel while Juel was solving a math problem .He wasn’t even aware of Ben presence in the classroom.Yeah ,He is a nerd . Ben wasn’t surprised the students haven’t arrived because he was super early .Juel glanced up as Ben sat down making a little noise . “Hey “Ben greeted as he sat down . “Hi”Juel replied and immediately continued solving the math problem .The girl raised up her head from the novel she is reading and smiled at Ben waving a little . Few minutes later ,Ben stared at the door tapping his foot on the floor .Another guy entered and went straight to his seat sighing . He left his seat and went to ben’s and tapped him . Ben raised his head up to see the guy grinning at him . “Is ...something wrong ?...”Ben asked slowly . “Nah ,Not really .Am nick “He introduced . “Nice to meet you .Am Ben “ “I know ...”Nick rolled his eyes . “That weird .”Ben stated laughing and Nick only rolled his eyes again . “Would you please stop rolling your eyes “Ben laughed and Nick joined in . “So ...How are you .....”Nick stopped his statement as someone walked in the classroom . Ben glanced up to see his seat mate . “Oops!,We will talk later “Nick said and got up and went back to his seat . Ben watched as his seat mate took her seat beside him . “Look who is early today “He said smiling .She looks at him and looked away immediately not saying a word . “Your attitude is beginning to get annoying “Ben voiced out his thoughts loudly and groaned . What her deal exactly!Is she feeling too big or she just choose to be a rude jerk . Nick who heard Ben signed . “Stop talking to her Ben “He said and Ben turned . “Why ?”He asked raising his brows . “She can’t hear you “Nick said Ben got up from his seat and went to where Nick is sitted . “What do you mean ?”He asked “She is ....kinda deaf”Nick explained and Ben eyes widened . That the reason she is not talking to him .She can’t hear anything he have been saying to her . She is not rude but condition made her like that . He judged her and now he is feeling guilty. “She ...She is deaf ?!”Ben stuttered completely taken aback. “Yeah ..” “I heard her mom took her to a school for her kind but she was really sad and cried everyday saying she is normal and wants to go to a normal school ...Tho she doesn’t associate with anybody here ,I guess she is happy and she is actually really intelligent and aced all tests and exams but it sad she can’t hear anything .”Nick said and Ben felt pity for her . She is really pretty .He could bet she is one of the most beautiful girl he have ever met and all he wants is to be friends with her . “But why didn’t she say anything.She could have at least let me know she can’t hear what am saying when I was trying to talk to her “Ben said thoughtfully. “She don’t talk with anybody ..that I noticed .The girls here are not really nice and they do not associate with her .Well am guessing it because girls like gathering together and gossiping or whatever and she won’t be able to contribute anything because yunno ...”He said . “That doesn’t matter .They should have at least try to be friends with her “Ben said “I know right “Nick signed . “So she is always herself every time..”Ben signed . He later left Nick and went back to his seat .She was reading a book . He tapped her and when she looked at him ,He smiled sheepishly. He moved his gaze from her and brought out his jotter Neatly ,He wrote down ...... “Hi my name is Ben . What your name Please ?” He passed it to her and when she read it ,She looked at him with surprise and smiled within her . No one have tried to associate with her ever since she came to the school but she did not really care .She just want to be among people and be happy . Ben looked at her hopefully as she finished reading it .She opened her mouth to say something but decided against it . She wrote underneath the jotter. “Am Rissa,Why are you asking ?” She passed the note to him and he smiled . “Wow !Rissa !” He muttered to himself and smiled . He wrote again . ..............”You got a really nice name ,I wanna be your friend and please can I hear your voice ...please ?” She read it and looked at him.Almost immediately ,Students started trooping in . “Hey Ben ,You came early today “A voice said Almost loudly . Ben sighed as he stared at Rissa who had started reading a book . He turned to see Kizzy beside his desk smiling at him . “Oh yeah ...I don’t practice lateness “he said dryly . “Wow !,I love that !”Kizzy winked . “So .......”She started and started an unnecessary conversation with Ben . Ben just listened to her ramble as he said just few words in response to what she is saying . It feels like she is not leaving anytime soon as she continued talking and all he wants is just to talk to Rissa. Flora is reading a novel at one side of the classroom .It still early and the homeroom teacher is yet to arrive . She feels a presence beside her and she just guessed it Kizzy . “Finally!...What are you even discussing with Ben ?”Flora breath out not raising her gaze from the novel she is reading . “Am not Kizzy “A voice said and flora raised her head up almost immediately and her eyes widened seeing Nick . “Ooh hey ....I mean hi .......oh sorry I didn’t mean to be rude by saying hey .....Like hi ..,not hey ....Like how are you ....”Flora spitted out nonsense as she stuttered . Her heart was beating against her chest and she is practically going crazy . Nick laughed softly .”You are funny “ “You think am funny! “Flora widened her eyes feeling happy . Nick was gobsmacked as he stared at her . “Oh well ,You are ....I wanted to ask u that ......” Flora immediately zoned out .Of course he wants to ask about Kizzy not her .He likes Kizzy not her . He isn’t sitting with her coz he wants to but he wants to ask about her best friend . Nick stared at Flora weirdly .”You are not answering me “He said “Uh !,What did u say ?” “I asked what the title of the novel you are reading .it kinda caught my attention .Sorry ..,but am a fan of novels “He smiled . “Oh ....”Flora was taken aback. “Erm....It ...The title is Wuthering heights by Emily Bronte ...Here ,You can have it “She said giving it him . He collected it and observed it . “Must be interesting,Can you lend me when you are done reading it ?” “Sure ...you can take it now ....I will read it later “she said immediately. “Oh finish reading it .I will collect it when you are done okay “He smiled and stood up to leave . He turned to look at her . “Anyways can I have your digits?”He said and flora mentally slapped her self to be sure she is not dreaming . She was about saying something when the homeroom teacher ,Miss Doris entered the classroom. “Later then “He said and went to his seat . Kizzy left Ben and went back to her seat . “Good morning students ....”Miss Doris said with a frown . Oh well !Seems she is always in a bad mood .... 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Immediately Miss Doris was done ,She strolled our of the classroom with an angry face . students started leaving the homeroom class . Rissa stood up to leave too and Ben quickly holds her hand stopping her . His hand felt warm on hers and she smiled inwardly . Ben scratch his head not knowing what to do . Still holding one of her hands ,He quickly scribbled on a paper . ..*”Can we have lunch together during break .....please ?”* He gave her the paper and she read it and simply nods her head signalling yes . He felt happy and she slowly removed his hand from hers and left the classroom. “Woah !,She is associating with you !That a shocker !” Kizzy said behind him . Ben turned to face her “Why did you say that ?”He asked . “Because she is always on her own “Kizzy shrugged “Or because you never tried to talk to her .She is human like you and deserves to be treated well .She is always on her own you say ...,Then why don’t you walk up to her and talk to her ..Why don’t you make friends with her and see her act cheerful . At first ,I thought she was rude but now I know better .She is not rude at all and is only like this because nobody is making any attempt to be her friend .Imagine you were in her shoes ,What would you have done when you don’t have any friends .You just come to school and go back . Same routine everyday .Nobody to make you laugh ,Nobody to call your friend .Don’t you think Suicide would be the next thing you would think of ?.Just try to be her friend please and if you don’t want to then it fine ......okay ?”Ben said and walked out of the classroom while Kizzy just stood there completely Gobsmacked . Flora eyes stayed widened.They were both taken aback with Ben’s words . “Oh well!,....I wasn’t expecting that ...”Kizzy managed to utter .