*EPISODE 5*
(LOVE AND DECEPTION)
Beatrice approached Felix inside the school canteen during break time.
“Hi bro.” She said walking up to him.
“What’s up.” Felix replied collecting his food from the canteen staff.
“I’m good. I would like to have a word with you.” She said giving him a mischievous smile.
“Here?.” Felix asked.
“Yes. Can we go over to the other side? I promise I won’t take much of your time.” Beatrice said gesticulating.
“Alright but you better not let my food get cold.” Felix said.
“Don’t worry. I won’t take much of your time. I promise.” Beatrice said smiling at him.
She led him to a quiet corner then she began.
“I have a deal for you.” She started.
“What deal are you talking about?. I hope this is not one of your mischievous deeds cause I won’t take part in it.” Felix said.
“Not at all bro. This deal will favour the both of us. I promise.” She said.
“Hmmmm. Okay. Bring it on.” Felix said.
“Before that, can I ask you some questions?.” Beatrice asked.
“Sure. I’m all ears.” Felix said.
“Do you like Belinda?.” She asked.
“That was unexpected.” Felix said.
“Answer me please.” Beatrice pleaded.
“And what do you intend to do with the information? It’s none of your business to begin with.” Felix said.
“Come on, don’t be too serious about this. I’m only trying to figure out a way to help you be with Belinda if you truly like her. You know, if you like her in the other way round. Girls and boys stuffs.” She said manipulatively.
“I have a bad feeling about this. What are you up to this time? And besides, you don’t even like Belinda. You’ve stopped being friends with her so why the sudden show of interest in who likes her or not?.” Felix asked curioused.
“My goodness. Felix can’t you see where I’m coming from? I mean no harm at all. I’m just trying to look out for you.” Beatrice lied
“You know I would have believed that if I didn’t know the things you are capable of. So if you would excuse me, my food is getting cold.” Felix said trying to walk away.
Just then, Beatrice held him back crying.
“What are you doing? People are watching for Christ sake. Why are you making it look like I did something to you? Why are you crying?.” Felix asked totally confused.
“Why does everyone see me as a beast? No one understands me. I was only trying to be of help to my brother and here he is thinking that I have other hidden motives.” Beatrice lamented shedding crocodile tears.
“Alright alright. It’s okay. I’m sorry for misjudging you. Can you stop crying now?.” Felix pleaded.
“Yes.” Beatrice replied wiping off her tears.
“Alright the truth is that, I truly like Belinda. Are we cool now?.” Felix opened up.
“Then are you comfortable always seeing her around Benjamin?.” Beatrice asked.
“Hmmmm. That’s personal Beatrice. Besides, Benjamin is my friend.” Felix said.
“Do you know why I stopped being friends with Belinda? She is just like Benjamin who is always the centre of attention. And you and I are like their shadows. We hardly get noticed or seen cause we are always behind them. I see nothing wrong in you liking and wanting Beatrice too. You are a good and handsome guy as well. Why is it right for Belinda to be with Benjamin but wrong for you to do so? Who said it is an abomination to like thesame girl? Who said your feelings aren’t valid?.” Beatrice asked trying to poison his heart.
“I don’t know what you are trying to do but believe me, it’s not working.” Felix said.
“Then continue wallowing in the dark till the girl you like ends up with another. Anyways, when you are ready to know how I plan on getting you two together, then you can come for further information.” Beatrice said winking at him. She gave him a mischievous smile and walked away leaving him in outermost confusion.
Break time was over and they were all seated in their classes. While teaching was going on, Felix slightly looked to his right and his gaze caught Belinda and Benjamin smiling at each other in the class. Just then, Beatrice words echoed in his head.
“Are you comfortable always seeing her around Benjamin?. Why is it right for Belinda to be with Benjamin but wrong for you to do so?. Continue wallowing in the dark till the girl you like ends up with another.” Beatrice voice echoed In his head.
After class, Felix and Beatrice were in the car going home when Felix asked.
“What did you say the deal was again?.” He asked looking forward.
“Wow! Someone is gradually coming back to his senses. Why the sudden change of heart? What actually happened?.” Beatrice asked curioused.
“After giving it much thoughts, I came to realize that in as much as I try to deny it, the fact remains that, I don’t feel comfortable seeing Beatrice around Benjamin. And I can’t stand her being with another. I know we are still young for all these but I can’t help but feel this way.” Felix said
“And who said you are too young?. Haven’t you heard that love knows no age?. Well, your reactions are quite understable because this is your first time being in love. You know what? You look cuter when you are jealous.” Beatrice teased.
“How do you know so much about love at your age? Sometimes the things you do and say amazes me.” Felix said.
“That’s because I’ve secretly been in love for the past 3 years. It’s more like an unrequited love.” Beatrice said.
“With who exactly?.” Felix asked curiously.
“With the first guy I met on my first day in school.” Beatrice said flashing back to the first day she saw Benjamin in class and how she had secretly admired his intelligence. She also remembered how caring and considerate he was to her on the day of the interschool competition. She was lost in her own thoughts and imaginations when Felix tapped her on her shoulder.
“Hello……!.” Felix said
“I’m sorry I was lost in my own thoughts.” Beatrice said.
“What are you thinking?. Anyways, that’s none of my business. I just want to know what I’m supposed to do to get Belinda.” Felix said.
“I like this. For the first time my brother is taking sides with me and seeing things in my own perspectives. Come here let me whisper my plans to you.” She said leaning forward.
She whispered few words to Felix who was shocked as to how she was able to come up with such ideas.
* * * * * * *
The day for the birthday party finally came. The entire hall was filled with high profiled men and women of dignitaries and influence. Beatrice arrived at the venue with her family looking dashingly beautiful in her sleeveless slitted bodycon dress. When it was time to cut the cake, Beatrice sighted Benjamin waiting impatiently for Belinda to arrive as he kept checking his wrist watch.
Just then, her phone rang and she picked up immediately.
“Hello.” She said.
“She’s here.” Felix said over the phone.
“Good. Take care of her while I take care of him. And make sure you stick to the plan.” She said walking towards Benjamin who was yet to see Belinda.
“Waiting for someone?.” Beatrice asked standing before Benjamin who was still looking at the entrance of the building.
“Yeah. I don’t know what’s keeping her.” Benjamin said trying to place a call through.
“Can you please spare me some minutes of your time. I think you are the only one I can confide in. And it’s a matter of life and death cause I plan to take my life tonight.” Beatrice said sending fear down Benjamin’s spine.
“What? Why would you want to do that?.” He asked curioused leaving the the call he had wanted to make.
“Can we go somewhere quiet and talk? I’m afraid I don’t have much time left.” Beatrice urged shedding crocodile tears.
“Sure. This way.” Benjamin said leading the way. As she followed him from behind, she turned and her gaze caught with that of Felix who winked at her.
Benjamin led her to the balcony of the building. Where Beatrice broke into tears narrating series of heartbreaking stories that didn’t actually happen to Benjamin. Benjamin who was softhearted, felt pity for her and was moved to embrace her in order to console her. Just then, Felix led Belinda to the balcony where she found them embracing each other emotionally. She couldn’t believe her eyes as she took three steps backwards. Missing a step, she fell into Felix’s arms who embraced her firmly as he winked at Beatrice who gave him a signal to take Belinda away.
Felix quietly led Belinda away but she couldn’t help but turned again to be sure of what she saw. Just then, Beatrice leaned over and placed her lips against Benjamin’s. Seeing this, Belinda needed no explanations as to what was going on between the two. She quickly ran away with Felix following her from behind.
