Why was he always smiling so cheerfully? And why could he effortlessly rapport with anyone he came across? These and many more questions usually ran through my mind each time I observed Joseph from the corner of our classroom. His liberality alone was enough to drive me nuts.
With each passing day, I watched as Joseph stole the heart of every teacher with his gentleman demeanour; he was just sixteen for crying out loud. I was totally displaced because I used to steal these hearts till Joseph–the transfer student–came into the picture.
I disliked his presence and I wasn't shy to show it. The glares I usually threw in his direction were killer glares. Glares that could pierce through the skin. Being a smart guy, I feel Joseph must have connected the dots and kept his distance.
I was happy that he took the cue and avoided me but deep down I wanted a confrontation. I wanted him to walk up to me and try being nice. Then, I would seize the moment and tell him how I really felt about him.
During one of our science practicals, we were paired with our colleagues. And guess who I was paired with? Yes! Joseph.
"And wongi, you would go with Joseph," our physics lecturer said.
"You've got to be kidding me" I muttered under my breath as I looked in Joseph's direction like a predator would its prey.
"Hello partner," he said, smiling nervously. I noticed that Joseph was particularly always nervous whenever he was around me. Just as I liked it, hehe.
"I am not your partner. I am your science partner. Do not mix it up". I said while packing my books to leave the laboratory. I was one feisty young lad.
He scoffed "okay, hello science partner" he said, extending his hand for a handshake.
I looked at his stretched out hand, looked back at him, gave a sly smile and bolted out of the laboratory without returning the handshake. I felt victorious at that moment. " This was only the beginning," I said to myself.
A few minutes later, I heard footsteps coming from behind me. It felt like someone was being pursued. I turned to look at who the fellow was and it was Joseph.
"Wongi, Wait for me" he yelled, still running towards me. At this moment, I felt like increasing my pace but that would be a coward move. So, I maintained composure.
"What do you want this time?" I thundered immediately Joseph caught up with me.
"Calm down girl" smiling from ear to ear. Why was this boy so happy? I pondered.
"Boy bye" I said, trying to increase my pace now.
"You owe me a handshake and I am going to get that handshake whether you like it or not," he winked. Till this day, I do not know why he winked but I know that I hated the wink because it came from him.
Nothing prepared him for the laughter that I let out after his demonstration. I laughed because he sounded really delusional to me.
"A handshake, yeah? Let's see how you would get that from me" I retorted as I walked away.
There were so many things and people I had to put up with in highschool and Joseph wasn't about to be one of them. I planned on cutting his wings before he became too much of a problem to handle.
I and Joseph kept playing the little game of "get the handshake" that we had created for ourselves and just like that, we became friendly enemies. Then, the unbelievable happened. I became fond of Joseph.
He was the only one I could play mind games with and mind games were my favourite kind of games in highschool. Our friendly rivalry continued until the end of that session. I went home with joy in my heart. I was happy that I wouldn't have to face Joseph or put up with his alien attitude for a whole month.
The holiday soon came to an end and we all resumed. Joseph had the habit of resuming a week late so I didn't bother. Two weeks after resumption, Joseph was nowhere to be found. My worry led me to ask around. All the people who were his friends gave the same response "Joseph has gone to another school". My heart throbbed. Another school? I was supposed to be happy. Happy that I wouldn't have to put up with him anymore. Happy that I could gain back the spotlight he had snatched from me but for some reason I was sad. It was going to be really hard going to school without a friendly enemy who was always on my tail. But what can I say, the universe always knows best.