07

"Help" cried Daniel in pain and everyone rushed towards them.

"OMG! You're a maniac!" The girls yelled at Layla, Chloe's voice was the loudest and most piercing.

They managed to pull Layla away from Daniel who was still shocked by the incident.

He was tending to the injured teeth in his back as he turned to see who had bitten him so hard.

He blinked at the girl who looked so angry he didn't even recognize her.

God... is this school full of maniacs?

How could someone bite him out of the blue!

And it looks like she was ready to hit him more if the girls hadn't stopped her.

What a mess.

How can a pretty girl go crazy?

Maybe she mistook him for someone else, but she didn't even look remorseful.

Was he dreaming?

How can he get bitten so hard, he was still so surprised he couldn't say anything.

He had only heard someone shout "hot coffee" and the next thing he knew was to get bitten.

"That's exactly how Africans like her behave! She's a black girl! You shouldn't have anything to do with her, avoid her by all means" Chloe said and the rest of the girls nodded. okay sign.

Huh...could that be the African that Anne had told him about.

Wow...she doesn't even look like it.

He wasn't even able to detect that she was African until he was told.

Her skin was even lighter than most of the girls here and she is much prettier.

But Anne had told him how sweet she was, what could have made her bite him!

Gosh, so far she doesn't even look remorseful.

"What have I done to you?" Daniel finally asked.

"Asshole!" Layla yelled before sitting down in her seat, still furious.

Daniel blinked quickly in confusion, unaware that he was setting most girls' hearts on fire.

He tried hard to understand what was going on, the bastard seemed familiar to him...

"Oh my God!" he cried, his eyes widening.

“The cafe girl! He exclaimed.

"But your hair..." He trailed off, he hadn't seen her face clearly but he remembered the way her long hair had been flipped.

Did she... cut her hair?

Seems so.

"You're the cafe girl," he said to Layla who rolled her eyes at him.

Deep down she was starting to feel bad for biting him, she just couldn't control herself, rushing after spilling hot coffee on someone's leg without apologizing is not a forgivable offense .

She nursed the pain for days, limped all over like an old grandma and there's even this scar there, the scar seems to be permanent.

"She's a maniac! Don't talk to her," Chloe told Daniel.

"No, she's not." Daniel defended and they looked at him like he was the maniac here.

"I understand why she reacted this way, I greatly offended her. Thank you all for your attention," Daniel said, indirectly dismissing everyone.

They were all giving Layla and Daniel questioning looks as they slowly returned to their seats.

Some started whispering, whispering in each other's ears.

Their gazes did not leave Layla and Daniel, they waited impatiently to see the rest.

"I can spare you some balm for your back, that must hurt so much. Africans' teeth are like axes sometimes," Chloe said, giving Layla a testy look.

"Thank goodness you know and if you're not careful this ax will be used to chop you down," Layla said, looking so mean and serious that Chloe recoiled in fear.

"Beast" Chloe muttered under her breath as she hurriedly sat down.

Daniel looked surprised... was it the same African Anne had told him about?

Or were it two Africans in the school?

This one looks far from being nice as Anne had said.

It can't be that African Anne was talking about.

Also, Anne hadn't mentioned if she was in his class, so he was sure it wasn't the African.

All that aside, he really needs to apologize to her.

He is happy to have finally met the girl from the café even if the first meeting was not pleasant at all.

Whatever she wants to do to him, he will take it, he deserves it.

He considered the best way to approach her, the expression on his face was something else.

Why would anyone look that mean? well...pretty at the same time.

Damn, his seat was even close to hers and she stared at him as he sat down.

"Look, I'm so sorry about the coffee but there really is an explanation behind it," he told her softly.

"I don't want to talk to you, whatever, forget it," she said bluntly.

"I know I was so wrong to leave without apologizing after spilling hot coffee on your leg. I'm so sorry about that..."

"Alright" Layla cut him off and he noticed her attention wasn't even on him.

She was looking at a guy Daniel knew was Dylan.

The guy had walked out of the classroom right after entering and he had overheard the students saying that Dylan was probably pissed to finally have a contestant.

The guy is handsome and he could see why Anne said it was hard to choose who was more handsome between him and Dylan.

But for Daniel, they were not competitors.

He likes to compete with people in knowledge and not in appearance.

Appearance means absolutely nothing to him.

He noticed that Layla hadn't taken her eyes off Dylan yet, who was completely occupied with other things.

Oh..looks like she's a fan.

She looked so sweet looking at him, the sudden sweetness in her eyes was unbelievable, she didn't look like the crazy woman who had bitten him at all.

Wow.

He watched her as she stared at Dylan.

She is very pretty and simple and doesn't look skinny like most teenage girls here.

She's attractive thick and curvy...she doesn't seem to know how attractive she is, a lot of people with a body like hers would flaunt that.

He wondered why she had cut her hair, that was why he hadn't recognized her at first, his mind had been on a girl with long hair.

He shouldn't keep staring at him, Anne would be so disappointed to know he was staring at the girl he was supposed to be apologizing to.

"Coffee girl" he called slowly and Layla tried to hold back her laughter.

Apparently he doesn't know her name.

"Would you please allow me to explain" he said and Layla turned her gaze to him.

He looked so sorry that his anger melted away immediately.

She stared at him, feeling so bad and ashamed for biting him.

"I'm sorry I bit you," she said, finally sounding remorseful.

Daniel looked surprised, maybe the girl wasn't as mean as she looked earlier.

It could only have been triggered, which was intended.

"No, don't be. I deserve it, cafe girl," Daniel said.

"Maybe" Layla shrugged.

"And, my name is Layla" she added and Daniel smiled.

"I'm Daniel" He reached out for a handshake.

“Well…I didn't mean to introduce you, I only told you my name so you wouldn't keep calling me the cafe girl,” Layla said.

"Oh" Daniel said, embarrassed as he started to pull his hand away.

Layla quickly took his hand before he could pull it away completely.

He smiles, she's full of surprises... isn't she?

Layla's handshake was individually rejected by people and she knows how it made her feel… she wouldn't want anyone to feel that way.

Not this nice guy next to her who had openly admitted his offense and defended her.

The handshake took longer than expected and the fact that they were staring at each other caused their classmates to stare at them questioningly.

"I can't believe it," Chloe said, staring at them from her seat.

"It's just a Chloe handshake, and it looks like they have a past before now," Sabrina said.

"Looks like they were friends," Christy said.

"Who would bite his friend so hard!" They are not friends and whatever their story was, it was a bad story,” Miranda scoffed.

"Looks like they're ready to turn the bad story into a good one," Rina noted.

"You should all shut up, let me think" said Chloe.

•°

"So I would really like to know the reason you ran away," Layla said.

"I'm also ready to tell you but it seems that it will be later" Daniel said pointing to the front of the class.

Miss Moore has just entered.

"Hello students"

"Hello Miss Moore"

“We are very sorry for the delay, the meeting was for the good of everyone and yes, before we start today's class, I would like the new student among us to come out and introduce himself,” said Miss Moore.

Daniel got up and walked to the front of the class.

He stood in front of everyone and smiled before clearing his throat.

Layla found herself almost smiling, her smile seems contagious.

Most people were already smiling, women to be precise.

The women looked in love with him, just like they did with Dylan… they seem even more in love with Daniel.

Layla hadn't noticed how handsome he was until a few moments ago, she'd been clouded in anger earlier to worry about how he looked.

He's a handsome guy with striking purple eyes that sparkle with joy, his shiny brown curls looked so permanent and full, his caramel skin was so smooth it shone, he's tall and attractive with dashing chiseled features. If his looks were to be rated by ten, he would definitely get nine and a half.

And he doesn't even seem obsessed with his appearance.

She doubts he knows how handsome he is.

"Hi everyone, I'm Daniel Keyes, great to be here and hope we all get along, nice to meet you all," he said and there was applause.

“Welcome to Ocean Daniel High School” Everyone sang along as the applause gradually died down.

"Thank you" He smiled.

He returned to his seat and Miss Moore began to teach.

"I can't believe you're going to the cafeteria with someone who bit you so hard, and she's draining you of hot pasta," Chloe told Daniel.

"She won't do that," Daniel said.

“You would never know,” Layla deadpanned.

"Gosh! She's so scary" Chloe rushed after glaring at Layla.

Daniel had insisted on coming with Layla to the cafeteria so they could chat over their meal and he also wants Anne to meet the girl he spilled coffee on.

"Would you really like to pour me some hot pasta?" Daniel asked and Layla laughed.

"I wouldn't do that, not in my right mind," Layla said.

“I knew you wouldn't. Daniel smiled, he liked that he made him laugh.

He said hello and shook hands with students who waved at him as they passed.

Everyone seems to like Daniel.

"Are you that friendly or are you just trying to be?" Layla asked, amused by the way he behaved around people.

As if he had known them all his life.

He had even delayed her a bit by asking her to wait for him while he quickly explained a mathematical equation to a group of students.

The intelligence he used to answer questions in class was adorable, he was winning everyone's hearts more, even the guys were starting to get closer to him.

What Layla found most amazing about him was this humble act of him getting along with people quickly.

She's so confident that every student at Ocean High has heard of her.

His name would be on everyone's lips.

“No, of course, I like making friends, I like getting along with everyone. Daniel shrugged.

"Except bullies and people I feel strangely for," he said.

"That's cool," Layla said.

They entered the cafeteria and Daniel saw how Layla twisted her neck, it looked like she was looking for someone.

Maybe Dylan… he thought.

He had caught her glancing at Dylan several times in class.

Looks like she's really into the guy.

"Oh my god! She's here" Layla said smiling as she walked over to a table.

She?..Dan wondered as he followed her.

He was oblivious to the admirable looks he was receiving.

He looked surprised to see Layla stop at a table where Anne was seated.

"You are there" repeated Layla with smiles.

She looked so happy to see Anne.

"Hi" Anne smiled back.

She glanced at Dan then at Layla.

Did she just ignore him?

Cool..perfectly cool.

"You haven't been to school for days, hope you're okay?" asked Layla.

"I'm fine, thank you" Anne said, she was so touched to see Layla caring about her.

One of her classmates had told her that Layla had asked after her.

They don't really talk to each other, they just say hello and Anne never thought Layla would care so much for her.

"I'm glad you're okay," smiled Layla.

"Thank you for worrying about me. And I heard how...you've changed now, I'm glad you finally stood up for yourself," Anne said.

"I'm glad I did it too, I would have done it a long time ago if I had known that being free from bullying takes nothing more than standing up for yourself," Layla said, she was now sitting across from Anne, they both almost forgot Daniel was there and he looked at them in disbelief.

Even if Layla forgets she exists, should Anne too?

They didn't even ask him to sit down.

Great!

"Yeah, defending yourself really saves a lot of shit, it's so cool to see that people aren't laughing at you anymore." Anne said looking around, everyone was going about their business, the only person who was staring was Dan and it was a look of admiration.

She wished she had been there during Layla's change.

Her friends really let her know about the things she missed.

He was even told that the students now sit on the same table with Layla for lunch.

And she could see for herself that Layla was no longer shunned or mocked.

Although she had heard of Dylan calling his lips a dead log of wood after a game of truth or dare and she felt very sorry for Layla.

"You have a cut, it really suits you," Anne complimented Layla's hair.

"Thank you" smiled Layla.

"I missed eating with you, even though we rarely spoke then," Layla said and Anne smiled.

"I'm glad you don't feel alone, I was told that people don't mind eating at the same table as you anymore"

"Well…yeah, but none of their attendances were like yours. It's different eating with someone who accepted you when everyone else rejected you than eating with people who accepted you just because that everyone did," Layla said.

"Wow" Anne smiled.

"I think I should ask this guy to sit down before his eyes fall out," Anne said, referring to Dan who had already sat down before she finished her statement.

"Daniel, I'm so sorry but Anne has been an angel to me, she's been away for days and I was so worried, seeing her now made me excited that I almost forgot you were there and you you have something to tell me" says Laïla.

"Dan, that's the African I told you about," Anne said.

"Uh… the African?" Really ? asked Dan surprised.

Layla looked confused…she wondered if they knew each other?

Of course...it's so obvious that they do.

"Yeah, the African" Anne nodded.

"You told me she was so nice," Dan whispered to Anne, looking at Layla with the corners of his eyes.

She almost laughed.

"She is, the only thing different now is that she's ready to face her bullies squarely"

"Of course," Dan agreed.

"Oh" Anne said seeing the confused look on Layla's face.

"Daniel Keyes is my older brother," Anne said.

"Oh really?"

Daniel and Anne nodded with a smile.

"Wow" Layla exclaimed, her gaze shifting from Daniel to Anne.

They are both beautiful and they have this "nice" behavior in common.

Like Anne, Daniel hadn't avoided her even after knowing she was African.

Well…he might just want her forgiveness and then walk away but it doesn't look like it.

"I don't know what to say, honestly," Layla said.

"Pretty normal" Dan shrugged.

"I think now that it's obvious that you and Anne have a good relationship, that should make it easy for you to forgive me," Dan said and Layla laughed.

"Forgive you?" Anne asked.

"Layla bit me in class today..." Dan was saying.

" What why ? Why did you bite him? Anne asked, looking quite upset.

"He's not a bully, so I know he would never bully you," she added.

"Anne wait..Layla is the cafe girl" Daniel said.

“Coffee girl? Anne asked, looking puzzled.

"The girl I accidentally spilled hot coffee on..."

"Oh my God!" Anne covered her mouth with her palm.

There was silence between them for a few seconds.

"Layla, I'm so sorry," Anne apologized, looking so sorry as she tenderly held Layla's hand.

"Why? You didn't do it and I already forgive Dan, it was a mistake.

"I'm the cause, I scared my brother away..." Anne stopped and sighed.

She wasn't used to telling people about her condition, only her close friends knew about it, but right now she has no choice but to tell Layla, she wouldn't want that. she sees her brother as mischievous.

"Anne, you have nothing to say," Dan said, knowing how she felt about the disclosure of her medical condition.

"I've got to." Anne said facing Layla.

"I have asthma," she says.

"Oh..I'm so sorry about that Anne" Layla rubbed Anne's hand affectionately.

"It's good" smiles Anne.

"And the reason my brother ran away without apologizing was because I was having my seizure and he was rushing to get me my inhaler, my inhaler was with him at the time," Anne said. .

"We came for coffee and Anne was waiting in the car with the driver, she had been careless enough to drop her inhaler at home, she thought we were just going to have coffee and leave for home immediately but unfortunately her attack started, the driver called me immediately knowing that I always had a spare inhaler and was rushing to the car when I hit you, I had no time to stop and sorry, i didn't want the attack to escalate but when i got to her it was too late, the inhaler didn't really help this time and she was rushed to hospital, which explains his absence from school for days," said Daniel.

"Oh my God.." Layla almost cried.

She felt so bad instantly.

She never knew the reason behind Dan's act was so touching.

She wished she could change things, she would never have bitten him.

It had been so unfair of him.

God... She should really learn not to act until she hears someone's version.

"Dan, Anne...I'm so sorry, please," Layla said.

"You should forgive us," said Anne.

"I'm not the right one here, I acted without thinking. I'm so sorry," Layla pleaded.

"No, it's normal that someone in your place reacts the same way, I know the pain you must have felt for days, you reacted in pain... it's normal "Daniel said.

"Still, you both should forgive me," Layla said.

"Come on" Anne said.

"How's your leg shroud now?" Anne asked worriedly, she and Dan looked at Layla's feet under the table but she was covered in socks and shoes.

"Come on guys, it wasn't that bad, just a burn...it's ok now, the pain only lasted a short time" Layla lied.

"Are you sure?" Dan asked.

"Of course" Layla nodded.

"Anne, please put balm on Dan's back when you get home," Layla said, looking ashamed, she blinked remorsefully.

"I don't even feel pain there anymore" Dan lied, Layla's teeth were really like an axe.

"Are you sure?" asked Layla.

"Of course" Dan smiled, he waved at a group of students who waved at him from their table.

"So we're all cool now, aren't we?" Daniel asked.

"Absolutely," Layla said.

"Let's get our lunch, the break will soon be over," said Anne.

~

They were about to head to their table with their burger when the bell rang.

"Good God!" Layla groaned.

The students began to walk to their classes.

"Well...I'll slip mine into the classroom," Daniel said.

"What!" Anne and Layla looked at him.

"Daniel, this isn't Prestige High School!" Anne cleared.

"Meals are not allowed in the classroom," Layla added.

“Rules are made to be broken,” smiles Daniel.

"You're both free to leave your burgers at the counter and starve for the rest of the day," he said, picking up a paper bag, he dropped his burger in there and then the hid in his shirt.

Anne and Layla swallowed hard, they didn't like the idea of leaving the delicious burger at the counter, but again they were afraid of breaking the school rule.

"Dan, you're a bad influence," Anne said, seeing that Layla had already chosen a paper bag too.

He's laughing.

"God," he said, laughing harder as Anne shamefully grabbed a paper bag too, placed her burger in it, and hid it in her skirt, just like Layla had.

"Well…I'm just keeping it in there, I'm not going to eat it in class," Anne said, pouting and blinking through her glasses like a baby.

Layla joined Dan in laughing this time.

Dan and Layla were stealthily eating their burger while a teacher was teaching.

No one suspected a thing while they were enjoying their burger.

Layla wondered if the burger was more delicious because it had been hidden away and eaten in class.

The ones she eats openly and comfortably in the cafeteria don't taste so delicious.

She was taking another stealthy bite when her eyes met Dan's who was taking a bite as well.

They both laugh.