Unconventional Love - Chapter 15
Xenia Snyder-Collison@xeniasnydercollison751687
13 days ago
CONFLICTED EMOTIONS AND UNSPOKEN DESIRES
The staff room buzzed with the familiar sound of teachers’ voices as they enjoyed their short break. It was a sanctuary for these educators, a place where they could discuss their classes, grade papers, and exchange thoughts on the challenges and triumphs of the day.
The walls were adorned with educational posters, reminding everyone of the importance of knowledge, while bulletin boards displayed announcements and
reminders for upcoming events.
Amidst the lively chatter, Ursula’s attention was absorbed by her phone.
She let out an exasperated sigh, catching the attention of her colleague, Laura.
“What’s going on, Ursula?”, she asked.
“It’s Gareth again”, Ursula replied.
“Why is he bothering you?” Laura asked, wanting to know more. Ursula looked up from her phone, frustration evident on
her face. “It’s because of what happened with Malcolm at the restaurant,” she replied disappointedly.
Abigail, who had been listening intently, chimed in, “Seriously? What happened? Tell us!”
“Yeah spill the beans, girl! ... And who’s Malcolm, by the way?” Laura inquired.
Ursula explained that he was a friend, who happened to be plagued with a rare facial deformity, whose father had left him, and whose mother was still recovering from an accident.
Ursula continued sadly, “Hmm, well, Gareth made fun of Malcolm’s appearance.”
“What?” Laura exclaimed.
“Oh, my God!”, Abigail added, covering her mouth with her fingers.
“Yeah. I couldn’t believe it myself either. I mean, I know Gareth had always been self-centered and pompous, but I didn’t expect him to humiliate Malcolm in front of everyone. He practically mocked his appearance! It broke my heart to see how hurt Malcolm was.”
Ursula was near tears as she said her last sentence. Abigail leaned in closer as she asked, “So what did you do when Gareth acted that way?”
Ursula’s gaze turned defiant as she spoke. Her voice escalated, and her forehead bore grumpy wrinkles. “I stood up for Malcolm, of course. I couldn’t let Gareth humiliate him like that. And when Gareth tried to apologize and make excuses, I ignored his calls and texts. He’s not a friend anymore, that’s for sure!”
Laura looked surprised. “Wow, Ursula. I’ve never seen you this angry before,” she remarked.
Abigail, always a pillar of support, nodded in agreement.
“Yes, I can see why. Gareth crossed a line. He can’t treat people like trash just because of his obsession with you?!” Ursula’s voice grew firm.
“Exactly! I won’t tolerate that kind of behaviour from anyone.”
Laura forged ahead. “But Ursula, do you have feelings for Malcolm? You seemed really protective of him just now.”
Ursula’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? No, not at all. Malcolm is just a friend. A really good friend.”
“ ’A really good friend?’ Are you sure about that? Your reaction seemed more than just friendship.”
“Stop it, Laura”, Abigail cut in. “Quit joking around. Can’t you see this is serious? Who wouldn’t be angry? Even, I am.”
“Chill out, Abbie. I’m only speaking my mind. But fine, my lips are sealed”, Laura said, feigning hurt, and Abigail rolled her eyes at that.
Ursula paused, uncertainty flickering across her face. “Well… I don’t know, girls. I mean, I felt angry and protective, but that doesn’t mean anything, right?”
Abigail, ever insightful, offered her perspective. “Sometimes, our emotions reveal more than we’re willing to admit. But, but, don’t worry. Laura may be wrong. Don’t mind her.”
“Yeah, you’re right. .... Malcolm is just a friend. Let’s not overthink it.”
Laura, sensing Ursula’s discomfort, swiftly changed the subject. “Well then, let’s talk about something else. Have you heard about the upcoming school event?”
As the conversation shifted, Ursula’s mind lingered on her conflicted emotions. Why did she feel such a strong reaction when Gareth humiliated Malcolm? Could there be something more beneath the surface, like Laura suggested?
She admonished herself, refusing to entertain any thoughts of romantic entanglement. Malcolm was just a friend, and she was determined to keep it that way.
In another part of the town, the vibrant banners of two lively food trucks, Cailey’s Jollof Xpress and Waakye on Wheels, proudly adorned the scene, promising a delicious food adventure. Across the air, the aroma of meats and tantalizing spices wafted, capturing the attention of passers-by.
Caleb and Hailey, owners of Cailey’s Jollof Xpress, were busy arranging tables and chairs near their food truck. They shared an unwavering commitment to perfection, ensuring that everything looked flawless for their joint promotion with the Darkos.
Hailey, who was excitedly arranging condiments and utensils also felt the buzz of anticipation. “I’m feeling very optimistic about this, honey,” she said.
“Our spicy chicken wings and jollof rice are going to be a hit! The combination with the Darkos’ delectable waakye is simply irresistible.”
Ted, the proud owner of Waakye on Wheels, set up his food truck next to Caleb.
As he started arranging his vibrant banners and signage, he expressed his gratitude for the beautiful day that lay before them.
“Good morning!” Ted greeted with enthusiasm.
“It’s a beautiful day for this collaboration, don’t you think? The sun is shining, and the breeze is carrying the aroma of our dishes throughout the neighbourhood.”
Olive, Ted’s partner, joined in, carefully placing the Waakye on Wheels sign. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she envisioned the curious customers drawn to their delicious waakye, shito, and fried plantain.
“I can already see the customers getting curious about our delicacy,” Olive added with a smile. “With every dish we serve, we’ll share a piece of our Ghanaian heritage.”
Caleb beamed with excitement. “Today is going to be a great day for food lovers everywhere.”
As the food truck owners finalized their preparations, a group of customers began approaching the colorful trucks.
“Mmm,” one customer exclaimed with delight. “I must try both of these delicacies. It’s a dream come true!”
A second customer joined the conversation while glancing at the vibrant banners and nodded in agreement.
“To have Cailey’s Jollof Xpress and Waakye on Wheels side by side is going to create an amazing food experience. I
can’t wait to dig in!”
Caleb, thrilled by their enthusiasm, warmly greeted the
customers.
“Welcome, welcome! We’re delighted to have you here. What can we serve you today?”
Ted, beaming with excitement, stepped in, enticing the customers with an array of Ghanaian delicacies.
“How about some delicious waakye and stew with macaroni, salad, gari, and fried plantain? It’s a classic Ghanaian
combination that will leave your taste buds begging for more.”
Olive, offering condiments to enhance their experience, added, “And don’t forget to add some of our homemade shito for an extra kick. It’s our special touch!”
The first customer couldn’t contain his delight as he savoured a bite of the jollof rice. “This jollof rice is bursting with rich flavours, and the waakye was made to
perfection!” he exclaimed with satisfaction.
The second also nodded in agreement, expressing his admiration for the collaboration between the food trucks.
“The unity and camaraderie displayed here is remarkable. It’s inspiring to see competitors come together for the love of food.”
As the day unfolded, more customers approached the food trucks, all appreciating the delightful meals served by Caleb, Hailey, Ted, and Olive. “Bravo! I absolutely enjoyed your meals,” a third customer exclaimed, their experience surpassing her expectations.
Hailey responded, “Thank you so much! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed it.”
Caleb nodded, appreciating the amazing response they had received. “It’s been an incredible day. We couldn’t be happier with the appreciation shown by our customers.”
Olive, brimming with enthusiasm, interjected, “Rest assured, we’re already planning more joint promotions in the future. So stay tuned for more exciting collaborations between Cailey’s Jollof Xpress and Waakye on Wheels.”
Hailey smiled, expressing her agreement wholeheartedly. “Together, we’ll continue to spread the love of good food throughout the town.”
#unconventionallove
#novel
#chapterfifteen
