Half life

My Brand

After waiting for Dad close to an hour after dismissal, I got tired and decided to go wait for him outside since almost everyone has gone home leaving the whole school scanty.

Tamara was actually also waiting alongside other students before her Dad later came to pick her up.

Walking out of the gate, I sighed and turned left unto the road leading to the major road from my school with my backpack clinging to my back.

"Hey" a masculine voice waffled into my eyes as I walked towards the big tree just beside the school fence to take cover under its shed until Dad comes by.

"Hi" I said turning towards the direction of that voice. It was Joe again although this time looking quite smart and confident than yesterday.

"Still haven't gone home?" He asked surprised.

"Yeah." I replied heaving a long sigh

"Why?" He asked

"The person who is supposed to pick me up after school haven't arrived yet" I replied calmly

"Oh! Your driver I suppose?" He asked

"No. My Dad" I replied

"Sorry about that" he said

"It fine. Thank you" I replied looking away

"You are welcome" he replied

"How about you? What are you still doing in school?" I asked staring at him

"Oh me?" He asked absentmindedly

"Yeah. I was asking to know why you haven't gone home yet" I said giving him a puzzled look

"Well let's just say my driver haven't arrived yet too" He said running his hands through his dark curly hair

"We are in the same boat then I guess" I said giving him a light punch on his arm

"Ouch. Yes ma" he managed to reply, wincing in pain.

"So how was school today?" I asked

"Great" he replied

"And yours?" He asked

"Fine" I replied

"I didn't see you today at the cafeteria, what happened?" He asked

"Oh. Well nothing really happened perhaps I wasn't hungry today" I replied letting out a smile

"Does that mean you only go to the cafeteria only when you are hungry?" Joe asked peering at me

"Yes, no except Tamara forces me to come along with her" I explained

"Who is Tamara?" He asked in confusion

"My friend. The girl you saw me with yesterday"

"Oh okay. She has a nice name" he complimented, scratching his head with his pinkie finger.

"I know already'' I muttered rolling my eyes.

"Hey what's all that for?" Joe asked after letting out a chuckle.

"Nothing" I replied nonchalantly

"Ok. So you said you only come to the cafeteria only when Tamara asks you to accompany her?" He asked walking closer to where I was standing

"Yes" I replied

"But why?" He asked

"Well. I just don't like crowds so going there kinda makes me feel awkward" I replied

"Can I say you are antisocial then or better still an introvert?" He asked making a funny face

"No, both" I replied sharply

"Wow." He exclaimed

"what?" I asked

"Nothing just a bit surprised" he replied with a smile

"Does that boil down to the point why you refused to tell me your name yesterday?" He asked further

"Yeah" I replied avoiding his gaze

"So tell me, how did you know I was the one when I was walking out of the school gate?" I asked, putting an end to the conservation when I started getting uncomfortable with the topic.

"I saw you walking on the open field towards the gate from my class so I came out and decided to trail you from behind" he replied nervously

"Ouch my legs ache" I said visibly getting tired of standing

"Sorry. Just be patient your Dad will soon be here" he consoled

"But I'm tired already" I complained

"Same as am I but we just have to wait till they get here" he said.

And with that we remained quiet listening the sound of cars driving past the major road in the far distance as we eagerly await ours to come pick us.

It didn't take long before a red car parked right beside us after honking.

"Finally, my driver is here'' Joe exclaimed walking over to where the car was parked and after whispering some words to the driver, he came back.

"Come join us so my driver can drop you off at your place" Joe said waiting for a reply

"I wish I could but thank you. I'll just wait for my dad instead. I believe he will soon be here."

"Ok then bye" he said after standing for cluelessly for some seconds

"Bye. See you in school tomorrow" I said as he walked back to the car and then opened the owner's side door and got in after which the car sped off into the far distance.

Left alone to myself and my thoughts, I heaved a sigh and sat down under the tree since I was already weared out from standing and waiting for Dad.

I just can't fathom what could be the reason hindering Dad from coming to pick me up from school today.

Probably he is held up in a meeting or simply forgot he had a daughter to pick up from school later in the day.

I reasoned as wiped off the beads of sweat forming rivulets on my forehead with my right hand.

I was still wondering about what could be keeping Dad till now at the office when his car emerged from the distance on full speed throwing up dust behind as it made it way to the school.

I quickly got up and stood on the road in order for him to see me on time.

As the car approached the school, it slowed down a bit and stopped just before where I was standing and then Dad got down and layed his back on the car.

"Good afternoon Sir" I greeted walking up to meet him.

"Afternoon dear.

I'm so sorry for not coming to pick you up today on time" Dad said apologetically.

"It's fine. I know it wasn't on purpose" I replied, smiling

"Let's get going then" Dad said, turning to open the door while I quietly crept into the backseat and fastened my seatbelt after opening the door.

Then Dad started the engine, reversed and we drove off.

"I have been attending series of meeting since I dropped you off at school in the morning" Dad said, trying to strike a conversation with me as he focused on the road.

"You don't mean it!" I cooed in surprise

"I am. I even had to let go of the last one before I could come pick you up this time" Dad added

"That's serious" I muttered

"Yeah" Dad replied.

"You must be very tired then" I said leaning forward

"Of course very very tired" Dad replied and exhaled deeply.

"You must be hungry as well" Dad said

"Yeah and also just a little bit tired" I replied smiling weakly.

"You must be because Daddy left you for way too long in school." Dad said turning right as we got to a T- junction.

"It wasn't Dad's fault so it's not a thing to get upset about." I said letting out a chuckle.

"Aww... that's so sweet of you my princess" Dad said

"Yeah" I muttered not knowing what else to say.

"Daddy is so proud of you dear"

Dad added taking a quick glance at the rear mirror then focused back on the road while I remained silent

Then the of rest of the drive back home continued in silence.