Chapter Two - The Spotlight

Adrian and I had gotten really close during the last term, we bonded seamlessly. I couldn't wait to resume and see him again. However my life took a drastic turn, the teacher entered the class and called out our results and I was at the 19teenth position. I began to notice the cold reception from others, I wondered why. However the biggest shock was delivered to me that same day, Adrian started avoiding me. We were cool with each other before the calling of results but then after the calling, he changed seats. Moving his chair away from mine, he went to the back row. I couldn't wrap my head around what was happening. That same day, I lost my respect from my class and the school. When passing, I will hear murmurs like o well if only she was intelligent and not just has fine face, he would have been with her. It was from gossips I finally learnt that Adrian's withdrawal from me was because of my grades. I was shocked, even if I expected any other person to treat me bad not Adrian. I thought we loved each other, or was I the only one? Heartbroken I returned home. Facing punishment from my mother for my grades.

This is the lowest you have gone Soar, what is distracting you? Yes I was distracted, Adrian filled my life, he gave me the purpose I desired however he left me now because of my results. My Mom sensing how bad I was feeling already let's me go but then sternly warns me. Make improvement this term, if not you will follow me and your father back to Koko to work in the farms and preach the gospel.

I wasn't fazed by her warnings, only thoughts of Adrian's betrayal filled my mind. He should at least have spoken to me or tried to teach me. Why did he decide to do this? It felt like the ground beneath me was sinking.

I attended classes, avoiding everyone in general. I tried to talk to Adrian but he would walk away each time or find excuses. I finally decided to let go

You are so foolish Soar, you thought it would last forever, maybe you weren't enough. My mind afflicted me. The heartbreak made me build walls around myself, closing everyone out. I stopped interacting with my classmates and seldom talked unless I was questioned by the teacher. Test results came out and I was among the first ten. This fueled my passion to study, I developed affinity for academic success and I began to thrive hard.

Maths however was a great challenge to me, I didn't know who to ask to teach me. The maths test came and I didn't know what to write. While the teacher was discussing, I felt a tap on my shoulder, it was Adrian passing his paper to me. What for?? I asked he collected mine and began to solve the questions for me. Within 5 minutes he was done. My respect for him increased at that point however he still gave me cold shoulders. I also saw him writing for a couple of other guys, so it wasn't just me, I wasn't special or anything, he was just being kind.

One day, Peace 2 came to me, Soar please don't shut me out. How are you feeling? That simple question brought tears to my eyes, no one has ever cared. To hide my tears, I put my head down on my desk and replied her strongly I am fine.

You are not she persists, do you need my help, should we study together, talk to me Soar, please let me Peace, no she stubbornly responds. I finally come clean, explaining everything to her. She felt bad about Adrian's behavior but told me that he must be because he has a reputation to keep. That having a dullard as a girlfriend wouldn't look good on him. I am not his girlfriend, I fired back, yes maybe to you but I sense feelings in Adrian, Peace responded.

No longer wanting to be held by the past, I said to Peace, can you teach me Maths. I need to know Maths. Ok I will teach you, she responded. Over the weeks, we bonded like crazy, I found a friend in Peace. My heart seemed to have its resting place once again. You think so, my mind mocked, she will leave you just like every other friend you have ever had. Well that was my life... Lonely.

The school year finally ended and I entered Jss3, just like always, the teacher came again to announce our results from the last exam, Soar she called

Yes ma'am I answered, you have really improved, you ranked 3rd this time. Keep it up she commended, I could hear gasps from the class. They couldn't believe it, Peace 2 was so happy for me. I felt my respect come back, this time not because of a man, but because of what I achieved.

I felt eyes on me, I knew that gaze, only one person's gaze had such effect on me, it was Adrian. I met his gaze and he mouthed nice. I arrogantly ignored him and continued with what I was doing.

Adrian's Pov

I watched Soar walk into class, her bright smile faltering as she saw me. My heart ached, but I knew what I had to do.

Last term, we'd grown close, too close. My friends warned me: "Adrian, you're losing focus. She's not good enough for you."

At first, I ignored them. Soar was smart, funny, and beautiful. But when the results came out, and she ranked 19th... I panicked.

My parents would kill me if I didn't maintain my top grades and I didn't need someone pulling me down. My siblings were already accomplished; I couldn't disappoint.

So, I made the difficult decision to distance myself. It wasn't easy, watching Soar's confusion and hurt.

During classes, I avoided eye contact, fearing my resolve would crumble. But when I saw her struggling with maths, I couldn't resist helping.

As I solved the problems for her, our hands touched, and memories flooded back. I missed her.

But I pushed the feelings aside, focusing on my goals.

Later, when Soar's grades improved dramatically, I felt a mix of emotions: pride, surprise, and regret.

Had I underestimated her? Was I wrong to distance myself?

Now, as I watched her thrive, I realized my mistake. Soar wasn't just smart; she was resilient.

I wanted to make amends, but my pride stood in the way.

"Maybe someday," I thought, "I'll find the courage to apologize and win her back."

For now, I'd observe from afar, hoping she'd forgive me.

*

Adrian's Pov Continued

As the weeks passed, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I'd made a mistake. Soar's transformation was remarkable – her confidence soared, and her grades improved dramatically.

I found myself stealing glances at her during classes, admiring her determination. My friends noticed, teasing me about my "distracting" crush.

"Adrian, focus!" they'd say.

But I couldn't help it. Soar's success rekindled my feelings. I wondered if I'd misjudged her, if she was more than just a pretty face.

One day, while studying in the library, I spotted Soar sitting across from me. Her focus was intense, her brow furrowed in concentration.

I got up and approached her, my heart racing.

"Hey, Soar," I said softly.

She looked up, startled, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Adrian."

The cold reception stung, but I deserved it.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked.

Soar hesitated before nodding.

We stepped outside, walking to an empty corridor.

"I'm proud of you, Soar," I said genuinely. "You've really turned things around."

She raised an eyebrow. "Thanks."

An awkward silence followed.

"Soar, I –"

"Don't, Adrian," she interrupted. "You made your choice. I've moved on."

Her words cut deep, but I knew I had to try.

"Can I explain why I –"

"No," she interrupted again. "It doesn't matter. I'm doing fine without you."

I realized then that Soar wasn't the same girl I'd distanced myself from. She'd grown stronger, more resilient.

And I'd lost my chance.

For now, I'd have to live with the regret of what could have been.