To Love A Pauper

Donald's birthday (the apology)

Immediately clara called out, Donald and Jake turned to see the caller but Sandra tapped Clara to show her her mother's car packed at some distance away from the gate. "Fuck! My mother is here by her self to pick me today. I can't talk to Donald again," Sandra lamented.

On hearing this, Clara quickly gave Donald a hand signal which clearly depicts 'see you later.'

Sandra went home that day regretting and wishing her mother never come to pick her up. The look on both Sandra and Clara's faces clearly showed that all is not right but Mrs Susan could not ask them because she had no clue to whatever it is.

'what is wrong with Sandra? Who is that Donald of a boy they were calling before they noticed my presence? Hope Sandra don't have anything to do with that fathead of a boy! I've planned to get her into union with Alex in order to cover my dubiousness. Hope its not what am thinking.' Mrs susan thought all these to herself while driving them home.

***

"Next week is resumption and next week Thursday is my birthday," Donald informed his mother on the dinning table during dinner.

"Wow! Happy birthday in advance!" Mrs Linda chuckled.

"About your resumption, do you need new note or textbooks?" Mrs Linda asked.

"No ma, those of last term will still do for this term," Donald answered.

"OK son" Mrs Linda made a sighed of relief.

On the first week, school has fully resumed. When Mr Caleb came to the class, he looked around and sighted. "Donald Benjamin, according to your date of birth, today should be your birthday. Am I right?" Mr Caleb asked.

"Yes sir," donald confirmed.

Mr Caleb then brought out a gift in a wrap and presented it to donald. He told the class that he celebrates Donald because of his intelligence: especially in the field of mathematics. He further urged the students to sing birthday songs for Donald. Jake also came out to present a gift to donald while the songs were on.

Sandra and Clara had no prior knowledge of this day. Sandra could been seen wearing a look that shows she had mixed feelings about the whole thing.

"I think you should get a gift for Donald," Clara told Sandra.

"I thought as much, but I think he would reject my gift and am not ready for any defamation of characters," Sandra said.

"I have an idea. Follow me," Clara said suddenly as she head out of the class room.

They both went into a book shop across the road and bought a romantic novel and wrapped it with a piece of writing. Sandra waited patiently till break time and she slipped the gift into Donald's bag.

***

Donald got home and wanted to do his assignment. He deeped his hand into his school bag and found a wrapped book. He quickly unwrapped the book and found a piece of write-up, it read thus:

"Dear Donald,

Am sorry for all the mischievous behavior I've exhibited. I didn't mean to slap you and beside, I didn't know you were the one that held me from the back. Donald, I want to be your friend. Above all, happy birthday. Sandra."

Donald felt a sink on his waist. He wears an obvious look of surprise as many thoughts run through his mind 'how can I be friend with that arrogant and over pompous rich brat? What if she scorn me in public again? I am not her type. But she's always in my mind. What do I do?' All these thoughts were running through his mind when his mother called out his name to come for dinner. He grunts lightly and stamped his feet on the floor.

***

The next morning when Donald get to school, sandra was thinking he would at least say something to her when he gets to the class but unfortunately, Donald was wearing a face that shows he had something troubling him. During break time, Clara and Sandra under a tree shade "Did you see the look on Donald's face?" Sandra asked Clara.

"Yeah! I noticed an unusual look on his face," Clara confirmed.

"He didn't even say thanks for the gift - But why?" Clara asked randomly.

"Could it be that he hasn't seen it?"

"I saw it!" Donald spoke from behind. "Thanks so much Sandra, I do appreciate." he added as he turned and walk away majestically.

One could see surprise written all over the faces of Sandra and Clara as the both of them sat and watch Donald in silence as if they have seen a ghost.

"How long has he been here?" Sandra asked without getting answers from Clara, "He didn't say anything about the write-up," she added.

"you don't expect him to say anything about the write-up in my presence dear." Clara said as she chuckles.

***

Its the week of test. Donald came to the school very early to revise all he had read. Clara came into the classroom alone without Sandra and it got Donald worried. Donald waited patiently until Mr Caleb the mathematics teacher came in and asked the students to take off all their mathematics books and get ready for test. Donald became so unease and he went to Clara. "Where is your friend?" Donald asked Clara.

"You mean your friend?" Clara teased.

"Comm*n... Be serious. We are about to write test," Donald said with concern.

"She is suffering from stomach ache. She wouldn't be able to come today. Please help her with the test," Clara pleaded.

"No problems." Donald says as he return to his sit.

***

Clara took the gist of Donald writing test for Sandra home. "Hey babe! How is your health?" Clara asked as soon as Sandra open their door.

"Better now," Sandra answered reluctantly.

"He wrote your test on your behalf," Clara said with a chuckle, throwing sandra into confusion.

"Who?" Sandra asked out of curiously.

"Donald! I saw love in his eyes when he asked of you with keen interest," she spoke garrulously.

Sandra became flabbergasted but she managed to chuckle. "Are you serious please?" she asked for affirmation.

"Yes! I guess the feeling you are having is mutual," Clara confirmed.

Mrs Susan overhead their chats from her bedroom, 'who is this Donald? I will make his life miserable if I found out what is going on between him and my daughter,' Mrs Susan thought to her.

When Clara was gone, Sandra was filled with Joy and she can be seen smiling to herself. She wish morning comes quickly than usual so she can see Donald.

***

After the school closing alarm the next day, Sandra walk up to Donald alone. "How is your health Sandra?" Donald asked as soon as Sandra approached him.

"Its better now," Sandra replied with her eyes fixed on Donald. "Donald, I have something bothering me that I've been looking forward to tell you. But before that, do you have a girlfriend?" Sandra asked.