TWIST IN THE WIND (RITA SONWU AND ELECTA ALEN)

Episode 2:
'Ecology is the study of living organisms in relation to their non-living environment,' Eric said, in his usual confident tone.
'A round of applause, class,' Teacher Emeka said, his voice rather feminine. It sounded like a half-scream. The class clapped as Eric took his seat. Eric looked around and focused his sneaky gaze on Anabel. At this proud moment, he wanted to read her expression, but she had a faraway look stamped on her face. It was obvious that she was quite not there.
'So, I always love it when I get such brilliant response from my students. It shows my diehard effort is not a waste, and that you are doing your homework...'

It was break time and the students gathered in small groups, laughing and chatting excitedly. Eric was in the midst of his peeps who encircled him and as they teased each other, he stole a glance at Anabel. He saw that look on her face... that pitiable look. His heart moved with compassion and a longing to know what was wrong. 'I had better let her be,' he thought to himself. 'I should mind my business.' He swiftly took his eyes off her but still couldn't help but think about her and the gloomy countenance he had noticed. 'Was she all right?' Thoughts of her kept sliding into his young mind until Anabel was out of sight. Her friends had come to whisk her way. Perhaps they had gone for some snacks.

Eric caught sight of Anabel sitting at the foot of the avocado tree, all alone and without her clique. This was his chance.
'Hey, Annie,' he called out with unusual sobriety.
'Hi, Eric.'
'Why are you crying?'
'No, I'm not.'
'C'mon bae, even a blind man could have known that you were sulking.'
'I said I wasn't crying,' she said sharply, and swiftly got on her feet. 'Thanks for the care. I am fine, really,' she added as she slowly walked away.
'Oh, really? Is this how you treat people who show some care?'
'Why would you even care?' she said, as she stopped in her tracks, and turned to him.
'Annie, are you all right? I'm here for you, he said in the most gentle tone. His eyes looked into hers, searching for clues.
'Please let me be, Eric,' she muttered to herself, her words unheard, as she walked on.