They sent her to the dorm, and the two school prefects left, with Henry staying behind after much protest from Clara. Eric had to pull her out of the dorm. Ellen felt awkward sitting alone with Henry in a girls' dormitory while he stared at her in admiration. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Ellen asked. "Nothing. I'm just admiring God's beautiful handiwork. I'm sure you've probably heard this a lot, but you are really beautiful, Eleanora." Henry replied, adding effects to his words by mentioning her full name sensually. He was glad it was working as she blushed. "Thank you." She replied, trying to avoid his eyes. "So…tell me about yourself," Henry said, and she didn't know what to tell him. "Um, my name is Eleanora Wilson, and I'm 14 years of age. I'm from a humble background in Nima, and I live with my mom. My dad isn't around anymore." She explained shortly about herself, using humble instead of poor, and Henry didn't miss the sad look in her eyes when she mentioned dad. "That's nice, and I'm sorry about your dad. I'm sure you must be the pride and joy of your mom." Henry said cheerfully, bringing back the light in her eyes. "Yes. She is my pride and joy, too. What about you? Tell me about yourself." Ellen said. "What do you want to know?" Henry asked. "Anything. You can describe yourself like how I just did. Who is Henry Yawson? Apart from being a notorious player and popular among the girls, hahaha. Tell me something I don't know from the interview." Ellen inquired, adjusting her leg which was beginning to hurt. Henry laughed at how boldly and maturely she put her statement. "Okay. For starters, I'm not notorious, I'm just hard to get." He said with pride, and she smiled. "Okay Mr. Hard To Get, what else?" Ellen asked cheerfully. "Hahaha, I also live with my dad, mom is outside the country. I also come from a humble home in East Legon." He said and they both laughed. Ever since she heard of him, Ellen could tell he was wealthy before even meeting him. They were worlds apart; she thought and was surprised to find her heart churn at that. "Hey, are you alright? What's making you blue this time?" Henry asked with concern. Ellen looked him in the eye and smiled, "Nothing. Just wondering how I'm friends with someone from my opposite world," she answered. "Oh, that. Hey, don't think about that. I'm not the only friend you have from that world; your besties are as well. And think of it as a blessing, you have me, and I promise to provide for your needs and take care of you till I complete. You have nothing to worry about except your health." Henry replied earnestly, and Ellen became teary. "You are really great, Henry. I'm thankful to God I met someone like you." Ellen said as she was touched, and Henry moved to her side and hugged her sideways. "Well, we all have our flaws, but as the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. I'll always be there for you, Eleanora." He said as he wiped her tears. Ellen could feel her heart beating loudly in her ears. Henry held tightly but gently and caressed her arm. Abby and Kelly entered the dorm just as they were getting cozy, and Henry got up with a bolt, hitting his head on the top bed. "Um I think entertainment will be over soon, so I have to go before the girls arrive. You two take care of her, okay. Goodnight." He said and left in a flash. Ellen's face was beet red as if she had been caught red-handed in a crime. The two girls couldn't believe what they had just seen a while ago. They just stared at Ellen and burst into laughter as they sat by her. "I know by looking at you that you are not well, but if I'm going to play nurse, I need to know everything from scratch," Abby said as she carefully sat to avoid hurting her leg. "Me too, girl. How did it reach this point? OMG! You two look so cute together, no kidding. Who knew we were putting asunder what God had put together?" Kelly joked, and they laughed as people started to walk in.
...….
Back at the boys' side, Eric was at his wits end trying to find out what his friend was smiling sheepishly about. Even though he had his cubicle, Eric slept on top of Henry in the sports prefects' room while the assistant sports prefect slept in Eric's room. This was the first time he had seen Henry smile like this, and he was confused whether he was serious with Ellen or not. "Bro, have you fallen for our priceless jewel? I thought you forbade everyone from pursuing her because you were going to pay that price, but now it seems you are really into her. You even gave her your provisions, and that's the first." Eric inquired curiously. "Eric, just as there are many ways to catch a crab, the same way, if you want to fly like a butterfly, don't flap like a crow. Just observe, bro, you are a science student after all, and one of the brightest as such. Ellen is different from every other girl; she's special, but she's still a girl." Henry said with a smirk and had a dreamy look in his eyes. "Will you stop speaking in parables and just tell me what your plans are?" An annoyed and confused Eric asked. "Go to bed, Eric, it's late. Goodnight." Henry said, and Eric knew he was done talking for the day, so he just sighed and slept as well.
(THE NEXT DAY)
Ellen woke up feeling pain from someone hitting her broken leg to wake her up. "Hey, lazy bones, get up. How did you get here yesterday? How many times must you be warned to stay away from Henry?" Esther asked. They were supposed to be in church at the moment, but Ellen couldn't go, so her friends were keeping an eye on her when Esther entered with Amanda. "Um, excuse my courage, but senior Esther hitting her like that isn't good. She's hurt, and that can worsen it. And besides, senior Henry isn't your boyfriend anymore, and he's Ellen's friend." Abigail protested humbly. "What the hell? Before I close and open my eyes, go down on your knees!" Amanda ordered in annoyance. Abby was about to say something when a resounding slap landed on her right cheek. "Didn't anyone teach you to respect your seniors, huh?" Esther shouted, and Abby began to cry. Ellen tried getting up, but was pushed and almost hit her head. Kelly caught her fast. "Are you two seniors out of your freaking minds?" They all turned to see Clara and their housemistress at the entrance. She went to report to the housemistress about Ellen's condition, and they both came to see her. They walked into the seniors, bullying Abby for saying they are hurting Ellen. "Amanda Hillman, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in church?" Miss Alex asked with an eyebrow. "Um, madam, please. Ellen isn't well, so we came to check up on her." Amanda explained meekly. "Well, as far as I'm concerned, Esther is the prefect and you two are doing the opposite of checking up. Leave for church now, I'll deal with you later." Miss Alex commanded while Clara went to Ellen. They left with worried looks for being busted. "Abigail, are you alright? What happened in here?" The mistress asked, and Kelly explained everything in detail. Clara was annoyed to know this was going on because of Henry. "You mean to tell me those two were bullying you because of Henry Yawson?" Miss Alex asked, shocked. She knew Henry was quite popular, and she even had a thing for him, but she had no idea he was being fought over. It wasn't a surprise, though; Henry was quite a catch. "Miss Alex, I'd like to present a case about demoting Esther from her prefectship." Clara saw this as an opportunity to do what Henry wanted, and now, she also wanted the same for hurting Ellen. "Yes, madam, you saw how she treated Ellen and Abby. She is really mean, madam, and everyone will attest to that." Kelly backed Clara up. "Eleanora, how are you?" Miss Alex asked. Ellen only shook her head, and Miss Alex apologized with a promise to bring Esther and Amanda to book. She left, and the girls took care of Ellen. It felt funny being given a bath on her bed, and they laughed.