I can't believe he said you are looking sexier and more beautiful." Faith said, trying to contain her laughter as we walked home.

I felt mortified as I remembered how Tommy had walked up to us and started flirting with me. It was so epic and even though I was still embarrassed, I couldnt help laughing along with Faith.

"I swear that boy is not serious ooh, he even winked." I replied just as we got to Faith's house.

"I know, right." she said as she mimicked his wink and we both burst into another fresh round of laughter.

"Its well shaa, I will see you tomorrow." I said as we stopped in front of her house.

"Ill miss you. She said, pretending to cry as she hugged me.

You are such a drama queen, its just till tomorrow nah. I said, hugging her back with my arms around her.

I know, I know but I will still miss you. She said.

Dont worry, tomorrow will be here before you know it. I said as she let go of me.

See you tomorrow, bye." She said as she slipped into their compound and with a smile on my face, I made my way home.

I sang as I walked home happily but as I opened the front door, I heard my dads voice and my day got bad automatically. I contemplated turning back and going to Faith's house or running inside my room.

Unfortunately, my mom called out "Enitan, is that you?" as I discard any thought of avoiding my dad since I had already been caught.

"Yes, ma." I replied as I waste a few minutes on removing my sandals, delaying the inevitable.

"Good afternoon sir." I knelt to greet my dad as I walked into the parlor even though the last thing I wanted to do was to see his face.

"Yes, how are you?" he asked, uncaringly.

"Fine sir." I replied, itching to escape to my room while I also wondered why my mum was home early since It was barely 4:00 pm and I made a mental note to ask her later.

She worked at a company that produces cement and she was one of their sales managers. It was a good job because she was given good pay and the time was flexible enough for her to take care of me. She leaves home as early as 7.30 am after I have gone to school and returns home by 5.00 pm, an hour after I return from school.

"Enitan, I made rice. Go and change your clothes and serve yourself in the kitchen." she said, giving me a look that says she knew I wanted to be anywhere but there, in front of my dad.

"Ok, ma." I said as I stood up.

Eehn eehn Enitan, when you are done eating, go and wash my car for me and also wash those clothes on the chair there. My dad said authoritatively as I took a deep breath and made my way into my room, not bothering to respond.

Collapsing on my bed, I wondered why my good for nothing dad was home. He hasn't been home for five weeks and I have been enjoying the peace, his arrival now meant lots of loud noises, arguments, fights and lots of annoying chores like washing his car. Standing up, I changed my school uniform to comfortable house wear and slipped my feet into my brown dunlop slippers.

I brought out my mathematics note from my bag and tried to concentrate on the assignment Mr. Adeshina had given us so that I could get it done on time and start my chores.

I could hear my father's loud voice as he complained to my mum about how greedy and selfish his younger siblings are. Distracted, I abandon my half-done assignment and listen to him rant.

"Can you imagine, that stupid Ayomide went to report me to our uncle. She told Baba Shefiu that I refused to give her the house rent even though I deposit 20,000 naira to her account every month." My dad paused as I heard my mum say something which wasn't audible enough for me to hear before he continued.

"They are all greedy! All of them, even Oladimeji and Tunde. They also went to meet baba Shefiu, it is only Lekan that is a good child. In fact the boy really tried, he was the one that told me that I should be very careful around them.

That Ayomide, I don't understand her at all. Ever since she started attending that church, they have started misleading her..." He kept on talking while I sighed and wondered how my mom kept up with all the petty stories.

Standing up from my bed, I walked into the kitchen and served my meal. As I walked back to my room to eat, I prayed my mom won't notice me and send me back to the dining room. I try my best to sneak past them as I heard her say,

"But baba Enitan, I have told you to give them their property. After all, it's theirs. You don't need to send any money to them, Just let them collect their rent themselves and..." she continued as I successfully slipped past her unnoticed.

Eating my rice with dodo (plantain) which my mum has thankfully, fried, and a lump of small meat, I wondered when my dad was going to stop all the nonsense he has been doing long before I was born and still keeps on doing.

Apparently, from what I heard. When my paternal grandfather died, he made a will of how he wanted his property to be shared because he was very rich hence he had a lot of properties.

Immediately he died, the lawyer showed up and read out the will. My grandfather had 3 wives so the property was shared equally. Unfortunately, my dad and his immediate brother were the only ones old enough to acquire their property on his mother's side since the rest were still young, some were in school while the others were learning a trade.

My dad was then asked to keep and maintain the rest of the properties until they were old enough to do so themselves. My dad's immediate younger brother whom we call uncle Ola as at that time was in his third year in the university so, he asked my dad to also help him maintain his property till he finishes his education.

My dad being my dad became very greedy and wants to keep it all to himself, claiming he sends money to their accounts every month even though everyone knows what he sends is not even up to half of the actual amount they are supposed to be receiving.

My mum always tries to reason with him to let go of the properties but he stubbornly argues greedily that he can't because they don't know how much he spends on repairs and other excuses.

The fight over the property has turned the siblings to enemies that I can't recognize my uncles and aunts except for uncle Ola and that was because he stuck around and was never really bothered by my dad keeping his share of the property.

Although, he knew he was being cheated but he did not mind because he was making his own money too unlike my dad, who would rather sit with someone elses property than work for his own.

Enitan, go and wash that car for me ooh. I am taking it to a meeting tomorrow and make sure you wash those clothes with your hands, dont let the machine ruin my clothes. I mutter some words under my breathe in anger as I stood up with the dirty plate.

Okay, sir. I said as I set out to wash the car.

Make sure you wash those tyres well ooh, scrub it with the brush. He said to me as I walk past him with the buckets, soap, and sponge. I scoffed quietly at him as I ignored him, I knew what to do.

I wash the car as I sang to myself, taking good care to wash the body and windows well while I just poured a lot of water over the top and tyres instead of washing it.

Enitan, you didnt wash this tyre well ooh. You didnt wash it well at all, theres nothing you can do well. He complained as he came outside to monitor what I was doing but I just ignored him and poured more water. I walked inside with the buckets when I was done, leaving him outside with the thought of throwing the clothes inside the washing machine but I couldnt find it on the chairs anymore.

Mummy, mummy where are you? I called out.

I am in the toilet. She replied as I walked to the toilet to find out she was already washing the clothes.

Ooh mummy, you didnt have to. I said, feeling bad about her washing the clothes.

Dont worry dear, I know you are tired. Go and rest, I will wash it. She said as I thanked her and dropped the buckets.

That was another reason why I didnt like my dad being home, she always ended up getting more stressed.

My alarm woke me up the next morning, signaling it was time to begin the day. Stretching, I walked to the toilet and made ablutions before going back to perform solat in my room.

An hour later, I was almost done and adding finishing touches to my dressing. I had planned to leave home very early so I could avoid my dad's daily complaints and unstoppable chatter.

My mom opened my door and walked into my room as I picked up my wristwatch from where I had dropped it yesterday and wore it.

"Good morning ma." I greeted her again even though I had greeted her earlier when she came to confirm I was awake.

"Morning, I will be leaving soon, I have somewhere to be this morning. Your food is on the dining table and this is your pocket money."

"Thank you ma." I said as I collected the 200 naira from her.

"You are welcome." she said as she turned to leave.

"Mum can you please wait for me, lets leave together. I said.

I cant wait ooh, I am in a hurry. She told me.

I am done already. I just want to eat my breakfast." I said

"Ok, be snappy about it." She said

Picking up my bag, I dashed to the dining room and sat down, placing my bag on the chair beside me as I wolfed down the beans and corn my mum had prepared.

As I ate, I could hear my dad's deep and loud snores from his room. I chuckled to myself and wondered if he could ever sleep without snoring so deep.

My mom came out of her room some minutes later and fortunately, I was done and ready to leave.

"Oya, let's go." she said

"Ok, ma." I replied, strapping my bag to my shoulders.

I walked beside mum, talking about random things as we tried to stop a bike. We ended up getting a man whom my mom deemed fit to drive us, he was dressed in a blue faded jeans, a big brown old coat and he had on a stained yellow face cap. A popular song that I didnt know was playing quietly from his bike and I nod along through the ride.

"Have a nice day." My mum said as I got down from the bike.

"You too." I yelled but the bike was already gone.

I checked the time as I walk into the school and I wasnt surprised it was just 7:10 am. I could still see the birds perched on different trees in the school compound, all chirping loudly.

I walked into our temporary class, singing in a terrible voice that I was a bit startled as I notice Tayo was already in the class. I stopped singing immediately as I lingered by the door, mortified as I hope he didnt hear or notice me.

I watched his fluid movement as he dropped his bag on Bode's table and cleaned his chair with a rag. I took a few steps back but stopped when I heard him say,

Are you going to stay by the door all day? He asked as he glanced at me.

No. I muttered, taking a deep breath as I walked into the class and wondered why I always felt uneasy around him.

The class lists have been pasted, you should go and check it out. He informed me.

Ooh really! I said as I rushed out of the class. I checked the wall and saw the lists posted on each class on the block. I started with the first list which was in front of me.

On the top of the list "A science" was written boldly as I prayed not to fall in the last class since I couldn't find my name on the list.

Moving to the next class whose list was titled, "B science".

I slowly checked it and kept praying not to be in the last class.

Number 4 -Adeleke Samuel Olutayo

Number 18 -Bolarinwa Faith Ifeoluwa

Number 28 -Dada David Olabode.

I murmured as I check the list before I finally saw it.

Number 50-Hassan Rakkiyah Enitan.

"Thank God." I said as I breathed a sigh of relief.

"We are in the same class?" Tayo, who was now standing beside me asked, he had checked his name too.

"Yes." I replied nervously.

"That is cool, I hope your friend is too." He said smiling down at me as my heart flips excitedly.

"Yes, we are all in the same class except Christian." I chipped in still nervous, even though I had no reason to be.

"Ok." he said as he walked back to the class.

Faith arrived a few minutes after assembly grumbling.

"Good morning, why are you in such a bad mood this morning?" I asked

"Can you imagine, that ugly guy that calls himself prefect stopped me and told me I had to sweep the lab." she said angrily.

"And so, that is not unusual. You came late." I said as I gave her the duh look.

"Never the less, he should have let me go when I told him I had to submit an assignment early." She said, fuming with anger as I burst into laughter.

"Why are you laughing now?" She asked, rolling her eyes at me.

"He knew it was probably a lie, Many student lie about those things and the poor prefect didn't want to be played nah." I said, trying to understand the prefect.

"But still he could have let me go. Assignments ar..." She trailed off as I interrupted her.

"It's okay Faith, just try to come to school earlier." I pacified.

"I will try." She mumbled releasing a deep sigh.

"By the way, our list is out." I told her.

"What list?" she asked me.

"Our class lists." I replied.

"Ooh really, what class am I?" she asked.

"You are in B science." I replied

"Oh okay, thanks. What about you?" she asked.

"B science also." I said, as her eyes widened expressing her disbelief before saying "It must be our lucky day." and hugging me tightly.

"The principal said we can move our chairs immediately after closing hours." I told her after she finally released me.

"Ooh really, ok let's do it this way. We will go get a space in the new class first, one of us will stay with the space and the other will go and carry the chairs." Faith said

"Sounds great to me, because I cannot sit at the back ooh." I said.

"Of course, nah, because of your eyes. I cannot let you copy my note every time." She said and I burst into laughter.

"Whatever, let's go immediately they ring the bell." I said.

"Okay." She replied while I just nodded in reply.

It has been two days since we settled into our permanent class, which means its Friday. Our plan, fortunately, had worked and we got a seat each in the third row.

I walked into the class with Faith, talking about some school rumor after we had finished assembly.

"Itan, I am coming over to your place after school." Faith said as we settled down on our seats.

"Hmmm." I said thinking of ways to persuade her from not coming over because my dad was still around and there was ninety-nine percent probability he was going to be at home since he was unemployed. I also didnt want him to do something that might embarrass me in front of my friend.

I also knew my mom was going to literally murder me if she finds out I brought someone home without asking for her permission first, even if that person was Faith.

"How about I come to your place today and you come to our place tomorrow." I said, trying to change her mind.

"Hmm, that sounds good." she said looking at me suspiciously before nodding.

"Thank God." I mumbled as I heaved a sigh of relief. Mr. Bamgboye, our chemistry teacher walked in then, muttering something about unserious students as everyone stood up to greet him.

"Good morning sir." We chorused.

"Settle down students and bring out your chemistry notes." He said, a no-nonsense look on his face.

We all sat down and some students including I brought out our note while some didn't. Although it has been just a few days since we have settled in our permanent class yet, we had done quite a few topics under chemistry because it was an everyday subject.

Flipping through my note as I placed it on my table, I was completely sure my note was complete because the only thing we have written in the note was the scheme of work and the note on matter and separation techniques.

Looking around me, I watch my classmate as some kept searching their bags for a nonexistent note while some were busy copying notes as fast as they could but, there were also some like I who calmly sat down with our notes on our table.

Faith tapped me all of a sudden, whispering.

"Look at that boy, he wants to run out of the class."

I moved my attention to the boy who was sitting on the chair closest to the door, he was monitoring the teachers movement and immediately he saw an escape chance, bolted out of the class when the teacher wasn't looking. Faith and I burst into laughter, loud enough to catch the attention of the people around us as the teacher gave us a look that screamed, SHUT UP! We kept mute before laughing all over again but this time, quietly.

I was more than satisfied when Mr. Bambgboye approved Tayo and Bode's notes. The teacher went on with his inspection as he moves to my row where he checked I, Faith's, and the other students note on our row.

Soon, the entire class notes were checked and lots of students were on their feet.

"Everyone on their feet, go outside and line up." The teacher ordered while the student pilled up outside. Leaving the class, the remaining student rushed to look out of the windows to see what their punishment was going to be and also watch those that were going to cry if the teacher beat them.

I stayed glued to my seat but yet, I could still hear the teacher's faint voice saying,

"Everyone, be on a straight line and write your names on a sheet of paper." He said, ensuring they were organized before making his way back to the class as my nosy classmates rushed back to their seats.

"Today, I won't be able to explain the last note we wrote because we have less than 20 minutes before the period runs out so, instead we are going to write notes." He said as he got the whiteboard marker and started writing.

Soon, the students outside were done with the list and he asked them to come in. Collecting the list from one of the students, he folded it and placed it inside one of his class notes before he resumed his writing.

The day went as fast as it could and before I knew it, it was already time for long break. Faith had gone to the mart to get us some snacks but I didnt go with her because I felt lazy.

"Itan, can you please lend me your mathematics note?" Tayo asked me, turning on his seat to face me.

"Sure." I replied as I made a move to take it out of my bag.

I searched my bag for the note but couldn't find it before I remembered I had borrowed a girl in the class after the mathematics period. I scanned the class with my eyes, looking for the girl but unfortunately, couldn't find her as I turned to explain to him.

I caught him staring at me but, he looked away quickly and turned to face me again as I said, "I borrowed someone earlier and she is not in class."

"Okay, thank you." He said.

"You are welcome." I said expecting him to look away but he was still staring at me.

Just as I was about to ask why he was staring at me, he asked a question I would have never thought he would ask, "Why are your eyes small?"

"Hmmm." I replied confused because I didnt expect such a question.

"You do know that that's like asking why the world is a sphere shape or why the moon comes out at night and not afternoons right.? I asked him

Well yeah, I guess I do. He said.

It's just nature nah." I replied, my voice laced with tons of sarcasm.

"Hmm hmm." He replied as he kept staring at my eyes.

"Nature must be damn stingy for making you look this beautiful." He said out of nowhere as I gasped. His eyes were still on mine but I quickly avert my gaze.

"Hey, that's creepy." I said, nervously as I heard him laugh.

He laughed! He freaking laughed! I made him laugh! I thought, my heart beating fast as I do a victorious dance in my head. I have known Tayo for more than three weeks and I have seen him smile countless of times. I could have bet that I have laughed in his presence thousands of time but, I have never even for once, heard him laugh. He was like the cold handsome guys in movies.

Turning to meet his eyes, I could still see the smile on his face as I felt myself slowly getting lost in his eyes. Feeling awkward, I asked, "What's funny?"

"You." He simply replied.

"How?" I asked, a bit flushed.

"You look cute." He said still smiling, taking me off guard again.

"Na so." I replied in pidgin english to diffuse the tension I could feel growing.

He finally turned away but I could still see the smile on his face as he resumed his conversation with Bode while I wondered when Faith will come back from the mart.

Faith fulfilled an adage that says, "You are not an illegitimate child if you arrive when someone is talking or thinking about you." since she arrived then with our favourite Hollandia yogurt and meat pie which she could only have gotten at the school market, not mart.

It was then I realized she must have taken so long because she went to the school market and also, the meat pie stall where there was always a long queue especially during the long breaks.

"Thanks love." I said cheerfully as I collected the small nylon containing the meat pie from her.

"You are welcome but next time; you are coming with me." She said and I detected she was angry at me from her voice.

"What did I do?" I asked even though I had a feeling it was because she had to face a long queue for the meat pie.

She stared at me for a while before she said, "Nothing!" and that was when I knew it wasn't that, it was something else. Something else was wrong and I wanted to ask but, I decided to let sleeping dogs lie for now so as not to infuriate her further.

"Anyways, what are we having after long break." She asked me some minutes later after she had calmed down.

"Two free long periods and closing." I said, cheerfully.

"Yay, it's Funday." She said, smiling happily while I just laughed at her overly happy expression.

"So, what are we doing over at your place this afternoon?" I asked her.

"Kemi downloaded some movies on my tablet yesterday so we are probably going to watch them." Faith replied.

"Really, when did she arrive?" I asked her.

"Just yesterday ooh, In fact if you see the amount of foodstuffs grandma said she should give mum eehn." Faith said, shaking her head in a manner that says, she couldnt believe it.

"Grandma eehn, she loves paparazzi. That reminds me, when is your mum getting discharged from the hospital? It has been a week since her successful surgery nah." I said.

"Dad said probably next week but she is still going to get a therapist so she would be able to walk perfectly well." Faith replied.

"That is good news then. She will be okay and back to normal before you know it." I said, a big smile on my face to cheer her up.

"Amen ooh, I have missed her." Faith replied and all of a sudden, the class went mute as I assumed a teacher or someone important like the principal or so must have entered the class.