"How do I solve this equation?" Elizabeth Chigozie groaned. "ugh, this is so complicating" She closed her books and dumped it on the floor. She heard a knock and her mom came in.

"Hey, I heard a noise,are you okay?" Her mom, Theresa Chigozie asked.

"Yeah, mom. I am" She replied frustrated.

"What's wrong? You seem upset"

Eliza stood up walking to the bed " I'm not upset. I'm fine"

" Okay, well. It's late. You should get some sleep. Tomorrow is a pretty big day" Her mom smiled and walked out, closing the door.

"Yeah, right. Since when did you start caring about my day" She grumbled. She lay down, facing the ceiling, staring at the ceiling for 5mins. Suddenly, she got up and picked up her phone, dialing a number.
"Hi, good evening"

" Eliza, what are you doing up this late?"

"Just doing some homework"

"Okay, how is my favorite niece?"

"I'm your only niece" she said smiling.

"Okay....... how is my only niece?"

"She's stressed out"

"You know, it's to be expected. You need to keep that scholarship"

Eliza sighed. "I know. I don't know why I need it anyways"

"You're 16 and a very bright student, that's not a problem for you. I just don't understand why your mother doesn't want my contribution in your education"

"You know how mom is, Aunt. So headstrong and stubborn. I don't know what she's trying to prove"

"She's trying to prove that she can take care of you singlehandedly without an outside input"

"You're no outsider"Eliza stated.

"I know that honey. Your mom and I have our issues. You don't need to concern yourself about that"

"She wasn't like this before.......you know. Before he left"

"I know. Like I said, she's trying to prove something"

"Yeah. It's so annoying, you know. Anyways, I wanted to know if you'll be coming to pick us up for school tomorrow. I don't want to ride that bus again"

"Sure honey"

"Okay Aunt, you're the best" she said. "Goodnight"
She hung up.

*         *            *           *             *              *
             Elizabeth Chigozie woke up with a smile on her face because it was a Friday. Fridays are close to the weekends. And she had lots of things she had to do with her friends on the weekends.

'Mmmh, it's gonna be a fun weekend' she thought as she glanced at the mirror one last time,feeling contented with her appearance. She grabbed her school bag and left her room. She hungrily entered the kitchen looking for food to eat. She saw a covered plate, opened it and started wolfing it down.

"Take it easy, it's not going anywhere"  her younger brother came in with his school bag.

Eliza turned "Awww, aren't you a cutie one"

"Are we going to school or not?" John frowned.

"We are. Where's Mom?"

"She left early to work"

"Mmmh, As usual"

"Is Aunt Agnes coming to pick us up?"

"No. You're riding the bus"

"What! No! I don't want to sit with those bullies again"

Eliza chuckled. "Just kidding. She's coming" She heard a loud honk outside. "Oops, she's here. Come on, let's go"

           On the car ride to school, Aunt Agnes noticed the awkward silence in the car and she decided to break the silence by starting up a conversation.

" So John, how are you doing with your school work? Ready to bag the first position again? "

"You bet" John replied with low interest.

"He would if he stops doing other kids homework" Eliza said.

"Is it true John?" Aunt Agnes asked him.

" No! i'm not!" John exclaimed glaring at Eliza.

"Liar" Eliza smirked.

"Shut up!" John spit out.

"Okay, stop it, you two. Eliza, if John said he's not doing it then he's not" She turned to John with attention on the road. "And John, if it turns out you're doing it,then you must have a reason for that. But you need to stop because it will affect your studies. You're 10, you don't need such pressure"

The car was silent again. Eliza broke the silence this time.
" Hey Aunt, My friend's birthday is tomorrow and i'm thinking of buying her something and i don't have enough money for that so....."

"Okay, how much do you need?"

"About 10,000 naira"

"Whoa!" John's eyes grew wide "Are you planning on buying the whole store!"

Eliza looked at him defiantly.

" Okay, I'll transfer the money into your account this evening"

"Eliza beamed "Yay! Thanks aunt"

Hey guys, this is my first published book. I wouldn't say it's my first time writing. I've actually been writing all my life until I discovered wattpad.

I've never had anyone read my books before. This is actually the first. So read and enjoy ( I hope you enjoy it though).

And please, don't forget to vote and comment. I would really appreciate genuine comments.

Love you guys.