“Just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes.” – Hugh Prather.

•••

Hello there, old chum.

Tomi heaved a sigh of enthusiasm dabbed with a hint of dread, as he looked out of the car window. With his head lodged in his right hand and its elbow – plopped on his right thigh, his gaze burrowed into the distance as the school’s humongous gates came into sight. He couldn’t believe it was a hundred and four days ago that he and his mates had bade each other goodbyes, knocking each other over the heads for the boys and shrieking like cats while encasing one another in embraces for the girls.

Time really waited for no man.

The holiday had gone by quickly like a really awesome entertaining movie just that in this case – the movie wasn’t all that entertaining. The holiday of course being the film used in the previous context. Not like it was dreadful, that it made the observer want to pick up the remote and fast-forward to the climax at the latter stage of the movie, but still it wasn’t that enthralling that one would want to relive the memorable sequences. Yeah, it did have memorable sequences but the sequences in question wasn’t one that anyone would want to relive.

At least, not anyone who lived in Lake County.

The residential estate in question was located within the confinements of the ostentatious landmark of the island in Lagos, Nigeria. In fact, it wasn’t just the most sophisticated residential area any citizen in the state could habit, but invariably the country. Before the inception of the County, estates like Banana Island, Palms Bay and the likes dominated but ever since it was erected and set to function, it had trumped all others in beauty, security and pretty much any other desirable attribute that any one with an eighth figure salary could want.

Well, the statistics had undergone quite a change after recent happenings.

Fortunately, it wasn’t just the County affected by the collective plague. No, every single one of its rival was hit also. The plague in question being the massive hurricane of liquid outpour that shook the entire island for weeks. The recent flood had been the most disastrous that had traversed the lands of the country in decades. Rendering immense damage to properties, and lives alike. It was the embodiment of doom for the elites of the country. Some people till date had not fully yet recovered from their losses as a result of the flood and probably never would in millenniums.

His family, wasn’t quite well far out of the mark of the victims in reference.

Well, probably not in the category of the ‘millennium falcons’ but still not among the caliber of people who had replaced all deceased properties, the instant the flood had ended. They were somewhat in the middle of both classes trying to find their bearing. And he prayed they found it soon and that it should be positive, because shallow or not – he had once experienced what it felt like to live a low-class life and he wasn’t ready to return to such.

“…I have more than enough Oreos to go around, I brought half of the entire pack—dad sent the last time he was in London for business. Once the bell for break goes, all the other girls and guys are going to surround me and I’m going to have more than enough to share. Haha, I’m going to make friends just fine.”

Really? Good-luck with that.

Tomi snorted, as he listened to the ongoing conversation between his mom and little sister who was set to resume J.S.S.1, the first class of highschool in the nation. From her words he could deduce that she thought making friends in highschool was the same as it was in primary school, where food and junk did it all for you. Oh boy, it was going to be a big changeup for his little princess of a sister, but he wasn’t going to be the one to burst her bubble and give her such information. She was going to have to discover that by herself.

“Okay, honey I can see you have it all worked out in your head.” His mom beamed in admiration, taking a cursory glance at her daughter by her right. Tomi could sense that his mom was trying to sound encouraging so as not to give his sister reason to fear, but the fakeness—the fakeness, was all too audible in her monotone in the ears of a matured individual.

“But just remember, that the school gives everyone food and most people wouldn’t be inclined to collect stuff from strangers.” His mom continued in a delicate tone. “So don’t feel bad if anyone says no to your offer.”

“Why would anyone say no to Oreos?”

Oh, the girl had a lot to learn.

But in her defense, they might not actually turn down the offer. One only needed to take a glance at the height of the newly admitted wards into school, to know that they were virtually all premature pupils. Nigerian parents and their ‘rush’ attitude towards school. They didn’t know that it wasn’t about how fast, but instead – how well.

“Just don’t be too nice, okay? People in highschool tend to misinterpret such act of charity as having an ulterior motive.”

He couldn’t see his sister from where he sat, but he could just sense her nose scrunching.

“What ulterior motive could someone have for offering chocolate cookies? I mean it’s a brand name, and its sealed. It’s not like I opened it before, and placed poison into it or some sort of voodoo thingy that would make them worship and paw over me. Which BTW, would be a plus for them cos they get to enjoy free chocolate every day.”

His mom’s act of enthusiasm almost crumbled into one of amusement, but she let out a quick cough that functioned in strengthening her charade. “I know, Imisi you’re right. But do you remember that particular saying that talks about adults having experience along the lines of these things? Well, take my advice on this one and make a run for it. Be nice, but don’t overdo it. Okay, baby?”

“Yes, mommy.” She wasn’t sounding half as delighted as she was before.

“Tomi, is anything wrong? You’ve been characteristically quiet?” She said, increasing the volume of her voice

Shouldn’t that make it a norm and avoid questions?

He swallowed. “Nothing, I just have a lot on my mind. You know, S.S.S 2 is the most tasking and challenging class in highschool, so I’m getting chills. That and the Cowbell mathematics competition is just around the corner, and a couple of weeks away. There is a lot of weight on my shoulders to deliver.”

His mom’s brows furrowed, as he studied it through the front mirror wedged above between her and Imisi. “No, Tomi there is a lot of weight on your shoulders and the shoulders of three other people, in fact seven in all if we’re also counting the junior students. You’re not the only person representing the school in the nation’s biggest mathematics championship, so that can’t be the reason for your gloomy mood.”

“Mom, it’s okay. I’m fine really.” He forced a lazy smile, that even an infant could see through not to talk of his ever-so-insightful mother.

“It’s not okay, you’re usually quiet in situations like this but your face never looks this—troubled. Are you worried about what’s going back at home–”

“Of course not, mom. I know you and dad are handling it quite well.”

“Good, and you should remember that at all times. Every single time, you shouldn’t bother yourself about our new financial troubles. Its not your place to be worried about such things, okay? Go on and fill your mind with frivolities like anticipating the release of the next FIFA game or Marvel movie, not if your parents wouldn’t be as rich as they were before.”

He swallowed hard.

“I’m not afraid of that happening,” Imisi chimed in gleefully. “We’d get to return back to our small, cozy house. I really do miss that place. The duplex is so exposed…”

Oh, if only she knew what it really felt like back then.

“…and there wouldn’t be any security man hovering round our house anymore like dogs, not like we don’t even have dogs who roam around also. And I could go out and play with my friends anyhow I want, and dad and mom would be home more frequently not out of the house – working and working. It would only bring the family closer together, again.”

Aww.

Despite her glaring ignorance, his sister’s words indeed carried the essence of truth in them. It seemed like money always came with a big price. And one wouldn’t even take cognizance of the fact that majority of time expended was devoted to making it, and not living or enjoying its numerous gifts.

It was right at that moment, Tomi noticed that the car had halted and that they were in the school premises, where other cars were parked in no uniform manner.

“I promise you dear, your dad and I would begin to make more conscious actions of spending time with you and Tomi…”

Oh, great. Just when I was loving my privacy.

“…it would be just like the old times. The old gang back at it again.”

“I look forward to that, mommy.” Imisi replied, as his mom lowered her head and planted a kiss on her forehead. Whirling around, she held her left fist out to him and he fist-bumped hers, before flashing her a smile.

“Take care of your sister, Tomi.” His mom’s voice echoed, as he stepped down from the black SUV alongside his sister. He was going to head straight into the building without a backward glance, but his sister pulled at his hand and insisted they waited until their mom’s vehicle departed amidst waiving of hands and screaming of embarrassing words of ‘I love you.’

Okay, let’s get this over with.

“C’mon, let’s go.” He tugged at his sister’s hold on his left hand, but she didn’t budge. Instead, she fell into pace with him and began to head towards the school building. “Do you really need to hold my hand, though?”

“And do you have to whine like I’ve done it before?” She smirked, as she focused her attention on the path ahead, refusing to meet his gaze.

“I know you’re gonna keep on doing it, if I let this one go.” He growled, moving his fingers in her grip – trying to dissolve the hold.

“Believe me, your action of rejecting or accepting wouldn’t affect my want. If I want to keep on doing it, I will continue. So why don’t you be a good boy and suck it up and get on my good side. I might just let you out on good behavior next time.”

He wasn’t the stereotypical, authoritative older brother – like most boys of his age were in the country. No, he chose to treat his sister like an equal, a friend. That’s why she could talk to him in such manner and get away with it. But he really didn’t care much for respect, never really did. And he didn’t regret treating Imisi in such way, either. Rude she was, sometimes but he loved the relationship they had and wasn’t going to trade it for some respect charade.

“You know, I could just pull my hand and run, though.” He chided, making her giggle slightly.

“Oh, please you’re a dork. Since when did you ever like attention?” She scowled.

“I’m not a dork–”

“You are, a cute one though. But you are. A cute one who a lot of girls stare at apparently upon passing, but still a dork. You have your math reputation to prove it.”

“A cute one who a lot of girls stare at while passing?”

That was when she lifted her face up to his. “Did you wear the wrong glasses? If you didn’t, then you’d know every single girl that passed us didn’t mind pausing for a bit to check you out. And last I checked, you didn’t have tea spilled all over your shirt? So why else could they be looking at you with such admiration?”

“I don’t know, because I’m holding hands with someone?”

“Keep on whining, I’m not releasing you until you drop me off at my class.” She giggled again. “I think this is going to be just fine. I have chocolate, a lot of other junk food and an elder brother a lot of girls admire. I think I would make friends just fine.”

And enemies the same, also.

“Okay, now let’s get some things straight.” Tomi cleared his throat as they stepped through the gigantic doors of the main wing, and into a large hall-way consisting of various flight of stairs perched on both sides—they were about six in number. Equal numbers on each wall. “This is highschool, okay? And you’re resuming today, guess what that means? It means you’re not a kid anymore who needs an adult about, to check on you every five minutes to ensure you’re okay. You’re all on your own, now. If you have a problem, ask questions. Don’t come running to my class and seeking for my guidance.”

“So what’s the use of having a senior brother, then?” She huffed, folding her arms as he pulled her by her shoulder and directed their strides towards the last stairwell at the other end of the hall-way by their right.

“That’s it, there’s no difference between you and anybody here without a sibling. Got it?”

“No, I don’t.” She pulled her hand out of his grasp, and relief washed over his being after the action. “Mummy said – take care of your sister, Tomi. Not abandon her like she is some sort of stray cat and expect her to find her way about.”

Oh, God.

He swallowed, as they began to ascend the staircase. At this point, he could sense numerous students like them scattered about the school’s large hall-way—looming over them, heading towards differing locations, and the noise in the atmosphere was increasing with each step they took.

“You have your chocolates, you’d be fine.” He continued. “Just remember to give the right people and not people who are triple your size, and you know—potential bullies who will bully the rest out of you and follow that trend for the rest of the school year and you know until you graduate.”

“And how’s that supposed to be encouraging?” A frown had formed on her face now, and she was pouting.

He almost smiled. “It’s not, Imisi. That’s why you’re not a kid, anymore. This is the life of secondary school students. Everything isn’t as nice and rosy as it was in primary school. Not everyone is nice, normal, and has your best intentions at heart. You’re just gonna have to find where you fit in among a large array of stereotypes here. That’s how life is as you progress. College would be even worse than highschool, and the real world would be worse than college. You have to understand this.”

Finally, they arrived at the glass sliding door at the end of the stairwell and proceeded into the hall-way. Instantly, the muffled and indiscernible noise of multiple ongoing conversations hit their ears and the image of the large junior school hall-way came into sight. Students were distributed at different positions in the uniform white shirts, burgundy-colored ties and navy blue shorts.

“Okay, this is your stop.” Tomi announced, halting by the first room on their right which happened to be Imisi’s class. “I don’t think getting here should be a problem for you, right?”

“Oh, great you can’t even walk me to my class every morning from mom’s car again?” Her mouth fell open.

“No, the senior block is on the next floor. Which means, I will be taking another staircase tomorrow. So yeah, I wouldn’t be walking you to your class every morning like I’m your dad who loves you so freakin’ much because you’re the only kid I have and we lost your mom–”

“So you don’t love me?”

“That’s not the point. The point is–”

“Oh my God! Senior Rena!”

Uh-oh.

A cold chill ran down his spine, as his eyesight followed the trail of his sister and it led to perhaps the most stunning and striking vision, any male of his age could ever set eyes on.

Rena Ilori.

Queen-Bee in the making of Lake High. Had the sort of complexion that made many question if she had Nigerian roots. The sort of hair that instilled jealousy and brewed up hate amongst numerous girls. The sort of face that stopped people right in their tracks, and made it impossible for anyone to look through her and the sort of body frame that made even staff of the school – water their mouth upon sight.

Down to earth, Gorgeous.

But unlike majority of the male population of the school, he didn’t exactly have feelings for her. No, she was gorgeous as hell. He acknowledged that, but never did his stomach ever flutter upon setting eyes on her or something similar. He always had an affinity to like dark-skinned beauties, which weren’t main stream and didn’t have beauty that was flamboyant. Still, that didn’t mean he wanted to engage her in a talk.

“Shut up!” He cautioned Imisi in the tone of a whisper. Rena had only swirled around in uncertainty, looking for the direction – the pronouncement of her name had emanated from. “Now, go into your class and sit down–”

“What, you won’t help me make friends and now I can’t make friends on my own?” Imisi stood her ground, pouting and folding her arms. “Now you’re really acting like my dad, who lost my mom and has only me for a child and pretty much anything.”

“Imisi–”

“Senior Rena!” His sister screamed much louder this time around, to his dismay and the inevitable happened. Rena spotted them at the end of the hall, and began to approach them with a wide smile on her face. Just when he promised himself to keep a low profile all through the session, he was going to be seen chatting with Rena.

Younger sisters are the best.

He did his best to avert his gaze elsewhere, as she approached but couldn’t find the will to do so. Gradually, her hour-glass body frame came into clear sight as the light fell on her. Her maroon-tinted braids, which tumbled down to her shoulders seemed to have a mind of their own as they danced about in the air.

“Hey, honey. How are you doing?” Rena turned a warm and exuberant smile on his younger sister as she joined the duo. Just like every other girl in the school she was in the uniform, but for some reason – she managed to look better in it. Her purple Jansport bag was slung over her back, and she had a couple of textbooks in her right hand. It would seem that she was in a hurry to get somewhere.

“I’ve seen your face, somewhere before.” She continued, refusing to pay heed to his own structure like he was some sort of invisible creature. He preferred it that way though, but the reason why it stung – eluded him. “Chill out, don’t help me. Hmm, that pout and standing stance and—oh, the primary school fashion parade! You were the–”

“Winner, yeah.” Imisi beamed joyfully, apparently proud of herself as her eyes remained rooted on Rena’s face – worshipping it. “I didn’t know someone like you would take notice.”

“Oh, please. It’s no big deal.” She shrugged. “I was there with a couple of my friends. That day was so boring here in highschool, that we had to sneak out of the school to come watch you guys at your party, you know. It was pretty adventurous. We really had fun. BTW, your outfits were gorgeous. Don’t tell me you picked them by yourself.”

Imisi’s smile widened. “Nope, mom picked my outfit. You should know her, she is a fashion designer…”

Here we go.

“Ross?” Rena’s voice jolted him back to the present. “Oh, you’re Tomi’s sister.”

Yes, madam. Nice to finally get noticed by you.

“So you were here all along,” Rena shoved him lightly on the side, as she turned to face him. “Why didn’t you say a thing?”

Cos you’re so gorgeous. I can’t say anything to your face.

He grinned sheepishly, as their gazes locked. She had puckered her lips, accentuating its rich pink color—making it appear more full, plump and tempting.

“You’re friends?” Just when he thought Imisi’s smile had peaked, it widened even further. Obviously, she was delighted that her brother was friends with Rena Ilori, school Queen in the making. If only that were the case. By stretch, they were only acquaintances but no one really informed a gleeful younger sister of an acquaintance that so, yeah. They were friends.

“None of your business,” Tomi cut her off, returning his attention to her. “There isn’t time again. Now get into the class and get a good seat. Don’t go complaining to mom that you can’t concentrate in the class because everyone is making noise, when you could have been early by grabbing a seat.”

“But it’s the know-it-alls that sit in the front–”

“Off you go,” He paid no attention to her protest, clutched her by the shoulders and shoved her gently towards the arch-way of the class. She flashed one final scowl at him before retreating into the class, not forgetting to wave at who he guessed was her idol.

“Your sister is really pretty,” Rena began to say, as she turned her gaze on him. It was somewhat difficult to lock gazes with her hazel eyes—without fidgeting, because she was just that beautiful. More reason why he always avoided situations like the current one.

“And I’m very ugly, I know.” He completed her statement. He could sense she was going for the classic – ‘your sibling is very fine, but you’re ugly’ statement.

“I wasn’t going to say that,” She broke into a laugh, and held her right hand over her chest. “At all, you’re both very attractive people. In fact, you’re all very attractive people in your Fam. I’ve seen your dad and mom, so I know what I’m saying. Oh, and you’re all really fashionable.”

Tomi smiled also. “More like, my mom is really fashionable since she’s a fashion designer and since we’re her family, and technically some sort of face of her company – we have no choice than to look really good. Believe me if it was up to me, my outfits wouldn’t be all that.”

It was the truth. He initially didn’t have no love for fashion, but thanks to his mom’s action of supplying him with a wardrobe of classic wears, he found himself becoming one of the most ‘scoped’ during school events and the likes. Although his statement wasn’t totally true. He didn’t start out to like fashion, but right now he did exceedingly.

Looking good was good.

Rena was laughing again, when she replied. “Yeah, sure. Your sister also smiles a lot, you should try that also. Instead of that trade-mark frown you wear all the time.”

Well. That part of him wasn’t a thing he was exactly conscious about, but it did keep people at bay and stop them from approaching him for conversations—so he figured it was for the greater good.

“Thanks, I’d see what I can do about that.” He nodded, his gaze falling to his brown Breguet Hora Mundi watch clasped on his left-wrist. “Assembly time is almost upon us. I’d best be gone, see you around.”

He didn’t wait for a reply, before brushing past her and sauntering down the hall.

“Where are you going?” He heard her call out.

“To class.” He turned around.

“Oh, yeah I forgot to tell you. We’re in the same Arm…”

What!!!

“…And our class is this way, unless you have some sort of underground passage to the class – then you can keep on heading that way.”

“My bad, then.” He apologized, falling into pace with her as they began their walk to the class. “So, how was your holiday?”

*****

“…When you have just one parent, especially one that doesn’t have the same gender with you and you’re the only kid. Yup, that’s just about how much fun your holiday could get.” She said.

The surprise on Tomi’s face was expected, but his next enquiry – not quite.

“And you were totally comfortable with that? I mean, you didn’t do anything not in conformity with what he likes. Not saying you’re some sort of spoilt kid, I mean we all disobey our parents in some way when we don’t want to compromise. That sort of thing. You talk like every single activity you did was validated by him.”

She couldn’t help her resulting smile. “Of course not. I still did some things I’d rather him not know about. But they aren’t all that. I hardly had enough reason to do so anyway. He doesn’t allow me go to parties, but he allows me throw parties in the house. I’m not allowed to visit people frequently, but if I wished – I could have the entire school over. It’s not really about restricting me from doing things. It’s more about him having the chance to keep an eye on me.”

Her addressee nodded in comprehension. “What of if you were to have a boyfriend? He’d be totally fine with it, as far as you do all your intimate stuff together where he would be able to keep an eye on you?”

Chuckling boisterously, she shook her head. “Of course not. I would only do that to an enemy I want to kill, you know. Under the pretext that I love him. It would be a slow, gruesome death for whoever is involved. My dad would only be fine with me having a romantic partner when I’m like his age or something.”

“Overbearing parents.” Was all Tomi said, before a comfortable silence settled between them. Not exactly silence per say, since general chatter was still ongoing in the background. It was typical resumption date vibe, but for some unknown reason this vibe that seemed to energize virtually all students wasn’t rendering the same effect on her.

Maybe, it was because of the new status the new session connoted. The elections were only a few weeks away now, and an immense number of her mates would lock horns and clash for a chance to become school prefects. Some posts were just simple offices that came with apportioned duties, while some posts were epitomic titles that came with indefinite duties in which just no one could man.

Popularity and fame did come with a cost. She wouldn’t go as far to state that she loathed being the most influential female in her class, but she still wouldn’t declare that it was all harmonizing and pleasant. She was somewhat in the middle, trying to find bearing and constantly battling for balance and she knew without doubt in her heart that the battle would only grow more intense this year.

Am I ready for this?

All her life, she had being dubbed and tagged for the role and without even claiming the title, yet, she had still carried its burdens and lived through its hell now actual hell was about to descend soon. She had to get over herself, and brace herself for the impact. It wasn’t like she could walk away from it if she had the chance to, and it wasn’t like she wanted to anyway.

She wanted this life and she had to deal with it.

Her focus returned back to the present, and she noticed her company hadn’t said a word since she had zoned out. What a boy, she thought. Tomi Adeiye was one of the very few persons in the male population of the school who didn’t give her the time of day. And was probably, the only one in the entire population she gave a damn about. Any girl would. He might not be the most popular, but popular he was. The most attractive, but attractive he was. And most fashionable, maybe that was one he did dominate. So yeah, who wouldn’t be bothered that a male with much desirable qualities didn’t seem to be interested in them.

She wasn’t surprised.

He might be good-looking to a great extent, but it wasn’t exactly his looks he was most popular for. No, it was his smarts. Tomi was one of the school’s most prized possession in relation to the subject – Mathematics and its many subdivisions. In the class as a whole, he was the best in Math and almost invariably in the entire school. Although, he wasn’t slacking behind in other subjects but he wasn’t a superhero in them.

Speaking about a double-edged sword.

People like him were adored by staff and student body alike for their looks and smarts. While people like her, well just for her looks. Popular, he was and almost every attribute she had also but he wasn’t a part of their world. But perhaps, that was going to change soon if her insistence on the rules of a particular inherent event were maintained.

She wanted the entire school to appreciate him for the true gem he was.

“What about you?” She broke the silence once again, when she realized he was in no mood to talk and was savoring it. “How was your holiday?”

She could have sworn she saw a brief image of horror zoom past his facial features, but quickly as if caught in the act – a smile took up residence on his face.

“Well, you know. Same old. Stayed at home, binge-watched the Big Bang Theory and Arrow, played FIFA and The Sims, had family over for sleepovers, visited friends and went out once or twice. It wasn’t boring BTW, same routine every summer but still not boring.”

“I see,” She nodded. “Nothing out of the blues, happen?”

This time, the smile crumbled and the expression that stared right back at her—terrified her a bit.

“Yeah, well you know if the flood was a big deal to your Fam and it destroyed a lot of things you owned. Then, yeah out of the blues in the sky, you know.”

Oh, that!

Her lower jaw fell open, and her eyes widened like saucers. “I’m so sorry, that was so insensitive of me.”

“It’s nothing, it’s not like it didn’t affect us all.” He shrugged. She wanted to go on to state that the flood didn’t in any way affect her and her dad, but she figured it would be best to exhibit empathy and shut her mouth up.

“Yeah, sure.” She stated as they halted at the entrance of their class. His hands were back in his pockets once again, and this time as she gazed at him she couldn’t help but admire how good his profile was. His complexion was the right blend of light and dark, exuding the ‘caramel’ complexion many longed for in the country. His height wasn’t exactly 6’1, but at about 5’7 she figured he was tall enough. In fact, she wasn’t exactly attracted to guys who were a lot taller than she was and towered over her like some sort of skyscraper.

His face on the other hand was a work of art, a fine work of art. With brown-rimmed—circle shaped lens glasses, that highlighted his well rounded oval azure-dabbed eye-balls, a firmly molded nose and moist ginger lips, he was stunning indeed. His well groomed hair, was also trimmed at the edges and faded at the sides by his temples.

“I wonder why we never talked much in the past, we’d make quite the pair.” The words tumbled out of her mouth helplessly. Her throat bobbed at the realization of the meaning of her words, and she hoped he didn’t read too much meaning into her statement.

“Probably because we had nothing to bring us together,” His shoulders rocked. “We’ve always been in different Arms, clubs, and posts…”

And different worlds.

“…But that’s changed this term I guess.” The manner in which he concluded his sentence, made her doubt if he was enthusiastic in any way. If anything, he sounded displeased with such development. But that didn’t matter, nothing could change the fact that everything was about to change between them.

Why would you want that to happen anyway?

It was somewhat difficult to find an answer to the question ringing at the back of her head. Because, she didn’t exactly know said reason. Was it just basic urge to extend a friendship towards a fellow classmate or the sparks of some sort of sexual feelings towards him?

Oh My God! Am I crushing on him?

Unlike any other regular female of her age-range, she didn’t exactly know the interpretations of particular behavioral patterns and the likes. She hardly harbored actual feelings for any male in the past, so she didn’t exactly have experience in such area, hence didn’t know how to navigate through such predicament.

Note to self, must ask the girls.

“Later, then.” He announced before stepping through the door, and leaving her by the entrance. She couldn’t help but get amused at his peculiar demeanor at times. Wasting no time, she followed after him and stepped into the class also. As expected, only a handful of students were in the room and majority had unfamiliar faces. She groaned internally at her latest discovery. Somehow, the school always found a way to distribute the population in such an efficient manner across the various Arms that majority didn’t end up with their friends.

Fortunately, such wasn’t the case for her. She couldn’t survive without her girls–

“Is that my bitch!”

She broke into a laugh, as she continued treading the path in the direction of the voice addressing her. Her path was in the front of the class, her left shoulder brushing the large white board and her right arm facing the various rows of desks and chairs.

“Of course, there’s only one bitch with every friggin’ goodie and it’s the one I gat right here.”

The air got sucked out of her, as a female figure hopped down from a desk and engulfed her in a tight, suffocating embrace—the moment she arrived at the corner ahead, where the last row was.

“April, how about we return to this hug later, while I go about to hug my other friends without all the energy sapped out of me. Then you could kill me later when I’ve observed all pleasantry protocols with everyone else.”

“And risk the chance of someone else, killing you? Hell nah.” April chuckled, her hold on Rena still tightening. “Don’t worry we can easily find a Benin girl around here with charm that will resurrect you if such happens. Or we could just go to your dad’s hometown, heh? You Yoruba people – I fear your forefathers, big time.”

“I’m not full Yoruba, smart-ass.” She stuck her tongue out, despite the fact that her friend wasn’t seeing it.

“Can the full Yoruba people have a chance to kill her now?” A static figure, leaning by the wall scoffed as she watched the duo. “Come over here, you bish. You went to meet April, don’t think I’m walking over there to hug you.”

“Mo, you make it sound like I’m in another planet. It’s just a few steps away.” Rena laughed, as she walked to her addresser—who had a petite frame and an oblong face.

Holding her right hand up, her friend shook her head. “Mo? Do you hear the sound of that? Mo? Does it sound like a girlish thingy, ‘Mo’ it doesn’t. It sound like some sort of stupid name boys give each other over things like Basketball games when its too much stress calling each other by their names. This is not a basketball game, we’re not dudes and it’s not too much stress to call a two-syllabic name, okay? So try it out, Moyin?”

“Mo,” Rena laughed devilishly, before lunging into her friend’s arms which parted reluctantly. “Don’t worry I’d save the ‘yin’ for the next time I call your name.”

April approached from behind. “Seriously,  I don’t know why she is complaining. You’re not the one who is named after a month. You’re not the one who has to roll your eyes at every silly person who automatically thinks you must have been born in April, to be named April.”

Rena turned around to face April, who shared very similar striking looks with herself. They had the same complexion and body figure, but April was a few inches taller than she was, and had black braids bounded by several hair-pins over her head. Moyin also braided her hair with the same color, but hers fell in lumps all over.

“Maybe we should call you by your actual birthmonth name – October. You’d like that better, right?” Rena chortled.

“You’re just jealous you’re not part of October’s Very Own.” April snarled, sticking out her tongue at the duo. “Drake Gheng mehn, see them bishes be hating.”

“Now, that you and Drake have the same birth month, how has it helped your life?” Moyin folded her arms, edging closer to Rena’s right—who was in the middle of both girls. “Do you get his albums for free, or get to attend his concerts without paying a dime. No, please tell me how it has helped your life. Mumu, don’t go and sit down and read your book.”

After Moyin’s retort, April attempted to knock the latter over the head but she ducked and avoided the blow resulting in a brief scuffle of strength between them. Rena couldn’t help but chuckle as she watched the girls go at it, she had missed them so much. April, being the outspoken, hyper-social extrovert she was, and Moyin being the ever sarcastic reserved amusing personality.

“…for someone who claims to be so smart–”

“I don’t claim to be smart, I am smart. Gat the stats to prove it, son.” Moyin cut April off.

“Whatever,” April sighed. “You’d think someone as smart as you are, would know how to have fun during the holiday. And not sit at home in her library all day and drown herself in novels that aren’t half as interesting as this talk about you not having a fun life – is.”

“Take that back!” A playful frown formed on Moyin’s face. “You just called Dayo Tijani’s books, boring? Oh, Rena where is your hairband, where is the damn head-band. I need to tie my braids together to beat a bitch. I need to be free.”

Rena erupted into a hysterical laugh. “Look guys I’m not about to get into trouble on the first day of school, biko. So please keep your anger checked, and your braids? I think you actually need my band, they shouldn’t be falling apart like that. Before all these your teachers get on your matter.”

“They’re not your own teachers abi?” April’s nose scrunched, as Rena set her bag down in a bid to search for a hair-band for their friend. “Ehen Babe, don’t mind this one. Let the braids fall apart, so the boys can keep falling apart when they see you. Let’s see a new Moyin this session.”

Moyin rolled her eyes, as Rena slipped the band into her palms. “Braids fall apart kor, Things fall apart ni. I’d rather fall apart to the ground, than let myself become museum artifact. Such thing is meant for you and Rena, some of us are okay with being in the back-ground, you know. I mean who will pour the flowers for you on your trail, and lift the hem of your gown up. If all of us try to shine, we’d just end up falling down.”

Rena shook her head in dismay, and held her right hand over her chest. “And that’s the type of talk that makes my heart fall apart. Anyway, enough ranting about Moyin. April, let’s see what you got.”

“Hear, ode. Hear not see. Can you see the words flying out of my mouth?” April cautioned Rena.

“And your own words fly out of your mouth, they don’t fall.” Rena retorted in response. “No wonder what you say most of the time never makes sense, and we all have a hard time trying to understand.”

“Burn!!” Moyin yelped in delight, while Rena laughed and a frown took up residence on April’s face. “Jeez, it’s burning so much you could just see the smoke ‘flying’ out of her mouth.”

“Hahaha, joke of the minute.” April clapped sarcastically. “Anyway, my own holiday was lit as fuck. And in case you were wondering, it was so lit you could also see the flames flying out of my mouth, idiots. After Rena travelled out of the country, and Moyin – you, you travelled into your fantasy world of books, my holiday undertook a massive turn around. Now that I look at it, it’s like you girls are the ones who normally hold and kill my vibe. This 6’4 college fresh-man moved into the house opposite ours, and we totally hit it off.”

Oh, of course that happened.

“Gee, can your definition of fun ever exclude boys?” Rena shook her head.

“And can yours ever exclude your dad?”

Ouch! That one enter.

“We all love your dad and he is cool and all, but c’mon. He is not your boy-friend.” April ranted on. “He should take a break off your matter.”

You’d think.

“Actually he did.” Rena smiled.

“Excuse me?” The girls said in unison, like she had just announced that the planet Krypton had been discovered and the Superman jibber jabber was for real.

Rena progressed in an overzealous tone, and haphazard body gestures. “Okay, see let me explain. You know my matter abi? My dad, the man that you know – did that thing with my mom. Before she was able to give birth to me...”

“Is she trying to be funny?” Moyin stroke her imaginary goatee, casting a bemused glance on April.

“I think so, because no one is laughing.” April nodded in agreement.

Rena hissed. “When you were asking me like you can’t grasp the meaning behind the ordinary sentence I said.”

April smiled. “You can’t just drop that sort of bomb on us, you have to do it slowly. How can you just say your dad got off your matter suddenly like that? If you’re breaking such news, you have to do it slowly and carefully. You know, damage control.”

“Just let her talk.” Moyin said.

“Anyway,” Rena entwined her fingers together. “So, Paris was great really. I don’t know why we stayed away from it for so long. I just thought France was one of these overrated countries and I was angry we weren’t going to Dubai like we originally planned to. But it was still great. Mehn, French girls are so hot. Damn, I’m jealous.”

April’s head tilted to the right. “Why didn’t you tell them to take off their jacket?”

They all laughed in unison.

“Cos, they aren’t men smart-ass.” Rena continued. “Anyway, in our second week there we met this woman. Not exactly meet, Cos we’ve been seeing her around and all that. But we had no reason to extend some sort of formality to her. The woman is a vision also, really hot but you’d know she isn’t all that young. A Nigerian o, in case you were thinking she’s French. And then sha to cut the dry story short – she hit it off with dad and now they’re seeing each other.”

Both girls eyes widened in shock and they exchanged curious glances with one another. After a brief silence, April went first.

“Are you sure she didn’t give him anything to eat? I mean for the past fourteen years, since your mom died at your birth, your dad has totally closed off his heart to the opposite gender. So whatever happened now? It’s a mystery o.”

Moyin flashed a frown at April. “That’s not what’s important, mumu. Rena, do you like this development? Does it make you uncomfortable or happy?”

Well, she would be lying if she said it didn’t make her uncomfortable and pretty much lie again if she said she wasn’t happy. Her emotions were a bit convoluted at the moment.

Her shoulders slumped. “To be honest, girls? I really don’t know. I’m not sure. I’m happy because now my dad has a reason to be happy asides from me, and I’m uncomfortable because I’ve never gotten used to the fact that anyone could ever replace my mom. Even though I never met her, and saw her only in pictures. We’re still close in some way.”

“Or, you just don’t like the title dubbed – ‘step-mom’.” April declared, hitting the nail on the head. It was the exact truth. She didn’t think she want her dad to get married again. She did care for his happiness, but ninety percent of such marriages never ended well for the kids. At the thought alone, numerous amount of soaps and movies that she had watched in the past with similar premise began streaming in her head.

It wasn’t a good picture.

“You’re right, April.” She agreed. “I really want to be happy for him, but I guess I’m not that great a person.” The moment she completed her statement, the bell signifying change of periods went off.

“It’s okay, dear.” Moyin said in a soothing tone, placing her left hand on Rena’s right shoulder. “Whatever happens, we’d be here for you. If their relationship matures to that stage and they get married, we’d help you through whatever is going to happen at the other end.”

“And if she is a bitchy step-mother, oh she better have kids cos war gonna go down.” April erupted in her own soothing way, causing the trio to laugh again. “We’d best be off for assembly. We don’t want to get bullied out of seats at the back and be forced to seat in the front.”

Rena and the girls separated to head to their respective desks, to drop off their bags. When they resumed their walk, Moyin asked why they would want seats at the back.

April smiled devilishly. “So that when they call our name, we can make that dramatic entrance.”

*****

“If you’re looking for Legide’s name there, you won’t see it.”

Alexis gave his unwanted clarification, earning him a scowl. Best-friends, Tomi thought. They always knew how to high-light one’s pain. As he and Alexis sat in the hall, listening to the social prefect’s address, general chatter was dormant instead of inexistent. Lake High students simply didn’t understand the statement – ‘Shut your mouths up.’

“I wasn’t looking for her name, just checking if they were jerks in your class.” Tomi almost rolled his eyes, that were skimming the list of class Arms and their respective distributions. “BTW, there is. Munachi is there. If I were you, I wouldn’t bring my Vita to school anymore. Baba would just go and report you so it can get seized, and then steal it later from the store.”

“I’m not silly, and please stop scolding me like you’re my mom.” Alexis drawled, his head perched on his right palm plopped on his right thigh. “And also stop acting like a baby that needs scolding. How difficult is it to admit that you have a crush on someone? It’s not that difficult. It’s just a crush. They come and go.”

Tomi smirked, tilting his head to face his friend—who had his bushy brows, creased and grey eyes staring right back at him. They were talking in a very low volume so as not to draw attention from a nearby teacher. “You’d think three years, isn’t enough for this crush to go away?”

“So, what is it? Are you in love? Love at first sight?” Alexis scoffed. “Don’t tell me you believe that crap.”

“I don’t have to believe it before it’s real.” Tomi retorted. “And no it’s not love, silly. It’s just something bigger than a crush and more embarrassing. I just wish it would just go away.”

His addressee heaved a sigh of fatigue. “I wish I could help you out on that front, bro. But I can’t. Because I’m also guilty of it. But unlike you, I can never have a shot with the person I like. You on the other hand, you do. You just choose to be pathetic.”

“No I choose to abstain from all these relationshit.” Tomi replied.

“…And now – the most fashionable students in S.S.S.2…”

“And how well is that abstinence going, the feelings are still coming to meet you, bah?” Alexis shook his head. “Better just–”

“You two there, shut the hell up.” A voice which belonged to a senior boomed from behind, and cautioned the boys action.

“The boy who won this award, isn’t in any way in the actual social circle. Popular, yeah but for other things.” The female social prefect voice was audible from upfront on the podium. “His style in fashion is particularly distinct, matured and eye-catching. In fact we just couldn’t go another school year by ignoring him. Students of Lake High, I give you the most fashionable male student in the class of Senior Secondary School 2 – Adeiye Oluwatomiloba.”

What!!!

A cold chill ran down his spine, as a strong arm came down on his right hand and dragged him up to his feet. Damn you Alexis, he cursed under his breath. Every single pair of eyes in the hall transferred to him, as he began his short walk to the podium ahead. He could see the social prefects in the distance, and the principal with a wide smile. Some students even got up on their feet, and the applause roared all through the school hall.

No, this wasn’t his life. This wasn’t the kind of life he had gotten accustomed to. Such thing didn’t happen in his world. This had to be some sort of dream? No, it couldn’t be. It was real. There was only one viable reason as to how this could be happening.

He had slept and woken up to a parallel universe.

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And we’re underwayyy!!!!

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Thanks!!!

It feels so good to be back guys, so good. I missed the thrill of updating and scrolling through the comments section and other frivolous activities like that.

A big shout-out to the chapter’s editor – 90sbambina. Amazing writer, check out her profile and her works—and the proof-reader derin_becca. Amazing people, thanks for your invaluable input.

This chapter is dedicated to the very first, avid Reeder OmoniyiBukonla who played a huge role in keeping my pen between my fingers over the past year with her undying support. Words can’t express how big my gratitude is.

Finally, finally. Lake County is here and if you’re reading this, I want to believe you’ve read the very first chapter. So how did you find it? Did it live up to your expectations? I hope it did, but I can only hope and not see your mind. So please express how you truly feel about it in the comments section.

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Updates would roll out every Friday, in the evening so don’t forget to tune in same time, same day – next week. God bless.

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Glossary:

Vernacular interpretation.

Sentences:

1.Braids fall apart kor, Things fall apart ni – A joke that is centered on the sarcastic power of the latter half in mocking the former.

N.B: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is an African novella classic, and the most widely read African novel in the entire world, with a sales figure that exceeds twenty million copies.

2.That one enter – Simply means something hurt.

Words:

1. Abi – Used for clarification emphasis. Mostly used at the end of the statement.

2. Sha – A substitute informal way of saying – well in analytical statements.

3. Mehn – Informal way of using the exclamatory remark – Man!

4. Mumu – Local idiom of Fool.

5. Biko – Substitute for please.

6. Ode – Idiom for fool.

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Meaning of Terms. (As used in the chapter)

1. Rush – Hurrying without feasible reason.

2. Scoped – Center of attraction, highly conspicuous.

3.Bish – Informal way of saying Bitch.