“People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.” – Will Rogers.

•••

“Can someone remind me why no one in the entire county has thought of this brilliant idea, before?”

Rena watched April remark with pure glee from the corner of her right eye, as they immersed their selves in the euphoria of the presence. Her elation was understood and justified, as their environment was quite worth the fuss. Once again, she found herself enjoying herself exceedingly in an activity she previously refused to partake in. April’s plan had worked quite well, but there was need to have it altered. Her dad didn’t trust April as much as he did Moyin, so instead the girls had lied that they’d be staying at the latter’s place. And had told Moyin’s folks that they’d be at April’s place. So in case, her dad found out – it would be too late to disapprove as they were at the venue already.

“I think it has something to do with a death that happened in a previously defunct one, some decades back.” Moyin clarified, from Rena’s left. The girls were all decked out in light clothing that’d enable them maximize their fun to its fullest. Tank-tops, tees, bum-shorts and boots were the order of the day. “It wasn’t the death of someone too important, otherwise the inception of another house like this would never come to fruition, but still – it was a death and carried the potential for disaster. All organizations in line with such trade had to shut down temporarily in order to let the heat die down. I guess the venture was just sort of forgotten by the time everything had cleared, I guess.”

“Well, RIP to whoever it is that died and to boredom also, and RIP also to our fun life. As in Rise In Power, hahaha.” April’s attempt at humor, caused the rest to shake their heads in disgust. “But in a way, this guy helped us though? I mean the activities of beach-houses in the past were closely monitored with scrutiny, you know cos of the wild life of high-school students. But it’s going to take a while, before such scrutiny comes into place again. So someone remind me, next weekend we’re going to find the grave of whoever it is that died and drop flowers there. He or she deserves it.”

“Sure, don’t thank whoever it is that set the place up or the person who invited us. Thank the dead person.” Another girl, Helen snickered from Rena’s extreme left. She was a class-mate of theirs, who regularly hanged out with her crew. “Rena, though. I know you’re not all up on the Itunu’s charm and all that, but this – you have to repay him small oh. The guy try in setting this up. I mean look at us, we get to watch the entire football team swim half-naked in the pool for free? It wouldn’t be so bad to repay it in kind, you know.”

Rena jerked her head back in disgust, as a wave of water from the pool before them surged upwards, before pummeling back down. That always happened when a new person dived into the pool.

“Skinny-dipping?” Her nose scrunched. “If I bathe in this water containing perverts and playboys with vile lives, God knows I’d need real water baptism from none other than Prophet John himself to cleanse myself from all the dirtiness I’d have taken into my body. So, no thanks for the offer though.”

Moyin laughed, tilting her head past Rena to fix her gaze on April. “You don’t wanna join in, April? We all know you’re like that dude in the Bible with leprosy. Leprosy that can only be cured with such action. So, you better go in and do it now so your disease can depart before the time is too late.”

While the group erupted into laughter, April only shook her head and eased back into her seat. “Thank you prophet, for giving me the directive from God. I’d take it when I’m ready to die of embarrassment and shame. As if people don’t judge me already enough, I’d now go and add more water to the oil abi? Ese gan ni.”

“Water to the oil?” Rena echoed.

“Yup, water to the oil. You will understand that statement when you mistakenly add a few drops of water to boiling oil on fire. You’d know how disastrous it could be.”

“I think some of us have more disastrous things to worry about than hot oil going up in our face.” A silvery voice at Rena’s extreme right, boomed. It belonged to another girl not exactly in their circle by name Foluke. Another pleasant class-mate of theirs, who was relatively popular and was in possession of the goodies also. “For example – Rena in this upcoming election–”

“Oh, not election talk again!” April groaned in dismay, her perplexed state resonating with the rest of her girls.

“…we should talk about it now, before it explodes and burn us in our faces. I don’t know why you talk like this isn’t a once in a life-time thing. Or are you planning on joining politics when you’re an adult? Anyone can get in these days, anyway. You just need to have a sibling who is a higher up and next thing you’re being sworn in as Commissioner of Whining.”

“Commissioner of whining?” Moyin repeated.

“Well, since there is a commissioner for almost anything these days – why can’t April be the head of the department for making complaints of everything? It’s the one thing  she is good at, that’s until she starts complaining that – complaining itself is too much work and that they need to find someone else.” Foluke pressed on.

“Kilowade?” April’s lower jaw fell open, as the rest laughed. “It hasn’t reached that level oh, biko. Hold it. Ahan, I don’t like it oh. It’s not like I’m the only one who is getting tired of–”

“You see what I’m saying?” Foluke cut in again. “Complaining about complaining? See, it doesn’t get better than this. This is the peak of it all.”

April’s both hands shot to the sky to signify defeat, and no word fell out from her mouth again. Rena took it as a cue to enquire about what Foluke was saying earlier.

“What do you mean earlier by Rena in this upcoming election?” Her voice was taut.

“Ah, everyone knows what Benita’s evil schemes oh to overthrow you and April.” Helen clarified. The direction of the conversation did stir to where she expected. Benita Uchendu, the girl in reference had quite the rebellious reputation. She wouldn’t exactly tag Benita as a rival like the way Itunu and Dabby fought all the time for dominance, no Benita wasn’t that powerful yet to demand such worry from her.

She was just someone constantly trying to fight her way up to the utmost top of the social ladder, someone who didn’t give a damn about who she had to take down and defeat to get there. And no one could dispute the fact that she had been successful so far. And had taken down almost any one and anything that stood in her path, but still that did little to stir fear in Rena’s heart. The girl had quite a lot to do if she was planning a mutiny.

“And judging from the way you say everyone knows, I’m guessing no one actually knows the details and everything is just hear-say?” She scoffed. “See, we came here to get positive vibes and forget about our school problems. Don’t let us ruin the moment.”

“Okay, but still it wouldn’t be wise if you just dislodge the fact that she doesn’t pose a threat.” Foluke piled on, on her previous point. “That girl would stab betrayal in the back, if it wasn’t conscious and careful. To her it isn’t just an election, it’s life and death. So do get your defenses up just in case. One can never be too careful.”

Rena smirked. “I’d deal with that problem when it surfaces for real. Until then, nothing can happen. And what do you want me to do anyway? If she is really planning something evil behind my back, what can I do about it? Confront her and tell her to back off and that the female offices of the social prefects on the council is for April and I only? Abeg, Caroline save your drama. I don’t need it for a soap opera. When it’s not Africa magic. That would just give her the impression that I view her as a threat when I actually don’t. I don’t even view her as a thing, so please. Let’s save this topic for another day that I’d dismiss it.”

Foluke gestured in comprehension, as her gaze shifted from Rena back to the pool before them where the boys were indulging in all sorts of childish games. “No love lost, I understand. Speaking about two-faced bitches and scheming personalities. What do you think about that new girl? She’s definitely more to it than meets the eye. Just when we thought she wasn’t straight and all that, Dabby had to go talk to her yesterday at lunch. It was quite a scene.”

“Just, chill. Hold up.” A wrinkle marred Moyin’s face, as her eyes roamed to Foluke’s. “That doesn’t make any sense? If she’s quiet and doesn’t want to mingle, then it isn’t wrong. There are people like that and also? How is it her fault that Dabby went to meet her? She didn’t call him, did she? He went to meet her on his own free will. So, if anyone should be called a scheming bitch it should be Dabby or is there some sort of body language now that I don’t know of that is so efficient?”

Helen spoke in a gruff voice. “Dabby has been a fuck-boy for so long that calling him a scheming bitch would fare as a compliment. So no, not him. And why your point might be indeed valid, she didn’t go meet him. He did go meet her himself, but still she could have acted withdrawn and reclusive like she did with everyone who tried to talk with her, but no she had to be all chummy and all with him. I’m not sure you saw them yesterday, it was like a totally new side to her I’ve not seen. She’s always in a bitter, unimpressed mood most of all the time but when Dabby came along? It was like she had been waiting for it all her life.”

“Yup, like she was some sort of beast just waiting for beauty to come charm her pants off.” Foluke continued. “I don’t think her like her too much. I mean her taste in fashion is really, really detestable. But as the nice persons, Helen and I are – we decided to look past her and just make acquaintance with her and she turned her nose up at us but when a dude comes along she is laughing all over like SpongeBob, her laugh echoing all through the hall. Some girls just need to know that there is only so much a guy can do for a girl, and that there are lengths only a female friend would go to for them.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t refuse your offer for friendship, once you start going to the Gym to work out. You know develop muscles and abs, in the next few weeks. Get a face like Dabby’s and take course on sweet-talking.” Rena laughed. “See, all those sort of girls, just leave them. Of all boys to even take as a friend – Daberechi. While she is probably thinking of spending more time talking with him, he is already thinking of the way he will unhook her bra from her body.”

April had gone uncharacteristically quiet, since the topic changed its course and everyone in the group knew the reason why and they refused to badger her with it. But, she broke her silence and finally talked.

“Some girls need guidance in these areas, seriously.” Her voice was honeyed. “They won’t know someone is a playboy, until the word is in their name or is glued to their forehead. Or maybe she is just naïve enough to think that it’s only the Yoruba boys. She is going to learn the hard way.”

Helen piled in. “With the way she acts and talks, she is probably one of those girls from you know—those places, that think they can come into the actual city, meet the sort of people they’ve never met before and change them because they just have that goodness in their heart like it is in all those novels, abi Moyin?”

“Which yeye novels are you talking about?” Moyin rolled her eyes. “Me I read realistic, grounded, modern day novels biko. Not the ones about bad boys meeting good girls and all that bullshit. Dayo Tijani don’t write shit like that. You should in fact watch out for his upcoming novel? It’s romance, I just can’t wait to see how much life he is going to bring into it.”

While the girls exchanged apathetic glances amongst themselves, Rena went ahead to issue a word of caution.

“Anyway, none of you should go warn her of Dabby or something. That would just mean you’re jealous in some way, which you’re not. Asides from April, sha. But still stay away from her. But that doesn’t mean we should abandon her. She is a girl too like us, and I hate seeing victims like her falling prey to Dabby’s shenanigans. I’ve done my best to keep him away from her, but it still didn’t work. The only thing we can do at this point, is to keep offering our friendship in the hopes that she doesn’t keep turning it down. And when we’re close with her, then she’d be healed of her blindness and be able to see the face of the ugly monster staring right back at her.”

April edged forward in her seat. “He might not actually have plans to deflower or something. It’s not everyone he talks to, that ends up in his bed. Sometimes, he just does it for the fun of just messing up their heads and making them think he has a care in the world for them.”

“Well, it only takes one to know one.” Moyin chipped in, much to April’s annoyance. “What about you? Why aren’t you doing something similar? I’ve not seen you with any random dude in particular just for flirting sake, like you do a lot. Why is that so?”

April’s face morphed into that of realization. Uh-oh, what has Moyin done? Rena thought.

“That’s true! I’ve been so focused on the stupid boy, that I didn’t even know I was slacking in everything else. I need to get back on my game. Find someone cute just to mess with? Probably someone in a relationship already to spice it up and cause more drama? You know distract myself. Now, that I think of it I think Tomi is quite a catch these days, I mean–”

The girls collective raucous laughter cut April off, who also joined in it. Rena – the only one not laughing, had a sinister stare twinkling in her gaze as she glared at April.

“Jeez, calm down I’m not going anywhere near your Prince charming.” April’s chuckle was throaty. “I mean he doesn’t even spare you a second glance, I’m not delusional to think he wouldn’t even mind to insult someone like me if I ever walk up to him. Believe it or not, there are some people I don’t have the balls to talk to oh. And that boy is on the top of that list. I can only talk to his sort of person collectively, not personally mehn. I know weak people when I see ‘em, and he ain’t part.”

“Yes oh, Rena went to borrow balls outside to talk to him.” Moyin exclaimed in delight. “I don’t even know how she does it sha, but she is making progress.”

Foluke and Helen on the other hand, didn’t seem to understand the current topic of decision like they did the previous ones.

“Okay, so can someone bring us into the loop now?” Helen barked. “Rena, what’s the deal with this guy? Is he just a distraction or something, I mean we all knew it was only a matter of time before April and Dabby began to rub off on you? But still we had faith in your will-power.”

Rena buried her face in her palms. “Like, why doesn’t anyone want to believe that I can actually like a guy and just you know, go after him!”

Foluke’s brows furrowed. “Let’s even take the ridiculous notion into consideration, and believe it. Even if you had it within you to actually like a guy, and not like him because he was nice enough not to ask you out for a date or to talk to you. You know reasons like that, why would you go after him? Isn’t it supposed to be other way round? I understand your ignorance, cos you haven’t been in this position before, but my dear? It’s the other way round, okay? He’s supposed to come after you.”

Rena shook her head. “And while I wait for him to notice me by miracle and develop feelings for me, are you going to keep on taking me out for outings like this one that would keep my mind off it? Or take me to church perhaps to get my hormones pulled out, because that’s the only way I know that can be successful. See, I don’t care much for these social protocol. I’m the one that likes him after all, and I’m in a better position to initiate a friendship since I’m the more socially equipped person in the duo. And I know how to take a hint when someone doesn’t like me, okay? Such hint might have never happened to me, but believe me. I’ve watched enough TV to know how that happens.”

The girls all laughed in unison, and Moyin proceeded.

“Don’t let us discourage Rena on her quest though. It could turn quite fun in the next few weeks. I just hope the poor boy is ready for whatever you have in store for him, though.”

“Itunu is going to be so damn jealous.” Helen chipped in. “I hope he too doesn’t have anything in store for Tomi? Have you even thought of that, Rena? Tomi becoming a target of Itunu’s scheme just because you’ve been refusing him since all these years and you’re chasing the other dude. Things could get bloody, oh.”

The girl’s statement indeed had sense and reasoning in it. It would be green to think Itunu would discard Tomi totally, when he knew he was a threat and had the power to make something happen. All she could do was pray that Itunu wouldn’t do anything rash.

“I’d protect him,” She replied in a firm tone. Much to the girls’ surprise. “I know sounds cliché and cheesy, but it’s my pledge. Nothing is going to happen to him under my watch.”

And she meant it.

*****

“You know, you still haven’t given me a cogent enough reason as to why I can’t go with option C.”

Tomi listened to his sister grunt for the umpteenth time, and shut his own eyes to keep his frustration in check. Why did kids of nowadays have to be so inquisitive and curious? Couldn’t they just accept elderly guidance without scrutiny and making a ton of enquiries? And why did he have to be the one to bear such burden despite belonging to said group of individuals.

“I just told you why you can’t pick C–” He said in a flat, weary tone as he gazed up at his sister’s crouched figure from his lying position on the floor.

“No, you just told me why you think C can’t be correct.” She objected, tapping the text-book before him on the floor. “Your reason isn’t stated anywhere in the passage, but mine? That’s a no-brainer. No one needs a brain to be able to deduce that.”

“Listen, Imisi–”

“Gee, I don’t know why you’re trying so hard to explain it to her.” Alexis remarked in amusement, from a corner of the room behind the duo sprawled on the floor. He however, was lying on a bed, Tomi’s bed. They were all in his bed-room. “You’ve told her answer, and she doesn’t want to gree. Leave her alone and let her do anything she wants. At least, they can’t blame you again if she eventually fails.”

“Oh, please when mosquitoes bite her in school—I get blamed. Not to talk of failure, biting her. Biko, no oh.” Tomi replied, before turning back to his sister. “Now listen again. C says – the Insurance company main motive and agenda is to suck people dry out of their money, and devise means to ensure that they minimize money loss when a disaster occurs, and they have to support their customers.”

“Yup, it’s true. The passage made me believe that.” She nodded in comprehension. “And not A that says they’re only devoted to making the lives of every single subscriber better? We all know the lives that are only getting better is theirs, and probably only their bosses. So, please tell me how A is correct?”

Tomi raked his hair with his right hand. “Because, it is a polite answer and also reminiscent of the actual policies any Insurance company should adopt. Irrespective of the fact that they might stray off topic?”

“This topic isn’t titled – manners and our teacher is not a Yoruba person, okay? So you can be rest assured they won’t be considering respect while marking the scripts or something.”

Tomi sighed again. “You know those things that Adults know better, and makes no sense to kids despite explanation but still is the truth? This is one of them.”

“But you’re not an adult, and more so this is a passage meant for my class. If they knew such thing was in play, why would they put it in a story meant for freshers in high-school? It doesn’t make sense. It would be in an adult book, If that’s the case.”

Tomi raised his hands up in surrender, as he sat up on the floor. “Fine, fine. Go ahead and do whatever you want. But don’t come crying home like a baby when you fail the assignment. You’ve signed your death wish, the moment you refuse to listen to me. So cry all you want in school, and make sure there is enough water left in you – so you’re hydrated and you don’t look lifeless when you return home.”

“Thanks for the love,” Imisi rolled her eyes, as she went about packing her books off the floor. Tomi couldn’t help but feel amused and amazed at the same time, when he realized his younger sister already had quite a firm hand on sarcasm. “I just don’t know why people refuse to take a stand already, it starts with these small things. If we weren’t like this, Nigeria wouldn’t be where it was today.”

“And if a lot of people were like you, the national death rate would increase, since almost every single regular citizen would be a target by intelligence. Sniper deaths would be as common as people growing old and dying on their hospital beds.” Tomi shot back.

“At least we’d be actually moving forward–”

“Can you hear yourself?” Tomi cut her off. “Even if your points are plausible, it’s the so called honest and upright people that’d be killed and slaughtered. Leaving regular people like me who don’t care enough to take a stand against all the backwardness. At the end of the day, the atmosphere would still be polluted cos majority of these people remaining aren’t justice oriented. So what’s the use? You’re just postponing it, and slimming down the population for no viable reason.”

His reply rendered his all-knowing sister speechless for a moment, before she growled. “How can you say it so casually like that?”

“Because that’s just the way it is,” Alexis butted in. “Besides, who government Epp? They’re there doing their own business, and we’re here hustling for ourselves. The only good thing they do is ensure we’re not in slavery, everything else is pretty much unpleasant. It’s every man for himself.”

Imisi turned her angered glare on Alexis. “Plenty advice coming from someone who is going to get punished for not doing his own assignment.”

Tomi and Alexis exchanged curious glances, before the latter replied. “What do you mean get punished? Who said I’m not going to do mine.”

“I overheard you telling Tomi earlier, that you won’t be able to do It tomorrow because of how loaded church activity is,” Imisi replied. “And you’ve been here since morning, and you’re probably going to leave in the evening. You didn’t bring your notes or text-book, nothing. Unless every teacher who gave you an assignment, is a huge fan of Clash of Clans and would understand your addiction to it and also pat you on the head for playing it and not doing your homework? I don’t see how else you could get out of punishment.”

Alexis lower jaw dropped. “Tomi, are you sure there isn’t some spirit habiting the body of this girl?”

While Tomi laughed, Imisi retorted again. “If there’s anyone possessed by a spirit here, it’s you. And it’s the spirit of laziness.”

“Hey, listen. No one said I can’t do my assignments in school on Monday.”

“But that’s the day we’re supposed to submit!”

“Yeah, and so?” Alexis nose scrunched. “Will I fall down and die, if I don’t submit early? The important thing is doing the assignment.”

“And how are you going to do them all on your own in the morning, in the space of an hour? For someone who isn’t smart enough to know he’s going to get punished for not doing his assignment, I don’t see how that’s happening. Only if you were told to number from one to hundred in all your assignments or something.”

At this point, Tomi knew he had to caution his sister’s speech. So he reached out to her left hand, which was closest to him and pinched at it gently.

“That’s no way to talk to someone who is older than you,” His voice was flat and void of emotion. “If you want to be rude to someone, go grab your teddy bear and talk smack to them. They are the only people you’re allowed to be rude to.”

Imisi hesitated, before rising to her feet and flashing an apologetic look at Alexis. He knew it wasn’t her intention to be intentionally rude, but when someone riled her on for so long, she usually lost control of her speech.

“You sure I won’t hurt their feelings?” She said, her shoulders falling.

“It doesn’t matter anyway, you bought them. Their paid to keep their mouth shut and take everything you give them.” He smiled up at her.

“Really?” He could sense she was trying to fight back a smile. “It’s a pity, I don’t have enough money then. I would buy you and Alexis.”

“That’s slavery, mumu.” Tomi chuckled alongside Alexis, as Imisi began her walk out of the room. “If you have another problem with another assignment, just leave it till evening. Don’t come disturbing our peace here.”

“Got it,” She nodded, stepping through the door frame before slamming it shut.

“Sometimes I wonder how I put up with her,” Tomi grunted as he rose to his feet, walked over to Alexis side on the bed and pulled out a chair to sit. “In fact I wonder how every single elder brother in the country in my shoes, put up with it. I wonder why no one has written a book on it yet. ‘The woes of being an elder sibling’ It would become a best-seller, trust me. In a country like this where people hardly read, that’s the one thing that could unite all teenagers.”

“For some reason you think that’s going to help matters?” Alexis chuckled, as he sat up with his legs folded on the bed. “The younger ones would definitely have access to this book and its information. They’d know just the areas they’re torturing you guys, and how to modify it or rather how to neglect it and find new ventures to embark upon. Trust me it’d do more good than damage.”

“Well, oh well I didn’t think of it that way.” Tomi eased into his chair. “Biko let’s quit the talk about that and–”

The continuous buzzing and vibration of a phone, from the desk by his left and Alexis’ right caught their attention. Darting up from his chair, he took one long stride and picked up his phone. When his eyes fell on the screen, the image in place did anything but make him feel unsettled.

“What’s it?” He heard Alexis call out from behind.

“It’s Rena,” He replied, his back still turned to his friend. “She’s video calling.”

“Yikes, you that you look like monkey now.” Alexis laughed. “Better go find a comb to run through your hair, and change that vest you’re wearing. Every time you eat Egusi soup, you must stain your clothe with it.”

“Is it my fault that the soup is awesome?” He frowned, whirling around to face his friend. “I don’t understand, we’ve had just two real conversations. Are we entitled to phone calls now?”

“Hello, did you remember the time I told you I was telepathic and could read people minds? Probably, no because I never told you such thing. So the reason why you’re asking me that question that you can easily ask the person calling you, is beyond me.”

Tomi shook his head, still looking at the image of his face on the screen. “You just have to be yourself all the time, Sanchez.”

“Don’t call me that,” He growled. “I don’t know why I’m not the name-sake of better player, self. And being myself all the time is what makes me – me.”

“Just saying it wouldn’t hurt to act like you have sense some times, even though I know being brainless is you.” He retorted. “I don’t think I’m going to pick this call, though. I don’t even video chat with my pals, it’s that weird to me. When it hangs up, I’d message her instantly that I was busy.”

“Why would you message her immediately, if you were actually busy? Shouldn’t you wait for a couple of minutes to go by before you pick up the phone to message her? That would mean you were actually busy and got back to see her call, and not you know—busy staring at your phone while she called like you actually are.”

Tomi tittered, turning around to place the phone back on his desk. “Sure, but I won’t let it take too long. Lest she starts video calling again. Or any form of call, I’m not ready for that sort of awkward thing.”

“Na you know,” Alexis said, as Tomi hopped on the bed to join him. “So what’s the deal, exactly? Aren’t you in crush with Legide, anymore? Cos this one that we’ve not heard from her in a while.”

“Legide and I never actually had a relationship or anything. It was always hi, hi. Nothing more.”

“For you, doesn’t that count as a relationship? Since it’s so for every girl you know in this life, asides from your sister of course.”

“Idiot,” Tomi snarled, as he hurled his pillow at his friend who was doubling over in laughter. He was indeed right. Never in his life had he had any serious relationship, or friendship with a person of the opposite sex. That was why many thought he was gay. It wasn’t because he wasn’t interested in girls, but he found them too complicated for his liking. And so all the females in his life that he could call friends, were people that had a special reason for having a relationship with him. His fellow lab prefect, club colleagues and members, fellow math-wizzes and so on and so forth. Never had he had genuine interest in a girl dictate his actions.

“For Legide, it’s like this old movie that I can never get over. It’s not gone, but every time I see it – I just keep on liking it more. For Rena, it’s like the biggest movie of the summer. Everyone loves it, and it’s just something you can’t help but like because it’s just that great. Even if you’re trying your best not to like it so much.”

“I feel your pain, man.” Alexis heaved a sigh of empathy. “Not because I actually feel your pain, because I’ve never been in this kind-off shit before but just because I have to say it, and—I don’t feel your pain would make me a jerk.”

“You’re a fool, Alexis. I keep on telling you, but you still can’t get the hang of it. I know as per fool levels, you’re not supposed to understand but I do say it continuously.”

“Then you’re a fool to think telling a fool, that he’s a fool is an insult. Because if he is that big a fool, it would be as basic as saying – hey, you’re a boy?”

“You don’t expect me to understand that, I’m not a fool–” Tomi ducked, as his pillow that he threw at Alexis earlier came barreling at his face. “How’s April, now? Have you seen her again after last week? Did she remember your name or you had to narrate what happened between you guys all over again?”

His words had the intended effect on his best-friend, whose previous amused look had disappeared.

“I’ve told you several times that I don’t like the girl and I’m not watching out for her or anything. I don’t like being used and dumped, thank you.”

“How would you know? You’ve not being used and dumped before? When they say dump, they don’t mean drop your ass from the tallest building in the world or something. It means simply leaving behind and moving on.”

“You’re just a fool. Who would know that sort of a thing and happily sign up for it?”

“I like your optimism and logic,” Tomi laughed. “You seriously want to tell me that every single boy she has played, didn’t know of all of these? You think they wanted to be tools, themselves? Or they were blind and couldn’t see the person flirting with them? Is it not because they couldn’t resist and turn down the offer despite its downsides. There is something called hormones, my brother.”

“See, it’s pointless talking about this further.” Alexis frowned. “Something tells me she has better things to do with her time than flirt with guys like me. There are taller, fresher and more popular guys out there. I mean, she told me – you’re that Tomi’s–”

“Huh? That Tomi’s what?” Tomi sat up, a smile bulging from his lips. “She said you’re that Tomi’s friend, didn’t she?”

“Nope, she said I’m that Tomi’s boss, ode. Oya start feeling yourself.”

“Oya, borrow me your hands. These two I have its not enough to feel every part of my body.” Tomi laughed. “Everyone knows you’re kind-off in my shadow. How’s that my fault. I still don’t understand sha. Despite your light complexion, people still notice my shadow first. Are you sure they’re not following you from your village? You might need deliverance oh.”

Alexis didn’t return in kind. All he did was narrow his eyes at his friend. “When you’re done ripping me off, do text your ‘great movie’ that you were too busy to see her earlier.”

“Osheyy, pun-master flex.” Tomi laughed, as he leaped up from his bed and went over to the desk to pick up his phone. Sifting through his phone, he selected Whatsapp messenger, navigated to Rena’s contact and typed a text into message bar.

Heyy, was busy earlier when you called. Just saw your missed call now. Not busy anymore, though.

As his hand hovered on the arrow button to send, he examined the text he was about to send and decided it wasn’t holding the right message. She might misinterpret his being free for being open for a video call, currently. After erasing the earlier text, he started again.

Hey, uhm. Was busy earlier that’s why I couldn’t call. Really exhausted, though. But not busy anymore.

Good, he thought. If she knew he was tired, she’d respect the fact that he didn’t have the energy to talk over the phone–

Oh, okay. Sorry about that. I didn’t video call earlier, because I actually wanted to video call. Just wanted you to come online, that’s all. Not like I don’t want to video call, but you get the gist. I’m really exhausted also, but I’m sure my source of weariness is different from yours. You’re tired from working, while I’m tired from having fun! Haha, anyway. What’s up?

Whoa!

The text that had just entered stunned him in a bit, it was quite long and care-free. Most girls wouldn’t want to express such enthusiasm, so as not to boost the guy’s ego. But it seemed like Rena didn’t care for all that, and poured out her heart purely into her texts. It would be only polite to return the favor, he thought.

Well, if this fun is as great as it is? How come you have the time to text me, or am I just the boring thing you do for taking a break?

Uh-oh. He realized how desperate and pathetic the text was, when he tapped the send command. Too late anyway, he thought.

“So, uh I guess I’d just go find Imisi downstairs.” He could hear Alexis behind him, and his voice was distant. Tomi turned around to see him half-way through the door. “This one that you’re occupied with texting, don’t let me interfere. Imisi would have my time, might insult me a lot but it’s nothing you haven’t been doing all day.”

“And you even get the opportunity to pet her to stop crying, when you mistakenly return her kind gestures.” Tomi smiled sarcastically, as his phone buzzed again. “That way you get practice for yourself. In times when you’re desperate and lonely, it could come in handy.”

Alexis didn’t say another word before departing, and slamming the door violently in his wake. Tomi laughed, as he hopped back on his bed and returned his full attention to the phone in his hands. It had been a while since he had had a good conversation over the phone.

Oh, come on. No, I don’t mean it that way. I meant…

*****

…I meant like I’m exhausted from fun, so now I’m relaxing and you know quitting. I’m not returning to it again. Now, I’m just doing something that makes me feel calm and relaxed, and that’s chatting with you, of course.

She typed the text message hurriedly into her phone, and tapped send instantly. The huge splashes and crashing waves of water before her, held her attention still and the wails and echoes from her friends also.

“C’mon Rena! Drop that damn phone, and dive right into this pool now.” April shrieked in an immensely delighted monotone, as she stood in the pool amongst the other girls and the boys also. When her friend saw she wasn’t budging, she started slapping up waves of water that thrust high into the air before landing by her side on the pavement. Every now and then, few drops of water would splatter on the screen of her phone.

“If this phone gets spoilt, just get ready to stay out of school for the next year!” Rena bellowed in disgust at her friend in the distance. “Cos, that’s the only way you’d be able to buy another one. With your school fees.”

April rolled her eyes, before plunging herself back into the water and vanishing out of Rena’s line of sight. There was no way in hell she was heading back to the pool. She had had more than her own fair share of fun today. And it wasn’t while those perverts in the pool constantly roamed about—rubbing their body on hers. The proximity disgusted her.

“So, you’re just going to sit there all day and text?” A baritone from behind, startled her a bit and the phone that was firmly in her grasp, almost slipped and fell to the floor. “What’s the point of coming here when you’re just going to sit and not join in the fun.”

The chill in her chest settled, when she saw her addresser was none other than Itunu. As he took the seat by her right, and faced her – she couldn’t help but feel mesmerized by his physique. She wasn’t one to structure her tastes by such outward standards, but even a blind person would be incapacitated by it. It was indeed beauty.

“What do you mean – sit here all day?” She rolled her eyes, refusing to meet his gaze. Mostly for the fear of her gaze lingering involuntarily on his chest. “I was in the pool for more than an hour, and if they didn’t want people to sit around and watch? They wouldn’t put these chairs here. It would be only just one big pool here.”

Itunu shook his head, as his fists clenched. From the corner of her eye, she could see as his biceps and chest muscles bulged. Damn it, it was like he knew the effect he was rendering on her.

“No, I won’t take this today. You’re always like this, backing out of challenges. I wonder how you manage to remain on the top. But everything changes today, I won’t ask again. Get up from that chair.”

Huh? Dude?

She turned an incredulous look on him. “See this one, oh. Do I look like your younger sister? I know I’m that cute, as cute as a toddler but I’m not one. What makes you think you can order me about like that? I just said I don’t want to get into the pool, and I’m not going to get into it. That’s it, final. Go find someone else to pick on, biko.”

Her firm reply dazed him. It was all too apparent in his gaze. But her recovered quickly, and donned a smile. “I’ve told you oh, madam. You won’t like what I’d do next. Get up from that chair, and get into the pool.”

“I didn’t know you put charm in your mouth.” She shot back, without affording him another look. Who did he think he was? Running his mouth like that. Earlier on, she was actually drawn to him a bit because he had the body going for him, but he had to open that mouth of his and talk crap. All day, she had intentionally kept her distance from him and ensured she remained in the company of the girls so as to keep him at bay. It had worked perfectly of course, up until the time the girls gave into their thirst and join the boys in the water.

“If your driver is nearby, you better tell him to drive home and bring your younger sister here so you can order her about, if you really want to throw your weight around so bad—what! Itunu drop me!”

Her words came to an abrupt halt, as she felt her entire body frame soaring into the air—wedged in the grip of a firmly sculpted figure.

The boy was carrying her!

“I told you, you’re going to get into the pool.” His laughter was devilish and sinister. “I warned you, but you didn’t listen.”

“Itunu, now I’m the one warning you. Drop me now!”

But he didn’t listen, and she had no choice than to do the needed.

Swirling around, she sent her right hand into the same swiveling motion, the point of target – his right cheek. Upon impact, the slap produced a loud reverberating sound that drew the attention of everyone around. On impulse, his grip on her broke and she wobbled to her feet. An incomprehensive look was scrawled on his face, as his eyes narrowed at her. Meanwhile, their mates had hurdled out of the water instantly to head their way.

“Rena, what–”

“Don’t you ever try that crap with me again!” She roared, cutting him off. “What gives you the right to man-handle me like that? I’m a human for God sake, nothing gives you the right to. That’s the same crap you try with other girls and they don’t see it as offensive, or degrading but you won’t try that crap with me.”

The scene rendered everyone speechless, and no one could find it within themselves to issue a reply.

“April, Moyin. We’re leaving now.” She barked, before pushing her way through the little group of onlookers and familiar faces and heading back to her seat to pick her bag up. She could hear the girls mutter subtly to themselves as they followed her from behind. Relief washed over her, as she realized her phone was still in her right hand and hadn’t fallen amidst all the drama.

Bullshit.

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Uh-oh, what just happened here?

Tag your family, friends and everyone else you know on here with an in-line comment.

The story is progressing indeed, and the first half Is gradually coming to an end. What do you think this short bitter spat between Rena and Itunu would result in? A war?

One way to find out, stay tuned. Drop a comment and tap that star. See you, same time next week.

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Glossary:

Vernacular Interpretation.

Yoruba sentences.

1.ESE gan ni – Thank you so much.

Pidgin sentences

1. Who government EPP – Who did the government help ?

Other terms.

1. Yeye – Rubbish.

2. Kilowade – Extension of Kilode, which means What happen/happened.