We both walk through the classroom blocks, he was holding my bag which contained my beads, scissors and fishing line and other accessories while i hold the vase to my bosom.

I tried stopping him from carrying my bag by the chivalrous idiot won't allow it. I wouldn't have minded but some students were stealing glances at us and I know by the end of the day wild rumours will start flying around through human tabloids.

"Mid term starts tomorrow, excited?"

"Of course, who wouldn't be?"

"Hmm... Your mind must be at home, you want to go and eat mummy's food" he teased.

"Whatever " I playfully rolled my eyes.

We stopped walking when someone approached us. I look at the boy who seems younger to us but he looks strangely familiar.

"What?" Akorede asked with a bored expression on his face.

"Mummy will be picking us up tomorrow, she called this morning"

Mummy?

I look up at Korede and then at the boy, they have the same nose and the same eye colour, the younger boy is fairer though.

"Irebami... Because you want to go home for the mid term, that is when you remember you have a brother. Who told you i want to go home?"

Brother?

It finally clicked.

I stared at the younger boy in amazement. So this is his younger brother? He was quite popular with his mates meaning i have heard a lot about him. One of the distinct things i heard is of him being a snub.

"Oh... Hello..." he greeted.

Or not.

Snubs don't greet right?

"Hi" I said warmly.

"My brother is annoying you right?" he asked innocently.

"Hey!" Korede snapped at him with a glare on his face.

I giggled shaking my head.

"Not really"

"You don't have to be polite, you can ditch him anytime. My company is much enjoyable" he said giving me a subtle wink.

This boy is bold.

"She is older than you, you know that right?"

Irebami scoffs.

"I am more good-looking"

"Get lost! "

I laughed as they both threw each other mean glares, Irebami stared at me before giving me a rare smile then walks away.

"I like your brother"

"You don't have to, he is a spoilt brat"

"But you love him anyway"

He mutters something incoherent.

"Do you have a brother?" he asked.

"Yes" we continued our walk "older step brother actually. He is my mum's son then i have a younger sister of five years"

He nodded.

I rarely talk about my family with anyone and i felt happy he wanted to know more about me.

We may be poor but i love my family. My dad is like my superhero, he is very laid back and jovial, when you meet him, he can cause a joke out of almost anything. I think it is a family thing cause my uncle who happens to be Tega's dad is exactly that way.

My mom can be paranoid and equally eccentric and she is always fond of barking out orders. She is actually a lovely woman but could be very strict.

Then there is my sister Miracle, fondly called Baby Miracle, a bundle of joy, very lively and bubbly. There is no way you won't love her.

My elder brother, Brother Martins... Now that is a story for another day.

We stopped walking that was when i realized we were in front of the female dormitory.

That fast?

Turning to Korede who gave me my bag.

"Thank you" I said placing the strap of the bag on my shoulder. He nodded.

"I have wanted to ask you this for a while" i nodded for him to go on "Can i have your number?"

Shit!

I bit my lip knowing this was going to sound embarrassing.

"I don't have a phone"

He gave me a funny look.

"Are you trying to make me beg for it? Because that old line ladies use won't work on me" he said playfully.

I shift uncomfortably knowing the conversation will be awkward from now on. I don't have a phone. I am not lying.

Now i know i should have listen to Tega about putting an end to my phone less policy. It wasn't part of my top priorities but after today, i am making it number one.

"I really don't have one" I said in embarrassment, my voice sounding small.

A whole Akorede Wellington is asking for my number and i don't have a phone.

"Really?" I nodded while looking down "I want to stay in touch with you during mid term, what are we going to do?" he sounded dejected at the prospect of me not having a phone.

"You don't have to worry. We will see each other next week" I tried cheering him up which seemed to work as he nodded.

"Are you going to carry those two alone?" his eyes shifts to the bag on my shoulder and the vase which was being supported by my other hand.

"I can manage, you don't have to worry" but my words fell on deaf ears.

"Hey you!" he shouts at someone behind me, i turn around to see a junior female rushing towards us.

"Senior Korede" she greeted out in what looks like fear and equal respect before looking at me "Senior Tolani. Good evening"

I raise an eyebrow at her warm greeting, how does she know me?

I whip around to face Korede when i felt his hands on the vase in my hand, the tips of fingers brushing lightly against my arm causing me to shiver.

Taking my bag and vase away from me, he hands it over to the girl, telling her to take it to my room.

"That wasn't necessary" I smiled watching the girl run into the dormitory at a fast pace.

"It is nothing " he shrugs burying his hands deep in his pockets before looking at me. He stared at me for a while and i really don't know what to make of it.

"Well... I am going to head in now. Tomorrow is a long day"

"Sure" he nodded but refused to move.

It is a strange sight honestly, to find Akorede in front of the female hostel. We stood staring at each other, the two of us not leaving, more like waiting for the other to leave.

"You should go, prep is almost over and soon it will be time for dinner"

"Will i see you during dinner?" he asked "at my table?" he asked almost sounding hopeful. I hesitated, my experience with Celine made me backtrack. I don't want another slap to the face again because of a boy.

"I don't think-"

"I can join you at your table, i don't mind ditching mine-"

"No no!" I blurt raising my hands causing him to pause at his statement, i let out an uncomfortable laugh. "that isn't necessary"

He looks unsure but then nods like a child almost looking like one.

"So will i see you?" he asked again his eyes morphing into that of hope.

This will later bite me in the ass but damn it.

"I will"

                      🚆🚃🚍

I huff going over the huge slab placed on top of the big drainage system which was equally filled with algae, some disgusting yellow stuff and garbage.

The familiar stench was a landmark. I will be home really soon.

I left SJC about three hours ago. Taking a bus which was held in traffic for an hour. I took another bus to my last bus stop deciding to walk the rest of the journey since it was trek able.

And I don't have enough transport fare so here i am with my old humongous school bag which was holding some of my stuffs on my back, dressed in my white and blue checkered house wear and sweating profusely like a Christmas goat.

I narrowly escaped getting a ride with Theresa. I don't think i was ready to uncover the fact that i live in a slum to her yet. Or any of my new friends for that matter...

I took a long route home because i was not ready to see some people. Like my brother's so called friends in which majority of them happen to be hoodlums.

I live in the slums, like the ghetto. It is not really an ideal place for a teenage girl to grow up in but do i have a choice?

I stared at the popular yet familiar brothel, a place where my brother normally visits. They place looks calm with few people going in and out of the establishment.

It is not like this during the evening time though. A few women both young and old in promiscuous outfits littered the premises.

"Motola!" I stopped walking at the call of my name. I turn to my right which was the entrance of the brothel.

A tall bleached skin fair thick beautiful woman approached with a big smile on her makeup covered face. Wait. I know this woman.

It is Jennifer. One of my brother's numerous booty call. She was older than him but she was attached to him like a leech and to me, she is fairly bearable.

I think the only thing that my brother found attractive in her was her enormous backside, something his flings and girlfriends all have.

"Good afternoon ma" I quickly curtsied but she was quick to stop me.

"Stop that na. I said call me Jenifa or Aunty Jenifa." she said like always causing me to nod she smiles at me which i quickly return.

Don't let the smile fool you, o gba lorii e big time.

I gasped freezing up as she engulfs me into a hug, one i confusingly returned, her cheap perfume wafting through my nostrils.

Jennifer is an Edo babe and ever since i walked in on her and my brother in their private time (she was on top of my brother and her Nicki Minaj butts were shaking in the air), she had taken a special liken to me.

I am sure it was due to the fact that she was trying to make me like her so that i can say good things about her to my brother.

She doesn't have to bother herself because we all know it was going to end in tears.

Pulling us apart causing me to gulp in some fresh air.

"Fine girl. How una dey? You don commot skul? Skul don close be dat? " she asked in a caring manner while placing her hands on my shoulders.

"We are on mid term break so i had to come home"

"You and dis your swit swit English, u fit teach me?" i gave her a smile.

Pidgin English is very common here as well as other native language. People always call me out whenever i speak good English in my hood.

That is why i rarely communicate but that does not mean i am equally mute like when i was in school. You mess with me here, i show you shege!

Which rarely happens because of my brother, you wouldn't want to cross my brother if you live in this ghetto.

"Marty no sey u don commot?"

"No but i guess the news must have gotten to him"

I saw a few area boys who i know would have reported my presence to him. He must have known i am around as soon as i was sighted inside the ghetto.

I bid her farewell after she told me she had something to give me and i should come to her room once i am settle in.

I lied telling her i would come. Martins would skin me alive if he catch me inside that brothel.

The familiar structure of my house came into view. The faded green paint on the wall made me feel nostalgic.

Home sweet home.

The house was built in a way that is confusing at first but once you are familiar with it, you get use to it.

Leaving the veranda behind, the first place you would enter is the large living room which was sparsely furnished with old, worn out furniture. Three rooms, one adjacent to the living room, the other two adjacent to each other.

The kitchen was also built with the main house but the toilet and bathroom were built outside the house.

"Aunty Tolani!" I heard a screech then a small figure jumped into my arms causing me to groan before letting out a little laugh.

"Miracle my dear, what of mummy?" I asked still carrying her in a hug.

My mother's dainty figure came out of her room, a lovely smile graced her face.

"Omo mii... "

I carefully dropped my sister who goes ahead to peel my bag off my back, i bent a little to her level before pulling the bag away from my back, she fought with the heavy thing in a bid to carry it.

Heaven knows it quite heavy but baby Miracle will not listen.

I curtsied in the traditional way mummy always love knowing she was a typical Yoruba woman.

"E kuu ile ma"

She beckoned me over for a hug.

"Come let me hug you."

I walk into her open arms inhaling the faint scent of smoked fish and whatnot. I sigh in appreciation, i miss her so much.

She released me from her hug, placing her hand on my chin while lifting my head up. She stared at me as if searching for something and she approved of whatever she saw.

"I like what i see" I chuckled "Oya. I need you to first take your bath, then eat. I prepared your favorite, ogbono soup"

I squealed in happiness clapping my hands. I turn to where i placed my bag only to find my baby sis heads deep inside the bag.

"Miracle! You have started!"

------

I groaned at the familiar call of my name. Can't they just allow me to sleep in peace?  I just came back na. Ignoring the voice i dive deeper into dream land.

"Motola!"

I jumped at the hoarse masculine voice. Martins. Sitting up,i stared out through the open window to see that the sun was setting and it was almost evening time.

What is he doing here?

He rarely came over.

Probably due to the fact that i am back from school.

"Big Bro! In a minute!"

I gather myself. I was wearing one of my old T-shirts which was faded with holes decorating it and a pair of black knee length shorts.

I wore my dollop slippers before stepping out of my room into the passageway. I walk through the empty house, my mum left for her shop not quite long ago and decided to take Miracle along so that she would not disturb me.

I opened the door to the main entrance before stepping out to the veranda. My brother stood in his tall intimidating form, his face lacking any form of expression.

"Broda mii? E kaale" I quickly curtsied making him nod.

"How far?" that was the only thing i am getting.

"Do you want to come inside, Mumcee no dey for house o"

He shook his head.

"That is not the reason why i am here" he said before looking at his side the same time a figure jumps out behind the wall.

"Hey! " he grinned causing me to gape at him.

"Tega? "

Translation :
How una dey? You don commot skul? Skul don close be dat?:How are you? You are back from school? Are you guys on vacation?

o gba lorii: she is crazy

swit swit: sweet sweet

u fit teach me?: can you teach me?

shege: trouble

Marty no sey u don commot?: Does Marty know you are back?

Omo mii...: my child...

E kuu ile ma: Good day ma

Broda mii? E kaale: my brother? Good evening

Mumcee no dey for house o: mummy is not at home.

Tega? Do you remember him?

What do you guys think of Omotolani's home?