Zainab open to Module 5 of the Comprehensive English textbook, where she's been staring for a while now.

"Should we read together? Why do you look so surprised?"

"I just don't know why you're here habeebah. And what are you doing on my desk?"
Habeebah's smile dropped almost immediately.
"Umm... I noticed that you were lost in thought and.. I wanted you to share your problems with me."

"I don't have problems!"

"Okay, fine. So what were you thinking about?"

It's none of your business! And why do you think I'll tell you anything?! Zainab asked with so much anger and fraustration.

Habeebah suddenly placed her hand on Zainab's arm and she flinched in pain.

"What's it? Are you bruised?" Habeebah asked in concern.

Zainab held her hand that was still paining and her head was aching. She rubbed her forehead simultaneously as if she was suddenly feeling dizzy.

"Are you alright? Habeebah asked. You look weak."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine." 

"Wait here! I'll get you some drugs from the school clinic." Habeebah muttered and went to the school clinic.

She's the only child of there wealthy parents and they've supported the school one way or the other but out of all the standard schools in Abuja, Habeebah choose to study in a public school.  She always told her father that she would learn better this way as everyone is equal.

She came back with a sachet of paracetamol and blood tonic and bought a bottle water for Zainab to use the drugs. Zainab used it and felt relieved almost immediately.

"I used to hear you lead the whole class before you wrote the entrance exam. I also heard that you scored the overall best in the entrance exam. So, what happened to you, Zainab?"

"I'm fine Habeebah, I prefer being alone."

"Just tell me and I promise never to tell anyone. You don't seem happy at all? I also heard Mr. Abdullahi Bala is your foster dad? Is it true?"

"Yes, Habeebah. It's true."

"Okay, that's great!" She smiled. I was thinking you should be happy at least, he's very kind and understanding."

"Yes, he surely is but for some reasons. I really miss my real parents."

"Why? What did they do to you?" Habeebah moved closer. Her eyes wondering Zainab's eyes for answers. She was just so concerned and wouldn't rest till she hear the full gist, like you.

"I got infected with a virus and I'm being maltreated for that." Tears lingered down Zainab's face.

"What? But why?"

"I don't know. Sometimes, I wish I understand why but right now, living seems difficult for me. I'm just pushing through for Allah's sake and for my sister, Humaira. I don't want to cause more pain to her."

"Look here, Zainab. Don't let anyone's insecurities, emotions, or opinions bother you because you're far beyond getting affected. I remember two years ago when you went for the 'Youngstars Science Awards.' I saw you on television and I was like Wow! I want to be like that girl. I wasn't a serious type, Zainab. But you inspired me."

"Really?..." Zainab looked so mesmerized

"Yes. Despite the fact that I schooled in Greater Heights Academy (one of the best private school in Abuja), I thought, why wasting so much on education when I can actually learn better in a place like this. So, I discussed it with my dad and he accepted. You have no idea how happy I was to get an admission here but look at you now?"

"I'll be fine, Habeebah. I know that oneday, I'll be free of all of these and I'll be happy again."

"And why can't you be happy now?" Habeebah smiled, wiping away Zainab's tears.  I know that if you're happy, you'll be yourself once again and, that's all that matters to me. I know that you're not lazy. You're just exhausted from fighting my way through every single day. When someone is going through a storm, their silent presence is more powerful than a million empty words. A diagnosis is burden enough without being burdened by secrecy and shame. You should move on with your life, Zainab."

Hearing this, Zainab held Habeebah in a hug and broke down in tears. It was a beautiful sight. It seems as if habeebah understood all of her pains and she was ready to fight along side with her.

"So what are we now? Friends?"

"Yes," Zainab muttered while wiping away her tears.  "Friends."

Habeebah put her hand forward and Zainab held it in a handshake. The way friends usually do.

"Thank you habeebah." Zainab's voice shivered as she sniffed like a baby.

"Just call me Beebah she replied her. And I'll call you Zee."

Meanwhile, Idris entered the class. He had been watching them a while ago and a smile placed across his face as he saw both girls together. It's a good thing they were getting along so easily.
At least, Zainab opened up to her. Maybe it's because I'm a boy or maybe it's because it's my family that's maltreating her..." Idris thought as tears flowed from his eyes. It was tears of joy. For a fact, he was just happy. Zainab has a friend at least. A better friend than he would ever be.

...

Slowly but surely, they became best friends. They would hang all the time, and study their textbooks together. They don't talk a lot, but who cares: Zainab wasn’t alone anymore. And all of a sudden, her grades improved too. Turns out not being angry at everyone and not hating everything makes it easier to care in class. Caring means she concentrated, and tried a bit harder too. Don’t misunderstand, Zainab didn’t suddenly become a straight 'A' student again. She was getting 50% but hey, that’s way better than 0%.

As the year progressed, Zainab remember feeling less angry. Having a friend really helped, even more than just reading books or having Idris by her side. Looking back, She saw that her depression slowly faded, although a bit of sadness remained.

Even though, Mr. Abdullahi later spread the news about Zainab, her HIV virus and how she got infected to the whole school, Habeebah still stood by her side. Things didn't become easy because Zainab had a friend. Every day was as difficult as hell but Zainab was strong enough to overcome the pains for want to committing sucide. She had more reasons to live... To face her enermies and everyday, she pray for their good health and long life so they would see what she would become in future. She worked harder instead of crying and complaining. So literally, Zainab lived a sweet-bitter life.

***

Back to Zaria.

Humaira noticed that Star wasn't who she thinks she is. Sometimes, she comes home with five other girls. They seem to be best friends and they're always going out at night, dressed up in heavy makeup and tight, skinny dresses.

At morning, the other girls come over, and they gist about how much they've gotten over the week. Star doesn't come home on Friday nights and weekends. She only comes back on Monday mornings and with lots of money.
Humaira wanted to ask about the kind of job she's doing but she's always scared and nervous about it. 'What if she gets angry and send me parking again? Where would I go?'

Apart from buying foodstuff at home, Star also gives Humaira #10, 000 (ten thousand naira ) every week. She treats her well and feeds her well.

One Monday, Humaira decided to open the box and try her luck. She served breakfast and Star eat it will she was full.

"Umm... There's something I want to ask."

"Yes, go ahead." Star gulped water down her throat from a tiny glass cup she was holding.

"I thought you said your parents are wealthy?"

"Yes, they are" She threw her long, wavy hair back, paying more attention.

"Ummm... I'm just curious. What work are you doing exactly? And why do you need to work since you have everything. I mean you're already successful. Why don't you just concentrate on yourself and study harder, get better grades and-"

"Humaira... Humaira!" Star interrupted. "You and your lecturings. You've started again. You haven't even giving birth and you're already acting like a mother."

"Umm... Sorry. I'm just curious."

"Okay, okay, fine. At least, it's been 6 weeks since you've been living with me. I'll tell you everything about me today, Humaira." She smiled and suddenly looked so emotional.

"I lied to you, Humaira. But I didn't it  just to cover up."

"What? But... what are you trying to cover up?!"

"I'm not a rich girl, Humaira. Infact, my parents were very poor, would could barely feed once a day."

"What? But.. how did you get all of these?"

"Life was very hard on me my dear. My parents died due to one circumstances or another and I become an orphan. I had no one to run to.. no uncle, no aunt and no friends. But I was determined to go to school and become successful. So from my village in Ibadan, I came to Zaria here where education is cheap and gradually, I started struggling. But everything wasn't easy, not until I met  the other girls. Amarachi, Gift and Theodora. They took me in and made me one of their own until I became independent enough."

"Hmm... That's good but I'm still confused. Which work do you guys do?"

"We do runs."

"Runs? What does it mean clerical work?"

Star wore a mysterious smirk and whispered something into Humaira's ears, leaving her more confused than ever.

***

Author's Note:

Word Count: 1,714.
What business do you think Star is into?

Do you think it's a good idea for Humaira to join as well?

Leave your thoughts in the comment box and let me know...

***

Enjoy reading  and please, don't forget to press the tiny orange star ★ at the end of each chapter to notify me you've actually read it… So! What are we waiting for! Get ready for this story of family, adventure, mystery and plot twists.