Dedicated to Ese_simone and under_nicole they always vote and I appreciate. ❤

𝐓 𝐇 𝐈 𝐑 𝐃 • 𝐏 𝐄 𝐑 𝐒 𝐎 𝐍 • 𝐏 𝐎 𝐕
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

"Let's use flamingo pink."

"Let's use burnt orange."

"Let's use crystal white."

"Let's use blood red."

"Let's use military green."

Sonia rolled her eyes for the hundredth time. At this point, she could recite the color chart backwards with how many ridiculous suggestions had flown around the classroom.

The school authorities had generously given them the freedom to pick a "suitable colour" for graduation. But trust her classmates to turn it into a full-blown Colour Chaos.

Like, what in the military green was even going on?

"Make we no kuku wear camouflage and disappear from the whole graduation na," she muttered, arms folded in premium irritation.

She glanced over at Derrick, who was busy laughing at something stupid Dexter had just said.

His dimples flashed as he leaned back, unbothered and glowing like somebody with zero problems. Must be nice.

Then came the madness. Dexter-agent of confusion-stood up, climbed the table like he was launching a protest.

"Guys, let's just use pink and white! It's giving Barbie and Ken! Don't you want our set to be the most iconic in KIHS history?"

The class exploded. Some cheered like he'd just unlocked graduation drip heaven. Others laughed, phones out, already recording the drama. And the unbothered backbenchers?

"Just dey go abeg."

"Who climb table again?"

"Barbie and Ken no go get WAEC result sha."

"Somebody off his mic!"

Sonia blinked slowly. This is who wants to plan their graduation? A boy that doesn't know his left from his right? Please.

She turned to Flora beside her. "You see your babe?"

Flora just snorted, cupcake in hand. "Honestly, at this point, I support rainbow. Let's all wear tie and dye and move on."

"Or ashes and dust," Sonia added. "Since everybody don craze."

Dexter was still going strong, now singing the Barbie theme song while twirling like a possessed ballerina.

"I'm a Barbie boy, in a Barbie worrrld-"

"SIT DOWN JARE!" the class roared.

And yet... Sonia couldn't help it. Despite all the foolishness, moments like this? She might just miss them after leaving KIHS.

Maybe.

"Okay guys, be serious," Victor's voice cut through the madness. "We need to pick a colour before the end of the week or the school will pick one for us-and we all know how that will end."

Sonia stiffened a little at the sound of his voice. Victor hadn't spoken to her since the incident. Fine by her. But Zainab? She was more worried about.

Lately, Zainab had turned into a ghost with edges. She only showed up for WAEC papers and vanished before anyone could say, "how far."

Like today-Further Maths. She didn't offer it, so she didn't bother showing face.

It wasn't like her. Not at all. Sonia had tried texting, calling... silence.

She made a mental note: I'll check on her before the day ends.

But of course, just then-Dexter again.

"Or let's use Indomie yellow," he said with all the confidence of someone who clearly had nothing to lose.

"Mtchewwwwww!" The collective class hiss that followed nearly shook the ceiling.

"Dry like harmattan bread," someone mumbled.

"Abeg shift," another groaned.

"Dexter no dey serious abeg. Person wey suggest pink and white like gender reveal."

Dexter just grinned and shrugged, unbothered as ever. "Indomie yellow will pop on our melanin, but una no dey see vision."

Victor rolled his eyes, fed up. "Let's just vote and end this madness."

But before anyone could protest or object about the matter, a figure walked into the class.

But before anyone could argue or vote or even breathe, the classroom door creaked open.

A figure stepped in.

And just like that, the entire room froze.

No one said a word. No one moved.

All eyes were locked on the last person anyone expected to see walk through that door.

Florence.

She looked... different. Her once long hair was gone-replaced by a sharp low cut that hugged her jaw. She'd filled out a bit too, and there were now multiple piercings decorating both ears, glinting like quiet rebellion.

Even Flora squinted like she was seeing a ghost.

Florence, for her part, didn't flinch under the weight of their stares. She walked to the back of the class, slow and unbothered, and sank into a chair like she owned the place.

Mouths hung open. Confusion and curiosity buzzed in the air like mosquitoes during rainy season.

Then the whispers began.

"She don come back from the asylum?"

"I swear, the place made her more deranged sef."

"Ahh, finally! Let drama begin again. This class has been dry."

Sonia wasn't exactly bothered-she was worried. From the way things appeared, it seemed the camp had done more harm than good, and it all seemed to stem from her presence. But then again, one could never be sure.

Florence hadn't actually missed any important WAEC papers-science students didn't even have exams scheduled this week, apart from the Further Mathematics paper they wrote today. It was mostly the arts students who had been writing papers since last week and continued into this week, which felt unfair to some.

Sonia glanced to her side and realized that Flora was no longer sitting next to her. Scanning the room, she spotted Flora walking toward Florence, who was seated and nodding along to the music playing through her headphones.

“Hi, Florence,” Flora called out.

Florence, however, ignored her completely, as if no one had spoken.

Still not picking up on the hint, Flora asked, “Are you good? When did you get back?”

Florence slowly removed her headphones and stared at her. “Not like you care,” she said flatly. “But I came back yesterday. I just didn’t come home.”

“You should’ve come. Everyone misses you,” Flora said softly.

Florence scoffed. “Oh, really? The same people who sent me to that wannabe mental asylum miss me?”

It wasn’t a question, but to Flora, it sounded like one.

“Yes,” she replied quietly. “They do miss you.”

Florence rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Tell them I’m not here for reunions. I came to write my exams and disappear.”

Flora sighed, her eyes trailing over Florence’s low cut, new piercings, and all-new vibe. “You’ve changed, Florence.”

Florence let out a dry laugh. “Didn’t you all send me to that camp to change? So what is it now—am I too changed for you?”

“Florence, it’s not like that... We just wanted what was best for you.”

Florence scoffed. “Well, congrats! you got your best. Now please, shift. Let me pass.”

She shoved her chair back and stormed out of the classroom, her footsteps echoing as she left behind.

Right before crossing the door, she paused.

Her eyes scanned the room one last time — then locked with Sonia’s.

Cold. Unbothered. Dismissive.

Then she turned and walked away.

Sonia, on the other hand, didn’t even know what to feel. She wasn’t sure if Florence had changed or not—but she truly hoped she had.

Flora let out a deep breath and walked back to her seat, weighed down by regret.

Sonia gave her a sympathetic look.

“Don’t worry,” she said gently. “She’ll come around.”

“I hope so,” Flora replied in a low voice. “But I don’t think that camp did her any good.”

“She might’ve turned over a new leaf,” Sonia said, trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. “Or maybe she’s just putting on a brave front.”

“I hope you're right.” She muttered.

✎✎✎✎✎

School was over and chaos reigned.

The halls buzzed with noise, lockers slammed, and students chattered like they hadn’t seen each other in years, even though they’d just spent the whole day together.

Sonia stood at the entrance, arms folded, one foot tapping impatiently. She was waiting for Flora, Derrick, and the rest of the gang—wherever they had vanished to. Only God knew what was holding them up.

They’d all promised to branch a popular restaurant downtown — a spot their classmates had been hyping for a while now.

But just as she pulled out her phone to text the group chat, something… or rather someone caught her eye.

Florence.

She was walking fast—too fast. And in the opposite direction of the school gate.

Her head was low. Her steps were quiet.

And she was heading straight for the admin block.

Sonia blinked. Suspicious much?

She told herself not to pry. Told herself to mind her business.

But her inner amebo said, “Not today, ma’am.”

Besides, she had been meaning to talk to Florence. This was the perfect chance right?

Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Sonia quietly slipped away from the main hall and followed—at a distance.

As Sonia approached the admin block, she slowed her steps. The principal’s office door was cracked open—just slightly. Just enough.

She glanced around quickly, then leaned against the wall, letting her ears do what her curiosity had been begging for.

Inside, Florence’s voice came through—sharp, frustrated, and just a little broken.

“What do you mean no? I literally went to that place, did everything you and my parents asked, came back with this so-called ‘good behavior’—and now you’re saying no?”

Sonia blinked. Florence still wanted her badge back?

Mrs. Chinaza’s voice followed, calm but cold.

“There’s nothing I can do, Florence. Your term is basically over. We’re selecting new prefects soon anyway.”

Florence’s voice cracked slightly.

“But that badge meant something to me—”

“Some of your peers were happy to step down, so I don’t understand why you’re begging,” Mrs. Chinaza cut in.

“You made your choices. Actions have consequences.”

That one hit deep. Sonia bit her lip.

This wasn’t the Florence who stormed out of class like she didn’t care. This Florence? She did care. She just wasn’t being heard.

Sonia expected Florence to fight back, but instead, she let out a dejected sigh. She had already started walking toward the door… That’s when Sonia realized she had been eavesdropping—but it was too late.

Florence stepped out and stopped cold.

Their eyes met.

For a split second, neither said a word.

Sonia’s guilt was loud. Florence’s silence? Even louder.

She tilted her head slightly. “Really?”

Her voice wasn’t angry. It was… tired. Disappointed.

“Is this what you do now? Stand around corners collecting gist?”

Sonia opened her mouth. “I─Florence, I didn’t mean to—”

“Save it.” Florence’s tone was sharp again, but her eyes gave her away.
They weren’t full of fire anymore. They were full of something else.

Hurt. Humiliation. Exhaustion.

She brushed past Sonia, not even bothering to wait for a response.

But Sonia stopped her. “Wait!”

Florence froze mid-step, turned around, and gave her a questioning look.

“Would you like to come with us? We’re all going to hang out at a restaurant,” Sonia blurted out.

She honestly had no idea what to say to Florence—that was simply the first thing that came to mind.

Florence looked completely confused, like Sonia had just offered her a seat on a rocket to Jupiter. “And why would I want to?”

“I just think you should talk to your sister. You don’t have to shut her out.”

Florence didn’t respond. She simply turned and walked away.

Sonia let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

That didn’t go the way she’d hoped.

✩✩✩✩✩✩

“Una don try okpa and suya before? This combo sweet die,” Dexter said, taking a dramatic bite of the wild concoction he’d just ordered.

(But this combo go make sense o🤭)

Everyone paused and stared at him like he’d just confessed to liking pap with ketchup.

“Guy, you need deliverance,” Derrick said from beside Sonia, triggering loud laughter across the table.

“I can never eat that,” Kelechi declared, nose wrinkled in disgust from where he sat beside Desmond.

Dexter grinned like he’d just won a trophy for nonsense. “No worry. Igwe dey come—he go arrange your award sharp sharp.”

“Tell him make e give me two sef,” Kelechi shot back. “I no fit manage one.”

Laughter erupted again.

Flora chuckled too, scooping a spoonful of her jollof rice like everything was fine.

But beneath the laughter, behind her carefully painted smile… was a girl who just wanted to see her sister. Just one conversation. Just one sign that things weren’t ruined forever.

As if in answer to her prayers, the front door of the restaurant swung open, revealing Florence—though with a new look that made her almost unrecognizable ─ the low cut and the piercings. They didn’t realize it was her until Kelechi pointed it out.

“Flora, isn’t that your sister?”

Everyone turned to look as Florence walked in.

She approached their table quietly, her head down, avoiding eye contact.

“You can sit here,” Sonia said, scooting over to make space.

The others stared at her like she had grown a second head.

Silence hung in the air for a split second before Dexter, true to form —broke it with something foolish.

“Care for some okpa and suya?” he asked, sliding his plate toward her. “My specialty.”

Flora rolled her eyes. “Florence, you don’t have to eat that.”

“It’s fine,” Florence replied. “I always ate okpa at camp. I’m kind of used to it now.”

Another wave of silence settled over the group—not because of the food, but because they were all watching her.

Like they were seeing her for the first time.

A version of Florence they hadn’t expected.

And maybe… didn’t quite know how to handle.

Noticing that all eyes were on her, Florence set down her fork and looked around at everyone.

“Do you guys have something to tell me?”

Silence fell over the table—again—until Flora finally spoke.

“I’m glad you’re back. I’m glad you’ve changed. And… I’m also sorry for snitching on you. Please, just come back home.”

Florence exhaled. “It’s fine, Flora. Honestly. I obviously needed help, and you were just concerned. And… the camp wasn’t as bad as I thought. The activities there really helped me.”

“What kind of activities?” Sonia asked curiously.

“Therapy sessions. Group tasks. Morning runs—ugh.” She rolled her eyes, then added, “There was this self-reflection journal they made us keep. It was annoying at first… but I guess it worked.”

Dexter whispered to Kelechi, “She dey do therapy now? Wahala for who dey normal.”

Florence heard—but didn’t snap. She just looked at him and smirked.

“Yeah. Therapy. You should try it sometime.”

Dexter choked on his okpa.

Laughter exploded around the table, real this time.

When the laughter finally died down, Florence turned to Sonia.

Her gaze was steady—but soft. Something unspoken shimmered behind it. Regret.

“Sonia…” she began, her voice lower now, “I think I owe you the biggest apology here.”

The table fell quiet again.

“For everything I’ve done to you… especially after I found out about your dad. The way I treated you wasn’t fair.”

She exhaled. “I had no right to take my anger out on you for something he did.”

Sonia blinked, caught off guard by the sudden honesty.

Florence kept going, like the words had been building in her chest for months.

“I was just so angry. That everything I was working for—my career, my plans, my image—just crumbled in one moment. I was blinded by rage.”
She paused, her voice catching slightly.

“But one thing I realized while staying in that camp… is that no matter what I do, no matter how loud I scream or how angry I get… those children are never coming back.”

She looked down, voice barely a whisper now. “And none of that was your fault. I’m really, truly sorry.”

Silence fell again.

Not uncomfortable. Just… full. Full of everything Florence finally let go of, and everything Sonia didn’t know she needed to hear.

“It's okay.” Sonia didn’t hesitate.

She leaned forward slightly, her voice gentle.

“Florence… I forgive you.”

Everyone glanced at her, surprised by how quickly the words came.

But Sonia meant it. You could see it in her eyes.

“You’ve been through a lot. And yeah, it hurt. The way things played out between us really hurt…”

She gave a small smile. “But it means everything that you owned up to it. Thank you.”

Florence gave a soft nod, her shoulders relaxing like a weight had been lifted.

For a moment, the table was quiet again—this time full of understanding, not tension.

Then—

“You people will not disgrace me here,” Kelechi muttered, blinking rapidly and turning away. “I no dey cry, abeg. Na onion dey my eye.”

“Onion from where?” Dexter said, already grinning. “Your plate is dry like your love life.”

Everyone burst into laughter again, and even Florence chuckled.

Kelechi grabbed a tissue and dabbed the corner of his eye dramatically. “I’m a hard guy. Hard guys don’t cry—e get why.”

“Oya cry in peace, abeg,” Sonia laughed, nudging him playfully.

And just like that, the heaviness lifted.

The pain didn’t disappear—but it became something they could carry together.

In that little restaurant booth, over okpa and suya, tears and roastings.

Something was finally healing.

◈◈◈◈◈◈
A/N

OMG... I'm proud of Florence guys... She don finally learn.

And can Dexter be serious for once please... 😭

Also, did you guys ever argue about the color to choose for your graduation? 😂

This book is coming to an end soon, like five more chapters left.

I hope you guys enjoy...

Bye🎀