Part Fifty-eight

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Hassan's POV

After the confrontation I had with Deborah today, I found it difficult to get her off my mind. The possibility that she was the same girl I kissed three years ago, baffled me to this point. I haven't felt so guilty these years because I thought she was a girl from another school, but to find out that she was none other than my classmate and someone I saw almost everyday in school, reinvoked that feeling of guilt.

I wondered how she must have felt towards me during those times. Did she think of me as one of those hyped-teens who got controlled by their hormones. Back then I admit I was too, that was why I was not thinking straight when I drunk myself to stupor. I felt like I was doing it to hurt my parents, but when I woke up the next day with an unbearable headache, that was when I realized I was only hurting myself.

Despite trying to put in order the clothes I was wearing for my graduation in two days time, I knew deep down that my mind and thoughts were not in order. It felt like taking something that wasn't mine, thinking no one saw me, only to be confronted by the real owner of the property and be told that I was seen stealing.
Such kind of guilt don't go away so easily.

I laid in bed, still deep in thoughts and I didn't realize when I nodded off.
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In the morning of the next day, I was awoken by the loud laughter and shrieking sounds obviously made by Hadith. I was bothered on what was responsible for evoking such reactions from her. True, Hadith was the twin with the vibes but it took a lot to make her so loud and happy. Added to the fact that she was not an early riser. She always had a problem whenever she was woken up against her choice, plus she reigned so easily into mood swings that no one could ever tell who and when she was going to lash out next.

I quickly brushed my teeth and sprinkled some water over my face. After I dried up, I performed . Seeking blessings and committing the decisions and activities of today in prayer before I headed out of the room.

I saw that we had visitors though before I saw who they were, I heard the familiar voice I recognized as Baba Sadiq's. Baba Sadiq was my father's elder step-brother and the only son of his mother, Hajiya . May her soul rest in peace. Grandfather married three wives but the first two were not able to give him more than one child each so he got married to Hajiya Aisha-my grandmother, who gave birth to a son and daughter for him.

He was here in our house with his wife Amarya Zainat after staying in Canada for over five straight years, he has come back to Nigeria and I'm yet to find out how long he'll stay.

"Ina kwana, Baba, papa," I greeted when I came into view. "Asalam Alykum."

"Walykum Salam Hassan, how do you do?" Baba Sadiq asked.

I could only see him and my father in the sitting room, Hadith and mother were not present but I caught a glimpse of Amarya Zainat's pink hijab before she disappeared into the kitchen.

"I'm fine sir. Welcome, when did you return?"

"Last night, our plane landed in the airport so we decided to spend the night at a hotel instead of bothering you all."

"Sadiq, you know you can never be a bother to us. You and your family are and will always be welcome here," my dad chastised.

"Walahi! Suleiman, you know I didn't mean it like that."

"Yes yes, I know that."

"That's by the way, I heard from Hadith that you guys just finished concluding your external exams. How was it?" Baba Sadiq asked.

"It went really well, inshAllah. We're just waiting for the results to be released but JAMB results are out now." I replied.

"Really?!" he adjusted himself on the couch he was seated on. "That one that youths and young adults write in order to gain admission into the higher institution?"

"Yes sir, that one."

He hummed, his expression showed that he was lost in thought. "Sule I thought we spoke about furthering these children's education in Canada?"

"Well Sadiq, at a point I took my mind off the offer. Didn't want to seem like a bother, besides I thought you've probably forgotten about it..."

"Bother who? You're not serious. You should know I don't take life issues lightly, if I promised something that is as important as education then you should trust I'd see it to the end." Baba Sadiq cautioned dad.

"Okay," dad stated in defeat.

"So, Hassan..." Baba Sadiq called.

"Yes sir,"

"How do you see studying further abroad?"

I was speechless. Of course I liked the idea, but I've never really thought that far about my academic life. I was okay with going to school in one of the universities in Nigeria, depending on which one I got admitted into.

"You mean for my masters degree or like soon?" I wanted to clarify.

"Soon of course, we'll start the processes immediately the forms are available. I just want you to nurture your mind of the possibility of staying away from your mother."

The three of us chuckled at his remark.

"Alright! Everyone, breakfast is served." Hadith announced.

We all gathered round the dining table and sat down to have breakfast. I'm happy that at least we got to have an early breakfast today unlike our mornings.

Later that day, mom and Amarya Zainat went back to the hotel where Amarya Zainat and Baba Sadiq stayed for the night, to pack their things. Dad succeeded in persuading them to stay with us for the duration of their visit. According to Baba Sadiq, they weren't staying for long anyway.
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"Wow! Your school is really beautiful." Amarya Zainat commented as Dith and I gave her a small tour.

Mother walked beside us as well.

Today was the D-day. The day we officially say goodbye to Great Citizens'Hall secondary school. The compound of the school was already covered in red-wine and gold colours, ranging from the linen material draped on the school gate, to the balloons put up in all classrooms.

"Yea, but their wahala no be here either." Dith remarked.

She was dressed in a gold-coloured abaya and same coloured hijab. My sister looked so grown and beautiful in the outfit that for a moment I forgot I was the older twin.

Before the ceremony commenced, Dith and I made sure we got good seats for both mother and Amarya Zainat, before we joined our classmates to begin the procession.

"Good evening everyone," Mr Ntulim, who was also our MC for the day and Hadith's form master began.

The faint reply was drowned by the overwhelming whispers and talking sounds.

"That reply is not encouraging at all. It seems you people don't want us to finish this event in time so we can all go to our various homes?"

"No!!!" the crowd resonated.

"Funny enough, if you people reply in this same tone we wouldn't have a problem. Please can we keep quiet for two minutes and have two or more words of prayer." he pleaded.

Gradually though, the sounds died down. The present school functionaries were doing a good job, as they ensured that the reception hall was in order. Parents and guardians as well as friends of the celebrants were positioned at the row seats towards the right end of the hall.

Students of GCH-dressed in their school uniforms, were seated at the left end. While the graduands were to sit in the middle row and the teachers sat down on the remnant chairs behind the spot reserved for us.

After the short prayer, he ordered everybody in the hall to sit down while the graduands left the hall to begin the procession. After the Principal, Mr Femi Adetayo and the vice principal, Mrs Cherish proceeded into the hall, we were called in one after the other alphabetically according to our names until every graduand was inside and seated.

Truly, I couldn't recognize most of the females in my class anymore. The make-up and gorgeous dresses they had on was a total transformation. The make-up on Deborah's face reminded me of what happened three years ago. The power of make-up.

Throughout Mr Femi's speech my mind was someplace else. Okay, I was carried away thinking about Deborah. I couldn't place why I was suddenly affected by her presence when I didn't even notice her before. Not that she wasn't beautiful, I just didn't want to have anything to do with girls. Especially teenage ones.

Every time I remembered what she said about not regretting the kiss, I smiled to myself. It left me wondering whether she thought I was a good kisser or she was really into me then. I've never crushed on any girl before but to find out that I've been crushed on by a girl. Honestly, that felt terrific but it wasn't like I was going to admit that to anyone, not even David.

Speaking of the devil, he was seated by my right. His chin was supported by his left hand and he seemed lost in thoughts too.
I moved closer to him and whispered into his ear.

"What's up?"

"Mm? What do you mean?" he sat erect and straightened his black jacket and red-wine tie.

"I mean you and Nnenna, what then happened after she got the phone?"

"what do you mean by what happened?"

"I'm trying to say, are the two of you together again?"

He shrugged, "Well, I don't know. I've not had the chance to talk things with her, a lot of things are really going on in my life at this point."

“Oh man, sorry about not checking up on you. I'm not going to say I know how you feel cause I don't, but I know that I'll be there for you when you need me.” I assured him.

He gave me a genuine smile, one that I haven't seen in very long time.

“Thanks bro,” he replied but his gaze moved back to where Nnenna was seated.
I think I just reminded him about what he had forgotten.

After the Principal's speech, the present senior prefect, Akujiobi Victory, gave a short welcome speech to the audience before the MC took hold of the microphone.  One group after the other, students of each class and clubs in the school, rendered their presentation to entertain the crowd in forms of drama, special number and group dance until it was time for the graduands special dance.

As the emeritus senior prefect of the school privileged to be amongst the graduands, it fell to me to open the dance floor for the others.

‘Perfect,’ by Ed Sheeran rang out through the speakers.

I had to dance with a partner, I can't actually dance this alone. Before I sat up, I scanned the room, debating on who would be my partner. I would have chosen my mother but I couldn't sight her anywhere. I couldn't chose Hadith either because she wasn't a good dancer. I kept scanning with my eyes until they landed on the one person my heart and mind accepted.

I walked to where she sat and offered my hand.

“Can I have this dance?” I said.

She looked up at me, her brown pupils filled with doubts and questions.

I silently prayed that she accepted because I've been standing for too long and it would look bad if she ended up turning me down.

She placed her left hand over mine that was forward. Then I led her to the dance floor.

“Why are you doing this?” she said, while our bodies moved in sync to the music.

“How do you mean?”

“Dancing with me, cause I know that you wouldn't have done so if you had no idea about that kiss,”

What she said sounded more like an accusation to me, than a statement but I decided to put it behind me and smiled anyway.

“Maybe, maybe not. No one can ever tell tomorrow...and about that kiss, I...”

“Don't say you're sorry anymore, I know that and I'm tired of hearing it.”

“I was going to say, I don't regret it anymore. It happened already, so let's move on.”

We carried on dancing and lost in each other's presence that we didn't notice the others when they joined in.
The music changed to one hip-hop hit and dancing styles changed as well.

Hadith was dancing with Akpan Stephen and both of them totally deserved each other. David danced with Daphne while Nnenna danced with Oshomole Adams. I guess that meant they haven't fixed things between them yet.

When the dance was over, we filed singly back to our chairs to await the award-winning time. Mr Femi Adetayo as well as the vice principal and few teachers of the school assembled at the stage.
The names of each and all deserving students were called one after another, to be given the award they've earned, from JS 1 to SS2. The graduands were always the last set to receive an award.

We waited patiently, cheering and clapping for any student who was called up to the stage. Finally, it got to our turn.

Ummah got called up to the stage first and received the award for the best dressed girl in SS3. Adams received the award for the best behaved.

I received an award for the best in physics and also another award as the most responsible and diligent student. Of course my mother and Amarya Zainat walked up to the stage and took a couple of photos with me. Hadith unfortunately didn't receive any special award, except the general gift offered to graduands.

Nnenna beat us all by acquiring four awards—one for being the student with the most outstanding result, two for being the best in Biology and Agricultural sciences and also for being the best in practical classes.

Deborah got the award for the most punctual student. David got two awards—one for being the best in mathematics and another for the best in sports. He also received an affirmation letter from UNICEF and honestly, I've never seen such happy moments. His mother and I guess his real dad were up on the stage as well to take photos with him. Bella got an award for the most socializing student.

When the awarding ceremony was over, I was called to come on stage and give a final speech as the outgoing senior prefect of the school.
Students cheered and clapped as I walked up. It fueled me with a confidence I didn't have before now. Reminded me of how much I love this school and all the people involved in it.

I held the microphone firmly in my left hand and began my not-so-thought-out speech.

“Good day everyone... I'm going to start by saying thank you to all of you, for being here on this special day in our lives. I also want to render my heartfelt gratitude to the management board of this school for ensuring the success of this great day. I want to say thank you to all the parents, guardians as well as the well-wishers of the students of this school, for making this dream a reality. It is just by grace that we are alive to be partakers in today's event.

“Well, I am going to make this speech as short as possible. I never knew I would be this attached to this school. When I started, all I wanted was to go to school and be educated, be informed. I didn't see the need to try to be close to be anyone but in the end, I feel like I'm a part of this growing family. As the emeritus senior prefect, I know that it's definitely not easy to be a leader, you'll get opposition and criticisms from various angles even from those who should have your back. That is how I see this great institution. GCH is a pacesetter, we set the example for others and that is why those other schools out there try to put us down in the little things we have flaws.

“To my fellow graduands, congratulations for making it this far in your academic life. Just know that the battle outside the walls of secondary school are fiercer and tougher, everything will not be as it appears and there might be little to no one to give you advices on life issues. We are not going out there to join the crowd of beings roaming aimlessly and without a goal in mind. Know what you want. Draw a map or plan how to achieve your goals and work towards them, always bear in mind that yesterday is gone and tomorrow may be too late. I pray and wish that when we meet again someday, if we shall... we'll have great stories to tell.

“To the junior students and upcoming SS3 students, school is fun yes but it's a tough fun and not a carefree fun. Have fun while you can, be serious when it's time and most importantly, know that you have a reason for being here and never let any frivolous thing take that goal away from your mind. Stay safe and stay strong. I love you all.” I returned the microphone to Mr Ntulim who gave me a pat on the back before I exited the stage.

We ended the event by singing to the school anthem and dispersing the hall one by one, or in groups.

I quickly went in search of my mother. I found her talking with the Principal and I saw that she was nodding in approval at whatever he was saying to her. It must be in my favour anyway, so I didn't bother to disturb them.
I joined my friends who were taking photos outside, we had some good time together before Hadith took me away.

I saw that her hands were carrying bags filled with food and drinks, distributed as a cause of the occasion.

“Did you bring my food as well?”

“Who are you asking, me? If you like don't go and get your own yourself.” she retorted.

“I don't have your time, it's a good thing father promised us a big feast when we get home, so I'm saving my stomach for that.”

She sighed loudly and rolled her eyes.

“Before I forget why I called you, Mrs Cherish said I should remind you to come and receive your special award from the principal before you go.”

“Oh yeah yeah, that's true. Thank you.” I said to her before I started heading towards the administration block.
At the end of each graduation ceremony, outgoing senior prefects received a special something from the principal. I had no idea what I was receiving but I wouldn't let it go nonetheless.

I had to pass the teachers' study room before I could get into the secretary's office. In the passageway, I bumped into Deborah Dimuno.

“Hey,” I smiled at her in greeting.

“Finally, the party's ended. We're officially out of secondary school,” she said.

“Yeah it would seem so. What I'm waiting for now, are the results for the WASSCE we wrote, after that then my mind can be at rest.”

“That's true, I pray that everyone of us will pass in flying colours.”

“Me too.”

“I'm going home, which means I won't be seeing you for a long time...” I had no idea whether she meant that as a question or a statement.

“You know our house, you can come to visit anytime.” I assured her.

“I don't believe we'll have such time anymore, we all will be busy with our lives after now.”

I didn't know why that particular statement hurt me, “But that doesn't mean we can't create time for one another?”

“Yeah I suppose. I'll miss you Hassan.”

“Me too,” I was taken by surprise when she hugged me all of a sudden.

I hugged her back. Her fragrance which smelled like oranges filled my nostrils and strangely, I found solace in it. At this moment, I wished for time to stand still for us.

But she pulled out first and offered me a shy smile before she walked past me.

I wanted to call her back and request for her contact number, instead I held back and said, “Goodbye Deborah.”

“Bye bye Hassan, I hope we'll be seeing more.” and with that, she went out of view.

It dawned on me that I'd just started that new journey of my life my teachers always spoke about. Things weren't going to be the same as seeing everybody everyday. This new life was one where you forged new relationships with people you know and those you don't whether you liked the relationship or not.

It was a life where the real world began.

As I stared back at the school gate while our car slowly pulled into the street, what went through my mind was the fact that I was now going to be a stranger in same school I knew like the palms of my hands.

Goodbye sucks, yet we have to let go of somethings we've held dear in our lives in order to move ahead.

‘Goodbye Great Citizens'Hall secondary school. I'll miss you but I don't ever want to come back here as your student, insha Allah.’

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I wanted to end the book in Hassan's POV but I realized I really didn't get to explain everything with emotions.

So I'll put up a final chapter in Hadith's POV I believe she'll tell the story better.

Thanks for reading this book and always dropping your votes and comments, it meant so much to me ❤️🥂.