Chapter 8: Chapter 8

I started my three days fasting and prayer for my mom on Thursday but, I also made sure she didnt find out since I still wanted my feeding money so I could save it.

My day went as fast as it could as I exempt myself from any strenuous activities or play so I wouldnt be so tired. I was waiting outside for Tayo and Faith after closing so that we could go home when Faith came to meet me outside, without her bag or Tayo.

Where is Tayo? Arent we going home yet? I asked her as I wondered what was happening.

Hmm She hesitated

What is it? I asked, impatiently.

Well, I and Tayo wants to read together. So, you can go home. She said as I tried to make sense of what she was saying.

What do you mean? I asked her as I felt like my whole world was crashing down on me. Did my best friend just choose the guy I liked over me?

Erhmmm what I meant was that you should go home and read. She said, trying to make excuses for herself.

Really? I said, chuckling.

Was that really what you meant or you are telling me to get lost that you want to spend some quality time with Tayo. I said, as I felt the anger that has been building in my mind unleash and I begged her with my eyes to stop talking so I wouldnt say things I dont mean but she was blind to my pleading.

And so, what if I want to? I know you like him but dont be selfish Enitan. I like him too and he has already shown an interest in me. She said, making me angry.

Selfish?! So, I am the one who is selfish now? Who is the one that wants to ruin her relationship with her best friend because of a guy?, who is the one that knows that her best friend likes a guy and still went after him. Was it me? Answer me Faith! I shouted in anger as I felt the tears that was about to start dropping.

Im sorry Enitan but, if what it takes for me to get Tayo is to lose our friendship then I am definitely going to do it. I am sorry. She said, hurrying inside as I watched her rush inside. I tried to hold the tears but it was impossible and I ran to the hall to cry in peace.

Are you okay? I heard everything. I heard someone say after a few minutes of crying alone and I looked up to see Bode.

What are you doing here? I asked, wiping away my teary face with my handkerchief.

Is that the way to greet a friend, you look terrible. He said, sitting beside me as we enjoyed each others company in peace.

Do you really think I am selfish? I asked him, remembering Faiths word.

No. He said, looking up at the sunny sky outside the window.

Do you think Faith is the selfish one? I asked him.

No. He responded.

Then who do you think is wrong?! I asked, frustrated.

None of you is. Your only offence was that you both fell for the same guy. He said, taking his gaze away from the sky and turning to me.

But I dont like Tayo. I stuttered.

You can keep saying that to yourself but not to me. I have watched the three of you and its clear as day that its a love triangle between the three of you. He said, very sure of himself.

Okay, lets just say I like him a little bit but still, I would never have let that ruin our friendship. Its babes before boos. I said, trying to make him understand why I was hurt by Faiths words.

Maybe you should have told her that, it doesnt matter who was wrong or right. What matters is that one of you is making an attempt to make things right. So, dont give up on her.

Okay, thank you so much. I said as he stood up.

Glad I could be of help. He said, throwing me a playful smile.

I have a question to ask you though? I said.

What is it?

Does Tayo at least like one of us? I asked him.

How am I supposed to know that? He said, shrugging his shoulders.

You are his best friend; I am sure you know something even if he doesnt tell you. Im not asking you to tell me who, I just want to be sure we are not wasting our time. I said.

You arent. He replied simply, giving me the answer I wanted as he walked away. I watched him walk away and as he got to the door, he suddenly stopped and turned around.

Right now, he is not fully in love with anyone but he is slowly falling in love with one of you. A piece of advice Itan, dont simply let Faith have him because you think you cant win. Im sure she would enjoy a good competition. May the best woman win. He said, smiled at me and opened the door.

I shook my head, amused as he left the hall. I had no interest in competing with Faith over Tayo, I just didnt want to lose my best friend.

The next day, I avoided talking to her because I just didnt know what to say and it was too awkward between us. I figured that if we didnt talk to each other for a while, we would be able to bury those hateful words and feelings. However, I didnt know my so-called solution will just make the gap in our friendship much wider.

That Friday, we didn't go home together and soon it would become a routine. That weekend must have been one of the most boring weekends I have had since I met her, I felt like all the elements were against me as my data got exhausted and my sim got blocked as I tried to load airtime. I ended settling for some novels I have read over and over again.

The next Monday was no better but thankfully, it was test week and I had something to keep my mind occupied. It must have been the first time in my life where I was happy about writing a test but it didnt matter because, it kept me busy.

Wednesday arrived in the blink of an eye and I was taking my first test in senior secondary school. I woke up early and got to school extra early. I had read the whole night since I was nervous and also, didn't want to fail.

I wanted a good grade and with the warnings and scares from the teachers, I had figured it wouldnt be easy so I pushed myself extra hard and thankfully I had a good reading partner.

Over the past few days, I had gotten closer to Bode and also, gotten to understand his personality. He was gentle, kind, observant but also fun.

He is not the type that talks much but when he does, he talks sense. We had become quite close, not close enough to tell my family problems or emotional problems to but close enough to chitchat and study with.

The first test we had was English which was quite simple. All it consisted of was picking correct phrases, synonyms and antonyms.

The next test was chemistry which after all the amount of reading I did was still a bit difficult. I was starting to get scared when I realize I didn't know the first two questions when Bode tapped me.

"Hey, you can write from my script." He whispered.

"No, thank you." I muttered and closed my eyes.

When I opened it, I started afresh and was able to answer a few while I prayed for God's favour in the rest.

I was on way to the mart to get some snack after the test with Bode when he said,

"Why didn't you copy from my work?" He asked, walking beside me as we made our way gradually to the mart.

"Nothing, I just believe in doing my work alone so I can be proud of my result." I said shyly.

"Wow, I love that. It such a pity I already have a girlfriend, I would have just asked you out." He teased, and we both burst into laughter.

The test week went on like that as Bode helped me study more, since he found out about me loving to do my tests on my own.

I was sitting on the chair watching one of the movies I just got on Friday evening when someone knocked at the door.

I rushed to the door and opened it; I scream excitedly as I hugged my eldest sister who was standing in front of me before collecting her bag from her hand.

I started to gush on happily about school and things she had missed, not even remembering to ask after her husband while she just laughed.

"Where is mummy?" She asked, still laughing.

"She is in her room." I replied.

"Okay, let me go and see her. We will talk later; I am not leaving till Sunday." She said smiling.

"Okay." I replied as I continued my movie.

It was the next night when the purpose for sister Ibukuns visit was finally approached.

Mum was sitting on the three-seater chair with sister Ibukun while I was seated on another, busy with my phone when all of a sudden, the topic was brought up.

"Ehrm... So, mummy, now that you have lost your job. What are you going to do?" Sister Ibukun asked her.

"My dear, I don't know ooh but I have plans on searching for another job." She said.

"Mummy, I have talked to Ife and we have both decided that you are not going to look for a new job. It's time you get some rest and stop disturbing yourself over someone's else job." Sister Ibukun said.

"I know but how will we survive. Ife is in final year; she needs money for her project. Temi is in her second year, Enitan is yet to finish secondary school and we all know your father is not responsible." She said, adding the last bit after a few seconds of silence.

"We are not asking you not to work ma, we just don't want you to do company work anymore. That is why I have decided to give you money to start a trade. Choose something you want to do and find out how much it will cost to begin, I will get it for you." She said

"Haa, thank you my daughter. May God bless you; may your children take care of you like you do for me." She said, as she started to pray for my sister.

I went to bed smiling but not after watching the second season of the movie.

The next two days was fun and it was nice having one of my sisters at home again, we talked about a lot of things and when she asked about school and my friends. I told her they were all fine. She left on Sunday evening since she was going to resume work on Monday.

I had a hard time waking up early the next day since I was already getting used to the holiday but I did anyways. I got to school a bit late than I was used to and I met a lot of my classmates already at school, including Faith and Tayo.

They were laughing and seem oblivious of their surrounding. I muttered a silent good morning to them as I got to my seat but they didn't reply because they didn't hear or maybe they ignored me. I wouldnt know anyways.

Morning devotion was lively and fun since all the teachers were glad to be back in school and since it was a Christian devotion day, there were lots of praise and worship to sing. The principal made his usual boring speech about reading, being a good student and dressing properly before he left the podium, dismissing us.

The day sped by very fast and I left the class to get myself something to eat at break since Faith was not available anymore.

I met Goriola on my way. Goriola is a fellow classmate, she was the pretty girl I had noticed sleeping on my first day in the class. She was the most brilliant girl in the class and due to her pretty face and brains, she was one of the most popular girls both in our class and among the teachers.

I guess that was why I was a bit surprised when she walked up to me and said, Hi Itan.

Hi. I replied. I couldnt believe she knew my name and I was sure my surprise was worn on my face, but If she noticed, she made no mention of it.

Are you by any chance headed to the meat pie stall? She asked as I nod my head in reply, still a bit star struck.

Thank goodness, I hate going there alone. The queue is always maddening. She said as I shook my head to affirm her statement but also to clear my head.

Yea, I know right. Lets go then. I said as we resumed walking, together.

Wheres Faith? She asked, I frown as I wondered if she knew I and Faith were currently not on talking terms and just wanted to get the reason out of me.

Why do you ask? I asked her.

Nigerians, always replying questions with questions. She said, chuckling.

Anyways, I was just asking. You guys are always seen together. The class is planning to host a little award after the first term and the both of you are on the nomination list of friendship goals. She added.

Really! Isnt that like too early, we have barely finished the term and they are planning an award already. I replied, ignoring the fact that I and Faith will probably lose the award because of our quarrel.

Well, you know there will be an end of the year party after our exams so, its just an added incentive. She said as we got to the meat pie stall.

Here we go. She groaned as we got in line. Fortunately, Goriola saw a friend of hers who was already in front of the line and she was able to convince her to help us get the meat pie rather than waiting till forever.

Thank you. We said to the girl as she handed us the meat pie and left the stall to get ice-cream.

So, have you joined any club so far? Goriola asked as we slowly made our way back to the class.

No, I havent gotten round to. I replied, munching on a biscuit I had gotten when we went to get the ice cream.

Ooh, you should though. If you are really interested in joining a club, you should do it soon so that you wont feel like a loner when you join later. It still early, you can make friends at any club now. She advised.

Okay, sure. Thank you. Are you in any group? I asked her.

Yeah, S.R.C (Student Representative Council.) She replied.

That's cool. I said, as we got to our class.