Another story from Mr Timi Adigun , the Writer of THE
VEIL… Covered, a superb on going story on this website.
This story is free; please don’t pay to get it. Do feel free to
share it with friends and/or use excerpts from it in your
publications.
The Story series would start by next week.
It’s a must read, I personally recommend it for every
Teenage and grown adults out there.
“La Conferencial” a tale of different secondary school
students, who attend a two weeks conference, Their tales ,
stories and events.
I bet ya’al would learn a great lesson from each episode.


Cc: more @dopepopz.com

Your comments and suggestions would be very welcome. I love you!
Episode One
ARRIVAL Many buses were parked in the large parking lot. Without looking at the names on them, it was easy to know what kind of school each bus belonged to. The fine ones were for the private schools, the moderate ones were for the federal schools, and the not-too-fine ones were for the state schools. It wasn?t only buses that littered the park however. Students of different sizes and colours were standing by their buses, talking in circles or carrying their baggage to the registration venue. They had all come for the National Secondary Schools? Leadership Conference. It was an annual event, a conference prefects from different schools longed to attend. The pre-requisites for qualifying were quite stringent, so only the best of the best attended. This year, fifty schools were picked, and were to be trained for ten days; arrival and departure days excluded, at the National Youth Development Center, Port Harcourt, in Rivers State. Each school was asked to bring twenty of their top prefects. At the end, every participant was going to get a certificate of attendance but what excited most attendees however, were the awards that would be presented on the last night; awards that attending students did anything and everything to get. Every year, students did all in their possible best to get these awards. Others however, came for different purposes. This year wasn?t going to be an exemption. ——————————————– DAY 1 Uche looked around at the different students that sat in the conference hall and all he felt was intimidation. ?Why did I choose to come here in the first place?? he scolded himself. He had never been the outgoing type and would have preferred to be left in his own world. This was more exposure than he could handle. He was the library prefect of Immaculate Technical College, Mbano, Imo state. He liked his position as he only had to take care of the books and ensure they were returned. He didn?t have to talk at the assembly hall or dining hall like his fellow colleagues did. It also afforded him time and opportunity to read more, which was his hobby. As the most intelligent student in his school, he had been cajoled to attend the conference by the Principal and he obliged. Now, after hearing that each student was going to give a 2- minute speech at the end of the training, he wished the ground would swallow him up. This wasn?t what he had bargained for. He stole a glance at his colleagues from school, who were seated at different places in the hall. They seemed happy and content. They had already started making friends. He wondered how they were able to get along with others so fast. An announcement distracted him from his thoughts. ?We?ll be having a thirty-minute break now. Try and acquaint yourself with those around you. The orientation course will continue right after? Many students stood up and walked about for different reasons. Uche just sat still. He remembered the previous day?s activities. Registration ended about 7pm, participants were checked into their rooms, and dinner was served at about 9pm. There was no general activity that night as they were allowed to settle in and rest well ahead of the activity-packed conference. Uche had been with his school mates. There were twelve boys and eight girls from his school. He had nothing much to talk about with his colleagues, so he sat on his bunk and began reading Things Fall Apart. It wasn?t his first time reading it, but it was a book he could read over and over again because it reflected the life of his own people in the earlier years. Strangely, he could hardly read much because of the noise the boys were making. Only a few were lying down or reading, most were talking at the top of their voices and their major topics of discuss were centered on girls and soccer. Uche had wanted to scream; both topics didn?t appeal much to him. He was still wondering how he would cope with such boys for nine nights when somebody poked him. He had been lost in thought; he hadn?t noticed students were already settling down from the break. He looked sideways and saw a girl smiling at him. ?Hello!? she said, waving her hand in his face with a mischievous smile. She acted as though they had met before. Uche wondered how a girl could be that forward. He wanted to be on his own. ?Is something wrong?? she asked. ?No? he answered, politely. ?You just sighed?, she said, still looking at him with a questioning face. Uche was a little confused. He couldn?t place her words too fast, she talked like a Northerner. ?What?? ?You just sighed. Are you okay?? He hadn?t noticed. ?Oh?sorry. I didn?t know I did. I?m fine, thanks.? ?Would you want some chips?? she asked. ?No, thanks. I?m fine? ?Okay then.? She said and sat next to him, picking at her plantain chips. She still had a smile on her face and Uche wondered what she was up to. Before he could take his eyes off her, he noticed she reached to the back and picked her bag from the seat behind. It was quite an effort for her because she was short. Uche was dumbfounded. He had been so happy when he had a quiet guy to his right and no one to his left. And now, he was about to have a happy, smiling, forward, and short Hausa girl disturb him. He wasn?t going to take that. ?You can?tŔ he had started to say but the look on her face shut him up.

?I can?t what?? she asked, still smiling, as she kept eating her chips. ?Or is someone sitting here?? she asked, smiling. Uche could see that she was having fun. He couldn?t lie, he?d be caught. If she was sitting behind, then, she?d have known the seat was vacant throughout the first session. She raised a brow and Uche knew he was defeated. ?I?m Fatima? she said, and extended her hand for a handshake. She saw him look at her hand. She followed his gaze and saw that her hand was smeared with oil and plantain fragments. She giggled and quickly redrew it, looked in her bag for her hanky, cleaned her hand and stretched it out again; the smile not leaving her face. ?I?m Fatima? she said again. Uche couldn?t help smiling. She had succeeded in infecting him. Looking at her, he could see she was pleased she had made him smile. ?I?m Uche? he said, as he took her hand and pumped it lightly. ?Nice meeting you? she said. ?Same here? he said, sincerely, though hoping it would stop at that. She was about to say something but at the same time, the announcer spoke up, clouding her voice. Uche was relieved. He turned and listened. The announcer was saying something about a guest they were expecting. Uche felt a pinch and flinched. It was Fatima again. ?What?? Uche asked, getting irritated. ?I was asking you why you?re so quiet?? she asked, looking more serious this time. Seeing her this way, Uche just wanted to stare at her a little longer, she looked beautiful, not the childish-look she had started with. He immediately cautioned himself, surprised at his reaction. He had never given a second look at any girl before. ?Please, can we keep this until after the session? It has started? He saw she was disappointed but she still managed to smile. He faced the stage and listened. The announcer was saying Ӆso, we?ll have to wait for him. He? ll be here in the next thirty minutes. So, your break is extended thirty minutes. Please don?t leaveŔ Uche wasn?t interested in the rest. This meant he was stuck with Fatima?s chat for another thirty minutes. He looked at her and laughed spontaneously. She had stuck her tongue out of her mouth. ?Duh!? she said. Uche was still laughing and she joined in. ?You?re something? he said, recovering from his hearty laughter. ?Didn?t it feel good to laugh?? ?Yes, it did? Uche admitted. ?When last did you laugh; really laugh?? she asked, expecting an answer. Uche thought about it and couldn?t answer. He tried to remember but the only time he could remember was three years back, and he wasn?t ready to remember that period. He had buried it and was going to leave it buried. ?I cannot remember? he said, trying to make light of it but Fatima wasn?t fooled. ?What happened to you that took away your joy, Uche?? she asked. Uche?s eyes filled and this surprised him. It wasn?t just the questions she asked him that got at him but the way she asked. There was a genuine concern and care in her voice. He gritted his teeth. He had vowed never to let anyone see his tears, nothing would change that. ?I don?t want to talk about it? he said. ?It?s okay. I understand? she said. At that, he looked at her. No one could ever understand what he had gone through. But looking at her, he knew that somehow, she would understand if he told her. ?Uche, get a grip. Don?t let this girl crush all your defenses?, he suddenly chided himself. ?It was nice meeting you Fatima. I?ll need some time of quiet before the session resumes.? ?Okay, if that?s what you want.? She said, then added. ?It was nice meeting you too.? Uche was disappointed. He had hoped she would press him a little more. He needed someone to talk to. He knew that after the session, they would go for lunch, then sports, then evening session and on. He couldn?t think of anything that would guarantee they meet and talk again. There were no permanent seats. ?Maybe she really doesn?t care. Maybe she?s just like everyone else? he thought to himself. Her questions had however triggered memories and those memories filled his mind for the rest of the break. Just as the break ended and the Guest Speaker was ushered to the podium, Uche heard that now familiar Hausa accent. ?Can we talk during lunch?? Fatima asked. Uche looked at her, and saw that childish-smile again. He smiled back. ?Yes, we can? he said and saw the relief on her face. She indeed cared. Uche?s heart beat faster with a mixture of joy and anxiety. He was going to do what he hadn?t done in three years. He was about to open up to someone. He was about to come out of his shell. He was about to trust again. It was a scary thought and he sincerely hoped Fatima would be worth it. To be continued

Episode Two
The session was over and Shade was pressed; she had to use the ladies. While announcements were going on, she left her seat and walked towards the facilities. On her way up the hall stairs, she noticed a familiar face. ?Where do I know this girl from?? The girl was talking to the boy by her side and didn?t notice Shade. She wanted to call her but just then, her bladder told her she had to hurry. She hurried along, proposing to see the girl when she returned. Getting to the toilet, she noticed it was much neater than the toilet in the hostel. So, she decided to have a relaxed bowel movement, not the type with one hand on the nose and the other chasing away flies. As she eased herself, she tried to remember the girl?s name, or at least recall where they met but the memory seemed very hazy. When she was out of the facilities, most of the students had left the hall, including the girl she had hoped to see. ?I?ll see her some other time?, she told herself. ?Tunbosun!? she called to her friend, sitting rows away, where they had both sat for the orientation. ?I?m done? ?Na wa for you o!? Tunbosun said when she was closer. ? Na thirty minutes you dey use piss for your school?? ?Sorry jare.? Shade said, collecting her writing pad from Tunbosun. ?I decided to do the two together when I got there.? ?Okay. I for say o!? Tunbosun said, smiling. ?Na you sabi!? Shade responded as they walked out of the hall together. The organizers had consciously mixed up the participants so that no two students from the same school were bunk mates. Shade and Tunbosun had been paired, and they had kicked off well. Shade was from Federal Government College, Ipetumodu, Osun state, while Tunbosun was from Standford College, Abuja. ?How come you speak broken English often? Is it allowed in your school?? Shade asked Tunbosun. ?No, it?s not. I could be suspended if caught, but I live in Warri and that?s how I talk with my friends at home. Don?t mind me, I?m a Behind girl o? Tunbosun said, smiling. ?You don?t have to tell me. I know. Anyone from Standford has to be Behind.? ?I agree. The money we pay in that school is too much. I told my parents over and again to take me to a federal school where the standard is the same and fees are cheaper but they insisted, claiming they wanted a Christian private school for me.? Tunbosun paused, then added. ?But do you know what?? ?What?? Shade asked. ?I think they put me in that school for prestige purposes. They couldn?t imagine the only child of Senator Badmos going to any other school than the most expensive in Abuja.? ?You cannot blame them? ?I agree but that is not the kind of life I want for myself. I want to grow up to be independent, exposed and mature; able to do what is right by choice not because somebody somewhere is monitoring me.? ?Don?t be biased. There are some good sides to being in a private school; no strikes, close monitoring academically, and nice environment especially in the Christian ones like yours.? ?You?re right Shade. Maybe, I just feel the money is too much. I guess I should read Economics not Medicine? Tunbosun said, laughing at herself. ?I get too calculative when it comes to money. Do you know how many hungry people my school fees for a session would cater for?? ?I can?t imagine? ?You?d better not. People have different opinions and are permitted to and I have mine too.? ?You?ve given me something to think about? Shade said as they entered the dining hall. They had barely entered when Shade heard someone call Tunbosun. She looked at Tunbosun and saw she didn?t respond. ?That guy is calling you? she said. ?Let?s get a seat first.? Tunbosun said, ignoring the boy calling her. When they were seated, she started. ?That guy has been disturbing me since yesterday, when we got here? Shade looked in his direction but Tunbosun didn?t as she continued. ?I have been around guys enough to know what he wants.? Shade, who was a student of a single sex school, was at a loss. She kept listening. ?I noticed he hit it off with Okpara right at the parking lot before registration.?

?Who?s Okpara?? Shade asked. ?A fellow prefect from my school who has been asking me out since our SS1 days. I?m sure Okpara has told him about me. Maybe he wants to show how macho he is. He likely wants to prove to Okpara he can have any girl he wants.? ?How are you sure? What if he just wants to be nice?? Shade asked. ?I know some things, girlfriend. You can count the reasonable guys we have now-a-days. And those few, you? ll know them when you see them. I?ll show you one when I see one? ?What?s his name?? ?Stanley. I don?t even like his name? ?You?re funny Tunbosun? ?Don?t mind me jare.? Just then, their table was called. ?It?s our turn?, Tunbosun said. They stood and walked towards the serving point. When there, they joined the queue; there were two lines. Shade was in front of Tunbosun on one line. ?Shade!? the guy beside her on the other line called. Shade was taken aback; she didn?t know the guy. ?Hello? she managed to say. Looking at the guy, she was barely able to breathe. The guy was fine! And he was so close. She looked away. ?I have heard so many nice things about you? he said, trying to continue the conversation. Shade felt a little embarrassed because people close by could hear him. ?It?s a pleasure meeting you.? Shade simply nodded. ?I hope we?ll get to see some other time. My name is Utibe? he said, extending his hand for a handshake. Shade accepted it. ?Guess you already know my name.? she said, trying to look unaffected by his stare. His handshake lingered and Shade seemed unable to withdraw her hand. ?Hey girlfriend, it?s your turn?, Tunbosun said, poking her from behind; rescuing her. Shade withdrew her hand and collected her food, still flushed from her conversation with Utibe. She waited for Tunbosun to get hers and they walked back together. Tunbosun had a smile on her face as they walked back. When they reached their seat, she giggled. ?You should have seen yourself, Shade.? ?I beg. Don?t tease me. I don?t know what happened to me there.? ?Would you believe me if I told you that guy had rehearsed all that?? ?He seemed so nice. No guy has spoken to me like that before.? Shade looked at Tunbosun and saw her mock face. ?I?m serious. I have two brothers and we quarrel often. I hardly go out, so contact with guys is minimal. Some guys have asked me out, but there?s nothing about them to trip me.? Shade paused, momentarily lost. ?Did you see how he looked at me? Did you hear his accent? Did you notice how fine he is?? Tunbosun tapped Shade?s shoulders repeatedly. Shade looked at her but Tunbosun continued. ?Hey, watsup?? Shade asked, bemused. ?Wake up! Wake up girl. Don?t just fall for a guy because of his outward qualities. There?s more to everyone than meets the eye.? ?Tunbosun, I understand, but this guy seems okay. If he wants to make friends with me after now, I?d gladly accept.? ?Be careful dear.? ?I will? Shade said. She had discreetly traced him to where he was seated. As she tasted the jollof rice they had been served, she stole a glance in his direction and saw that he was staring at her. She was so taken aback, she choked on her rice. She had to cough, to clear her throat. She stole an embarrassed peek at him again and saw he was smiling. She felt like a fool. ?This is crazy? she thought to herself, as her heart still beat wildly. ?Why did God create humans with emotions?? she asked herself, as she drank the water Tunbosun offered her. ?Are you okay dear?? Tunbosun asked ?Yes I am, thanks.? ?Guy power dey do you. I pity you o!? ?Leave me jo!? Tunbosun laughed at her friend. ?You?ll get over it? she said and slapped her friend on the back, still laughing. Shade shook her head, managing a smile, yet wondering how she would face Utibe afterwards. She had just embarrassed herself. ?I?ll avoid him. I won?t even talk to him again? she thought to herself but as she was thinking it she knew it wasn?t possible. She was dying for him to come looking for her. She hoped it won?t be too long before he did. TO BE CONTINUED

The session was over and Shade was pressed; she had to use the ladies. While announcements were going on, she left her seat and walked towards the facilities. On her way up the hall stairs, she noticed a familiar face. ?Where do I know this girl from?? The girl was talking to the boy by her side and didn?t notice Shade. She wanted to call her but just then, her bladder told her she had to hurry. She hurried along, proposing to see the girl when she returned.
Getting to the toilet, she noticed it was much neater than the toilet in the hostel. So, she decided to have a relaxed bowel movement, not the type with one hand on the nose and the other chasing away flies. As she eased herself, she tried to remember the girl?s name, or at least recall where they met but the memory seemed very hazy.

When she was out of the facilities, most of the students had left the hall, including the girl she had hoped to see. ?I?ll see her some other time?, she told herself. ?Tunbosun!? she called to her friend, sitting rows away, where they had both sat for the orientation. ?I?m done?

?Na wa for you o!? Tunbosun said when she was closer. ?Na thirty minutes you dey use piss for your school??

?Sorry jare.? Shade said, collecting her writing pad from Tunbosun. ?I decided to do the two together when I got there.?

?Okay. I for say o!? Tunbosun said, smiling.

?Na you sabi!? Shade responded as they walked out of the hall together. The organizers had consciously mixed up the participants so that no two students from the same school were bunk mates. Shade and Tunbosun
had been paired, and they had kicked off well. Shade was from Federal Government College, Ipetumodu, Osun state, while Tunbosun was from Standford College, Abuja.

?How come you speak broken English often? Is it allowed in your school?? Shade asked Tunbosun.

?No, it?s not. I could be suspended if caught, but I live in Warri and that?s how I talk with my friends at home. Don?t mind me, I?m a Behind girl o? Tunbosun said, smiling.

?You don?t have to tell me. I know. Anyone from Standford has to be Behind.?

?I agree. The money we pay in that school is too much. I told my parents over and again to take me to a federal school where the standard is the same and fees are cheaper but they insisted, claiming they wanted a Christian private school for me.? Tunbosun paused, then added. ?But do you know what??

?What?? Shade asked.

?I think they put me in that school for prestige purposes. They couldn?t imagine the only child of Senator Badmos going to any other school than the most expensive in Abuja.?

?You cannot blame them?

?I agree but that is not the kind of life I want for myself. I want to grow up to be independent, exposed and mature; able to do what is right by choice not because somebody somewhere is monitoring me.?

?Don?t be biased. There are some good sides to being in a private school; no strikes, close monitoring academically, and nice environment especially in the Christian ones like yours.?

?You?re right Shade. Maybe, I just feel the money is too much. I guess I should read Economics not Medicine? Tunbosun said, laughing at herself. ?I get too calculative when it comes to money. Do you know how many hungry people my school fees for a session would cater for??

?I can?t imagine?

3.


Fatima was getting impatient. Mr. Aminu was taking too long. She had planned on talking with Uche immediately after the session, on their way for lunch, but her school‟s accompanying staff, Mr. Aminu had come to call her immediately after the session. Every school was asked to come with a staff; Fatima had thought it was a good idea, but now, she wished he wasn‟t there.
“Sir, lunch will soon be over” she said, hoping he would get the cue.
“I told George to get your food for you.” He said and continued. He had been preparing her for the Talent Hunt that was a part of the conference and had been told screening would start that night. He felt he needed to give her a little more coaching but Fatima felt she was prepared enough. Howbeit, she gave him her audience. He was a man she respected; he had helped her in developing her talent. She was determined to make him proud.
“Do you now know your lines by heart?”
“Yes I do. Should I do the two for you now?” Each student participating in talent hunt had been told to prepare two pieces of their work.
“I would be pleased.”
Fatima acted out her lines. She was into one-man drama. She went through the two scripts beautifully and Mr. Aminu was impressed. “I‟m proud of you dear”
“Thank you sir. I‟m glad you are” She said sincerely, but when it seemed he wanted to say something else, she had to do something fast. “I‟m hungry sir. Please can I go now?”
“Please do. I‟m sorry for delaying you”
“Thank you sir.” She said and hurried out of the hall, hoping against hope that Uche would still be in the dining hall. When she got there, he was not there. She was deflated. Then, she saw George and walked towards him. She thanked him for keeping her food and opened the covered plate. The sight and aroma were a momentary pleasure. She enjoyed every bit of the food. She was about to scrape her plate when she remembered George was beside her. He smiled when she looked up at him and she grunted. “Scraping this plate would have been a pleasure but because of you o!”
George smiled. “When will you learn to be a lady?”
She hit him on his chest. “Someday maybe. Thanks again for keeping my food”
“My pleasure.” After a short pause, he added. “You heard the announcement, right?”
“Which of them, George?”
“The one that Sports competition preliminaries will start immediately.”
“Yes, I did. Are you thinking of playing basketball?”
George smiled, defeated. Fatima couldn‟t help laughing. “I thought you promised to be serious throughout. You categorically told me in school that you wouldn‟t play basketball, no matter how tempted you got.”
“I plead guilty. You know it‟s not a game I can stay away from too long.” Fatima agreed and chose not to tease him any further. He was the best player in their school, Comprehensive College, Kaduna. He even won the Most Valuable Player award in the just concluded All State Sports‟ Competition in Kaduna.
“I‟m glad you changed your mind.” Fatima said, with a smile. “I knew you would give in and I‟m happy you eventually have”
George was obviously delighted to hear that. “Would you come to the basket ball court?”
“Where else would I be!” she said and tapped him on the shoulder.
“Thanks, Fatima” he said. “I don‟t know what would have become of me without you”
Fatima raised a hand. “Hey! Don‟t go there. God used me. Give the credit to Him, okay?”
George just smiled and nodded. He remembered it just as if it were yesterday. He had been asked to repeat SS2; that‟s when he became Fatima‟s classmate. He had been so devastated by the demotion that he became depressed. Fatima had walked up to him one day with her charming smile, made him laugh, and in the process, introduced Jesus to him. That was the turning point in George‟s life. He began to live life again with the joy and strength he received from God.
Fatima didn‟t leave him at that, but prodded him into getting involved in fellowship, helped him with balancing his academics with his penchant for basketball, and taught him the power of true frindship. He owed so much to Fatima. She was a giver and never ceased to sacrifice her personal comfort to make others happy.
“I‟m grateful to God” George said, “and I‟m also grateful to you for making yourself available to Him”
“You‟re welcome”, she said.
“Are you through?”
“Yes I am.” Fatima said and rose from the table, leaving her plate behind. Provision had been made for cleaning up dishes and the students were asked not to bother about their plates. Fatima looked back at the table, with dirty plates on it, hers included. “I feel somehow leaving my plates for those women to wash”

“I felt the same way when I finished eating too, but I guess there‟s nothing that can be done about that”

Fatima didn‟t agree that nothing could be done about it but decided to let it be. George stood up and joined her. The height contrast was staggering. Their friends at school had always marveled at their friendship. He was a tall basket ball player and she was a short dramatist – a weird combination.

ALSO READ : La Conferencia Episode 1
“Remember that dream I told you I had before we came here?” Fatima said, facing George as they walked out of the hall.

“Yes. The one of you rescuing someone from drowning” George said, then added, “Like you did me”

Fatima ignored the latter comment. “Yes. That dream. I think I understand what God was trying to tell me.”

“That‟s cool.”

“There‟s this guy I met today…” Fatima started but stopped when she saw George‟s expression.

“What?” George asked, trying to suppress his laughter.

“Oh! Be serious for once, George.”

“Okay!” he managed to say, unable to wipe the smile off his face.

“I think he needs God. That might be the major reason God brought me here.” George became a little more serious as he saw she meant every word. He had come to know Fatima meant business when it came to claiming a soul for Christ.

“Please pray along with me that I would do God‟s will and not mess up.”

“I will” George said, as another smile curved his lips again.

“What is it again?” Fatima asked, looking at her friend.

“Is he handsome?” George said, and was on his heels immediately, laughing because he knew Fatima would have his head if she caught him. Anybody seeing the sight would have laughed. A petite girl chasing a tall lanky boy. Such was the platonic friendship Fatima and George shared, which many envied because it was pure and true. It was a friendship only God-seekers could enjoy.

———————————

Uche‟s self-esteem had just crash landed again. „I knew it was too good to be true. She probably thought again and knew she couldn‟t stick with my kind of person. I wonder why I even hoped she would join me at table‟. He had been so disappointed when he left the dining hall without seeing Fatima. He had gone to the hostel to change into his sports wear, and decided to go back to the dining hall, just incase he would meet Fatima.

As he turned the bend leading to the dining hall, he saw a small girl chasing a much taller guy. He had smiled at first; it was a funny sight until he looked well and noticed it was the same girl he was hoping to see. It was Fatima. He saw that smile on her face as she was chasing the guy; he couldn‟t mistake that smile anywhere. It was that smile that had made him open up in the first place.

As he watched them, he couldn‟t help the feelings that surfaced. Another boy would have been jealous, Uche was sad. Jealousy belonged to those who felt they deserved something and another was having it, sorrow belonged to those who hoped to have something they felt they didn‟t deserve and now, it was slipping away from them.

Uche wondered why he felt so much pain. „It‟s your fault‟, he scolded himself. „You shouldn‟t have taken that girl serious. No one would ever like you. Don‟t even bother‟. With a heavy heart, he walked to the Sports Arena and found a seat near the basketball court, sat down and brought out his pocket dictionary; learning new words was another hobby. He wished he hadn‟t come; he wondered how he would survive the remaining days.

———————————-

“Tunbosun, please hurry up”

“What‟s the hurry Shade?”

“Nothing. I just don‟t want us to be the last to leave the room. Seems almost all the girls have left the hostel.”
Tunbosun knew there was more to this impatience than Shade was ready to disclose. “Okay. Give me a minute to wear my canvas.”

“Okay” Shade said and went to her box. She pulled something out that caught Tunbosun‟s attention.

“Don‟t tell me…”

“Oh yeah. I brought my phone.”

“Didn‟t they tell you guys in your school phones aren‟t allowed?”

“They did. What‟s the matter? It‟s no big deal.”

“Oh yes, it‟s a big deal. It‟s wrong.”

“Oh! I didn‟t know you were born-again.” Shade said, sarcastically.

“I never said I was but I believe in doing what is right. I don‟t go to church, so it‟s not about that but I don‟t do anything I‟m asked not to.”

“Good for you. I go to church, I‟m born-again and I also know rules are made to be broken”

“But you‟re supposed to be a leader. Would you tell that to your juniors?”

“Hey! Don‟t go there. See, let‟s drop the matter and go for sports” she said as she returned the phone and locked the box.

Tunbosun wasn‟t ready to let go just like that but she hated arguments and decided to let it pass. She wondered if she would be able to stick such a bunkmate for the remaining nine days. She disliked people who flouted orders.

4.

It was common place for the big boys to show a little of their boxers whenever they had the opportunity to, and Stanley did not spare at all; he showed a lot. “Oh boy! I wonder how good guys from other schools are” he said.

“We ll soon discover” Okpara responded.

“I ll be playing football, I m not into basketball like you guys” Utibe, the last of the trio, said.

“You dey miss. Na b-ball dey trip the girls. You wear your sleeveless jersey, flexing your muscles and your height. Without them saying anything, you can see they are tripping already” Stanley said.

“It s the small girls that are tripped by football stars.” Okpara chipped in.

“Na you sabi o! I enjoy playing football. That s what matters to me, not really the tripping of girls.”

Stanley laughed. “You will soon change your mind when you see the girls flocking around Okpara and me in no time.” He paused and then added deliberately. “And, you know what?”

“What?” his friends chorused.

“I will get in between at least five of those girls laps before the end of this conference.” Stanley said confidently, with a grin.

“Stanley, you re my man!” Okpara exulted.

“How will you do that in this place? They ll catch you” Utibe said, rather doubtful.

“You be small boy o!” Stanley said, mocking his new friend. “We have our ways. My brother was here last year and told me how the boys did it. I must do my own; no dulling at all”

“Who will you start with?” Okpara asked as they approached the basketball court.

“I ll start with that Tunbosun girl that you told me about” Stanley said, facing Okpara, and could see he was pleased.

“That girl so humiliated me in school. I felt like a fool among my friends. I d bragged that I could have any girl. They tested me with Tunbosun and she had me good. I hope you won t be humiliated too.”

Stanley scoffed. “I won t blow my trumpet anymore. Actions speak louder than words. You just watch me.”

Stanley and Okpara stopped at the court to watch guys that had already started making shots. Utibe turned and headed towards the football pitch. He wondered if that was the kind of life he wanted; using and dumping girls. He had always had close female friends but never asked for more than friendship but the moment he got here and heard what the boys were bragging about, he had felt a need to feel among.

That s why he had ta lked to Shade at the dining hall earlier in the day.

A boy had dared him to do it, and he wasn t ready to be called a slacker. He wondered how far he would have to go to win the approval of the guys around. He looked ahead and saw boys joggling soccer balls. He momentarily discarded the thoughts and jogged towards the field.

—————————-

„Wow, this guy is good. Uche thought to himself. He had been sitting near the basketball court for minutes. Boys soon came and started playing. He watched them and was fascinated at the fun they were having. He wasn’t a sports person, but admired those who found pleasure in whatever they were doing, as he found pleasure in reading.

He recognized one of the players as the boy Fatima was chasing a few minutes ago. The boy was good, hardly missed a shot. Uche wondered why Fatima was nowhere near to cheer her friend. He turned to see if she was anywhere near, but didn t have to look too far. She was standing right behind him. He was so taken aback, he couldn t speak.

“Looking for somebody?” she asked rhetorically, with her trademark smile. “I see you re enjoying the game, didn t know you were a fan.”

“No, I m not”, he was saying when she came around the seat.

“May I?” she asked, motioning towards the seat.

“Sure” he said, as she sat beside him. He wanted to ask her why she hadn t made it to the dining hall in time as agreed but decided against it. He didn t want to start up the conversation. If she wanted to talk, she would have to be the one to start.

And as if Fatima heard him, she turned slightly to face him. “I m sorry for not making it a few minutes back”

“It s okay” Uche said, plainly, not looking at her.

Fatima seemed to take the cue and kept quiet. There was silence
between them for a while which made Uche feel uneasy. He pretended to be watching the game but his mind was searching for a way to ensure they continued from where they stopped at the lecture hall. He looked at her for the first time since she sat and saw she was lost, watching the game.

It was then something caught his attention. She had long hair. „How come I didn t notice earlier? he asked himself, knowing he was fond of females with long hair. It was then he remembered that she had been wearing her beret earlier, as it was part of her school uniform; they were asked to wear
their school uniform during lecture sessions.

His sister had the longest hair he had ever seen, and he took pride in it while he could until he lost her; a loss he was still yet to recover from. He
noticed he was staring at her and he called himself to order. Looking back at the boys playing, he asked, “You like basketball?”

“Since I was a kid.”

“Really?” Uche asked, genuinely surprised.

“Yes. And I have become a more ardent fan of the game since I met George.”

“George?” Uche asked, confused.

“Oh sorry, I just assumed I was talking to someone who knew him.
He s the guy wearing the Lakers jersey,” she said pointing in his direction.

“He s my closest male friend in school. He s like a big brother to me.”

“Hmmm” Uche said, and was surprised at the ease he felt, knowing there was nothing extra between Fatima and the George guy. “He s very good. His style of play is nice.”

“Yes. He plays like Kobe Bryant.” Uche made a face that reminded
Fatima he wasn’t a basketball fan. “My bad. I m sorry. Kobe is an NBA star. George copies his moves.”

“I see” Uche stole a glance at Fatima s hair again and was about to comment but thought it would be forward of him. So, he decided to keep mute, but not before Fatima saw his expression.

“You want to say something?” she asked.

“No” he lied.
Fatima frowned. “If there s anything I hope you ll get to know about me, it s that you do not lie to Fatima” She raised an eyebrow and tapped her finger. “So, out with it, Mister!”

Uche smiled. “Wanted to say I like you hair!” he said, barely above a whisper. Uche felt very silly after saying it, especially because Fatima just smiled at him without a word. „I wonder what she thinks of me now he thought.

Without taking her eyes off him, Fatima responded. “Thank you Uche.

That s one of the nicest things anybody has said to me since I got here yesterday. Thanks”

“You re welcome” he said, breathing easier now. This was his first time having a quite lengthy conversation with a girl that didn t have to do with library books or assignments, and it felt quite good.

“You ll make a great husband and dad in the future” Fatima said.

„Where did that come from? Uche thought. „She couldn t have been referring to me. I would make the worst husband and father; that s why I cannot even marry . He however felt he needed to respond to the compliment.

“Thanks” he said.

5.

The moment Tunbosun left Shade, she had found a solitary spot. She wasn t interested in talking to anybody or watching any game. She also needed time to be alone. She had always heard that there were some things money couldn t buy. Now, experience had taught her that. Her dad, a Senator, had been diagnosed of cancer of the liver just a month back.

She had always told him she hated his smoking habit, but he had always said there was nothing he could do about it. Now, he had landed himself an incurable disease. No day passed that she didn t dread what would become of her if her father was to die. She was almost changing her mind lately about continuing in the medical career but her father s diagnosis revived her desire to further the cause of ensuring health for many.

She had been so consumed in her thoughts she hardly heard when the whistle went.

“Hey pretty!” Tunbosun was distracted from her thoughts as she saw an image walk in her direction. „Not this guy again she thought to herself.

“What are you doing here all alone? The whistle has gone.”

“Really?” she asked, looking around and feeling silly. “Oh! Thanks” she said, standing from the stump of the tree she was sitting on.

“You didn t watch any game. You missed!” Tunbosun kept walking without responding. “Why are you refusing to talk to me, Tunbosun?” Stanley asked, calling her name with his Igbo accent.

“There s nothing we have to talk about.” Tunbosun said, and then stopped to face him. “See I know your type, okay? I m a wrong target! Please, as you could see before you decided to walk over, I was alone, and won t mind walking alone to the hostel.” She said, and walked away.

Stanley was too embarrassed to try again. He decided to let her go. He had to think of a way to get her. She was pretty but he didn t like her; she was too proud and sure of herself. „Tunbosun, I ll surely get you, and when I m done with you, you ll be worse than a piece of rag , he thought to himself.

——————————–

Uche lay on his bed, waiting for the whistle to sound for dinner. He felt so relieved. He had a time of his life with Fatima. She had listened so carefully to everything he said. He had never thought he would tell anybody the things he did tell her.

He remembered the look on Fatima s face when he told her what happened to him three years back. He had been very close to his only sister; they were just two. Their parents usually came home late from work. She was basically all he had, and he loved her. They played together, read together, and ate together; they were inseparable. She had long hair, and he made it a hobby, plaiting her hair.
However, when he became a teenager, they started having quarrels. He would insist on watching a sports channel when she wanted to watch a Nollywood film, he would shout at her for giving him small meat, not taking the time to see that hers was even smaller. He made her cry at different times, and would later apologise. They were still close but not as before, and the
teenage hormones in Uche didn t make him care.

Then, someday, they had another quarrel, the worst ever. She had scolded him for coming home late. She had wanted to go to the market but had been waiting for him. He insulted her in many words, telling her she wasn t his mother and would never be. And as she was about leaving the house for the market, he said words he would never forget. “Ada, I hate you; don t even come back home!”

As he said it, he had regretted it, and worse was he saw her eyes were already filling. He had wanted to apologize but his male ego restrained him.

After a few minutes, he became sober and longed for her to return so he could apologise to her. He hated hurting her but wondered why he kept doing so.

He waited an hour but she didn t come back. Two hours. Three hours.

He became worried. He was going to go out and look for her when a neighbour brought him the news that changed his life. Ada was dead. The motorcycle she was on had been hit by a vehicle and both she and the rider died on the spot.

He had become numb immediately, unable to respond past a nod. The neighbour tried to comfort him but he asked her to leave. He shot the door behind her, sat on the floor and just stared blankly. He remembered his last words to his sister and he wanted to scream, cut himself, cry, or just die but he did nothing. He just stared. And that was the beginning of his solitary, depressed and insecure life. He never wept for his sister, not until the moment he had opened up to Fatima.
He shed tears, there in public. It was his first time truly mourning his sister who had died three years ago. He had blamed himself with every passing day for her death and felt he didn t deserve to be happy for the rest of his life.

He still felt the guilt and was still angry with himself but he felt much lighter, now that he had offloaded the weight and shared it with somebody.

She just listened to him, and didn t have time to respond because the whistle went shortly after he finished his story. She told him she had a secret to share with him too, something he needed to hear. That was what was on Uche s mind now. He wanted to hear what Fatima had to say. „Does she have a secret similar to mine or is hers even worse? They had agreed to talk during dinner. Uche looked at his wristwatch. „The whistle would be blown anytime soon , he thought to himself as he sat up, looking forward to seeing Fatima again.

————————————————

“You should have seen him, he s so skillful.” Shade was saying to Tunbosun who was clearly uninterested in her ranting.

The whistle sounded. “It s time for dinner.” Tunbosun said as she made ready to leave the room, hoping Shade would stop her tales at least for a while. She had known the girl would fall for the Utibe guy when she saw her naïve reaction to the guy during lunch. She had seen girls hurt before and hoped Shade wouldn t add to the number. She hoped the girl would soon come to her senses, because as at now, she wouldn t listen to anybody s advice.

“Um, Tunbosun” Shade called

“Yes”

“I would be sitting with Utibe at dinner today”

“Okay” Tunbosun said, happy she won t be bugged by Shade s stories but still bothered for the girl. “So, we ll meet at the lecture hall?”

Shade made a face and Tunbosun understood clearly.

“Oh sorry, I forgot; it s an all-night conversation. We ll see in the hostel then, after tonight s Talent Hunt screening.”

“Mmhmm” Shade hummed, smiling.

They both walked out of the room and the only thought on Tunbosun s mind was „Why do girls fall so easily for boys, can t they just sit down and think a little? Can t they see all boys are flirts?

———————————————-

“Oh boy! I dey lucky o! That girl don trip already. Wetin I go do now?” Utibe was asking his friends as they sat down at a table in the dining hall.

“Na small small you go start” Stanley replied.

“How?” Utibe asked, genuinely interested.

Stanley smiled and slapped him on the back. “JJC!” He faced Okpara.
“Abi, you too be JJC?” Okpara shook his head.

“Then, tell him how he ll do it”

“You ll start by looking for an opportunity to touch her. When she comes, shake her hand and hold it a little longer. Then, when she sits and you talk, while laughing or expressing yourself, keep touching her hand or shoulder. Then, possibly when in the lecture hall, try to get a seat behind, then put your hand across her chair, then eventually on her shoulders. Abi?” Okpara asked, facing Stanley.

“Yes. Try not to exceed the shoulders part today. If you do, she ll know what you want but hands on the shoulders could be interpreted as a friendly gesture. See how she responds to it. If she s okay with it, tomorrow we ll progress to the more intimate body parts.”

Utibe nodded, taking in all the instructions. “What about you, how far with Tunbosun?”

“That girl is one hard nut to crack. But now, I don t even want to crack her; that would be too dignifying for her”

“So, you want to leave her?” Okpara asked, disappointed.

“No, never. She humiliated me. I want to crush her – leave her wounded; unable to ever lift her head again. Make her wish she was never a female.”

“Hey! I don t like the way you re sounding. Don t hurt that girl” It was Utibe voicing out now.

“You leave that to me and mind your own business with…” Stanley hushed when he saw Shade walk in their direction. “Remember the process!” he hissed into Utibe s ears as he and Okpara moved to another table.

Utibe couldn t help noticing that Shade wore a dress that brought out her full shape and she had added a little twist to her walking. „All for me? he thought. „This would definitely be a great night .

you finally remembered that we are following right? am so angry but lovely right up

6.

Fatima was the last person to leave her room. She had felt a need to take some time out to pray for Uche before speaking with him during dinner.

The moment she got back from the Sports Arena, she had taken a quick shower and then taken time to pray for him. She had thanked God for the privilege He was giving her to touch another life and asked that He would help her to be a true witness and not mess things up.

When she felt satisfied, she rose up. Thankfully, the hostel gate had not been closed. As she was walking out of the hostel, she remembered she had a performance that night, so she prayed in her heart, asking God to help her.

And she knew He would. Now, she had a mission to accomplish for God.

—————————-

Table Ten had just been called to come for food. It was almost time for Table Eleven; the table Uche was seated on. He had reserved a seat beside him for Fatima but she was nowhere to be found. He had thought they shared the same enthusiasm and that she would want to come early to continue their discussion. But now, about fifteen minutes had passed, and she hadn t come.

„Maybe she has thought well about what I did and has condemned me too. I knew she wouldn t understand. Why did I tell her? Uche thought to himself, going down the tunnel of depression again. He put his head on the table, waiting for his table to be called.

“Are you sleeping?” came the voice he had come to cherish. Uche looked up and saw Fatima smiling at him. His heart beat a little faster. She was just so sweet. “Sorry I m late”

“It s okay” Uche said, sincerely relieved his fears didn t materialize. “I thought you weren t going to come again”

“I m so sorry. I had to settle some things first”

“Please sit” he said just as he heard his table being called. “Let s get our food first”

“Ok then”, she replied and they went to the serving point.

The meal was beans and plantain. Some students were delighted to eat it, some were not. Uche was among the former, while Fatima, the latter.

“This is my favourite food?” Uche said, after taking the first spoon.

“Really?” Fatima said, giving him a disgusted look. “It looks like a baby s faeces!”

“Hey! I m eating” someone from across the table said.

“So sorry!” Fatima said, laughing and Uche joined in too.

“May be if you liked it, you would have been taller than this” Uche said, teasing her.

“Thanks!” she said, making a face. “I m okay like this. You re the one who s too tall”

“I hear you; please let me eat my beans o!” Uche responded, smiling.

They ate in silence for a while. When they were done eating, Uche voiced out.

“Thanks for this afternoon”

“You re welcome.”
“You said you have something to tell me, right?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Guess it s my turn to listen” Uche said, smiling. He was getting use to smiling often now, thanks to his new friend.

“I guess so.” She said, and dropped her cutlery. “A minute please” Fatima started looking through her bag, and it took a little while.

“What are you looking for?” Uche asked, wondering.

“I don t know where I kept it…Oh there you are!” she said, bringing out two wraps of sweet.

“Sweet?” Uche was yet to understand. “Why the urgency and seriousness in searching for them?”

“Like I said earlier, beans and I are not friends. I dislike the smell that comes out of the mouth after eating beans” she said, winking at him as she threw one to him and started opening hers.

“You re something, Fatima!”

“Thanks. I take that as a compliment.” When she was sure her breath was okay, she started. “It s about my father and mother. Since I knew myself, they have been at logger heads with each other. There were times when I was in primary school and even in my Junior school days when I would cry every night.

“Daddy used mummy as a punching bag, and she didn t make things any better. The kind of abuses she used on him, I wouldn t even dare to use on an animal. I lived everyday so gloomy, dull and depressed. If you had seen me in those days, you would have run away from me. It was a terrible situation.”

“How did they change?”

Fatima smiled. “They haven t changed. They are still one of my greatest concerns.”

“So?” Uche asked.

“I changed.”

“Interesting. How did that happen?”

“I met a guy that brought me joy even in my pain” Fatima s face brightened as she said that but Uche didn t share her gl ee. He could only think of the lanky boy he saw Fatima chasing earlier that day. „Is this what you planned all along to tell me; how that lanky boy brought you happiness? Uche was about to tell her he wasn t interested when she mentioned a name.


“I met Jesus” she said. “He turned my whole life around. He’s the secret of my joy and cheerfulness. He healed my hurts, helped me to forgive my parents and to forgive myself”

“You had no reason to forgive yourself. You did nothing wrong”, Uche said, feeling very relieved that she was not talking about another boy.

“I had to” Fatima said. “I m the only child and sometimes my father quarreled and still quarrels with my mother about her inability to bear more children. He wanted boys but she said it would be risky. I am a sickler and the probability was high that any other children they had would be SS too. So, I was angry at myself for years that I was the cause of their fights.” Uche nodded, knowing how much guilt that would have brought her.

“But I listened to Pastor Bimbo Odukoya when I was on vacation at my cousins in Lagos. I was just flipping through the TV on a Sunday. Then, I was a muslim and was home while they went to church. It was her looks that attracted me; she was beautiful and she dressed smart, plus she s short like me” Fatima laughed, and so did Uche.

“She talked about forgiveness that day, and the message just seemed for me. I couldn t change the channel but listened through. At the end, she said the only key to forgiving others was first, receiving forgiveness from God, then forgiving one s self. I didn t need further persuasion. I gave my life to Jesus Christ that day, in that sitting room at Lagos, saying the sinner s prayer after Pastor Bimbo.

“Thereafter, I felt so much peace in my heart. I forgave myself and forgave my parents. It was a choice I made and God helped me. In conclusion, she said, anyone who wanted to live to the fullest had to choose to be happy; that happiness was a choice, not a matter of circumstances. That day, I chose to be happy and God has been helping me since.

“When my cousins came back, they had to ask me what happened. I was smiling. That was strange for me in those days. I spent two more weeks in Lagos and listened more to Pastor Bimbo and my cousins were also of great help.”

“What did your parents say when you got back?”

“Nothing. Till today, they haven t said a word. Frankly, I think it’s because I have not given them a reason to complain. They can see positive changes in me, and though they are not saying it, I m sure they are proud of me. Moreover, since I accepted Christ, I haven t had a crisis; not once. I have lived in great health”

“That is remarkable. How many years ago was this?”

“Would be four years tomorrow”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Haven t there been times you got depressed again?”

“There have been such times” Fatima said, “but God ha s always strengthened me through. He s my best friend.”

There was silence between them for a while as Fatima allowed God do His work in Uche s life. When she felt she needed to voice out, she asked him.

“Would you want the same to happen to you?”

“Yes, I would”

“Would you receive Jesus into your heart now?”

Uche paused. “I m not ready for that yet. I really want this joy you have but I m not ready to accept Jesus yet.”

“Why?” Fatima asked, hoping he would change his mind.

“I don t know” he lied, hoping she wouldn t press and she didn t.

“It s okay. But I hope you would give it a thought?” Fatima asked andUche nodded. Fatima noticed almost everybody was out of the dining hall and their plates littered the tables as it had been at lunch. She had felt a need to do something then, and now, she knew what she would do. Even if she wasn’t going to wash, she would clear up the plates and clean the tables.

“Are you ready to go?” she asked Uche.

“Yes”.
“I would meet you in the hall” she said “I have some work to do.”

“What work?”

“Clearing up the dishes!”

“You cannot be serious!” Uche said, but as he stood there watching her, she started with their table. There was just something so different about her. „This Jesus she has must be worth it . Uche shook his head, smiling at his new friend as he joined her, picking up the plates.

To be continued

7.

“Where have you been? I was so worried about you” George said, standing at one of the entrance doors to the lecture hall.

“We were clearing the plates” Fatima said, smiling.

“You‟re impossible” George said, shaking his head at his friend, then giving her a questioning look as he looked at the boy
beside her and back to her.

“Oh sorry, bad manners. This is Uche, my new friend” she said looking at Uche, and then introduced George. “And this is George, my closest male friend.”

“A pleasure meeting you” George said, extending his hand for a handshake.

“Same here” Uche said, taking his hand.

“But why are you outside?” Fatima asked. “I can see the show has started.”

“I didn‟t like some of the things I was hearing and seeing; I had to leave. Moreover, I was worried about you. Guess it‟ll
soon…”

An announcement interrupted him. “Next on the list is Faith Archibong. Fatima Sule, please get ready!!!”

“Right on time!” Fatima said, giggling. “Let‟s go in”

“Not before we say a prayer for you” George said.

“Thanks George. That would be great.” Fatima said as she took George‟s hand in one hand and Uche‟s in the other. George
also took Uche‟s free hand, forming a chain. Uche was new to this but didn‟t object. George said a short prayer and then they were on their way in. There was just something about the joy, unity and peace Fatima and George enjoyed that Uche could not wait to enjoy the same. Uche had planned on asking Fatima to lead him in the sinner‟s prayer after the program but he remembered she said she would be meeting with her teacher, Mr. Aminu, after the program.

„I will ask her to lead me to Jesus in prayer tomorrow morning.‟ That was Uche‟s thought. Little did he know that he was going to get a shocker the next day.

—————————————

Stanley was uncomfortable. He was unsettled, he felt unfulfilled. The day was about to end and he hadn‟t gotten any girl yet. „Where is that Tunbosun girl?‟ he asked himself as he looked around. He couldn‟t find her. Moreover, boys and girls were hooting and some of them were standing to watch the girl that was miming a Janet Jackson song.

As he was about giving up, he noticed a girl was walking towards the back. She wore a short black gown. Stanley couldn‟t take his eyes off her body. Looking at her face, he was surprised. It was Tunbosun. „How on earth!‟ He couldn‟t believe that the same girl who had shunned him would wear such a sensuous dress. He was dazed.

She passed by him and he called her. She looked at him and immediately took her eyes away. She continued walking. He kept his eyes on her till she entered the ladies. Her dressing had just provoked him some more to do what he had been planning.
With her dressing, he was convinced she was just proving hard to get. „I don‟t have all ten days to woo you girl. I will have you by force.‟ He remembered what his brother told him had happened at the last conference. A girl that had proved hard to get had been raped at the uncompleted lecture hall behind the dining hall. The shame had been too much for her, she didn‟t tell the conference facilitators.

The thought appealed to Stanley. As he was still thinking, Tunbosun walked past again, returning to her seat. Stanley fed his eyes on her. „I‟ll have you tomorrow.‟
———————————

Tunbosun got back to her seat. She hated to stand up in the dress she was wearing but she had been pressed and had to go. As she sat down, she pulled her gown trying to reduce the flesh it showed; it was too short and she felt very uncomfortable. She was trendy and wore outfits that were in vogue. But she disliked wearing revealing clothes.

When she was leaving home, her mum had convinced her to take the black gown. It was one of her new purchases from Dubai. Unfortunately, Tunbosun didn‟t try it on, assuming it would be okay. When she tried it on in the hostel, she had wanted to change it but the hoots, screams and encouragement from girls in the room made her wear it out.

Now, she felt so stupid she wore it. She couldn‟t wait for the program to be over so she could put off the dress. Worst of all was that she had allowed that guy to see her this way. She wondered what he would think of her. „I promise never to wear this again, ever!‟ she told herself, still trying to pull the gown a little more, unaware that she had already set herself up; unaware of Stanley‟s schemes.

———————————

Shade was seated with Utibe and they were engrossed in the activities on stage. For a few minutes, she had been trying to remember the name of the girl that was miming. She was the girl she had seen earlier in the day. She still couldn‟t place it.

“Do you know that girl?” She asked Utibe whose hand was across her chair.

“Sure. She‟s Faith Archibong”

“It‟s a lie!” Shade was surprised. “Now, I remember. She was in Federal Government Girls College, Ipetumodu.”

“Really? She‟s now in my school; The Rock Academy.”

“Where‟s that?”

“In Calabar.”

“That‟s strange. She has really changed” Shade said, looking at Faith on the stage as she did some sensual dance steps,
causing students to scream. Just then, Shade noticed Utibe‟s hand slide forward and rest on her shoulder, but she pretended not to notice.

“Why did you say she has changed?” Utibe asked, moving closer.

“She was a strong Christian when I knew her; she even preached to me once”

“Faith! That seems impossible. I cannot think of a big boy in Calabar that hasn‟t had her.”

Shade looked at him, questioning.

“Oh no! I haven‟t” he said, taking his hand away from her shoulder. He raised his two hands. “I‟m innocent. I only go with
good girls, like you”, he said looking deliberately at her.

Shade was glad to hear that and wished Utibe hadn‟t removed his hand, she was getting comfortable with it. And as if he could read her mind, he put his hand back on her shoulder and felt her relax under his touch.

Shade continued watching Faith perform while Utibe‟s attention was on her. Things were going as planned. Utibe wanted to explore further. Shade had just been too easy. He remembered his friends‟ words and decided to go slow.

„This is better than I planned. I look forward to tomorrow when I‟ll proceed to the more interesting parts‟ Utibe thought to himself as he yet moved closer and noticed Shade inclined closer too.

———————————–

“Now, let‟s put our hands together for Fatima!” the moderator said.

As Fatima mounted the podium and the sound track she had chosen was played, Cece Winan‟s „Alabaster box‟, a new wave swept through the hall. As she started her one-man drama, the atmosphere was even more charged.

George, sitting with Uche was excited. Fatima was ministering through her drama and seeds of righteousness were been sown. George looked around; many students were talking, some distracted, but some were listening, being touched by her message. Her drama was titled, „When love prevails‟.

It was the story of a girl who was down and out but she met Jesus and received His love and her life changed. George looked back and noticed a girl was wiping her tears. He made a mental note to talk with her later. He looked back at Fatima on the stage and just then, he felt God drop a burden in his heart.

Fatima needed his prayers. Something terrible was about to happen to her. He didn‟t know what it was but felt God was asking him to pray for this girl that had brought joy to his life; this girl that had introduced Jesus to him. „Lord, please have mercy on Fatima. Let nothing evil happen to her” he pleaded desperately with God.

To be continued

Iphekitan am here even if u no mention me
Am here
Enjoying ur story as usual
Tanx for updating
Keep doing wot u know how to do best
Looking forward to new updates

shey na every ten days u wan dey update now abi

djbasket:
shey na every ten days u wan dey update now abi

no mind this guy

8.

DAY 2
The morning was rather cold and Uche wondered why he felt so uneasy. He tied his towel round his waist and walked towards the bathroom, choosing to discard the unpleasant feeling that something bad was going to happen. On entering the bathroom, many boys were in the shower, most talking, while others were either singing or just enjoying their morning bath in silence.
There were many shower stands in the bathroom, so he didn’t have to wait for anyone to be through. He found one in the far corner, and decided to use it. As he had his bath, he remembered the events of the previous day. He smiled as he remembered his first encounter with Fatima at the lecture hall. One thought led to the other, and he finally ended up thinking of the last conversation they had where she told him about Jesus. Her story had sounded too good to be true; he longed for such a life of peace and joy as Fatima had.
Through the night, he had quite a restful sleep compared to what he had had for years. Uche could only attribute it to his opening up to Fatima and the hope she had brought into his life through the words she had spoken to him.
Walking out of the shower stand, he was ready to take the bold step. He was ready to let go of his past and embrace Jesus. The thought of doing that brought a smile to his face – a heart-felt smile.
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Tunbosun had been too eager to get her clothes off the night before that she left the hall immediately the talent hunt was over. As she got to the room, she had changed into her night gown and slept almost immediately. The question that was on her mind as she tried to sleep was ‘Isn’t there more to life than money and education?’
She was still plagued with the fact that her father was so rich and educated, and was about to die like a chicken in the cruel claws of cancer. She didn’t bother fighting the tears; there was no one to see her tears. She only wondered what life was all about. As she thought, she remembered the lines of the girl who acted the one-man drama. ‘Could a relationship with Jesus be the solution?’ She however discarded the thought as soon as it came. ‘I don’t need a God who allows people to die of terrible diseases. Science is even doing more for people than God is’ she convinced herself.
She had slept in that state last night and woke up, hoping to have a quiet morning. She tossed on the bed and looked at her wristwatch. “6am!” She bolted upright and looked round. Girls were moving to and fro the room, some in nightgowns, some in towels, some already dressed in their uniforms. ‘How on earth did I sleep so long?’ she asked herself as she stood. She checked her Bunkie, Shade on the top bunk, and saw she wasn’t there.
Still wondering why nobody had tapped her, she saw Shade walking back from the bathroom.
“Good morning, sleepy head” Shade said, smiling at her.
“Good morning Shade”, she said, not the least happy. “Why didn’t you wake me up now?”
“I didn’t want to disturb you. Felt you must have been very tired.” Tunbosun gave her a questioning look that made Shade explain herself better. “You were already asleep before I came back to the room yesterday and when I saw you didn’t stir at the sound of the whistle this morning, I assumed you were really tired.”
“Thanks.” Tunbosun said, putting a hand to her head. She wondered what the sleep was about; she hardly slept that long. Looking back at her bunkmate, she added. “Please wake me up if such ever happens again”
“Sure” Shade said.
After a few minutes of silence in which Shade got dressed and Tunbosun prepared to use the bathroom, Shade voiced out. “I have gist for you” she said giggling.
Tunbosun guessed where her new friend was going with the conversation and she was totally not interested. Before she could tell Shade to keep the gist till when she was done bathing, her Bunkie had started talking already. She was indeed love-lost.
‘Why on earth am I stuck with this girl’, Tunbosun thought to herself as Shade ranted on and on about the wonderful time she has with Utibe the day before. When Tunbosun couldn’t stomach the girl’s naivety anymore, she politely told Shade she would listen to the rest when she was back from the bathroom.
As she picked her bucket and walked out of the room, she remembered what had made her sleep so long and deep. She had had a dream. As she remembered the dream, she immediately had goose pimples. Her knees knocked, she had to lean on the door for a few seconds. Tunbosun was afraid. ‘Oh God! If at all you’re there, please don’t let it happen to me’ was all she could say as she tried fruitlessly to calm herself.
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“Oh boy, I saw you yesterday o!” Okpara was saying, as the trio sat on Utibe’s bed, waiting for the whistle.
“That girl seems too easy. Guess I’m fortunate to be the one who got her first” Utibe said, looking particularly at Stanley, who had proved himself so far to be girl-crazy but he noticed Stanley wasn’t saying anything. “How far man?” he said, poking Stanley.
“Don’t mind me. Just thinking.” He smiled. “I liked your moves yesterday. You played according to plan. You must proceed today. By the time you two have the chance of sitting together, you’ll go deeper.” He said, doing some motions with his hand and the three boys burst into laughter. “After that first time, she’ll be the one begging to have more.”
“Stanley!” the other two chorused, still laughing.
“That’s me! Girls are to be used and dumped. That’s what my brother taught me, and I believe him. You should see how that guy is enjoying life.” He paused his lips. “If you see the babes, I mean, babes that he carries, you’ll salute. He even told me one day that since I’m finer than him, I had better do better than him. And I’ll live up to that challenge. He had three girls when he came for this conference. My own will be five!” he said, confidently.
“Stanlo bobo!” Okpara exulted. “How about Tunbosun now?”
“I still dey plan for that your school mate” he said, facing Okpara. “Did you see what she wore yesterday?”
“No, I was too busy looking at all those girls who were dancing and showcasing their stuffs yesterday”
“Na that one you know how to do – looking.” Stanley said, and then faced Okpara. “What about you?”
“You know now! I was too engrossed with Shade.”
“You two missed!” Stanley said, clearly excited. You should have seen that short and tight black gown she wore. I swear, I thought I was not seeing clearly. That girl is hot.”
“You thought I was blind when I tried my possible best to get her in school?” Okpara said.
“Now, I know why she’s playing hard to get. She wants it and wants me to pursue her but I’m bigger than that. I’m already planning how I would get her to walk by that uncompleted hall tonight.” As he said that, a thought flashed through his mind. Before he could voice out, the whistle sounded.
“I have an idea” he said as they got down from the bunk. “Remind me to tell you guys something in the dinning hall after we’re done with the briefing” he said to his friends. The plan was beginning to come together. Stanley smiled to himself. ‘I’m a genius’.
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Walking to the lecture hall for the half-an-hour briefing, George kept praying. He still felt burdened in his heart for Fatima. He looked forward to seeing her in the hall. ‘I would call her and we would pray together about this burden I have’ he thought to himself as he stepped into the hall. He walked down the stairs and found a seat in the front.
He was so pre-occupied in thoughts that he didn’t notice the girl sitting next to him. She flipped over a page of the book she was reading. That sound caught George’s attention, and he suddenly remembered his manners. He turned to his right and greeted her.
“Good morning” he said. As he looked at her, he felt the face was familiar. But she didn’t respond like she knew him; just gave him a polite reply. It was as he thought a little more that he recalled where he saw that face. She was the girl who was shedding tears when Fatima acted her drama yesterday. He knew deep within that God would have him do something to help her. He stole a glance at her and saw she seemed the shy type.
‘How on earth am I going to talk to this girl?’ George contemplated in his heart. ‘Fatima, where are you. Come and help me with this girl’. He discarded the idea of talking to the girl immediately. He couldn’t stomach the courage to talk to her. He decided he would talk to Fatima about it; he was sure she’ll know just the right way to go about it.

9.

The lecture hall was full to capacity. All the students were seated for the 7am briefing, after which they would go for breakfast. The briefing was the time when the activities of the day would be stated, and when other necessary announcements would be made. It was a procedure unique to this annual conference; the organizers intended to keep the students on their toes at all times; so there was no program list given to the participants; they only got to find out what was going to happen on the day on the morning of that particular day.
The Conference Director greeted the students and began talking. He stated that the first session of the day would be a mind-stimulating program where they would be put in groups and expected to come up with ideas that would benefit the community. They would convert whatever ideas they come up with into projects to be executed in Port Harcourt in the course of the conference. After that would be lunch, then they would be grouped again after lunch for a socializing event; where each student would meet at least 5 new people and they would teach each other new skills or just transfer knowledge.
The strange thing about this grouping was that it was not going to be voluntary, that is, no participant could chose what group to belong to. They were asked to take numbers from 1 to 10. They were warned not to change their group as it could affect their personal assessment negatively at the end of the conference.
After all that was done, the Director told the students he had announcements to make. After saying a few, he ended with the last one. “One of us had a crisis yester night and was rushed to the Teaching Hospital. Please do well to pray for her speedy recovery. Her name is Fatima Yuguda. Thank you all for your time. You can go for breakfast now.”
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Uche was immobilized. He did not know what to think. He did not know where to start from. ‘Was this the source of the feeling I had earlier today’. He tried so hard to take in the message. Fatima was having a crisis. He had discovered from his many years of reading how dreadful it could be for an SS patient to have a crisis.
He remembered what Fatima told him the day before. “Moreover, since when I accepted Christ, I haven’t had a crisis; not once…Would be four years tomorrow” she had said. ‘What a terrible coincidence’. Uche thought as he began getting upset with God. ‘Why would you allow this to happen to someone so devoted to you? If you could do this to Fatima, what hope is there for me in this world with a God like you? Fatima doesn’t deserve to suffer.’
Thoughts from his past came hunting Uche again, and he concluded. ‘God, you must be heartless! I wonder why people even trust you in the first place.’ Uche stood up angry and walked out of hall, gritting his teeth to keep from shedding tears. ‘Life is so cruel’ he concluded, wondering how miserable he would be the rest of the conference without his new friend around.
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“In all things, give thanks” Those were the only words George managed to mumble to himself over and again as his eyes filled. He had once seen his male friend in a crisis and the thought of Fatima going through the same was more than he could handle. He had been looking forward to seeing her, to get help and direction, but now, she was beyond reach and he didn’t know for how long she would be away. He suddenly felt so alone.
But he remembered a scripture they both had leant at one of the fellowship meetings in school and that was the scripture he now confessed. He knew beyond a doubt that God had good plans for all His children and that all things would eventually work out fine. He decided to give God thanks even though it was hard to see a reason so to do.
‘But God I prayed’ he directed that thought at God. Though he didn’t get a reply, he knew God had had his prayers. It could have been worse. Right there in the hall, he bowed his head and prayed silently for his friend, asking God to keep her strong through it all. As he prayed, he felt led to also ask God to strengthen him and others like Uche who looked up to Fatima. He wondered if anyone would be allowed to visit her.
George looked up, feeling much relieved that he had cast his cares upon God. He noticed however that the girl sitting next to him was still there. And what he saw was a replica of what he had seen the night before. She was crying again.
Before George knew what was happening, he heard himself saying, “God loves you”
He was about reprimanding himself for being forward but the girl looked up at him, and the tears intensified. It was at that point that he knew the Holy Spirit had just spoken through Him.
He said it again. “God loves you and can make you whole again!” George couldn’t believe he was the one saying those words because he didn’t even know where the words were coming from. The girl began to sob.
George on a normal day would have felt embarrassed, not knowing what to do, but this time was different. “If you’ll let Him, He’ll make you new.”
He didn’t touch her hand though he wanted to, to comfort her but just felt it would be inappropriate at the moment. He just kept saying the words as they came for the next few minutes, oblivious to everything else.
By the time she calmed down, without looking at him, she voiced her thanks.
“Would you want to talk about it?” he asked. She shook her head. “You can trust me” he said, and with that she looked up at him again. George could see fear in those eyes. He was sure someone must have really hurt her.
She kept her head down and sat motionless. It seemed like she was analyzing the offer he had just posed. She then wiped her tears and rose to her feet. She looked at George and said barely above a whisper. “Thanks. I would love to” With that she walked away from him and towards the exit of the hall.
George was at a loss. It had been quite difficult hearing what she said, now he wondered what she meant by ‘I would love to’. “Oh!” he breathed with a smile. He remembered the question he had just asked her. She had just agreed to open up to him. He didn’t know when she would but he knew she eventually would.
‘Fatima, I wish you were here to see what happened.’ George was so happy. God had spoken through him and now, he was about to become a counselor. It seemed too good to be true. He rose from the seat and smiled as he walked out. ‘God, you sure have a way of making seemingly ugly situations turn out beautiful’ he said in his heart.
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“Oh boy, I don’t like the way things are looking. These guys are spoiling show.” Stanley was saying to Okpara and Utibe as they made their way to the dinning hall. “I had already pictured that there would be sports today, so I could execute my runs with Tunbosun.”
Stanley was not the only one whose plans had been disrupted. Utibe’s had been too. With the new schedule, he wondered if he would have the opportunity to progress with Shade. He had been tempted to look out for her and know what group she would fall into but pride got the better of him. He knew she would be looking at him; he didn’t want her to feel he was desperate for her; he felt that would make her feel too special. He decided however not to mention that to the boys.
“That reminds me. You said we should ask you about the idea you had after the briefing” Okpara chipped in.
Stanley smiled. “You really hate this girl. You really want me to nail her for good!”
“You bet!”
“Okay then. It would be Utibe who would do most of the work.” Stanley said.
Utibe who had been rather quiet in the conversation was taken aback. “Please don’t do that to me. Okpara is better than me in all these things now!” He said, trying to avoid any responsibility Stanley would want to place on him.
“You be slacker.” Okpara said, slapping him on the back. “Hear wetin Stanley wan talk first before you complain.”
“No mind am” Stanley said. “Na easy thing I even wan make he do o!” He looked at Utibe and smiled when he saw the defiant expression on his face. “Na only you wan enjoy for his place. Is it because you already have that Shade girl in your palms? See…s” Stanley said, placing a hand on Utibe’s shoulder. “All I need from you is to get Shade to agree that she will deliver my package to me.”
The look on Utibe’s face showed he was lost and so was Okpara.
“Let me break it down for you. On the next day we have sports, since they have cancelled that for today, I will need your girl to lure Tunbosun into that uncompleted building. I will take it up from there.” Stanley watched Utibe’s face as he tried to process the new information.
“That shouldn’t be a problem” Utibe finally said and then added. “But that means I would have to tell Shade what our plans are.”
“Why not.” Stanley replied.
“You’re sure she won’t report to the authorities when she hears what we hope to do. I’m not sure that girl will betray her friend.” It was Okpara chipping in.
“I think she will” Stanley replied. “I know girls. If it were to be Tunbosun, she won’t betray Shade just to please a guy but I’ve analysed Shade; she would be too willing to do it.”
“Stanley, I agree with you on that.” Utibe said. “With the petty talks we had yester night; it’s even obvious that she feels Tunbosun is too rigid. Shade will do it. When do I tell her?”
“You could tell her during breakfast now. I’m so sure, she’ll be dying for you to get to the hall so she could come over and sit with you.” Stanley said, giggling. “Shade reminds me of the first girl I slept with when I was fourteen.” He burst into laughter. “Girls could be very stupid. Shade fits that profile perfectly.”
Utibe smiled. “But I wonder what she would be able to say that would convince Tunbosun to follow her into that building. That girl is smart o!”
“Are you telling me? I have turned it over severally in my mind. You’ll tell her…”
“Double up guys!” The Conference Director hollered from the entrance door of the dinning hall, interrupting their discussion. They had to jog up along with the few stragglers ahead of them.
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The moment Shade saw the trio enter the hall, her excitement increased. She kept looking at Utibe, hoping he would be looking round to see where she was seated. He wasn’t. She followed him with her eyes till he sat down. As expected, the other two guys left a space beside Utibe, obviously for her. She was about to stand, when a firm hand held her lap down, as discreetly as possible, preventing her from standing up.
It was Tunbosun. “Don’t you have some trace of female dignity left; as least, a little?” Tunbosun was looking at her with a combination of concern and anger.
‘This girl is beginning to irritate me. She is talking as if she’s my mother’ Shade thought to herself, as her friend talked on.
“Why would you just throw yourself at a guy? Why are you the one going to meet him? Why can’t he be the one looking for you?”
She had just echoed Shade’s thoughts. Though she wanted to discard it, she couldn’t. She had been disappointed when Utibe came in without making an eye-search for her. She had felt that way too in the hall some minutes back. The moment she knew they would be taking numbers, she had looked in his direction to see what number would be his. He was number 3.
When it was her turn, she was number 1. She had decided to lie when asked and join Group 3 so she could be in his group. What upset her however was that throughout the numbering period, Utibe did not once look around in search of her to find out what her number was and she had felt very cheap.
Now, he had just done the same thing and Tunbosun had talked about it too. Her ego shot up immediately. ‘No guy is going to take me for a ride’ she thought to herself. “Thanks girlfriend.” She said facing Tunbosun. “I won’t go over”.
As she said that, she saw relief flood Tunbosun’s face. ‘Why does this girl care this much?’ She thought, wondering if the feeling was mutual. ‘Am I this concerned for her?’ she asked herself, and deep within she knew the answer was no. Just then, a weird thought came to her mind and she actually wondered where the thought came from. ‘If a reason ever occurred where I had to chose between making Utibe happy and making Tunbosun happy, who would I chose?’
As she asked herself, she stole a look in Utibe’s direction and looked at Tunbosun who had started eating her food. She knew the answer, and that answer made her feel guilty and ashamed of herself. Utibe’s happiness was her priority!