It's been two days since I left the hospital and I have to sit for my O'level exams to say I am not prepared would be an understatement.
My phone buzzed repeatedly during breakfast, but I ignored the calls. mum's sharp gaze caught her.
"Who's calling so much?" she asked, voice tight with suspicion.
I hesitated. "Just friends from school."
My brother frowned. "You need to focus on your studies, not distractions."
The tension thickened the air, and I felt the walls closing in tighter. Family love was no longer there, so were expectations I wasn't sure I could meet.
Every where I turn to I hear whispers of people talking about me and I could fee their long accusing fingers pointing to my direction as parents used me as an example to their children
"If you're not careful you will end up like her and no man will marry you" they say
I became the oddball in my own house mum has long decided I am a disappointment to her an object of ridicule.
I see the pity in my sister's eyes and the scorn in my brother's he who could not stand by me in the presence of the police officers and collected the bribe from the family of the guy who assaulted me "abeg collect this money make them tear the paper" they told him at the station
I walked my way to my exam centre and there I saw him
"Foolish girl you think say I go stay prison for long?"
I just looked and went my way. I knew he would get out his family were richer than mine after all and in this day and agent who will believe me over a man
How I managed to write my exams were beyond me but wrote them regardless knowing this could be my last attempt at doing something beneficial for myself.
Mum may decide not to allow me further my education even if I eventually get the scholarship from Mr Okoro's company. The life I envisioned all flushed down the drain in a single day.
While other kids from school were happy that they were a few steps away from graduating secondary school I was drowning in my sorrows.
Standing up to go home and rest before I face mums disappointed eyes. That's when I saw him Elliot , standing by the lockers with his usual easy smile. We hadn't spoken in months, not since the rumors started swirling.
"Hey, Ella," he said softly, stepping closer. "Can we talk?"
About what Elliot I replied trying to sound as cold as possible.
"I waited for an hour, then days" he said, trying to keep his tone light but failing.
"You've been distant lately."
I looked away, guilt twisting in her chest. "I'm sorry... it's just been a lot."
"Is it me or something else?" Elliot asked gently, searching my eyes.
"I know we've been dancing around this topic but I have to say it now"
Okay what is it
"I like you, more than I should a friend and I know you feel the same. Would you be my girlfriend"
What happened to all those your small girls from junior class 3 Mr
"Those are my friends Na haba you of all people should know that"
Yes I know that and I also know how much I like this guy but I can't and he wouldn't be saying all these if he knew what had happened he would probably hate me and would not even want to stand in my presence.
I can't I don't like you like that and I don't want to ruin our friendship I replied as coldly as I could and left him.