The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Chapter 30: DOUBT
Exams finally began, but those of us who had attended my birthday party at Jasmine Hotel were stopped like criminals. Our names had already been listed. It didn’t matter that some were prefects, we were asked to go back.
We pleaded, explained and submitted apology letters that were signed by parents and guardians . Some of us even cried but Mr. O.G and Mrs Adeoye, who were also representatives of the SDC, wasn’t willing to listen or ready to forgive. At least, this time the case was not handled by the SDC.
We spent over an hour pleading, it wasn’t until one of the senior teachers intervened, pleading on our behalf, reminding them that denying us exams would only ruin our future, that they finally agreed. Even then, it came with strict warnings, because they were clearly disappointed with us.
As I took my seat, my hands trembling slightly after I saw the exam questions. I wasn’t prepared at all. As if my problems weren’t enough, after I finally submitted my papers, I noticed that Bashir, Felix, and Francis had formed a group or clique and called themselves “The Blood.”
The name alone made my stomach turn because I knew it came from the blood oath. And I hated it.
However, we still had another exam and I’m yet to study. So, I headed straight to the conference room with my books.
Before stepping in, I paused because these days, you couldn’t just walk into places without preparing yourself for what or who you might find. Especially not with Saheed and Chioma or Gideon and Hameedah turning every corner into a stage for their relationship.
Satisfied that the room was empty, I went in and settled down, opening my book with determination. For a moment, it worked and I was able to focus but peace never lasted long in this school.
One by one, other students began to enter until the room slowly filled up. I sighed, thre was no way I could concentrate with the laughter, gossips and couples leaning into each other like nothing else exist. And still, George was nowhere to be found.
Well, his absence had become normal now, we barely spent time together anymore, except I went to his house, which I did almost every day.
“You think I loved him before? We’re over." Chioma’s voice suddenly cut through the noise.
I looked up to see her standing near Olamide, her expression hard, but her eyes showed that she cared for Saheed.
Saheed laughed immediately. “You think say we dey date before?”
His words landed heavily and it was obvious that it hurt Chioma but she quickly hid her feelings in anger.
I sighed quietly, looking away. This was why I had warned her not to play games with someone like Saheed, because I knew it would backfire. But she hadn’t listened. And now, the same thing she thought she could control had turned around and hurt her.
I packed my books slowly, ignoring the chaos between Saheed and Chioma, and left.
As I stepped out, Bashir’s voice drifted toward me. “I can’t believe Jerry is still on medication.”
I paused for a second and nodded but didn’t turn.
Jerry was always full of life, but has spent the entire term in and out of hospital. He didn't deserve to be the one constantly fighting to stay okay. But I couldn't have this conversation with Bashir, I still needed to read. So, I swallowed and kept walking.
I found an empty classroom and sat down again, forcing myself to read.
An hour passed before the bell rang for our final paper for the day. I wasn’t fully prepared, but I was better than before. And for once, the questions didn’t feel impossible.
The moment we submitted, relief and laughter filled the air. But my mind was elsewhere.
I hadn’t seen George since the early morning assembly. So, I made my way to the SS3 class. Just as I reached the door, Olamide stepped in front of me.
“You can’t go in,” he said firmly.
My heart sank. “Please… I just need to see George.”
Olamide didn’t move. So, I begged desperately even though it felt ridiculous, standing there, asking for permission to see my own boyfriend. I didn’t care anymore.
After what felt like forever, he stepped aside.
“Be fast."
I pushed the door open and stepped inside and I froze.
The classroom was empty, except for two people. George and Simi.
Although they sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but something didn’t feel right.
Of course, I remembered that Simi liked Gideon but still—
"Babe, should we go home?" George interrupted my thoughts as he walked towards me.
I nodded and we turned to leave, but not before I noticed Simi winked at me. For the first time in a long while, I realized maybe it wasn’t only Amira I should have been worried about.
Hook Question:
If you walked in and saw what Zara saw… would you trust your partner?
Thanks for reading this chapter 😍