Chapter 3, Episode 4

Last updated on December 16th, 2023 at 10:18 am

School was about to resume and even though Tochi and I talked once in a while after that night of the fight, I still didn’t know if I was interested in being friends with him again. He had apologised that night, but it didn’t seem enough. The night I was at Zabby’s, after her call, we continued the conversation. She was shocked when I told her how he basically ghosted me for about three weeks and offered no explanation.

“This boy smells like a problem, Angie,” she told me.

“Yes, I know.”

“But since you said you are just friends, I think you should be able to put him in his place.”

“That’s my aim.”

“He is a naughty friend.” She said as she got up. “Oya, let’s go inside. If he disturbs you again, let me know so I can fight him.” At this, I started laughing.

“You know me na, Angie. You deserve good friends, please.”

“Yes, I do,” I replied. 

***

After that night of the fight at home, things got a bit strained between my parents and me. The next day I went to my mum’s apartment. It dawned on me that since they kept staying together, they were never going to get divorced. Why did they now involve me in their mess? 

I couldn’t wait to get back to school. Both of my parents did badly but I especially felt betrayed by my dad. He always seemed like a good man apart from him being my father. But how could a good man cheat and even have kids? I could hardly talk to him after that day. My birthday was in about three months and for the first time, I felt sad at the thought of my birthday. Adulting is so fun. 

***

“Baby girl, you’ve barely been answering my calls.” My dad said over the phone. I was back to school and I had been avoiding my parents’ calls. Mum had also sent text messages saying I was ignoring her calls. 

“Daddy, we just resumed and I have been busy.” 

“I understand, Angel. But just try to be more reachable. You’ve been gone for a month and we have only spoken twice. Your mum says the same thing.” 

“Okay, I’ve heard you. Got to go, I have classes.”

“Hmm, it’s okay. Take care, my daughter. I love you.” 

“Thank you,” I replied, then ended the call.

I think my anger was also that they never mentioned that night again. It seemed like they needed the purge and I was on the receiving end. After that night, things got better between them. At some point mummy even came to pack some of the clothes she had in her apartment, she tried to hide them from me, but I noticed. 

***

“I feel unloved. Like they don’t care about the effects of their actions on me. Do I sound selfish?” Zabby and I were talking. I just returned from classes and Tochi was sitting on my bed. 

“No girl, but it has really gotten to you. Since that night you’ve not been yourself again. I wish I could give you a hug. Would you talk to them about it?” 

“Talk? Was it not the talk that led to that nasty night? After that night everybody kept quiet like it never happened. But guess what? It made them closer, it was therapy for them. I’m the collateral damage.” 

“Don’t talk this way. I don’t like those words. Let’s change the topic, please.” 

“Okay, let me call you later. Tochi is here.” 

Tochi had been acting like he didn’t get the memo. I didn’t want to be close to him again. He was a good friend but I couldn’t deal with his personality. Today, he came to my class and I saw him searching for me from outside. I felt a kind of excitement but pushed it aside. Maybe being vulnerable to him that day made him feel like we were back on track; he could be a good person, but there was something off about him. 

After the class, I went out to meet him and told him I had another class. He stayed around until I finished my last class and followed me back to my hostel. Now he was sitting comfortably on my bed. My roommate had briefly come in and then gone out again. 

“You should try to talk to your parents, individually.” He said after I dropped the call. 

“Was that why you followed me back?” 

“Ouch!” That was mean. 

“Sorry. It’s just a touchy subject for me.” I replied feeling bad for snapping at him.

“I understand.” He said, looking away.

…

Please leave a comment below and share if you enjoyed it!