A Hazel Haven

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

"Dis one wey I dey see chairs everywhere so. Who dey do party again?"

"It's for the new girls. You don forget now now say dem collect money for am abi?"

"Oh, that," someone giggled. "Food this night is sorted out then."

The hostel was abuzz with incessant chatters, most of which emanated from the girls rooms. Some were outside and about, confident as they conversed in so little clothes.

Whether a year or more, Huma didn't think she could ever get used to the sight. She'd finished prayers some time ago, and stood at the window, peeking, something that was fast becoming an unconscious habit, while the curtain behind whispered as Uche prepared for her early morning run. Huma had started it since she was much too ashamed to imbibe the culture of undressing with others presence, even though it was the new normal, and because carefree nudity could be overwhelming some times, Uche must have adopted it for her sake.

Guys hefted crates of drinks over their shoulders. Plastic chairs were brought in stacks. The gathering Uche had told her about was today, and Henrietta (Tina, the slim) would be the Master of Ceremony. Apparently, they threw a welcome party for new tenants, kind of like an amped up version of the Fresher's party students organized amongst themselves without rules, hence the alcohols, cigarettes and skimpy fashion.

She hadn't attended, because, other than her parents' disapproval, being isolated was inevitable as everyone would form one clique or the other, just like what happened during POST UTME when the applicants had scattered off in delightful companies. Watching while she waited for her father to come take her home had been depressing.

However, she had no such luck this time. The occupants avoided them, and would continue to do so until when they were acquainted with all through a night of fun that, frankly, neither of them cared for.

"But we need to be there," Uche had told her while sorting out the foodstuff she'd purchased ahead of the day. As the ones being celebrated, you had to actively contribute to the party: Drinks, food, games, music, or logistics. Food had been Uche's pick. She'd also bought two cooler boxes and extra plates.

"Things get ugly really fast, as you've seen for yourself. Mind your business, yes, but give them no reason to gang up on you. It's like a jungle in which there are predators and prey. This is a feast to determine where you stand." And since Uche truly had more experience on her side, Huma didn't doubt her; although she had the feeling they'd already done the judging.

"They sure go all out, don't they?" Huma turned as Uche came to stand facing her, staring out as well. She was dressed in her usual running wear. "Nah all this kain things dey makes people dey think say we get money......when it's the opposite for most of us." The statement had a lot of heat, and Huma felt it was said in reference to what had happened days prior.

A middle-aged man had moved from to room to room, collecting a certain amount of money to clear septic tank channels which had been blocked, at the time, by used condoms and sanitary pads, despite the clear warnings against such disposals.

Since it reoccurred frequently, the cost of repair was the inveterate tenants' responsibility. However exorbitant or meager the sum didn't matter Uche had had no intention of paying from the start.

"Ehen," Uche had said contemplatively. "But I've only menstruated once since I came here. Two pads per day for four days only, which I disposed in the trash. I didn't use any condom, so that's out of it."

"You nkor? What about you? Menstruated yet?" she had asked Huma.

Both of them had stared at her, waiting for an answer. Appalled by such shameless and blatant talk, Huma stared back, flustered.