HAZE

CHAPTER 2

BONDS

There was something about exams that grated on the minds of every student in every educational institution. The University of Petrichor, where Amara and Nana were currently in their last year of campus pursuing their Bachelor's degree in mass communication, was no exception when it came to issuing exams. The University of Petrichor was one of the best-ranked universities in the country, primarily known for its business, law, and mass communication departments. Most of the alumni were renowned businessmen, reputable lawyers, and outstanding media personnel all over the country. As a result, they are committed to delivering high-quality results.

The university was not only an academic giant but also a sight to behold. It was in a shallow valley surrounded by hills. It had set aside almost five acres of land for an arboretum. The school also had landscaped gardens strategically designed in different parts of the compound. The gardener was an artistic man and was intrigued by strictly geometrical or baffling, bulgy abstracts. The authenticity was something appreciated by the various generations of students within. The pavements that crisscrossed throughout the compound ensured that the grass was kept crisp and green. After all, they had designated resting areas that allowed them the freedom of unwinding without interfering with the beauty of it. The plants in the compound were like roses in full bloom. Not the hothouse sort, but those that weathered the elements, season after season, and came back more robust and more beautiful.

It was the last quarter of the semester, and no one was expecting exams until after a month. Then the dean announced that they would sit an exam in two weeks, and any pleas to negotiate or oppose would be rendered null. A thing that made the idea of dropping out very appealing to many.

"Nana, I need your help passing these exams," Amara said.

"The consequences of you being a truant do not affect me." Nana feigned nonchalance, already knowing that she was willing to help.

Amara had been missing classes, convinced that she was the talk of campus after her not so little drunken episode. She felt like all eyes were always on her, mainly because it earned her a nickname in school. She thought she would resume classes on time to be ready for exams, but then the dean's announcement wrecked her plans. Her only salvation would be to read with Nana, her intelligent, patient, and always willing confidant.

Two weeks consecutively, Amara spent most of her time at Nana's. They read, cooked, watched movies, cleaned up after themselves then it was back to reading. In all this time, Rick never even so much as peeped in on them, which led to her convincing herself that he could have just been a figment of her imagination. That would have explained why he showed no interest in telling her about himself and had even less interest in knowing her. It was not like she cared, but it did hit a nerve. Suddenly, there was a firm knock on the door, and whoever was knocking had confidence and was sure that if there were someone, they would have heard and opened the door.

Since Nana wasn't in, Amara opened the door and somehow knew who it was; immediately she twisted the knob. The sun pierced through the open-door spaces, making the tall, dark figure seem engulfed in a dreamy golden glow. He stood there, leaning on the door frame, one leg slightly crossed with the other, the hand next to the door frame in his pocket.

"Hey, is Nana in?" Rick asked, trying to get a glimpse of the inside, hoping to spot her.

"Hey, no," Amara replied.

"Okay."

He removed his hand from his pocket, adjusted his leather jacket, slid one hand back to his pocket with the other one adjusting his hat, did a half spin, and started walking away. He was hot and cold, but with the little number he had very smoothly pulled off, it was clear that he was talented in the art of 'Michael Jacksonry,' if such ever existed. Without second-guessing herself, Amara called out,