Naya and Vince

35

LAST DAYS

It was the last day of the examinations. The examinations went well so far and I was grateful for that. Most of my classmates broke their pens and cheered like they had just concluded their final exams.

I went over to my locker to retrieve the books and brochures I had to return to the library. I decided to take some textbooks home and study during the holidays.

Stepping into the library, I saw Chijioke talking with a random girl while arranging some books on the shelves. I was tempted to turn back. I didn't talk to any of them again–I didn't talk to the boys neither did I talk to the girls. The meant to be reconciliations and reunions didn't go well so I just gave up on the friendship. I had nothing to lose.

Right?

I took my first step backwards then my second before Chijioke's eyes met mine. He offered me a small wave. I didn't return it before rushing out of the library. I could always return the items next semester.

Since there was nothing to do until we were allowed to leave school premises, I decided to go to the field, just sit on the bleachers and let the breeze caress me. On my way towards the exit of the school's building, I saw Jessica coming out of the cafeteria with a medium juice pack and a chocolate coated donut. I missed her getting me lunch from the cafeteria.

"Naya."

I ignored her and walked past her. Ever since I learnt the reason behind her coldness, I didn't dodge her again. I ignored her with everything in me. I also withdrew myself from Amanda and Aliyah. We just exchanged greetings once in a while.

"Nairobi please just wait!"

"What?" I asked. I made sure my irritation was evident in my voice. I still couldn't understand why she would start a beef with me because of. . .Stephen. I never told her I felt a thing for him or he was interested in me so why?

"I'm so sorry Nairobi." It wasn't the first time she was apologising. Not the second nor third.

"I said I've heard you."

"I know you have. I just want us to go back to being friends at least? You keep ignoring me and it's bruising my. . .digni-ego." She was following behind me.

I turned to face her. "No. We cannot be friends again."

"Come on. I've apologized a bazillion times! Just let this thing slide."

"Your business."

"I know I shouldn't have picked a fight with you over Stephen when you had no idea I still had something for him and you two had nothing going on. And I'm truly sorry."

I really wanted to forgive her and let everything slide and hear her tell how much she had missed me and tell me so many gists, both those I was willing to hear and those I was not but I couldn't. I wouldn't be happy if she did what she did again. And it was bound to repeat again, surely.

"I agree that I am wrong and you still wouldn't spare me a glance? You should be happy that I'm doing this. It's something you don't know how to do Nairobi!" Jessica huffed in defeat. I didn't hear her voice again and when I turned she was no longer behind me. I released a sad sigh. I shouldn't have pushed on that day. I should have just accepted the apology and continued living. Knowing the reason for the malice was making reconciling harder. Why did my creator have to infuse so much stubbornness in my person?

You're just being insecure and pathetic Nairobi, my subconscious blabbed. Insecure about what exactly?!

All student report to the school auditorium for a brief meeting.