Oluwafunmilayo

★3★

"Finally, we're done" I announced and walked out of the class with a bucket and mop. I gave the mop to Kerry and adjusted my skirt.

"I wish I could just put off my whole uniform to dry since it's wet, I have no choice but to keep on wearing it since I've got no spare cloth with me", Kerry said pulling off her jacket.

"Abi o, my uniform is also wet because we were just splashing at each other and it was fun sha", Pearl said laughing and squeezing water from her school skirt.

We walked towards a small building in Cambridge block to drop the mop, broom, bucket and soap used in washing the class. We saw a young woman and greeted her. She also replied back with a smile. I gave her the mop and we dropped the other things we borrowed from her since she's the school cleaner.

We left her office and held towards the school tap. The tap is close to Harvard block. There's a tree beside the tap,the pink color of it's leaves is so attractive. The tree is our favorite spot, we hang out there during our leisure time because it's so refreshing and cool to stay. I and Kerry named the tree 'Hazel' because it symbolizes beauty, peace and protection.

We rinsed our legs and sat on a long chair under the tree. Fresh breeze blew towards us and we felt it soothing effect.

"That reminds me Kerry, someone told me he has a big crush on you o" I chuckled.

"Who o ?" she asked with a bored look.

"Hmmm, who's crushing on Kerry ?" Pearl inquired.

"Do you know Senior Olayemi in SS4 ?" I asked.

She nodded, "He told me during the holidays btw".

"Oppor, so will you date him ?" Pearl asked giving her a quick wink.

"Nah nah, I won't" She said in a whisper.

"Why ? He's handsome enough", I remarked.

"I guess I just don't like him", She retorted.

"Are you sure? Or you're just forming here ?", Pearl asked.

"I'm serious", She replied.

"Okay, if you say so" I sighed. This guy has been disturbing me to convince Kerry, but she doesn't seem to like him.

"So Funmi, tell us how you spent your holiday", Pearl said

"Well, I traveled to Ibadan and spent it with my cousins."

"I'm sure so many guys asked you out," Kerry chuckled, wiggling her brows.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but nope, I was indoors mostly and who told you I even had time for guys?" I said, waving her off.

"Ehn ehn, better stop lying." Kerry said.

"I'm serious na, I'm now in SS3, I should focus more on my books and not boys" I stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

"You're right my dear, we should focus more on our books now because we'll take the UTME next term", Kerry said.

UTME is a matriculation examination conducted by JAMB (an examination board) for entry into all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education (by whatever name they are called) in Nigeria.

"See these girls, talking as if they don't read, you girls read beyond normal, so how much more serious do you want to be? As for me, I'll read, but not like you girls. I cannot come and kill myself", Pearl said laughing out loud.

Kerry laughed too "I can't come and go and kill myself, I love that !"

Giggling, I asked "Does reading kills m".