Adenike Ekon ✔

03. First Follower

Adenike abhorred Monday mornings. The idea of waking up as early as five didn't sit well with her. She brushed her teeth casually in her miniature bathroom-which comprised of a sink and a toilet seat. Perfect for a girl like her, Adenike liked everything simple.

But not today, she was happy to wake up in the morning. The thought of school, of course, wasn't delightful. But the thought of waking up and checking up on her account, which she perfectly set up the night before was something she was looking forward to.

The first thing she did after lazily detaching her body off her comfy bed was checked her phone. At first, she had her hope high, but when she was faced with zero followers and noticed that her Anonymous fan left not a single comment, she was devastated.

She wore her uniform. Been a secondary school student wasn't an easy task. Adenike was intelligent, but balancing between school and writing was just too much.

Adenike didn't eat breakfast that morning. The sight of pancakes was tempting. If she wasn't in the mood, she could have devoured it. But today, it wasn't the day.

Adenike rashly entered the black mustang. Going to school in the morning usually consisted of Taiwo and Kehinde sitting on the back seat, and Adenike sitting silently on the passenger's seat watching the bickering between the two.

She could hear the faint whisper of Taiwo's voice, "Move your legs," she could also make out Kehinde's response as he huffed and looked away.

Another boring day. Adenike smoothened the wrinkles on her skirt. The short car ride to Abule College Of Lagos was a long one for her. She didn't mind the fight between Taiwo and Kehinde, she also didn't mind the sound of their driver, Baba Elijah as he hummed to songs played on the head unit. Something Adenike hated, but today she let it slide.

School was wearying. Adenike had no friends expect for Precious. Sitting on her desk at the back row in SS1E, Adenike kept her mind on her books. For once she wished they were allowed to bring electronic devices to school.

Every single students was happy to see his friend after the weekends, all except for Adenike. Who sat quietly observing their interactions.

History class went by in a blink of an eye. Throughout the lesson, Adenike paid no attention to Mr. Joseph as he explained Owu War to the class who appeared inquisitive. It was Adenike's best subject, yet, today she was just not in the mood for anything but writing.

Adenike could finally breathe when the teacher's period was over. The class was back to it's regular stance. Cacophony, boys dancing on benches, girls gisted with their friends in loud voices. Typical Nigerian school.

Adenike wished in that particular moment as she gazed at the street that Precious was in her class. She finally realised what it was like to have a friend.

Precious was always there for her, but was she there for her too?  she never showed any emotions towards her except remorse. Writing was what brought the two unlikely friends together.

As she flipped through the pages of her History textbook, she wondered what Precious was doing?  did she too like Adenike, have free period?

She focused on reading, letting the history of Alaafin Atiba and the Ijaiye wars consume her thoughts. At that moment, at that place, nothing mattered but history.

-❣-

During lunch break, Adenike rushed out of class. She hugged her food flask to her chest, and passed students on her way. Who either were busy or didn't care to move. She muttered a few sorry's and 'excuse me' here and there to students she bumped into. And each responded by a glare or they simple ignored her.