Phee's pleas

Chapter Seven

Time had passed quickly since her insightful weekend at the guesthouse. After her short stay, she took the trip back to school and had began to pack her belongings almost immediately.

Even though she might have liked to keep her roommates in the dark about her actions, she knew it would be a wiser option to not have them worry about her. She informed them of her decision and was met with shocked gasps. Bella had made a joke about how they didn't see her decision coming. If anyone was going to dropout, she'd have guessed it would be Greta. Greta shot her a mean look but thankfully didn't shoot back a retort which would have surely led to a fight.

They helped her pack her personal books and clothes, delegating them into their appropriate boxes. They were elated to find out that she was giving some of her foodstuffs, textbooks, and buckets away. They each received something from her and in that way, Phee was able to reduce the load she would have to carry.

Phee was sure she didn't want to formally drop out of school by filing a report or writing a letter to someone in the admission board. The school has been wicked to her and there was no need for any formality. When she "missed" the second semester exams, maybe they'd get the cue that she'd left.

Her roommates encouraged her to stay one more day with them and Phee was a little sad at the realization that it'd taken her withdrawal from uni for them to act peacefully.

On the D-Day, Phee was more than ready to leave. She said some surprisingly heart felt good byes to the coursemates she'd been somewhat close to and took a bolt ride to Mariam's house on the island.

The ride took 4 hours rather than just a little over 3 hours because of the traffic and Phee practically jumped out of the car when she arrived at Mariam's house. Her legs were cramped from being in the small space for hours on end and she lightly stretched her legs as the driver rounded the car to open the boot where her belongings had been stowed. She thanked him and knocked on the large gate. She was soon answered by the gateman who helped carry her bags to the room that'd been prepared for her.

Phee's family were more than comfortable in terms of finances; but Mariam's family managed to take luxury to another level. She gasped in wonder at the high ceilings and pristine white walls. Chandeliers graced the ceilings even to the large dining room which had a large arch as its entrance. The furniture was sturdy and had ornate designs at the top. When she sat, she was made aware of the plush abundance of the armchair. She leaned back and felt a smile creep on her face. This was the life!

Mariam came from the kitchen and Phee jumped and ran to her, squealing in excitement and embracing her. Mariam, the picture of 'trust-fund baby' smiled and laughed at Phee's excitement. She'd packed her hair in a loose bun atop her head and was dressed in a simple t-shirt and shorts but even the simple clothing combination screamed "money!"

"Phee, I swear that I'm glad to see you but what's up with this...clinging?"

With her arms still wrapped around her, Phee replied, "I've missed you, that's all."

Mariam tightened her arms around her and reciprocated the embrace before saying, "I've missed you too babes."

Mariam's voice still has a twinge of a British accent from her time spent in the UK. She'd spent the first ten years of her life in the UK before her parents decided to move back to Nigeria. She'd begun secondary school in a new school, new country, and even a new continent! She'd visited Nigeria with her family before, but they'd never stayed more than three weeks at a time. At her new school, she was painfully shy until she met Phee. They quickly bonded and were soon the closest of friends.

They soon let go of each other and skip up the stairs, trading gists as they shorten the distance to Phee's room.