VULNERABLE

A NEW TERM, A NEW BOOK

ABIDAT

After Baba dropped me off at school, I took a deep breath and tried to shake off the nervousness that had settled in my stomach. The start of SS2 felt like the beginning of something new, and I wasn’t entirely sure if that was a good thing or not.

The tall building of N.B.I was looking a lot more intimidating than I remembered, yet there was something keeping me ground and pulling me towards the school like a magnet, I still didn't know whether it was something positive or not. with a new determination I walked into the school ground hoping whatever it was I'll find out. Hopefully.

"Tahbeer" a familiar voice called me using the nickname mama gave me, and apart from my family members only one other person used it, laila Bashir, She was as pretty and slim as ever, her caramel skin glowing in the early morning light, and her eyes sparkling with mischief as she caught sight of me.

"Abidat! Over here!" she called out, waving enthusiastically.

I smiled and hurried over, glad to see a friendly face. "Assalamu alaikum, Laila," I greeted her.

"Wa alaikumus salam, beauty queen! How are you?" Laila replied, her tone teasing but affectionate.

"Alhamdulillah. Just trying to survive another term," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Well, you’re off to a good start. I saw you getting dropped off by Baba. That’s always a good sign," Laila said with a wink.

We chatted for a bit before heading to our first class of the day: Mathematics. The teacher, Mr. Adamu, was notorious for his difficult questions, but I secretly loved the challenge. As we settled into our seats, I couldn’t help but notice that a few students were already whispering, probably about me. But I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the lesson.

"OK class, as good as it is to see your mischievous faces, I'm hoping you had a good holiday, but in the meantime we'll start with some revision question on calculus, this will prove to me whether you've been reading or doing God knows what" he inclined as he scribbled some questions on the board.

I smiled inwardly. Calculus was one of my favorites. As Mr. Adebayo started explaining the first problem, I could already see the solution in my head. Before he could even finish writing it out, my hand shot up.

"Yes, Abidat?" he acknowledged, looking mildly surprised.

"The answer is three," I said confidently, barely glancing at the board.

"Uh, correct. But, can you show your work?"

I hesitated. I hadn’t bothered to write anything down. Calculus was just… easy.

"Well, I just saw it," I shrugged, trying not to sound too dismissive. A few of my classmates exchanged glances, some with admiration, others with a hint of envy.

"Alright," Mr. Adebayo said, slightly amused, "but next time, let's try to show our work, okay?"

I nodded, though I knew I'd probably do the same thing next time.

No wonder I was called a geek.

Lunch time rolled over quicker than I wanted it to, and I met laila outside waiting for me.

"Yo, yo what's up beauty curves" she said rubbing her chin like a guy

"Nothing much you know same old same old, you know you looking mighty fine today babes if I say so myself, care to do a 360 for me" I play along laughing slightly, while I ounce towards her like guy.

"You're high on weed" she says laughing uncontrollably

"Only cause you supply it to me babes" I smile brightly at her.