The Price Of Betrayal

CHAPTER FOUR: A budding friendship

Two weeks later, the principal called the SS3 students together for an important announcement. The time had come to prepare for their mock exams, and in order to make the most of their study time, the students would be grouped into study teams. Alina listened attentively as the principal’s voice filled the hall, detailing the structure of the study groups. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard her name at the top of the leader list. It was an honor, of course, but as the names of the other students were called out, her mood soured slightly. To her surprise—and mild irritation—Amir was assigned to her group. At first, their interactions were stiff, Alina maintaining her characteristic aloofness while Amir teased her with his easy charm. But as the days turned into weeks, they found themselves sharing more than study tips. “Who knew you could actually be tolerable?” Alina quipped one afternoon, flipping through a math workbook. Amir raised an eyebrow, his grin teasing. “And who knew you could be fun?” Their laughter echoed through the classroom, drawing side-eyes from Aisha, the head girl, who had harbored a quiet resentment toward their budding friendship. Despite Aisha’s attempts to sow discord, Alina and Amir only grew closer. Their dynamic became a source of admiration and whispers among their classmates, especially after the mock timetable was released. Amir and Alina becomemore close than ever.
One evening, Amir and Adam visited Alina’s house for their usual group study session, only to find her curled up on the couch, her eyes swollen with tears. Concern etched across their faces, they rushed to her side. “Alina, what’s wrong?” Amir’s voice was gentle but firm. She looked at them, her lips trembling as she whispered, “My parents… they’re falling apart. They barely talk anymore. When they do, it’s just shouting. I don’t know what to do.” Amir knelt beside her, taking her hand in his. “You have to stay strong. You’re the glue holding everything together, Alina. Don’t lose yourself in this.” Adam nodded, his expression earnest. “We’re here for you. Whatever you need, just say the word.” Their words gave her the strength she desperately needed. Wiping her tears, she forced a small smile. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you two.” With renewed determination, she threw herself into her studies, vowing to make her mother proud and find a way to mend her fractured family. Two weeks later, the school buzzed with anticipation as the mock results were posted. Students rushed to the notice board, their laughter and exclamations filling the air. Alina held her breath as she scanned the list. Amir was first, as expected, and her name was right behind his. The principal addressed the students, commending them for their efforts and singling out Amir for his exceptional performance. Applause erupted, and Alina found herself smiling despite the heaviness that still lingered in her heart.

As the days slipped by, WAEC loomed closer. Alina, Amir, and Adam spent hours poring over their textbooks at Alina’s house. One evening, they found her crying again, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Amir was the first to speak, his voice filled with concern. “Alina… please, talk to us.” Through muffled sobs, she revealed the depth of her parents’ struggles. “I don’t know how much longer I can take this,” she confessed. Amir’s voice was steady but full of emotion. “You’re stronger than you think, Alina. This isn’t the end—it’s just a storm. And storms don’t last forever.” Adam added with a small smile, “We’re not just study buddies. We’re your brothers now. Lean on us, okay?” Their unwavering support bolstered her spirit, and despite the pain, Alina found herself smiling. “Thank you. Let’s get back to work.” The much-anticipated WAEC exams finally began. The first paper, Mathematics, filled the air with nervous energy. As the students filed into the hall, their teachers offered them words of encouragement before stepping aside. The minutes ticked by as Alina focused intently on her answers. The rustling of papers and the scratching of pens were the only sounds in the hall until the supervisor called time. “Submit your scripts,” he announced, collecting them one by one.

Outside, groups of students huddled together, dissecting the questions. Amir and Alina walked home together, their conversation lighthearted. “You did well, didn’t you?” Amir asked, nudging her playfully. “I guess we’ll find out soon enough,” she replied, her smile faint but genuine. As the exams progressed, their study sessions became more intense, the trio pushing each other to excel. By the time the last paper was submitted, exhaustion mingled with relief. They had done their best.

Alina’s strength comes from within, but your support gives her wings! Thank you for every moment you spend here. Let’s meet again in the next chapter!🕊️