Court days were the absolute worst. Not just because of the legal drama, the press people with their oversized cameras, or the constant whispers behind our backs, but because it made everything real again. That our dad, our father, was on trial. That our family name had turned from something people admired to something they whispered about in markets and salons.
I was staring at my wardrobe like it owed me answers.
Blouses, gowns, boring courtroom-appropriate things just hung there, and I couldn’t even decide what to wear. Not because I didn’t have clothes, but because my mind wasn’t here. It hadn’t been here in weeks.
I sat at the edge of the bed, one hand still clutching a faded pair of jeans, the other resting on my knee, and just… zoned out.
Everything felt like it was happening in a haze. Dad’s trial, the whispers in school, Jason travelling, Tiara disappearing… my whole life felt like someone pressed the pause button and forgot to come back.
Mum’s voice snapped me back to the present.
“Janet dear,” she said gently from the doorway. “You know you don’t have to come today, love. It’s just another adjournment. Nothing’s going to happen.”
I looked up, blinking.
“I want to come.”
She gave me that soft, tired smile. “Are you sure?”
I nodded. “Yes. I can’t just sit here.”
Mum didn’t argue. She just came forward and touched my shoulder. “Okay. I’ll be in the car.”
I finally pulled on a black blouse and dark jeans. Nothing too loud, nothing too… anything. Just something that said, I’m here, but don’t ask me how I feel.
The court session didn’t last long. Same old story, adjourned again. Our lawyer barely looked up from his papers. The EFCC lawyer had a smug face I wanted to slap. And Dad just sat there in the dock, stone-faced, like the whole world wasn’t crumbling around him.
When we stepped out of the courtroom, I saw Folu, with his dad.
My heart did a small back flip. I couldn't help but smile a little.
Folu’s dad had been supportive since the case started, always showing up, talking to Mum, offering advice. But this was the first time Folu came along.
He looked taller, sharper, more serious in his white shirt and black trousers. Like he, too, had been forced to grow up fast.
As soon as he saw me, he walked over, slightly nervous.
“Hey, Janet. Do you… have a few minutes?”
His dad turned to my mum and greeted her warmly.
“ Joana,” he said, “please, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call. We’re always here for you.”
Mum gave a grateful smile. “Thank you so much. You’ve already done more than enough.”
She turned to me. “I’ll be in the car. Don’t stay too long.”
Then she walked away with Folu's Dad who was still offering some encouragement, and suddenly, it was just me and Folu.
And a million unspoken things.
We found a concrete bench under a tree nearby, far enough from the crowd but still in sight of the courthouse gates.
“How are you holding up?” Folu asked, his voice low and kind.
I sighed, wrapping my arms around myself.
“I don’t even know how to answer that anymore. Every day feels like… I’m waiting for something, but I don’t know what. My dad isn’t exactly Father of the Year. I know he messed up, and I know he probably deserves this. But I still hope he makes it through somehow. Is that crazy?”
Folu shook his head. “No. Not at all. Honestly… my dad and I don’t get along either. We argue, we avoid each other, but… I still love him. I just can’t say it out loud.”
That made me laugh.
“Well, at least your dad isn’t on every news station in the country.”
“I mean… not yet. There’s still time.”
I laughed again, and for the first time that day, I felt like I could actually breathe.
“How’s Jason?” he asked after a beat.
“He’s writing his Post UTME in two days or so.”
“Oh. Mine is tomorrow, UNILAG.”
“I wish you all the best.”
“Thank you." he smiled, then he hesitated.
“What about Tiara?”
I went quiet.
“I haven’t been able to reach her since she went back home,” I said softly. “She’s going through a lot. Jason is supposed to see her after his exams… maybe he would let us know how she's feeling.”
Folu’s face softened. “She’s been through hell.”
“Yeah,” I whispered.
Then I reached over and touched his shoulder gently. “You must miss her a lot.”
He looked at me with a small, sad smile. “I do. But it’s not just about me. I just… want her to be okay.”
I nodded, then said quietly, “She and Jason broke up.”
His eyes widened. “What? Are you serious?”
“She needed time to figure things out.”
He went quiet, then said something that made me pause.
“I hope they get back together.”
I blinked. “Wait, really? You… mean that?”
“Yeah,” he said, looking me straight in the eyes. “I used to be bitter about it. But I’ve had time to think. They were good together. I can see it now. And if being with Jason makes her smile again… then that’s what I want. I just want her to be happy.”
I looked at him, surprised.
“Wow,” I shook my head, grinning. “I’m impressed.”
Just then, my phone rang.
Mum.
Of course.
“I have to go,” I said, standing up.
Folu stood too. Then, just before I turned to leave, he touched my arm gently.
“Janet… just so you know… I care about you. I always have. And if you ever need someone, I’m here. I mean that.”
My heart did a small somersault.
I felt heat rush to my cheeks. “Thanks, Folu.”
He gave a soft smile. “You don’t have to go through everything alone. Okay?”
I nodded slowly.
And as I walked back to the car, I couldn’t stop the blush on my face.
I still liked him.
