My phone rang just as I dropped my pen on the desk. I had been revising past questions and trying not to think about Tiara, which was nearly impossible. When I saw Janet’s name flash across the screen, I picked up instantly.
“Janet,” I said, slumping back into the chair. “Hey.”
“Hey, Jay. Just wanted to check in. How are you?”
“I’m good,” I replied. “As good as I can be. How did court go yesterday?”
She let out a tired sigh. “They adjourned again. Nothing new, really. Just the usual dragging. Lawyers, procedures, and all of that.”
I paused for a beat. “I can't wait for it all to be over. How are you holding up?”
She sighed. "I'm okay, we’re are taking it one day at a time. How’s Abuja?”
A small smile tugged at my lips. “Actually… it’s good here. Aunt Juliana’s husband, Mr. Lawanson, he’s… amazing. Like, for real.”
Janet was quiet for a second. “Whatever..."
“Yeah,” I said. “I know that word still feels weird. But honestly, Janet, he’s solid. He’s been helping me prepare for my post-UTME, even sits down to time me while I write mock tests. He’s taking me himself tomorrow morning.”
She scoffed lightly. “I see that he has won you over too.”
“Janet,” I said softly, “you don’t have to like him yet, but just… give him a chance. He’s really not so bad.”
She was quiet for a moment. Then, reluctantly, “Fine. I’ll think about it. Anyway... what about Tiara? Heard from her?”
I went quiet. “No. Not yet. But I plan to check on her after my exams tomorrow.”
“Good. Please do. I’ve tried her line so many times… it just rings out.”
“I will,” I promised. “I’ll find her.”
“Okay,” she said. “Best of luck tomorrow. Knock it out of the park.”
“Thanks, Sis. Sleep well.”
“You too, Jay.”
---
The next morning, I was up before dawn.
I’d barely slept but I felt strangely alert. I showered, dressed, and went over my notes one last time.
Uncle Lawanson knocked on my door with a wide grin. “Ready, champ?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“You nervous?” he asked as we got into the car.
I shrugged. “A little. But I think I’ve got this.”
He smiled, "That’s the spirit. Come on, champ. Let’s go make it count."
I smiled back. “Thanks. Really.”
He nodded, and off we went.
---
The exam was... good.
Better than I expected. The questions made sense, and I felt confident as I wrote. By the time I handed in my sheet, I felt like I could breathe for the first time in weeks.
Outside, Uncle Lawanson was already waiting in the car.
“How was it?”
“I did my best,” I replied, sliding into the seat with a sigh.
He grinned. “That’s all anyone can ask. Now, what do you say, we go celebrate? Suya? Pizza? Ice cream? All three?”
I laughed. “Sounds tempting, but... I want to go see Tiara.”
