Her Innocuous Ways

Chapter three

               Her Innocuous Ways

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The morning of the next day.
Lara Dalton was sweating profusely in her attempts to create something fashionable from her wardrobe. She would have had better colors to work with if she'd been able to pay the tailor the day before. Unfortunately, she hadn't been able to afford slim fitting most of her clothes.

The beeping of her phone brought her attention to what has become her most precious possession in the past weeks. She's found herself in a situation where she'd be terribly discomforted if her phone wasn't on.

Reaching for her phone, she read the text showing her monthly balance from Zenith Bank. The figures sent her eyes reeling. She had to brush her face severally with her palms to know she wasn't dreaming.

How did this happen? This was no joking matter! Lara's jaw dropped in shock. She hadn't been thinking of the effects of the long hour calls she's been making recently. Her monthly up keep was sent on the seventeenth of the month. The only balance left was a thousand naira save for the five hundred naira that cannot be withdrawn.

It was not near mid next month and she's expended her upkeep for the month. What can she do? Calling home was definitely out of it. Lara wasn't in the habit of skipping lectures and begging... Lara shook her head at the option of "Tanke Sir".

She has never felt more confused. Her pride wouldn't allow her go to Pharez. Would it? He'll simply consider her a gold digger.
She had to find a way to get herself out this mess.

Dressing hurriedly, she powdered her face, reaching for the red pen on her table, she blew out some ink and applied it to her lips. Her lips looked red like other girls. Nobody would know she used ink. Perfect! She was amazed at the transformation.

Smoothening her black gown, she grabbed her bag and headed to the park.

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By the time Lara trekked to the park, she found a long queue waiting for buses or cabs to convey them to school. Suddenly, one of the CADETs hurriedly passed her almost knocking her off her feet. The guy reached his hands to steady her. She was surprised to see the person apologizing to her as Pharez.

Lara found herself smiling giddily and telling him it was OK. In fact, a part of Lara was so grateful to God for making him her fiancé.

Holding her hands, he led her to the front of the queue and helped her get on the first bus that came. She was truly blessed.

What's worldly pleasure in going after " Mr Hot"? He doesn't bite and in fact, he's more gentle than most men.

Arriving the school park at eight twenty, Lara dashed down to the Laboratory for her practicals. Mr Keji was a no nonsense man and wouldn't mark her present for the day if she arrived later than eight thirty.

Stopping in front of the laboratory to catch her breath and steady herself. She walked in to seat on the stool reserved for her by her friends.
Feeling unease and highly disturbed, she decided to share the troubles she was having in her relationship with Dara and Chacha.

The chances were that Chacha would know what to do. She has a boyfriend and their relationship hasn't gotten her bankrupt or....

Lara couldn't help but consider the possibilities that nobody speaks about their financial problems when it comes to a relationship. Was it OK to discuss with the girls?
Shrugging her shoulders, she decided to tell the girls anyway.