Gamed

Fifteen.

Samson's POV

A week had passed already, which meant that it was getting closer to the competition. To be honest, Anita and I had been burning our midnight candles. Actually I 'cause I didn't know if Anita was studying like I was. However, we had been studying together.

Also, during this few weeks we'd been together, we became closer and very good friends. We laughed, talked about a lot of things, well asides from ourselves. We never for once talked our personal life with each other. Although, sometimes I tried broaching up the topic but i never succeeded. She always had a way of turning it down. But why? What was she hiding? I wanted to know Anita more.

"Mummy, I'm going already!" I hollered to mum who was in the bed room, while I was in the living room.

It was Monday morning. I was preparing to leave for school. The time was 7:14am.

"Okay my boy." She responded.

"Pocket money nko?"

She hesitated before answering. "I don't have money dear. Please manage yourself today." She pleaded.

"Ah! Mummy no o..." I whined. "I've not even had breakfast." I complained.

"Why?!" She questioned immediately yet with a lot of concern.

"There's no food in the house." I was frowning my face now. She had to give me something to eat because I was so hungry.

"Okay. Let me check if I have any money in my bag."

That said, I waited patiently for her in the living room. Minutes later, she came out of the bed room. The living room and the bed room were close to each other. In fact, it was just a door that separated them.

"My son, it's only twenty naira I could find in my purse. Please manage this." She stretched out her hand for me to collect the money, but I did other wise.

I folded my arms around my chest and looked away with a stern look on my face. "I can't take it."

"This is all I have. Please just manage it. Don't worry, tomorrow I would give you enough money." She pleaded.

At her tone of voice, I knew she was sad. Instantly, I pitied her and felt guilty for not receiving the money at once. I looked at her and grudgingly collected the money. As soon as I collected the money, Sarah walked in.

"Ehen Sarah, come and give me transport money and food money." I told her immediately.

"Hasn't mum given you yet?" She looked at me suspiciously.

"No o." I denied. "She has not."

"See, the money I have with me, I'm managing it o." She started complaining as she searched her handbag. "Take." She handed me a hundred naira note.

"Correct sister." I teased her. "Bye mum." I waved.

"Bye dear." Mum retaliated with an adorned smile.

I scurried out of the house and kicked off with my journey. As I walked along my street, which was a bit fogged up and quiet due to it being morning, I greeted some old folks that were sitted outside their corridors. Some were with a chewing stick in their mouths, some were just sitting and probably studying their environment. 

Finally, I was out of my street. I was at the road side now. I decided to trek to school so as to save money for lunch and also for transport to get back home. I was just so grateful to God that I was given scholarship, and so I only had to spend money on what to eat in school and for transport. The rest was left for the school to take care of– my school fees, my exercise and text books, a new uniform when I get to ss3 and the likes.