A Loner's Journey Through Lemonade Making

Chapter 16| Zest Friends

Once again, I read into the night.

I was pushing myself too hard and I knew it but continued anyway, thinking how proud of myself I would be if I got an accolade or two at the end of the session.

So I reread each line and memorized formulas and definitions. I didn't stop until 4:55 when my body couldn't take it anymore. Really, I couldn't kill myself.

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Saying I was tired was thwy understatement of the century. My eyes were red and I looked like a zombie.
I yawned and stepped away from the mirror.

In the kitchen, Aunty Mariah was frying potatoes. I greeted her and explained that I was busy with school and wouldn't be able to help her out for sometime. Africans took education seriously and she wasn't left out. She said it was no problem and implored me to read hard and everywhere, even in the shower.

Twenty minutes later, I was dressed and ready for school. I'd decided to read a bit so after drinking water in the kitchen, I went to the sitting room and was blessed with the beauty Aunty Nelo was. She donned her full NYSC uniform. Her makeup was minimal, yet she looked so good! I had to compliment here.

I sighed. "Aunty Nelo you look breathtaking."

She sat up and smiled. "Thanks dear."

I opened a book while she searched her purse for something. Seconds later, she retrieved her watch and wore it.

"Update guys, I'm done dressing up. I just need to get my food, call an uber and leave. I'll show you my outfit later, don't worry. Notice my makeup isn't all that? I didn't really feel like it this morning. Anyway, see you in a bit."

It was a video. She was updating 'guys'. No way....Impossible. Could it be it though? Only one way to find out.

"Aunty Nelo, are you starting a YouTube channel?!" I asked with unneeded excitement coursing through my body.

"I am!" she looked excited.

"Wow." I managed to say. "Aunty, how many followers do you have on instagram?"

"Sixty thousand nine hundred or so, not sure." she shrugged, checked her nails.

"Oh my God!" I gasped.

"Wait, why are your eyes so red?" she questioned suddenly, studying my face. I was in for a lecture because Aunty Nelo was a beauty freak. She always had clear and soft skin and you could never catch her unfresh, even in the mornings.

I wore my bag and got up. "I read late into the night because I have tests at school."

"That doesn't mean you should kill yourself. This life is one, my dear. Anyway, good luck."

"Thank you." I went to the kitchen to collect my food. On my way out of the door, Aunty Nelo was applying more lip gloss to her already glossy lips.

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I was late!

In actual sense, I wasn't late because assembly had only just started. But I was supposed to meet up with Joju before assembly started. It wasn't possible anymore. I sighed and took my seat.

Once I left the hall, I went to stand under a palm tree close-by. I was lost in my thoughts. I hadn't seen him during assembly so I guessed he came late too. I decided to go to the library anyway. I was taking a path I never really took. It was always quiet and lonely because the staff room sadists like Mr Muiz stayed in was around that place.

What was the worst that could happen?

"Yewande!"

I kissed my teeth and turned back. Mrs Iroha beckoned to me to move closer.