Hello Nigeria!

Chapter 27: Audrey

Two weeks later...

Exams started a week ago and I can't claim to be doing well so far. I try my best though but I'm a little distracted by the issues around me. Lima is missing the session altogether, including the external exams! Jasper is likely to miss it too owing to the fact that he is grounded for life. Right now, I'm headed for the football field to find someone before the bell is rung for closing hour.

I walk up the stairs towards Ousman. He's seated on the highest bleacher in the football field, reading a book and I'm grateful for that because that way, I can easily ignore the stares and whispers of other students scattered across the field.

They won't only talk because I'm speaking with Ousman, but also because I'm friends with Lima. I sigh. Her mistake has automatically tagged our squad 'sluts' and 'hypocrites'. They think we only act decent in school but outside, we are sluts. No one needs to tell me before I know. Diana has made sure of that.

I clear my throat, gaining Ousman's attention. We've hardly talked ever since we broke up.

"Hi," I say, my voice coming out a little too low.

He scoffs. "You don't have to sound like you murdered my entire family, Isabella." I laugh genuinely at his comment and he does the same.

"Can I sit?" I ask and he nods.

"I'll be straight. I'm sorry. Really," I state, now facing the large piece of land, dotted with students, in front of us. He leans back and sighs.

"It's fine."

"Really?" I ask just to be sure.

He looks at me. "Jasper was right."

I'm taken aback by his statement. "What?"

"You ask too many questions." I laugh at this and he smiles.

"Was just making sure."

We face the field again, a comfortable silence falling over us.

About a minute later, "I really appreciate your friendship. And I wouldn't want to lose that because of some crazy relationship matter," Ousman breaks the silence, making me look at him.

I smile and place my head on his shoulder.

"How is Halima?" he asks and I raise my head.

"She's okay. She's fretting about the whole thing. Her parents came back last week but some-crazy-how, they didn't notice. I think they focus too much on how to make money. Although, it isn't really obvious; yet," I reply.

"Has she told him?" I shake my head.

"No."

"She needs to."

"I know." I heave a heavy sigh and he looks at me. "Everyone thinks bad about us now. They think we just pretend in school. I don't even know how Diana found out."

He chuckles, looking forward. "Anyone who's bent on destroying your life, goes the extra mile to find something implicating. Besides, the pregnancy could never stay hidden for long."

"That's true," I agree, biting my lower lip. My lips curl up, a thought coming to mind. "I wonder what my mum will do if she finds out about this. I just hope she doesn't conduct a virginity test on me." We both throw our heads back and laugh, a few students turning to look at us as the sound of my voice is the loudest.

Oh please, you guys should not focus on other people's affairs for once!

"Seriously, considering the fact that she knows about Jasper's situation, she may have me go for a test to be sure I'm not into drugs and pregnant too!" Another round of laughter erupts making me keel over, grabbing my tummy.