I sat on my bed thinking about the whole issue. We were supposed to have started orientation but because of this we were asked to stay in our dormitories. It was really boring seeing how all the girls were scared.
That girl. The one who'd seen the body. I couldn't stop thinking about her. The way she looked at me. What was her name? Who was she? Was she a first year student like us? So many questions were on my mind. I had a feeling she'd seen more than just a body. And I was willing to find out.
'Umm Doris. Hi.' I greeted.
'Grace! Sit with me'. Apart from being overdramatic Doris was also a big time gossip. She knew everything.
'Can I ask you something?'
'Sure anything.'
'Do you have any info on the girl who found the body?'
'No I haven't even thought about that. But if you need it I can get it for you.' She said thoughtfully.
'I'd love that thank you.' I smiled.
'Okay give me a few minutes.'
'A few minutes? I thought you'd use a few days.' I looked at her surprised.
She just smiled and walked off.
'Damn the girl's good.' I tought.
'What were you and Doris talking about?' Nicole asked as I sat on my bed.
'Nothing much. I was just asking if she knew the name of the girl who'd found the body.'
'Snoopy much'
'I'm not snooping I'm just curious.' I said rolling my eyes.
'My sister it's called gossiping no matter which way you put it.' She reprimanded.
'Sigh! whatever! I just need the information.'
'And I got it!'
'O my God! Doris don't scare us like that.'
'I'm sorry I was just too excited. Come let's go to my bed.'
'Gossips.' I heard Nicole murmur under her breath as we moved away.
'So?' I probed.
'Her full name is Akosua Boadua Abrokwah. She's 15. She lives at the Korlebu flat. She completed J....'
'Hold up hold up. Jeez. You have enough info to write her biography. I just needed her full name and where she is currently.' I stopped her mid ranting.
'Oh. She's still at the infirmary.' She gave out.
'Thanks how can I ever repay you?'
'A box of chocolate milk will do.'
'But I don't share anything chocolate.' I regretted asking what she wanted.
'Seriously?'
'Fine! But just this one time.' I gave in.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
'Good evening Aunty.' I greeted the nurse at the infirmary.
'Good evening young lady how may I help you?'
'May I see Akosua Boadua.'
'I don't have such a name in my records. Unless you're talking about the girl who found the body.' She said looking through her record book.
'Yes please the exact one.' I answered hopefully.
'Is that her name? I'm sorry she's not talking so we've not been able to get her name.'
'What did you say her name was again?
' Akosua Boadua Abrokwah.' I informed.
'Good. And you're her friend?' She asked.
'Yes I am.' I lied.
'Okay look here. We don't allow anyone to see her because she's traumatized and only now managed to calm down. But you've helped me a lot and I'd let you see her for only five minutes. Only because you're her friend and she might need one.' She explained.
'Please make it ten.' I begged.
'I'll give you seven.' She said with finalism.
'I'll take it.'
'Akosua?' I called, knocking on the door at the same time.
'Mhmm.' She turned to look at me. Recognition showing in her eyes.
'Do you remember me?'
'You're the last person I saw before I collapsed.'
'I'm Grace. I gave the nurse your full name if you don't mind.'
'Of course not but how do you know my full name?' She asked.
'I know a girl.' I answered cockily.
'Why are you here?'
'Okay first of all you're so calm. You're really strong.'
'I'm this way because something is driving me.' She answered with the same calmness.
' Okay so let me be honest. I really don't know. You just kept coming to my mind. I thought I needed to see you. I had a feeling you saw more than just a body.' I came clean.
She averted her eyes.
'You saw something didn't you?'
She pursed her lips.
'Please talk to me.'
'Sigh. It was a student.' Heavy tears run down her cheeks now. 'She killed the girl.' She continued. 'I saw her skirt and shoes as she climbed out of the stall. I remember the shoes because they're similar to mine.....'
She hesitated.
' I don't trust the school.' She whispered. They're forcing me to say it was a suicide.' Claiming the school will close down if I don't.'
'So what will you do?'. I asked flabbergasted.
'I'll do as they say. They warned me not to breathe a word about this to anyone.'
'But somehow I don't know. You seem different. I feel like I can trust you. Help me figure out what's going on.'
'Grace. I trust you.'
'But....'
'Your time is up young lady.' The nurse announced.
'Please.'. I could still remember those pleading eyes as it followed me out the door.
'It was a student.' Her words echoed in my thoughts.
