FARIDA Episode 20 – 22 by Oge’s Stories

FARIDA Episode 20 by Oge’s Stories

The next morning, Sam knocked on their door.

“Want to have some fun? Let’s go fishing. You love to cook, right? Then, we will buy fresh fish, crabs, and prawns. It will be delicious in white soup. I assure you, you will love it”

Farida was very excited. She had to practically drag Monica off the bed to get ready. Monica wore a pair of jean shorts, an off the shoulder white top, a pair of slippers and a black sling bag. Farida wore a pair of yellow three-quarter trousers and a light blue sleeveless chiffon top. She paired it with nude flat sandals and a waist bag. Farida wore a blue bandana on her head while Monica wore a black face cap.

“Looking good ladies,” Sam said when they came down. “Hope you are ready to paint the town red”

The went to the shore and so many people waiting for the fishermen to bring fish and other sea animals for sale. Sam interacted with the villagers. They seemed to know him. Monica was not interested. She was reading a novel so she chose to remain inside the car. An excited Farida couldn’t get enough of the scenery. Sam was taking pictures of the women who posed excitedly. Then he asked Farida to pose for pictures. She took different poses while he snapped away on his camera.

“You should be a model. You are tall, beautiful and graceful. You will be well sought after on the red carpet”

“I am not interested in being a model. I want to be an economist and own a business that will become a big company”

“You can do all of them. Modelling could be part-time while you keep a job and build your business”

“I am not interested in modelling. I want to be appreciated more for my brains not beauty”

“Really? Well, if you want to be appreciated for both, why don’t you participate in the ‘THE Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria’ competition. I bet you, you will win. I can even sponsor you”

“I will have to wear a swimsuit right? I will have to expose my body? I am not interested”

“Don’t tell me you are a virgin?”

Farida didn’t like the dimension the discussion had taken. She looked away from him not answering his question.

“You are kidding me. You are a virgin. In this day and time who keeps their virginity?”

Farida refused to respond. She was embarrassed. She would have answered any other person but Sam made her feel somehow. It was like he had a hold on her. When he wasn’t there, she was fine but when he was around it was like he consumed her. She didn’t like the feeling because she couldn’t really challenge him.

“I can see you are uncomfortable with this conversation. It is just surprising to me. Let’s talk about something else. Maybe you should ask the questions”

“I know you went to school in the UK but I don’t know what you studied”

“Interestingly, I studied Economics too”

“Wow! Where are you working now?’

“I have an MBA from the London School of Business. I graduated from there and got a job with Goldman Sachs London. I was doing very well until my dad asked me to come home and join business and politics. I have been coming home to interact with the people in the grassroots since I clocked 18. My father wants me to get into politics and then run for office when I am older and more mature”

“That’s nice. You have your whole life well planned ahead of you. You are lucky. I hope you like his plans?”

“They are ok. What about you? What are your plans?”

“Once I graduate and serve, I will get a job probably with a bank or a financial institution. Then, I will get a second degree”

“A second degree? In what please?”

“Law. I want a first degree in Law and an MBA. Then I will do a course in communication”

“This is a complete derailment from what you are currently studying”

“I know. Everyone I have met has asked why I am not studying law. I was very good in debate so I don’t want to lose that. In order to be a good lawyer, I want to learn how to communicate very well. I want to learn how to speak and other etiquettes. By the time I am thirty, I would have achieved everything”

“Is that when you intend to get married?”

“No now. I will achieve all this while married and having children. I don’t intend to work when I get married but I will continue to improve myself so my husband and I will grow together intellectually as well as physically”

“You actually came up with these plans yourself?”

“Yes, I did. Unlike you and Monica, I am not from a rich home and I have no one that can plan for me except myself. Left to my mother, she would want me to work and earn money but I want to get married and live happily ever after with my husband and children. Once my kids are older, I will start a business. I think a woman needs to make her own money. Your mother owns her business and is making her own money but your stepmother is not. She depends solely on your father. I don’t want to be like that at all. I have to have my own”

‘You are sharp and smart. Monica mentioned it but I thought she was joking. Most of her friends she brought to the house in the past threw themselves at me. They were kids but didn’t act like it. I asked her to separate herself from them but she had self-esteem issues and couldn’t do it. Now she is bold and confident, all thanks to you”

“Me?”

“I know it’s you. You have helped her. I don’t see those worrisome traits she had before. She seems focused now. And, you are not in this for what you would gain. I think you have captured my father’s heart also”

“Captured your father’s heart? How?”

“He can see you are the positive impact in Monica’s life. He is impressed with you. I am too. I like you and I would like to get to know you better. I like driven ladies, especially self-driven ladies. But for a girl who is less than 20 years old to know what she wants; it crowns it all. I will like to take you out sometime if you won’t mind. Just the two of us. Not here but when we get back to Lagos. What do you say?”

Farida was flabbergasted. She stood there in silence trying to understand what he said when Monica came to meet them.

“What are you two up to? The fishermen have arrived let’s go buy some fish”

They went to buy fish. It was the first time Farida heard Monica speak her language. Farida made the selections while Monica negotiated in her dialect. Sam took pictures of them buying. Farida saw giant prawns and crabs for the first time in her life. Farida selected extra for the rest of the family. By the time they fished buying, the boot was filled.

As they drove in, Monica’s father was outside. He saw the things they bought and was impressed. When Farida, with the assistance of Monica, separated the ones for the rest of the family, the man was impressed.

“You bought these for us?” he asked them.

Farida pushed Monica to answer, “Yes dad”

“Thank you. I can’t remember the last time I ate freshly caught fish. This was a brilliant idea. I haven’t been to the fisherman’s market for a long time. Samson, please ask the cook to come. I would love to have fisherman soup with these. I will have it with plantain flour for me”

As the cook came out, Monica’s stepmother came out with him. She wanted to know why Sam came to call the cook. She saw the fresh fish, crabs and prawns.

“Honey, where did you get these from?” she asked her husband.

“I didn’t. They bought them from the fisherman’s market. They bought for us too. Wasn’t that thoughtful? Cook, I want fisherman soup and unripe plantain flour. Which is ours?” he asked.

Before Farida or Monica could respond, Monica’s stepmother said, “Are we not to select? It’s your money that bought them. Put that big fish, those prawns over there and then the crabs in that nylon”

“Well, I can see you have no shame. You have been here but you haven’t been to any market. When they use their initiative, you are quick to remind them that it is my money. Initiative – zero. Cook what someone can eat – zero. All you are interested in is money. Monica, let her have what she wants. Take this to cover the cost”

Monica refused saying, “No dad, we actually bought it for all of you. We can’t finish all we have. She can have all she wants. We can get more next tomorrow”

“I never thought a day like this will come when my Ekaette will refuse money. I will get you and your friend special gifts for always being thoughtful. What are you making for New year’s lunch Farida?”

“Ekpang nkwukwo. Will use some help but I will be the main cook”

“You want to make ekpang nkwukwo?”

“Yes, sir. I will make it. I did a trial the other day and it was nice. I will make it”

“I can’t wait to taste it. If it is very good, not just good, I will give you a reward”

“Thanks, sir”

By the time they went back to their wing, Monica was fuming.

“It was because of you I didn’t finish her there. Imagine her making demands for what she didn’t buy. I will take the money from him another way”

“But your father stood up for you. That’s enough. And you telling her to have all she wants made her feel worse. I looked at her face; she wasn’t happy. Monica, ignore her. I will join the cook to clean and prepare the things for the soup”

“Enjoy. I am going into the room”

Sam kept Farida company in the kitchen. He didn’t bring up their earlier conversation. They just had an interesting conversation with him cracking jokes. He stayed with her from the start to the finish of the cooking. He helped with setting the table while Farida called Monica to eat.

Monica watched Farida and Sam from a distance. What was happening? Sam didn’t normally like her friends but he seemed to have a keen interest in Farida. She didn’t like it; Farida was her best friend and she didn’t want to share her with anyone. Not even Sam.

“I can see you both had fun without me,” Monica said to break off their conversation.

“You didn’t want to join in. Sam was willing to see the process” Farida answered.

“Process? Sam was in the kitchen? Now that calls for questioning. What were you doing in the kitchen Sam? Please leave Farida alone, she is not your type. She is a good person. I don’t want you to hurt her. Pick your concubines as you usually do but leave my girlfriend out of it” Monica warned Sam.

“So, I can’t be friends with your friend? She’s a nice girl and I like her, but it’s not what you are thinking”

“Stay clear from her. She won’t date you. She has self-respect. She is not in the league of girls you date. Please leave her alone” Monica concluded.

Sam wasn’t happy with Monica. He felt she embarrassed him in Farida’s presence. He liked Farida. She was very smart which made him enjoy conversing with her. Why was Monica trying to stand in his way of having a go at her? She was willing for him to date her friends in the past; why was she hoarding Farida? Their meal was eaten in silence. Everyone deep in their own thoughts. After the food, they retired to their rooms to rest for the day.

In their bedroom, Monica confronted Farida.

“What did my brother say to you?”

Farida was shocked at the direct question. Not answering her would cause the problem so she said, “He wanted to take me on a date. Before I could reply you came around”

“He is my brother and I can tell you he and my dad are the same. I am surprised he is interested in you. Please don’t fall for his gimmick. Remain focused. Wait a minute; do you like him? Would you like to go out with him?”

“NO! I don’t like him for a relationship. I just like him as he is fun to be with. He tells interesting stories and cracks funny jokes ….”

“Sam cracks jokes? Unbelievable! I can see he has bought you over but I will not allow you to be used”

“I don’t want to be. How do I manage him without offending him?”

“Tell him you will think about it. No matter what he says don’t allow him in between your legs. Once he gets there, he’s gone. Remain who you have always been. He’s my brother and I know him more than you do. If you try it, you will regret it”

That ended the conversation. If there were feelings, they died that instance. She decided to guard her heart and listen to what Monica said. She knew her brother better.

FARIDA Episode 21 by Oge’s Stories

New year eve came with a lot of excitement. The house was bubbling. All of Monica’s extended family members were in their house. Her cousins from far and near converged there. There was so much to eat and drink to their satisfaction. Farida initially wondered what the fuss was about when Monica insisted on her wearing the pink dress Wale bought for her. She felt it was a bit too short for her current height but Monica wouldn’t bulge. She gave her earrings, wristwatch, bangles and chose the canvas she would wear with the dress. She made sure she used one of her designer perfumes in addition to the one she had which she used sparingly.

It was when she saw the display of sophistication amongst the young adults that she understood what Monica was trying to do. Some of her cousins came back from abroad so their dressing will just be left to your imagination. They had a corner to themselves were a DJ was stationed to play jams for them. Food and exotic drinks flowed.

Monica introduced Farida to them as her friend. Her female cousins jumped at Farida, they loved her hair.

“Your hair is long and silky. I just had to touch it. Do you know you can be used to advertise hair products and make money? I know someone who will be interested in having you as a hair model”

“What do you use to maintain your hair? It’s really lovely”. Before Farida could answer another one said, “You are tall. I love your skin colour, it’s shiny. I think you should go into modelling. Advertisers will rush you. You are so beautiful. Before we leave here today, the guys will fight over you”

“Nobody is fighting over her, she’s not available” Monica announced for all to hear.

Farida had so much fun. She helped the cooks with serving the food as there were many of them but few hands. The other girls sat down comfortably without moving a muscle. They just placed orders. Monica joined Farida in the serving. Her cousins were shocked to see her work with the helps.

“Why would you do that? They are being paid to attend to us”

“Yeah, I know but then it is my family’s party and the only way it can be a success is if everyone here is happy. It is my duty to ensure that happens” Monica replied. When Sam heard her, he left his cousins and helped out too.

Whenever Sam had eye contact with Farida he would wink at her. Farida found it uncomfortable. She tried to avoid eye contact. When everyone had eaten to their fill and the drinks kept flowing, it was time to really party. They danced and had dancing competition. Farida refused to dance. She sat at a corner watching them. Then, one of Monica’s cousins dragged her to the dance floor. She was refusing but he paid no heed. On the dance floor she refused to move her body. The guy was urging her but she refused. Another guy slid his hands around her waist and was dancing with her from behind. Farida didn’t like that and wriggled out of his embrace. Another guy grabbed her and pulled her close to him. Before she could react, Sam came to her rescue.

‘Guys, she’s taken. Don’t play such rough play with her; she is a very reserved person. Leave her alone” Sam urged them.

They left her alone as he led her back to the chair.

‘You have been avoiding me. I would have left you with them to manhandle you. Once they drink, they misbehave. Are you ok?”

‘I’m fine”

“You didn’t give me a response to my request”

“Which one?”

“I want to take you out on a date when we get back to Lagos. Just the two of us”

“I am not interested. I like you because you are Monica’s brother and nothing more”.

“Well, I do not like you because you are Monica’s friend. I like you for who you are. I have discovered you and I do like what I see. Monica is discouraging you from dating me, right? I like you and that’s all I can say. I think you should give this a try. Have a mind of your own. Don’t you like me?”

“As Monica’s brother only”

“What will happen if I kiss you right now?”

Before Farida could answer or get over the shock of the question, his lips landed on Farida’s lips. It was as fast as lightning. In the same speed, Farida disengaged her lips and ran away to their wing. She locked herself inside the room.

So many thoughts ran through her head as she sat there. This was her first kiss and it was stolen. She was angry at Sam. Why was he coming on to her so strongly? He seemed confident in what he was doing. What was giving him that confidence? Had she unconsciously let out a vibe that she was attracted to him. She knew she had struggled not to do that. She just admired him and moved on. He was way above her league. He might be deceived with the second-hand clothes she wears to believe she was one of them. She knew she wasn’t. Monica’s words kept ringing in her head.

She heard loud altercation outside the door. She moved closer to eavesdrop.

“I told you to keep away from her. She is not one of those girls you use and dump like trash. I won’t allow you to mess her up. She has a future. She is very intelligent and driven. Her family is very poor; she is their only hope. Sam, I have never dated any of your friends but you went through mine. All I am asking is for you to leave Farida alone; she is out of bounds. Do you hear me?”

“I don’t know what the fuss is about. She’s an adult let her decide if she wants to be with me or not. Are you her godmother or guardian angel? Why are you being so protective of her? I like her. I’m attracted to her. It’s not just sex; I love her mind. I enjoy her company. Your other friends had nothing to offer except their bodies. This one is a complete package and I want the package. Step aside let me woo her. If she agrees then we date and see where it leads”

“Woo her? Confuse her you mean? There is no difference between you and father. I won’t let you”

“You can’t stop me. She has also fallen for me. I can see it in her eyes and I can feel it too. We are meant for each other. Step aside; this is beyond you”

Farida opened the door to the room at this point. She was tired of hearing them talk about her as though she was a property they were contesting for in a law court. She crossed her hands across her chest and said,

“Continue. Why did you both stop?” there was silence. “You don’t want to? I was disrespected this night and I just wanted you to know I am leaving tomorrow. I never gave you permission to touch me talkless of kissing me and you did it in the presence of an audience. What were you trying to prove? I won’t take it, I want to leave. Monica, please make it happen”

“Tomorrow is the New year. You won’t be able to travel tomorrow. You can stay and go back on the 2nd or 3rd. I promise you; he won’t attempt what he did today again. I won’t leave you alone for him to try that. I let down my guard and he took advantage. Stay with me. We will move around on our own. Please don’t go”

“I am sorry Farida for my behaviour this evening. For you to decide to leave shows that you are offended by it. I apologise and promise it won’t happen again. Maybe I had too much to drink. I sincerely apologise; please forgive me”

“I am not interested in your apology but future behaviour. Please accord me the respect I accord you. And, I want to make it clear to you, I am not interested in a relationship with you. Please avoid suggesting it. The answer is no. Thank you” Farida walked into the room.

When Monica came into the room, she tried to bring it up again but Farida declined talking about it. She just wanted to be left alone with her thoughts. Monica respected her decision to be left alone.

Farida was confused as she retired for the night. She had a dream. In the dream, she saw brother Chris standing in all white reminding her what he told her some years ago, “Do you remember what I told? Do not get distracted. Boys are a distraction. Sam is a major distraction. He has graduated and also has a Master’s. He doesn’t want you to graduate. Avoid him. Tell him to wait until you have achieved all he has achieved. You will live to regret your life if you fall for him now”

Farida woke up in a startle. This was the first time she would dream about anything so precisely. Sam was a no go area. She resolved to treat him just as she treated other guys who came after her. She checked the time and it was 4:22am. She couldn’t go back to sleep so she went into the kitchen to start preparing ingredients for her special delicacy they were having for lunch.

By the time the cook arrived to help her with preparations, she was shocked to discover Farida had prepared everything herself. She wondered where the girl got all the strength from. She watched Farida prepare the Ekpang nkwukwo just the way she taught her. She was impressed.

It was the aroma of the food that woke Monica and Sam up at 10 am. Lunch for the family was supposed to be at 12 noon. Sam skipped breakfast but Monica had cereal. Farida packed the food in a dish and went in to get ready for lunch.

Farida decided to wear a pair of jeans and a red check shirt which she tucked into the jeans and left the two top buttons undone. She rolled up the sleeves. Then she packed her hair up, applied her powder and lip gloss. It was a new year and she felt good about herself especially after the warning and cooking the food all by herself.

Her dish was on the table at exactly 12 noon. Monica’s stepmother was still in the kitchen.

‘I wonder why it is taking so long for them to round up. She isn’t the one cooking and we still eat late. Come to the sitting room. Let’s use this opportunity to share the gifts I got for everyone. Happy new year!” Monica’s father declared.

They sat around him. There was a big bag just beside him. He gave the younger boys their gifts which they opened excitedly. Then he gave Sam his gift in a small pack. Sam didn’t open it there. Monica and Farida were next. They opened theirs. They couldn’t believe their eyes; they got the same gift. They were given mobile phones and the sim cards. This was January 1st 2002 and they would be amongst the first people in school to have GSM mobile phones. Farida went on her knees to thank him while Monica jumped on her father.

Monica’s stepmother came out to check what the chaos was about. When she found out her husband had gifted his daughter and her friend phones, she sat down to collect her gift.

“Both of us are parents. During Christmas, you gave your sons gifts but didn’t give anything to Sam or Monica”

“They are adults, what do they need gifts for?” she asked.

“Exactly. You are an adult; you don’t need gifts too. I am famished, we might have to start with Farida’s food since it is taking too long to get the food out”

Monica’s stepmother marched angrily out of the sitting room. Her father called out to the cook to set the table as he wanted to eat. All of them joined him at the table. Farida was trembling knowing her food was the main meal for the day. He asked Farida to do the honours of serving the food. She was reluctant to do that but Monica stood up and dished out for everyone. She dished for her halfbrothers too. From the first spoon, everyone was excited. It was delicious. They all had second helpings. By the time the other food came out, they were all stuffed. Monica’s stepmother was very angry and even angrier at her sons who ate Farida’s food and from every indication, they enjoyed it. In order not to offend her further, Farida asked that some of the food be packed to their wing to be eaten later in the day.

“Farida, I promised you a gift if your food was very good. Take this (handing her an envelope), keep it well. Everyone here would confess you cooked this meal excellently. We all enjoyed it. Thank you for gracing us with your presence; it was felt. When are you leaving?”

“On the 5th sir”

“We will sort out your flight arrangement back and also help you get ready for school. I have been reliably informed that the strike will be called off next week. Ekaette you have to go back with her so you can as well prepare for school”

“Thank you sir. I am very grateful” Farida turned to Monica’s stepmother and said to her ”Thank you, ma”. She was stunned when she heard the greeting and just nodded her head.

Back in their room, they checked their phones excitedly. There was no network in Akwa Ibom so they just packed it back. Then Farida brought out the envelope she was also given. When she opened, there was a pack of N500 new notes. She dropped the money. Why would he give her so much money? This was too much.

“I’m sure he is refunding the money for the fish we gave that witch. He knows I wasn’t the one that suggested we buy the fish for them. He knows us very well and he knows I dislike his wife. He is happy with you thus far though. He told me you are the only friend I have brought home that he liked wholeheartedly. He can see the positive changes in me. He has promised to buy me a car of my choice if I make a 2.1”

“Wow! And you are already on it. What car do you want?”

“I don’t know for now. Until then”

“I am extremely grateful for all you have done for me. This is the best holiday I have had”

“Same here. Sam wanted to spoil it for us but it won’t happen. Happy new year girlfriend”

“Happy new year”

The rest of the holiday and the trip back to Lagos was fun. They went to watch masquerades and village football matches. They went to the markets to buy some items Farida would take back home. The leftover fish were dried and packaged too. Landing in Lagos was coming back to reality. They were resuming the following week; the announcement of the end of the strike was everywhere.

Getting home, Farida excitedly ran into her mother’s arms. She had missed them. She shared her interesting holiday story leaving out some unpleasant details. She showed her mother some of the food items she came back with. They had never seen most of the spices and vegetables she came back with. Also, the fish was strange. They hardly cooked with crayfish or dry prawns. She cooked one of her delicacies with the fish which they relished.

Going back to school was top on her mind. Farida had more than enough money. She had been blessed beyond her imagination. She gave her mother the N50,000 in the envelope. Monica had returned the N20,000 her father gave her earlier at the airport.

Iya Farida noticed a change in Farida. She seemed different. For the first time she seemed excited about wealth that wasn’t hers. Before, she was impressed but now it was like she was a part of it. She had started her talk about marrying a wealthy man again. Where did that come from? Her fears were heightened when she talked about Monica’s stepmother and her acts. She talked about the Monica’s father’s generosity. She hoped the man was not trying to entice her with money. She had seen it play out so many times. Farida had a bright future and she didn’t want anyone to tamper with it. No man can be this generous without wanting something.

Her suspicion was heightened when Monica came with food items sent by her father and stepmother. Garri, tubers of yam, plantain, snails, bush meat and more. Farida received them gladly. The former Farida would have said no but this one was jubilating over handouts. When her mother mentioned it, her reply shocked her.

“Maami, they are just like family to me. I cooked food and they all ate and enjoyed it. They chose the food I cooked over food professionals cooked. They appreciated me. For her stepmother to send me food items, that means she has accepted me in her heart”

“Are you sure her father doesn’t have intentions towards you?”

‘Maami! Don’t say that again. He has never spoken to me alone let alone say such to me. He respects me and appreciates the positive influence I have on his daughter. Do you know he promised her a car of her choice if she makes a 2.1. She is already on it. She will definitely get the car. She was telling me today her stepmother asked if I will be travelling with them for summer, she wanted to add me to the itinerary. Me, Farida, will travel abroad. Maami, is this not God’s blessings”

“My daughter, when things come so easy from your fellow human beings, I get worried. This is too easy. I hope it doesn’t come with a price. I pray they are not fattening you for the slaughter. As per the travelling abroad; let’s wait until then”

FARIDA Episode 22 by Oge’s Stories

The new session kicked off. To maintain the academic calendar, the school jam-packed lectures every day. By April, the first semester was over. They were given only two weeks break and then the new semester began.

The new semester came with so much revelation. Farida came back from lectures one day and saw a girl lying on her bed. She usually doesn’t like people lying on her bed but she had to learn to be accommodating. She dropped her bag and greeted the person on the bed. She was shocked when she looked at her closely only to discover it was Aisha. Aisha was also dumbfounded to see her.

“What are you doing here?” she asked Farida.

‘I should be asking you that” Farida replied.

“My friend stays in this room. She asked me to wait for her here while she gets something” Aisha answered. “And you? What are you doing here?”

“You must be talking about Monica. She’s my roommate. That other bed is hers” Farida responded pointing to Monica’s bed.

“Who could have thought the cute bed would be yours” she stood up and moved over to Monica’s bed.

Farida paid her no heed. She brought out stew from the fridge to warm. On the other burner, she put rice on fire. When she had them on fire, she proceeded to lay on her bed and read her notes. Not long after, Monica burst into the room.

‘Hi Farida. I am so sorry, I forgot to bring out the stew. Meet Aisha. She is a fresher and a student of Sociology”

“I know Aisha” Farida answered offhandedly.

“If you know her then it makes it easy for us. She is friends with my childhood friend Luke. He appealed to me to squat her for some time until she gets accommodation”

“Didn’t you think you had to talk to me first about it before inviting her over?”

“She is not moving in yet. She just came to see the place. Luke wants to get accommodation. The room she was in, they were seven of them there. He doesn’t want that. He will buy a bed space for her soon”

“Well, it is something we will discuss in private. Food is ready. You can serve some to your guest”

Monica sensed there was something wrong. The atmosphere felt tensed. She entertained Aisha and later saw her off. When she came back, she asked Farida why she was upset with her.

“I really don’t want to share my space with that girl. I don’t trust her one bit. I can’t stop you from accommodating her but she can only stay here for two weeks maximum. Use your connections and help get her bed space. While she is here, she can’t stay on my bed or touch my things. She should stay away from me; we have a bad history together”

“I knew something was amiss. Please take it easy. I will tell Luke I can’t accommodate her”

‘If you do that, she will think I am getting back at her. Two weeks and she’s out. And please don’t tell her we are best friends”

“Why?”

‘So you can see her true nature”

Aisha moved into the room. Monica read out the rules to her and even pasted it on the wall. Farida began to lock up all her belongings as she couldn’t trust Aisha.

Aisha had found out whom Monica was. She knew how rich she was and wanted to be friends with her so she could benefit. Farida hardly spoke with Monica in Aisha’s presence. She knew that if she showed any type of closeness to Monica, it will expose them. Aisha would always show herself. In just three days she started.

“This dress is beautiful; can I wear it to class tomorrow? I love your handbag, it will go with sandals. I will rock it next week. Monica wasn’t one to share items so she allowed her to use them and never collected them back. Monica’s cupboard became Aisha’s cupboard. She used Monica’s things without permission which was beginning to infuriate Monica.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back was when Aisha told Monica that Farida was jealous of her. She told her she knew Farida and she was a cheat who cheated to get into university. She can poison you just to get all you have. They despise her in her area”

“But you eat what she cooks”

“Only when I am there when she cooks”

“How do you know all these things? Did you live close to each other or what? You told me you live in Ogudu GRA so how did you know her?

“This was when my father sent me to live with my grandmother for two years. Farida is not trustworthy. Just be careful. She is a ghetto. She would do anything to belong. Don’t listen to whatever she told you about me”

“Interestingly, she has never said anything negative about you but you always look for an opportunity to bring her down. She allowed you to stay so you will not be stranded and this is how you repay her?”

“I am telling you the truth. She is a pretender. She agreed so I will keep my mouth shut. Anyone seeing her will think she is from a wealthy home but she’s not ………”

“It’s ok. I have heard enough”

What Aisha was trying to do was to become Monica’s roommate through her connection. She couldn’t believe Monica didn’t fall for her antics. She looked for a way to get at Farida but it didn’t work until she heard about Wura. All the girls that moved with Wura were big girls. They showed off their affluence. They wore only designer outfits and looked good all the time. Wura had flunked out of Law and was now studying English language. She made her followers feel only big girls flunk and are reabsorbed into another department. Wura was carried away with life. Aisha wanted to belong. She did everything to get close to her.

When she heard about the discord between Wura and Farida, she knew it was her best option to belittle Farida and get her out of Monica’s life. She fed Wura with falsehood about Farida giving fake details. Wura would do anything to disgrace Farida so she bought it. She also wanted Monica back as her lapdog. Monica had access to stupendous wealth which she wasn’t taking advantage of. And Wura liked her brother. She was one of the girls her brother had gone through. She thought they had something but it turned out there was nothing. He dumped her like a piece of trashed paper. She couldn’t have access to his house unless Monica was with her, they wouldn’t let her in. Sam used her once in 100l and never came back.

Armed with what she thought was information, she and her gang members waited for Farida in front of Moremi hall. That was where the showdown was to take place. Aisha wanted to be absent but to her surprise, Wura insisted she would stand in front with her. This would expose her to Monica and Farida. She had to find a way of explaining it away to Monica.

Farida was approaching the hostel when she was stopped on the way and informed of what was planned. “They are waiting for you outside”. Farida thanked her and called Monica on the phone.

“I think you should come back right now to the hostel. Wura, Aisha and their gang are waiting for me in front of the hostel. I am not afraid but just in case it gets physical, I would want you to call security”

“Wait for me Farida, I am on my way”

They both walked together to the hostel. Monica wanted to know if Farida had a strategy but she said she didn’t and she didn’t need one. Both of them were shocked at the number of people at the car park apparently waiting for a showdown. Farida wondered if people hated her this much to gather to watch her being humiliated. Monica explained to her, “Every girl loves to watch the drama. Some are rooting for you, some are rooting for Wura while some are indifferent”

Wura began, “Farida the saint! The most intelligent girl on campus. The holier than thou girl who doesn’t talk to boys. Monica’s ass kisser. Charity case. How are you?”

Farida ignored her and wanted to walk past but to her chagrin, Wura dragged her back. Farida decided not to struggle. She just stood and kept quiet.

“You are not going anywhere. So, ghetto bitch, I heard from a grapevine that you steal other people’s rich boyfriends through sex. I said it wasn’t possible but someone was willing to confront you with it”

Monica couldn’t stand the humiliation anymore. She confronted Wura, “Why are doing this? Why are you always picking on Farida? She hasn’t done anything to you. She doesn’t even know if you exist. Why create a scene at any given opportunity?”

“Monica, stay out of this” she turns to Farida, “as I was saying, what do you have to say about the accusation”

Farida did not respond. She just stood there looking at her.

‘I am talking to you and you are ignoring me bitch. You can not use your innocent face to wriggle out of this. You were proudly showing off you WAEC and Jamb result but you did not tell us you cheated to have such high score to gain admission”

Monica responded, “Well, if she cheated to gain admission into the university that would mean she had potential. Right now who is the most outstanding student in Economic and Statistics?”

A small crowd shouted in response, “Farida!”

“If she snatches other people’s rich boyfriends, which is not possible, she turned my brother’s advances down. But I know some people who quickly gave themselves to him even with all my warnings. Who could that be?”

Wura responded to Monica, “We didn’t come here to talk about me but about the two-faced bitch. She’s is a pretentious slut. Ask your brother; he must have banged her by now”

“If you are going by what Aisha told you to attack Farida, let Aisha also tell you how she passed her WAEC and Jamb. She knows all she had to do to gain admission to study Linguistics. I investigated you. You do not live in Ogudu GRA but in Mushin. You stay with your cousins in Ogudu when in school claiming their home as yours. Farida has never been ashamed to say she lives in Mushin. I have visited her there and I know the amount of respect they have for her. If she snatched your boyfriend three years ago, get over it. If she cheated to gain admission, take your proof to exams and records so she can be dismissed from the school. If you have no tangible evidence, you can’t come here, gather a crowd and make a false accusation. Wura, you were a law student, didn’t you learn anything while there?”

The ‘blows’ Monica released hit really hard. Wura wanted to respond but the porters felt the show was over and dispersed the crowd. Monica walked with a smiling Farida to the room.

“You are very secretive Farida. Why didn’t you tell me all these things? Immediately Aisha started running you down where I was, I knew there was more. I had to go digging and I found out everything”

“I told you Aisha will expose herself with time. I knew she couldn’t help herself. Concerning snatching her boyfriend, meeting Wale through Aisha was a mistake I do not intend repeating. It is not easy to be friends with boys but it was easy to be friends with him. He never asked me for anything. Aisha displayed the same drama she used Wura to display today in front of my house. Let me narrate the entire story to you then you judge”. Farida told Monica everything. From the Jamb to the scene Aisha created.

“Farida, how could you? Why would you let her stay even when she misbehaved? If you had told me, she would never have stayed with us. I can’t believe this. Over a boy? Why are girls like this? Anyway, she’s out of here” Monica put together Aisha’s things and left them at the entrance of the door.

Aisha tried to sneak into the room late at night but Monica was waiting for her. She just pointed to her belongings she had piled up for her and showed her the door without saying a word. Aisha knew she had lost a chance. This was the second time she was defeated by Farida. Just like the last time, someone came to her defence without her saying a word. It was Wura’s reputation that ended up getting tarnished instead of Farida’s. She suspected Farida was not an ordinary being; she must have spiritual backing.

The showdown made Farida even more popular. Most of the girls didn’t believe the cheating story. Some said she wouldn’t be the first to cheat but she had maintained academic excellence ever since. The issue of the boyfriend was funny to them. “How can you fight over a boy,” some said. “If the boy no want, move on,” said another. “I don’t believe the story; I have never seen Farida with boys before”

One person didn’t believe the story at all and that was Zara. Even though Farida was not a close friend, she was still someone she knew very well and she was incapable of what she was accused off. She told who cared to listen Farida was someone to emulate and not scorn. She gave Monica as an example. Monica was someone who wouldn’t have stood up to Wura in the past but she defended Farida very well. Also, Monica was amongst the top seven in her class after her friendship with Farida began.

“Wura that dropped out of Law is picking a fight with a First class brain like Farida. How did she think she could win? Wura that is known as a club girl has the effrontery to challenge Farida; we are all not blind and dumb at the same time”

300l ended quickly as the new session was to resume in six weeks.

Farida went home with Monica when the school vacated. Monica claimed her father and stepmother asked her to visit. After exams, she went to stay with Monica for three days before going home. Monica’s house in Ikoyi was no different from the house in the village. It was massive with a big compound. The difference was that the compound here was like the house in the middle of a garden. It was a short walk from where the car dropped them to the house. They climbed a small bridge with a small stream flowing underneath with fishes inside before getting to the front door. There trees and flowers well-arranged everywhere. Farida saw a peacock for the first time in her life. It was beautiful.

Monica’s stepmother welcomed her. She offered them lunch and left to go about her business. Farida had a big bedroom with her own toilet and bath. The room was painted light pink. The bed was large with side stools. She had a big television on a television stand and a fridge. What surprised Farida were the bookshelves. They occupied one side of the wall. She had a reading table and chair and also a desktop. Farida had never used a computer before so she saw a good opportunity to learn from Monica.

“Where do both of you want to spend the summer?” Monica’s father asked during dinner.

“We haven’t decided” Monica responded.

“You have to decide quickly so we can get a visa for Farida”

‘I will have to ask my mother’s permission first sir”

‘By all means please do”

“Will she stop you from taking advantage of an opportunity?” Monica’s stepmother asked.

“Yes, she can. I have to convince her” Farida replied.

When Farida got back home, her mother refused her going on any trip.

“Why are they being so nice? I suspect people’s every move. Why do they want to take you abroad? Do they want to sell you? I don’t like this life they are introducing you to. Please, my daughter, patiently wait for your time” Iya Farida insisted.

“Maami, have I changed negatively in any way? I am travelling because of Monica. He asked us where we want to go. Just Monica and I. Believe me when I say nothing is happening mom. They are doing all this for me just to make Monica happy as she is the only female”

“So, where do you and Monica want to go to?”

“We were thinking of going to meet Monica’s stepfather in Germany. Her mother would be there too. It’s a good opportunity as her relationship with her mother will improve”

“Even if I agree with you to go, you can only spend two weeks there. We miss you at home too. Stay with us for some time. By the way, my convocation is in a month’s time”

“That’s true, we will celebrate”

“Celebrate what? Going to school at old age? Please, I don’t want to celebrate. This is just NCE; when I get my degree then I will celebrate”

“NCE is an achievement. From GCE holder to NCE and next degree. That would be next year”

“So, I will go to school with these boys?” Iya Farida said referring to her twin boys.

‘If it is any consolation, you will graduate before them”

They all laughed. Her brothers had finished secondary school. Ahmad said he wanted to study Architecture. He said he would go to the Federal University of Technology Akure while Akram settled for Political Science. He had said he would attend the University of Ilorin. He wasn’t very studious and didn’t trust he would enter any other school on merit although he was an above-average student.

Iya Farida finally agreed for Farida to travel with Monica. Farida was so happy she couldn’t contain her excitement. She had gotten her international passport in preparation for a yes from maami. The visa was applied for and within 72 hours, it was out. She had a week to prepare for the trip.

“Don’t take more than four clothes; we will have the opportunity to shop over there” Farida wondered if she could afford the clothes. Monica’s father was treating her like his daughter which she appreciated but the amount he was spending on her was getting her worried. She knew she had to draw the line somehow.

Iya Farida and the twins came to see off Farida. Monica sent her car to pick them to the airport. None of them had been to an airport before so there was so much excitement. To get into the airport with her family, a protocol officer from Monica’s father helped escort them inside.

Iya Farida met Monica’s father for the first time. She was glad Farida convinced her to dress very well. Due to school work, Iya Farida had shed almost half her weight. She was agile and her height was now pronounced. She wore a purple kaftan and covered her hair, face and neck with a shawl. She looked nice and respectable. Farida did not need to worry about her brothers; they were just like her.

Iya Farida still did not trust Monica’s father. When he introduced himself as Chief Ekandem and the respectable manner he spoke to her showed he was a good man. So, what was wrong with the setting? Her gut feeling knew something was amiss. Then it struck her; she was losing Farida.

#OpraDre FARIDA 20

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