“Girl, how far?” Maya asked as she breezed into the room. She has not seen her in two weeks.
Miriam looked up from the phone briefly, a tiny smile crossing her face before she turned her attention back to the phone. “I’m good.” “I didn’t see you in church last Sunday, what happened?” “Nothing,” she said curtly, her face not leaving the phone. She must be chatting with multiple partners. “What do you mean?” “Well, maybe that’s because I didn’t come.” Maya looked at her but decided not to pursue the matter any longer. She took a closer look and noticed her new dress and accessories. “You are looking fly, girl.” She shut the phone down, stuffed it into her handbag, and got to her feet. “I was about to go out when you came, sorry.” “What was that?” “I have a date. I got to go.” Her eyes widened. “A date? With who?” She gave her an odd look. “What do you mean? Am I not old enough to date?” Maya swallowed hard. “Well, I have to go, bye.” “Look Miriam, life is not lived only in the physical. As we nourish the body with food and drink, that is how we should nourish the soul with the word of God. Have you ever asked yourself where Ella could be? Do you know it could have been any of us? Ella did not wish to die. No, she did not plan to die. She just met death and it is non-negotiable. We could die anytime. Age, class, or material possession doesn’t count.” “Okay, preacher, noted with thanks. See you later,” she stormed out. Moments later, she was in Greg's house.  “Don’t touch me," she said, a faint pout in her mouth. “Why?” “I told you I’m pregnant and you still have the effrontery to touch me.” “And I told you I’ll do something about it.” “Do something about it, when? Is it when it becomes public knowledge?” “Calm down, babe. I’m broke now, but I’m expecting money by the end of the week.” “End of the week?” she glared at him. “I can’t wait till then. I have a medical test in school on Friday.” A knock at the door interrupted them. He went to the door and threw it open. “Hi,” he said as he saw Otipia and threw the door wider to let him in. “Howdy?” “I’m okay,” he sighed. He turned to Miriam. “Babe, how are you? The good things of life are not reserved for you guys. How about arranging one of your girlfriends for me?” Miriam stared at him coldly. Otipia scanned their faces and frowned. “What’s going on here?” “Oh, nothing,” Greg said hurriedly. “You said nothing?” Miriam cried. “You don’t want to tell your friend you’ve made me pregnant? I told you, but you wouldn’t listen.” “Oh, shut up, let me think.” Otipia turned to him. “Is it true?” He ran his hand across his hair. “I’m in a fix, boy.” “That na one small thing nah.” Light jumped into her eyes. “Really?” “Yes. I have the solution, but it will only cost you money.” “How much?” “Two K only. It’s herbal medicine and very effective.” He brought out his wallet and gave him Two k and extra money for transportation. “When do I get it?” “I’ll be back in an
                                  ***
“Are you sure this will work?” she asked as he poured the foul-smelling herbal mixture soaked in local gin into a cup. “Sure. He knows his stuff. His grandfather was an herbalist. She raised her brow. “Are you serious? I never knew that.” He handed her the portion. “There are so many things we can never know.” She looked at the portion doubtfully. “Come on, drink up.” She raised the glass to her mouth. The odor assailed her nostrils and she felt like throwing up. She put the cup down. “What’s the problem?” “I can’t drink this.” “Why? It is the best and it is very potent. It’s what local girls use.” “Does it have a dosage or should I drink the whole thing?” “You cannot overdose on this. He said you should take at least two glasses first, then a glass after two hours.” She covered her nose with her hand and took a sip. The bitter taste of the herbal mixture hit her taste buds. She felt nauseated and threw up. “What?” “It’s bitter. I can’t take it.” “Please, this is the only solution.” She picked up the potion and covering her nose with one hand, she took another sip. “Come on, baby, drink up.” She covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head as she tried to swallow the concoction. “Oh, please.” Again she picked up the cup and raising it to her mouth, emptied the contents. “That’s my girl,” Greg said, pouring another glass full. She battled to swallow the vile liquid. She choked some of it down and spit some out making faces, and with a husky voice managed to speak. “No, I don’t want more.” “Please, just one more glass, honey. It’s the only solution.” She glared at him. “Trust me.” She took the cup and gulped down the content. “Good girl.” “Water,” she moaned. “I need water.” He hurried over to the water bucket and fetched a glass of water. “Here.” She took the cup from him with a shaky hand. “Should I make tea for you?” She shook her head. “No.” “Are you hungry?” She shook her head. “I want to go,” she stood up and a wave of disorientation hit her, and her head whirled round in circles. She slumped onto the bed. “Are you okay?” He took her hand and searched her face. The look on her face gave him the chills. She shook her head. The excess drug and alcohol were beginning to have an effect on her. She was experiencing bouts of dizziness, and her legs felt weak. “I’m … I ….”