***
It happened in my high school days when I was in grade 9.
I often attended the extra lessons for candidates preparing to take the
final year exams. It wasn't my turn to take the exams, but my parents always
encouraged me to prepare early and bought the past questions booklets to aid my
preparation.
A friend of mine, Jane, in grade 10 was also
preparing for the exams so I usually tagged along with her.
Many of my other friends thought I was being too
enthusiastic about my studies.
Within our group of about twenty students, many of us were from the same school while a few others came
from nearby schools or they were private candidates.
One evening, my transport fare was stolen and my friend didn't come that day to school, So i followed a small group of students to trek
home. That was the first time I spoke to him. I
didn't even
know his name. All I knew about him was that he
was a senior at school, almost always showed up late to extra moral lessons and
sat at the very last seat at the back.
We were down to three who were headed in the
same direction and conversation was flowing. I realized he was actually funny and easy to talk to. When it was only both of us left, we
continued in a light air of companionship.
“What’s your name? I can’t believe I haven’t asked all this while.” He smiled at me.
“My name is Monica, what’s yours?” I asked,
turning to smile
at him.
“Mine is Ryan.”
“ Ryan.” I grinned.
I was brought back to reality when Stacy held my
shoulders and gave me a rough shake.
“What?” I asked as I shook my head slightly to focus.
“You spaced out. That’s what happened.”
“Sorry.” I sat up and focused on what she was saying.
“I said the doctor called, she’s awake.”
The girl sat on the hospital bed looking healthier than the last time we saw her. An empty plate was on the table beside her along with a half-filled cup of water.
“Hey, how’re you feeling?” I asked as I took a few
steps into the room with Stacy close behind me.
“I’m much better. The doctor told me what you two
did for me, thank you very much.” She smiled.
I noticed there was a slight cut on her lip which made her wince after smiling.
She was a pretty girl with almond shaped eyes and
a round face. She was dressed in jeans and a crop top.
“My name is Sylvia.” She offered.
“I’m Monica.” I replied.
''Stacy.” Stacy nodded.
“Can you tell us what happened?” I asked gently.
She looked away and fiddled with the hem of her
top. Her mouth twisted slightly and her brows crumpled
together.
“I was attacked.” Was what she simply said.
“What kind of attack?” Stacy asked.
“There was a raid that night.”
“I know we were in it too.” I said. She still wasn't telling us everything.
“Some… stupid fucking guys …” She trailed off and her eyes watered.
The doctor walked in at that moment requesting a
brief check-up. By the time he was done, Sylvia was silent.
“You were saying something before?” Stacy
prompted.
“It was mistake, it was nothing.” Sylvia said in a low voice.
Sylvia glanced at me, both of us thinking the same
thing.
She doesn't want to talk anymore. And we couldn't just
force it out of her. I sighed and shrugged at Stacy.
“You’re sure you don’t want to tell us anything? It’s
the least you could do after we helped you.” Sylvia said as she folded her arms across her chest.
Sylvia didn't respond.
I gestured towards the door and Sylvia rolled her eyes.
“Well, we’re leaving now but here’s my digits.” I
said as I wrote it down on a piece of paper and handed it to her.
I wasn't too sure she would call but at least she could reach me if she wanted to.
Later in the evening, Lisa and Alison returned to the room.
“Where’ve you guys been?” Stacy asked immediately they stepped in.
“Aren't you aware that there was a gang raid
yesterday in school? I heard they even broke into the hostels.” Lisa asked.
“Of course, who doesn't know?” Stacy rolled her
eyes. “That
doesn't explain why you two disappeared.”
“We stayed over in one of the staff quarters.” Lisa
replied casually.
I frowned as Stacy and I exchanged a glance.
“How did you guys get into the staff quarters?” Stacy
asked exactly what I had been thinking.
“Mr David helped us out.” Alison shrugged.
“What the hell are you two doing near that man?” I asked.
All three girls turned to look at me in surprise. I rarely spoke, let alone cussed.
“Well, since you’re so concerned about us and our
whereabouts, he offered his place when he found us running.
Apparently, he was assigned to monitor the Fresher’s party; like we need any monitoring,” Lisa rolled her eyes. “And when all hell broke loose he helped get us to safety.”
“What did you guys think?” Alison threw up her
arms. “That we
stayed the night for another reason?”
“Well what were we supposed to think with that
man’s reputation?” Stacy asked.
“Whatever.” Alison waved a hand in the air as if she
brushed
away Stacy’s words. “I heard it was THE REDS that was on campus last night.”
My blood went cold. It was THE REDs? The same gang that we were warned about just yesterday morning.
“That’s bad, really bad.” Stacy said quietly. She
looked deep in thought.
“I heard that their leader is ruthless.” Lisa chipped in.
“He also has a really strong liking for the ladies if you
know what I mean.”
“Where do you guys hear all these things from?” I
asked. It was like I never seemed to know what was going on.
“You need to have the right sources of information.”
Alison shrugged.
“And you can’t have that when you rarely talk to anyone. “Lisa added.
“Why do I need to do that when I have you guys?”
Alison laughed and shook her head.
“Trust me when I say information is necessary for your survival.”
“And that brings us to your first task.” Lisa cleared her throat.
“You have to make a new friend. Don’t give me that
look.” She held up her hand when I opened my mouth to protest. “We've noticed the way you walk by yourself all the time and how you’re always cooped up on your bed when you don’t have lectures. Come on, just give it a try.”
I sighed and studied the faces of my three roommates. They had no idea why I was like this. I couldn't help it
and a year
therapy hadn't gotten rid of my fears either.
“You never know who you could meet.” Alison winked.
I raised an eyebrow at her in annoyance but she just
laughed it off.
“We expect to hear feedback.” Alison said as she walked towards her wardrobe to pick out fresh clothes.
They were both in the same outfits they wore the previous night.
Later that night, I was restless.
.
.
.
...