Chapter 2: Tides of longing

This is your first time coming home late from school. What happened?” my dad asked, standing at the doorway.

“Daddy, today was a lot. But wait—you got home before me? What happened?”

Ah! Can’t you see it’s been raining? I didn’t leave the house.”

Okay, Daddy. I’ll go and make dinner.”

I rushed to take off my uniform, took a quick shower, and headed to the kitchen. Thinking about what to make, I decided on boiled potatoes and fried eggs—my mum’s favorite meal. As I peeled the potatoes, my mind wandered to Samuel, the tall, quiet boy I had always had a crush on.

I never realized Bella was so interested in him, too. And now she has a better chance than I do. How do I let him know I want to be more than just friends? I’m so jealous. Still, since we’re all friends, maybe I can give him subtle green lights. But what if he likes Bella? Omo, I don’t want to hurt my friend. Let’s see how it goes.

“Mariam!!” My mum’s voice broke through my thoughts. She was back from her hospital visit.

“Yes, ma. Mum, welcome. How did it go?”

“My dear, the sickness that my sister’s daughter has is terrible.”

“What sickness is it this time? And please tell me you didn’t give her money again. You just finished paying for her son’s school fees. Doesn’t she have a husband?”

I was angry. My mum sold corn for a living—nothing fancy, just the only corn seller in our small community. She was fortunate not to have competitors, but still, her income was seasonal. During corn season, she sold corn. When pears (some called them avocados) came in season, she sold those too. She hustled so hard.

If only she had saved that money for me instead, maybe I could finally afford the things I always wanted. Like Bella—my best friend and “sister”—her shoes were always stunning. She was rich. Strikingly rich. I loved her, and I was happy for her, but my sandals had a hole, and I still had to wear them every day.

“Mariam, I’ve been talking to you. Where is your mind?” Mum asked.

“Oh, Mummy, I’m hearing you. You said her daughter is sick. So what kind of sickness is it this time?”

“Don’t worry, my dear. I’m too tired. I need to sleep.”

“Ah, Mum, I’m sorry. But won’t you eat? I made your favorite—boiled potatoes and fried egg. You’ll love it. Though… I could only fry one egg. There wasn’t enough money for more.”

“Don’t worry, my dear. Just give me the potatoes. You and your dad should eat the egg.”

“Okay, Ma. And I’ll sleep early. I need to meet Bella on time for school tomorrow.”

“Ehn, Mariam, good. You know I don’t have money for transport.”

“I’ve heard, Mum. Let me bring your food.”

Sometimes I wonder why my mum sacrifices so much and never thinks of herself. I love her, but sometimes I wish I could destroy everyone who stresses her—my dad, her family. I need to sleep. I’m done for the night.

……………………. Page break ………………………….

Mariam, wake up!”

Oh God, it was Mum again. She must wake me up every morning. It was so annoying.

“I hear you, Mummy. I’ll go and bathe now.”

I was grateful—no dark thoughts this morning. I freshened up and wore my uniform, one of the best and last ones I had. Today, I planned to go straight to Bella’s house. I wanted to greet her parents and maybe get something nice to eat.

“Mum, I’m done. I want to leave now. Please, could you give me some money for food?”

“Ah, Mariam, I don’t have any. I spent all my money at the hospital. Please manage or eat with Bella today. I’ll give you money tomorrow.”

“What? Seriously, Mum? You’re choosing your selfish sister over us? We have to go hungry because of her?”

I turned to Dad. “Daddy, what about you? Even ₦500?”

“Like your mother said, eat with Bella. You call her your sister, right? Eat with her. Tomorrow we’ll give you money.”

Tears rolled down my face as I stormed out of the house. Something as simple as lunch, and my parents couldn’t even provide that. And I’m their only child.

I cleaned my tears and walked to Bella’s house. It was just 6:45 a.m., but I wanted to see her parents—and maybe get lucky.

The gateman opened the gate. As I got closer to the window, I heard voices. I peeked in and saw Bella with her parents. They hadn’t noticed me.

Then I heard Samuel’s name.

I froze.

“Bella, what’s delaying you from dating Samuel? Be fast about it. That boy’s parents are very rich—his father owns most of the houses in this community. And he even has an airport in London!”

“Mama Bella, please teach your daughter tactics on how to get that boy. We need her to enter that family,” her dad said.

“Don’t worry, my husband. Bella is very beautiful. I believe he will fall for her.”

“Please, she should hurry. My business needs money—we’re not rich. Just middle-class. Bella, don’t get too comfortable with what we provide. My business is on the verge of collapse. I need you to get close to him so his father and I can become business partners.”

“Don’t worry, Dad. I love him. I won’t let anyone else date him.”

I stepped back, completely shaken. I never knew Samuel was that rich—a billionaire’s son? His family owned an airport in London?

And Bella never told me this? Was she hiding things from me?

“Bella, get ready. Your driver is outside,” her dad called.

“Okay, Daddy. I’ll pick up Mariam too.”

I quickly pretended like I was just arriving.

“Hi, Bella.”

“Oh, Mariam, are you just getting here?”

“Yes. Came straight here. Are your parents around?”

“Yes, come say hi.”

“Good morning, Ma. Good morning, Sir.”

“Oh, Mariam! How are you?”

“I’m fine, Ma. Just wanted to greet you both—it’s been a while.”

“That’s so thoughtful. Maid! Package food for Mariam!”

“Ah, thank you so much, Ma.”

“Mariam,” her dad called, “take this ₦20,000. Buy something nice.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“You should start going now so you’re not late.”

“Okay, bye, Ma. Bye, Daddy!”