Scene – Garden Behind Law Faculty, Early Morning The garden behind the law faculty was quiet—just waking with the sunrise. Sunlight filtered through the trees, dappling the cobblestone path with golden freckles. Birds chirped softly from the treetops, and the scent of hibiscus filled the air. Helena stood barefoot on the grass, holding a printed outline in one hand and a pen in the other. She had read the same sentence five times. “Still nervous?” came Greg’s voice from behind. She turned, and there he was—holding two steaming cups of cocoa and wearing a grin that melted something in her chest. “I’m terrified,” she admitted, taking a cup. “My mock trial is in three hours, and I can’t remember if it’s corpus delicti or habeas corpus I’m supposed to argue first.” Greg took the outline from her hand and tossed it gently onto the picnic mat he’d set up earlier. “Then it’s time to breathe.” He took her free hand and led her toward the center of the small garden where he’d laid
Scene – Helena’s Dorm Room, 4:00 AMHelena returned to her dorm with aching feet, glitter dusted on her cheeks, and her heels dangling from her fingers. She closed the door softly behind her, careful not to wake her roommate.The room was still, save for the low hum of the standing fan.She sat at her desk, kicked off her shoes fully, and opened her journal.Dear Me,Sometimes you need the noise. The bass, the laughter, the sparkle of a night out. But tonight wasn’t just about glitter or selfies.It reminded me that even though we’ve been through storms, we still know how to dance. To choose joy. And to protect it.Also, I missed Greg. But I didn’t miss myself. That’s growth.— H.She closed the book, smiled softly to herself, and turned off the lamp.Scene – Tessy’s Bed, Same TimeTessy stared at the ceiling in the dark, earphones in, listening to the playlist Leo once made for her—filled with ridiculous love songs and inside jokes.Her phone lit up again.Leo 🐒:Can’t sleep. You ok
Scene – Helena’s Dorm Room, Friday EveningHelena stood in front of her mirror, swiping a light gloss over her lips as soft Afrobeat pulsed from her Bluetooth speaker. Her dress shimmered with every movement—deep blue, elegant, and just edgy enough for the night ahead.Behind her, Tessy was sprawled on the bed, painting her nails.“You sure about the heels?” Tessy asked. “You know how club floors are—designed by demons.”Helena laughed. “I want to make an entrance.”“You always do.”The door swung open and Stacy popped her head in, already dressed in a fire-red crop top and ripped jeans. “Okay, divas. Are we ready to destroy Lagos nightlife or what?”Tessy groaned playfully. “As long as no random guy tries to pull me to the dance floor again. I just want to vibe and eat suya in peace.”Helena winked. “That’s why we’re going. To remind the world that we’re young, hot, and undefeated.”They bumped fists, grabbed their purses, and headed out.Scene – Club Halo, 10:38 PMThe club was aliv
Scene – University Gardens, Saturday AfternoonThe university’s botanical garden was unusually quiet for a weekend. Tessy set down a woven mat beneath the shade of a giant almond tree, the sunlight flickering gently through the leaves.Leo followed behind, juggling a picnic basket, a bottle of fruit juice, and a Bluetooth speaker tucked under one arm.“I don’t trust you,” Tessy said, eyeing the basket.“Wow. Hurtful,” Leo said, placing it down with flair. “I slaved over this picnic like a man on a cooking show.”“Is that code for: ‘I made noodles and bought gala’?”He grinned. “Correct. But I added plantain. That’s romance.”Scene – Midway Through the PicnicTessy leaned back on her elbows, her sunglasses sliding down her nose. “You know, when you suggested a picnic, I thought you were going to pull a Leo-class prank.”“I almost did,” Leo admitted, tossing a puff-puff into his mouth. “Then I remembered I actually like you now.”Tessy raised a brow. “Now?”“I mean, I always liked you..
Scene – Kingsley & Rowe Legal Chambers, Monday MorningHelena sat at the long glass table in the conference room, her notepad open, pen poised. Mrs. Orakwe stood at the front, speaking to a small group of interns, her heels clicking softly as she paced.“We’ve been offered an opportunity to send one intern to shadow a real courtroom advocacy team in Abuja for two weeks. You’ll assist with briefs, research, and possibly—if you earn it—stand up during hearings.”Helena’s pulse ticked up.Mrs. Orakwe turned and met her eyes. “Whitmore, congratulations. You’ve been nominated.”Helena’s mouth parted. “Me?”A few of the other interns turned, surprised—but not shocked.“You’ve shown the discipline and the drive,” Mrs. Orakwe said. “Don’t let the pressure shrink you. Step into it.”Helena swallowed hard, her hands trembling slightly under the table. She’d worked for this. Fought for this. Dreamt of this.And it was happening.Scene – Flight Academy Briefing Hall, Same TimeGreg entered the ma
Scene – Meadow Park, Saturday Afternoon The sun beamed like a blessing, casting golden light across the green stretch of Meadow Park. Birds chirped lazily. A soft breeze rustled through the trees, and the city, for once, felt like it had slowed down. A red-and-white checkered blanket lay spread under a tall almond tree. A Bluetooth speaker hummed with soft Afrobeats, and plastic containers filled with banana bread, puff-puff, jollof rice, and suya were arranged like a feast. Tessy lay back on the blanket, sunglasses over her eyes. “This,” she sighed, “is therapy.” Greg cracked open a chilled bottle of palm wine. “To escaping stress, to food, and to the only people who make Lagos bearable.” Helena clinked her plastic cup against his. “To us.” Leo appeared with a bucket of ice and two more bottles. “And to the fact that I didn’t burn the plantain this time.” They cheered. Scene – During the Picnic They ate with their fingers, told jokes that made no sense out of context