Chapter 3 A sense of despair

Hazel's bright smile lit up the market as she hawked her wares.

"Fresh veggies hereeeee!!"

A middle-aged woman eyed her produce, and Hazel pounced on the interest.

"Auntie, buy o! Very fresh."

Just as the woman was about to respond, Iya Bisi's venomous voice sliced through the air.

"Veggies??? Or vegetable?!" Iya Bisi sneered from her nearby shop.

Hazel's smile never wavered. "Actually, 'veggies' is a colloquialism, while 'vegetable' refers to a single item," she replied, her tone light.

Iya Bisi's face darkened. "Always acting like you're so smart. Got expelled, didn't you?"

Hazel's gaze met Iya Bisi's, her voice taking on a subtle edge. "Yes, I got expelled. But before that, I consistently ranked top of my class. Meanwhile, your daughter struggled to pass."

Iya Bisi's anger boiled over. "You think you're better than us?" Hazel shrugged, her expression serene.

"It's a lovely afternoon. Why not focus on your own business?"

Iya Bisi's retort was predictable. "Very stupid girl."

Hazel's smile returned, unwavering. "Have a great day, Iya Bisi."

Hazel's voice rang out across the market, unfazed by Iya Bisi's earlier jibe.

"Fresh veggies hereee!!" As she walked alongside two women haggling over soup ingredients, Hazel's ears perked up at their hushed conversation.

"Isn't that the woman who died last week's daughter?" one woman asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Hazel's gaze remained fixed on her vegetables, while she eavesdropped on the women.

"Which woman?" The woman's friend asked, confusion etched on her face.

"I don't know her name, but they live in Pa Olu's compound, deep in Agboroko slum," the first woman replied.

"Ahh! Mama Nkechi's friend," the second woman exclaimed.

"Exactly," the first woman nodded.

"Ahh, what a world we live in," the second woman sighed.

Hazel chimed in, her voice laced with emotion. "Exactly, ma! So unpredictable. But, ma, if you buy vegetables from me today, my sister and I can eat and pay some bills. My mom's passing has been tough." Hazel's eyes cast downward, a hint of sadness flickering across her face.

The women exchanged sympathetic glances, and one reached out to pat Hazel's shoulder. "how much do you sell?" Hazel face brighten up with a huge smile.

******

Hannah sat behind the counter of the small store, her eyes gazing out the window as her mind wandered. Her job paid minimal wages, barely enough to cover their expenses, but it was better than nothing.

She pulled out a worn notebook and began to write, tears welling up in her eyes as memories flooded her mind. She had once dreamed of becoming an author or journalist, inspired by her journalism studies. But life had other plans.

Three years ago, she secured university admission, only to be halted by financial constraints. Her mother's savings weren't enough to cover tuition, let alone other expenses.

"Hazel can't end up like me," Hannah thought, determination etched on her face. "If she does, our struggles will be for nothing."

She whispered a desperate prayer, "Dear God, please, somehow, make a way." With renewed resolve, she scribbled "Chapter One" in her notebook.

Just then, the door swung open, and Tundun walked in, his warm smile lighting up the space. Hannah's face brightened, and she set aside her notebook.

"What can I help you find today?" she asked, her voice infused with a newfound sense of hope. Tundun's arms wrapped around Hannah, pulling her into a warm, comforting hug. The familiarity of his embrace transported her back to their high school days at Agboroko Grammar School, where her sister Hazel now faced expulsion.

"Everything will be fine," Tundun whispered, his breath gentle against Hannah's ear, soothing her frazzled nerves.

As she clung to him, memories flooded her mind. She recalled the devastating car accident that claimed Tundun's parents when they were just fifteen. The pain and loss had bonded them, forging an unbreakable friendship.

Hannah's eyes stung, but she held back tears, savoring the solace of Tundun's hug. She pulled away, composing herself, and nodded bravely.

"I hope so. What's up?"

Tundun's face lit up with an infectious smile.

"I'm leaving tomorrow." He had earlier gotten signed to a record label abroad, after he posted a video of him singing online, they immediately reached.

"My flight is for 10am"

Hannah chuckled, tears finally breaking free. "Look at who just got his life all fixed!" She quickly dabbed at her eyes, but Tundun was already there, gently wiping away her tears with his thumb. "I'm sorry" she quickly said

"It's fine," he said softly. Hannah's smile returned, tinged with envy.

"Congratulations! I'm so happy for you." Her voice lilted with playfulness.

"When I make it big, I'm definitely marrying you!" Tundun laughed, his eyes crinkling.

"You dummy!" Hannah teased, her laughter infectious. Her expression turned wistful. "I'll miss you so much. Let's go for a drink tonight, one last time?"

Tundun nodded, and Hannah's face lit up. "Let's get drunk again! Who'll I drink with when you're gone? Hazel's way too young."

Tundun smiled, his voice low and reassuring. "I'll be back before you know it. And who knows, maybe by then Hazel will be old enough to join us."

"Sounds like you'd away for a long time" she said, sadly.

"I will be back before you notice" he said, sending her an assuring smile.

****

As the plane soared into the sky, Jason and Timi exchanged knowing glances, their faces mirroring each other's joy.

"How do I explain to my family that trips like this cure my depression?" Jason chuckled.

Timi grinned. "You'll figure it out when we return in three months."

Jason's laughter faded, replaced by a resolute tone. "As soon as we get back, I'm moving out."

Timi's eyebrows rose. "I've always told you."

Jason's gaze drifted out the window, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was always considering Mom, but Dad... he's making my life unbearable."

Timi's expression softened, but then his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Or maybe you're still not over Aliya."

Jason's head snapped back, his eyes locking onto Timi's. The smile had vanished, replaced by a mixture of surprise and unease.

Timi had unwittingly blown his cover. Aliya.

The name echoed in Jason's mind, stirring up emotions he thought he'd suppressed.

The reason behind his moodiness and depression over the past week.

"I know it's not easy, but did you stare at your pictures with her again?" Timi asked anxiously. "It's been two months, Jason."

Jason hesitated before responding, "She sent a text. She wanted to check up on me."

Timi's expression darkened. "Where's your phone?"

Jason's brow furrowed. "Why?"

Timi's voice rose in anger. "It's high time you block her off. She's playing with your mind. Can't you see it?"

Jason's silence spoke volumes.

The two friends had been inseparable since meeting at age eight. Their families often misunderstood their dynamic, with the Gilberts believing Timi influenced Jason's rebellious streak, while Timi's parents thought Jason led him astray. But the truth lay elsewhere. Jason and Timi shared a thrill-seeking bond, always chasing adrenaline and disregarding consequences.

Timi's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ojo, were renowned medical professionals, owners of JO Hospital, the city's premier healthcare facility. The hospital's reputation drew patients from worldwide, boasting top-notch doctors and nurses. As the third of four sons, Timi's family legacy was rooted in medicine. His brothers followed in their parents' footsteps, studying medicine and surgery. However, Timi's passions lay elsewhere. Against his wishes, his parents sent him to the US to study medicine, hoping to sever his close bond with Jason. But Jason, with his billionaire father's resources, followed Timi abroad. Defying expectations, Timi discovered his true calling in music. He soared to fame, becoming one of Africa's top three musicians. His bad-boy image was cemented by constant touring and rare visits home – let alone to the family hospital.

"Maybe...just maybe she still likes me," Jason said, a hint of hope in his voice.

"She never said she didn't, just that she needed time to focus on herself and her career."

Timi shook his head, incredulous. "For a guy with so many girls dying to have you, I can't believe you're acting all dumb for a girl who cares more about her athletic career than you."

Jason's eyes flashed open, a defensive spark within. "You've never been in love, Timi. What do I expect from you anyway?" His tone turned weary. "I've had a long day. I need to sleep."

Jason adjusted his seat, covering himself with a blanket and closing his eyes.

Timi poked him playfully. "I'll make you forget her."

Jason's eyes remained shut, but a hint of a smile appeared. "Let me see you try."