Chapter 6 The scholarship

Chima and Jasmine exchanged stunned glances as Hannah marched in, firmly gripping the would-be thief's shirt collar.

The boy, Nnamdi, struggled slightly, but Hannah's hold remained steadfast. Chima's eyes widened in admiration, impressed by Hannah's bravery. Hannah's gaze never left Nnamdi's face.

"Apologize!" she demanded, her voice firm. Nnamdi, Mama Nkechi's second child and Hazel's classmate, mumbled a half-hearted apology.

"I didn't mean to... I'm sorry. Can I go now?" His eyes darted between Chima, Jasmine, and Hannah, lacking genuine remorse.

Chima's expression turned stern. "I think you should be arrested!"

However, Jasmine intervened calmly. "No, no, it's totally fine. Let him go." Her eyes still processed the shocking events.

Nnamdi wasted no time, breaking free and sprinting away.

Hannah released a sigh and returned to her seat. "It's usually like this here," she said matter-of-factly.

Jasmine's curiosity piqued, she asked anxiously, "What do you mean? This happens often?"

Hannah nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. Theft and misbehavior are common around here."

Chima's eyes narrowed. "That's disturbing."

"Welcome to Agboroko," Hannah said with a wry chuckle. "Only the strong survive here without getting swept up in the chaos. Girls face abuse, boys join cults, and fights erupt out of nowhere. Everyone's always on edge."

Jasmine's expression turned somber, regret etched on her face. "I had no idea it was this bad. I'm questioning my decision to invest here."

Hannah's smile softened. "It's not all doom and gloom, but survival is a daily struggle. Desperation drives people to extremes."

Chima broke the tension. "We'll take two bottle waters and a condensed milk, please."

Hannah efficiently gathered their items. As Jasmine paid, she handed Hannah extra. "Keep the change." Hannah's eyes met Jasmine's.

"And..." Jasmine paused, her voice gentle. "I'd love to see you again. Here's my card. Please, give me a call."

Hannah nodded, her gaze lingering on the card.

"Bye!" Chima called out, holding Jasmine's hand as they exited.

"Byeee, thank you!" Hannah echoed, her gaze still fixed on the card.

"Jaz-glitters, with branches in Lagos, Abuja... is this Port Harcourt too?" She chuckled, impressed.

"Must be a really wealthy woman." As she watched them drive away, Hannah's thoughts turned introspective.

"Is that guy her husband or boyfriend? No ring, but he reminds me of Tundun..." Her voice trailed off, tinged with sadness.

Hannah pulled out her phone to text Tundun, only to realize he hadn't responded to her messages from two nights ago. She sighed, concern etched on her face.

Meanwhile, in the car, Jasmine instructed the driver, "Take us back to GFC." Chima protested, "Let's check out the land first."

Jasmine's mind was made up.

"No way. If I build Jaz-glitters here, my staff's lives will be in danger. I'm texting Mr. Ade to put the land up for sale." She began typing on her phone. Jasmine sighed, still shaken.

"You should take your water."

"Thanks, but this doesn't look like the water we're used to at home. It seems unhealthy," she said, reaching for the condensed milk instead.

Chima chuckled, shaking his head. With one hand on the steering wheel, he opened a bottle of water and took a sip.

"I think she's cute," Jasmine teased, squinting at Chima.

"I saw the way you stared at her," she added, a playful smile spreading across her face. Chima's grin broadened.

"She seems different, despite growing up in such a tough environment."

"Right!" Jasmine agreed. "She speaks so well and is incredibly welcoming."

"I'd love to see her again too," Chima said, clearing his throat and focusing on the road ahead.

Jasmine's laughter filled the car. "Yo! I haven't seen you so interested in a woman!"

Chima's face turned beet red. "Durrh!" he exclaimed, laughing along with Jasmine.

_______

Hazel burst into Hannah's workplace, panting heavily. Hannah's eyes widened in concern.

"Hey, slow down! Do you want to kill yourself?" Hannah asked, offering Hazel a bottle of water. Hazel's face shone with tears of joy, her chest heaving with excitement.

"No one's chasing me!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.

Hannah's gaze lingered outside, ensuring they were alone, before refocusing on Hazel.

"Are you okay?" she asked, worry etched on her face.

Hazel's words tumbled out in a sob. "I got the scholarship!" She handed Hannah the letter, tears streaming down her face.

Hannah's expression transformed from concern to elation. She scanned the letter, her eyes scanning the page.

With a squeal of delight, Hannah pulled Hazel into a tight hug.

Months earlier, their mother had stumbled upon a Royal High School flier in the market. The crumpled paper advertised a scholarship exam for final-year high school students, scheduled for 11 am the next day. Rushing home, she shared the news with Hazel, and together they prepared for the exam. The next morning, they arrived at Royal High School, filled with hope and anticipation. As Hazel sat for the exam, her mother waited anxiously, praying and trusting in Hazel's exceptional academic record, built over years of hard work and dedication.

But months passed, and hope began to fade. Now, clutching the scholarship letter, Hazel's tears flowed anew, mourning her mother's absence. The pain of losing her mom before this triumph cut deep. Hannah's gentle voice whispered comfort in Hazel's ear.

"It's okay, it's all going to be better now." Her soothing hands patted Hazel's back, offering solace.

*******

Weeks later, MG swung open his bedroom door, pausing to take in the familiar space. His room was a quintessential boy's sanctuary, with various shades of blue dominating the decor - from the wall paintings to the curtains and bedspread, all carefully chosen by his mom.

As he stepped inside, he flipped the switch, bathing the room in warm light. Exhaustion weighed him down after his trip to Paris with friends. He dropped his small traveling box and collapsed onto his king-sized bed. His gaze drifted to the large framed picture on the wall, a cherished memory of him and his mom. A gentle smile spread across his face.

Just then, tiny footsteps echoed outside his door. Three-years-old, Star, his little step-sister, burst into the room, her infectious giggles filling the air. She halted by the wall, her big brown eyes sparkling with mischief.

MG sat up, a broad grin spreading across his face. "Hi, my love!" he exclaimed, opening his arms wide for a hug.

Star squealed with delight, racing into MG's embrace. Star flung her tiny arms wide, and MG swept her up, showering her cheeks with kisses.

"Miss me?" he teased. She nodded enthusiastically, giggling. "

I miss you so much, don't go anywhere again," she pleaded.

MG chuckled. "Okay."

"Promise?" Star's big brown eyes sparkled with expectation.

Just then, his stepmom appeared at the doorway. "Star! Lunch is ready."

Star pouted, clinging to MG. "Mommy."

"Now!" Mrs. Greg's firm tone brooked no argument.

MG intervened, "Come back when you're done eating, I brought you lots of chocolates."

Star's face lit up. "Yayyyyy!" She squealed, releasing MG and taking her mom's hand. As they exited, MG shut his door, letting out a deep sigh.