Her phone rang again, but she didn't answer. Star sat still, moody, dull, and visibly unhappy. Her eyes have been red for days, a result of the cries she couldn't stop. She is heartbroken and has ghosted her lover.
"Star, please answer his call. This is the fifteenth time, if I'm not mistaken," Lizzy said gently.
"Answer that bloody being? You can't be serious," Star snapped, her voice low but filled with rage.
"I know he betrayed you, but can't you give him the chance to explain?" Lizzy pleaded.
"When Purple showed me the evidence of their relationship, there was nothing left to explain."
"It's been three days now since you met Purple and made that deal with her. You haven't even tried to hear Miguel's side of the story or explanations for the action. He's been calling nonstop. At least tell him what he did wrong. Maybe then he'll stop calling. Look at you, three days without eating properly, lost in thought all the time. Think about your baby. That innocent child needs food, not this junk you've been managing to swallow. The foetus needs strength from you to survive. You took that money for the child's sake, remember? So stop torturing yourself. Move on," Lizzy said earnestly.
Star was quiet.
"It's hard, Lizzy," she whispered, her voice cracking. "The thought of being a single mother drives me crazy. I never planned for this."
"Nobody ever does. But you need to tell him the truth, let him know why you won't pick up his calls. Tell him about the pregnancy. And most importantly, you need to stop worrying and start eating again."
Lizzy was interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing. She picked it up, spoke briefly, then stood up.
"All right, I'm coming out," she said into the phone. Turning to Star, she added, "I'll be back soon," and walked out of the room.
Outside the compound, Lizzy opened the gate and stepped onto the street. A black Hummer Jeep was parked nearby. Miguel waved at her from the driver's seat. She walked over and got into the front seat without smiling, unlike her when she sees him.
"Good afternoon, Lizzy," he said.
"Good afternoon, Miguel," she replied coolly.
"Thank you for coming out to talk."
"Save the thank you. I'm only here because of my best friend's state."
"Her situation?" Miguel asked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Lizzy gave him a sharp look. "You want to act like you don't know what I'm talking about? You seriously don't know she met her?"
"Met who? Can you be more direct?" Miguel asked, his confusion seeming genuine.
Lizzy narrowed her eyes. "He's just pretending," she muttered.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. So tell me, who is Purple to you?"
"Purple? She was my classmate in secondary school. We met again on campus. We chat sometimes on WhatsApp and Instagram."
"You never knew she was Star's stepsister?"
"I did. But nothing is going on between us."
"She told Star she had her father pull strings at UNILAG just to be close to you."
"Yeah, she said that back then. But it doesn't mean anything. I don't love her. I've never loved anyone until I met Star at the auditorium. I remembered her from the bar. I saw you two at the canteen, but I was with Purple then. She told me Star was her sister, but refused to give me her number. Said she wasn't close to her."
Miguel paused, then added,
"Purple likes me, that's true. But I don't feel the same. She dates lots of guys. She's flashy, a party type, I've known that since secondary school."
"Really?"
"Yes. What has that got to do with my Star?"
"Do you usually make out with Purple in your house?"
"Aside from childhood visits those days, No,…. wait a minute,… She had visited me once. All I can tell you is that she once came to my place and gave me a box of chocolates, my weakness. I couldn't resist, but something was off. I dozed off, and when I woke up, I was alone, naked in my bedroom, instead of the parlour. I have no idea what she did, but I swear, even half-asleep, I could never… touch her. Not her."
"Jesus," Lizzy gasped.
"She probably did something crazy, but I'm sure I didn't sleep with her. Even back then, when I used to play girls, she was never my type. I mean, come on, I can't be with someone like her."
"What do you mean?" Lizzy asked, trying to keep calm.
"I mean… almost all my friends have slept with her. She's rich, yes, but she throws herself around. No dignity. No pride. And even when I was at my worst, I never stooped that low."
Miguel was very anxious; now he knew Purple's visit was without a plan. He had waved it off when he woke up that day, all naked. But whatever she had plotted, he knew he would win her.
" Even in my right senses, I can never have sex with her no matter how horny I feel, for Christ sake, I can't put my dick in that gutter"
"She showed Star a picture of you and her in your bed and..."
"What? Oh my God!" he shouted, cutting her off before she could finish.
"What's the meaning of that?" he asked, bewildered.
"Are you asking me? She's already ruined things between you and Star," Lizzy replied.
"I knew it from the very moment she walked into my living room. But I couldn't resist the chocolate she had come with. She knows it's my weakness... I can't believe she stooped so low with that cheap stunt."
"Well, that 'cheap stunt' managed to separate you two," Lizzy said, relaxing into the car seat. "Guess it wasn't so cheap after all, more like clever."
"No," he said firmly.
"Star is mine. Forever. No one will ever come between us."
"So what are you going to do now? Because I'll be leaving soon," she said, checking her wristwatch.
"Leaving? Where to?"
"Back to Abuja. I'm going to be with my family, and we're heading to Chicago for the summer holiday."
"When are you leaving?"
"My flight's at 3:15 p.m., so I'll be at the airport by 2."
"You're not attending the convocation night party next week?" he asked.
"Nope, Star will collect my certificate for me."
"Alright... I just can't believe Purple would go this far."
"It's really unfortunate," Lizzy said, shaking her head.
"So that's why Star's been ignoring my calls and texts for the past three days."
"Yes, dear."
"I planned to visit her yesterday, but I had to take my dad to the hospital for his weekly check-up."
"Is he sick?"
"I think it's just old age catching up with him."
"It's okay, dear."
"Can I come in and see her?"
"She doesn't even want to hear your name being mentioned"
"Alright. Thank you for coming out. You're truly a wonderful friend."
"Abi? Anyway, you're welcome, dear. Please fix it up. See you." She opened the car door.
"Sure, I will. Safe journey, dear."
"Thank you," she replied, shutting the door behind her.
***********************************
Threesome Palava
***********************************
The music inside the Adam and Eve club was loud enough to burst one's hear. There were many people inside, girls in transparent short gowns, some on bumpshot. Each with a guy, some are with more than one guy, maybe about to have a threesome sex. Other girls are walking around trying to gain attention from single guys sitting and drinking.
The place smelled of weed and alcohol, with many girls smoking while twerking their waists, vibing and dancing to the background music. Miguel was moving from one table to another, looking at each girl on the face. Two girls held him, making seductive moves at him, but he pushed them away roughly. Suddenly, his eyes caught the back of a girl with a purple wig.
"It must be her", he said and hurried towards her. Purple was in the midst of three guys smoking weed and drinking. One of the guys was touching her exposed breast.
"I like your tattoo", he said to her.
"Then you gonna suck the hell out of me", she replied puffing out smoke from her mouth.
The guy was referring to the butterfly-shaped tattoo on both of her breasts.
"Are you sure you're fit for the two of us, because we're hard and rough riders?" another guy asked.
"Wow, I love hard riders. Yeah, Rough bangers are my favorite," Purple purred, but her smile faltered when she turned and saw Miguel standing with hands akimbo.
She rose quickly, leaving the guys.
"Baby Miguel, it's been so long. I've missed you," she said, reaching out for a hug.
He stepped back, gently pushing her away.
"Preparing for a threesome, I see?"
"Oh, those guys? They're just friends." She laughed awkwardly, pointing toward the three men.
Miguel frowned. "Can you please cover your chest?" He handed her his handkerchief. She was wearing only a bra in an open jacket, tattoos etched across her skin.
"I don't see anything wrong with it," she said, covering herself with a shrug. She had respect for the guy standing in front of him, the only one she wished to spend the rest of her life with.
He didn't smile. "What kind of chocolate did you give me the last time you visited?"
She paused.
"Just something to make you feel a little dizzy..."
"And the naked picture you took of us?"
"Oh... she told you?"
Miguel's voice was cold. "I knew you had your ways, Purple. But this? This is wickedness. Why do you sometimes act like a witch, even from basic school?"
"You're calling me a witch? Over that poor girl?"
"That virtuous woman is worth ten of you; she is not filthy and dirty like you."
"Star? Please," she scoffed, but then he landed her a slap on the face
His slap was sudden and sharp. She staggered.
"Miguel! You slapped me?"
"Talk about her like that again, and I won't stop at one."
Purple's eyes gleamed with fury.
"Go ahead! Be with her then. But know this, she chose money over you!"
That dropped like a bombshell. He had always given his woman everything. His heart skipped.
"What do you mean?"
"We had a deal. She took five million to leave you and relocate after the convocation night. Don't worry. You'll never see her again. It's just the beginning for us..."
"Us?" He laughed bitterly. "You and me?"
Her smile faltered as his hand rose again.
The second slap echoed louder, drawing people's attention. Purple screamed, but people around dared not interfere in the slay queen's business. The two men she was Reading quietly in a dim corner of the school library, Star lifted her wrist to check the time. 10:55 AM. Her heart beat a little faster. Her final paper was at noon, the last exam of her final year in university. After this, the chapter of her undergraduate life would be closed forever.
She exhaled, barely noticing the musty scent of old books and the occasional whispers around her, from other students in the library. She had been there since 8:00 AM, flipping through worn pages, highlighting formulas and key points, her focus razor sharp, ready for the battle ahead.
Miguel had stayed with her for a while earlier, but true to his free spirit, he couldn't remain pinned down for long. A few hours ago, he had left to join his friends, all equally hyped and wild with the excitement of the moment. The campus was alive with celebration.
All final-year students were in uniform, of white tops paired with jeans. A tradition. Their once plain shirts had become canvases of memory, with a permanent marker made of ink, each scribbled goodbye note and colorful doodle a tribute to friendships, inside jokes, and shared struggles.
On their way to campus earlier that morning, Miguel had insisted she be the first to sign on his shirt. He handed her a red marker with a playful grin. She wrote in bold capital letters on the center of his chest:
"STAR." That moment had felt like an anchor, grounding, and sentimental.
Now, standing by the large window of the library's second floor, Star gazed out at the bustling compound below. Students in white tops moved about like waves of light. Some danced, others laughed with joy, embracing as the weight of four long years began to lift from their shoulders.
Different groups made their presence known, some with red scarves tied around their necks, others in yellow, black, or orange. Cult groups, as they were known, were flying their colors boldly in the open now that exams had almost ended. It was part of the chaos and the culture, a mix of liberation and rebellion that came alive every final exam season.
Most of the students had driven to school today, parading their status in polished cars. Miguel had made her leave hers behind for Lizzy, who needed it, and offered to drive Star himself. Lizzy had stopped by to check on her earlier; they had a short discussion filled with anxiety, but she had soon left to catch up with Miguel and the rest for some pre-exam celebration.
But Star stayed behind. Her books were calling, but her dreams were calling louder.
"Work before pleasure," she reminded herself for the hundredth time.
She wasn't just trying to pass; she was aiming for a greater GPA, one good enough to catch the attention of the scholarship board. Her goal was to be selected among the students who would be sponsored to attend Cambridge University in London to earn their Master's degree. It wasn't just ambition. It was a necessity, and a dream rooted deep in her soul.
Below, the noise rose with energy. Students from the hostel had started pouring sachets of water on some of the final-year students, laughing wildly. A celebratory ritual, unique and chaotic, their version of an official "graduation shower." Congratulating their senior comrades for making it to the end of the 'ALUTA' struggle.
Star smiled faintly. They had made it through the fires, and now, they were cooling off with joy.
University life had been no easy road. Especially for those from homes where money was tight, and for individuals training themselves, like hers.
After her third year's tuition, which squeezed her sponsors' earnings dry, the rest was a fight for survival. Course materials were expensive, compulsory textbooks and handouts that lecturers insisted students must buy. Then came monthly upkeep, toiletries, and food supplies. All these had to be balanced with limited cash flow. As careful as one tried to be, provisions would eventually run out. And when they did, there was no sadder sight than a student, tired from evening lectures, coming home to an empty pot. Thank God for Lizzy, who had taken the responsibility off her shoulders.
Otherwise, what would she have done? Especially for the house rent, or rather hostel fee?
All these are plights of a poor Nigerian student.
Out of frustration, many students resorted to drinking garri, dry, soaked cassava flakes with sugar. If you were lucky to afford milk, then you can add it as a protein inside the garri, just to silence the hunger. It wasn't just food they lacked, but also a sense of normalcy.
Worse still, sickness was a luxury no one could afford. You have to be prayerful so that you don't fall sick. Imagine being sick, and getting drugs is a problem?
"My God..." Star whispered softly, still watching the scenes below. "Students are really going through hell."
Her thoughts drifted to Bekky, a fellow coursemate who lived in the hostel. The only time Star had visited her there, she had been utterly shocked.
Seven girls crammed into a single, stifling room. The air smelled of damp clothes and unwashed dishes. Each wing of the hostel block had ten rooms, but only three toilets and three bathrooms for all the occupants.
"More than forty girls using three toilets and bathrooms? That's inhuman,"
Star had exclaimed in disbelief.
"We have no choice, my dear," Bekky had replied calmly.
"No dey shout like you once didn't live in the hostel, before staying off campus. Everyone here has their own bucket for stooling and urinating."
It was almost surreal. Yes, she was once living in the hostel, but they were only four in their room. But who is to be blamed?, Obviously, the girls had accommodated their friends who had no money to pay for a lodge
"It's disgusting," Star had said, her nose wrinkling. "The hostel management should be ashamed."
Bekky gave a sad smile.
"I know. If I had money, you'd never see me here. Each time I go home, my mum gives me Yoruba herbs to treat infections."
Star's heart had sunk at the time.
"You deal with infections?" she had asked gently.
Bekky nodded. "I used to get painful urination, abdominal cramps, itchy vagina... Sometimes even boils."
Star had paused, at a loss for words. "Including Yeast too. Anyway, can't your dad help? Maybe support you to move off campus?"
Bekky gave a small laugh, void of humor.
"I'm from a Muslim family. My father, Banguole, married five wives. My mother gave birth to just me and my brother. He's here in the East, where he repairs shoes and slippers to survive. My dad never believed in educating girls. He said girls who went to school became wild and disrespectful. But my mother stood her ground. She wakes up every day by 4:00 AM to fry akara and make pap just so I can have a future."
Star had felt a lump rise in her throat.
"Why didn't you school in your home state?"
"I'm from Kano," Bekky said.
"I couldn't get admission into any federal school there. And my mum couldn't afford the private ones, or state university fees. When UNILAG gave me admission, it was a miracle. So I left everything and came down here."
Star remembered that conversation like it had happened yesterday. It was stories like Bekky's that kept her grounded, reminded her of why she couldn't afford to waste time. She had to rise. For herself. For her mother of blessed memory. For people like Bekky, who were fighting just to stay afloat.
"Growing up is a scam. Life is not fair, dear. But giving up is a sin. Let's continue the struggle amidst rain and sunshine, hoping and praying for a better tomorrow," Star comforted her.
After leaving the uncomfortable room that day, the next day, as she was coming to school, she brought along some foodstuffs and provisions, she had taken from the house, and gave them to the girl. There were many students like Bekky, each with their own story, going through so much in life. Life as a student was never easy.
.
***********************************
PLIGHT OF A POOR STUDENT
***********************************
The time was now 11:15 AM. She had just 45 minutes before the final exam.
Star closed her notebook, her fingers brushing the edge of a worn-out highlighter. She stood, packed her books, and looked out of the library window one last time. The compound outside was still bubbling with chaos, but inside her, there was calm, as she was ready. Not just for the exam, but for life, and for the future.
Star hissed, but looked up as Purple walked into the library. She was surprised to see her; she hadn't seen Purple since Lizzy told her to stop working as a bar attendant in the club owned by her stepfather. Purple and her friends were regulars there, always drinking and partying. Though they attended the same university, Star had never seen her on campus. Purple was the party type, maybe not even attending classes.
"Star," Purple called, noticing she was lost in thought.
"Yes, dear sister."
"Can I sit with you?"
"Sure, but I'm about leaving," Star said, feeling uneasy as Purple took a seat opposite her.
"Long time no see."
"I missed you badly, blood," Star said.
"I was always busy with friends. Sorry, I didn't miss you or try to stay in touch after you left the house and stopped working at the bar."
"I see," Star replied, observing as Purple gestured dramatically, drawing attention to her golden wristwatch.
"Are you admiring my watch? Daddy bought it for me on his last trip to China."
"Who asked you, bitch," Star muttered under her breath.
"Sorry, I didn't hear you?"
"I said it's very beautiful," Star lied.
"And quite expensive too," Purple added smugly. Star remained quiet, her eyes fixed on the books in front of her.
"Daddy promised to take me around London next year. Anyway, I'll be representing our Faculty for the Cambridge sponsorship for my Master's degree. Sorry, dear sister, I know that has always been your dream. But I also want to study abroad… and take a lot of pictures for my Instagram followers. Still, you'll always be our bookworm."
Star was stunned. Purple? Studying? She didn't even like to read. How could she have the grades to be selected for something so prestigious?
"Is your lovely daddy buying his way in for you again?" Star asked, narrowing her eyes.
"What do you mean?" Purple snapped.
"Just like he bribed his way for you to get into this school."
"How did you know that?" she asked, visibly shaken.
"It was obvious. How else would your dumb brain pass JAMB and post-UTME?"
"Yeah, but, girl, I'm still on top. Look at you, you have been studying your whole life, hoping to be chosen to study at Cambridge, and I've been partying. Yet, I'm among the five going. So, who's the loser?"
Star sighed.
"This is Nigeria," Purple continued. "To be honest, this is my first time entering the library since admission. And I came here just to find you."
"You said you didn't miss me. So why are you here?" Star asked coldly, but with a steady eye.
"Nice question. And I have the perfect answer," Purple said, flipping her purple-colored expensive wig dramatically.
"The guy you're hanging around with is my man."
"I don't hang around with any guy."
"I'm talking about my baby, Miguel."
"Miguel? Your baby?" Star voiced out. This girl was unbelievable. Why did Purple always want to take everything that belonged to her?
"Yes, dear sister. We've been dating since secondary school. Daddy even paid for me to attend this university because of him."
"But you party and club with so many guys. Why love Miguel?"
"True," Purple smirked. "But with others, it's just for fun, no feelings and stings attached, but with Miguel? I love him, I love Miguel. And no one, especially not you, is going to come between us."
"You're not serious, Purple. You've lost your mind. It's infatuation and lust that are messing up your head. Have you asked yourself, Does he feel the same for you?"
Purple burst into laughter. "Poor girl," she said mockingly.
That hurt. But Star remained silent.
Purple dropped her purple coloured designer handbag on the table. Everything about her was purple, even her lips, coated in shiny purple gloss. With a silly smile, she pulled out her Apple phone from her bag.
Star frowned. "What does she want this time?"
"I came prepared. I knew you wouldn't believe me," Purple said, handing over the phone to whom she considered her opponent.
Star took it quickly, ready to know the card she had on her, and was shocked.
The picture in the camera roll displayed Purple and Miguel, naked, lying together on Miguel's bed. Star gasped, clutching the phone tightly. Purple collected her phone back, enjoying the scene she had created.
Star pinched herself, hoping it was a dream. But it wasn't.
"Miguel lied to me," Star whispered.
"Don't be surprised, dear sister. Men are not trustworthy. But we girls? We fall hard," Purple said. "That was one of our after-sex pictures. We love each other."
Star couldn't believe it. Miguel had told her she was the first girl in his room. The day he deflowered her.
" So Miguel has been cheating on her with her stepsister."
But he gave her everything, and he was willing to take every responsibility for her. Thinking about it, her heart burst out, and her head ached. She bent over, burying her face on the table, uncontrollable tears flowing.
Their love has been beautiful. Meeting Miguel was like meeting an angel. They had sweet and lovely memories and had shared a vision of the future, predicting what their home would be like. How could he?
"It's okay, sister," Purple said. "I just want to protect what's mine. So I hope you back off. I don't share. Not even with you."
Star continued weeping silently.
"And I brought something for you, something to cheer up your dull mood," Purple said, pulling out a cheque.
"Here. Take it."
Star wiped her tears with her bare hands and looked at it. "Five million naira?" she gasped.
"Yes."
"What for?"
"That's my life savings. I want you to leave this town after the Convocation Night. Go far away from Miguel. After your NYSC, rent a house, start something… maybe you'll find a man and marry. No point staying here, you'll only lose and hurt more."
"Purple, I'm not a beggar," Star said firmly.
"Since I left your father's house and stopped working at the bar, I've survived. Life hasn't been easy, but I've never begged you for garri or money. Your father never cared."
"That's because you're not his child," Purple cut in.
"True. My mother made the mistake of marrying your uncaring father. When he ignored her, she turned to drugs. But I'm not like her. God's grace has kept me this far. You heartless being, of all days to hint at me with this, it's a day am meant to write my final paper, so you can mess with my brain. But I hope you know that my dream is way bigger than a man is to me. Keep your money."
Star hissed, packed her books, and stood. But then she stopped.
Three weeks had passed since her birthday, the night she first slept with Miguel. They had been intimate since then. But lately, she'd been sick. The hospital confirmed it.
She was pregnant.
She had planned to tell Miguel, today or during the Convocation Night. She thought it would be good news. But now? Now everything was ruined.
She didn't believe in abortion. It was never an option. God wouldn't forgive her. But how would she cope? Lizzy had done enough. She was leaving town after exams for a summer holiday in Chicago. Star would be alone, left to renew rent and care for herself.
The money… it would help.
Star turned back to Purple.
"What will you tell Daddy about your savings?" she asked.
"That's not a problem. I'm not poor. I'll get more from him soon. And when I leave for Cambridge, he'll give me even more. Face it, you're the loser here. Take the money and go."
"Deal," Star said, taking the cheque. She turned to leave, then paused.
"Congratulations, by the way. As the chosen one."
"Thanks, sister," Purple replied.
But Star was already gone.
Purple leaned back, crossed her legs, and smiled.
"Mission accomplished.