I was given admission at the University of Lagos (UNILAG, for short) to study Law. In due time, I paid a visit to the school to complete the formalities expected of a first-year student. I was so happy that I was returning to school after all the stress.
One fateful Saturday, I went over to Gabriella's place as usual. She was in the kitchen when I arrived. I joined her, and in a couple of minutes we were done cooking. We both sat on her bed eating when she showed me a picture of a guy in her photo gallery.
"Who is that? Your new client?" I asked curiously.
"God forbid! That is my brother," Gabriella said in haste.
"Omoh! He is so cute," I admired.
"Abeg, comot eyes, jareh!" Gabriella teased in Pidgin English as we laughed heartily.
"I've been wanting to ask you this question," I started.
"What is it?" Gabriella inquired.
"Does your brother know that you are a runs girl?" I asked.
"Ah-ah! Nawa for you o! Na you wey wan tell am?"
"Why would I do such? Besides, I barely know him. But come to think of it, girl, don't you think it's high time you quit this dirty job and start up a cool business since you are not interested in going back to school?" I suggested.
"Haba! You didn't tell me that you have suddenly turned into Mummy G.O.," Gabriella said jokingly.
"I am serious, Gabriella. You are like a sister to me, and I won't be lying to you over a matter like this. Look at me, for instance. I only ventured into this 'screw-driving business' because I needed to raise money to go back to school, and now that I have gotten admission, I have put an end to it all. I am turning a new leaf."
"So what if you eventually run out of money?" Gabriella queried.
"Ella, you know that is quite impossible. I have millions of naira in my bank account as it stands now, and that will sustain me for a long time. Even if I become bankrupt, I will look for a decent job or something responsible to do."
"You are right, Natasha, but you see, I am working under Lady B. I can't—"
"You can't do what? Look, babe, this is about your life and not Lady B's. You can invest and start up perhaps a supermarket or a boutique and still give Lady B fifty percent of your income. What's the big deal?" I interjected.
"That's a nice idea. I'll give it a try."
"You have to promise me that you won't go back to your old lifestyle."
Gabriella smiled and said, "Fine. I promise. I'll do away with it."
"Likewise me," I said.
"Oya, come and help me choose the dress I will put on," Gabriella said, rising to her feet.
"For what?"
"For your matriculation, of course."
"See this girl o! Me wey never even enter school self, you dey talk about matriculation. I want you to help me do something rather."
"What's that?"
"I need to find a suitable lodge, and I want you to accompany me. Will you?"
"For sure."
The next day, Gabriella and I went in search of a lodge. It took us several hours to find a comfortable one not too distant from the school premises. After a strenuous day, I returned home, had a shower, and retired to bed. Some days after, Gabriella called me and announced to me that she had opened a mini-supermarket somewhere at Surulere. I was so happy for her. I congratulated her and wished her good fortune.
When school reopened, I started schooling at once. At first, I had a new roommate by the name Maryann. She was pretty, generous to a fault, and a devoted Christian. She was studying Business Administration in the same university as I. To crown it all, we became close and did things in common. We left for lectures together, returned home together, cooked together, and ate together as well. Maryann introduced me to attending church fellowship, which I was not used to anymore. Soon, I began to adopt her kind of lifestyle.