CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: THE STROLL
The night had settled fully by the time we ended Vanessa's confession. The lamps outside the hostels glowed faintly, casting long shadows across the pavement. The sound of crickets played faintly in the grass, blending with the occasional laughter of students hurrying back before lights-out. It felt like the night itself was wrapping us in a soft, secretive blanket.
"Let's go into the hostel before the time keeper rings the bell," Victoria said, rising from where she sat. She dusted her night gown lightly as if brushing off invisible grains of sand.
"Okay, but you are so boring," Morayo sighed, already pouting playfully. She stretched her hand, pointing in the direction of our classroom block. "I was expecting that we stroll down that side to our block, take a turn, and come back to the hostel. You know, just to breathe and gist small."
"Whatever," Victoria said, stifling a yawn. "You guys can go. I'm going to bed. I need my sleep."
"Hmm, always acting like a grandma," Morayo teased, shaking her head. Then she turned to us with eager eyes. "Does anyone want to go with me? I mean to the place I just pointed out. The stroll won't be long, I promise."
"I'll go," I said with a smile. "Going to bed this early will only make waking up at three feel like torture."
"Same here," Vanessa added, glancing at Morayo then at Victoria's retreating figure. "I'll go too."
"Alright then. Goodnight, ladies," Victoria waved a hand lazily as she walked toward our hostel, dragging her feet in her usual tired, almost elegant way. She didn't even turn back, just melted into the faint yellow glow of the hostel corridor.
I tilted my head towards Morayo. "Is that how she always does?"
"Yeah," Morayo replied casually. "She doesn't like staying outside for long. Hostel, food, class—that's her rhythm."
"Wow. And doesn't that bore you?" I asked, finally standing as well.
"Who won't be bored?" Morayo shrugged. "But what can we do? Let's go."
The three of us began strolling slowly in the direction of our block. The path was quiet, lined with trimmed bushes that swayed gently in the cool night breeze. The light from the classroom windows nearby spilled faintly across the sandy walkway, and the air felt fresh, carrying a slight dampness from the laundry gutters.
We passed a group of girls still bent over their buckets of clothes. Their laughter rose and fell like waves, then faded behind us. By the time we reached the open seats in front of the block, the grounds were quieter.
Vanessa was the first to break the silence. "I didn't know you also resumed with me," she said, looking at me curiously.
"I know, right? It must surprise you, seeing how close I already am with them," I replied, gesturing towards Morayo who was walking ahead of us with her usual carefree stride.
Vanessa smiled faintly, then tilted her head. "But tell me… why was Benita's cousin shocked when she heard your brother's name?"
I almost laughed. Vanessa loved to talk, and honestly, I liked that about her. It meant she would always have stories to tell, little gists to spice up boring school days.
"My brother is popular," I explained simply. "He's also the head boy."
Before Vanessa could respond, Morayo barged in, grinning mischievously. "She forgot to mention that her brother is too fine. If you see him, you'll wonder who gave birth to her."
"Ah! Are you trying to say I'm not fine?" I demanded, feigning a glare.
"I didn't say that," Morayo laughed, dodging my stare. "I'm only saying your brother is finer than you, that's all."
Vanessa giggled, clearly enjoying our playful quarrel. Then her eyes twinkled with curiosity again. "So… do you think Benita's cousin is a match for your brother?"
Morayo didn't even let me answer. "No! A big NO. A capital letter N-O," she declared, sitting down dramatically on one of the cement chairs.
I chuckled. "That was also what I thought when she asked me to talk to my brother on her behalf. You see, my brother isn't rude. He's not picky either, but still… he can't date her. Her personality, her rude behavior—those things matter. Besides, she's not even finer than his ex."
At the mention of Jessica, memories returned. My brother's ex had been petite, beautiful, but full of drama. They met in this school and had dated for a while, until truth-or-dare ruined everything. She had chosen his friend over him in a game. It was silly, but it broke them apart.
"Lol, that one go far o," Morayo said in her pidgin, shaking her head.
"I know, right?" Vanessa smiled, amused.
"Who was your brother's ex?" Morayo asked, leaning forward with interest.
"Jessica Okoh. Do you know her?"
Morayo's eyes widened. "That fair Igbo senior? Ah! That one is too fine. You're right. Benita's cousin no fit match Jessica at all."
"I wish I knew the seniors you people are talking about," Vanessa said, her face falling a little.
"Don't worry," I assured her with a smile. "Tomorrow, when we go to the dining hall, we might come across them. Then you'll see."
She brightened a little. "Okay."
But Morayo was not done being nosy. "Vanessa, did you come to this school because it's one of the best, or because you had someone here already?"
Vanessa hesitated a little before replying. "I came because… my mom's friend's son is here too."
"Oh? Which class?" Morayo asked quickly, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"J.S.S. 2."
"What's his name?"
"Kevin Oke. Do you know him?" Vanessa asked, turning to both Morayo and me.
Morayo shook her head. "Nah, never heard of him. Maybe I've seen him around, but the name doesn't ring a bell."
"Same here," I added honestly.
Vanessa rolled her eyes. "The idiot boy said he's very popular in his set. That everybody knows him."
We laughed.
"Maybe we'll find out tomorrow," Morayo said. "Let's see if he's as popular as he claims."
"Exactly," Vanessa muttered.
Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, I turned to Morayo. "What about you? What made you come to this school?"
Morayo grinned, her eyes flashing with mischief. "I came because of John and Joan's elder brother."
My jaw dropped. "Wait—what? John and Joan's elder brother?"
Vanessa blinked in confusion. "Who is John and Joan?"
"They're fraternal twins in our class," Morayo explained patiently, gesturing between Vanessa and me.
My mind was already racing. If she came because of their brother, that meant they had a history before this school. But how? What connection could that be?
I leaned closer, curiosity tightening my chest. "What's their brother's name? And which class is he in?"
The night breeze swirled around us as we waited for Morayo's reply, and in that moment, it felt like the stroll wasn't just a stroll anymore. It was opening doors into pasts and secrets none of us had expected.