Star lay sprawled on the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling above her. The fan creaked rhythmically, its soft whirring the only sound in the quiet room. The past week had been anything but restful. Between relocating to a new neighborhood, unpacking boxes, scrubbing dusty floors, and trying to create a sense of home in unfamiliar walls, her energy had drained faster than she'd expected.
Her phone vibrated sharply on the side table, cutting through the silence.
"Grimmmm…" The ringtone startled her slightly.
She reached for it, and the second she glimpsed the foreign number flashing on the screen, her heart leapt with a familiar warmth.
"Chicago baby!" she squealed, pressing the green icon without hesitation.
"Baby girl, how do you even know it's me?" a cheerful voice answered with a light giggle.
"I just knew."
"Seriously? This is literally my first international call to you since I left. I haven't even given you my foreign number yet."
"See this yeye girl," Star laughed, rolling onto her side.
"I've never received any international call before. When I saw a strange number from overseas, I just knew. It had to be you."
It had only been a few weeks, but hearing Lizzy's voice again felt like a sip of water after days in the sun. The emptiness she'd been carrying melted into laughter. They had been more than friends, sisters, really. From their first semester of second year until graduation, they had shared the same bed, the same food, and practically the same life.
Lizzy, who once couldn't cook instant noodles without burning the pot, had learnt to make jollof rice and egusi soup through years of shared dinners and midnight cravings. They had bathed together, laughed through heartbreaks, fought each other's battles, and protected one another fiercely.
Lizzy never once complained about spending her allowance on both of them. She went out of her way, buying her clothes, covering extra school costs, even skipping parties, and studying alongside her. They were the kind of friends whose stories are written about.
"I'm missing you, darling," Star said softly, the laughter fading into something tender.
"Me too, honey. Please tell me you're not living alone now."
"I moved into a new apartment this week."
"So fast? But our old place wasn't due yet."
"I had to leave. Staying there felt like sitting in a cage of memories. I was drowning in thoughts... Overthinking would've killed me if I didn't move, especially as you're no more here."
"Hmm... I understand. So, tell me, how are you doing?" Lizzy asked, her tone shifting, deeper, more serious.
"I'm fine," Star replied with a half-hearted sigh.
"Are you sure? You don't sound fine. Is it the call connection or... are you just pretending? Don't forget who you're talking to. I know you better than Miguel does."
"Bitch!" Star laughed loudly, trying to hide the sudden lump in her throat.
"Yeah, and you're a crazy bitch. Brainless jerk!"
"I'm not brainless, abeg! I'm smarter than you, and you know it. You were no match for me in school."
"That's true, sha," Lizzy conceded. "Our certified bookworm. If not for you, I wouldn't have stepped into the library, let alone survived school."
"Reading is a hobby, remember? Great readers are great leaders."
"True, you made me serious with my books, but girl, I missed the fun I planned when I first got admitted. All my wild dreams, gone!"
"Oh please," Star rolled her eyes.
"Being with me was enough fun. Remember our late-night shopping, eating suya till dawn, and getting drunk on palm wine? We did crazy things, too."
"You're right. I can't deny it. But... how's our baby doing?"
"The baby is fine," Star replied, rubbing her belly absentmindedly.
"Are you eating well?"
"Too well, Lizzy. I eat and sleep like a queen goat," Star said with a chuckle, but it lacked joy.
"That's a good thing, darling. You need rest. How's Miguel? Any news?"
"I don't need him anymore," she said flatly.
"So you're serious about being a single mother?"
"Yes."
"Hmm... I'm not trying to question your strength, but Star, raising a child alone isn't easy. Not emotionally, not financially. Please, don't be selfish, think of the child too. Growing up without a father might affect them more than you expect."
Star was quiet. Lizzy's words struck a nerve she hadn't yet explored.
"You overcame it yourself, I know, but not everyone does. Children from single-parent homes often feel abandoned, angry, and incomplete. They crave answers. The child later in life might have a negative feeling knowing the daddy is still alive, and may feel upset and blame you. Children from single-parent families usually have unresolved feelings of anger. These children usually find it difficult to form successful relationships later in life. The sense of not having your father beside you is a serious issue, and this leads to high rates of anxiety and aggression, which will reflect on the child's attitude towards you. And you, no matter how strong you are, will feel the burden soon, financially, mentally, and emotionally. Sometimes, all you'll need is someone to hold you and tell you everything's going to be okay."
Tears welled in Star's eyes. No one had spoken to her like that, not from a place of judgment, but true, pure love. Her mother had raised her, but became a drug addict after marrying an irresponsible man. Star had vowed never to make such a mistake.
"I hear you, Lizzy. But Miguel... he betrayed me."
"You mean because of what Purple told you?"
"She didn't just tell me. I saw pictures. Nude pictures."
"Have you asked Miguel about them? Or did you just ghost him? I told you what he said to me, but you're just being too stubborn and locking out your heart."
"I didn't want to hear any lies."
"Star," Lizzy said firmly. "You owe him at least a chance to explain. Don't let that snake of a step-sister ruin everything you built. You need to fight for your love, not walk away at the first storm."
Star swallowed hard. "You think he's innocent?"
"I told you I met him before I left Nigeria."
"Let me be, please, men and their lies."
" But that guy, he's not what Purple made him out to be. He told me she drugged him. Came with chocolate, his favorite. He said he passed out and woke up naked, confused. He swore nothing happened."
Star gasped. "I need to think about this",
"Hurry up, dear, there is no time. The young man is going through emotional trauma because of this."
Lizzy paused
"Look, you know Miguel better than I do, that guy has taste, even if he wants to cheat, you know he can never settle for the gutter of a whore bitch"
"Take care, it's easy Lizzy, that is my step sister you're talking about."
"Sorry if I may sound weird, but that is how he called her. Purple was his classmate right from secondary school and made your stepdad work his way into the school for her because Miguel applied for the school and made it. Let me repeat the story for the hundredth time. Star, the bitch visited him unexpectedly one day with a box of chocolate, and...."
"That is Miguel's favorite", Star interrupted
"Exactly! She knows he can't resist that. Only God knows what she put in those chocolates, because Miguel said he became dizzy and dozed off…"
"It's okay, please," Star interrupted gently.
"Then you need to act now and accept him back immediately."
"What do I do?" Star asked, confused.
"Tomorrow night is the convocation party. Try and make things right with your man."
"Thank you, dearest. You are truly a friend indeed."
"Nothing beats sisterhood. But you need to be very careful with Purple. I know she's your stepsister, but that girl is capable of evil. She always puts herself first. It's just too bad."
"Mtweww," Star hissed.
"You were among the rightful candidates for the scholarship, but her dad bribed his way for her. They didn't even consider you."
"They crushed my dreams… all my hard work, all those days of reading…" Star said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's okay, dear. They are not your God. He will hear your cry and see you through. You've reached the bridge, and by His grace, you'll cross it," Lizzy prophesied.
"Amen ooo."
"Star, one day you'll tell this story. But for now, please avoid Purple."
"Okay, dear. Thank you, sweetheart."
"One love, sister."
"So how's Chicago?"
"Very interesting!" Lizzy shouted.
"Wow! Tell me more about it."
"Mmmmm, the city of Chicago is in northern Illinois, at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan. It sits on the Saint Lawrence Seaway divide, near the Chicago Portage."
"What's that?" Star asked
"An ancient trade route connecting the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes."
"Oh!" Star exclaimed.
"M-i-ss-i-ss-pp-i! Mi, double S, I, double S, I, double P, I! Mississippi!" she sang.
"We used to sing that in primary school!" Star added.
"You did?" Lizzy laughed.
"But I never knew it was a river," Star admitted.
"Lol! Bookworm like you?"
"Must I know everything?"
"It's okay, Star. But traveling teaches you a lot, you meet new people, cultures, and ideas."
"Yes, I agree. So Lizzy, what's the city known for?"
"It's known for its vibrant art scene, amazing architecture, cultural attractions, and beautiful beaches."
"Wow! I've never traveled out of the country…"
"We're lodged at a hotel on Michigan Avenue."
"It must be beautiful."
"Probably one of the most attractive boulevards in America. Theaters here host touring plays, musicals, and comedy acts."
"Which places have you visited so far?"
"We just arrived recently, but I visited the Art Institute of Chicago yesterday."
"Which one is that?"
"It's a world-class museum with hundreds of thousands of artworks. The building alone is 264,000 square feet, making it the second-largest museum in the U.S."
"Imagine!" Star shouted. "When was it founded?"
"1879. It's in Grant Park."
"Are you sure?"
"Hey! Don't insult me, oo. Ungrateful bitch!" Lizzy yelled.
"Kpere," Star begged in Yoruba.
"You sabi my language? I don't blame you. You think you're the only intelligent one."
"I'm sorry, baby girl. Please continue. I'll Google it later."
"You better!"
"Anyway, it's one of the oldest and largest museums in the U.S. It's known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. And two lion statues are flanking the main entrance."
"Incredible! I must visit it someday."
"My sister, you must. It's worth every dime my dad spent. We were so tired afterward, we had to rest today. But tomorrow, we'll visit Millennium Park."
"Hmm, I'm missing out ooo."
"I read that the park is part of Grant Park in downtown Chicago, bordered by Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, Randolph Street, and Monroe Street."
"Sorry ooo. I don't understand any of these places. Can we change the topic?"
"I understand. I'll snap lots of pictures and upload them to Instagram."
"For sure na! Slay mama. If we no snap, wetin we gain?"
"Photo freak like you!"
"Proudly! I've loved taking pictures since childhood. Once I got my first Android, I couldn't stop. Everywhere I go, snap snap snap!"
"I know."
"Snap everything, oo. Don't disappoint me!"
"I won't. Especially the Crown Fountain."
"Crown Fountain? You didn't tell me about that."
"Sorry. It's a modern fountain where water flows from digital faces of Chicagoans; it looks like they're spitting water! And we plan to see a performance at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, then visit the Lurie Garden."
"I'm getting jealous…" Star said slowly.
"Don't worry. I'll send the videos on WhatsApp."
"I'm expecting them."
"I won't disappoint. I'm a good child, you know."
"Good child, ke?"
"I follow rules!" she laughed.
"You? Your slogan was always 'Sometimes it's good to break the rules!'"
"Yeah, baby, sometimes it is!"
"Then you go to parties and get drunk, listening to Timaya's 'This Life, I Can't Kill Myself!'"
"Those days ooo. I miss campus life."
"Me too."
"Thank God for my slogan. If not, I would have died under your academic pressure. Man, no go die because of books!"
"Education is life. A day without reading is like hell."
"For you, not me. But it helped, sha. I passed my exams. All thanks to you. I hope I get second-class upper."
"For sure, baby."
"I envy you ooo."
"Why?"
"You're our first-class student."
"Why do you say that?"
"Everybody knows. If not for the bribery, you'd have been among the five chosen for the overseas scholarship."
"It is well. The battle is the Lord's."
"Hey, remember to attend the convocation night party and get my certificate. Don't forget to finish my clearance, too."
"Yes, madam Lizzy," Star said playfully.
"And hey, bitch, I heard the NYSC list is out. Check if our names are there."
"Why the rush?"
"I want to come back to Nigeria."
"You're missing someone."
"Mm mm, kinda."
"I know it's me."
"Nonsense! You ke?"
"Baaaad bitch! We all know it's Kelly."
"None of your business."
"You miss him more than you miss me."
"Sorry, girl, I'm not a lesbian."
"Sure you're not even bisexual," Star laughed.
"You're fucking mad. To hell with you, bitch!" Lizzy shouted, both of them bursting into laughter.
***********************************
She Write Him in Her Bones
***********************************
Meeting Star on her first day in school marked the beginning of a new life for Lizzy. They quickly became close friends, with Star around, Lizzy's plans of skipping classes, clubbing all night, and sleeping with different guys gradually unraveled. Star made her realize she was worth far more than she had ever believed.
For the first time in her life, Lizzy studied hard. She read more books in university than she had in her entire existence. Libraries became more appealing than nightclubs, and prayer meetings replaced late-night parties. Star's steady influence anchored her. Lizzy began to love God and serve Him diligently throughout her youth.
By her third year in school, Lizzy had not been involved with any man. Her vow of chastity, once unthinkable, had become her truth. She had discovered her worth and decided to save her body for the right person.
During Student Week, a fun-filled week without lectures, students celebrated in various ways. One of the most anticipated events was Rag Day. Students dressed in tattered clothes, carried empty cans, and roamed the streets, markets, and motor parks begging for money in the spirit of fun.
In her first year, Lizzy swore never to participate.
"It's for unserious people," she had said. But Star was insistent.
"We're here to study and experience campus life," Star had argued.
"Rag Day isn't about being poor. It's part of the fun. Come on, you'll enjoy it."
Star was right. Lizzy found herself laughing, running through the streets dressed like a madwoman, begging strangers and traders who played along with the students. She even sent the photos to their family WhatsApp group. Her mother responded with laughing emojis, while her brother called her that night just to tease her.
By her second year, she joined again, this time eagerly. Sadly, by the third year, Lizzy was down with malaria and couldn't make it. Star had to go without her. But Lizzy managed to drag herself to school the next day for Cultural Day, one of her favorite events.
Cultural Day was a vibrant display of tradition. Students wore native attire, danced with their ethnic groups, and showcased food, music, and costumes. Lizzy, still recovering, watched from under a tree. She wasn't in the mood to dance or mingle.
That was when someone tapped her gently on the shoulder.
"Not joining the dance?" asked a fair-skinned young man dressed in Ankara and polished black shoes.
"Nope," Lizzy replied.
"Why?"
"Malaria."
"Ah, that explains the sweater. Sorry about that."
He chuckled. "You look beautiful anyway."
Surprised, Lizzy turned to look at him.
"That's a fact," she said, then quickly looked away.
"Really?" he asked.
"Yes, I know I'm beautiful. Thanks, though."
They both laughed.
"I'm Kelly. Final year Civil Engineering."
"Engineering?" Lizzy echoed, surprised. She had avoided that faculty completely. Too many of them were proud, and many were rumored cultists.
"Five years. You tried," she said.
"Can't believe it's almost over. Feels like I just started yesterday."
"Congrats, man."
"Thanks, baby girl. And you are…?"
"Lizzy. Third-year Biology Education."
"Nice. One more year to go."
They talked for a while longer, their conversation flowing easily. Then, Kelly complimented her skin.
"I love your ebony black. Thanks for not bleaching it away."
Lizzy laughed out loud. "Seriously?"
"Too many beautiful girls ruin their skin chasing a lighter tone."
That sparked a deeper conversation about the dangers of bleaching, the chemicals involved, and the destruction of melanin and melanocytes.
"Melanocytes?" Kelly asked.
"They're the cells responsible for producing melanin," Lizzy explained.
"Wow, you're a real biologist."
"That's my field," she smiled.
He asked for her number. She gave it.
What started as an awkward conversation under the tree during cultural day blossomed into something she never expected, something pure, steady, and real. Kelly wasn't like the guys she used to fantasize about. He was calm. Thoughtful. Ambitious, yet humble. And for the first time, Lizzy found a man she could be herself with.
From a simple tap on the shoulder during Cultural Day, a new chapter of love had begun. They grew close. Phone calls turned into meetups. Meetups turned into companionship. They have come to love each other so much and are committed to one another. Kelly had long finished his national youth service corps, travelled back to Ibadan, his hometown, and had searched for a job all in vain.
Lizzy never left. Her love wasn't conditional on his status. She believed in his worth. She spoke to her father about him, nervously at first, unsure of what he'd say. But to her surprise, her father didn't just approve, he invited him over to Lagos and offered him a job in one of his companies.