The harmattan was too much. The dry air, the dusty haze and chilly mornings. I could remember our Geography teacher Mr Nwankwo teaching us about it. He said that it came from Sahara desert and blew across West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea. I'm so proud of myself for remembering his detailed lessons.

It's a season that is associated with low humidity. As a result, the weather is harsh to the skin and body. I could remember when I was little, I always had chapped lips and sore throat. When I turned 11,my mom forced me to start applying Vaseline oil both on my lips and body. I hated the smell that came from the oil, it made me want to puke but I had to. Hot water was also one of the things I was forced to take due to the cold.

I was in the car with Meredith, we were going shopping. I was forced by my dad to go with her. Maybe he had this crazy idea that we would bond or something. I came to his house to spend some time with him not go on a bonding shopping spree with the lady Morgana. Since I came to his house, my dad had never had time for me. He was always in the hospital attending to patients. He always promised me that he would make time for me but with the amount of people getting sick in this weather, I don't think the father-daughter bonding will ever happen.

The car heater was on and we were listening to Boney M "Felix navidad" I wasn't really feeling the Christmas spirit. But other people were really into it. I lowered down the side window and looked out, dry wind blowing on my face. Thank God I brought my sunglasses with me because of the dust.

I saw a couple with their two kids coming out of Crunches Fast food. The little boy and girl wore the Christmas colour Red and white, their hat red. Each with their goody bags. They had this excited and happy look on their faces. I remembered when my family was happy and complete like this. During the holidays, either we stay in the country and go for sightseeings or we travel to the states for some sleigh ridings and ice skatings. I missed the snow. They were happy memories I would always cherish.

I glanced at Meredith, she was busy singing along with Boney M while driving. She glanced at me and smiled.

"Come on, Sing with me! Don't tell me you don't love Boney M"

I scowled at her and ignored her,turning away.

I'm definitely not doing that with you I thought.

The Kingsway boutique we went to had all these Christmas glitterings. The boutique was so spacious filled with unisex apparels. It was beautifully decorated with red and white. The staff wore the same colours, some of the customers did too. Meredith wasn't left behind. I was the odd one out. I just wore my blue denim jeans with a black top and my black hoodie and then my black boots to avoid dust on my feet. A staff walked up to me handing me their free red cap, I politely refused. I wanted to get this over with and get out of here.

I followed Meredith to the ladies section.

"So here we are! Just pick any clothes you like." Meredith beamed "If you need my help....."

"Don't worry, I can do it on my own" I cut in, walking away from her, not wanting to spend additional time with her. I ended up buying a couple of dresses and shoes I needed. I glanced at the direction where Meredith was, she was chatting with one of the staff that looked just like her.
I knew that we weren't going home anytime soon, if I had some money I would've left her and boarded a bus home but unfortunately I had to stay back for her.

As I sat down on one of the cushions, I glanced at some group of girls who were chatting and laughing as they tried different outfits. I remembered my friends.
I wonder how they are doing this Christmas I thought. I quickly picked up my phone and went to Chioma's Instagram page. I wasn't surprised when I saw her pictures taken with her family.
They're definitely in the states I thought. And obviously Ebube and Amaka was with her with their families.

As I scrolled down, my eyes widened as I saw Chika with them with her mom. Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered everything I passed through in her hands.
Why is she with them anyways I thought as I saw more pictures of them sleigh riding and ice skating in the snow, eating hamburgers, hotdogs and pizzas, spending time in Hollywood, even taking pictures with the big sign.

I thought we were friends I thought. Why didn't she tell me of her plans? Why were they doing all these things without me and with that girl Chika? At least if she had told me I would've compelled my dad and my aunt to sponsor me so I could go with them. Well, my mom would never allow me to go. I know how I begged her to allow me spend the holidays here. But still they could've just tried inviting me.

I had all these crazy thoughts as my eyes misted over.
I felt like an outsider.

                     Flashback
We were in the principal's office discussing with the principal. No, not discussing. My mom was actually yelling furiously at the poor woman. I was on my seat fiddling with my straight-cut blue skirt while my mom was still yelling.

"What sort of school is this?! Eh! Why can't you defend a child I put under your care?! Do you know what this can do to her?! It can ruin her!"

I could see some of the staff eavesdropping, I could see their silhouettes. I glanced back at the principal who was on her seat calmly listening to my mother. I haven't seen her this calm.

"Please, calm down, Mrs Chigozie" She pleaded.

"Calm down?! How can you tell me to calm down! When my daughter was publicly ridiculed and made jest of. When she was obviously the victim in this situation. And who is Senator Akachi?! If he can't train his spoilt brat very well, I would gladly do that for him!"

Principal Justice stood up gesturing towards my mom to calm down. I became embarrassed by my mom's antics because my mom really gave the principal an earful.

"Mom, let us hear her out, please" I pleaded with her.

She calmly sat down but she wasn't actually calm.

"Okay, now that we're all calm and collected......" She paused and glanced at me. "Aren't you supposed to be in class right now?"

"Uh....I....."

"Go, let the adults deal with this. You have nothing to worry about" She assured me.

I stood up and left the office. The staff weren't there, it seemed like they'd already dispersed.

*          *           *             *            *            *
I went to Ss2 block. My block. The block was divided into Science and art classes. I was in Science class. Each classes had up to 20 students. We weren't that many compared to public schools that had overflowing populations.

Our classes were large and spacious. The senior classes, that is from Ss1-3 was a storey building. Ss1 had the lower part while Ss2-3 had the upper part. The Jss1-3 had a separate building.

Each students had their own seats with a locker attached to it. The classes were beautifully decorated with the schools color blue and white. The air conditioner gave the class a cool and serene atmosphere for learning. You don't see all these things in other schools. I guess you'll have to have your money to attend here.

It was still morning, 9:00 sharp and I realized that morning devotion was over and everyone were in their respective classes. I had to pass by Ss3 class to get to ss2. As I was passing by, I spotted Isaac who was surrounded by girls, they were chatting and laughing about something. The other girls and boys were just minding their business.

Where did all these girls come from? I thought. I was a little bit envious, you know. But I knew it was senseless. I decided to continue to my class.

I think one of the girls saw me, followed by another girl and everyone seemed to turn their heads towards my direction. The once noisy class became quiet. I became so conscious of myself and so nervous.

The girls were sort of sneering at me while the boys were whispering to each other.

My hands were all clammy and sweaty. I didn't know what to do. Tears welled up in my eyes.
I knew what they were thinking. I willed my feet to move but it couldn't. I just can't cry in front of them, I can't.

I noticed Isaac staring at me too but with a pitiful expression. He stood up, walking towards me. That was when I felt my legs moving. I hurried away from them.

But someone caught my arm as I turned, I was, suddenly engulfed in an embrace. That was when rivers of tears started flowing uncontrollably.

I noticed Chioma afar of. She was looking at us with a scowl.

A little bit clarification:

Morning devotion in Nigerian schools is where Students gather every morning to sing and pray before starting their day.

Jss1-3 are the junior classes.

While Ss1-3 are the seniors.
The classes consist of Art and science. But they have their different classes. The art and science students don't stay together in one class.

Ss3 class is the final class where you eventually graduate after final exams.

Now about the story.

I feel for Eliza.
She is seriously going through a lot.

What do you think will happen in the next chapters?

And what in the world is going on between Eliza and Isaac?!!!

I totally ship the pair.
What do you guys think?

And how do you think Chioma is feeling right now?