Theresa's Pov

I was never bullied in secondary school. Even though I was a typical plain Jane and a wallflower to boot but I was never targeted by bullies because they never felt threatened by me.

I had no idea what being bullied felt like until now. I was referred to as a divorcee with a degrading tone and look. It was in everybody's eyes when they looked at me. I missed those times when everyone would want to be identified with me. I missed the nickname 'Mother Theresa'. I missed all those things. Who wouldn't? But as the saying goes 'When life gives lemons,you gotta make a freaking lemonade out of it, even if you don't know how to'

I knew there was nothing I could do about it. It was my choice to get out of that sham called 'marriage'. It was my choice and I never regretted it.

Marrying at a young age and starting a family seemed very enticing and tempting, seeing as my mates were already getting married. I didn't think twice or blink twice when I uttered a resounding 'yes' when he proposed. It was so perfect. He was so perfect. He had a stable career. He was so much older than me and very handsome. Plus, my mom's advice that older men made reliable and loyal husbands made me accept him wholeheartedly, disregarding my sister's warnings not to rush into it.

It wasn't until now that I realized that it was all about the logicality and practicality, I never for once thought about love.

Love? That word was so alien to me until now. Love? Was it the sort of feeling I had for Chukwuma?

Chukwuma? That name had always been imprinted in my heart. I thought about him everyday. I always felt tempted to contact him and apologize.

Chukwuma, My heart still fluttered at the sound of that name.

Chukwuma! Hey, Chukwuma!

Now, I'm literally hearing that name on someone's lips.

Am I daydreaming?

As I looked up from a patient's chart I was busily working on, a tall man breezed past me, heading towards Dr Nnamdi who was with the newly employed female doctor, Cynthia. They were afar off but I could see them clearly. Dr Nnamdi waved at the man while Dr Cynthia had this grin on her face.

I didn't need a genie to tell me who that stranger was. My heart skipped a thousand beats as recognition set in. He laughed loudly at what Dr Nnamdi said as they hugged. How I missed that laugh. Dr Nnamdi appeared to be introducing him to the new doctor. They shook hands and Dr Cynthia had this flirtatious grin on her face while batting her lashes.

I mean who wouldn't fall for Chukwuma at first glance. He appeared to be more handsome than ever with his corporate attire of white shirt neatly tucked in and his tie with his clean shaven beards. He looked stunning. Cynthia was already conversing with him. Who knew what they were talking about.

As all these thoughts swarmed like bees in my head, I didn't notice Ijeoma standing in front of me.

'Theresa! Theresa! "

I jolted as my eyes focused on Ijeoma. I didn't realize that the pen I was holding was screaming for help because my grip was too tight. I immediately dropped it.

" What! "I whispered.

" what are you looking at? "Ijeoma asked me as she followed my gaze towards the doctors.
" Oh my God, Is that Dr Chukwuma?, My oh my, he's looking really dashing."

"Yeah, of course, he is" I muttered, grabbing my files from the counter, I got out grabbing Ijeoma's hand, ready to dash towards the exit because I wasn't ready to face Chukwuma. But unluckily fate wasn't on my side as I stubbed my right toe on a long hard chair. Sharp pain shot through my legs as I screamed, heading towards the floor, Ijeoma was dragged along with me.

The attention I was avoiding was fully focused on me and Chukwuma was undoubtedly staring at me with a frown on his face. I cursed under my breath as I struggled to stand up. Ijeoma was already throwing curses at me as she herself struggled to stand. As I managed to stand, the pain was there again, this time, I knew I couldn't lean on it. But as I decided to limp away from those embarrassing stares, someone held my shoulders.

"Hey, let me help"

As I looked up, I realized it was Chukwuma but I shook my head vigorously in protest. I didn't want to attract any more gossip.

"No, don't worry I'll manage"

"I wasn't asking" He said as she lifted me up bridal style and headed towards the exit.

I was highly mortified as I glanced at Ijeoma who had a smile on her face, giving me a thumbs up while the rest of the staff stared at us in bewilderment.

"Where are you taking me?" I managed to ask.

"To get you treated. Have you forgotten you're in a hospital?"

I perceived a faint hint of his cologne and it made me curl into him more, enjoying his warmth.

* * * * * * *
Eliza's Pov

My phone buzzed and as I looked at it, I realized it was a text from Isaac.

Remember the dare? Make me proud 😊

My heart increased its pace and my palms became sweaty making me more nervous. I looked around and kids were so happy and so excited, moving to the beat. Dj Klaywise and Phyno's Highway filled the air as Teachers acted as chaperone, separating a couple of students who were grinding against each other.

"Stay 1m apart. 1m apart" I heard one of the teachers say.

I realized I was the only one that felt uneasy. Everybody were into the music. It was the D-day, the much anticipated Christmas party and Christmas lights adorned the auditorium.

We were done with our exams and everyone heaved a sigh of relief. I could remember how tension filled the exam hall and beads of sweat were on everyone's forehead. It was all over and I was supposed to enjoy myself but I just couldn't.

"Eliza, hey"

I saw Chioma wave at me as she and her friends walked up to me. I noticed their outfits. They really dressed up for this. I loved how Chioma's dress hugged her, giving off her curves, the black dress barely reaching her knee. I knew how expensive the dress was plus the necklace that adorned her neck. I also noticed the other girl's outfits. They both wore a white top and a red skirt that stopped at their thighs. Seeing as the way they had curves and their height was something else, I could tell they wanted to make a statement. But to me, it was too immodest. My mom would never let me own those talk more of wearing them. I knew those outfits plus those heels were very expensive.

I knew the excuse I gave them when they invited me for shopping. Honestly, I missed shopping but I knew I had to live within my means. I simply went to the market where you can get anything you want at a cheaper rate. I bought a white sleeveless ruffle top, a blue stock jeans and a black sneakers. The top only cost me 300naira which wasn't much thankfully, then the jeans only cost 1500 which I bought with 1k then the sneakers was just 2k but I had to bargain and then I bought it for just 1300.

"Oh,Eliza, I love your top" Chioma said touching it. I didn't know if she was mocking me but I felt she could make out its inferior texture.

"Really?"

"Yeah, how much did you buy it?"

I gulped as I made something up. "5000naira"

"Oh,really. Mine cost 7k. Where did you get it?" Chioma beamed as if she was trying to show off.

"Adam and Eve boutique"

"Oh" Her brows furrowed in confusion. "I've never heard of that before. Have you?" She turned to the girls.

They all shook their heads.

"It's... it's a new unisex boutique" I rushed to say.

"Oh" The three of them exclaimed. Nodding their heads.

"Maybe you can take me there sometime" She said.

"Yeah, sure" I replied.

"Guys, guys, take a look at Oluchi" Amaka drew our attention.

We all turned our heads towards Oluchi who appeared to be under the weather. She wore a thick sweater and a trouser, constantly sniffing and dabbing her nose with a handkerchief.

"What about her?" Chioma asked Amaka.

"Okay, think about it. Do you think it was just coincidence that she happened to be sick right now?"

"Okay, I don't understand. I knew she was supposed to be the one to sing 'see the light' after the play. But seeing as she's sick and she can't perform, I had to take her place."

"That's the point, Chioma" Amaka continued "Have you ever wondered why she became sick now, like right now?"

I glanced at Amaka. She had this evil glint in her eyes. I was starting to connect the dots.

"Wait, do you mean that you made her sick?" I asked her.

She nodded, acting as if she was proud of it.

"I just had to lure her to eat some ice blocks with me and take a cold drink"

"But why aren't you sick?" Ebube asked her.

"I was smart about it. She was too dumb to fall for it in this cold weather. She developed catarrh and sore throat"

Chioma shook her head in disbelief as she stared at Amaka wide-eyed.
"Why did you do it?"

"I wanted you to sing 'see the light'. I had to do something to eliminate her" Amaka smiled at her somewhat bold act.

I turned to Chioma, wondering what she would say next.

Chioma shrugged. "Well, I was content with the lead role that was being given to me. But the deed has been done. I guess I need to sing as well."

What the..... I thought.

I couldn't believe my ears. I stared at the strangers before me. Why didn't I see this before?

Amaka grinned, proud of her accomplishment.

I glanced at the poor girl who confined herself in a chair, probably isolating herself. I didn't know what to make of this but I knew it was cruel of Amaka to do such a thing.

"Are you going to perform as well?" Amaka asked me, looking at my number tagged 5.

I nodded.

Chioma shrugged. "What are you going to do? Recite the periodic table?"

They all laughed. It was really harsh but I myself knew I was incapable of any talent. I knew I was going to disgrace myself up there but I needed to prove something to someone in particular and that certain someone was nowhere to be found.

The performance started. The dance club came out and danced a number. Davido's music Jowo came up and they were well coordinated.
The cultural group came out with their ogene, udu and other traditional instruments. They shook their hips, bending down, showcasing the egwu ukwu which I have tried to learn but I was just generally useless. They were really amazing.
Then the drama club came up, they acted taming of the shrew with Chioma as Catherine. I must say, she was really amazing, I would give her that. The way she was really into character.

Glancing back at Oluchi and the way she isolated herself, looking so forlorn, her expression filled with longing as she stared at the stage. I was filled with pity as I looked at her and was very much angry at Amaka at the stunt she pulled.

Suddenly, a croaking sound came directly from the stage. I snapped my head back to the stage. Chioma was busily bellowing out loud with the closing song after the drama. It created much stirs and boos from the crowd but Chioma wasn't deterred. She continued to sing, no she was murdering the song. I was suddenly filled with embarrassment for her. I mean, why can't she accept the fact that she can't sing? It would've been Oluchi on that stage.

"Whoever told her that she sings like Waje?"

I whirled around and saw Isaac behind me. He had this ridiculous expression on his face.

"Where have you been?"

"The state library"

I knew their final exams was next year but he should cut himself some slack.

"Give yourself a break, will you?" I told him.

"Yeah, that's what I'm doing. That's why I'm here. To watch you perform" He winked.

I knew I felt my cheeks heat up right that instant.

"Can't she just give up already?" He groaned. Referring to Chioma.

"Instead of criticizing her, you should cheer her on. That's what boyfriends do, after all."

"Boyfriend?" He asked.

I could tell he was confused. I started to wonder if Chioma lied about them being in a relationship.

Suddenly, my name was called up. It was my turn to perform and my legs became shaky.

"You're up next" Isaac whispered in my ear.

Our Nigerian musicians mentioned here are
Phyno, Waje, Davido etc.

Udu, ogene are all Igbo traditional musical instruments.
The egwu ukwu is a traditionally known dance step used by the Igbos.

About the novel:
Wow, things are really heating up.
Can you still remember the dare Eliza made with Isaac?
How do you think Eliza would perform? And
Chukwuma is back.
Will things get better for Theresa or worse?

Pls, don't forget to vote, comment and share.