Days later I'm walking down my school hallway with the mind of a zombie. Ever since mom died, nothing and I mean NOTHING had mattered to me anymore. Not even my studies.

The hallway had cream tiles and red painted walls. Having different education and motivational banners flying around. One particular poster had the picture of a girl wearing a graduation robe and hat. Carrying a piece of paper and giving a smile that I was too pa

People were passing me sympathetic looks as somehow the news of my mom's death spread like wild fire. It hurt to see people who never even knew I existed looking at me like the earth would swallow me up.

Amanda's mom insisted I still went to school so as to take my mind off everything as staying home would affect my well being. But it didn't work.

Class was noisy as usual, a few friends felt sorry for me as I was a zombie in class.

Each period came and left like a breeze. The words of each teacher was like water being poured into a basket. It didn't stay. I'm sure I'm going to fail woefully this term.

During break, I sat in class while everyone went out. I didn't want to eat, my stomach felt dead. I stared into nothingness and it was peaceful.

The sound of footsteps pulled me from my ocean of thoughts as I looked upon a tall, fair skinned boy, who had a smooth face, fairly coloured lips and a quiet aura around him. His uniform was properly ironed and arranged and his hands in his pocket, looking at me with concern.

I made space for him in my seat and he sat down quietly. He knew I needed space and peace. He took my hand and squeezed it with all the sympathy he had in him.

Thank you Joshua.

His contact made me feel better as I gave him a weak smile which he took happily.

School was already over and I found myself walking down the dusty streets of Warri. The sounds of angry drivers and crazy customers as well as mad pedestrians were all normal to me.

Annoying but normal.

What was on my mind was how to find my father. Even though he behaved like an arse. And I hate him with all my guts, he's still my flesh and blood. I had to find him.

Ami's parents filed a report about my missing dad. The police said they would 'take care of it'
But I didn't believe it. I was going to give them two weeks to find him. If he doesn't come back, I'll find him myself.

And I meant it.

Soon Ami's house was in view and I walked in. Receiving the fresh scent of Jollof Rice and Turkey. Ami was home by the time I got there. Her school was closer and they closed thirty minutes before mine did.

Typical

"Good afternoon madam." I hailed Ami.

"Good afternoon sister." She replied.
And gave me her signature smile.

"I de hungry die!" I screamed.

She looked at me and watche das I complained in hunger.

"You're in luck. I happen to have whipped up Jollof Rice" She smiled.

I screamed in joy as she swayed her hips to the kitchen. I was curvy though but Ami was curvier. Putting me in the dust.

That's why she wears skirts most time. Knowing if she wore trousers she would get a a little bit too much of attention.

I walked to the room I shared with Ami and changed into something else.

I'm sure you're wondering where I got these clothes from. Ami's mom got me some clothes since I can't go back to my house until my father is back or with the supervision of the police as they feared I may 'disrupt' the evidence.

Wearing a black pair of booty shorts and a white tang top, I put my hair in a bun and wore my pink flip flops. I felt so new!

Mrs. Adepero also got me new shoes and personal items and most importantly, a home.

She was a God sent. I know not every mother can take in a neighbor's daughter especially when that said neighbor's daughter isn't related to them in any way.

I came out and had lunch. After doing the dishes justice, I went ahead to start my homework.

Logarithm.

Puh-leeeese

I solved it in a few minutes before dozing off on my table.

-------------------------------------------------
"Efe." Ami's dad called. The said girl was getting ready for school.

She briskly ran to the parlour where Ami's dad sat cross legged on his phone. It reminded her of her dad sometimes.

"Good morning sir." She greeted.
He nodded in response. "Efe the reason I called you here is because the police called yesterday."

Efe flinched in horror at the mention of the police. She hated those people and who could blame her.

"They said they want to ask some questions about that night."
He looked her in the eye to see if she was listening.

She kept herself calm and collected but inside her was burning with fright. She had heard stories, bad stories about the torture given to people being interrogated. The pressure of remembering the day that everything went wrong. Bringing up memories she tried to forget.

"I'll take you there after school tomorrow." Mr Adepero said pushing her out of her thoughts.

"Okay sir. Thank you." She ran back to the room. She cleaned her sweaty palms and powdered her pale face. She silently prayed that she won't pass out during the day's ordeal.