A Room For Her Lies.

At cockcrow, the morning sun shone brightly in one of Badagry's most urbanized areas, Ikoga. The community stirred to life as children rose from their slumber, and parents got to their feet. For some, it was a typical Monday morning – preparing for school, a privilege reserved for those born with a silver spoon.

Pexel

However, in this poverty-stricken neighborhood, most children's daily routines differed significantly. Children grabbed farming tools – hoes, machetes, water cans – and headed to the farm before resuming school. The sound of roosters crowing and the rustling of leaves filled the air as they made their way to the fields.

Girls received preferential treatment, helping their mothers with morning chores instead of farming. My childhood friend, Maugbe, and other young girls like me were fortunate to be exempt from this morning custom, although there were days we had to help out on the farm.

Feeding wasn't a challenge for any family because almost all families owned plots of land where we practiced subsistence farming, cultivating and harvesting crops. Our community was self-sufficient in food production, but we lacked something essential – enough money.

As a result, parents couldn't afford private schools; instead, they enrolled their children in less expensive institutions, prioritizing basic literacy. Every child understood their fate right after graduating from these schools and didn't stretch their luck further nor debate about attending public school.

Maugbe was like an elder sister I never had; she would have outperformed what my sister would have been to me if I had one. Maugbe was three years older than me, but her humility and kindness made her relatable.

She was a combination of beauty and brains, and her humility made her approachable. Everybody liked her because of these appealing traits, and I did, even more. We became inseparable, regarded as sisters by others, both in school and at home.
Our bond was strong, and our friendship deepened with each passing day. We shared secrets, laughter, and tears together.

The Junior High Entrance examination came, and it was an easy milestone to crush; Maugbe's intelligence had rubbed off on me. We both passed the exam after graduating from a modest private school our parents could afford.
Our achievement seemed remarkable, especially compared to students from British standard schools. We were proud of ourselves, and our parents were proud of us too.

However, upon resuming Junior High, Maugbe's priorities shifted. She drifted away from me and joined a clique known as the "big girls." These girls focused on improving their looks rather than their grades.

They sought attention from male teachers, trading favors for better grades. I confronted Maugbe, confused by her choices. She replied, "Dorcas, you wouldn't understand even if I tell you." Perhaps she was right; I couldn't comprehend her actions.

Maugbe's misplaced priorities led to plummeting grades. Her parents remained unaware, oblivious to her struggles. I kept her secret, hoping she'd change, but she persisted.

After the third-term promotional exam, Maugbe's results showed no improvement; she was to repeat the class. "She can't escape this," I thought. Little did I know, Maugbe had another trick up her sleeve – promoting herself to a random class without registration.

That evening, while listening to my dad's folklore, I pondered Maugbe's actions. My dad noticed my distraction and asked, "Dorcas, what's on your mind?" I concealed my concerns, replying, "It's nothing, Dad."

I excused myself and visited Maugbe's house, intending to reveal her secret to her parents. Luckily, Maugbe was out on an errand. Her parents were stunned by my revelation, their eyes filled with anger and disappointment.

The next day, Maugbe's parents visited our school, confronting her about her actions. Her expression revealed guilt, not surprise.

Maugbe faced severe consequences: public shame, beatings from teachers, and repeating the class. I stood by her, offering support.

As we walked home from school, Maugbe's eyes were cast down, her shoulders slumped down in shame . I walked beside her silently as I tried, cheering3 her up.
I had made room for her lies in my heart as promised,but I couldn't fill it completely, which is why I exposed her secrets.

In the days that followed, Maugbe's demeanor changed. She became withdrawn, avoiding social interactions. Her grades suffered, and her relationships with our classmates deteriorated.
But I remained by her side, a constant presence in her life. And though our friendship was tested, it remained unbroken.

Days turned to weeks and weeks to months. Maugbe gradually built her broken ego through attending classes, paying apt attention during lectures and disengaging herself from the "big girls" cliques.

Her grades drastically improved,which made teachers and some students to be in disbelief but I wasn't surprised because, I knew she was better off those bad eggs influencing her.

The sun set, casting a warm orange glow on us, the street was silent, saving the burst of children's laughter in the faded light-
we were seated afar off as we watched them play.

"Thank you Dee, for always having my back" she said with a gleaming smile that reflected her sincerity.
"Anytime friend!", I replied casually.

©️ Medemausi

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