72 HOURS EARLIER
Convocation was fast approaching; hence, Mayfield University was quite bubbly this morning. Lecturers strolled in and out of the conference room, some final-year students checking the notice boards for information about the ceremony, while others clustered around, making small talk- mainly about the after-graduation party.
Titi walked past the lecture theatre and heaved a sigh of relief. She and her friends had successfully scaled through and finished with excellent grades.
‘Don’t tell me you are going to miss this building, after all the shege we went through’ a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
‘Hi, Bola,’ Titi said dryly as she greeted her best friend.
‘Ahan, which one is Hi Bola? Is everything okay? Why do you look sad?’
‘Yes, I am fine. I need to go now; I want to pack my things from the hostel; my mum is coming to pick me up today.’ Titi started to walk away when Bola held her back.
‘Aunty, where are you going? Didn’t we see each other yesterday? You were not like this now. Which one is I need to go now. Abeg, I wanted to make a few changes to the food menu for your birthday party. I have some ideas.’ Bola was excited. They had been planning for weeks. Some days, it felt like Bola was the one celebrating because of the energy she invested in the preparation.
‘Bola, I have told you to stop squeezing someone’s hand like that; it’s painful. Ahan. I need to go and pack. You can make any changes you want. You know I am not picky with food.’
‘Ahan! Titilola! Why are you acting like you are angry with me? What did I do? Did something happen this morning? Your roommate even sent me a message this morning asking if I had seen you, and I told her you were in my room yesterday. The yeye girl just said okay. I even said I would mention it to you.’ Bola was getting concerned.
‘Yetunde needs to learn to mind her business. I am fine, Bola, thank you. I will come to your house this evening, at least you are also going home today.’
Later that evening
Titi pressed the doorbell to her house. Her mum had sent her driver to pick her up from school instead, and Titi was disappointed because she hoped to discuss the rude news her mum had brought her that morning.
‘O ti de, welcome. The driver would bring in your things, so don’t worry.’ Mrs Williams hugged her daughter.
‘Is Dad around?’
‘He stepped out briefly. But he would be back soon—’
‘Good’, Titi interrupted, dropping her bag on the sofa. ‘Mummy, please tell me you were joking this morning.’
‘Titi.’ Her mum beckoned on her to sit before continuing. ‘Listen, I don’t want to lie to you, but you need to know that your dad and I love you very much. Trust me, this is not about you. It doesn’t change how we feel about you. It is—
Titi placed her hands on her head. Her worse fears had been confirmed.
