Chapter 3

The next day at school, during break period Rose decided to thank Ebuka for his assistance, she met him reading under a tree at the back of the classroom, many students were also reading around the tree which was always crowded with students who comes to read. Ebuka was so engrossed in his book that he didn't notice when Rose came.

"Good afternoon" Rose greeted quietly.

Ebuka looked up; surprised to see Rose standing in front of him.

"Ah Rose, this one you came to see me, today is a very good day oo", Ebuka said closing his book.

"I came to thank you for helping me with the payment of my waec fee, am very grateful, may God reward you richly," Rose said shyly.

"it's nothing, I had not been seeing you in school so when I asked your friend she told me about the issue so I decided to do something about it, I don't want you to stay at home instead of writing the examination," Ebuka said.

"I appreciate but how were you able to get the money? Rose asked.

"I had to beg my mum after explaining the situation to her and luckily she gave me the money, Ebuka said.

"But you didn't have to that because of me", Rose said.

"I did it because I love you and am ready to do anything to prove it", Ebuka replied but this only irritated Rose but she concealed it.

"Thank you so much, I’II be on my way, "Rose said as she went to join her friends.

At the close of school, Nnamdi went to Ebuks’s class to bid him goodbye but he saw him sitting on the table deep in thought, some other students were busy arranging their things to go home.

"Ebuka take it easy, stop thinking about this girl before you become crazy", Nnamdi said as he sat on the table beside his friend

"who told you am thinking about Rose?", Ebuka asked in astonishment.

"What would make my friend so deep in

thought if not Rose", Nnamdi said jokingly, they both laughed.

"Nnamdi I have good news ", Ebuka said "what's the good news about? Did you win the lottery?" Nnamdi asked wondering what was making his friend so happy. He drew closer to hear what his friend wanted to say.

"Can you believe that Rose came to thank me for helping her with her waec fee, "Ebuka announced to Nnamdi’s

disappointment.

"I thought you wanted to tell me something important, Ebuka

I think you are only infatuated with this girl because of her beauty, I just pray the veil will fall off from your eyes before you land yourself into trouble", Nnamdi said.

"Am not infatuated with Rose I love her, anyway I don't blame you, after all, you have not fallen in love before, "Ebuka said jokingly.

"If this is how to fall in love, I rather not enter into it, because am not ready to have a heart attack, Are you going home

now or you want to wait for your driver?" Nnamdi asked.

"No, my dad sent him to deliver something for him with the car", Ebuka

replied.

"So you are going with me today, let’s be on our way", Nnamdi said as he carried his school bag from the table.

Ebuka packed his bag as they both walked home talking, soon Nnamdi got to his street.

"Nnamdi please I need a huge favor from you.

"What is it?" Nnamdi asked

"Please, I want you to take me to Rose house", Ebuka pleaded.

"Ebuka are you out of your mind? Do you know where she lives? she lives in a very poor area, her parent is very poor I can't even go to their house", Nnamdi said in disgust.

" I don't mind if she lives in the bush, Nnamdi please take me there", Ebuka pleaded.

"Ebuka, you must be joking to want to go into that swamp to look for Rose, what if you get infected with a disease you are not used to such an environment", Nnamdi advised.

"Nnamdi doesn't worry about that, besides I won't stay long I won't take much of your time, I promise please do this for me", Ebuka pleaded.

Nnamdi looked at his best friend and felt pity for him, he agreed to escort him.

It took them fifteen minutes to get to Rose compound, which

was a big "face me I slap you" compound where about fifteen occupied, one room each, the bungalow was very old, cracked, and very dirty, unwashed plates, clothes, and stoves littered the compound, the compound was empty except for

some little children who were playing around wondered where to find Rose as they entered the compound, Ebuka asked one of the children who were playing, where Rose was and the little boy led him to the backyard and pointed at one small stuffy kitchen, they thanked the boy and they both went straight to the kitchen which was stuffed with various cooking utensils, stoves, and pots which were arranged for each tenant on various tables, the kitchen looked very small to contain the loads, Rose was cooking in one of the tables which were their cooking section, Ebuka was so happy to see her.

"Hello Rose, "Ebuka called as she smiled sheepishly.

Rose turned; she was so surprised to see Ebuka and Nnamdi.

"Ebuka, what are you both doing here?" Rose asked in shock.

"I just came to say hi," Ebuka said.

"Ok thank you so much, you can now go please my dad will soon be back", Rose said trying to dismiss them.

“You are trying to chase me away, but Rose why are you always cold towards me, I just want you to be my girlfriend, I will make sure I take care of you," Ebuka said.

"Did I tell you I need your care? Or did my parents tell you they can't take care of me? So because you helped me with my waec fee, you have now come to insult me isn’t it?" Rose asked angrily.

"Rose please take it easy, I don't mean it that way, please try to understand me and give me a chance in your heart you won't, regret", Ebuka pleaded but this only infuriated Rose" please leave

now", Rose spat out.

Please don't do this to my friend, he loves you he’s very serious, just give him a chance", Nnamdi who had been watching the whole drama pleaded.

"You both should leave now or I will scream thief" Rose threatened.

"Ok I will go but please think about..." Ebuka was interrupted by Rose's scream; they both ran out of the kitchen.

Ebuka felt bad, he felt so disappointed and sad but his friend tried to calm him down, Nnamdi could not bear the sight of the compound and wondered why someone like Rose who was living in such a compound would not agree to be Ebuka’s girlfriend. The compound was so dirty, there were two tiny toilets and

the bathroom where all the tenants did their toiletries, the doors of the bathroom were already collapsing and the walls were greenish, there were lots of rusted clothe hangers littered around the backyard, Nnamdi felt nauseating when he saw the sight of the toilet. Just as they came out of the compound they saw Rose's father carrying two old bicycles, he looked very tired.

"Good afternoon Sir, they greeted"."Good afternoon my son please who do you both seek?" Mr. Chinonso asked as he dropped the bicycles beside a drum

"Sir we came to see Rose but we are on our way home now Sir, "Ebuka said,

"Ok my sons please greet your parent for me", Mr. Chinonso said as Ebuka and Nnamdi left.

Mr. Chinonso went to the kitchen where his daughter was sieving hot water from the yam which she brought down from the stove.

"Rose, did those two boys come here?" Mr. Chinonso asked his daughter who was not aware of his arrival.

"Welcome dad, yes they came to give me some textbook" Rose lied as her dad had earlier warned her not to have anything to do with Okafor’s son.

"Rose be very careful with the way you relate with this boy, I don't want any trouble from his parent, "Mr. Chinonso warned.

"Yes dad, I will" Rose said.

"Am so tired, business was not good today, let me take my bathe while you dish my food", Mr. Chinonso said, yawning.