What if l try?

Guidelines

Idris stood up, books in hand, looking apologetic. "Sorry, Mama J. I didn't mean to cause trouble." Abina felt a pang of disappointment as Idris left, whispering "I'll catch up with you later" before he walked out.

Idris looked taken aback, but he didn't give up. He asked Mama J, "Why not? She's a bright girl, and education is important. Can't she learn and work at the same time?" Mama J's expression softened slightly, but she remained firm. "Idris, I understand your intentions, but Abina's got a tough life ahead if she doesn't get a solid education. I'm trying to protect her future, but she needs to focus on one thing at a time. Working here puts food on her table now; learning can come later." Abina appeared, wiping her hands on her apron, and caught the tail end of the conversation. She looked at Idris, then Mama J, unsure what to say.

Abina's eyes ping-ponged between Idris and Mama J, the weight of their words sinking in. She cleared her throat, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mama J, I... I want to learn. Idris is helping me." Mama J's expression turned stern again, but Abina stood her ground, her voice gaining confidence. "Working here helps me eat, but learning... learning can help me survive." Idris nodded in support, and for a moment, it seemed like Mama J might relent .

Abina took a deep breath, her eyes locked on Mama J. "Mama, I understand you're trying to help, but Idris is right. I can do both. I'll work harder, I'll study harder... I just need a chance." Mama J's expression softened further, a hint of a twinkle in her eye. "Alright, girl. You got a chance. But if your grades slip, you're back to just working, deal?" Abina's face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. Idris grinned, triumphant.

Mama J's face softened, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Alright, alright. You want to learn, Abina? I'll let Idris teach you, but on one condition: your grades improve, and you don't neglect your work here. Deal?" Abina's face lit up as she nodded eagerly, and Idris grinned, pumping his fist in triumph. "Deal, Mama J!" Abina beamed at Idris, a silent thank you passing between them. Now, let the studying begin.

Idris and Abina dove into their studies, with maths and science becoming the new norm at Mama J's chop bar. Customers grew accustomed to seeing them huddled in the corner, books spread out, heads bent in concentration. Abina's grades started to improve, and Mama J rewarded her with extra privileges – like the occasional afternoon off to explore Accra with Idris. The city became their playground, and Abina felt like she was finally living the life she'd only dreamed of.

As they strolled through Jamestown, Idris pointed out the old lighthouse, its weathered stones a testament to Accra's rich history. Abina's eyes widened as they wandered into the Makola Market, the cacophony of sounds and vibrant colors overwhelming her senses. Idris laughed, guiding her through the crowds, teaching her the art of haggling and the best spots to grab a bowl of spicy noodles.

They ducked into a tiny alleyway, the scent of grilled plantains wafting out, and Abina's stomach growled in anticipation. Idris grinned, tossing a few coins to a vendor, and they sat on plastic stools, devouring the crispy treats. The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over Accra, and Abina felt a sense of freedom she'd never known.

They ducked into a tiny alleyway, the scent of grilled plantains wafting out, and Abina's stomach growled in anticipation. Idris grinned, tossing a few coins to a vendor, and they sat on plastic stools, devouring the crispy treats. The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over Accra, and Abina felt a sense of freedom she'd never known.

The plantains were gone in seconds, and Idris laughed, wiping the grease from Abina's chin with a thumb. "Hungry beast!" he teased, earning a playful shove from her. As they lingered, the alleyway grew quieter, the sounds of Accra's nightlife starting to hum – laughter, music, and the distant beat of hiplife .

Abina rolled her eyes, but couldn't help smiling as Idris dodged another playful hit. The alleyway's chill vibe got her relaxed, and she leaned into his side, humming along to the beat. Idris leaned in too, their shoulders touching, and Abina felt a flutter in her chest – was this what it was like to have a best friend?

Their moment was interrupted by a burst of laughter from a nearby group, and Abina straightened up, cheeks warming. Idris noticed, his smile turning sly, but he said nothing, just nudged her playfully with his elbow. The hiplife beat pulsed on, and they sat there, comfortable in their silence, watching Accra come alive at night.

The group nearby started rapping along to the music, their own version of the song, and Abina couldn't help but giggle at their off-key voices. Idris joined in, throwing some freestyle bars, and soon the whole alley was vibing.

Abina's eyes widened as Idris dropped a sick flow, and the group cheered him on. She joined in, laughing and rapping along, her voice blending with the others in a joyful mess. The alleyway became a mini concert, with passersby stopping to vibe with them.

The crowd swelled, phones were out recording, and Idris grabbed Abina's hand, pulling her into the makeshift stage. She stumbled, laughing, but found her rhythm, spitting bars like she'd been doing it all her life .

The energy was electric! Abina's confidence soared as she started dropping beats, her words weaving a story of Accra streets, dreams, and resilience. The crowd erupted, cheering her on, and Idris beamed, proud of his partner-in-crime .

As the impromptu show ended, Abina's chest heaved, and she grinned at Idris, adrenaline still pumping. He high-fived her, yelling "Worini!" – and just like that, they were Accra's newest underground stars .

The crowd dispersed slowly, buzzing with excitement, and Abina finally caught her breath. Idris tossed an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Told you, you're a star," he said, grinning, as they strolled out of the alleyway into the vibrant night .

Abina's cheeks flushed, but she leaned into Idris, enjoying the moment.

Idris chuckled low, tightening his arm around her shoulders. "You killed it out there," he said, steering her towards the beach, where the ocean breathed calmly in the night.

Idris's grin turned sly, like he knew exactly what she was feeling . "You think it's over, eh?" he teased, nudging her towards the beach, where the waves whispered secrets.

They kicked off their shoes, sinking into the cool sand, the rhythmic crash of waves washing away the alleyway chaos. Abina let out a happy sigh, feeling the stress of school and home melt away.

The sea breeze played with her hair, and Idris leaned back on his elbows, eyes on the stars. "You wanna tell me what's stressing you, Abina?" he asked softly, his voice almost lost in the waves .

Idris leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Abina's. "Results are gonna be fire, Abi. And fees... we'll figure it out," he said, his voice firm, like a promise .

Abina smiled, a weight lifting off her shoulders. "Yeah, let's go home," she said, standing up, Idris following suit. They brushed off sand, and started walking, the night's calm wrapping around them like a blanket .

As they strolled, the silence between them was comfortable, like an old habit. Idris broke it, "You wanna grab something to eat at Mama's Place?" he asked, referring to the all-night eatery on the corner .

Abina's stomach growled in response, and she laughed. "Mama's Place sounds like a plan," she said, and they changed direction, the night still young .

They pushed open Mama's door, a bell jolted, and the aroma of jollof rice and grilled fish enveloped them. Abina's eyes widened – Mama's was the best, and Idris knew it .

Mama's Place is like the local joint –everyone's fav spot. Idris grinned, reading her mind. "Mama's the OG cook, Abi," he said, leading her to the best table.

Mama herself came over, beaming. "Abi and Idris! What'll it be?" she asked, eyeing them like they'd better order the works. Idris chuckled. "The usual, Mama." Abina nodded along .

Mama winked and vanished into the kitchen, shouting their order to the chefs. Idris leaned in, "You okay? Mum's fees thing..." Abina waved it off, "We'll sort it" .

Idris nodded, trusting Abina's spirit. "Alright, then let's eat, celebrate you passing those results ," he said, just as Mama emerged with heaps of food.

The food landed on the table, and Abina's eyes widened – banku, tilapia, kelewele, the works! Idris laughed, "Told ya, Mama's got us" . They dug in, fingers moving in hungry sync.

Sauce dripped, laughter erupted, and Abina playfully nudged Idris – life was good, food was better .

They reluctantly pulled back, full and happy. Idris stood, "Drop you home?" Abina shook head, "I'll walk, night's fresh" .

Days blurred, Abina's new job kept her busy, but she made time. Idris noticed, smiled – she wasn't flaky. But as weeks passed, he started doubting: had that night meant nothing? Was she ghosting now?

Abina's thoughts swirled – did Idris think she ditched him? Meanwhile, Idris was missing in action , no sign. She shrugged, assumed he was busy. Truth was, Idris got caught up, didn't mean to ghost.

Abina dropped it, focusing on work. But Idris' sudden silence lingered. She'd catch herself looking outside and being interrupted.

Abina's days blend into hardship, school's a maybe, shop's struggling... and Idris is now a distant memory.

Idris is now "abroad" vibing with his rich uncle in Benin, probably sipping palm wine on a cocoa farm . Meanwhile, Abina's grinding at the shop, no time for feels. Guess out of sight, out of mind, eh?

Abina's walls are up, serving smiles but keeping distance. New faces come, go – she nods, collects cash, doesn't linger. Emptiness lingers, but she's learned to breathe.There’s this popular lady who opened a shop nearby, and one day she came to Abina's shop. She saw how hardworking Abina was and started showing interest. Abina is so brilliant that everyone noticed her presence. Her inquisitive nature got her praise and cheers from both customers and colleagues. “You will be a great tailor one day”. This words rang in Abina’s head as Miss Adjo spoke to her about her need for apprentice and assistants. Abina smiled wildly exposing her white teeth. “ Ok Madam please l will think about it”. Mama Adjo said a simple goodbye and walked away as she slipped cedi notes into her palm. Abina thanked her and Mama Adjo left. Later that night after eating her favorite food, yam and palava sauce, prepared by her Madam Latifa, owner of the chop bar. She laid at her usual spot in the room but couldn’t sleep.