At The Peak, Don't Loose Guard

"Good morning mum!" "Good morning my lovely Binta! Hope you are fine and preparing for lectures as usual?" Mum asked. ( Yes! My mum and I were on a phone conversation early that morning, while I was on the bus to campus) "Yes mum! Am on my way already, I just wanted to hear your voice and how is my Tracy and dad doing?" "Your kid sister and everyone else is fine, she has gone back to school. Dear, always be careful and don't forget all the things I and your dad taught you. Remember, this is the last phase of your stay in school, please, make mum and dad proud as usual and remain the good girl you have always been, okay?" Mum advised "Yes Ma! I won't forget all your instructions. I promise to make you all proud. Okay! Mum I need to hang up now, but please, extend my regards to dad and especially Tracy whenever you visit her in school, tell her I love and miss her." I said beaming with smile all over my face "No problem sweetheart. God will continually guide you" Mum prayed "Amen! I love you mum. Bye...” I hanged up the call. Just after I ended the call, the thought of my beautiful family, kept flashing through my mind. I couldn't help but kept smiling to myself, as I was sitted on the bus, which I was boarding to school. Indeed, I missed my family and miss being at home. Well, you won't blame me, my family was all I got. Yes! it was just myself and Tracy my parents had. We were the pride of our parents. I love my family so much because they were my first and best tutors who led me in the way of the Lord. Tracy and I had always done excellently in our academics and represented our parents well everywhere so as to make them proud and this made them cherish us so much and never felt bad for not having a male child. All that ever mattered to me was my family and my relationship with God, they were the only confidant and God was more than a father to me, He was more of a best friend, in whom I depend on and this made me distinguished amongst all. I loved God so much that whatever decisions I took was always backed up with his voice As a student, I never played with my books and this attained me as one of the most respected and soughted lady in my department on campus and even in other departments. I dedicated quality time to my books and service to God. Finally, it was my final days in school and it was a new week, I resumed for lectures as usual, well decked up and prepared for my lectures During the course of the day's activities, something dramatic happened. I was in our departmental library to get some of my books which I had left behind for lectures earlier, when I was about leaving I felt a hard hit (Gbam!) on my back and a harsh statement from behind "Hey! Who do you think you are?" the individual screamed behind me I could not detect the voice so I decided to turn around though still feeling the pain. Hmmm! it was Annie my course mate. "Annie what is the problem?" I asked confused. I barely understood my offense because I was not close with Annie as she was not the kind of friends I kept. Annie is beautiful no doubt, she always had around her sets of male folk. She is not the studios and spiritual type but very influential and social. Even while I looked confused and kept asking her what the issue was, she kept pushing me and her attitude kept asking for a fight. I was embarrassed because a lot of people were present in the library. Everyone kept wondering what the issue was. Since I couldn't take it anymore and I'm not the type that fight. I decided to avoid the fight by picking up my bag and tried exiting the scene. Just then she dragged me back "You evil girl, hope you are happy now!" Annie yelled at me "Happy? I don't seem to understand you. Please speak out clearly and stop calling me names." "How will you understand? When your evil has blinded your eyes." Annie hissed at me. Luckily for me at that moment, Doris who was also my colleague and a friend to Annie was present at the scene. Doris joined in asking her what the issue was. Annie then replied her, "Doris, don't mind this girl, she is the architect of my low grade." Doris tried to calm Annie down and spoke softly into her ears. "Annie! People are watching and I know you would not want to create a scene before your junior colleagues’ right? So please let's go somewhere else to discuss this issue." Annie reluctantly agreed to leave and we left the library to our little study room. In my school we had a small study room that is only accessible to the final year students, where they could go to read or have a group conversation on any course, tedious for them]. The study room was situated on the second floor in our department; which of course was a few distance away from our departmental library. While we made our way there, Annie kept murmuring all through, still looking furious. When we finally got there, we met few of our colleagues too that were chatting. Immediately, Annie dropped her books hardly on the table, panting as if to feast on me. At that moment, the attention of the other colleagues we met there, was fixed on us. Annie on the other hand kept her hands crossed together, her eyes were reddened and she continuously kept vibrating her body, even as she breathed hard constantly and loudly. This display of hers, moved a colleague of ours to ask what the issue was. "Actually, the issue..." I tried to respond. "Oh please! Which issue or explanation are you trying to give?" Annie interrupted me. She turned to the others direction. "Binta here (pointing to me), approached one of our lecturers, and laid a complaint against me. Binta told him that, I replicated her answers during the exam, and that compelled Dr. Benjamin to reduce my score and now I got C instead of A in his course," Annie explained. "Wait! Are you talking about EGL 402 that was released earlier today?" Doris asked curiously. "Yes of course, because of this witch" Annie replied "Hey! Is EGL 402 really out?" I asked surprisingly. "Who the hell are you asking?" Annie hissed, looking away. "Yes Binta! It was released this morning, but you need not to panic about it 'cause I know you must have nailed it again," Morris teased. He was sitted at the extreme side of the study room. "Why won't she nail it? Evil incarnated, only she desires to pass at all times," Annie reacted. Whilst, looking at me disdainfully. "Meaning?" I asked, but no response. Still standing there with my hands folded together, looking dumbfounded trying to understand what exactly transpired between Dr. Benjamin, myself and Annie, coupled with the news of our result just released. I stood there, wondering what my own fate would be too since Annie had C. "But how did you know that Binta is responsible for this?" Morris broke the silence. "Of course she is! When I met with Dr.Benjamin earlier today, he asked me if I had seen my result and I said no and he told me to check. When I checked, to my greatest surprise it was C, because I knew I wrote the exams well. Of course I needed clarity on the issue, so, I went back to him in his office and told him about my result. "So what was his response?" Doris asked. "Hmm! His response was so annoying, he was like I should be grateful that he did not penalize me or probably gave me an F" "What? Haba! Was it up to that?" Doris acted quite surprised. "Babe! That was not even all. He went further to ask me, if I thought he was not aware, of what led Binta to request for a relocation of seat, on that day of the exam. Can you imagine that statement? He even said my script proved it all, 'cause it was exactly like hers, therefore, I duplicated her write-ups since I sat behind her." "Oh I see!" I whispered aside. Looking back at her. I asked, "But Annie in your statement, I can't trace where he mentioned that I reported you to him. So, why accuse me falsely?" "Shut up! So, must I wait until he discloses that before I can detect your mischievous actions behind closed doors? Well, if you had not told him anything, then tell me, what gave him the impression that I drove you out of your seat? Which of course, I never did." "How would I know? I stood up on my own and told him I was no longer comfortable in my seat and he asked me why? But I said nothing and he took me to another seat." I explained "But wait oh! Binta, what prompted such display of attitude from you that day?" Doris asked curiously "Why don't you ask Annie instead? 'Cause she is here acting all innocent," I responded a bit harsh. At this point, my patience was gradually running out. "Ask what? Did I ever caused you any form of discomfort while you were sitted? or what are you driving at? Well, I don't blame you. It is because all the lecturers love you that's why," Annie retorted. "Oh please! Stop all these pretense in front of everyone and let us be true to ourselves. Of a truth, were you not the actual reason I opted for another space that day? When you kept pestering me and viewing my script from behind, to the extent of almost landing me trouble. Anyway, I still did not disclose anything of such to him, even when he further asked me after the exam, my lips were sealed. I believe he detected it by himself, so cut all these drama." "Haba! C'mon Binta, that reason was still not enough for you to have left your allocated sitting position. And besides, you know our lecturer is very smart, sharp and inquisitive about things and he won't quit until he gets to the root of an issue. Come to think of it, there is nothing wrong in offering your colleague a helping hand during an examination or don't you want others to pass too?" Doris felt disappointed. "That's to you! But as for me, it is against my principles and belief. Speaking in the examination hall is called 'Malpractice' and it is wrong so I don't engage in it," I replied, trying to convince them to see from my perspective. "That's awful" Magnet echoed from her desk, in the study room. "How? Listen everyone, I believe we should do what we can in the exam hall and leave the rest to God to take control and it also helps you to really know your capability and worth," I added. "Really?" Doris asked. "Yes! This is how I have been living my life and this is how it will continue, okay! Well... I'm sorry if anyone feel offended, it was not intentional. Annie accept my apology over your grade, for real, it was never my doing. Also, I don't mean to be rude at this point, but please I would like to be excused now, thank you!" I said. Taking a glance into the eyes of everyone. After that, I picked up my bag and left them in the study room, without turning back to look at their facial expressions, because I was sure they were disappointed at my response. I could clearly hear the echoes of their mumurings about me, but I chosed to walk away, ignoring all comments. After the end of lectures for that day, I sat in a desk in one of our lecture rooms, just to relax for some minutes before going off campus. With so much anxiety, I checked my result online through my school portal; and I passed with point A. I was so excited and so eager to break the news to my lovely parents, when someone tapped me from behind. "Good evening Binta!" Johnson greeted "Good evening Johnson! I thought you've left already." I was shocked. "No, I'm still very much around. You know my fellowship has prayer meeting this evening, so is not possible that I leave campus early today." "Okay! That's true. So what's up?" I asked "As usual, you are looking gorgeous today, that I almost did not recognize you." "Ah! You have started with all these your teasing again. Anyway, thank you dear." I smiled. "Oh yes! That reminds me, I heard from other colleagues, what transpired between you and Annie, earlier today. So I ask, is it true?" He looked closely into my eyes. "Excuse me, what do you mean by, is it true?" I was confused. "I meant the issue or should I say the argument between you both. From the whole story, the bone of contention was the fact that, you made Annie fail the EGL course that was released today, so I ask once again, is that true?" "So the news is now spreading everywhere, it is well. Besides, if you must know, Annie did not fail, is just that she did not get what she was expecting, so I don't know why all these Annie failed statements are flying here and there." "Hey! Don't say that!" He cautioned. "Why?" I asked in a curious manner. "Why because, that also can be called a failure. When a person does not meet up with his or her target, won't it be tagged as failure? So she is right, because failure itself is relative. But can you tell me what exactly happened?" Johnson pressed further. Johnson was one of the few people I related with in my department, he is a christian and was one of the executives in his fellowship, so this made me relate well with him. Afterwards, I narrated all that happened to him. "I see! So this is the issue. Well, Binta I think you should just apologize to Annie, because I don't see why there should be an issue from this." "My point exactly! You can see that she is just making things up, so why should I be the one to apologize, when I'm not at fault?" I asked surprisingly. "Of course it should be you, because if we should look at this issue critically, you caused it." "Are you kidding me right now?" "No am not, if you had not stood up from your seat to seek for another, it wouldn't have raised the interest of the lecturer. Binta! Not all things that the eyes sees that the mouth should say. The least you would have done was to close your work simple!" "I did at some point, then she resulted to tapping me continuously, then when I realized it would put me in trouble, I quietly pleaded with the lecturer for another space. I even lied to the lecturer just to save her face and here you are telling me to apologize." I was furious. "Why then did you not just give her tips to her question? Or who said that is a sin?" "Johnson! You are so unbelievable. Listen, conversing in the examination hall is called malpractice and it is against my principles and also, it is a sin." "Super story dear!" He laughed. "Principles my foot! Please are we not all believers and did your Bible not teach you to love your neighbors as yourself? And come to think of it, where was it written in the Bible that speaking in the exam hall is a sin?" "I don't like arguments please! So I will let this issue pass" "Binta listen to me and come off all these holier than thou attitude and take responsibility for your actions, by apologizing to her for peace sake, do you understand? I'm a believer and a leader in my fellowship, so be calming down with all these Jesus things." He laughed once again. "Excuse me, the fact that you are a leader does not make you always right. I did Annie no wrong, so I won't apologize, that's all." "Binta! Let the peace of God rule your heart. Learn to live peaceably with all men. I have said my own." He walked away, laughing and hissing simultaneously. I was just there confused, wondering what was my offense in the whole issue. Later that day, when I got to the room, I related the whole issue with Janet my roommate and she narrated how everyone had been calling me names on campus, since the incident between me and Annie spread out. She quickly advised that I apologize and end it all. Still, I refused to succumb to offering any apology to Annie, because I was yet to see my fault but, when the issue began to escalate and everyone started pointing accusing fingers at me. They even resulted to abuses, it was so annoying and over bearing. Then I considered apologizing to her to silence it all. One fateful afternoon, after a particular lecture, I concluded within me to apologize to her that day. I searched for her around the class and I caught sight of her walking through the door out. I quickly ran off to her, on getting to the same pace with her. "Hi Annie," I said. Rather, she ignored me and kept walking forward. I followed her again "Annie! I am talking to you." "Who you help? Excuse me, do I look like Janet to you? Please, let me be before they will say that I fought you and the next thing, they will penalize me or my portal will be speaking Chinese this time around." She hissed, trying to walk away again, but I held her back. "Haba! Please just hear me out. I'm here for peace and not to fight" "Peace kill you there!" she shouted, pointing to my face. "Okay! Annie I'm sorry," I finally let the words out. "You said what? Oh! They convinced you to approach me and plead for my forgiveness right?" she asked, looking at me disdainfully. "I said I'm sorry and besides no one pressurized me to say this. It is of my own accord and I'm sincere about it." "If I may ask, what exactly are you sorry about?" At that point I was mute at first, 'cause I really had no idea of what to tell her, because of a truth, I still believed I had not wronged her. "Oh! So you don't even know what you are sorry about, so please let me be!" "Annie c'mon! I never reported you to the lecturer. Anyway, I'm sorry for implicating you due to my actions in the exam hall, which has actually led to this issue." I pleaded "You are sorry? Would your sorry restore my result? I'm asking you?" "Well it won't, but then, just let go please,' I said innocently. "This indeed is a pure act of medicine after death," she voiced out in a subtle tone. "Well, I'm sincerely sorry. Please! let bygones be bygones," I pleaded further. "Okay! Since you are sorry, I want you to give me 500 naira now! Like right now!" "Uhm... I don't understand. Five hundred nai...ra, what for please?" I stammered "For your forgiveness of course. You will have to give me that, so I can be sure you are really sorry. Or wait! You think my forgiveness is for free? After all the psychological and academic trauma, that you've caused me? When I'm not Jesus Christ! Nonsense!" She hissed, looking at me from head to toe. "I'm truly sorry! I won't do such a thing again I promise. Please!" I added with an apologetic expression this time around. Annie kept quiet, as she kept looking at me disgustingly. After few seconds of silence. "No issue! I forgive you and we are good now,” Annie said, walking away. "Thank you!" I screamed behind her, as I smiled alongside. That was a big relief for me. At least, it silenced all the rumors and back biting about me. Annie and I became cool together although, we were not close because, I couldn't relate with her kind of person, that would always want to be everywhere and was always around the male folk. Nevertheless, we always exchanged pleasantries and conversed once in a while in school and I sometimes help her out with materials and handouts. Two weeks later, Annie approached me when I was returning from the library, where I went to get one of my favorite historical books as usual. "Good afternoon Binta!" Annie greeted. "Afternoon Annie! How is your day going?" I asked smiling at her "It's going well. It's just that, I have an issue that needs urgent attention." "Hope is not that serious? Please can you tell me all about it?" I asked in curiosity. "Of course. That's the exact reason I was searching for you. Please, can we go under that apple shade so we can talk better?" Annie requested. “No problem” I replied. The apple shade has a huge smooth stone beneath it, so often time people go there to chat with one another. On our way she asked, "Which book is that again? Is it a new handout from our department?" "Not at all. It's a historical book, nothing related to our department." "Mmn! You and book self, just be taking it easy and stop intimidating us." "Ah! Annie you know that's not true. I engage myself in other things too." "Like church stuffs right?" she teased. "C'mon Annie!" I giggled. "I have heard you. After all, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. So here we are." I pointed to the shade. We sat on the stone and started discussing. Annie explained how stranded she was and that she needed a place to live. She wanted me to accommodate her. I told her we were already two occupying a room, but she insisted that we let her manage with us for the meantime. "Annie! I would have really loved to help you but the room is too small to accommodate three people, it will be a whole lot of inconvenience and I won't like it." "So life is like that now right? When you needed my forgiveness, I forgave you without holding back, but just to help a stranded friend you can't. Please, It's not like I will be staying permanently if that's your fear. The things is, If not that my friends are already three in an apartment I would have joined them. Please Binta!" "Your friends own an apartment but me and Janet lives in a room, so what are you saying?" "Were you even listening to me at all? I just mentioned that they are three already, and you are just two in your room Binta" "That's the word, room! We occupy just a room, where as, your friends occupy an apartment. Just compare that!" "Why are you so heartless like this? Janet accepted me immediately but you, you derive joy in someone seeking your help without you rendering it. Na wa for you Binta!" "Did I just hear you mention Janet? Have you approached her already and she said yes?" "Of course! Without headache and stress. Binta, please just reconsider okay, my time in my old house is limited. Please, I will be expecting your positive reply soon." she left disappointed. My amazement was amazed. Hearing the fact that Janet gave her consent, knowing fully well that it will be very suffocating. When I finally got home later that day, I asked Janet concerning the issue and she pleaded we let Annie stay after all, she is our course mate. "Janet! This is not about her being our course mate. The room is too small for three and besides I can't stand and condole her immoral behavior. I should not keep her close, so I won't be influenced by her." "Binta! There is nothing to fear. If it is about space, I can share my bed with her. See Binta, why don't we see it from the positive aspect. It could be God sending her your way, so you could change her and don't forget, it's a sin to judge a man whom the Lord has not written off on." "Change her? Am I the Holy Spirit? Or, what happens later on, when I can't help her to change, I will end up being changed right? 'Cause it's not even in my place to transform people. Just as the saying goes thus: 'It's either you beat them or you join them'. So please, I don't want trouble in my life and is not like I'm judging her or concluding her case before God. I'm just being careful and I must not be a partaker in her journey of life nor must I be the one God will use to transform her. In addition to that, Janet, my spirit is not at peace with her" I explained "Don't worry! Your spirit will be at peace with her once she starts living with us." Janet cajoled "Are you being serious right now?" "Of course! Babe, Annie is not really as bad as you picture her to be, draw her close and you will like her. Besides, It's not really cool to judge people's personalities from afar, because you might end up misrepresenting them." "True! And you might also end up stating the obvious, that's probably after you must have been swallowed up in their actions," I added. "Argh! Binta!" she screamed. "What?" "Annie is not a monster, so I don't know what you are actually troubled about and besides, I'm also an occupant of this room, so you are safe!" "I never said she is! All I just want is for my spirit to be at peace with this whole idea, before I take any step or agree on this," I said. "Don't worry, it will be fine. Just picture the better side of her in Christ and your troubles are gone." Janet tried to savage the situation. "How do I picture the better side of her that I've not seen?" "Binta, you just picture Christ in her life and you will see it. It's really that simple." Days passed and Janet kept insisting we accommodate her, but it was hard for me, because I was troubled in my spirit. I never hated her, it was just that, I couldn't say yes to her request. I finally decided to talk to my mentor about it, after one of our usual fellowship services. After which, my mentor advised me to pray about the issue, since I felt troubled about it and besides, there is nothing we can't talk to God about. I held onto her words, to hear God in the place of prayer, but I did not stay long enough to hear what God would have me do. I continued my daily affairs forgetting to pray about Annie's issue again even when I do my personal prayer, I don't put it into consideration. A week later, Annie kept pressuring me constantly and that was when I realized she won't give up anytime soon and I needed to attend to the issue. But whenever I wanted to say yes to her, something would hold me back. I wanted to speak to my mentor again, but her contact was switched off and it's been weeks, she came online. Having considered everything, I concluded for peace to reign among everyone Annie could stay with us.