A TASTE OF DECEPTION

chapter eight

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, students poured out of the gates, eager to head home. Some were picked up by their parents or drivers, while others walked home in groups, chatting and laughing.

Ozy said farewell to Anna as she climbed into her sister's car, waving goodbye as they drove off. Then, she waited at the corner, pretending to wait for her own driver, although she knew no one was coming.

For a few minutes, she stood there, watching as the other students dispersed. She didn't want to draw attention to herself, so she waited until the crowd had thinned out before setting off towards Mrs. Amaka's restaurant.

As she walked, she quickened her pace, her feet carrying her hastily but carefully through the familiar streets. She knew every corner, every alleyway, and every storefront, and she navigated them with ease.

Finally, she arrived at Mrs. Amaka's restaurant, the sign creaking in the gentle breeze. She pushed open the door and slipped inside, enveloped by the warm aroma of cooking food and the hum of conversation.

As Ozy walked into Mrs. Amaka's restaurant, the aroma of fried plantains and stew enveloped her, making her stomach growl with hunger. She had been looking forward to helping out at the diner all day, and she couldn't wait to see Joe and Mrs. Amaka.

But as she entered the kitchen, she noticed a new face - a young girl, probably around her age, scrubbing pots and pans at the sink. Mrs. Amaka was busy preparing dinner, her movements swift and efficient.

"Hi, Ozy!" Joe called out from the dining area, where he was setting tables. "What's up?"

Ozy smiled, feeling a sense of belonging. "Not much, Joe. Just here to help out."

Mrs. Amaka looked up from the kitchen counter, where she was preparing dinner, and raised an eyebrow. "Ozy, what brings you here? I thought you'd be heading home after school."

Ozy hesitated, fidgeting with her hands. "I...I wanted to talk to you about what happened last time, ma'am. I know I shouldn't have spoken back, but—"

Mrs. Amaka sighed, wiping her hands on a towel. "Come in, child. Let's talk about this."

Ozy entered cautiously, taking a seat at the table as Mrs. Amaka gestured. The aroma of fried plantains and stew filled the air, making Ozy's stomach growl with hunger.

"Mrs. Amaka, I'm sorry for my behavior. I know I shouldn't have questioned your decisions, but I can really do both.

Mrs. Amaka leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "I don't think so? Ozy, you don't understand I really want you focus on your study's.

Ozy took a deep breath. "I know, ma'am. But maybe there's a better way.

Mrs. Amaka raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

Ozy continued, choosing her words carefully. "Maybe if you let me continue for at least two weeks, I promise to improve both in cooking and studying."

Mrs. Amaka studied Ozy for a moment before nodding. "You know, Ozy, you might not be the first person to ever suggest this. I think you should focus more on your study."

Ozy smiled, feeling a bit disappointed. "Thank you, Mrs. Amaka."

Just then, Joe walked into the kitchen, a curious expression on his face. "Hey, Ozy. What's going on?"

Ozy smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Just having a conversation with your mom,

Are you ok.

Yeah, any problem.

No you don't just seem right.

Don't worry about me.

As Ozy turned to leave, she felt a pang of disappointment and frustration. She had been looking forward to spending time with Mrs. Amaka and Joe, and helping out at the diner had become a highlight of her week.

"Ozy, wait," Mrs. Amaka called out, her voice softer now.

Ozy turned back, hoping for a change of heart.

"Take this," Mrs. Amaka said, handing her a small container filled with fried plantains and stew. " You are always welcome here okay?"

Ozy smiled weakly, taking the container. "Thanks, Mrs. Amaka. I'll miss helping out here."

As she left the diner, Ozy felt a sense of loss. She had grown attached to the warm atmosphere and the people, especially Joe. She wondered if she would ever find another place like it.

Joe caught up with her outside, his expression sympathetic. "Hey, I'm sorry about what happened in there. I knew something was off. My mom can be...difficult sometimes."

Ozy shrugged, feeling a lump form in her throat. "It's okay, Joe. I understand."

Joe nodded, his eyes locked on hers. "You're still my friend, Ozy. And you're welcome to hang out with me anytime, even if it's not at the diner."

Ozy smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thanks, Joe. That means a lot to me."

With that she left.

Ozy's eyes dropped to the notification on her phone, her heart sinking as she read the stark reminder of her empty bank account. She let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of her struggles bearing down on her. "I don't have even enough money for tomorrow," she whispered to herself, "what should I do now?" The thought of going hungry was unbearable, and without free food, she genuinely didn't know how to survive.

As she walked away from the restaurant, lost in thought, her gaze drifted to a poster on the wall. The bold letters seemed to leap out at her: "The genius solve and earn, each question solved 3000, if interested call." Ozy's first thought was, "What a pity," as she walked past it, but the temptation of the money lingered, refusing to be dismissed. The amount was staggering, and her mind couldn't help but wander to all the possibilities it presented.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through her reverie, "Felix!!!" Ozy turned, her eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Jessica, her schoolmate. waving enthusiastically at Felix not far from her. For a brief moment, Ozy freeze for some seconds, but as Felix smiled and waved back, her gaze darted back to the poster. Without hesitation, she quickly copied the phone number and shoved it into her pocket, not wanting her to notice her interest in it. her heart racing with anticipation.

"Hey, What's up?"ozy called out, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside her. Jessica chatted on, oblivious to Ozy's distress, but Ozy's mind was already elsewhere, fixated on the promise of easy money.

Do you stay around here, Jessica asked.

No just here to visit a friend.

Ohh, Felix what are you doing in this area.

Any problem.

Nope,I was just curious.

As soon as she could, Ozy excused herself and quickly left, her heart racing with anticipation. She couldn't wait to call the number and find out more about the "genius solve and earn" opportunity.