Chapter 1
AMANA POV.
I rushed to the school after waking up to an email notification from Nile University, Abuja. Skipping breakfast, I hurried to the admissions office to confirm the news. When I arrived, I was overjoyed to discover that the admission was genuine – I had really been accepted into the Nile University, Abuja. My excitement knew no bounds.
I walked out of the school feeling elated and triumphant, having finally secured admission to Nile University, after years of trying. I couldn't wait to surprise my parents and friends with the news – I was going to be a Nile University student! Nile University had always been my dream school, not because there weren't other good options, but because it was the one I truly wanted to attend.
My parents suggested that if I couldn't get into the university, I should consider attending a College of Education. To me, that advice felt like a step backward, especially with my good grades. I wasn't interested in pursuing that path.
A bit about me: My name is Aamna Yusuf, and I'm 20 years old. I was born in Abuja, Nigeria, and I stand at 5'1" – I'm petite, but I like to think I'm proportionate. My black hair falls to my waist, and my eyes are a light brown. Some might say I'm slender, but I've got curves in all the right places. I do get attention, it's not always something I welcome.
Everyone in my family and circle of friends adores me. They know me as kind, loving, caring, smart, and sassy – a combination that's hard to resist. I'm not bragging, but I've always been told I have a certain charm. And also as the youngest and most outgoing member of my family, I like to think I'm a bit of a wild card. Like many families, some are devout, others are ego-driven, some are introverted, and others are extroverted. In our case, the extroverted and crazy traits seem to have landed on me!.
My dad, Mr. Yusuf Muhammad, is a police assistant inspector, and my mom, Mrs. Balkisu Yusuf, is a lovely housewife and a dress maker. My brother, Zafeer Yusuf, is a student at the Nile University too, studying Business Administration. Unlike many kids, I don't call my parents 'Mom' and 'Dad.' Instead, I prefer to address them by their names or job titles, which feels more fitting and respectful to me.
And because of that my brother Zafeer sometimes teases me, saying I'm rude or that I was 'mistakenly born.' His words sting, but I try not to let them get to me, knowing he loves me deep down. What matters most to me is achieving my dreams: graduating, landing a good job, and traveling the world. I've got a bucket list of places I want to visit, including Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, New York, and many more.
I hailed a taxi and headed to the supermarket to buy some chocolate and celebrate my admission news. As I had promised my family and friends. The taxi dropped me off at the parking lot, and after paying the fare, I collected my change. As I approached the entrance, I took a deep breath, noticing the bustling crowd inside. It was the end of the month, so the supermarket was packed – a common occurrence. Being one of the best supermarkets in Abuja, it attracted a mix of shoppers, including many affluent individuals.
I'm not a fan of wealthy people, to say the least. They often come across as self-absorbed and arrogant, flaunting their wealth and status. But I reminded myself to stay focused and not let my frustrations get the better of me. As I entered the supermarket, I noticed some of the affluent shoppers glance my way, while others were oblivious to their surroundings.
My outfit wasn't bad, if I do say so myself. I was wearing a black pencil high-waisted jeans, a white oversized crop top with the words "CUTE and PSYCHO" emblazoned on it, a black beanie cap with my hair tucked in, and a pair of crisp white sneakers.
I put on my headphones, connecting to my phone, and started listening to Michael Jackson's 'Bad.' The beat was infectious, and I couldn't help but move to the music. I headed straight for the sweets and chocolates. As 'Smooth Criminal' played, I found myself shaking my head and shoulders to the rhythm. I grabbed a ten-pack of chocolates, planning to keep two for myself and share the rest. As I walked down the aisle, my eyes landed on some candies, and I picked up a few more. When I thought I was alone, I started dancing to 'Boy With Luv' by Halsey ft. BTS. But my groove was interrupted when I accidentally knocked into someone's basket, causing both our basket to collide and scatter onto the floor. My eyes widened in surprise, and I knew it was entirely my fault.