The Road That Leads To You

CHAPTER TEN

Two weeks went by in a flash. It was exam preparation week. The big exam that would determine our future would start the following week. I had to stop working so I could give all my attention to studying. I didn't fret about my decision because my mum could finally handle the bills at home, her business was doing better than we expected and uncle Ezekiel helped as well. It was another Monday, but this one was different, it was busier then other Mondays. We didn't have any break, we had to buy everything we wanted to eat before classes because we wouldn't be allowed to step out of the class to the canteen or mini mart. We were only given pee breaks and we were allowed to eat during the break period whilst being taught. I didn't really have time for Jaden, I mean I had to study. We talked briefly when we had the chance to, and sat together in class when we could. Miriam was my study buddy, we created a time table for ourselves and a visiting rota as well. For one week I would go over to her house to study and the following week she would study in my house. It was fun studying with Miriam as she was a good teacher and listener. Studying for Miriam and I wasn't intensive or hard, it was tasking but it was easier for us because we had started preparing for the exam in SS1. All we had to do was revise, and study past questions. Easy peasy.

“So, are you really going to do it?”

“Yes. I am going to. It's too late to talk to my mum about it, so I have to sit for this exam.”

I had told Miriam about the talk I had with Jaden about rewriting WAEC next year so that I could study my dream course. She always knew that I wanted to be a journalist and how my mum didn't buy the idea. I knew it would not be easy convincing my mum to pay for the exams again plus other extra costs my decision would generate, but I was willing to take the risk.

“By the way, have you seen Jaden today?” Miriam asked

“I saw him this morning. I didn't have the chance to talk to him, I was late for class.”

“Okay. But you guys talk like before right?”

“Yeah we do, most times on the phone. He is really giving majority of his time to the exams and that's the right thing to do. Although, I feel he is not telling me something.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Mimi. It's not a problem though, we'll be done with our exams in two weeks. I'll find out soon enough what he's hiding.”

I finished writing my paper by 2:30PM. I picked my school bag from the locker and went to the canteen to eat and wait for Miriam.

“Hey, Daisy.”

“Oh, hi Jaden. How was the exam?”

“It was cool. Easy.”

“Cool.” I said nodding

“I've missed you so much Daisy. We haven't had time for ourselves and it breaks my heart.”

“I miss you too Jaden. We'll be done soon, no need to worry.”

“I know. But we can talk now, we don't have to wait until we're done writing our exams.”

“True.”

Jaden talked and talked. He told me about how his Dad is back to his true self; strong and agile, the new bike his Dad got him, his sisters paying him a surprise visit and his new and shocking but tantalizing love for lizards. Miriam joined us later on and we chit chatted for a while before leaving for the school bus.

There were shouts of joy, celebration and happy tears in the hallway after we had written our final paper. Friends hugging friends, students running into the staffroom so that their favourite teachers could sign on their shirts, students taking pictures and making videos. After celebrating with Miriam, I went around the classrooms, field, and library in search of Jaden. I couldn't find him. I didn't think anything was amiss, maybe he was out with some of the boys in their secret hideout or maybe he went to the bathroom.

“Have you seen Jaden?” I asked Miriam when I went back to the classroom

“No, I haven't. What's up?”

“I can't find him anywhere. I've searched all the places that he could be, still no sign of him.”

“Chill out girl, maybe he went out with the boys. You know they keep bragging about a hideout that only them are privy to. He'll call you.”

“True. Why didn't I think of that? I didn't call him, I'll do that now.”

I called four times, no response. Since Jaden's and Thadius’ fallout (remember when he made Jaden bet on me? Yeah, they stopped being friends after that) he spends most of his time alone, with the boys in our class when he feels like it or with me. Mostly with me. I put the thought of him aside and focused on my newly attained milestone. I wanted to spend time with my classmates for the last time because who knows when I would see them again? But I had to go home, yes I was was happy and excited, but I was also tired and hungry. Miriam didn't what to go home so I bade her farewell and I left for home. I didn't take the school bus because I wanted to walk home, I wanted to walk home from school one last time. When I got home, a surprise awaited me. Mum had cooked delicious meals, baked my favorite cake (sponge cake), bought hair extensions (omg!), and a kitten. A kitten!! I've always wanted a kitten, I love cats and my mum turned my wish into reality. I remember that day like it was yesterday. My happiness ended later that day when Jaden called me.

Me: Jaden, how're you? You disappeared, where did you go to?

Jaden: listen, Daisy this call will be brief.

Me: ok… what's up?

Jaden: Daisy, I love you. I know I'm still young, and maybe my heart is still too young to love, but I know what I feel for you.

Me: I love you too, Jaden.

Jaden: I know Daisy, I've always known. But, you must forget about me, totally. I'm leaving, Daisy

Me: for school? You haven't written JAMB yet, where are you going to?

Me: I can't tell you Daisy, I just didn't have the guts to disappear without saying goodbye.

Me: why are you talking like this? We can still call and text each other.

Jaden: that's the point Daisy, I can't do that, I'm sorry. I love you Daisy, please forgive me.

Me: Jaden, I -

He hung up. I called back a thousand times but it didn't go through. I pressed my pillow onto my face so that my mum wouldn't hear me crying. I cried myself to sleep, it was the saddest sleep ever. I woke up feeling like I was run over by a lorry. My eyes were swollen, my hair was a mess and my heart was beating very fast. It was just 7:30PM so I went to the kitchen to refuel. Luckily for me, my mum was in her room, I didn't want her to see me in that state. She would ask questions and I would have to spill the tea. I put portions of rice and beans in a flat ceramic plate and then stew in a deep ceramic plate. I texted Miriam whilst eating and gave her the whole undiluted gist. She sympathized with me and said that she would come over the next day to check up on me. I washed the plates and went back to my room. I opened my drawer and brought out the jeweleries that he got me. I didn't want to throw them away and I didn't want to wear them either so I put them in the boxes that they came with, and i put them somewhere that I would never look. I would teach my brain to accept that he hurt me and that he isn't worth remembering.

I woke up very early the next day and I decided to go for a run. I got back home feeling refreshed and I decided to have a talk with my mum after I had bathed. I told her about my intention of writing the exams I had just written again. She asked why and I gave her my reasons.

“This again? I thought we had come to an agreement years ago?”

“No mum. I didn't have a choice then, you decided everything back then mum. Now, I know what I really want and I want to go for it.”

“Why are you telling me about now?”

“Because I was afraid, I didn't know how you'd react. I wasn't prepared for your reaction. But I am now.”

“Tura, I don't even know what to say to you right now.”

“I understand mum, I'll give you all the time you need to think about it. But mum, even if you won't support me, I'll handle it myself.”

Miriam came around in the afternoon to see me. We strolled, went shopping and ate out.

“Thank you Mimi, I really needed this.”

“Anything for you girl. So, what will you do now?”

“Move on with my life, I have a life to live and it doesn't revolve around Jaden. I told my mum about my decision today, hopefully tomorrow or next week she'll get back to me.”

“Go girl. I'm with you every step of the way.”

One week later, my mum approved of my decision and just like that, my life began.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months and months into a year. I gained a scholarship into a private university to study journalism and four years later, I graduated with a first class and numerous awards. Miriam was still my best friend, she graduated a year before me. After my graduation, we went out for drinks and food.

“Jaden, Jaden Peters, I will never forget that nane.”

“Girl, you have to quit this and move on, he's gone and he's never coming back, you heard him.”

I know. It's been six years and I still couldn't forget about him. It was a bittersweet feeling.