WHEN FRIENDSHIP FAILS

Chapter 1: The Beginning of Us The sun was unforgiving that morning. It hung high in the sky like it had something to prove, casting sharp shadows across the compound of the examination center. Students moved in clusters—some pacing nervously, others pretending not to care. It was the third day of the final secondary school examinations (WAEC). And that was where it all began. Amaya sat alone on a long wooden bench under a dusty mango tree, flipping through her notes one last time. Her face was calm—almost too calm for someone about to write one of the most important exams of her life. She adjusted her glasses slightly and exhaled. “Focus,” she whispered to herself. A voice interrupted. “Ah-ah… you’re still reading? At this point, na God go help us o.” Amaya looked up. A girl stood in front of her, hands on her waist, eyebrows slightly raised in playful disbelief. She was lively—her energy filled the space before she even spoke again. “I’m Nadia,” she said, dropping her bag beside Amaya without waiting for permission. “If I fail this exam, just know it wasn’t my fault.” Amaya blinked, slightly amused. “I’m Amaya,” she replied. “And maybe you won’t fail.” Nadia scoffed. “See confidence. I like you already.” Before Amaya could respond, another voice joined them. “Hope una don read finish, because me, I don give up since yesterday.” They both turned. A boy approached them, dragging his feet slightly, a crooked smile on his face. “Marcos,” he introduced himself casually. “Professional procrastinator.” Nadia laughed immediately. “I knew it! You look like the type.” Amaya shook her head, smiling softly. And just like that… something clicked. Later that afternoon, after the exam, the three of them found themselves sitting together again. This time, not by coincidence. “So how was it?” Nadia asked, tearing open a sachet of water. “I think it was okay,” Amaya replied. Marcos snorted. “‘Okay’ means you finished everything, abi?” Amaya smiled. “Maybe.” “See me see better person,” Nadia said dramatically. “Please, from today, you are my study partner. I refuse to fail in this life.” Marcos raised his hand. “Add me join. I need miracle.” They all laughed. Days turned into a routine. They began waiting for each other before going into the exam hall. After each paper, they would gather under the same mango tree—studying, sharing notes, correcting mistakes, and sometimes just talking about life. Slowly, dreams began to slip into their conversations. “I want to study Mass Communication,” Nadia said one evening. “I like talking too much, so it fits.” Marcos nodded. “Business Administration for me. I just need money in this life, abeg.” They both turned to Amaya. “And you?” Nadia asked. Amaya hesitated for a moment. “Microbiology,” she said quietly. “I want to do something meaningful.” Marcos leaned back. “Of course. You even sound like first class already.” Nadia nudged her playfully. “You go make us proud o.” Amaya smiled… but something about that moment stayed with her. On the last day of exams, everything felt different. There was relief in the air—but also uncertainty. Students hugged, exchanged contacts, and made promises they weren’t sure they could keep. The three of them stood together, unusually quiet. “So… what now?” Marcos asked. “Now we wait,” Nadia said. “For results… for admission… for life,” Amaya added. There was a pause. Then Nadia spoke again, her tone softer this time. “No matter what happens… we won’t let life separate us. Okay?” Marcos nodded. “Of course.” They both looked at Amaya. She hesitated for a brief second… then nodded too. “Okay.” They joined hands. Three different lives. One shared promise. None of them knew— That promise would become the very thing that broke them.