Chapter 1
On this day, March 14th 2015 I was sitting in my room reading my favorite novels when I suddenly heard my name from downstairs of our house. I figured out that that was my mummy’s voice l.
I was the second child of my parents and the most favorite of my parents. I had only one sister which her name was mivera Henshaw, but I preferred calling her Mimi. But she never liked that name but she had no choice because I liked getting on her nerves. Am not only the favorite child I was also the last child laugh out loud
My parents took very good care of us and made sure that we were not lacking anything. I was in my final year in high school and about heading to the college.
I lived in a duplex with my family that’s my mom and dad with my Mimi. Our house was painted with unique colors, but I loved my room most. For me it was the most beautiful place I would ever imagine.
" Where have you been darling? ″, My mom said rubbing my head,
″ Mom am sorry I was upstairs reading my favorite novels”, I said
" There she goes again”, My mom said with a franking face.
I just gave a broad smile.
" I thought as much so you have been the nerd disturbing my beautiful sleep ″, Mimi said from behind me.
" Aren’t you ashamed that you are still sleeping by this time of the day uhh”, I said that just to tease her so she could be annoyed or something...
“Mom!!! , can you hear her.″
My mom was only smiling at us and gave me a stunning look.
" So mum you called for me”,
" Yes dear... Have this. My mom said handing me a little envelope with a small piece of paper.
I glanced at her a bit and looked at the little envelope in my hands feel anxious to open it... I mean what is the big deal if I don’t open it. So I decided to open the gentle and came across a little piece of paper
I opened it to my surprise I saw something that... I don’t know how to put, but I jumped to hug my mom because of the happiness
Inside the letter was written:
University of Lagos
Dear Mitchell Henshaw
Congratulations and welcome to the class of 2015. On behalf of University of Lagos, the staff, the students. We are writing to inform you that you have been admitted to study medicine and surgery.
This university immerses you good environment and adequate teaching and of course good accommodations by the school. We are confident that you will make a significant contribution to the life of this university both in and out of the classroom.
It’s our pleasure that you choose to apply in University of Lagos. And we look forward to welcoming you to the next campus fall. The years you spend here will be among the most memorable of your life
Sincerely
....
A signature was drawn at the end let me say two signatures
My joy knew no bound I was so excited that finally I will be leaving for college soon that’s the university.
Though I was 16 years old with big stature 😂 people mistake me of been 18+ because of my great stature. Things seem to very fast, and I can’t wait to make new friends.
Immediately my dad came back we broke the news to my dad and he was also happy about my success. Of course, why won’t he be happy when his second and most loved darling daughter was about entry into the university.
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“Darling make sure you get prepared oak on Monday we are heading to the market to buy you some provisions and everything you are going to be needing in the university”, My mom said,
I was inside my room selecting the dress I was going to wear to church the next day...
The time went very fast. Now it was around 2:14am and everyone was asleep, I was lying with my head rested on my pillow and my stomach towards the bed... I was thinking about my life, I was thinking I was going to cope in the university, how I was going to relate to my new environment. I stood up and place my fair feet on the cold floor and ended to where my pinky window was and opened it gently.
I observe that the atmosphere was a bit quiet I could only hear the sounds of trees dancing to the tune of the breeze with few birds going back to their nests. I wish I was free like the bird...
My dream was to become a successful doctor and before I could purchase this dream. I needed to work hard and avoid distractions.
All through the night I was thinking about my school and everything without knowing when I fell asleep.
******. ******. *****
It was Sunday morning I had already done my house chores very quickly and went back upstairs to prepare for breakfast.
I dressed myself in a pinky frequece material coupled with my silver necklace and my earnings. I wore my ash high heel together with my ash shiny back to look good. Then I made my hair in packing gel still using an edge control to style the front of my hair.
I Appeared in the mirror very beautiful and unique. After I took a few pictures of myself, headed downstairs for breakfast
Oh darling, you look so stunning too.
“Morning! Come sit and have some breakfast,” my mom said. I could sense a hint of jealousy in Mimi’s eyes.
“Why are you so jealous?” I snapped at her.
“I don’t have time for you this beautiful morning before you give me bad luck,” my sister snapped back.
“That’s enough, girls. We’re running late, and we need to be quick,” my dad said, taking his last sip of tea.
We finished our breakfast while Mom carried the cups and plates to the kitchen.
My church was a Pentecostal church, and I loved it for several reasons, especially during praise and worship. But when it came to sermons, I wasn’t interested at all—I always felt like sleeping. The church had a massive building with a broad gallery. The floor was made of fine white tiles, and there were so many air conditioners that I lost count. From the entrance of the church to the altar, everything was beautifully decorated in a creamy color.
The church was divided into different sections. There was a children’s hall for kids aged 0-12, a teenage hall, and other departments. There was also a separate hall for Sunday school classes, categorized by age—adult department, youth department, and children’s department. Even though I was 16, I chose to be in the youth department because I liked it there.
The Sunday school lesson was about to start two minutes later. Everyone had gone to their respective classes for lectures. The classes were scheduled to begin from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM if I wasn’t mistaken. We all settled into our seats as the Sunday school teacher began.
“Our topic for this morning is faith...” he paused. “What do you understand by the word ‘faith’?” he asked the class.
I knew the answer, so I raised my hand. Luckily, he pointed at me.
“Sir, in my understanding, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” I answered confidently.
“A round of applause for her, please!” he said, and I sat back down, feeling proud of myself.
After the service, everyone went home.
When we got home, I was completely exhausted. I needed some rest, but as soon as I smelled the delicious aroma of Mom’s cooking, my tiredness magically disappeared—I was excited because food was ready.
“Darling, don’t forget that you’ll be coming with me to the market to buy the things you’ll need,” Mom reminded me.
“Yes, Mom. But what about my accommodation? Will I be staying alone?” I asked curiously.
“Of course not, dummy,” Mimi interrupted.
“Asshole, I wasn’t talking to you,” I hissed at her.
“Actually, you’ll be staying in the girls’ hostel for the meantime until we sort out your permanent accommodation,” Mom explained, and I simply nodded.
Later, while I was alone in my room, Mom knocked on the door, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Can I come in?” she asked politely.
I got up to open the door for her. She sat beside me on the bed, took a deep breath, and looked at me with warmth in her eyes.
“You know I married your dad as a virgin,” she started.
“Yes, Mom, you’ve told us before.”
“Very good. And I want the same for you and your sister. You know, campus life is not as easy as you think, my dear...
On campus, you have to stay focused and avoid bad company that might lead you down the wrong path. University has a lot of distractions, but if you work hard and concentrate on your studies, you won’t be affected.
My dear, university is for strong people. If you’re not strong, you’ll be misled, especially by so-called friends who claim to love you. And then there are boys who will try to give you material things in the name of love, just to get into your head. Do you know what they really want?” she asked.
“What?” I asked.
“They only want to take your pride as a woman—your virginity.”
I can’t even put into words the amount of advice my mother gave me that night. She told me countless stories of people who had been led astray by their friends. She also emphasized the importance of being spiritually minded, prayerful, and always putting God first. I embraced her advice with open arms... but would it last? Would I let my friends lead me astray? I didn’t know yet.
On Monday afternoon, Mom and I went to the market to buy my necessities. I was so excited! She bought me provisions— a quarter bag of rice and beans, a roll of tomato paste, hot pepper, five packs of Maggi seasoning, a bucket of onions, dried pepper, crayfish, and vegetables—it was a lot!
She also bought me new pairs of shoes, slippers, and even a wig after I insisted. She got me a lot of clothes, jewelry, and two new traveling bags.
Although I was only staying in the hostel temporarily until my accommodation was sorted out, I was preparing myself for the journey ahead—a journey that would bring both sadness and happiness.
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