Nimi
I half-listen to Victoria's chatter about another midweek party. She’s buzzing like a bottle of cheap soda.
“Ugh, you should have *seen* me on the dance floor. There was even one fine guy who asked me out,” she says, practically vibrating.
“Mhm, was it love at first sight?”
“I don't know about love, but he was a good kisser,” she shrugs, then her eyes lit up. “Wait, I forgot to get his number.”
“You’re such a womanizer—no, *manizer*,” I mutter, more jealous than annoyed.
Vic brushes off her shoulder, flaunting her promiscuity with a little too much pride. “Anyway, are you coming with me this time? It’s been ages since we did something fun together.”
I sigh and fold my arms, mentally tallying how much of my break I'd wasted at the tuck shop.
Too much. No hot, brooding CEO material for me today.
A foot kicks my shin, and I brace for the dusty smudge on my sock.
“Since when did your definition of 'fun' become partying, and spreading your legs for every creature with a ding dong?”
It wasn’t the immorality of her actions that bothered me, but how quickly she’d fallen into it.
Till last summer, Vic was the 'waiting for Prince Charming' type. Now she screws every man in the Kingdom.
Her eyes narrow. “Now you're judging me too. When did *you* get so sanctimonious?”
“I’m just concerned, not trying to be holier than thou,” I say, tucking my legs under my chair—and away from her.
“Well, I’m still the same Victoria,” she says, skipping back to her petition. “Since you’re not HTT, why not try a party with me?”
Oh, I know what goes on at parties. No way am I waking up hungover after losing my virginity.
At least, that’s what happens in the web novels I read.
Before I can come up with an excuse, she tactfully corners me. “Okay, join me tonight, and I’ll never bug you again if you hate it…”
I look up from the red plastic table.
Quickly she notices this and leans over her seat, "...We won't stay long, and it's an exclusive club so no large crowds."
That sounded…saner.
Besides, I'm itching to see more than four walls than those of my bedroom and youth church.
Slowly, the balance tips. Temptation outweighs sensibility.
“Fine. It better be exclusive, like you said.”
She squeals, extending her wiggling fingers for a girly handshake.
The bell rings, and we hurry to class, grinning like idiots as we zip through the hallways.
.................................................
My screen goes black after leaving Victoria’s chat. Apparently, she’s outside my gate, “freezing” as she put it.
My parents just drifted off around eleven, and I doubt this isn't part of a dream I should be having.
Hopefully, unlike me, they're really asleep and won't put an end to this sliver of freedom if they find out.
Don't mess this up, Nimi, or you'll be royally screwed.
My phone lights up. I'm sure it's Vic, texting me out of my house.
Quickly, I tiptoe to the kitchen and slip out the back door.
Once I’m outside, I speed-walk across the compound, hoping the clack of my heels won't be too loud.
Lucky for the gateman's affinity for deep sleeping, I seize the moment and dart past his quarters—finally reaching the gate.
Hesitating, filled with fear and a strange excitement, I jam a spare key I’d stolen from under the welcome mat into the padlock.
Outside, she’s waiting. Her eyes glisten in the moonlight—and so does her red sequined dress.
It barely covers her knickers and clung tightly to her curves. Immediately shut my mouth as a housefly buzzes near the entrance.
No way on God’s green earth did her chorister mom and late pastor dad buy this for her.
More than self-conscious, in a few seconds, I look at my plain silver backless dress—a little secret gift from Sister Fumi.
Hip bones ruined whatever justice my long legs gave this dress, and I find myself wishing to tear some flesh off Victoria’s body—there’s obviously more than enough to go around.
“Girl, you’re hot. I doubt anyone there would be able to take their eyes off you,” she whisper-shouts, and I can barely swallow my saliva.
“Please spare me the flattery. We all know you ate. Where’s the cab you ordered?” I say, looking at the empty street.
Something small chitters by the dumpster, and my gaze flicks back to Victoria.
“You can’t even compliment me again. And who said anything about a cab?” Victoria says with a mischievous grin.
“You said you’d get us a ride. Are you kidding me right now?”
“You better keep your voice down and relax. ‘Ride’ doesn’t equal ‘cab’ in my dictionary. Now hurry, my man candy is on the next street,” she says, taking hold of my hand.
I look at her, shocked, but my legs match her surprising speed.
True to her word, a man—older than I expected—sits in an electric blue Jeep. I sigh and get in, Vic slides comfortably into the shotgun seat.
I squirm in the back, feeling under scrutiny. What do I even *do* in this situation? Say hi?
Vic saves me further contemplation and introduces me. Even then, his name makes no dent in my memory as I smile and reply to his greeting.
The twinkling lights of Lagos blur past.
Hopefully, my first party will be better than this unfortunate turn of events.