In secondary school, I had a friend—Alex. Alex came in when i was in grade four and since then I became her only friend, she was the quiet, shy type but intelligent and smart. When I first saw her, I didn't think we would become friends because she had a stern looking face, my classmates even thought of her as an uptight snob.
But her stern looking face wouldn't make one fail to notice her conspicuous presence—She was light-skinned, tall, and had the shape of a model. Alex walked, talked, and ate gracefully, she was prim and proper….in my words, "Alex was ethereal".
That day, in the biology lab, Alex walked up to me….Hi, please can you lend me a pen, if you have a pen to spare?, i misplaced mine—she said. I was too stunned to reply….Was she actually talking to me?—I thought to myself, a snap from Alex jolted me back to reality.
Oh yes, I do have a pen to spare….I said while I ransacked my purse of stationeries and gave her the pen. Thank you!….She said firmly and calmly, her lips curving into what seemed like a smile. You are welcome, I replied.
Subsequently, Alex became more and more comfortable around me. She sat with me in the cafeteria during lunch breaks, she read with me in the library, you wouldn't see me and not see Alex beside me. My classmates and teachers wondered and got curious as to how I got to be so close with Alex. Why is Alex so fond of you? , she even laughs when you both talk , they would ask. I couldn't find any answer to give, i was just as surprised as they were.
When I got to know Alex better, I discovered that her serious and reclusive nature was just a façade. Alex was a kind, nice, loving, caring soul; she was beautiful inside and out. We got along as friends , although we both had our flaws, but we didn’t let that quench the burning fire of our friendship, lol.
I just don’t like the drama that comes with friendships sometimes, that’s why i stay on my own—she would say. She chose her friends like one who separated the wheat from the chaff, so people thought she was too full of herself. We got so close, that our parents knew one another, especially our mothers.
And just like that, time passed by so quickly and we were in last grade—writing external exams and preparing for college. It was the final day of our exams with Alex and I being closer than ever, we were so happy and agreed to meet the next day to celebrate this milestone at a recently opened cafe. We were going to take pictures to make it a more memorable day and show it to our kids too…haha
I picked out a flowery off-shoulder dress, one befit for a princess. The fabric was of soft satin with delicate embroidery along the hem of the dress, the dress shimmered like the stars and the moonlight on a gently-flowing river. I then adorned myself with a pearl earring and a necklace to go with it, pairing it up with a mini bag and shoe that announced my presence right before i stepped in. I swept my dark-sleeky hair into a bun, decorated it with a satin ribbon tied into a bow. It wasn't just an outfit but one that hinted at royalty.
The next day came by and I headed to the location and time we had agreed on the previous day but Alex didn't show up. I was saddened and confused, but still took the pictures at least, pretending to be happy…surprisingly, the pictures came out nice regardless of my foul mood.
Why would Alex stand me up? I thought aloud. I decided to go to her house to confirm if all was well—as she wasn’t the type to act that way.
Upon getting there, I saw Alex seated with her parents and another lady old enough to be a mother too. Oh, the lady was Aunty Dubem—Alex's family friend. They were so engrossed discussing something that they didn't hear the crackling sound of the gate open. Good afternoon sir , good afternoon ma , good afternoon aunty Dubem I greeted . Oh, how are you my dear? They answered in unison. I’m fine, thank you…i replied.
Alex excused herself and walked up to me. I know you are very mad at me but I'm sorry, I’ll explain everything to you— she said, her face being overly serious. My curiosity was piqued, i wondered what it was she wanted to tell me. We sat in the sitting room after we had a hot place of oil rice along side fried plantains, with fresh orange juice her mother had given us.
I'm traveling to Lagos state, you know my father's business has slided backwards ever since that incident. My parents do not have the money to further my education and I can't sit back at home doing nothing, I have to fight for my future She said with watery eyes.
These words hit me hard like a rock, but you don't know anyone in Lagos, how will you find your way around? I asked. Aunty Dubem’s daughter who is in the third year in the university resides in Lagos, so I will go and stay with her until i find my footing She replied.
I didn't understand why Alex had to go through all of this, felt bad for her but was a bit skeptical about the whole thing (because of the rough lifestyle in Lagos) but I had to show my support—that was the least i could do.
I wished I could help her then, but there was also a financial constraint on my end. We both had fun while she was around before leaving for Lagos.
The deed day came for her to travel, I went to see her off at the park. I gave her pieces of advices and prayed for her. Alex was a good friend….No, she was more like a sister.
Three months passed after Alex left. I secured admission into the university while Alex was still trying to adapt to life in Lagos. Alex and I kept in touch—she talked about how things weren’t easy on her end and how she was managing to hold it all in. I supported her whenever I could and still encouraged her but at this time she began creating a gap between us, i could feel our relationship back sliding; but didn’t think of it much as she already had so much to deal with.
I was about rounding up my second year when things began to look up for Alex. She got a well-paying job and with the well-paid job, she began sponsoring herself through the university, was able to take care of herself and even send money back home for support. I was happy for her—the pieces of her life were coming back together.
But, funny as it may be, she cut off communication with me after her breakthrough. Texting/calling and expecting a reply from Alex was like waiting for a fish to talk. Well, I returned the energy, as I'm not one to force any kind of relationship whether on a platonic level or not.
Despite this, I was happy for her. I saw her on her socials having the time of her life and whenever I came home for the holidays, i noticed her family seemed to be in a better place—all thanks to Alex.
I couldn’t help but ponder, if our friendship ever meant anything to Alex. Well, I left the question to the ruins of our friendship to tell the tale and clarify my doubts.
On a Thursday afternoon, after classes…My mom called to check up on me as usual but she talked like one who has lost her voice. I sensed it immediately, Mummy what is wrong? , you don’t sound alright
Alex's family will be packing to the village, Alex lost her job.…My mother replied.
Alex was caught hanging out with a married man by his wife and the outcome was ugly, she lost her job and could no longer sponsor herself through school as the job and the man were her financial support. She started sliding backwards until the centre could no longer hold, she returned home with almost nothing and moved in with her family in the village.
The last time I heard about Alex, the situation was dire, her and her family were back to square one. Even worse, it was difficult to feed. I don't know where she went wrong but I sincerely hope she finds her way back to the top.
#creativenonfiction #inkwellprompt #writing #nonfiction #ecency
Thank you for reading!