Must Read: Ade

Episode 7 years ago

Must Read: Ade

We got to school the next day and resumed
activities as usual. We went about our duties
with a kind of flair that I knew the other
teachers would have been thinking that
either of us had won a jackpot. The students
too would have likely thought it was the
birthday of one of us. We were so light
headed and full of smile that we surprised
even ourselves. Rotimi who was on duty that
week left all latecomers to go scot free. That
was how we do after getting out of troubles.


But were we really out of this?


The morning assembly came and went
likewise the daily staff briefing.


Then all dispersed to the classes where they had the first period while the others left for the
staffroom. We left for the staffroom as we
both had second period that day.
As we entered, we found Shola at her desk
and greeted her. She was looking for
something under her table and as such did
not see us until we greeted. Her face beamed
into a smile as she replied our greeting. But I
noticed that she had a tear-stained face. An
evidence that she had been crying all
morning. Little wonder she was absent at
both the assembly and morning briefing.
I tapped Rotimi who was looking at Folake
who also was wondering why Rotimi took a
sudden interest in her. He smiled at her and
followed me to Shola.


”Why the tears this early morning Shola?
What happened again?” I asked as I settled
my bums on her table.


She knew her cover had been blown, hence,
little essence for lying. She could not look up
but instead of talking, she burst into another
fit of crying. Rotimi bent down and took her
hands from her laps where she had placed
them into his and began soothing and
pacifying her.


”You don’t need all these, Shola, you should
be happy that you got it off your mind and
into the right hands. We are now your
friends and we share your sorrow. Just let us
help you and you won’t regret. But that
would only be possible if you stop being
apologetic and you stop shedding this
tears.”


”Rotimi, thank you but I don’t think there
can be solutions to this my urge. I had it
again this morning and I had almost called
Bunmi when I saw you both. It was hard to
fight that was why I couldn’t leave this room.


I am tired of my life. I feel like dying.”


I stood up from the table and joined Rotimi
in the squatting position. It was time we
played our trump card. We could not afford
to let her die. She had begun to show signs
of depression and we needed to help her
fast. I hoped that could cool her before we
talked to the Doctor.


”Shola,” I called.


”You don’t need this talk of death, okay? We
are here for you and guess what?” Her face
wore a scowl as my words hit her
consciousness.


”What’s it Ade? I can’t guess anything now.”

She replied.

”We have found a way to help you overcome
the urge and feelings. Not only you,
everybody. Including that one over there and
her friend and Bunmi and the rest.” I said
pointing at Folake.
”I don’t believe you. You are trying to get me
happy, right?” She said not believing my
words.
”Babe, it’s the whole truth. We would call a
psychologist who would talk to you and help
you get out of this mess, Shola. We battled
through thoughts yesternight before getting
that solution. Judt trust us and don’t do
anything silly until our efforts have failed. It
would kill us if we see you hurt yourself
without trying to get help first.” Rotimi
pleaded looking straight into her misty eyes.
She was happy. She jumped up and hugged
us and gave us each a peck.


”Thank you guys. I promise to foot all the
bills and I promise to wait till it fails before
killing myself. Though I pray it works. You
are good guys. I will owe my life to you if I
get over this mess.” She ranted on and aon
in appreciation while I prayed that it works
out well. It would all amount to waste of
things if Shola should end up dead after all
our efforts. I pray it works.


”When am I talking to the Doctor?” She
asked an obvious question.


”Today. We shall call him today and the three
of us shall tell him all what happened and all
those involved. I know he will get a solution
to this challenge.” Rotimi said.


Shola manifested a sign of speedy change
from the moody and dull Shola to one full
and bouncing with energy as she ran to the
tap to wash her face before dabbing a little
powder which is synonymous with her.


Another thing that captivated me about her.


She never used make ups. The maximum she
wears of make ups are the brown and white
powder and the lip gloss. Despite these, she
was still very beautiful. She was unlike my
fiancee, who painted all paintables. How I
dislike it!


We all went to our classes and agreed to
meet during the break time to make the call
we hope would change the life of some
individuals who we have come to see as
victims of circumstances and societal
inadequacies.



Break time came and the three of us
gathered in the staffroom. Rotimi brought
out his phone to make the call. He had dialled
the number with Shola and I waiting…