The morning started like every other day tiring but familiar. I woke up, did my chores, took my bath, and made breakfast. Even though I was exhausted, I got ready for school. It felt dull without Mary she had traveled, and I had to walk alone from class to class. I tried to distract myself, scrolling through my phone between lectures, waiting for the day to end.
Then suddenly, my course rep dropped the best news ever on the departmental group chat "Last lecture canceled." I literally smiled to myself. That was all I needed to hear. Without wasting time, I packed my things, rushed out of the class, and took a cab straight to Jovi's lesson center.
The moment I arrived, the excitement that filled me was unreal. Jovi's smile was wide, and Daphne's eyes lit up when she saw me that kind of warm welcome that makes you forget how stressful your day was. Daphne and I had been texting a lot recently. We were getting surprisingly close. I trusted her just like Jovi did, and it felt good having her in our little circle. I went straight to sit with Jovi, Daphne, and small Daphne, ignoring Ronny especially since Jovi told me he was getting closer to that girl, Debra. I didn't want any drama, so I simply cut him off. We started talking and laughing, and I brought up Ray the guy who's been texting me. Jovi told me, "If he asks you out, date him oh! That's how I started dating Vincent." Daphne burst out laughing, and I joined her.
I teased them, saying, "Abeg, I just hope he pays for my birthday!"
That made everyone laugh even harder.
The hours passed slowly as they continued their lessons. I waited, scrolling through my messages and watching TikToks until class was over. When the lesson finally ended, we all walked together, talking and joking around. My phone buzzed it was Ray. He said he wanted to know me better. I told him my age and that I was in the university. He said he was 28, done with school, had his own projects, and ran a poultry with fowls, goats, cows, and fish.
I was surprised. "Wow," I replied, smiling at my phone.
By the time we reached the junction, we all went our separate ways. When I got home, I saw Celeste's message again she was still asking me to come see her. I could sense her sadness through her texts, so I promised I'd come soon. That night, I created a WhatsApp group for Jovi, Daphne, and me. I named it "Trios" because I loved how we told each other everything. Jovi was so excited; she kept calling us "my girls." I smiled reading her messages.
Then, out of nowhere, Ray texted me again. He said, "You should come to my house on Friday so we can plan your birthday."
I immediately sent the chat to the group. The girls screamed through texts all caps, emojis, everything.
We called it "The Jackpot."
And that's how the night ended laughter, plans, and a feeling that something exciting was finally coming my way.