Chapter one:Amara
"So, you are not coming?" Aliyah asked for the third time dabbing her highlighter on her cheekbone.
I didn't bother answering. I just rolled my eyes and kept scrolling through my phone. What made her think repeating the question would magically change my mind?
"Don't tell me you're still crying over Emmanuel bec—"
"Arghhh! Aliyah, just leave me the fuck alone!" I snapped, sitting up. "Whether I cry over him or not is none of your fucking business. I honestly don't know why you can't read the damn room."
That shut her up. The silence that followed was heavier than I expected.
God, I'm not usually like this. But I'm angry. Angry at everything. At everyone. And mostly at myself. I glanced at her, regret already building.
I know she has my best interest at heart, she's just concerned because I haven't eaten or drank anything in two days because of Emmanuel.
Why on earth do I like someone who makes me question my worth all the time.
Oh how much I hate myself, I hate myself so much, why do I keep breaking down, the plan was get busy but here I am feeling dizzy.
"Fine, Aliyah, I'll go with you to the seminar," I whispered, avoiding her gaze. I could feel her mood brighten, like she was quietly celebrating a small victory over my stubbornness.
She pulled me into a teddy bear hug and said" Oh, how much I love you, Amara. Don't worry— we're are going to get through this phase together ." Aliyah is the best. People say you can't be friends with your roommate, but in my case, my roommate is my BEST friend.
"Okay so let's dress up ."
* ♧ *
By the time we stepped out, the sun was already dipping behind the city skyline. The drive to the seminar venue felt like a blur—Aliyah chattering excitedly beside me while I stared out the window — lost in thoughts, nerves twisting in my stomach.
Before I knew it, we had arrived at the grand conference center in the heart of Abuja, its glass façade gleaming under the evening sky.
It was no surprise that we were early, punctuality is one of the qualities that makes Aliyah "Aliyah."
The seminar hall buzzed softly with murmurs and the rustling of papers as attendees settled into their seats. The room was decorated with banners showcasing the event's theme: "Innovation and Leadership in the Digital Age."
A sharp knock on the microphone grabbed everyone's attention.
"Good evening, everyone! Welcome to today's seminar," the host's voice echoed warmly. "Without further ado, please join me in welcoming our keynote speaker, Mr. Zane Okoye."
The crowd applauded as Mr okoye stepped up to the podium, adjusting his jacket and flashing a brief, confident smile. He scanned the audience, his eyes briefly landing on the middle row where i was seated, ready to jot every detail of this seminar into my macbook.
I looked at Aliyah who was already deeply engrossed, I couldn't help but crave having such a level of concentration right now.
"Technology is reshaping our world faster than ever before. But true innovation isn't just about gadgets or apps — it's about leadership, vision, and understanding the human element behind every breakthrough. "...I felt myself drifting away from my surroundings. I can't help but wonder what Emmanuel is doing right now. Is he thinking of me? Is he missing me? Didn't he feel anything at all? Oh, Gawd, I never knew I was this stupid. If only I had pretended, I didn't know he was seeing other girls. If only I... maybe he wouldn't have dumped me— Amarachi... Amara, please come back. You are asked a questi— hearing that alone brought me back to reality, only to see my face on the projector. "What the hell is going on?" I muttered under my breath.
I turned toward the podium. The guest speaker—what's his name again? Okoye Zane. Right.
"Answer the question, Amara," Aliyah said beside me, her voice tight with urgency.
Question? What question?
An usher handed me the microphone. I took it, palms sweaty. "Sorry, could you repeat the question?"
Zane looked at the screen, voice calm:
"Considering Nigeria's economic climate and the increasing reliance on tech startups, how do you think young entrepreneurs can balance innovation with ethical responsibility, especially when pressured to prioritize profit over social impact?"
Okay, Amara, breathe. Just say you don't know. That's normal. That's okay.
But nothing felt okay. The tension inside me boiled over. I wasn't just embarrassed — I was breaking.
Eyes stared. Whispers spread.
"Can you all just fuck off and leave me alone," I snapped, voice cracking.
Silence.
I didn't wait. I dropped the mic and walked out, only one thought in my head — find a bathroom before the tears fall.
So much for finally deciding to go out
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