“Big Girls on Campus”
Episode 1
By ANNIE ALEX
“Mama! Mama !, Catherine screamed as soon as she entered their compound, her mother who was washing her clothes outside raised her head to look at her daughter who was jumping and screaming like one who just won a jackpot holding a sheet of paper
“What is it, and why are you disturbing the peace of this compound” her mother asked
“Mama guess what na, “ Catherine said hiding the sheet of paper behind her
“You know I’m not good at guessing, just tell me what is it, “ her mother said as she continued her washing
Catherine is from a poor family where she happens to be the first child with two younger siblings Mike and Cynthia, her dad Mr. Eze is a middle-aged man who runs a local furniture shop to take care of his family
With his little earnings, they could feed at least twice a day and on some happy days three times a, her mom on the other sells petty things in front of their house just to assist the family
“Mama I will be going to the university “ Catherine shouted at the top of her voice with excitement as she stretched forth the admission letter for her to see
“Are you serious, “ her mom said rinsing the soap from her hand as she quickly dried up her hand with her rapper and took the paper from her
“ wow, “ she said looking at her daughter and back to the admission letter in her hand with excitement she hugged her daughter and started singing and dancing in their dialect
“This is good news, your father will be so proud of you, “ her mom said applauding her
Written by Annie Alex
It has always been their dream for Catherine to go to a good university and study her dream course even though she had to write jamb twice before scaling through she is glad all her efforts and hard work have paved the way for her
“Mama can I go and see Samantha and share the good news with her “ Catherine asked her mom with a smile
“ you and this Samantha girl, this one the both of you will be going to the same university hope you will focus on your book, “ her mother said giving her a stern look
“Of course mama, you know I don’t joke with my studies and besides we are not in the same faculty, “ Catherine said still smiling at her mom
Catherine has this lovely smile that no
No matter how hardened your heart is it will surely melt it
“ I have heard you, but make sure you are done with the food before leaving, “ her mother said and Catherine shouted “Thank you Mum” as she went back to the kitchen excitedly
A few hours later she got dressed and headed for Samantha’s house after placing a call to her
“Baby this one you are smiling from ear to ear, what is the good news “ Samantha asked
“Can I atleast sit down? “ Catherine said jumping on her bed with a smile
Written by Annie Alex
“Queen Catherine you can sit down and what can I offer Your Highness, “ Samantha said jokingly as she took a bow and they both burst into laughter
“Chilled Fanta will be fine to quench this burning taste “ she responded
Samantha quickly dashed out and came back with a bottle of Fanta and handed It to her
Without wasting much time Catherine immediately gulped half of its content at a go
“Take it easy na, before you choke yourself, “ Samantha said mopping at her
“Don’t mind me joor, I was tasty “ she replied
“How is school na, you are looking all robust and glowing, mehn the school must be treating you well, “ Catherine said examining her friend from head to toe
“School is fine just stressful” she replied
“Sammy you don’t look stressed oh, Catherine said still observing how chubby and more curvy her friend had become in just one year in school
“You sounded excited on the phone, what is the good news, “ Sammy said trying to change the topic
“Yes oo, I have great news, finally God has done it,” Catherine said dancing and shaking her small waist
“you’re killing me with suspense can you just say it already,” Sammy said dragging her back to her sit
“ well well, I’m now the latest newbie at Lagos State University, “ Catherine said adjusting her blouse as if she had an additional shoulder pad
“Woh, you don mean it, “ Sammy said with mouth agape
“Yes darling, I will be joining you in school by the next session, “ Catherine said with pride and confidence
“Aw, I’m so happy for you, “ Sammy said with a weird smile
“Are you sure, you look a bit uneasy “ Catherine said when she noticed the change in her mood
“Not at all dear, congratulations, “ she said to her friend as they chatted some more and laughed about so many things
Catching up with her friend Sammy was always a joyful moment for her but something was not right especially when she mentioned coming to her school, she eventually left when it was getting late
“Oh no, why will she come to my school, I thought I discouraged her from filling in any other school but not LASU” Samantha said with a frown
She picked up her phone and dialed a contact immediately the call was picked
“Hey babes, there is a problem, “ she said
To be continued………
©️Annie Alex
