Chapter 14: New Friend, New Trouble

Next day, I reach academy early, see two desk, and person don sit for other one.

The new girl sat tall, uniform spotless, eyes sharp. She looked up, gaze bold.

I never see new face, so I run ask, "Who you be?"

She just looked, "You be Ifeanyi Tangola."

Voice flat, almost accusing. I bristled, nodded.

My eyes light, "Yes now."

I puffed chest, proud.

She said, "You be future queen?"

I paused, unsure. Title sounded heavy.

I wan argue, but teacher entered, knocked desk, "Make una mind una talk."

He eyed us, cane tapping. Class straightened.

Teacher told me go seat. As I sat, "Today, we go talk about 'mind your mouth'."

I slid in, feeling Amina’s eyes burning. Lesson extra long.

The girl beside hissed.

She flicked braids, rolled eyes. I bit tongue, decided to ignore.

Teacher began long talk.

Voice mixed with fan hum, making eyelids droop.

After class, I ran to Royal Hall.

I darted, eager to find out who she be.

I wan ask Tola Shun, quickest way na to ask am.

He sat at desk, flipping papers. I poked shoulder, grinning.

At door, I signaled Baba Sani, he signaled back—queen mother no dey.

With coast clear, I slipped inside.

I rushed, before I talk, he said, "Her name na Amina Yusuf, one year senior, mama bring her as your reading partner, she be chief scholar last born."

He rattled it off like he dey wait. I blinked, impressed.

I asked, "How you take know wetin I wan talk?"

He grinned, "I sabi your mind, na."

Tola Shun dropped paper, looked me, "Guess now."

I just guess say Tola Shun na mumu.

He laughed, flicked my ear. We were back to normal, for a moment.

For night, as we dey chop with queen mother, she asked, "Er’er, how you and Miss Amina dey?"

Voice curious, eyes watching.

I answered, "We dey alright."

Tried to sound cheerful.

Maybe my tone too light, queen mother said, "As long as you happy."

She nodded. I relaxed, grateful.

I said, "Thank you, queen mother, I dey happy."

Voice soft, full of hope.