She Chose My Rival on My Birthday

Ifeoma was my whole world, but in Awka's red-dust government school, even love dey get enemies. When my classmates and teachers decide say I no deserve her, dem push me to the shadows and hand her to my rival—on the very day I thought they’d all celebrate me. My mama’s tears and my own shame become the only gift I collect, while Ifeoma’s smile now belong to another—right in front of the whole school.