Chapter Twelve

Her dedication to studies paid off. Joy had just finished the last exam and she could now breathe in well. Everything she had studied came in handy during exams and she was sure she would score a good grade. The mood in school was changing. People were happy and could be seen in little crowds having the time of their lives. Some were elated in the fact that the exam marked the end of their studies there while others were tensed since they did the exam for the very first time. Joy kept her excitement to herself. She had resolved to loving her own company. She didn't want friends anymore. Vida and Ivy's betrayal was enough to last a lifetime. She could see them excitedly taking pictures probably for their Instagram posts.

Hypocrites!

She almost shouted. A few course mates passed by her complimenting her on the smooth skin she had suddenly gotten. She had not had a chance to look at herself in the mirror lately and so she hadn't noticed any changes. To others she looked different, but to her she felt the same, well, except the fact that there was a little growth in her tummy. The thought of that made her freeze for a moment. She unconsciously held her books over her belly and began to walk away.

She had to pack her bags in readiness for departure to her home. She walked into the hostel like a stranger looking around like she was lost. She scanned the room. A place she had called home for close to four years now. The comfort home she had embraced, but now looked like a mere four walled jail.

She lined up her briefcases, took out her clothes from the wardrobe and absentmindedly stuffed them into the briefcase, one after another. Her mind was already at her home. The reception she was going to get. If only she had a different place to go this time.

She lay on her bed. Who knows maybe this will be the last time. She thought. She only had one more semester before she finally graduates. Funny how three years moved faster than a single semester this time around.

Soon she heard Ivy and Vida coming in. Their excitement could be felt all over the place. They talked in high tones and laughed as if the world as their high heels clucked as if in competition.

"Joy!..." Vida called from the lounge before walking into Joy's room after a single knock.

"Girl, how can you be sleeping right now when you should be celebrating the end of the semester like everybody else?" she asked.

The nerve.

Had she forgotten so soon that they were no longer in the best of terms? Joy wondered faking a smile.

"I just felt like relaxing a bit." she answered

"Oops! I forgot you are paged. I wanted to treat you out tonight, for just a drink. But I heard that pregnant women are not supposed to drink. My bad." she giggled before scampering away.

Did she just mock her? Joy was enraged and fuming. How could she talk like that yet she was to blame for the whole thing? She angrily folded her arms into a fist like she wanted to punch someone. She felt so bitter.

That night she slept peacefully with the help of the pills and when morning came, she was the first to leave the house. She didn't care to bide her roommates goodbye. She just called a cab,took all her belongings and headed to town where she could board the vehicle heading home.

Hours later she walked into her compound looking gloomy. Her mother however, was overjoyed when she saw her. She was glad that she was alive and kicking. She received her warmly and even prepared her favorite meal as a welcome gesture.