“Good morning,”Mr. Abubakar said, then looked at Fatima, his voice softer now, almost pleading. “Fatima, how about you reconsider what you said before? You are our best student… Everyone knows that. In Mathematics and Physics, no one comes close. You are the right person to represent this school in the Olympiad.” He paused, watching her carefully. “And it’s not just about the school, it is about our dear country. You’ll be representing Nigeria by participating. This is an international competition… students from all over the world will be there. It’s not just about competing, it’s about exposure… opportunities… a future.”
Fatima remained quiet but she was listening
“I know earlier your concern was money,” he continued. “But now, with your new status as…” He stopped abruptly when Fatima raised her head sharply.
“How did you know?” she asked, her voice low but tense.
Mr. Abubakar waved it off lightly. “Is that what matters? The school authorities are aware, but don’t worry, we won’t spread it. Your husband and his father came on Friday. They informed us so we would give you the respect you deserve.”
Fatima’s heart skipped. She thought Farzan wouldn’t want people to know about her
“But that’s not the point,” he continued. “You should do this. Not just for us but for yourself. With your new position, don’t you think you should build a name for yourself? This is your stepping stone.”
Fatima took a breath. “Alright, sir,” she said. “You don’t have to say more. I’ve already thought about it. I will participate.”
Mr. Abubakar’s face brightened.
“When I get home, I’ll call Yaya Farzan and inform him,” she added.
“Excellent!” he said. “We’ll start processing your visa and ticket immediately.”
Fatima hesitated slightly. “What if he doesn’t agree?” she asked.
Mr. Abubakar smiled confidently. “The Bunu I know will agree. He wants the best for you.”
Fatima found what he said strange but she still smile bashfully
“You can go,” he said. “We’ll discuss more once everything is arranged.”
“Okay sir,” Fatimah replied
In class, Fatima focused completely on her studies. No side talks. No distractions. No friends but something seemed to have changed.
The same classmates who once ignored her were now eager to speak with her. They glanced at her new school bag, her new school shoes, her neat appearance, and suddenly, she had become someone worth noticing.
Fatima saw through it but she was not interested
When they spoke to her, she replied briefly… just enough to be polite but she didn’t engage further… She wasn’t interested.
When she had needed them, they had turned away. Now, she had no need for them. She will continue being by herself
After school, she stepped out of the gate. Just as she was about to walk away to where she would wait for their driver, someone blocked her path.
Fatima looked up.
It was a girl and her entourage. She recognized the girl immediately… she is the daughter of the state governor and Aisha biological younger sister
The girl folded her arms and smirked. “So… you’re the one.”
ale of an Orphan Chapter Twelve Silence followed. Deep and heavy silence. Neither of them spoke for a while, as if both were trying to understand everything that she had just said.
