Does any human being ever deserve extreme violence no matter the atrocity committed? I pondered as I pulled my braids into a bun atop my head. Taking a few steps back, I admired the reflection staring back at me through the full-length mirror drilled into the peach-colored wall. It was almost time for the party, and I was convinced that the crop top and mummy jeans I had on fitted my frame perfectly. I smacked my lips together to ensure that the shiny gloss was spread out evenly across my lips. Its pink undertone added more color to my smile.
Daniel waited for me at the same garden in which we sat two days ago, the same day I witnessed the violence in the dining hall. Ever since the incident, different versions of the story traveled around the dormitories. However, the main cause of the violence wasn't known. But, one thing was sure, both girls would face the possibility of being rusticated from the school after standing before the disciplinary council. One thing did pique my interest though-the fact that they were cousins who grew up together.
Some did say it was a matter of rivalry. Others concluded that it was jealousy. To the rest, unrequited love was the main cause of the brawl. I remember Mother's voice telling me that it is undignified for ladies to fight-especially if it is over a man. The laughable aspect of it all is that; the guy involved goes Scot-free. No disciplinary actions whatsoever. He remains a ghost to the likes of me who prefer to avoid the drama and resist sniffing up the factors concerning it. Though I could never avoid it.
My roommates gossip about it, much to my hearing. They never include me in their conversations, and they act like I do not exist, ignoring my greetings and thoughtful 'nice to meet you' gifts. They also do everything they can to get on my nerves, often being noisy while I attempt to read my read my handouts as I make my notes. The hostel administrator maintained a strict policy that denied a change of room to students for any reason. Any reason apart from bullying, threat to life, or structural damage. This prevented me from requesting a change to my assigned accommodation. I did have faith that with the arrival of Julie, I would be seeing my roomies less often as I would most likely spend all of my time with her. The arrival I cannot wait for.
After walking for a couple of minutes, I spotted Daniel standing under one of the trees in the garden. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets and he bobbed his head up and down, matching the beat of whatever song streamed into his ears. Inwardly thrilled at the fact that I could recognize him from the back of his head, I tapped his shoulder.
"Hey there" he smiled beautifully. "You look nice"
I returned his smile with a blush as he enveloped me in a hug. His cologne filled my nostrils, and it just made him all the more attractive. Linking my arm in his, we made our way to the field where we took our seats on the bleachers.
On the way, my date fist-bumped almost everyone we passed, and I wondered how he came to know that many people within a week of being here. Loud afrobeat boomed from the speakers as freshmen trudged around; mingling or grabbing drinks Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Beatrice and I desperately wished on the stars that she would not see me. My wish was rebuffed, because she started to make her way to where Daniel and I were seated, smiling widely. The closer she got, the more I could see the smile turning to something filled with affection. Then, I noticed the direction of her eyes- the siren-shaped pair was trained on Daniel.
He rose from his seat, hugged her, and planted a kiss on her forehead. I began to ransack my brain of any missed detail of them being siblings which would be better than them being in a relationship. A fact I didn't want to think of. If he had her, why was he flirting with me? Beatrice reached out to touch his face, her eyes twinkling in the evening light. He bent his head to whisper something in her heart and some emotion I couldn't place rose in my throat. I fisted my hands tight, not minding the marks my colored nails would leave on the surface of my palm.
They kept on being cuddly with each other as I averted my gaze and took in a breath of fresh air, hoping to gulp down whatever was rising in my throat. " Hey boo," Beatrice's high-pitched voice caught my attention. She pulled me up for a hug and I resisted the urge to poke my eyes into those seductive eyes of hers. Instant doubt slammed into me after I properly took in her appearance. She had a body-hugging dress on. It perfectly accentuated her banging body, and I didn't miss the way Daniel's eyes roamed the body in question, staying glued to her cleavage.
"Evelyn, you must know Beatrice. She was in the A-level program with us." he smiled as he placed his hand on her back. Before I could open my mouth to respond, the voice of the beauty before me reached my ears.
"Oh leave the introductions. We are acquaintances if not friends." Beatrice said as she playfully nudged my shoulder. Friends. I scoffed.
"Well, she is one of my very good friends and we have known each other since six?" Daniel informed me and at the same time, he glanced at Beatrice for clarification.
"Five actually" she nodded. "Well, I'm sorry for disrupting whatever it is you guys have going on right now, but my friend stood me up. I can't attend this stuff alone."
" Oh, we have an empty seat just right here. Join us." Daniel guided her to the seat on his right.
"I hate to disturb you, Evelyn" Beatrice reached across and touched my hand.
Daniel jumped in again before I could say anything. It was beginning to feel like I was invincible. "Nah, don't worry about it. She's perfectly cool with this arrangement."
The rest of the evening entailed games, music, food, speeches, and a whole lot of mingling. But the main fact was that I was ignored. Daniel spent the whole evening talking and laughing to the witch on his right side. Not once did he glance back at me. I felt humiliated, fighting the urge to cry. The urge to reach out and yank her fake eyelashes came upon me but I knew that I would never do it. It was undignified. I reminded myself. Then, anger came next. I was suddenly angry at the swarm of cheerful individuals around me. Their mood was opposite to my countenance. How could they be happy when I wanted nothing more than to enter the ground? It was safe to say that I attended the event lonely and alone.
Not long after, David jumped from his seat after Beatrice whispered something into his ear. I watched as he guided her through the crowds after he said he was going to hand over to the friend who was supposed to be with her. Glad that she would be leaving us alone, I decided to wait for him to return to my seat, but he never came back. After taking the last swig of my drink, I was done and ready to return to my dorm. Lo and behold, Daniel had used Beatrice as an excuse to stay away from me. Their dancing bodies situated in the center of the crowd further solidified that thought.