Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Adolescence/Teen Years (07/16/09)
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TITLE: All in one night | Previous Challenge Entry
By Uzoamaka Eneli
07/22/09 -
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I was nervous as ever that night- the one night that changed my life for ever.
About 3pm, we left for her house to get some stuff. It was there that Nkem told me that the party was actually by 7pm. I panicked, for it meant I had lied to mama but she just laughed and said I was such a baby. I considered turning back but I knew I’ll loose Nkem as my friend ‘cause she was the only friend I had.
I was shocked when she got dressed! It was a contraption of rags but Nkem said it was newest fashion- the “in thing” in town. Blushing in shame when I looked at her, I couldn’t say a thing. Infact, I couldn’t talk at all. You see, Nkem had always been the leader- the bold, daring and adventurous one. She had a way with words and most times, I didn’t have much left to say when she’s through. She convinced me to change the jeans and a single top I had on into a strapless top that barely covered my ‘boobs’ and a mini skirt. I was so uncomfortable but Nkem said if I was going to fit into the party then I had to dress well. I wondered what was wrong with my jeans since it was after all just a birthday party.
I really felt self conscious in those clothes though I must confess I felt quite beautiful and mature when we were through the makeup and all. Just then, I remembered Mama. What would she have said if she saw me? What will she do if she knew I was going for a night party? But I didn’t give it much thought. After all What Mama doesn’t know, won’t hurt anyone.
Nkem’s boyfriend- Ikenna came to pick us up in his father’s Mercedes car in the company of his friend Tobe- whom Nkem convinced to escort me since I had no boyfriend. I never liked Tobe. He always looked ruffled and rough to me so unlike my Kene- my secret crush, who is gentle and so kind. I told Nkem so but she said it was guys like Tobe that can protect me if anything comes up. But what could come up in a simple birthday party I wondered?
Well, a lot of things did come up that night.
We got into the car- Nkem sitting in front with her boyfriend and Tobe at the back with me. He had this dangerous look in his eyes when he looked me and I had to squat his hands twice on the way.
The party wasn’t just a party; the crowd was enough proof of that. The loud blast of Pop music made any meaninful conversion difficult as everyone was shouting to each other at the top of their voice but they all seem to be enjoying it- except me.
Nkem and Ikenna gradually disappeared in the crowd, greeting and mingling easily as they moved. Tobe must have seen how terrified I was because he had this look of disgust on his face when he picked my hands and dragged me along. I held on tightly to him. I saw different things; people with wide dazed out- of- space gaze, some making out in dark corners, erotic dances to the music, drinking contests and mini gambling. It was all so stuffy and confusing that I felt dizzy just staring at it all.
I just couldn’t stay anymore so I decided to go outside to a take some fresh air when Tobe went to get drinks for us. I found a quite spot for myself and I sat down grateful to be away from the noise.
“Hello, can I take seat beside you?” a voice I knew so well said to me.
I looked up to confirm and sure! it was Kene standing flesh and blood in front of me. Speechlessly nodding and staring while he sat beside me.
Then, he took another look at me and said, “I think I know from somewhere”. Again, I nodded like a dumb fool. Finding my voice fast, I explained that I had seen him in school.
He looked me over and said,” You look tired and bored, Do you want go somewhere real nice?”
Nodding and this time smiling excitedly. Then, he gently pulled me up and said, “Let’s go”.
I went with him willingly. He drove on into a street and by the corner, the engine of the car suddenly died and the car went dark. Sitting beside him made my heart faster than I ever thought and the tension in the air was palpable. I guess he felt it too for he turned and stared at me for such a long time like he was just seeing me for the first time.
“You are very beautiful, you can take my breath away”, He then said.
That was the greatest moment of my life! He was so irresistible! Briefly, I remembered the pastor at our youth fellowship; his talk about waiting till marriage and the will of God for every person but was all he said really true? I knew that this was my one in life time chance with my Kene and I didn’t want to be considered stupid.
The horn of the driver brought my thoughts back to the present. This is the second youth conference I’ve been granted to speak this month. I see little children playing in the streets and I remembered my still born aftermath baby. I see the HIV/AIDS Campaign billboards and am reminded of my 5yrs status. But I don’t live a life of regrets; it no use to do so. I only pray that they listen and the words I speak stay longer in their minds than the words of my youth pastor that one night.
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