Dark Bonds

I grabbed my toothbrush and headed to the bathroom, a deep smile plastered on my face. School was finally resuming after a long, uneventful vacation, and I couldn't wait to see my friends. It wasn't that I disliked my time in California—the endless beaches, fast food, and beautiful scenery had their charm. But strangely, I preferred being back home in Nigeria, where I had a little more freedom.

Already dressed for school in a multicolored velvet top and pitch-black trousers, I trudged out of my room. My black leather boots clicked against the tiles as I walked, my hair pulled neatly into a ponytail. I carried my laptop carefully, ensuring it wouldn't topple as I closed the door behind me.

"Good morning, Miss Ada," Officer Bernice greeted. She stood at the door, ever-dutiful, like a statue guarding the gates.

"Here, take this," I said, handing her my laptop. Together, we descended the curved staircase, her footsteps echoing alongside mine. Other officers stationed around the house greeted me, but I'd learned to ignore them; replying to everyone usually left me breathless by the time I reached the car.

At the foot of the stairs, I entered the sprawling sitting room. The marble floors gleamed under the light of multiple chandeliers, and rows of plush cushions stretched across the room. TV sets were scattered everywhere, each tuned to a different channel.

I spotted Dad lounging on a cushion, a glass of liquor in one hand and his phone in the other. He was smiling at whatever he was reading, occasionally taking a sip. Two armed officers stood silently beside him.

"Dad," I called, startling him. He quickly tried to hide the glass, but it was too late.

"You never listen to me—or your doctors," I said, sitting beside him. "They've warned you about drinking. Your liver—"

"Adanna," Dad interrupted, sighing. "I've heard you. Stop lecturing me like a child. You'll be late for school."

His abrupt dismissal raised my suspicions. He was deflecting, trying to avoid something.

"The contract," I pressed, ignoring his attempt to steer me away. "Have you decided who to award it to?"

"Yes," he admitted. "Zil Limited. They submitted the best proposal."

"What kind of proposal?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"Money, of course," he said. "They're asking for two million dollars to clear the land before we even start construction."

He abruptly changed the subject. "Have you eaten breakfast?"

"I had Bernice bring it to my room," I replied, unimpressed by his deflection. "What about Mom? Is there any news from her?"

Dad's face tightened. "The WHO needs her. She won't be home for another three months, at least."

"But she was supposed to come home today," I said, my voice rising. "She promised."

"Adanna," Dad said gently, "your mother is saving lives. Think about the people who need her help. She's doing something important."

"But," I started, my voice faltering. The news stung more than I expected. Without another word, I grabbed the glass from his hand and thrust it toward the officer standing nearby.

"Take it away," I snapped. Then I turned to Bernice, took my laptop, and stormed toward the door.

---

The drive to Nerland High School was uneventful, though the caravan of G-wagons surrounding my car felt oppressive. The security was suffocating, a constant reminder of the freedom I couldn't have.

I arrived late, walking into the senior class under Mr. Adeleke's stern gaze.

"Miss Ada," he said sharply. "It's the first day of school. Show some discipline."

"Sorry, sir," I mumbled, hurrying to my seat. My friends—Aisha, Luke, Obinna, and Matthew—acknowledged me in their unique ways: Aisha waved, Matthew winked, and the other two simply nodded. The familiarity was comforting.

---

By the time lunch arrived, my friends had gathered around my table at the cafeteria.

"How was California?" Aisha asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Terrible," I muttered. "I wasn't allowed outside without supervision."

"You're missing out," Luke said. "California's amazing."

"Focus on the food," I shot back, gesturing to his tray.

"You won't even finish half of that taco," Luke quipped with a smirk.

I wanted to argue but knew he wasn't wrong. Before I could respond, Obinna chimed in, his voice filled with mock disappointment.

"You've changed, Ada. Usually, you'd come back with a sharper insult. Now you're just... boring."

I gasped. "How dare you! I'm not boring!" But my voice cracked, making Aisha burst into laughter.

"You sound like a baby!" she wheezed, tears streaming down her face. The others tried to hold back their laughter, but it was futile. Even Matthew lost control, his chuckles echoing in the room.

Embarrassed, I glared at them. "You're all the worst," I muttered.

Aisha eventually sobered up and knocked on the table. "Guys, aren't we forgetting something?"

The boys looked at her blankly. "Ada's mom is supposed to come home today," she reminded them.

"Oh, right!" Matthew exclaimed. "We were planning a welcome party!"

"She's not coming," I said quietly, my voice breaking. "Dad said it'll be months before she's back."

Silence fell. The boys exchanged dark looks, and Obinna stood abruptly. "We'll go get her."

"No!" I said, blocking their path. "She'll come back when she's ready. Please, don't do anything reckless."

"But she made you cry," Matthew said, his voice trembling with frustration.

"I don't care. If you force her to come back, it'll make me feel worse."

Aisha stepped in, placing a calming hand on Obinna's arm. "Ada's right. Let it go."

Obinna punched the wall in frustration. Then he turned to me, his face stormy. "Promise me you'll never cry in front of me again."

"I promise," I whispered, startled by his intensity.

The bell rang, breaking the tension. We all filed back to class in silence, though I could feel the weight of their anger and concern lingering.