Becoming

"Where is the doctor?!” I yelled as soon as I ran into the hospital, tears running down my cheeks. 

Frantically, I looked at Nora, who was gasping for air on the stretcher.

“The doctor is coming, Nora. I promise,” Running to her side and holding her almost cold fingertips, I assured her 

Dark, droopy eyes detached from life stared at me, and my heart broke all over just looking at her. Her lips were already turning blue and she had begun to spit out foam. Even as she was fighting to breathe, she still managed a nod, clasping her palms around mine.

“I’m sorry, you can’t come in here with her,” a nurse said, pushing me outside as the other nurses rushed Nora inside. I hadn’t realized we were already at the ICU.

I sighed, reluctantly pulling my hands away from Nora's while desperately hoping that my worst fears didn't become true.  

Without protest, I took a few steps backward, watching the nurse shut the door in my face. I ran my hands through my already messed-up hair as I turned around, facing my parents who had taken a seat on the bench which was outside the ICU.

I didn’t need to ask why Nora had poisoned herself. That was because I already knew the reason, but I didn’t take her seriously then.

I should have listened.

I remembered that day vividly. It was still very fresh in my mind. I sighed, meeting my mother’s eyes for a second before turning to the tinted glass windows of the ICU. I stared at my reflection in the window. 

My eyes were red and puffy. Swollen from hours of crying. The barrette holding my hair together was almost off, the curly strands of my hair sticking out from different places. In one word, I looked miserable.

______

Flashback

I walked into the classroom, my eyes focused on the movie I was watching on my phone as I chewed gum.

I halted for a moment, my eyes widening as I finally reached the part I had been waiting for. The part where Kiki and Cole kissed! That was the climax of the movie although I wanted more.

A grin stretched on my face as I exited PlayIt. Putting my phone into the pocket of my blazer, I raised my head and my eyes landed on Nora who was sitting by the window, staring outside.

My grin widened as I walked closer to her, blowing the gum which gave a loud pop sound. I dragged a chair closer, positioning it in a way that it faced her, then I took a seat.

“Nora.” No reply.

“Nora! Hello?” 

I frowned, wondering what she was thinking that made her so detached from her environment.

“Nora," I nudged her this time. again, making her jump in shock.

“Heyy,” She composed herself as a wide smile easily replaced her shocked expression when she saw my familiar face.

“What is the matter, Nora? You didn’t hear me come in, and when I was calling you also,” I narrowed my eyes at her, brows furrowing in concern.

 She glanced at me before darting her eyes outside, her bright smile falling.

 “If I tell you, would you keep it a secret?”

“A secret? What is it?” I asked, my frown deepening.

“You know my uncle? The one I live with?” She asked, clasping her hands together.

“Yes…why?” I asked, confused. 

What does her uncle have to do with the reason she was worried? She opened her mouth to speak then closed it, probably rethinking if it was worth it to tell me. Finally, she sighed, closing her eyes. I saw a tiny tear slide down her cheek.

“What is wrong with you Nora?” I asked, taking her hand. 

“You are my best friend. You can tell me anything.” I assured her.

She took in a deep breath, opening her eyes. She stared down at her skirt.

 “He takes advantage of me.”

My brows knitted together while my mind processed what she just said. Till I finally found my voice. 

“You mean, he rapes you?”

She looked at me, then quickly looked away as if she was ashamed of herself. She gave a nod.

“Ahn Ahn, stop it joor. Which kind of joke is this one?”

“I’m not joking, Efe. I’m being serious,” She replied quietly, although I could hear her squelch back a sob.

Not being able to control myself, laughter erupted from my throat. My body trembled with laughter because I found all of this funny. 

Rape victims were supposed to be the perfect definition of depression. They were always brooding. Especially those who were regular victims.

But, Nora was not like that. She was the perfect definition of sunshine. So bright. So, I found it difficult to believe it.

 “I know you are practicing for that drama you are to present at literature class. You are very good, I assure you, your teacher will give you a hundred percent!”

“Star girl!” I punched her arm playfully.

 “Thank you." Nora smiled before pulling me into a hug.

_____

Back to Present.

I shook my head, angry at myself for not listening to her. I took it as a joke, instead of being serious.

Finally, I understood the meaning of the adage;

Do not judge a book by its cover.

 That was definitely what I did with Nora. And look where it led me.

I wished I had noticed the pain and sadness behind her smiles, but then, there are so many things a smile could hide. Impatiently, I rubbed my sweaty palms on my jeans. Just then, the door opened, and the doctor came out.

“How is she?” I got up, rushing to her. 

She sighed, patting my shoulders. She turned to my parents who were now standing behind me. 

“Mr. and Mrs Obasi, the poison had done so much damage to her organs before you got here. I’m sorry, but we lost her.”

At that moment, I went numb and stared into space. 

I should have listened. She wouldn’t have thought the best option was to end her life. But now she was dead.

I wish I listened.

About The Author 

My name is Bisiriyu Raheemah, a girl. I am fifteen years old and dark skinned. I am a writer on Wattpad. My hobbies are reading novels, writing, designing and drawing.