CHAPTER 55
"THE MYSTERIOUS MODEL"
The buzzer blared, signaling the end of the game, the entire arena fell into a stunned silence, trying to grasp the enomity of what they had just witnessed. The scoreboard displayed a brutally one-sided scoreline of 183-66, leaving no doubt about the outcome of the second semifinal clash between Rose Newton High School and Charlottes High School
The Charlottes High School players were devastated, and overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down their faces as they grappled with the reality of their devastating defeat.
In contrast, the Rose Newton High School team was jubilant, celebrating their dominating performance with cheers and high-fives. The stage was set for an electrifying finale, with Rose Newton High School posed to face Charlie Queens Academy in the final of the playoffs
Seated among the Queens in the stands, Mercy turned to her teammates and said, "Our opponents in the playoffs final are the Rose Newton High School"
"Yeah," Tosin replied, her gaze fixed on Victoria, the center of the Rose Newton High School and a member of Victorious Varsity
"In terms of head to head encounters, we are at a disadvantage. We've lost all our games against them," Eno pointed out
Mrs. Lawal chimed in, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, "Also, including our game against them last year, they've won three of the last four Lagos Female Division Prefectural Champions, that is the playoffs. The only time they didn't win was when they met Wyse International High School in the final four years ago"
Oluchi sighed, voicing her concerns, "Their presence is so strong. We won't even be noticed"
Just then, Victoria caught sight of the Queens and locked eyes with Tosinm and evil grin spreading across her lips
Unfazed by the imposing challenge that lay ahead, Tosin declared with unwavering resolve, "It doesn't matter how much history favours them, it doesn't matter how much head-to-head favours them. We are going to win this time around! No matter what!"
"RIGHT!" The Queens chorused in agreement, their collective determination palpable
With a fierce glint in her eyes, Tosin rose from her seat, and the rest of the Queens followed suit, accompanying her as they made their way out of the arena
As the Queens' team bus – a school bus designated for club's transportation needs – departed from the arena, there were two noteable absentees. Tosin and Teni had opted to make their way home independently, each harboring her own reason for doing so
Tosin, lost in thought, found herself walking alone, oblivious to her surroundings. She was so engrossed in her inner world that the tap on her shoulder caught her off guard
"Who touched me?" Tosin spun around, her voice tinged with irritation as she snapped out of her daze
"Hello, captain," a familiar voice greeted her
"Oh, it's you, Teni. Why aren't you on the bus?" Tosin asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone
"I could ask you the same thing," Teni replied, mirroring Tosin's question
Tosin sighed, her sholder relaxing slightly, "Well, I just wanted to be left alone right now. That's why I didn't follow the bus"
Teni's expression shifted to one of concern upon hearing the word alone. It stirred up unpleasant memories from her past.
"What?" Tosin questioned, noticing the change in Teni's demeanor.
Teni quickly regained her composure, forcing a smile, "Ah, it's nothing. I actually live not too far from here. That's why I didn't follow the bus"
"I see. Let's walk home together, then," Tosin suggested, a hint of warmth in her voice
"Alright," Teni agreed
As the girls walked, they chatted, laughed, and gradually became more acquainted with each other. The once somber mood gradually dissipated, replaced by a lighthearted atmosphere as Teni shared her amusing anecdotes and jokes
"Hahaha! That's hilarious, Teni. Have you always been this funny?" Tosin asked, her laughter echoing in the evening air
"Am I?" Teni smiled, genuinely pleased by Tosin's reaction
"Yes, you are," Tosin affirmed with a grin
"Alright, Tosin, I'll see you tomorrow. This is where we go our separate ways," Teni said as they approached a crossroad
"Okay, Teni. Thank you for today. Thanks to you, I feel much better, now," Tosin said, her gratitude sincere and heartfelt
"You're welcome," Teni replied, touched by Tosin's appreciation
The girls embraced, a newfound bond formed between them, before going their separate ways, each carrying a sense of solace and camaraderie that had developed during their impromptu walk home
With Teni gone, Tosin continued walking home alone. But she started talking to herself, pondering the challenges that lay ahead for team
"The game against Rose Newton High School is in two days," Tosin muttered to herself. "We need to strategize and train hard, but we only have tomorrow to do that. What a pain"
Tosin's frustration was palpable, and she couldn't help but feel undaunted by the prospect of facing such a powerful team. She knew that scoring against Victoria, Rose Newton's ace, would be an almost impossible task
Just as Tosin was about to delve deeper into her thoughts, she felt a sudden impact, jolting her back to reality
"Ouch….." Tosin exclaimed, "Do people walk without eyes these days?" she turned to face the person she had collided with. She was met with the sight of a beautiful, young elegant, but young girl, who seemed equally surprised by the encounter
"Yo! Sorry, I didn't see you coming, so I ran into you by mistake," The stranger apologized with a friendly grin
"No problem," Tosin replied, her frustration dissipating in the face of the woman's warmth
Before Tosin could continue on her way, the stranger spoke up again, an ernest expression on her face. "Hey, I know it's rude, but could you do something for me?"
Intrigued, Tosin responded "Sure, what is it?"
The girl looked over her shoulder, a hint of urgency in her voice. "Please, I'm going to hide somewhere, could you tell those girls coming this way that you didn't see me?"
Tosin's curiosity was piqued, but before she could aske any questions, the girl had already ducked out of sight
"Huh? Hey!" Tosin called out, hoping for an explanation, but it was too late. The mysterious stranger had vanished
As Tosin stood there, bewildered by the strange encounter, a group of running ladies approached her, their faces flushed with exertion
"Hey! Did you see her? Where did she go?" one of the girls demanded, her eyes searching the area
Huh? Oh yes. She went through that street over there," Tosin lied, unsure why she was covering for someone she had just met
"Alright, thanks," the girls said in unison before continuing their chase
Once they had disappeared around the corner, Tosin heard the sound of footsteps behind her. She turned to see the girl from earlier
"Heeeey!" the stranger called out, "You are a life saver. You saved my neck back there. Sorry for the trouble I caused you,"
"It's okay," Tosin replied, still somewhat confused by the situation. "But why were those girls chasing you? Did you offend them?"
The girl let out a soft chuckle, "Well have you heard of a model named Eshe?"
Tosin shook her head, her interest piqued. "Nope,"
"What? You haven't? that's shocking," the woman said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Well, I'm Eshe, a Model."
"Alright, Eshe," Tosin said, her curiosity growing, "But why should girls chase after a female Model? Shouldn't they be more interested in male models?"
Eshe smiled knowingly, "I get your point, but these days, even women are getting married to their fellow women. Same with men. Haven't you heard of same-sex marriage? Gays? Lesbians?"
Tosin's nose wrinkled in distaste. "Ew. That's disgusting!"
Just as Tosin was about to ask another question, a familiar voice called out from a distance. "Eshe!"
Tosin's eyes widened in surprise. "I know that voice," she mused, trying to place the familiar tonee
"Haha! It's really you, Eshe! What are you doing in Lagos when school hasn't vacated yet?" the voice questioned, its owner finally coming into view
Tosin's jaw dropped in shock as she recognized Victoria, the ace and center of Rose Newton High School and a member of the Victorious Varsity
"Wait a second! She knows Victoria? And I thought she's a Model. Is she schooling while working as a Model at the same time?" Tosin wondered silently
"What brought you to Lagos, Eshe?" Victoria inquired
Eshe smiled, her eyes bright with excitement, "I came to watch the Lagos Prefectural Championship. I'll be heading back soon; precisely this week. That's by the way. Since you're here, why don't you say hello to Tosin?"
"What? Eshe, you know my name?" Tosin asked, her eyes widened in shock
"Of course, I know you, Tosin Folasade," Eshe replied, her warm smile putting Tosin at ease. "You're well-known nationwide, girl, as the Captain and the power forward of the Charlie Queens Academy Female Basketball Team. Who wouldn't know you when you possess such immense talent and insane jumping prowess"
Before Tosin could respond, Victoria questioned Eshe, "Eshe, what are you doing with this loser, here?"
"Huuuuhhh?" Eshe was speechless before turning to face Tosin. "Why did she call you a Loser?"
Tosin remained silent, unsure of how to respond
"I called her a loser because that's what she is." Victoria retorted, her gaze locked onto Tosin
"What did you say?" Tosin finally snapped, stepping closer to Victoria, their bodies almost touching
"You heard me," Victoria replied, her voice filled with venom, "Oh right, I forgot you are deaf, loser!"
Eshe chuckled, diffusing the tension as she turned to address the pair. "Haha, this is a rather funny friendship. I wanted to introduce you to each other but I didn't know you guys were friends"
"I am not her friend!" Tosin and Victoria chorused angrily, their eyes locked in a heated battle of wills
Just as the trio began to settle an unease silence, the sound of an argument drew their attention towards a nearby basketball court
"Hey, that's not fair! It's 3 vs 3, not 3 vs 5!" a girl shouted, her frustration evident in her tone
"Who said anything about 3 vs 3?" a male voice countered, arrogance dripping from every word. "We said we want to play basketball! Anything goes, right? Hahaha"
"Damn you!" the second girl cried out, her anger palpable
"Besides," the first male voice continued, "who gives a damn if you lose here? You'll all end up in the kitchen! Why bother wasting your time practicing basketball?"
Tosin, Victoria, and Eshe exchanged knowing glances before turning to face the group of high school students, their attention focused on the arrogant boys, one of whom had just spoken
Just as the boy who just spoke turned around, he found himself face-to-face with Tosin, her eyes a mixture of indignation and determination
"You also think this is unfair, huh?" the boy sneered, his confidence unshaken. "Alright, how about we settle this with basketball?"
Victoria stepped forward, her own irritation evident as she chimed in, "You're on! Men really need to be taught a lesson"
Eshe smiled, her excitement growing as she added, "Mind if I join too? And yes, 3 vs 5 is fine. Let's get this over with,"
The impromptu game was a testament to the girls' skill as Tosin, Victoria, and Eshe effortlessly destroyed the 5-man team with a decisive score of 14-0
"Men are so insignificant!" Victoria declared, her disdain for the defeated boys evident in her tone
"Hey, don't generalize it," Tosin countered, her words measured and thoughtful, "Every man shouldn't pay for the sins of a few men"
"Yes, they should," Victoria insisted, "They are all the same! Didn't your so-called boyfriend dump you? Yet you stand there to defend men?"
Tosin sighed, her frustration mounting as she attempted to reason with Victoria. "Point of correction, my ex dumped me because of you! In the end, the reason why some of them are unfaithful is still us. Because when a man cheats on a woman, he does it with other women. The same is true for the reverse as well. In the end, this whole gender issue is a human-made problem and only we humans can solve it!" Tosin explained, her voice filled with conviction
Victoria remained unconvinced, her eyes locked on Tosin's with a challenging glare. "You talk as if you know about men. They will use you until they are satisfied. Once they are done, they will dump you and pretend like they never knew you. They are more evil than the devil himself!" Victoria countered
Tosin took a deep breath, her patience waning as she attempted to drive her point home "Among the 7 billion people in the world, there are men who are loving, caring, sweet, and supportive. There are also men who are the opposite. The same goes for women. I'm simply saying, all men are not the same!"
Victoria's gaze remained unwavering, her commitment to her beliefs remained unshakable. "They are!" She countered, her tone sharp
"Guys!" Eshe called out once more, drawing the attention of her companions
"What?!" Tosin and Victoria chorused, their eyes remaining locked on one another
"Don't you think it's getting late?" Eshe questioned, her gaze shifting between the two stubborn individuals before her. "If you guys want to prove you are right, then I suggest you settle it on the court in the final between Charlie Queens Academy and Rose Newton High School. What do you say?"
Tosin, her resolve firm, nodded in agreement, "Fair enough"
Victoria, confidence radiating from her posture, added her own declaration. "In the end, I'd be the winner!"
The three girls went their separate ways, the echoes of their heated debate lingering in the air as the sun dipped below the Lagos skyline