How He Killed His Best Friend Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE: INNER CONFLICT.

The invigilator announced that there was only fifteen minutes left to turn in their papers. Kennedy didn’t care, he was nearly done. The class was now half empty, a trickle of students turning in their completed answer sheets. MKT 306 was the last paper of the semester and each student submitting sheets had a smile on his face as he left – third year was over; final year beckoned.

                Kennedy finished his paper with a huge sigh of relief. It was over. One more year and he’s be a graduate. How time had flown. It felt like just yesterday, he was hurrying through the admissions process, running from one part of the school to another to attend classes. Now he was in the big league. He swaggered to the invigilator, smiled at the short, heavy set assistant lecturer, as he turned in his papers. The man coldly collected the sheet and added them to the growing pile on the table next to him. Kennedy made a cool exit. He felt good.

                On the hallway outside, students were discussing the exam in groups. There was a generally good mood all around. Boys shook hands and bear hugged, girls laughed sweetly and congratulated each other. It had been two weeks of tough exams, sleepless night of reading and lack of social life. Now they were all excited that it was over.

                Kennedy joined a group of guys. He exchanged handshakes and pleasantries then left. He stopped over to say hello to a group of girls, turning on his charm. The girls were always shy around him. And not just for his looks but his manner. He always charmed them, always told them things that made them few good. He exchanged pleasantries and hearty congratulations then stepped away.

                He was happy but tired. He had read hard these past few weeks. Like most students, Kennedy only read when exams were due. Not that he was a bad student, but he felt the lectures were delivered in a boring way by most of the lecturers so he read not to understand but to pass. Besides, marketing was not his calling. His family owned a successful company so conquering the labour market would not be his problem. Kennedy would have been a second class upper material if he studied more, but he was content to be in the lower division.

                Now he just wanted to get some rest. The long holidays waited. Three months away from books and classes. A holiday perhaps. For now though, he wanted to go home.

                “Kennedy”, a girl called.

                He turned and smiled, seeing Sylvia approach. Sylvia was pretty and slim. They saw each other on and off. Nothing serious. They had both long established they were not interested in a serious relationship, which suited Kennedy just fine. Serious relationships always ended up badly in his case, especially for the girl.

                “Babe, what’s up?” He hugged her. “I could kiss you now but we’re in public.”

                “Who cares?” Sylvia laughed. “Oh, I know. Your class girls would probably gang up and murder me on the spot.”

                They both laughed. Sylvia was in 200 level Marketing. They had met during their departmental night a year ago. They had flirted all night, made Kennedy’s date insanely jealous that she almost fought Sylvia and broke up with Kennedy that night. The break up didn’t last though. The next day she had come back begging, something about overacting. Anyway, few weeks later, Kennedy had met Sylvia again in school and an intense fling had begun.

                “They wouldn’t dare”, Kenny replied charmingly, “They’d simply run to their hostels and cry.”

                “You’re so full of yourself. Who do you think you are?” She said kiddingly.

                “The guy you can’t get enough of.”

                “Speaking of that, now that exams are over, how are we celebrating?”

                “By going home and sleeping for hours nonstop.”

                “Ha. Don’t be a kill joy. You know it’s been a while. Come by my hostel later.”

                “I’d love to but not today”, he said apologetically.

                “Why not? You already have runs?”

                “Yes, with my bed. Oh how I long for it.”

                Sylvia laughed. “You’re not serious. Tomorrow then?”

                “Yes, definitely.” He held and pressed her hand.

Kennedy waited for his best friend at the law faculty. He leaned against one of the pillars in the front, drawing occasional glances from the students stepping out and going in. it was a sea of white and black clad students – males in long sleeved shirts tucked in, black ties; females in shirts and skirts. Some women wore black jackets. Cute, Kennedy thought, but most of them would be impoverished many years after law school. The law profession wasn’t as lucrative as many thought.

                It wasn’t long before Ifeanyi appeared, looking ruffled and tired, his white shirt hanging loosely on his narrow shoulders. The two best friends shook hands affectionately.

                “Guy, you need the rest more than I do”, Kennedy said, smiling.

                “I tell you”, Ifeanyi said with a sigh. “These people are driving me insane. You’re done?”

                “I’m now in final year while you’re stuck in third year.”

                “I envy you. I still have another paper today.”

                “Carry your cross.”

                “So what’s your plan?”

                “House. Correct sleep. I just wanted to give you the money before I leave.” He pulls out three thousand bucks and gives to Ifeanyi.

                “Thanks bro. I appreciate.” Ifeanyi pocketed the money. “So how momsy them?”

                Kennedy’s demeanour changed. We see a touch of sadness in his eyes. “Things are not good. They argue all the time. I’m even tired of staying in the house.”

                “Why don’t you come to my hostel now that you’re done? And guess what? Ada is coming over. You can keep her company while I’m gone.”

                “Ada is coming? Why? Wouldn’t she distract you?”

                “You know say she no dey ever hear word. But I can cope. Three more papers to go.”

                “Well, I appreciate, but I can’t come until you finish your papers.”

                “Sure you can. You won’t distract me. It’s either you guys keep quiet when I’m reading or you two go out.”

                They both laughed.

                “Well, I’ll consider that. First things first, I need good sleep. I’ll see you later, bro. Good luck.”

                “Thanks.”

                “And hey?” Kennedy smirked. “Me and you no be mate again. I be final year boy.”

                They laughed, pumped fists, bear hugged and said goodbyes.

The house was empty and quiet when he got home, which suited him just fine. It was a 3 bedroom bungalow somewhere in Ngozika Estate, Awka. Neat and expensively furnished. Paintings adorned the walls of the sitting room. There was only one framed photograph of the family – his father, mother and him. He was the only child.

                Kennedy made his way to his room, cherishing the peace and quiet. Later, the house had been less peaceful and tension filled so he was glad to be alone now. His room was totally disorganized, dirty clothes scattered all around, clothes scattered in the wardrobe, books and hand-outs everywhere. The bed was unmade. He smiled and made a mental note to clean up later. He added the books he brought home to the added pile then removed his shoes. Without taking anything else off, he lay down and closed his eyes.

Voices. The sound of voices woke him up. Raised voices filled with hatred. They were arguing again. Kennedy muttered a low curse as he looked at his watch. It was five past six. He had managed to sleep for hours, more than he had had in days. The voices rose sharper. It was his parents. It had been like this for months.

                Kennedy rose and stepped out of the room…

                “What kind of woman are you?!”Dad screamed. “How can you come to my office and embarrass me like that in front of my staff?!”

                “What kind of man sleeps with every secretary he employs?!”Mom fired back. “What example are you setting for your son?”

                “Did you catch me sleeping with anybody?”

                “Are you denying that you were seen in Geogold?”

                “So what?”

                “So what were you doing in Geogold with a girl Kennedy’s age?!”

                “So I can’t go to a business meeting with my secretary in Geogold? That’s why you came to disgrace yourself in my office?!”

                “What business meeting? Liar! It will never be well with you! Your manhood shall be your downfall!”

                “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? You’re proud to stand here and scream that another woman is stealing your husband. You can’t even make me happy anymore. You have gone out of shape. You are old and looking like a grandmother. You are not attractive. You don’t even dress like a woman. All you do is nag nag nag. If not for Kennedy, do you think I’ll stand here arguing with you? I’ll simply chase you back to your father’s house.”

                The sound of a slap jolted Kennedy. The entire house fell into silence. He leaned against the wall, shocked by all he had heard. The next words further weakened him.

                “Pack your bags”, Dad said coldly. “When I return, I don’t want to see you in this house. My marriage to you is over.”

                  A moment later, the door opened and banged shut. Gently, Kennedy sat on the floor, confused by everything. Things had been bad but this was the climax or anti-climax. For months his parents had been fighting. It had all started with dad keeping late nights and going on frequent business trips. Naturally, mom had complained but they had thought it was just a phase. The phase has lasted 10 months and things had taken a turn for the worse one night when Kennedy accidentally saw his dad at Finotel Hotel with a girl. Finotel has a very large, very romantic garden bar. Tables are set apart to provide private, romantic setups for couples. Soft music play from loud speakers at the bar a few feet away. Sumptuous fish is barbecued by the corner. Planted trees around tables provide an extra layer of privacy.  

                While his friends ate fish and drinks, Kennedy had observed his father having a very romantic outing with the girl. He watched as they talked, fed each other fish and have fun for hours. They had left before him. He had gone home that night hoping to find his dad but he did not return till past midnight. The next day he had confronted him and gotten a shock. Dad laughed hard then reminded him that he paid his fees and provided the comfort he was used to. He then shocked him further by telling him that if he wanted his mom to remain with them, then he should keep his mouth shut.

                Kennedy had lived in fear of a broken home since then. He kept his mouth shut. But secrets can’t be kept forever. His mom soon found out about dad’s affairs and one day, by sheer luck, caught him red handed when he came to pay for a girl’s hair in a salon while she was there. It was the beginning of the end for the couple. The woman became heartbroken. The man became more absent. She tried everything – family counselling, church and prayers, pleadings, threats and blackmail. But the passion was dead for the man. He had suddenly felt like a prisoner in his home and wanted an escape.

                Now it was all coming to an end. For weeks Kennedy had tried to believe it would never happen. But with all he had just heard, it was plainer than ever. His parents now had irreconcilable differences. Divorce, or at least separation, was their only option. As hard as it was to admit, their home had been broken.