Solo

High school in Nigeria has its peculiarities and a different vibe, especially when it comes to boarding schools that are mixed, male and female. The times we spent in high school were such that they coincided with our ravaging and untamed hormones, mostly making us dream and live wild, yet the consciousness and approval from the opposite sex constantly reminded us of the need to keep in check. We either had our pair partners from the opposite sex that the whole school knew about or waited for a rival to disappoint and leave the channel open for those in line. In all of this, it was fun while relationships played out in high school.

The hostel was mostly buzzing with rumors, gossip, plans, and admirations for the ladies. Many of us sourced information about our crushes through the school daughters we had as our juniors, oftentimes sending love notes or messages that were oftentimes encrypted. One of the fun events we had in school was the social night, and beyond it being mandatory to attend, most of us looked forward to attending either with our dates or to catch some gossip. The grand social nights were those that were held at the end of each session, especially for the final-year students.

I was in my penultimate year when I made up my mind to participate actively in the social night, and I chose the grand social night. Part of the activities of the grand social night included dancing, cracking jokes, games, competitions, and, at a corner, the candlelight dinner. My focus was on the candlelight dinner, which had a requirement of a ticket, and each couple had to purchase one. Owing to the limited spaces allotted for the candlelight dinner, each couple was timed to thirty minutes, and there were many onlookers ready to cheer on those that could afford it.

source

The dinner was set beside the elevated stage in the dining hall, barricaded by long benches and decorated with dim lights and candles to give a cozy effect. Couples that went in proudly did so to the admiration of the audience. Determined to experience the candlelight dinner, I bought a ticket and walked into the dining space alone.

"Where is your date?" The social prefect asked me while making my ticket purchase. I'm sure he knew I had no girlfriend, but he was out to make money and could not jeopardize his sales.

"She'll join me soon," I replied with a convincing smile, trying my best to hide the lie.

"Bad guy!" He said that and shook my hand with the ticket. I walked confidently into the dimly lit dinner, and most tables had a couple sitting, whispering in low tones what I assumed must be professions of love.

I walked up to an empty table, made myself comfortable, and picked up the groundnut and sweet sticks placed on the table. Here I had two plates and a juice to consume, knowing fully well I was out for a dinner alone. Others in the dining space seemed to be busy, and so was I, enjoying the bliss of the moment alone. The social prefect came in at intervals to remind couples of their elapsing time.

"Is your date not here yet?" The social prefect asked with some concern on his face.

"I'm not sure; I'll just spend the time alone." I replied.

"Alright then, enjoy the moment; your time remains 10 minutes."

"Thank you." I said, continuing to sip my juice. Running (To You) by Chike Ft. Simi played in the background in low volume, giving the atmosphere a feeling of love.

A little before my time was up, I took my leave, and some new couples came on after others left. The night was getting fast-paced, and soon the students would be dispersed to the hostels. My night was made; I had my first solo dinner, and a few years later, I find it relieving to have a moment alone, away from the noise of the outside.