Sylvia stood at her bathroom sink, clad only in her panties and a t-shirt, brushing her teeth while humming along to her favourite song.

“Hey, sis!” came Mabel’s voice from the bathroom door.

Sylvia glanced at her sister through the bathroom mirror. Mabel leaned against the doorframe, arms folded across her chest, still in her PJs.

After spitting out the toothpaste, Sylvia smiled and said, “Hello, stranger. I haven’t seen much of you at home lately. What’s going on?”

“Not much. Just been busy at the restaurant. But you seem pretty happy this morning.” Mabel glanced at her wristwatch. “Aren’t you running late for work?”

“Nope! I called in earlier to let them know I’d be stopping by my client’s school before heading to the office. So no worries. If I’m late, my job's safe.”

With that, Sylvia stripped off her clothes and jumped into the shower, pulling the curtain closed behind her.

Mabel carried on their conversation. “Where have you been spending your nights lately?”

Sylvia turned off the shower and poked her head out from behind the curtain. “What did you say?”

“Don’t play coy with me. Our parents have been wondering where you’ve been. They mentioned you told them you were at a friend’s place but didn’t specify which friend. So, who is it that you’ve been crashing with?”

Just as Sylvia opened her mouth to respond, Mabel cut her off. “You better not be thinking about lying to me. I want the truth.”

“I’ve been spending the nights with Mr. Scott MacLen.”

"What!" Mabel’s jaw dropped. “Ben’s brother?” Sylvia nodded. “But I thought you couldn’t stand him.”

“I don’t hate him,” Sylvia frowned. “I just dislike what he stands for.”

“Which is?” Mabel asked, looking confused.

“A distraction from my goals. It was clear from the moment he started chatting me up that he was into me. Those sidelong glances and his efforts to catch my attention every time we were together—it was hard to miss. I tried to push him away, even being a bit harsh, but none of it worked.”

“So you thought sleeping with him would do the trick instead?” Mabel questioned.

Sylvia ducked back into the shower to rinse off. “Listen, Mabel. Scott’s a good-looking guy, and I began to notice I was attracted to him. At first, I thought he was childish and a total people pleaser, but that changed. When I pushed him away and saw him pulling back, I panicked. I wanted him close, just not too close. So I made a choice that I thought would be best for both of us.”

After finishing her shower and wrapping a towel around herself, she continued the conversation with Mabel, who was still waiting.

“I figured if I slept with him, he’d get it out of his system, lose interest, and move on like most guys do. Then, I could refocus on making partner at work.”

“But you were wrong, weren’t you?” Mabel’s voice was steady.

Sighing, Sylvia stepped out of the shower. “Yes, I was wrong. Turns out, he wants a relationship. I told him straight up that I couldn't give my heart to any man and have no plans to take things further. In the end, we agreed to keep it casual—no strings attached. We’re just enjoying each other’s company, and that’s that.”

"Can't we make rules in our love life and expect men to follow them. They are not the only ones who get to play the game."

Mabel let out a dramatic sigh. “I don’t get this generation. How can you have intimacy with someone without being in a relationship? This could be dangerous for you, Sylvia.” She followed her sister into her bedroom.

“It’s not dangerous. Since there are no feelings involved, nobody's going to get hurt.”

“But... what if you get pregnant? Have you thought about that?”

Sylvia turns to face her sister. "I won't get pregnant because I have been taking precautions. We mostly use condoms and moments that we get carried away. He redraws quickly. Besides, I am on pills, so there is no need to worry alright."

"I still think you are playing a dangerous game, Sylvia. I do not want to see you hurt."

Sylvia sighs, drawing close to Mabel. She placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I won't get hurt. I promise."

***

Sylvia leaned against the cool corridor wall outside the principal's office in Ghana International School, her mind buzzing with questions. She was here for a purpose—to unearth the details behind her client's behaviour at school, specifically the troubled journey of one Charity Asamoah.

As she waited, her eyes drifted to the walls adorned with vibrant photographs: smiling graduates frozen in time, triumphant athletes showcasing their hard-earned victories. Each face told a story of innocence, and Sylvia found herself momentarily charmed by the memories those photos held.

The deep rumble of a voice from within broke her reverie. “Miss Benson, please come in.” She stood tall, smoothing down her blazer, and stepped into the dimly lit office.

“Good morning, Mr. Ocansey,” she greeted warmly.

“Good morning. I presume you are here to discuss one of my students. Charity Asamoah, I believe?” He looked at her with a hint of concern. "Why is a lawyer interested in one of my students?"

“May I take a seat?” Sylvia asked, her tone reassuring.

“Of course.” He gestured toward a chair with a distracted wave, watching her lower herself gracefully into it. She placed her bag on her lap and straightened her back like a child waiting for praise.

“First of all, I apologise for intruding on your busy day." Sylvia began. "I promise my visit isn’t a cause for alarm—no one is in legal trouble yet... at least not today,” she added with a subtle smile, hoping to ease his tension.

Mr. Ocansey shifted in his chair, his worry palpable.

“So, what’s going on with Charity at school?”

As she mentioned Charity’s name in reference to her behaviour, a frown crossed his face. “What do you mean? Has she landed herself in hot water again?”

Sylvia opened her mouth to explain but paused as Mr. Ocansey continued, frustration edging his voice. “I swear, this girl has been in trouble after trouble. She used to be an A student, surrounded by good friends, and so well-mannered. Then, last summer, it all changed. It’s like she came back a different person.”

“What do you mean?” Sylvia leaned in, eager to dig deeper.

“I can’t pinpoint it. One moment she was thriving, and then she started ditching her friends for... well, let’s just say, less admirable company. Her grades took a nosedive after that. I even brought her father in for a chat, and he was just as clueless. I advised him to keep a closer eye on her, especially since her mother is gone. I feared she would stray without a guiding female presence. And now here we are; she’s drawing the law’s attention too.”

Mr Ocansey's interest sharpened. “So, what happened this time?”

“Nothing, sir,” she replied, cutting off his assumption.

“Wait... What do you mean ‘by nothing’?”

But you said...

“I said nothing. It’s all in your head, Mr. Ocansey. You jumped to conclusions. I never claimed she did anything wrong. I’m simply here to gather information.”

He blinked, momentarily lost for words.

“Okay, Miss Benson, but what do you need this information for?”

“There’s a family issue brewing between her and her father. I’ve been asked to mediate, which is why I’m here to learn more about Charity’s conduct at school.” She stood up, ready to leave. “Thank you for your insights, Mr. Ocansey.”

As she turned to exit, she sensed his gaze trailing after her.

“Oh! Before I go, where can I find Charity’s best friend? I heard she attends this school as well.”

Mr. Ocansey glanced at his watch. “At this hour, you’ll find her in the cafeteria— she goes by the name Naomi Peprah. She has a way of brightening even the darkest lunchroom.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ocansey. I appreciate your time.” With that, Sylvia stepped out, determination surging within her as she headed off to investigate further.

_

A/N: Hey guys, tell me what you think about this chapter.