It was a bright and sunny day when Anita Baker, a 24-year-old woman and the first daughter of her parents, recently graduated from the university.
She has five younger sisters. Her father was a banker, and her mother, a trader.
Anita was fair in complexion, quite tall, and pretty like her mother. Sometimes, her father accused her mother of cheating on him and doubted that he was truly Anita's father because of her fair skin. However, her mother always assured her not to pay attention to her father's accusations, affirming that she was indeed his child.
Anita knew her father had threatened to perform a DNA test on her, citing his confusion about her complexion.
Four of her sisters disliked her, except for her youngest sister, who genuinely loved her.
They say blood is thicker than water, but in Anita's case, water seemed thicker than blood.
Mr. Joshua Baker never stopped supporting Anita's education. He only accused his wife of cheating on him but never denied Anita the opportunity to study business management at the university.
After she wrote her exams, Anita was thrilled as the results emerged with flying colors.
Due to her father's claims against her calm mother, Anita refused to accept any relationship from any man who asked her out.
She occasionally went on dates but ended up rejecting their love proposals.
Her best friend at the university, Temisa Patrick, advised her to give love a chance. But Anita refused, saying, "My father constantly accuses my mother of cheating on him. Yet, he still went to her to have children, birthing the six of us. My mother says my father loves her, but his daily insults don't show us that he genuinely loves her at all."
Anita shook her head in sadness as she spoke to her best friend, Temisa, inside their room when they were still in their second year at the private university.
Handsome guys were eager to become her boyfriend, but she felt they only wanted to use her. She feared that once a guy crossed the bridge and broke her virginity, he would change and dump her or accuse her of cheating on him, just like her father constantly accused her mother.
Anita sat on a chair in the private room she shared with Temisa, preparing for their final convocation at school.
"Anita, I am so happy. Finally, we will be leaving this school. I can't explain how much I have missed home already," Temisa said.
"Me too," Anita faintly replied. She knew it wasn't entirely true for her, as she dreaded returning home to face her father's constant insults towards her and her mother.
Her three younger sisters—Flora, Esther, and Favor—would torment her, calling her an "outcast," as they were jealous of her looks, blaming her for something beyond her control.
Anita shook her head in sadness, and Temisa noticed.
"What is it, girlfriend? You don't seem happy, even though you're graduating as one of the best students in our university today," Temisa asked.
She stood up from her seat facing the mirror and walked over to Anita, who sat alone, shaking her head in sadness instead of packing her clothes.
"What's the problem, dear?" Temisa asked again as she crouched in front of Anita, already knowing the root of the problem.
Anita had told her why she harbored distrust for men and viewed them as scumbags.
"Not to worry, girlfriend. When I get home, I'll talk to my mother about letting you stay with us during your internship until you land a better job to support yourself," Temisa offered.
"Thank you," Anita replied, smiling faintly at Temisa.
She knew Temisa cared for her but didn't want to burden her with worry.
"You're welcome, dear. You're like a sister to me. So, don't worry much. Graduating with a first-class degree is no small feat, and you should be happy, as today is your most blessed day. Come sit here, and let me help you apply some makeup," Temisa said, gently pulling Anita to stand and walk to the chair facing the mirror in their shared room.
"You know I don't like makeup," Anita said as she sat on the chair Temisa pulled out in front of the mirror.
"I know, but today is your lucky day. You should look your best when you receive your awards as the top graduating student at our university. No more excuses; just do this for me, okay? It'll brighten your mood," Temisa said as she opened her makeup kit and prepared her brush.
"Okay," Anita replied, staring at her beautiful reflection in the mirror while Temisa began applying makeup to her face.
Temisa started with Anita's eyelashes, then moved to her cheeks and nose, applying makeup with precision. When Temisa was finished, Anita was stunned by her reflection in the mirror and gasped, "Wow!"
Anita had never worn makeup before, and seeing her new reflection left her speechless. She began to understand why Temisa had so many admirers.
Temisa was the daughter of a billionaire who worked for Benson Group, one of the biggest companies in their state.
The Benson family was also one of the wealthiest in their country. Anita had read about them online and dreamed of working for their prestigious company. She studied diligently to graduate as one of the top students in her department.
Anita considered asking Temisa for help with an application to Benson Group but worried it might seem like she was seeking undeserved favor, or worse, that she was trying to use her friendship to gain an advantage.
So she decided to submit her application independently.
"All done now. Don't you see how sweet you look in the mirror? Oh my God! I am the best makeup artist on campus!" Temisa fanned herself with her fingers.
Anita smiled and replied, "Don't overhype yourself because of me, girlfriend. Yes, you did well, but I still don't like makeup," Anita admitted.
"Shut up. I hope a handsome man sees you today and asks you out," Temisa giggled, always eager to talk about relationships. She changed boyfriends frequently, like changing clothes.
Temisa was in multiple relationships and didn't care what others thought. She didn't believe in love and spent her time dating different men but claimed never to have been intimate with them.
Despite her claims, Anita found it hard to believe, given that Temisa was often seen with different men at the beach, restaurants, and clubs, taking photos together. Yet, she claimed to be a virgin, just like Anita had told her she was.
Anita didn't believe Temisa, thinking that a virgin should be reserved and cautious to avoid being used by a Man. But Temisa dressed boldly in shorts, crop tops, and other alluring outfits.
Temisa was a dark-skinned beauty with curves like Anita but wasn't envious of Anita's lighter skin. They were in the same department and studied the same course, which had bonded them as best friends.
Anita was more academically inclined, while Temisa was the life of the party.
"Let's go outside now. I'm sure most of our family members have arrived for the ceremony," Temisa said, quickly packing her things and storing her makeup kit.
Temisa had rented the room where they stayed, so they spent a lot of time there, even though the school was on holiday.
As it was their final year, Anita packed all her clothes, preparing to return home after the ceremony.
They stepped outside to witness the university's final event and the awarding of the top graduates.
Anita Baker was called and awarded a first-class degree in recognition of her academic excellence.
Temisa smiled broadly as she sat in the audience, clapping for her best friend, who walked up to receive her award.
