Akata Witch

“Like Pele!” Sasha shouted.

The French speakers were shouting in French.

And chittim rained on us all.

The white team looked half as happy, and less than half as much chittim fell around them. They gathered and calmly slapped hands, turning to look at the green team celebrating its loss.

“And this year’s Zuma Cup goes to the white team, captained by Ibou Diop. We hope you enjoy your gift certificates to Fadio’s Furiously Fascinating Book Shop, located in Abuja. Congratulations to you and your scholar teachers.”

15

Hold Your Breath

“How am I supposed to go back home after a day like this?” Sunny asked. “Regular life is going to seem so boring.”

She and Chichi were in the bathroom. Since there were no showers at the festival, she’d done the best she could with a wet washcloth, then sprayed herself with perfume she’d bought with some of the chittim she’d earned at the soccer game kickoff. She looked at her new braids in the mirror. Chichi had taken her to a hair stall right after the game, where the stylist had used skill and juju to speed- wash then braid Sunny’s hair. The tiny, neat braids framed her face and fell just above her shoulders.

Chichi laughed. “The night is still young, though.”

“What’s this social thing anyway? Is there any way we can skip it? I’m exhausted.”

“Nah, we have to wait for Anatov to get out of that meeting, anyway.”

Outside, it was early evening and a nice cool breeze was blowing. Sasha and Orlu sat waiting on a nearby bench. Sasha was smoking a cigarette. “Man, what were you all doing in there?” he asked. He threw down his cigarette butt and ground it with his sandal.

He’s lucky he can run on the field without wheezing like an old man, smoking those things, Sunny thought.

“Orlu, do you know who we give these uniforms back to?” she asked.

“Keep it. You’re on the green team if you want to play next year.”

“Excellent,” Sasha said. “I’m in.”

“Me, too,” she said.

The social had already begun by the time they got there. It was in a tent beside the field. Inside, bass-heavy dance music blasted. Two older students stood at the entrance. “Welcome,” one said. She looked them up and down. “Who’s your teacher?”

“Anatov,” the other said. He pointed at Sasha and her. “At least those two. They’re the football players from the green team.”

“Oh!” she said, recognizing Sunny. “You were great! I always wanted to play, but I didn’t know I could. At least the girls who come after you will know now.”

Sunny was delighted. She hadn’t even thought of that.

The boy chuckled. “They’ll have to play as well as her, or they shouldn’t bother.” Sunny frowned. Why should girls be held to higher standards to play?

“Anatov’s our teacher, too,” Chichi said, looking a little annoyed.

“All right,” he said. “Go on in and enjoy the food. No teachers are allowed, so you can relax.” He handed them each a small white towel. “You’ll need these.”

The air inside the tent was humid, and smelled like rich soil, headily scented flowers, and leaves. Vines with tiny purple glowing round flowers hung from the ceiling. There were small bushes and trees lining the walls, and a large one in the middle.

Sunny watched, openmouthed, as the central tree lifted up on its roots and slowly rotated to the loud music. Beneath the tree, students danced. On the far side of the tent was a buffet. It started raining and thundering, and all the people on the dance floor raised their hands and shouted, “Heeeeey!”

“Oh, this is wild,” Sasha said, wiping his face.

“Let’s get some food,” Orlu said, making for the buffet. “I’m starving.”

The rain soon stopped, but the air was so humid that their clothes were soaked.

Several people recognized Sasha and Sunny and told them that they’d played a great game. Godwin, who was surrounded by girls, waved hello as they passed. Sasha slapped and grasped his hand. He greeted the girls and they all twittered and grinned. Ugh, sometimes I’m embarrassed to be a female, Sunny thought.

“Girls always glom on to the athletes,” Chichi said as Sasha blabbed with Godwin. Sunny only gave Godwin a brief smile on their way to the buffet.

There was egusi soup and garri, fried plantain, pepper soup, red stew and rice, roasted goat meat, and a bunch of dishes Sunny didn’t recognize. Not a bad selection at all. Sasha rejoined them as they were sitting down. “If they really want to represent, they should add some cornbread, fried chicken, and collard greens,” Sasha said. “But, oh, I forgot, this is the West African festival, as if African Americans ain’t West African.”

“Maybe some KFC?” Sunny suggested, laughing.

“Better yet-Popeye’s,” Sasha said. “Or Harold’s.”

“What’s this yellow rice thing?” Orlu asked. “Isn’t it Ethiopian or something? It’s delicious!”

“Nice game.” They all looked up. The boy who’d spoken was carrying a plate heavy with fufu and a large bowl of soup. Three of his friends stood behind him.

“Uh, thanks,” Sunny said. It was Yao, the one who’d mocked Sasha’s name. Sasha sucked his teeth and looked away.

“Chichi,” Yao said, “you look nice tonight. Too bad it won’t help.”

“You never know when to hide,” Chichi said.

“You think I’d hide from you?” Yao said, trying to sound condescending. He only succeeded in looking stupid. It was painfully obvious that he liked Chichi.

“You want me to embarrass you again? You must be one of those guys who enjoy humiliation.”

“Whenever you’re ready,” Yao said, gritting his teeth.

“Why don’t you sit down and fill your stomach first,” Chichi said loftily. “Maybe have a dance or two. Enjoy it while it lasts. Then we’ll see.”

Yao narrowed his eyes. “Come on, you guys.” They walked away.

“What’s the deal with you two?” Sunny asked Chichi.

“Wahala,” Orlu said. “Trouble. Childish trouble.”

“Yao and I hate each other,” Chichi declared. Sunny scoffed. How stupid did Chichi think she was? “But I’m smarter,” Chichi continued. “I showed him last year, but he won’t listen, so I have to show him again.”

What is it with Leopard People and competition? But Sunny wasn’t one to talk. Only two hours ago, she’d been high on adrenaline herself.

“I see that look in your eye, Chichi,” Orlu said. “I hope you’re not planning anything dangerous.”

“I wish I was back at the hotel sleeping,” Sunny said. She shoveled jallof rice into her mouth.

After they finished, they sat back sipping milky tea and patting their full stomachs. The music was louder and more people were dancing.

“Oh, come on,” Orlu grumbled as Yao approached again.

“Didn’t I tell you-” Chichi started to say.

“Want to dance?” Yao asked, holding out a hand.

“No,” Sasha said, looking very annoyed. “She doesn’t.”