The Unexpected Visitor

   "Good morning Mama" Ulonma greeted her mother. 

"Good morning my beautiful daughter" her mother replied. " How was your night? 

"It was fine mama. I am off to school, Ulonma added, "your food is in the flask." Picking up her bag, she bid her mother farewell and made for the door. " 

"Thank you Ulonma, do have a good day."

   After the morning assembly, all students marched into their classrooms. Tejuola, Ulonma's bosom friend looked her friend up and down, poking her by the hand, she said "Ulonma you look different today." Stretching her hand, she touched Ulonma's face "your face looks puffy, didn't you sleep last night? Ulonma dropped her bag on

her desk and touching her face as if to press down the puffiness, she replied, "I certainly did."

  "Settle down students and find your seats as our lesson is about to begin." Mrs Njoku the English Language Teacher announced to the class. All the students quickly sat down bringing out their books. No sooner had Ulonma sat than her visitor arrived.

   "Oh no! Ulonma muttered to herself. The pain was sharp and quick. It came out like a tap yanked open. Ulonma shifts on her chair, she could feel the wetness on her skirt. "My God, it is here", she cried. How did I miss the count? She thought to herself. 

   Ulonma reached for her bag but suddenly remembered she has not even bought sanitary napkins for the month. To make matters worst, she had no money on her. Since she brought lunch with her and she will be returning home with Tejuola in her father's car, she saw no need to bring money that day.

   "God what will I do now? My skirt is stained and there are two more lesson periods before recess". She thought.

   Ulonma! Ulonma! Mrs Njoku snapped halfway into the lesson jerking Ulonma out of her reverie. Resting her weight on her cane which she placed on the table in front of Ulonma, the teacher scowled. "What in God's name is wrong with you? Your mind is far removed from this class. What were you thinking of? 

"Nothing ma'am" Ulonma replied quickly, her eyes looking straight at the table avoiding the angry stare of the teacher.

"You didn't even hear me call you." 

"Ok then, stand and answer my question.What is the first rule for subject-verb agreement? 

"Ma'am I....... Ulonma stammers.

"I said stand up and answer me! the teacher snapped.

   Akachukwu poked Ulonma from behind with the tip of his pen. " The mistress said 'Stand up! He restated.

   Confused, lost, embarrassed and in pain, Ulonma was at a loss at what to do- she remained seated.

   All eyes on her now, her friend nugged her with her elbow, "Get up or you'll get into trouble." She whispered. "I can't. 

   Meanwhie, Mrs Njoku, angered by Ulonma's refusal to stand, stormed out of the classroom, "Ulonma, meet me at the principal's office."

   Scared to the bones, she felt another surge of the flow.

"Dear God", Ulonma thought, " I will be suspended from school". " What will I do? And this pain- awwwh...She held on to her belly.

   The whole class at this time were talking about her possible punishment. Tejuola leaned sideways towards Ulonma. 

"What is the problem girlfriend?

Why didnt you answer the teacher, at least stand even if you dont have the answer."

With pain all over her face, Ulonma whispered to her friend "I have a visitor. My monthly period is here and I am soaked through."

   Akachukwu pushed Ulonma and she jerked forward " Did the teacher not say 'follow me? Tejuola coming to her defence snapped at Akachukwu. "Stop it! How's that your problem? Her eyes glowing with anger towards the bully. Embarrased by the scowl, he returned to his book. 

   "Ok, don't worry, Tejuola consoled her friend. Stretching her jacket towards Ulonma, "Here's my jacket, tie it around your waist as you exit the class. I will cover the stain on the chair with your bag."

   Tying the jacket to her waist. Ulonma got up and made her way out of the class.

   "Ulonma," the principal said, squinting his eyes, "I will not condone a student deliberately disobeying a teacher, most especially in the presence of other students." He paused, cleared his throat and continues, "That is why you will be suspended from school for two days, to serve as a deterrent to other students who may want to follow in your footstep." The principal concluded, resting his back as he relaxed in his chair.

   Ulonma thought the matter over. If she try to explain her reason for disobeying, the class will hear of it lest they see her action as acceptable, that thought made her shiver.

"Are you all right? The principal asked?

"I am fine thank you sir? She lied.

   On the other hand, if she agree to go on suspension, she will have the chance to bathe, clean up and also better prepare herself for school while her menstrual period lasted.

"On your return, bring with you a letter of apology." The principal said with an air of finality. He motioned towards the door signaling he is done with her.

"Yes sir." Ulonma answered. Leaving the principal's office, she was grateful he did not ask why she had a jacket tied round her waist.

   From the doorway Ulonma beckoned on her friend. Tejuola walked out of the class and holding her friend's hand, she dragged her to a corner. "Don't worry about your bag, I will bring it to your house after school. And my jacket, I will collect it when I come, just ensure you wash it."

"Thank you Teju" holding her friend's hand tightly "what will I do without you?

   With the jacket round her waist, Ulonma began the long trek home as she cannot afford to stain any more chairs. 

   Tired, hungry and wet under, Ulonma arrived home. "You are home early, what happened? Her mother asked. "Mama it's my monthly period, I had no idea it will come today. It wasn't due for the next two weeks." 

"Perhaps you have been under stress my dear daughter."

"Go take a bath and rest awhile."

"My thought exactly. " She sighed.

   After her bath, her mother brought a bottle of warm water and gave it to her, "Place this bottle right below your belly button, this will help with the pain."

"Thanks Mama." 

Ulonma lay down on her bed happy that this visitor will only last a few days. Moreover, she has her mother and her friend Tejuola ro make her feel comfortable. Ulonma smiled as she drifted into sleep.