Diary on The Shelf!

Chapter 1

THE CAMPUS bathed in the warm, golden glow of a Friday afternoon, the sun hanging lazily in the clear sky as the weekend beckoned to students, promising respite from academic demands. Halima, her hijab gently fluttering in the breeze, emerged from the lecture hall with a sense of anticipation tempered by the predictability of her daily routine.

Clutching her peach tote bag in the crook of her arm, Halima scanned the surroundings. It was a little after three-thirty, and the campus buzzed with the chatter of students eager to welcome the weekend. For Halima, the prospect of returning home was always a bit less exciting compared to the excitement of college life.

Amidst the crowd, a familiar figure approached, her warm smile mirroring Halima's gratitude for the encounter. Catherine Wambua, her best friend for the past six years, was making her way towards her. Their friendship had transcended high school into college, a stroke of good fortune that found them sharing the same institution.

"Ugh finally! You move so slooow," Catherine teased, punctuating her playful remark with a light punch to Halima's arm.

Halima chuckled and returned the teasing in kind, her hijab swaying as she moved. "Let's get going."

"Dang girl, can't wait to drool over her?" Catherine's teasing continued, causing a rosy flush to creep onto Halima's cheeks and the warmth of embarrassment to pool in her ears.

"Shut up," Halima replied, trying to deflect Catherine's playful insinuations.

Catherine, however, was relentless, her laughter echoing in the hallway, garnering the attention of some students still immersed in their lectures.

"You're too precious," Catherine proclaimed affectionately, her arm wrapping around Halima's neck and pulling her closer. She felt Halima's body heat rise as she playfully ribbed her, eliciting a warm flush.

Halima scrunched her face and pulled away, throwing Catherine a half-hearted glare that couldn't quite hide her genuine amusement. "You're stupid."

"You love me," Catherine retorted, her smile brimming with affection.

As the two friends strolled across the bustling campus towards the open field, Halima's heart quickened with anticipation. Her eagerness to see her play was palpable and it made her steps feel lighter with each passing moment.

The campus was alive with activity – students engaged in various games and activities under the warm afternoon sun. The open field was a tapestry of sports and leisure, with spirited games of soccer, frisbee, and picnicking groups dotting the landscape.

However, Halima's focus remained unwavering. Her heart was set on the basketball court, where Lorna would soon take the stage. The anticipation was almost too much to bear, causing her to attempt to quicken her pace. Yet, her flowing abaya proved to be an unexpected hindrance, causing her to stumble with each hurried step, a small price to pay for the chance to watch her in action.

"Chill boo, she's not going anyway," Catherine said pulling her back.

"All the good spots will be taken Kate; I need to see her."

Catherine paused, feigning deep thought. "Oh, so you can see her muscles flexing and her ass jiggling in those shorts. I see you." Catherine's words, laced with humor, heightened Halima's embarrassment.

"Well, I can't deny you a chance to get all horny. Let's go." Catherine grabbed her friend's hand, pulling her toward the benches. She guided them to the second row, giving them a  vantage point for Halima's subtle admiration.

Catherine continued her light-hearted teasing, fueling Halima's embarrassment. "There's your girl looking all fine and shit."

"There's your girl looking all fine and shit."