Chapter 2 ---- ignition

“So it’s compulsory?” I said, holding my phone to my ear, I had received a call from Florence my roommate, she informed me that the general course we had was very compulsory and I had to be there because they were signing attendance. I really didn’t want to go because I had menstrual cramps and I felt really weak, it was the loud tone of my phone when Florence called that woke me up from the nap I was having.

“Yeah, turns out it is, and you know there is no way I can sign for you while you’re not here, we could be in big trouble if I get busted”

“Okay, I get. I’ll be there soon, please save a spot for me”

“Yeah. Sure. I will” she replied

This was such a drag for me, the good thing is the hall where the general course was holding was close to my hostel, but still I hated the fact that I had to step out of my room. You know one of those days when you just want to be curled up in bed, and far away from the outside world?, that’s what I was having and not being able to keep up with it was frustrating.

I was thirty minutes late, and apparently I was the only one who was because the hall was filled up, I stepped in quietly trying not to get anybody’s attention, I couldn’t even turn my gaze around to figure out where Florence was seated, she was probably at the other end, and walking over there would definitely call the attention of some students and maybe the lecturer. I saw a free spot and rushed to take a sit, I didn’t even realize the company of students I had joined. They were a like a group, one that consisted of one girl and three boys, they were known for always causing nuisances wherever they found themselves and although the young lady among them was usually quiet when they made certain remarks in classes and even church she never for once stopped moving with them, even when they got her in trouble.

I unlocked my phone to see two new messages from Florence and Michael, I was so stressed and angry at the fact that I had to come for this boring lecture that I forgot to call Michael and inform him about the lecture, I tapped on Michael’s chat to read “you didn’t have to come, I already signed for you” now it clicked, he had asked me to see him and I told him I couldn’t because I had cramps, and didn’t feel like going out at all, so he had that in mind and risked signing for me, he’s such an angel.

“thank you so much Mic, *hug* emoji”

“can’t believe I wasted my time and came all the way here, when you were generous enough to help me sign” I added

“No, you didn’t waste your time, I actually want to see you” he texted back. And I know it’s too early but this sent butterflies up my stomach.

“wait for me after lectures?”

“okay” I replied.

“Would you please put down your phone, the lecturer’s looking over here?” the girl in the lousy group whispered looking really worried. I guess the last punishment she and her team had was hectic and taught them a lesson, because for the first time her boys were quiet all through class. I locked my phone and turned my gaze to the lecturer who was now writing out an assignment on the big white board in front.

Lecture was now over, I was still at the spot where I was seated though, I had to wait for the students to go out, we were too many and nobody wanted to stay back they were all rushing to get fries at the cafeteria, it was limited so it was a case of first come first serve. I didn’t have to text Michael about where I was seated because he saw me earlier already and he texted me to stay right here and he was going to meet me. While waiting I heard Florence’s voice

“Madam, well-done o”

“Omg, Florence I’m so sorry”

“You couldn’t even reply my text” right after she said it, I realized I had received a notification for a message from her but I failed to open it because I was carried away with Michael’s message.

“Oh, really, I didn’t check it” I unlocked my phone immediately to read the message which was still in the notification bar, it read “where are you?”.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t want to get the lecturer’s attention by looking around so I picked the nearest free spot”

“Its fine, someone took the spot already, I tried buying time but when I didn’t get a reply I told him to go ahead and sit” she said

“Okay, fair enough. Thanks a lot though”

“You’re welcome, see you at the hostel, I have another lecture right now so I guess you have to go alone”

“Oh, it’s fine. See ya” I replied

The hall was now empty, enough for me to see it was just myself and three other students who were left. There was no trace of Michael. I decided to send him a text.

“where are you Mic?”

“right outside the hall, would you please step out” he replied. So he made me sit here while he was outside, I didn’t get his point, I thought he wanted to see me.

I stepped out to see Michael, with paper bags, they were filled and I wondered if somebody had given it to him because he couldn’t possibly walk down to the mall to get all these and walk back here, when he could have easily taken them to his hostel

“heyy” I folded my lips

“hi, you look tired you should go back in and rest, sorry you had to come all the way here”

“I’m fine, and thanks a lot for helping me sign the attendance”

“What’s with the paper bags though?”

“They are for you”

“For me?” okay, this was a shocker, I didn’t get how they were for me, and can’t remember asking him to get me anything

“Yes, for you. I figured I should get you some provisions and a few junks since you wouldn’t be going out for a while”

I was a few emotions away from crying, I had mixed feelings, good ones, he’s so kind and an absolute angel, I stood looking surprised and thankful at the same time.

“Mic, thank you so much”

“you’re welcome Ladi, Come on, you need to rest, I’ll see you off to your hostel” he said.

I spent the evening answering questions from my roommates about who had gotten me all these, and what he was to me and if he liked me or he was single, I kept trying to convince them he was only a friend but they found it hard to believe. But that was really all he was, a friend, a good friend, a loyal one. I couldn’t jump into conclusions and assume he liked me just because of his kind gestures towards me, and though I had no control over how life plays out I was ready to dance to whatever tune it played.