III
You have been standing in front of Rm.209, Okeke hostel. Making the sign of the cross. Trying to own those phrases again - those words you ached to let Ezinne know. You love her. That is the summary. But you have not told her. That makes the summary voluminous. It is not as if you don't know how to neither is it because you have not tried to let her know. You know how to. You have also tried to. But whenever you get close, instead of to speak, you shiver. That makes you wonder whether you also know the when to. You hate this. That is, you hate to believe the fact that you can't express your feelings. It is manhood-shrinking.

II
"That babe na cheap gal" you once lied to your friends. They did not believe you. In fact, they were not going to believe you. But that did not bother you. For this you know: you are smart. In simple native Nigeria: a sharp guy.

"Wetin be dis?" You brandished it - a floral designed handkerchief. Ezinne's handkerchief. The one she places at the center of her bosom. Using it every now and then to wipe her face. And to sit. Especially on those dirty university seats.

"She leave am for my room after we do finish..." You raised your ego. And coated it with lies. And they saw it. And believed it. For, it was true.( One only believe what he/she considers true. And that is what sharp guys do - they make you see,and believe.)

I
Today, you were resolved to tell Ezinne how much you feel. You have already carried out an absorbed research on how to do that. And the discovery was mind blowing. All thanks to google who has wondrously done well with you - you were glad you met a helper.

You walked into the zoological garden; reciting your discovery, boiling with optimism. It was there you caught a glimpse of her, resplendent in a black suit. Instantly, you lost composure, not courage. And your boiling optimism, slow yet steady, began to evaporate, making you nervous, like a wave. Your discovery was still untouched. You noticed; feeling relived; even as you walked pass girls on skimpy-transparent dresses.

"Hello"

"Yes. Can I help you?"

"Yes. I mean, No" you are shivering.

"Then?"

"I came to see the monkeys." You switched tactics. Or better put, you lied. You were happy you did. It just saved you from an imminent mess.

And then you... https://ihemenzube./2015/03/28/that-love-story/ (Continue reading)

By: Iheme Nzubechukwu