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Hardeybaryor:
It's my Birthday Ghost, can I have a Happy Birthday Episode today please?

coming up soon. happy birthday love.

Being an adult was one of the most difficult experiences during this service year.

When school resumed, I was always tired, stressed and confused. Whenever I woke up, I think of one million reasons why I don't have to go to school. Right after thinking about how messed up my entire life was. And just before I pray for more grace. I know just how many times I said ' Bleep it ', and just dug my head in the duvet, clasp my hands between my curled thigh and continue sleeping...I wasn't going to kill myself na. For the many times I chose to stand up, I always end up going late...that's without eating o. Only fetching water takes an eternity. Don't even get me started on bathing; The only other place apart from my bed that I feel completely comfortable in, is the bathroom. I practice my musicals, dance moves, acting, and even speech giving there. And, with every drop of water that touches my bother, the more relaxed I get. God help me that I make a simple hair that doesn't need combing, else, I'll spend another 'few' minutes combing vigorously. I mostly don't have the time for make up. But, then I have to look for what to wear...come to think of it, I don't know why I never search for clothes the day before.
At the end, I still end up looking like the clown that pops out of a Pandora box. My hair, that I spent minutes combing will look ruffled. My eyes will be bagged and black. I always look the same way princess Anna did that morning of the coronation in the frozen animation. Forgetting my lesson note, or writing material was a usual thing.

I have never been a routined person. That has resulted in me procrastinating a lot. I just take things as they come. I never know what to eat for breakfast. When to do laundry, wash my plates, fetch water, visit a friend, hang out, read a book, watch a movie, stay at home , or sleep.

I may just finish with my class for the day and start preparing to go home. My phone rings, Lanle is calling asking that I come to visit her at work. My subconscious will just remind me of how boring and lonely my life is. And remind me that people commit suicide for less, so I should go. I'll drop everything I have planned...lesson notes to write, dishes to wash, floor to sweep and water to fetch. I'd leave my entire life behind and run down to do absolutely nothing, but gist with Lanle. I could go hang out with the guys till late into the night, when I know I have a seven am class. I never really know how to set my priorities straight. Even, when I end up staying at home. I end up spending my entire time on the internet. Refreshing pages, like my entire existence depends on it. Watching videos of cats doing stupid things on YouTube, instead of preparing for the next day, or at least napping. When my battery finally dies, that's when sleep rushes through my eyes. And I end up doing absolutely nothing.

Spending money on things I don't want is the craziest part of being an adult. I keep buying nail polish like I own a beauty saloon. And I don't even use them. I see a beautiful color and I get it...
I already eat like a pigeon. Thinking about what to eat always gives me serious headache. Eating healthy...what's that? There's no such thing as eating healthy. My breakfast always range from cereal to biscuits, to bread. Lunch, especially when it's hot is garri and groundnut. Dinner is mostly Noddles or spaghetti. I've spent more money on roasted pork than I did on rice and beans...you can't blame for this though. You wouldn't understand until you taste it. I cook few times and because there's no fridge and I hate warming food. I'd just invite people over to help eat it. At a point sugar cane before the next best thing after sliced bread. I still think it was epidemic sha, because everybody was eating it that period.
Spending money on yogurt and cheap whiskey was what I called ' living the dream '.

I was always stressed out. But Saturdays had the worse. I always tried to fetch water, clean my house...thoroughly (placing the emphasis). And cook. Because, I know I wouldn't do it again the entire week. Fetching water was the worst chore and most important. The only source of water is this very deep well...if it had been dug deeper, I'm sure they would have found the door to hell. The well dries up if too many people fetch it. Therefore, everybody rushes to fetch water early. I remember the first time I went to use the well. I took more that 20minutes to full a bucket and a half. I couldn't even full the last bucket because the fetcher fell into the well. A normal person would feel bad...not me. It was good riddance. I had wanted to stop, but I didn't want the people around to think I was too lazy.
I quietly carried my one and a half bucket of water back to my house. A typical example of ' living to fight another day '.

I've learnt a lesson in all these though.
What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger. I am still struggling with being an adult...but, I've done tremendously well at adulting.

Andra was the first person I always called when I needed to go somewhere fun.

We had met first in camp when I lost glasses, she was the girl that lost her cap. When we met again at the family house, the first time we got to Langtang. I was happy. At least I'm not alone in this hell hole, I thought. We reintroduced ourselves and that was it.

At first, we didn't hangout much. Her PPA is a hell of a stressful school. but gradually we got closer. She spent the night at my house and we'd go to church together. She is the most naive person I have ever met. She doesn't know how to handle herself around boys...even when a boy is holding a sign with bold inscriptions of 'I like you on it'. She'd still ask me, how I knew he liked her. There's never salt in the food she cooks. Like nothing at all...her excuse, she doesn't like salt. She walks in and everything she comes with goes on the floor. Her bag, jacket, cap. She had never gone for a night party, never tasted alcohol, forgets to wear bra...really. She's also very crazy and doesn't care a bit about what you think. I liked her that way. I didn't care about all those things. She was my friend and whenever people complained about her, I made sure to defend her. Even with Tay and Lanle. I never threw her under the bus.
It was why I tried to go out with her. I just thought she needed someone to guide her.

It was why I asked that she came with me to a party. Tay and Lanle had already told me, they wouldn't go. Although I was conflicted about going for a party without both Tay and Lanle, I knew there was nothing that would stop me...I had been waiting for just any opportunity to just go out and party. Tay left the weekend before the party. So I called Andra and told her to get ready.
Went to the party and the usual party stuff started. I always made sure to find her with my eyes. I didn't want some predator pouncing on her.

The devil mail bag got to her and she was asked to do something. She had refused and paid. She was clearly having fun and I could see the smiles on her face. I just sat at a table with Nedu and Mag. She kept walking round, I was too tipsy to start greeting anybody...at that point I wasn't even seeing anybody. Nedu was busy telling me sweet nonsense that my brain couldn't filter. I just wanted to get away from him, when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned to face a girl. She asked something about my PPA, and if it was the local government. I said no. She mumbled something about me being the person she wanted and left. I was back to listening to whatever Nedu had to say. When she tapped again and told me her boss will like to see me. I was so happy, anything to get away from Nedu. I went with her. Two guys sat at the edge drinking from the green bottles they had. One of them asked my named and stretched his hand for a handshake. I told him my hand was dirty, I had already dug it into the pieces of meat they gave me. He clinched his fist and stretched it at me, asking that I bump his knuckle instead. I did, and that was it. I had to go face Nedu again. I was tipsy, but I still knew he had nothing to say. Even in my high state, I wasn't interested.

I was finally tired of Nedu and his talks. I stood up and told him I was leaving. He immediately stood up to follow me. I needed to look for Andra first. I looked round and couldn't find her. I asked people, until someone told me she was outside. I knew immediately that she'd be with a guy. I was curious. As I stepped out, she was standing in a corner, in front of a car and the boss from earlier was standing right there talking to her. I told her it was time to go and stood by, waiting for them to round up. Nedu and some other people joined me there. And as soon as she finished we left.

I don't care about what people did with themselves, not unless it was affecting me directly. And I had heard so much about the heat period of Langtang...where the walls vibrate from heat. I was so scared and was already making plans on how I was going to survive that period. I told Andra how lucky we were that Boss was interested in her...of course, I looked for a way to add myself. I told her about the stories we've been told. Boss has a car with air-conditioning, he obviously has a house in Langtang, owns a generator and has a fan or an AC unit in his house and fridge too. She was already laughing hysterically as I listed everything I think Boss can offer during those perilous times. I ignored her and further explained how it would work. She'd call him in the afternoons when it's hottest. He'd pick us in his AC car, drive us to his house. Put on his generator, switch on his fan or AC and offer us chilled drinks from his fridge. He'd obviously have a TV. So, as we cool of, we'd watch movies and charge our phones.
Andra stopped laughing and told me the most disappointing thing I've ever heard. ' he wasn't my type' huh? I was confused. He didn't have to be her type na. Desperate times calls for desperate measures. ' what was it about him that you don't like'. I asked her. Her reply converted my disappointment to frustration. She said he's too old and looks like a player. Okay, now when you hear 'old', you'd think he's pot bellied, with white hair and beards. No...take that picture of your mind. He's a fit young man, in fact, he is a dude. Someone in his early 30 and unmarried.

She never bulged no matter what I told her...no matter how I begged. I wasn't going to let opportunity get butted through the door. So, I made it easier. I'll make her call him just to ask how he was...at least if she showed that she cared, he might consider us when 'hell is raised'. She never agreed whenever he asked to take us out. Those boring days, when there was nothing to do. She never wanted to give him the wrong vibe...she obviously knew nothing about psychology. Boss actually did like her...at least, it's what I think.
She always complained about wanting a boyfriend and I never failed to remind her about boss. She'd wave him off as too old. So, I pushed Nedu her way. At least they served in the same PPA and stay close to each other. Boss and I also tried to hook her up with another guy...boss was like, if she didn't like him at least they could be friends,while she met someone else. The new guy was also too old for Andra. I didn't understand her deal with guys...she was acting all cougar-like. So I left her.

She stopped talking to me. No explanation, nothing.
We had agreed to spend the Christmas holiday together in Langtang. Lanle was working with Boss now and would not be able to travel home. So I suggested that we stayed with her. Andra had agreed, and we've already planned towards it.
The day my school closed for the Christmas break. I decide to visit Andra. Her house was a complete mess. Nedu, who was now very close to her, was helping her pack. I was clearly surprised when she told me she was travelling because she missed her dad and her bed...the Bleep. That was the stupidest reason ever. I tried to understand with her, even though I wasn't happy with the change of plans. And I told her to let me know before she left. That never happened. I had to leave too. Lanle works 8-6 and I couldn't stay at home all day waiting for her...stay at home friend, I'd just die from boredom. Literally, die. I decided to call Andra to pick up my school bag, but she has left already. Although I expected that, I still told her, how much I didn't like it...we were friends, the least she could do was tell me she was travelling. I quickly looked for another way to pack my things. The entire holiday, she didn't call. I was pissed. I made up my mind not to call her. But Boss (who was now a friend) asked me to call her...be the bigger person, he said. I called and she apologized. And that was the end. She never called again. She came back and never called. She avoided me when she saw me.

I kept speculating if maybe I had done something wrong. I couldn't think of anything. And even if I had done something, I thought she could face me and tell me. But nothing. Everybody was breaking up with me at the same time. The silence was too loud...it confused me. She didn't even allow me the chance to ask what I've done. And now, she's just somebody that I used to know.

I have always struggled with going to church. As a child, going to church was a really difficult feat. But, because my mom always made me go and I didn't want to be a child of the devil, I'd go. It became, even more difficult for me as I grew older. As a teenager, I was resolved to read the entire Bible in a year. Not because I expected it to help me go to church often. No. I wanted to know what to do to really make heaven...I wanted to know if going to church was the only way.

Although, I saw things about never forsaking the gathering of the brethren. I also realized that of all commandments, love was the greatest. And that although some people are regulars in the church,they don't have love in their hearts. I tried to attend church regularly. I pushed myself. I forced myself to enjoy what the pastor is saying. But, that just never happened.

The people around me crushed my little efforts. First, there's this man in my neighbourhood with the most offensive character I have ever seen. A man that cherishes disorderliness and causes discord so much so that the devil will vacate that job for him. This man never misses church and He preaches in the morning too. At first, I thought he must have had an encounter and changed...nope, some people will never change. And this man is one of them. He just wakes us up in the morning with his shout, so hr can start his troubles earlier.
In school, I never went to church. Maybe except there's a treat that day...I won't lie, those foods shared in the house of the Lord always tastes better. Which better place to eat than in my father's house? Somehow, I always get to hear about the churches having a feast and being one that doesn't discriminate... Finally, I met a girl in my final year, who made me go to church every Sunday. She'd come to my house on Saturday evenings and pick out clothes and shoes. Very early on Sunday, she'd come to my house and beg me to go with her...she has to beg because Saturday evening to Sunday morning is more than enough time for me to change my mind. She'd pay my transport, give me offering and still bribe me with food after service...as time went on, it stopped though. But she still had to beg. On one of those Sundays, as I was coming out of the church. (It is one of those churches that have up to five services). I spotted Burna. Now Burna was the most popular cultist then...I know, I'm not supposed to judge. But the hypocrite in me couldn't help it. ' argh! If Burna too dey go church, I'd rather serve God in my house o'. My friend looked at me, I think with pity. She must be thinking about all her wasted efforts after that comment. Although, I still went. However epileptic.

I have also never really understood the discriminations among churches. Why do some churches think they are better than others? I really never understood how that works. I know that there are some churches that are merely just masquerading as 'house of God'. But, then it's not about those fake churches. It's about the entire Christian body. Some churches don't let members marry from other churches. That's the most confusing part. I thought the church is supposed to unite us as one in Christ. And not tear us apart. I may not totally agree with your doctrines, but that doesn't make you any less of a Christian as I am...my opinion though.

When I finished school and was waiting for service, I made up my mind to be more committed. I planned to join the NCCF, or any other Bible believing church. Maybe join a unit, probably bible study. I love to not just read, but also talk about the word of God. Big dreams indeed.
The first time I went for the NCCF fellowship, I was ecstatic and even joined the bible study unit...at least I wrote my name down, intending to join. That was before I realized that the three weeks of camp was going to be the most stressful and mind-numbing weeks of my life. After just one week of waking up by 3am, I was at the verge of loosing my mind. The only thing I could think about was finding a spot to sleep. Nothing else. Not food, not variety night, and definitely not NCCF. It was worse there because they have ushers walking around, that'll wake me up even when I'm blinking...the only thing I hate more than waking early, is an interim kind of sleep.

When I knew camp church ( NCCF ) wouldn't work, I pushed my resolution to the future. At least till when I get to wherever I was posted to.

My first Sunday in Langtang.

After Tay and Mag who were both catholics had gone for their morning mass. I sat on my mattress and thought about all the reasons why I should stay at home. Although, I had more than enough reasons. I tried to be disciplined...i do that a lot. Struggling to be disciplined. So I stood up, got ready and just when I was going to leave...NEPA brought light. The devil has always been a liar. Even though, the light delayed me to 9am. I still went. I found a bike and told him to take me to RCCG. The bike man took me to winners first. I said 'not here'. He took me to deeper life. I said 'not here'...it was a continuous thing and I was wondering if I shouldn't have just stayed in my house.
I got tired of moving round and asked that he dropped me off at one church. The name of the church, too long to remember. I didn't even bother reading it. I entered and sat down. I think I was quite early because they were still praising. I joined.
Then it was time for the testimony. It was one of those churches were testimonies are shared like novels. They start from a week, or month, or year before they got their miracle and slowly take us through the entire process of achieving the miracle. Just for better understanding. By the time the third person started talking, it was noon. I knew I had to get the hell out of there before I collapse. I had not eaten. Plus, I was bored out of my mind. By 12.30pm, I couldn't hold it anymore. I carried my bible and dashed out of the church. I even thought someone would follow me, since I was the only person that stood up as a first time worshipper. I had already planned the epic reply I would give in my head.
I wouldn't have cared so much if everybody in the church was giving a testimony, as long as it's a short one. But then, I man who had survived a heart surgery...just one testimony was taking the entire time. He talked, his wife talked, his children talked, as the pastor's wife was talking, that was when I left.

By next Sunday, I sat at home and watched movies. I was scared, I might experience something crazier.

Then, I tried a very popular Pentecostal church. The biggest in Langtang. I know they are time conscious, so I didn't have a problem going. I got dressed and went to the church. It was okay and I didn't have any issue with them. I went again the next Sunday and the preaching was similar to the previous. I went again. And I realized that the preachings follow a pattern. I could predict what the pastor would say next Sunday. I am one that gets social anxiety issue...although, mild and controlled. So, when I leave my house for a reason, I expect it to be worth it. I can't be summoning courage every Sunday to leave my house for church only to hear about ' God blessing my business, my family, marital blessing and fruit of the womb '. I already know those things na...after all those are God's promises and they never fail. I stopped for two weeks and returned again...guess what. It was the same thing, with different bible passages. And usually unrelated topics. But they always end in 'marital blessings and business successes'.

The only reason I didn't go to the Anglican church, which is my actual church. Is because they own the school where I teach and they deducted two hundred naira from my salary for church dues. When I wasn't even going there yet. I was scared that they might deduct more If I went there.

Although, I wasn't a totally religious and spiritual person. I love to act right and follow the scriptures as keenly as I can. Especially in my dealings with other people. Not going to church never stopped me from reading my bible or praying or doing good. I just didn't enjoy going to church...mostly because of my anxiety.
I later made friends with a corper (Emmy). He was interested in my spiritual life. He always told me God has a purpose for me. He made me to try again. And it wasn't all that bad. I was attending church and I really wanted that purpose of God to be fulfilled in my life. But, I wasn't all in yet before he passed out. And although, I know how very important the church is to a persons spiritual growth. I just feel that I might grow in other way. Because, I honestly find the routine of going to church every Sunday or Monday or any day tiring.


For this piece, I'd like your suggestions on how I might find going to church enjoyable. You could also point out strong reasons why you think I should be regular in church. Other contrary views will be nice too.

When I like somebody, I like all of them. Including all their flaws effortlessly. I might point out those flaws, but I never judge them for it. In fact, I try to see them work through it to be better. I expect the same thing from others. And sometimes, I expect too much.

Our relationship ended the day Bass walked away. Not literally, but, it did. I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that he left me, with all the tears and begging. I compared it to me and I knew, I would have never done that. I honestly can't just walk out on someone I love.

I remembered the first time he asked that I be his girlfriend. I kissed him. I had been expecting that question,so i was excited. I told him never to leave me. He left. I was crushed.

I remembered all the times I had imagined us getting married...haha. All the times he told me that if I should leave him and marry someone else, we'll meet and cheat...it was sweet then. Then, I started thinking, will he leave me every time I Bleep up? And tell me to think about what I've done, without a fight? I didn't even have time to understand what was happening. I didn't have the closure I needed.

Lanle hated him after that. Strongly. She hissed whenever I called his name. She didn't even know what happened, all she knew was 'Bass left '. It was all I told her that night she came to the house and saw Me crying. She said, he made me cry and that's enough reason to hate him. She felt bad, because she thought she pushed me into the relationship. She never came around .

Although, Lanle didn't like him anymore. I couldn't stop myself from calling or texting him. From the way we talked, I knew it was all over. But, I was in denial. I thought maybe if I fought for it...

I kept asking to visit him in Jos. And every time, he said no. I couldn't stop myself. He didn't text as much as he used to or call. I felt like I was being punished. I finally had an opportunity to go to Jos. And although, it seemed like all had been forgiven and forgotten when we were together. It didn't seem that way when I went back to Langtang. He still didn't call or text as much as it used to be. Every inch of me knew I had to get out of the relationship. I think he knew too.

I tried to make it work. I told him I loved him often...but he never replied anymore. I ask that he sent me SMS like he used to do...he told me he didn't know how. And that was it. I had to leave. I complained to him about what I noticed. And it got heated up. I was blunt, a little to blunt. And he considered it rude. I stood my ground, he didn't like it. And I broke up with him.

Two days later, and I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to tell him how Port Harcourt was treating me. I had travelled earlier. I wanted to laugh with him about all the funny things I had seen. I tried to stop myself. I deleted his number, deleted my WhatsApp...but somehow I found his number. I called him. I explained that it was moment of anger, nothing more. He told me he was going to think about it. He did after a full week and told me we should just be friends. It wasn't what I wanted, but I'd manage anything from him at that point.

I have never been addicted to anything...not weed, or my phone. Nothing. But I was addicted to Bass. I wanted to talk to him every time. He still didn't call. Or text first. I called called often. And gradually, I began to accept that we'll never be together like we were. At first, he was the first thing I thought about when I woke up. He was what I think of before I sleep. But gradually, It stopped. I didn't think about him so much anymore. I didn't feel that urge to tell him how my day was. I still get the urge to call him from time to time...but, it's not as strong as it used to be. Most times it comes and something else just steals the thought from my mind...

I may never forget Bass...he made me feel something I never knew I was capable of feeling. But at least, I'm beginning to know how to deal with the feelings and him not being present.

Let me talk a little about Langtang North.

Langtang North is one of the hottest places in Plateau. And the main occupation of the people is farming. Langtang is occupied by a minority tribe called the tarok tribe. Their language is also tarok, not Hausa. Until then, I thought Hausa was the only language spoken on the Plateau.

Honestly, I find a lot of things about them strange and weird. But some are just normal. I'm going to write as many as I remember and subsequently, I'd write more.

They are very simple people. Their simplicity shocks me at times. Alot of them don't care about beautiful houses or cars as we do down south. It's simple. They farm to eat. Not even to sell for income. All they care about is what they'd eat at that moment. During the planting season,their main market which is on every Saturday will be filled up. Because, at that point, they are running out of food and need to sell some to buy more. The moment they harvest, their market become scanty because they have enough to eat and don't need money. Most people you see at that point, come from other places to sell.

Those that do other jobs, still have farm lands were they plant.
Sunday is always like Christmas in this town. All the monies they've worked for during the week get spent on Sundays. They get dressed in beautiful clothes and every bar in the town will be filled up. There's always a show going on at the popular hotel ' Bani '.

Walking in the mornings during the heat period is one of the most annoying things ever. Big flies will follow you like there's feces all over your body. They just won't follow you, they'll make sure you know they are following you with their buzzing. If you are wearing a fragrance (from soap, body cream, body spray or perfume)...you are on your own. They'll call their entire family; brothers, sisters, neighbors, ancestors. And they'll sing you a song to your destination. They don't just sing behind you. They'll touch you...that always give me goosebumps. Irritating.
Sitting outside in the mornings or evenings is never fun. They'll touch your bare body and sing in your ear until you run inside for cover. It's annoying that with all the heat, flies won't let you take fresh air.
At a point I had to start washing my plates and clothes inside my house.

Langtang is the only place I know where wearing a camouflage doesn't result in serious beating. A lot of them flag these camouflage and the army men just ignore them. For a place with a base...I understand that it's not called the home of generals for nothing. It's one of the first things you see when you google Langtang North.
They also have a cult group called 'red bandana'. They only thing I know that they do, Is intimidate people who wear a red bandana...
I've never heard that the police in Langtang arrested anybody. Jungle justice is given to both criminals and suspects.

Langtang is the only place on the Plateau where there's no Hausa. According to them, there was a big fight between the Hausa's and the Tarok people. And the Tarok won chasing away all the Hausa's. The Tarok people are mostly traditionalist or Christians. There's one mosque in the entire town. According to them, it is ceremonial. Herdsmen are also careful when they come to the town. The Tarok tribe might be a minority tribe, but a very strong tribe.

There's a huge segregation between sexes in the town. Their girls were brought up to be completely loyal and respectful to guys. Men don't fetch water in the town. You'd see pregnant women drawing water from the well. They talk to girls as they like. Do to them as they please. And expect girls to be one hundred percent respectful.
Most of their girls suffer from low self worth. Throwing themselves at guys, not for money or love. But mostly for rep. It's a big deal for them to tell their friends that they've slept with a corp member.
Most of them have no dream of leaving the town. It's the only place they know and only place they want to be.

I noticed that they have a lot of weird foods and weird way of eating some foods. There's morringa soup, morringa salad, Masai with groundnut soup, fried grasshoppers, dog meat, bat, duck, pork, zobo soup. They eat cassava raw, unripe mangoes, and. raw potatoes...

They can campaign for Africa. Campaign for election can continue till 10pm. They love elections.

Their harmattan is the best season ever. It's just as harsh as their sun. During that period, there'll be no flies...best thing about that period. The cold during their harmattan is just awesome. And the harmattan starts as early as October. During this period, the grasses turns brown. Harvest has been done, so most of the bushes are burnt. Trees are fell for fire wood. And the town gets covered up in cloud of fog. Everywhere becomes dusty...in fact, you can taste and smell the dust.

Hey guys! This was a really difficult piece to write. It made me remember stuffs I didn't want to remember.

Started writing it yesterday. But only just finished it. It may seem a little bit disjointed. Ignore the mistakes.

Mood swing destroyed my relationship. It may sound ridiculous. But up until then, even I didn't know it had the power to do that. I'm a very jovial and happy person. But when I get like that, it's always awful. I completely ignore people, phone calls and I hate everything that tries to bring me out of that foul mood. I bask in the mood as a reptile bask in the heat of the sun. It comes once in the month, and sometimes last for two days. Just right before my aunt flow visits. I always try as much as possible to avoid human contact, so I don't spoil whatever relationship I have. It works for me that way. And once I go back to my happy self, everybody is welcome back into my life.

I remember when I told my friend I had a boyfriend. It was on WhatsApp messenger. She sent a long ' hahahahahaha ' accompanied with the ' laughing, teary faced ' emoji. And honestly told me it will never work because my demons won't let it. Although, I found her message to be a little bit exaggerated, I wasn't angry. She knows about how complicated my relationship life was. I laughed with her and told her I was serious about this one. True to it, I had resolved in my mind to make this one work.

After a lot of excuses, Bass finally agreed to visit me from Jos as promised. To say I was excited was an understatement. I cleaned, arranged and cook. Such that by the time I was done, my house was sparkling with a delicious aroma.
I waited. It seemed like forever, how coming. I slept off. Woke up, read, surfed the Internet. Whenever I hear the sound of bike stop outside my gate, I jump to my feet and peep through my window. My shoulder falls in disappointment every time I saw somebody else come in.
When I finally saw him walk in. I had to use every single strength in me to restrain myself from dashing out of my room and flinging myself at him. I stood by my door and waited for his knock. It took a million years.
I threw myself in his embrace. He lifted me and I wrapped my long slender legs round his waist. Time stopped. We were frozen...when he finally dropped me, his lips locked mine in a kiss. We kissed like our survival depended on it.

The weekend was made even more relaxing by his presence. I was with him and nothing else in this world mattered. By Sunday, we planned to go out in the evening, get some alcohol and get wasted together. A perfect plan.

We visited Lanle first. I watched how two of them bonded. Two of my most favorite persons in Langtang. As we met other corpers as we strolled, my smile was broader, touching from ear to ear with pride. As they greeted us with that knowing smile or look. We got our carton of Don Simeon. That was when everything went downhill..
My mood swung. I was smiling anymore, or happy. I just wanted to go home and sleep. The night wasn't fun anymore. The more I tried to be happy, the more I sunk. I told Bass I needed to go home. He was clearly confused. I didn't care about his confused look. It was like a demon possessed me. I was mean and bitter for no reason. I could still feel all the love I have for Bass, the happiness about him being there. I could feel them all, but it was like they were in a fare place, a place I couldn't reach.
When we finally got home, he wanted to go charge his tab at a store close to my house because there wasn't light. Immediately, I was cold and didn't want to go with him...but I knew it was devil. We waited till is was 9pm, when they turn off the generator. As we walked back, I made the wrong move. I had not seen Wells since Saturday and I decided to stop by to see him. I asked if he'd like to come, but he refused. He went home, while I went to see Wells.

NEPA finally restored light. I asked what he'd eat, struggling with myself to come out of that mood. I wanted to be happy for him. Although, I was grateful he was there, I didn't bother acknowledging it. He said, I should bother as he was going to prepare the Noddle's. I was happy, opportunity to sleep, I thought. I knew, by morning I'd be out of that foul mood. I sat down and took some of the alcohol. Fixed my ear piece in my ear and slept of off listening to music.
I woke up by 3am and saw him sleeping on the floor. I immediately woke him up and asked that he slept on the bed. I knew he was pissed. I had behaved badly. I should have apologized in the conventional way. But it's me we are talking about...I instead asked that we watch a movie together. Maybe then we could take our alcohol. He refused. That was it...he recounted everything I did. I could tell he was hurt. I apologized a million times. I was so sorry. Somehow, we ended up sleeping.

I woke up to him folding his things. I looked at him and said nothing. But when he picked up the towel, I knew something was up. I asked if he was leaving, he said no. He always takes his bath early, so I just assumed...
That wasn't true. He came out of the bathroom, wore his clothes, picked he bag and told me he was going back to Jos. That wasn't our plan, so I started apologizing again. He didn't care. I could tell he wasn't going to bulge. But, I wasn't just going to let him go without at least trying. He told me I didn't care about him, that I didn't love him. He didn't want me to hurt him like his ex did. ( that was because I went to see Wells). I told him I didn't want Wells, it was he I wanted. That did nothing to solve the issue. I tried to kiss him, maybe it will make him rethink. But, he didn't let me. It's was then I realized I had been crying. I sat on the floor, close to my door...u thought maybe, he wouldn't have the courage to walk out on me seeing me like that...he left. I laid on my bed and cried. Then I felt, I should try some more. I called him and begged Jim to turn back. Instead, he asked that I came out. I wore my glasses, maybe it'll hide my teary eyes. I met him up. And begged some more. I offered to carry his bag back. When I noticed he'd not change his mind. I suggested to follow him to Jos. He refused. Instead, he asked that I followed him to the road, where he'd get a taxi...ehn, so I'll cry alone back to my house? I turned and headed back to my house.

The hurt I felt was beyond this world. I blamed myself. I laid on my bed and cried. I saw the Don Simeon and I drank from it. I drank more and more. Until I slept of. Even the dream world was affected by the alcohol. It was spinning and unbalanced. I woke up and drank more. School was already cancelled for me. I didn't eat or bath. I just drank, cried and slept. I didn't know I was capable of hurting. I didn't open my door to anybody that knocked. In texted him, called, sent WhatsApp messages. I was like one of those girls in those romantic movies we all hate. Those weak girls that cried because of a man, that always make me hiss loudly. I had become them and I hated myself.

Lanle came in the evening from work after she had heard my voice when she called. She didn't know what was happening. I would have done the same thing if I was her. I would have even snickered. But now I was the one going through the ridiculous moment. She begged me to bathe, to eat, to just talk. I didn't move. What use was bathing or eating or talking when my chest hurts so much. She was surprised that I had finished the carton of Don Simeon. I didn't get enough sleep that night.Tuesday was just as useless as Monday...
It was the first time I experienced that. It wasn't a fun thing to experience. I was hurt and blamed myself. Bass on the other hand didn't thought I was over reacting. Because, he didn't break up with me. Just gave me space...smh, like I asked for space.

Impacting knowledge is one of the most difficult things ever. I didn't enjoy teaching. And waking up every morning to prepare for school was one of the most difficult things I had experienced. Maybe, it was because I wasn't really paid enough. I always had very early classes. As early as 7 o clock classes...and it wasn't funny. Prior to that, I never had any reason to wake up that early, except I'm being chased in my dream.

My students were not motivating either. I came across a set of students that have no higher prospects in life. It was difficult to find a student that wants to become a doctor or a lawyer. You hear their boys talk about joining the army...which isn't such a bad thing until you ask them what else apart from the army they'd like to be. My mouth dropped when I heard vigilantes, and bank security. Until then, I didn't even know that bank security was a professional job. As for the girls, it's as simple as getting married and having babies.

Reading was their biggest problem. A lot of them don't read. They don't have the time maybe...in fact I don't know. In Js1,I had to pair them. After every class, I made sure I gave them class work. Then I give the good ones one weak persons to tutor and threatened to punish them if their partner fails in the next class. That helped a little. At least, Js1 is my best class.
Js2 got me completely frustrated in their first test. I had announced the test a week earlier. But I was too lazy to set up the questions. So I taught them that morning. It was square root, real simple stuff. And I asked them if I should give them a test on what I just taught. They were excited about the suggestion. And I was glad they liked it too. Wanting all of them to pass and being the nice teacher I was, I asked that they opened their notes. I made it an open book test. I was worried when I walked round the class and saw people not writing...I couldn't understand. It was right in front of them. Marking the script was a torment. It was a complete binary score for everybody, with their ones and zeros. One guy even wrote in an handwriting that could pass for a chicken digging the earth for food that he 'didn't understand it'. With very poor spellings... Argh! I gave up.

A student in my Js1 didn't know how to read at all. I had wrote the different types of fractions and their meanings on the black board and asked that they read it. I observed them and found out he was just looking at the board strangely...at a point I thought he was seeing some kind of horror I couldn't see on the board. I am not exaggerating when I tell you he couldn't read anything on the board... Nothing at all, nada. I asked if he could read just to be sure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me, and he said no...arghh! And he has been moving from class to class. How exactly! Now that's another thing. Gone are those days when a student fails and repeat a class. Nobody fails anymore. It is such a bad trend. Making teachers to make these students with slow learning abilities catch up with others. And when they don't, they just push them forward.

Copying notes is so difficult for them. They are so slow in writing, mostly because they can't spell. They have to look at the board fourteen times to write the word 'multiplication'...i kid you not. And since I teach mathematics, I have to make sure I write every single step for them ( collecting like terms, multiply by the denominator etc.). That doesn't help much, just in case you are wondering. Their parents could just walk into the school to call their ward to help them with chores at home. It's weird. They have multiple colours as uniforms.
And just in case you are wondering, the school is a private missionary school.

Payment of salary or in my case stipend is very irregular. No accommodation was provided either. At a point, we were owed for 3months. And even when the payment was done, my name was excluded. Money I had budgeted for already. The principal gave a bullshit story about thinking I came in September.
When I was finally paid, it was two months after and two hundred naira was deducted from my salary for church dues or something like that... For a church I don't attend o. I was force to pay their dues. And it was not like I was paid for all the months I was owed.
It was the perfect example of modern day slavery.

BiadeFolar:
Yea baby, man and his hustles!

Good luck on your hustle.

BiadeFolar:
Bass and Wells are just bystanders, you belong to me!

You kinda disappeared. Welcome back.

Genazib:
My own ghost, thanks for your updates. When are u back to Portharcourt, kai i will need to meet you oooo.... holla please...�

Won't be back for a while. I'll try to let you know when I am though.

To understand how I really felt about Bass, you need to listen and understand the lyrics of Camila Cabello's song 'never be the same'. He was an addiction for me. For someone that has never been in love. I was completely smitten. His talk, his laugh, his reasoning, his cool demeanor. By then we were already sharing secret jokes. How can one person make me feel so good. He was my personal brand of weed. I was high. I was happier, I laughed louder. I understood the lyrics to songs better. I listened to them and they spoke to me. The moon shone brighter. My sleeps were more peaceful...no more nightmare. I woke up every morning with a whole new zeal. I even talked to people I didn't like...I was in love and hate wasn't in my vocabulary.

Wells came with our stream two and needed accommodation. There was a spare room in our compound and I suggested he took it. He had come over to check the house. Everything was good. Somehow, he took a room in the compound next to ours because his PPA had asked that he waited because they had a place for him. He didn't like the place. But then someone else had taken the room. That didn't stop Wells from visiting. The guy that took the room was his friend and so it was the perfect excuse to visit. I knew he liked me. But, it was different this time. I didn't care, I liked someone else. That didn't stop me from being friends with Wells though. We strolled alot, with his friend though. Visiting the family house was a routine. Every evening we'd go there to hang out with the corpers in the house. And the more we did that, the closer we got. His PPA at NTA langtang was only operational at night and that way, he always left his laptop with me. He even gave me a spare key to his house. And he'd always suggest movies that I'd watch, since I was lagging behind in the movies area. That way we always discussed about them when we see the next day.
Bass had come to visit one day and saw Wells with his friend. He told me he didn't like him. I didn't understand him. But I could tell he was insecure and to me it was the sweetest thing ever. In my exact word, I explained to him that it was he I wanted and not Wells. That did nothing to calm him.
We had a football match between batch B and A. We had all planned to go. So when Bass came over, I convinced him to join us to the field.

When he called later that night, he wasn't too happy. He had told me I completely forgot he existed the moment Wells was there. Pointed out things I had done. I apologized and we moved on. From there it was a downward spiral. One thing or another came up causing us to fight. We were supposed to be in our honeymoon phase. But it wasn't anything as sweet as honey.

Everyday it got closer to when he'd pass out. And everyday I felt like it was ending soon. We weren't going to see for a long time...a really long time. And though we tried to console ourselves with a lot of promises. We both knew that it was ending soon. I got hit hard. I had just opened myself, exposing my emotions, breaking down those walls I had built. And now I didn't know how I was going to accept reality. We didn't see much towards his passing out.

Handover was going on. Old CLOs were handing over to new ones. Old papas were handing over to new ones. I had gone to the NCCF hand over on that evening. I had gone really early because I needed to also go to the catholic hand over. Wells was going to be the new papa and I wasn't going to miss that.
I got to the Catholic church were the hand over was going to take place. The confusion on my face was more than obvious, when I heard Flavor's song singing from the speakers. I couldn't understand if it was the hand over or someone's party. That night was crazy. Beers were served, secular music blared from the speakers. People heard what was happening and alot of them left the NCCF handover for Catholic. After taking few bottles of beer, I forgot it was supposed to be a church thing...well not just me. The handover turned to mini club, with people dancing, drinking and shouting at the top of their voices.

We got home late. Wells walked me to my as we discussed. I was talking frantically about all the shits that happened at the hand over. I didn't expect the kiss. It was fast and before I could say Bass, his tongue was down my throat. I wasn't lucid enough to quickly assimilate what was happening and somehow I was on my mattress, with Wells ontop of me. It was then I got the restraint and I had strength to push him of. And the only thing I could say was, ' I have a boyfriend'. I kept repeating it, still very tipsy. He apologized and blame it on the alcohol. I politely asked that he left. I immediately called Bass after that. I was so sorry it had happened. Weather tipsy or not. But I wasn't stupid enough to tell Bass...after all, he warned me about it.

Bass passed out the next day. I met him at the secretariat. I was both hungover and sad. He was going to be with me the entire day before travelling the next day. When he cancelled for some reason I can't remember. My sadness increased. I went home and took the only thing that helps me when I get like that...after taking my last stash of MJ. I slept off. He came later in evening. And the entire time I wished he'd stay and not leave. He promised to be in Jos till December so we'd spend sometime before finally separating.

To be continued...

Schools finally resumed. First day, I went in to see the principal. I had still not been given a subject nor class to teach. I sat outside the rugged building that served as his office, Waiting to be called in. Soon enough, I heard his almost feminine voice called ' corper', I picked up my bag that has been resting on my leg and went in. He was different from the principal that had accepted me. He was younger, had a less confident demeanor. He didn't look me once in the eye as he talked. Looking at my face sef, was a big challenge. He asked the course I studied. And called in the director of student affairs. The older man was more confident and looked me as he suggested that I take maths in the junior classes...only me JS1 to 3. I told them immediately that the classes were too much and I may not have enough time to cover them all...after all NYSC didn't send me there to be their full time teacher. Plus the pay of four thousand, five hundred naira was too small to be that serious. The DS who was also a math teacher, told me he'd assist me. And told me my Wednesdays were free...like it was not my right. And it was not like I'd sit at home and lounge. I will still have to go to CDs.
They provided three dirty, torn and worn out textbooks for me to use. Not note book or pen. I immediately told them I'll start next week because I had to create a syllabus as none was given to me. And I also had to prepare a lesson note. I met with the other corpers and told them...I thought I had the worse situation, until the CLO of the school told me he takes Js1 to SS3. For four thousand, five hundred...they should tell us we are slaves from the federal government na. The CLO later bought a long note book for me. Right after he asked that I be his girlfriend...it was not like I asked him to buy me book o.

I only started preparing the note the weekend to the week I told them I'd resume. Procrastination almost killed. If my laptop was still there, I would have blamed my laziness on it. But it wasn't. And I honestly had no idea what was taking my time. I was able to write something that in no way resembled a lesson plan for Js1 and Js2...it was like something I'd scribbled down when I'm preparing for one of those exams where all I have to remember was the formulas.
First class I entered was Js1. They were novices like me. New school, new class. I did the normal introduction with them before starting. And It went smoothly.
I had Js3 next. They were bigger than the Js1. Although they still had the fascinated look in their eyes. I could tell they were more experienced in getting new, teachers. We finished the introduction and I left the class. Just a few steps to the staff room, I remembered that I needed a copy of the timetable and the names of all my students. As I walked close to the class. I heard a student imitating me. The moment he saw me, he ran to his sit. I was Immediately taken back to secondary school. And I remembered all the wicked things my class did to teachers. I didn't react. I just smiled and talked to the class prefect before leaving. I later became friends with the student that was imitating me...at least he was smarter than most.

Armynu:
you want it intoto right... Ghost youve heard the man, whats you take on this?

Lol...we'll see.

I had never seen my room this way. It felt empty. I felt like if I should talk, it would echo. It felt lonely. I just wanted to run out of my room and go to a crowded place. I dropped my handbag in the middle of the room. Changed my sneakers to slippers and ran to Lanle's place. Luckily, Lanle prepared stew for me. And it was what I ate when I came back at night.
Reading became the only way to pass time...that, and sleeping.

Bass finally came over to see me. I had been looking forward to that visit...it was one of the only thing that kept me sane. The expectation. He told me about the day he first saw me. At the field in Pilgani, when I first got to Langtang. He serves there...a place worse than Langtang North...so bad. He sat on my mattress that doubled as a chair. We talked about so many stuff. He had a quiet, cool demeanor...every minute I spent with him, I liked him more. He never left the end of bed where he sat to my end. We sat apart talking and laughing not once coming close. I never knew a man could maintain space that much. Before the end of the day, I knew almost everything about him.
His visits became quite frequent. And every time he does something that made me like him more. I always walk him out, whenever he was leaving. The first time he hugged me, as I stood outside my gate wearing my short shorts. He said something I couldn't hear. The bike that was going to drop him stood there waiting for us, watching us the whole time. He repeated what he said. When I complained again that I couldn't hear. He asked that I came close. And, just when I got to where he was, he stretched out his arm and drew me gently to his chest wrapping his arms around me. It was the most romantic thing I've experienced, honestly. And I felt awkward, especially when the bike man laughed. I knew what I was feeling wasn't just 'like' anymore. It was getting higher than that...

Somehow, I just couldn't keep the feeling to myself. I was excited whenever my phone rang. Or a WhatsApp message entered my phone...he was the only person I wanted to talk to. And gradually, on my list of boys, it was Bass and others. I didn't care about fineboy, or lex or anybody. And most times I leave their messages without a reply. I removed my read receipts, so they can't tell I've read their messages. And as time went on. I talk about him more. Lanle was at the receiving end..although, she always reminds me of the many guys, no guy person I was. It was the only way she could tell me I was falling hard. I found myself talking like he would...with the stutter. I was always wishing he was online, even when I knew the horrible light situation. I ate more, because I didn't want to disappoint him whenever he asked if I'd eaten. He was all I could think about...somehow, Langtang North wasn't such a bad place.

First time I visited him, he had asked that I helped him withdraw some monies from the bank. There isn't any in Pilani where he stays. He was going to be traveling to Jos the next day. He was always shuttling Jos and Langtang. I called Lanle to tell her where I was going just in case. And also to ask if it was a good move...since I was a novice na. And I liked this one. I didn't want anything to spoil it before it started.
His hugs were always something to look up to...it was always like a massage. He always hugs like he would take the life out of me. Not to kill me, but to make us one. And as he hugged me now, I felt comfortable. Happy I was there, I didn't care anymore about relationship correctness. I just knew I wanted to be in his arms forever. He gave me food to eat and we talked about all the things that happened since we last saw, retouching the once we've already talked about.

By evening, I announced that it was time I left...although I wanted to stay. But I wasn't going to chase him with desperation. I didn't even know words like that until now. I was never desperate, eager, loving to all the guys I've met. But with Bass, I was experiencing new things, new feelings and I couldn't help myself. The more I tried to stop myself from liking him, the more I liked him. He pleaded that I didn't go...my heart. Stupid, stupid heart shouted hurrah and hurriedly said yes. But thank God for my brain. It still functioned properly and it brought out a list of excuses why I shouldn't stay. All those excuses didn't mean shit, when he kissed me after asking. My brain said no, but my lips said yes. The kiss burned the list in a flame of passion...I knew just then that he had got me. Gently, it became heated with passion and I was on the bed...well, I had my first orgasm and it was the best thing I had experienced.

I was home watching castle on Tay's laptop. She was probably feeling pity for me and always gave her laptop to me whenever she wasn't using it. I knew my boundary too, and never asked for it except she offers. After all she wasn't the own that asked me to travel to Jos. I was engrossed in the e eccentric character of Nathan Filion. My phone ringing distracted me briefly from the movie. True caller already providing the name of my caller. Name seemed familiar. I picked up, not asking who it was. I was going to decipher who had the voice like I always did. The caller introduced himself as Bass, same guy who had taken my number. He apologized for not calling earlier and gave a story about how he lost my number. His voice on the phone almost blew me away. The way he talked, it was like nothing I've heard before. It was what I always imagined When I read a novel and the main character is described as having a baritone. The slight stutter he gave as he talked even made him sound sexier. When I finally dropped the call, I knew immediately something was wrong. And I told Tay, ' he speaks so well' she looked at me, not quite understanding what I was saying. He had asked if he could send me a message of WhatsApp...how can I say no? When I clearly want to keep hearing that voice. Honestly, Morgan Freeman had nothing on him. And as his first message entered my phone. The sound of the WhatsApp ring gave me a kind of joy I've never felt before.
We chatted continuously. And as we did, we got closer.

Tay had begged me to accompany her to Jos, since she doesn't know anywhere. I didn't want to go. I was avoiding Jos like a flea. And I told her that. She promised to pay my transport fare to and fro, because I've not been paid. I refused and told her it would be too much on her. Somehow Lanle joined in begging and I agreed. They always had a way of making me bend for them and every time they did that, I jokingly told them it was because I was a minority. I finally agreed. Bass was in jos, and so I quickly told him. He was happy and suggested we shared a taxi back to Langtang together. I wasn't excited about going to Jos this time. The journey was boring and tiring. When I got to the door of the house, my mind skipped a beat. It was only when Tay asked that I open The door, that I realized that I had just been standing there. What I felt wasn't fear or regret. It was something else. And I hated that I was showing weakness. It was just a stupid laptop. I shook off the feeling and opened the door. We kept her things inside and immediately left for the secretariat. By evening, I brought out Tay's laptop to continue with castle. G and Juls exclaimed the same time. 'You've brought another laptop here? ' I just waved them off as being too dramatic. I had little sleep that night. And by 6 am, we were on our way to Plateau riders pack. We walked to where the bus going to Oyo state parked. Just then, I met Ide. It seemed like forever since we last saw. He clearly surprised. We gave ourselves the awkward side hugs. And talked about stuff. He was going home to Oyo. He apologized for ditching me in camp. Telling me his girlfriend was pissed seeing us together all the time. A lousy excuse I thought, at least he could have told me that.
I waved goodbye to them and left to tour Jos alone.

I finally met Bass up and we left together on the taxi. Best taxi experience I've had... We talked about everything. Somehow I wasn't uncomfortable in the taxi...and trust me, I always get uncomfortable in a taxi. He asked if he could visit the next day...and of course I agreed.

GRAMMARJAMES:
ghost : you taking longer time to drop your updates. one need to re read the previous episode before blending in with the current one. try as much as possible to release your updates at least daily!
Thanks and Weldon!

if you still in Jos, we can hang out "as FRIENDS"

Noted. I'm gonna try to post often, although the electricity situation here is awful.
Sure, we could hangout...as FRIENDS, but I'm in langtang now. Thanks for the comment.

Finally Tay received a text from NYSC confirming her relocation to Ogun state. It was the Saturday before school resumed. I had mixed feelings after receiving the news. I was happy that I was finally going to receive visitors and travel as I like. But who was I kidding, Tay had grown on me...I was sadder about her leaving.

Few weeks before that Saturday, I had met Bass. It was on our regular monthly clearance. I had done this huge Afro, that was clearly the talk of the town. It was quite embarrassing the first time I stepped outside the saloon. People took pictures of my hair as I walked on the road, some cheered, others laughed hysterically. I couldn't understand the whole drama over a hair do.
I sat on Mag's leg that day waiting for our LGI. Dan and Nedu sitting very close. People stopped to greet us, a normal routine. All the corpers we've not seen the entire week come around. Turning the clearance to a meet and greet event. Most corpers complimented my hair without the dramatic expression the people of Langtang had used. Soon after, a tall, very dark dude stopped to greet us. I had never seen him before. But it was normal considering all the ghost corpers that come in just for their clearance. He complimented my hair do and asked if it was possible for him to do same. I smiled my generic nice smile and said yes...he was obviously making a pass at me. He said he was going to get my number later to ask how it would be done...it was such a weak line, even my subconscious drew her mouth out knowing he could have done better. I wasn't as bothered about the line as my subconscious was. Somehow, guys were adding up, and I couldn't do anything about it. Not visit them, not letting them visit. I was just piling them up.

Soon after that, stream 2 came in. Somehow, only one girl was brought to Langtang. I felt bad for our boys. I'm sure they were expecting new fishes, that would jump their nets. It wasn't funny though. It was a nationwide lack for girls. At that point, some of them started considering the indigenes.
Bass didn't call and I had assumed he was one of the few that take a number and send it into the abyss. Until our CLO sent a WhatsApp message asking if I knew the guy in a picture he had sent. And if he should send my number to him. Because the guy said he lost it. I said no. I honestly couldn't recognize him. I told Tay about it and showed her the picture. Surprisingly, she recognized him. I still didn't let our CLO give him the number. 'For loosing it, he has to get it again'. I thought...
To be cont'd

I was finally able to convince Tay to stay alone while I travelled. School had not resumed and I was in a halt. I didn't like it. The long break would have been a perfect time to visit fineboy and the other guys. Including my friends in Jos. But somehow, I was just in Langtang because the nice me couldn't leave Tay. It was suppose to be G's birthday and a perfect reason to leave.
Lanle and Tay helped arrange my bag. I still haven't mastered the art of packing without looking like I was completely leaving my old life behind. No matter the number of things I decide to forfeit, I still end up carrying more luggage than an airplane. Somehow, everything fit into the handbag I was going with. Including my laptop...wouldn't leave it, not when I've heard all the stories of how there's always light in Jos. They walked me to where I'd pick a taxi. Bargained with the driver and hopped in. The journey to Jos wasn't stressful. Mostly because of the excitement. It was like I was finally going to Europe. When I got to Jos, I found my way to the place I was directed. G met me up and took me to the house. It was a small, cozy self contain. It had been given to her by her boss. She's one of the lucky few. It was even furnished down to the plates and spoons. I settled in alright.
Juls stayed with her since she wasn't so lucky with both a PPA and accommodation. First night and we talked and reminisced our camp experiences.

Now, Juls is a very rare kind of human. Whenever a suggestion is made about us getting something. Maybe dinner. Juls will always give us a pep talk on why it isn't necessary and the money should be used to get something else. I was already prepared for that since G had hinted me. The only necessary foods to Juls are soup and rice. For someone that likes variety, I was stuck. No yams or potatoes or beans or bread. By the way, I didn't leave Langtang North to Jos to eat exactly the same things. I needed to get a total Europe feeling. I needed burgers and pizza. I wasn't going be dressing up in big sweaters, sock and gloves only to go home and eat one soup that doesn't have enough protein.
I didn't know how bad it was. One day I asked that we go out. I was ready to buy stuff for her, only for her to ask me who'll pay her transport...I knew just then that there was no saving her. G's crush even sent 5k to Juls. He wasn't going to be around so he asked that she take G out with the money. The day came and we dressed up to southern fried chicken. G said she wanted chicken and chips, and asked what we wanted. I was about opening my mouth to place my order, when Juls stopped me half way. Long story short. She had spent half of the money to prepare soup and stew and the money can only buy for one person. To say G was mad was an understatement. She got pissed and left the restaurant. She said she couldn't be eating while we watched. I offered to get my own. But she refused and asked that we go home. That was how we ate soup for lunch.
Jos was mostly fun. Especially whenever I go out with G. She was always ready to spend. And me being a good suggester, we blended fine. As we move round Jos from place to place, we fill out hands with nylon bags...mostly filled with food.
Finally, it was two weeks and I was ready to return. I had bought everything I needed. From clothes to food. I was to leave by Monday. Sunday being the first in August. I decided to go to church after G had begged and even offered a skirt to me. Somehow I wasn't feeling it. I just wanted to stay at home, covered in a big duvet and watch movies until I have a headache. But when, they both asked that I joined, telling me it was the first Sunday and I needed to thank God I saw it etc. I was almost feeling like the devil. I dressed up and off we went.
Church was mostly a blur. I wanted to go home. The longer we stayed, the more disinterested I became. I couldn't wait any longer, so I picked up my bag to leave. Juls followed me.

As we got to the door, Juls said something about us not closing it...that can't be possible, I closed it myself. The key's still with me. Just then I knew what had happened. I remember clearly, how in camp we were told about their pattern of stealing in Jos. ' MY LAPTOP ', I exclaimed. Before rushing to open the door wider. It was gone, with the charger. Everything else was there. My legs became wobbly. Juls raised an alarm and people gathered. Nobody had heard anything...I wonder how. It was a metal door. I sat on the bed and mourned my laptop. Everything I had in it was gone with it. That laptop knew things about me nobody else did. We've together longer than any of my relationships. G came back soon enough and joined in my mourning. I didn't know how I'd tell Pops or Nana. I was devastated. Hot tears ran down my face as I remembered more and more the things I had in it. That night I had a terrible nightmare. By the next morning I had lost weight. All the fun and excitement of Jos...they faded away with the memory of my lost laptop.

Finally Deji did the craziest and it broke the proverbial camel's back.
One Wednesday after CDS, Lanle and I stood under the only tree close to the NYSC secretariat. Shading ourselves away from the scorching sun. Deji joined us later. We talked about random things. He told me how he had missed Tay and I. I was clearly surprised since we see almost everyday. And I made sure I told him that, because I knew where it was heading. Tay had already filled me in. He blurted out how he was going to come spend the night at our place. Lanle looked at me in a way that's asked ' seriously '. Even I was confused. Why will a guy opt to stay in a house with two girls that weren't his sisters or girlfriends. I wasn't going to be the mean person and just say no even though it was what I wanted. By the way, it wasn't like he was even asking. Since I couldn't say no, I quickly told him to bring a mattress because ours was very small and won't contain all three of us. He laughed. Probably thinking I was joking.

Tay and I spent the entire day wondering what kind of guy spends the night with two girls that are not his girlfriends. He didn't come that night and what a relief it was for us. When we went to his compound the next day to visit Lanle...because somehow we spend more time with Lanle. We stopped briefly by his room...a normal routine with us. He apologized profusely for not coming as promised last night. If only he knew. We quickly brushed it off, waving our hands.

That evening, Tay and I bought noodles and eggs for dinner. We had prepared our house. For the night cometh when no man works. As Tay was preparing the noodles. I sat on the bed, watching movies from my laptop. Because NEPA had forgiven us that day for having too many gadgets and brought their light. The room was poorly lit. The light was almost like a candle. The shoveling of shoes outside our door temporarily distracted me from my movie. Even Tay paused from her cooking to listen. The shoveling was accompanied with a knock. Tay and I looked at each other with wishing in our eyes...we already suspected who it was. ' who is it? ' Tay asked. As the voice answered, our chests fell in complete resignation.
Tay sacrificed her noodles for him and tried to prepare another. While I ate mine watching the screen intently. I had sat on the floor to eat. Slowing I put each forkful in my mouth completely mesmerized by what I was watching. Tay finished and joined us. He and Tay discussed. I didn't care what they talked about. I already knew he didn't come to see me, so why bother. Being a guy and a fast eater, he was done soon enough. He laid on the bed after that and continued the gist. I saw him on the bed but didn't think much of it. My pace was so slow that even Tay finished before me. Soon after I finished eating. NEPA gave themselves the lizard nod of 'we've tried, if nobody will praise us, we will' and seized their light...
I immediately switched my laptop off to save battery for the next day. As I turned to climb the bed and enjoy my beauty sleep. I saw Deji covered in duvet sleeping soundly. Argh!! Mind screamed. I've just been played, I thought. Tay looked at me and asked if she should wake him. I shook my head. Seems like I'd be making a sacrifice here. Although I was pissed, I was willing to lie on the cold had floor. Tay settled on the tiny mattress with Deji. The carpet didn't help at all to make the floor bouncy. I understood at that point what prisoners go through every night. There wasn't even a blanket to comfort me from the harshness of the floor.

I woke up to a sharp pain in my lower abdomen. I ignored it and tried to sleep, but the pain hit again. Harder than the first. ' oh God ' I thought. ' don't let it be what I'm thinking '. I prayed. I turned to a position I thought was more comfortable. Buy the pain only increased. It was it, I knew. My aunty flo had to choose this night of all nights to show it's red, painful and ugly head. I stood up grudgingly and went to pick up a pad. I saw Deji sleeping soundly on my spot. My subconscious maliciously told me to go wake him. I used every strength in me to restrain myself.

I came back to my spot on the floor. I couldn't sleep anymore. I tossed and turned. Just then, my inner demons started whispering in my ear. And I listened. I picked up my phone, inserted my earpiece in it's hole and searched my playlists. I started with demons by imagine dragons. And sang aloud loudly. At least if I was going to be awake, everybody has to be awake too. I sang on and on. Louder and louder. I reached pitches I didn't know I could ever reach. I sang in different parts...tenor, alto and soprano. Voice training was an understatement to what I was doing...infact, it was a freaking riff off. I knew Tay was awake and probably giggling.
I paused my song, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Then I heard his stressed voiced, asking me to shut up and sleep...not in his exact words. But it was what my ear heard and what my brain interpreted. I didn't answer him. Honestly, I didn't even know I was that petty. I played my song and louder my voice rang. I couldn't care less if I wale the entire fucking compound. At that point, I was pissed and cranky and mad as hell.

He stood up and started dressing up. I checked the time. 5.50am shone brightly on my phone. I smiled in the darkness. I knew he hadn't slept a bit. Good...what a great morning. He tapped Tay after he finished dressing up and told her he was leaving. Not saying anything to me, he left.
Tay and I never discussed what happened. By noon, we went to their compound as usual to visit. As we entered, his door was locked. We stopped his neighbour's room to say hi. There were about five of them inside playing cards. The moment they saw us, chatter of greetings passed across the room. Some standing up to hug us. Deji ignored my greetings complete. Raised Tay of the floor and shouted how happy he was to see her. He told her how she was the best thing to have come out of Langtang. I giggled together with my subconscious. At least he was affected by what happened.
Lanle laughed the entire time we gisted her. I just knew then that I was better off not talking with someone like that...way way better. And it was one of the best decisions I made.

rafa9:
Good one. But it's baboon not bamboo. Autocorrect I guess

Thanks. Corrected.

Talking about a state blessed in natural resources and I think of Plateau. This is me being unbiased. The state is beautiful. Not with man made structures, but in geography. I saw one of the most beautiful topography there. The flat grasslands that covers large areas. The majestic rocks that stand firm and proud. I'm no scientist, but I understood geography better looking at them. I remember how I try to locate the different types of rocks I was thought in secondary school geography (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic). I was imagined the minerals trapped in those rocks that are been ignored. I learnt from people around that the rocks grow. I always imagine the rock spitting out lava which cools off, thereby increasing it's size...I don't know sha. Whenever you stand close to these rocks, you'd here rushing water inside. This water is one of the cleanest and purest there is. These rocks are also breeding ground for so many animals. Especially snakes. In Langtang North, some serves as their shrines or places where they carry out different sacrifices. And from the rocks, there are some very beautiful fountains. The rocks are mostly cold, especially those very smooth ones. And sometimes houses are built on these rocks. These houses are always very cold. Pankshin the birth place of former head of state; general Yakubu Gowon is the coldest place on the Plateau. It is also the location for a federal college of education. As you move away from Pankshin, heading towards jos. It becomes hotter. From Pankshin to Mangu, Bokos, Barkin Landi and Jos. But all of these places are cold and will at least give you the Europe feel. From Pankshin heading towards Shendam. It also becomes hotter. From Pankshin to Kanke, Langtang North, Langtang south, Mikang, Quan pan, and Shendam. Now the only feel you'd get from these places is the Sahara feel.

Plateau state is blessed with food.They are the highest producers of Irish potatoes not just in Nigeria but in west Africa. There's an abundance of both sweet and Irish potatoes, tomatoes, beans, pepper, oranges, mangoes, guavas, yams, rice, groundnut, cassava, dates, tiger nuts, tangerine, sugar cane, bambara nut, soya beans, maize, wheat, millet, sorghum, guinea corn and even strawberries. Food is cheap there, especially in it's season. There are beautiful beds of wild flowers along the road during august and September. These flowers comes in different shades of red and yellow beautifying the roads and releasing sweet smell for travelers.

There's a lot of illegal mining activities going on in the state...I don't blame them though. With so many neglected minerals yet to be tapped. And a government that couldn't care less. Tin is the major mineral there. There's an abundance of sand. They have these little bridges as you travel from local government to local government with shallow streams of water flowing through. During the dry seasons these streams dry off, leaving lots of sand behind.
There are so many artificial lakes and dams at different places in the state. And I can promise you, on the Plateau, you don't need too much money to see nature in it's finest.

There's zoo and a wildlife park in Jos. Both comes with amazing variety of animals. From huge pythons ...for the Slytherin lovers to Elephants, Lions, Foxes, different types of primates(monkies, chimps, gorillas, baboons etc), Camels, Hyenas, Crocodiles, Tortoises, exotic birds etc. There's a polo club and a museum.
Just in case you are planning your next vacation spot. There's one in Nigeria.

I don't like to judge. But we all find ourselves judging people helplessly. I was getting used to the bath B corpers in Langtang North. Getting used to them, meant getting to know tiny details about them. That way I found out most of them were couples. I wasn't against dating a fellow corp member. Or leaving together as a couple. But I'm too lazy to start carrying out my wifely duties when I wasn't legally married yet. Clean, cook and arrange. The room I shared with Tay was never completely arranged...it was a mess, but not a total mess. I hate to wash clothes especially...and boys clothes always have a particular hardness attached to it. I don't mind cooking. But doing the dishes too...I need a special kind of grace to do them immediately. But these girls didn't look like they were complaining, so who was I to complain on their behalf? Somehow they had chosen and paired up before we came. Our boys were fast learners. They asked us out in sessions. Proposing their one year theory for us. Both Tay and Lanle both have boyfriends at home. That didn't stop the boys, who will constantly tell them it's just 'one year plan' like it was Mtn subscription. As for me, a boyfriend wasn't an I excuse. I didn't need one to turn them down.

Itei was the assistant CLO sort of. We got talking and I knew he liked me. I always know when they like me...body language, talking language, niceness language, spending language. There's always a language to give them off. We spent time together a lot, his calls increased and somehow we were seeing everyday. I was enjoying it. The little game. I didn't like him like that...but, I didn't hate him too. So, it was a good chance to just play. The first time he came to my place, he came with the CLO and the CLO's girlfriend. When the CLO and his babe were leaving, he didn't join them. Tay understood fast and quickly told me she was escorting the people that came to see her, because she knows Itei came to see me. He heard everything and felt a little embarrassed. He told me he wouldn't have come if he knew Tay stayed with me...haba! I didn't know if I should apologize or laugh it off. I chose the later. Closer we grew.

Lanle came to visit us one day with a very interesting story. Her neighbour who had travelled the week after we came had just returned. And somehow had a fight with another guy in the compound. This other guy had addressed her as itei's babe when he was telling Itei who sat there to hold her...ehn. Me having little in mind for Itei already, just brushed it off. Itei still visited as usual. Hung out as usual. And even played with me in front of his supposed babe. Meanwhile, he never talks to his babe outside, or played with her, or smiled with her. Every messaging app on his phone has it's own password with a camera attached to catch the password hacker... not like I cared about doing any FBI work, but that alone was too suspicious. Even after I heard, they stay in the same house as a couple. I never asked him. After all I wasn't his girlfriend na.

He had met Lanle in my house one day and they were discussing. Somehow, she talked about the supposed babe addressing her as his girlfriend. Perfect opportunity, I thought. Immediately I behaved like I had never heard that before. And I was like ' hold up! what did you just say?' Lanle gave this knowing smile, like she had done it on purpose. My guy froze. When he saw that I wasn't letting him off like that, he told me to wait until Lanle left. It was fun to torture him like that. Since he thought he had been playing his game well. When Lanle left. He gave a crappy story about why his dating her. And since I was never really into him, we continued as friends. But, then I realized it wasn't just our batch boys that were coming for the subscription. The previous batch needed better tarrif plan.

honestly I've never really been one to get stuck in a relationship for long. It's not because I don't like it...after all I like romantic movies. It's mostly because I don't enjoy it. I hardly get attracted to people entirely. I might find a person physically attractive...but no be fine face or fine body we go chop na. Mostly, I like intelligent and smart people. Not just book smart. But versatile smart...politics, religion, sports, movies, science, geography, everything. Just a little bit of everything. I also try as much as possible not to show too much emotions, it always gave me the creeps just to know that I was being attached. I had my first boyfriend in my first year of school. Koro was seven years older than me and was smart. I was just a teen a naive. But, that wasn't enough. So I made Ed my second. Dating two of them simultaneously. Both guys liked me crazy...and it was understandable. I was young, cute, naïve, smart. Koro works with a petrochemical company in Sapele. While Ed was a hustling, fresh graduate. So, it was a long distance relationship with them. I met them once, separately. And while Koro gave me my first kiss...and for the first time, I knew that kisses don't sweep people off their feet. It's a lie. Ed gave me my first cunnilingus. Both without penetration. Not because I stopped them, but when they realized my V card was still intact, they didn't want to scare me of with desperation. I think. Fast forward to four months after I agreed to a relationship. I was tired. Relationship wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. I didn't know the power I wield. Not until they both begged and didn't mind that I was double dating...

By my ND2, I didn't have a boyfriend. Just boys I played with. I met my third boyfriend chuck during my IT year. He both insulted and told me he liked me the same day. His confidence was beyond extreme. I liked him immediately. He was 10 years older and a Doctor, plus he was fine...then I understood where the boost came from. I gave my first handjob since sex wasn't on the table...at least not yet. Two months later, I broke it off with him. He only asked if I was sure that was what I wanted, and when I said yea. He said okay, like it was my loss. He didn't get it. I don't regret anything about relationship. How will I? when I see a relationship as a test.

I met Parka in HND 2. He was one of those fine, quiet bad boys. When we got talking, I knew I liked him. We starting hanging out more. He gave me my first joint. It was heavenly the first time and I knew I was going to get hung on it. But, then it wasn't just him. Our relationship was never defined. So, there was Steve and Sa and Fitz. Steve was just a fling. He was the 50 shades crazy type. Not with the whips...thank God. But with the cuffs. It was one crazy night with him. And I gave my first Mouth Gig. Fitz was married, but that never stopped him. We went out a few times, but mostly to public places. And he'd always steal a kiss or two, but that was it. I liked him though. His gist were always on point and he knew almost everything about me. I was wild...but I wasn't bad.

So, with Nedu asking that I be his girlfriend. I knew there was no way that would happen. I didn't even like him...I just kept him hanging, just in case. One night, after our usual ritual. He proceeded to kiss me. And I decided to let him go further. His hands moved to my breast and then down to my vag. I didn't stop him. I was waiting to see his reaction. When he hit the barrier, he stopped. I never get tired of the look on their faces whenever they find out. That look always gives me a high...one almost better than what I get from MJ. He asked the usual question they all ask. I carefully stood up and adjusted my clothes. ' Goodnight Nedu' I said and left. I think that new knowledge was the fuel he needed. I never understand why they always want more when they find out. His asking increased. Somehow, I was who he has been searching for...

Tay and I were home one night. Watching movies on our laptops, it was all we did after charging. Dan came in later and as we talked he told us they bought whiskey and invited us over. Tay declined, she doesn't take alcohol... I just quietly followed Dan, thinking, more whiskey for us. By the we entered, they had soaked MJ

in the whiskey. As I took the first seep. I smiled, this was even better. Nedu sat in a corner smoking. I knew I was in trouble immediately. My new year resolution was to stop smoking weed. It wasn't like I was addicted or something. But I need to stop
before I become an addict. And I only made
that resolution because I knew I was leaving school, where all the vices took
place. Other guys would have offered me something else. Maybe food or drink. Or said hi. But not Nedu. He tapped another when we walked in and started wrapping it. I thought it was for Dan until he offered it to me. I didn't understand him...was it a gesture? He still did not talk to me after I took it. I drew in and let the smoke fill my lungs. I knew the resolution wouldn't stand, at least I tried. We gisted and drank and smoked. It was nice. As the MJ did it's magic. I saw the beauty of Langtang North...it wasn't such a bad place anymore. I slept fine that night. Somehow it became a ritual. When they come back, they'll call me and I will gladly go. As time went on. Nedu started talking to me.

Dan and Mag left the room to keep Tay company one night. Immediately, I was alert. Not scared or worried. Just alert. Nedu and I smoked and talked. Mainly about school and MJ. He told me about how much he likes and have been looking for a way to talk to me. He was sure fate was involved since he finally saw me in Mag's compound. I don't believe in fate, but I was too high to burst his bubble. In fact, everything he said was funny to me. And my brain was taunting me. If I react to anything he says, my brain tells me I'm over reacting. And if I don't react, my brain tells me I'm under reacting. I was struggling to be in between and somehow, the struggle was clouding everything he was saying. When his lips found mine, I was still not concentrating. I kissed him too...his lips tasted sweet. Obviously something to mask to smell of the MJ. I liked the smell, and continued to kiss him. I felt his hand move on my body...but I didn't mind. I didn't feel anything for him. But I also didn't want him to stop. He withdrew and picked his stick from the plate he had kept it and took a long drag. I was obviously too high to understand what went on, what was going on. I took mine too. And just then Mag walked in like he had timed us. I was worried or anything. We finished talking. I finished my stick and left. Dan sat on the beg watching a movie. I just quietly found the floor. I was having good thoughts about my life...MJ has a way of making me feel my life isn't in complete mess. I woke up the next day on my bed, I didn't know how u got there and I didn't care. I remembered everything well.

Tay and I made the room our own little fortress. The apartment that housed our room, housed other rooms including a toilet and bathroom under one roof. So that you don't have to leave the building to use the toilet. Honestly, we would have preferred a self contain. But it is easier to find a virgin in that town...and trust me, it's not easy at all. Somehow, I was comfortable with Tay. And that's coming from someone who isn't very accommodating. I'm not talking about housing people, but also accommodating them in my life. We never invaded each others privacy. We were comfortable in our silence. And our discussions barely leads to argument. And even when it did it never escalated. We couldn't share clothes since Tay is thick and has curves in the right places. While I was the complete opposite. Do there was never an issue about wearing each others clothes. Bringing money for food was never a problem. We both enjoy the fine things. And there was always large chunks of meat in our pot of stew. Tay, being the Yoruba girl always insisted on Kanda(kpomo) which even made the stew seem richer. Luckily, we were in a town where meat was cheap with a lot of variety to choose from...goat, cow, dog, sheep, pig. Most mornings after waking up, we'll just lie on our bed and press our phones...we were lazy together and nobody scolded the other. It was like we synced. If one person should finally get up to wash the plates. The other automatically picks up the broom to sweep the house. We were alone in the house since Darey hasn't moved in yet. And we enjoyed the solitude. We didn't have a place to charge our phones or laptops. So, most nights we go the kiosk close to Deji's compound to charge. One of those nights, we sat there waiting for our things to get full. Lanle was with us and we hosted into the night. Just then, there was chaos outside. People were running outside the store. At first, I couldn't understand what was happening, so I just sat there. The owner of store later explained that masquerade was already out and we need to rush home. Well, in this 21st century masquerade was still parading some parts of the country causing businesses to close early and fining girls they see. That is if they are lucky...else, it may be worse. The moment I heard that, a charge flew through me. Sending me in total awareness. It was with the speed of light Tay and I put everything back in the bag. I dashed out of store, leading the way to where we could pick bikes...how will I explain it to Pops if I was caught by masquerade? It doesn't even sound right. Lanle and Tay were running to meet up with me. Lanle was begging that we walk her to her house first since the road that leads there is dark. Tay and I laughed like weren't running for our lives moment ago. Tay just quietly showed her a man that was walking in her direction and told her to follow him if she knows what's good for her. By then, I've stopped a bike and off we went. As we got close to our house. We saw light in another store, just very close to our house. There were people sitting there charging like nothing was happening. We got down from the bike and found space for our things first. As we sat to wait, we asked the people close to us if the Masquerade doesn't know the road to this place...you can't blame us, where we were coming from was total chaos. While here, people were just chilling carelessly. It was then we understood that the masquerade has different days for different places.

Darey changed his mind about staying in our building. He was having money issues. Good riddance, I had thought. Mag, from imo state later rented the room from Darey. I had already told Mag about the place, but he had insisted on self contain. He found one that had rules than the ten commandment. That was when he came back. He moved in about two weeks after we did and it was a good change. He stayed in his room mostly or goes out to see his friends. But whenever he has time to gist with us mostly at where we charge. It was a delight. He had finished from imo state university. And will gist us about the cult activities that takes place there. He always made our wait shorter. He was also having visitors. And that meant, we were having visitors too.
Schools finally closed and a lot of corpers travelled, leaving the town quiet. Somehow, Mag had two consistent visitors. Because everybody in there compound had travelled. I knew Dan very well. He visits Lanle often. But the other guy, Nedu, not too much. I saw him checking me out once. But, I just assumed it was all in my head. They were frequent and even as Dan will always stop by our room to say hi, Nedu never did.

OMG!! THIS IS THE PARTICULAR MOMENT OMG WAS MEANT FOR...OMG!!

I just saw my diary on the front page this night. And I have been dancing ever freaking dance ever created.
I'm sorry there's no update. That's because, while others were getting a new phone as new year gift. Mine crashed. Luckily I got it fixed yesterday and update will be available tomorrow. I'm really sleepy this night...

All the amazing comments, the critics etc. Love you all..

I had to stay with Deji for a while. Although Tay was there, I wasn't completely comfortable. I wanted to go to my house and have privacy. He had told me I could rent mattress at a cheaper price instead of buying. That means, I wasn't going to leave until I get one. I bought every other thing. Carpet, utensils, etc. The guy who rents the mattress out was a no show. Anytime I went to his shop it was looked and that increased my stay with Deji.

At first it was cool staying with Deji. He was nice and caring and all. Made sure Tay and I were comfortable. After a while, something changed and I still don't know what. Tay is Yoruba, that means they can talk endlessly and I won't partake in the discussion because I couldn't understand. I wasn't worried about it at first...I'm not one of those people that take offense or get worried that someone's talking about me. But somehow I was been sidelined. I'd be with them and not talk the entire time. And since there was rarely electricity and I had to save both my phone and laptop battery, especially the laptop battery till whenever they brought light again. I was mostly on my own. I started reading books I found in his house to keep busy. And since I knew nobody I was almost alone, though I had people in my room. Fortunately whenever he was out, Tay and I would have interesting and long discussions. Laughing and talking. But the moment he's back...it's like sango has arrived and hit everyone into a Yoruba speaking spell. Not one to hide feelings, I told them one day how rude it was to be speaking their language every time when there's someone who doesn't understand. And that some of their discussions are things I can take part in if only they'd speak English. I was honestly hoping that that would work...I clearly was thinking too much. Deji told me he doesn't speak Yoruba all the time and it's only when it doesn't concern me he speaks Yoruba and that it can never be rude to speak his language. I did not expect that, so the surprise on my face was clearly obvious. Because, Tay noticed and apologized to me.

After that day, she tried to speak English whenever I'm there. It was as a result of the English she started speaking that I realized that the phone he had lost at the last CDs was actually stolen by a fellow corp member and that 15000 naira of his money had been transfered by the guy. Money he had save to get phone with. You do know how it's difficult to save money during NYSC and then to save up to 15k from 19k. Anyway I forgot to feel bad for him, since he wasn't going to tell me. But that doesn't mean I didn't help in ways I could. Especially food.
I began to notice other things about him. Like how when we eat, he eats faster with larger portions and must make sure the food finishes before he leaves. Tay made me notice though. We were munching on spaghetti that day. I had a book in my hand...I love to keep busy while eating. As I read, I eat slowing me down. But I wasn't bothered, I've never been one to rush a meal or eat too much. Next thing I heard was Tay stopping him and asking him to learn to leave for the ladies...I just laughed in mind when he complained as he was leaving that he doesn't remain for his sister and doesn't have to do for us. Tay and I exchanged looks and laughed as he left. I began to distant myself from him especially. I'd sit outside alone, sleep early, read a lot. As other corpers came back from their break a lot of them looked for accommodation. My compound had some extra rooms, so some asked him about showing them. As we walked down with the two boys Seun and Darey. It was like an association of Yoruba corp members. At first it was a competition about who went to the best school. Tay and Darey went to OAU, while Deji, went to unillorin. Seun and I kept quiet as we went to lesser known schools . And I just did not have strength for worthless arguments. But I would chip in from time to time to tell them about how stupid their arguments were as all schools in Nigeria are sub standard. Not long after that, they switched to Yoruba... maybe they didn't like me telling them how stupid they sound. Soon enough we got to the compound and discussed with the landlord. Darey agreed to take one of the rooms. As we walked back, they continued in their Yoruba leaving me helpless. I walked in front of them, keeping a reasonable distance between them. ' you guys are speaking Yoruba too much it's not fair on ghost' I heard Deji say like he cared. Just then he walked up to me and wrapped his arm around my neck. I thought maybe he's had an Epiphany and I decided to tell him again that they should minimize how they speak Yoruba when someone who doesn't understand is there, plus it's not their state sef. I was like if they behave like this outside their state, then I'm lucky I wasn't serving there. He got angry and told me to stop asking them to stop speaking their language. And that he's never stopped me from speaking mine. I had to explain to him like I was explaining to a stupid person that in Rivers, we had multiple languages and would never do this both within and outside our state. As much as I like that languages unite people, I understood immediately what happened at the tower of babel.

Almost everybody that came to see us was Yoruba. Somehow, Tay and I started talking to another girl in the compound. Lanle is also Yoruba, so she talked to Tay first before warming up to me. That way we sat outside often and discuss. One of those days when nothing was happening. Deji asked that we followed him to pilgani ( a small village in langtang) to watch them play football again the indigenes. At first I was excited. Staying in the house everyday was not something I enjoyed. But, I changed my mind last minute because I didn't want to be in a place, where the only people I could really talk to speak a language I don't understand. And there was light too. Tay begged me to come with, since Lanle was going and Deji has been begging her. I had to change my mind again. The road to pilgani was covered mostly in farm lands and a few mud houses. And you could see Wase rock from there, a popular rock. When we got to the field, I could smell the difference. This place is even more remote than where I was. I wondered how the corpers there managed. I sat back quietly on a tree root, resting my back on the tree. I wasn't too interested in the football match, so I moved further away from everybody. I decided to call Nana to pass time. There was no signal... I quietly thanked God I wasn't in this place. I could see the corpers serving there looking at me at intervals.
My last straw with Deji was when he grumbles anytime we ask him to hold on, because we were changing or wearing clothes. I knew I had to leave. So I made up my mind that I was going to sleep on my duvet until the man that rents mattress comes or I could just buy.
I told Tay about my plans, since she'd be staying with me as she planned to relocate. She told Deji everything and he kept asking me where I'd sleep. I told him everything. When he saw that I've made up my mind he started speaking Yoruba to Tay. ( I only got to understand later that he was begging her not to leave with me. And it was when she refused on the excuse that she can't stay alone with him, that he begged me.) The next day, I arranged my bags and boxes and ready to leave with Tay of course. That was when I saw Deji coming with mattress. 'How did you get it?' I asked clearly shocked. He said it was one nobody used again. I could see why, the mattress had seen life. It was flater than an old lady's breast. I thanked him and we left.

My two weeks break in Port Harcourt extended to three. I had no strength in me to go back. First the distance discouraged me. Then, every time I remember where I was posted to, my heart skips a bit and I just relax further in my house. Deji calls everyday, telling me what to bring for my house, how much things cost in the town so I'll know the estimated amount to bring. At a point I even got tired of his calls and stopped taking them. Finally, I summoned courage to go back. I discussed with some of my friends to know when they'd be going back, but nobody was making a move. Finally fine boy(the secondary school guy) and two other guys I had met on a WhatsApp group agreed to travel same day as me. I could tell he likes me, but I wasn't going just make it easy for him. I expected him to tell me.
We left PH in the morning of July 3rd. Got to jos by 8 at night. I finally got to Langtang North by noon on the 4th of July. I've been trying Deji's number without any success, I didn't have Tays number saved in my phone so I couldn't get her. I hurried to his place using two bikes; one for my load and the other for me. As my load been taken inside, I thought in my mind, ' now there's no going back until after a year'...

To be continued...

valyzubxx:
I can totally relate with this story. I was posted to Langtan South (place's really close to hell!), North is even better, my dear, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me back to J-town.

I've heard that, but never been there. Missed an opportunity to go when there was a football match between us because it was too early. But, I'll try to visit before leaving...

We dressed up and got ready to go for our documentation. Deji had prepared breakfast for us. He had left earlier because he had two PPA's so he left us with Lix, a guy that stays in his lodge and works in the sane place as me. He took us first to the local government Secretariat as Tay was posted there before taking me to the school. The path to the school alone discouraged me. There was no way those schools that are advertised on TV will have such awful roads. Paths covered in shit. I was loosing hope already. By the time we got to the school. I knew it was the school, but I didn't want to believe it. Lix confirmed my fear when I asked him...this is the worse. The school had a short fence, no gate. The roof looks horrifying, no windows, or doors. The students wore different colours of uniform...and you know any school that has more that one pattern or uniform is a complete community school. But what was I expecting? I walked in behind Lix. The students peered from their windowless windows and doorless doors, smiling happily at the new corper. I met the other two girls at the principals office already writing their letter of permission for the two weeks break. The principal saw me and asked that I photocopy my posting letter. Only place to do that was at the secretariat, which was very far. I was so pissed... which school doesn't have a copier? my spoilt and entitled subconscious thought. I decided to look for a bike, before I die in the afternoon heat. Heat I had never experienced before in my life. It was like the sun was drawn closer to the earth using a rope. Luckily, a bike stopped for me. He asked where I was going and carried me for free. I thanked him a million times and went in to do my photocopies. I wrote my letter at once, because I didn't want to go there again. I saw Tay and she told me she didn't like the local government and wants them to reject her. As I was going back to the my school, I saw two girls and guy standing by the road. One had a nose ring in. She complained to me about how awful the place was, and that there's no club sef. She asked if I was going to stay because she has made up her mind to redeploy. I don't know why she chose me to complain to...like I said my attitude gives a different vibe from who I really am.
The bike that took me back to the school did not show same courtesy as he collected the money happily from me.

I finished with the school soon enough and went for my documentation at the Secretariat. Documentation was fast and I was done soon enough. I waited for Tay to finish, then we went back together with Deji who had come to join us. Tay left that evening for Nasarrawa. She was going to meet her sister there, so they'll go home together. By then, we had made up our mind to stay so I had to look for accommodation for us. Not together, but same compound. I got one very late and couldn't make it back to jos that night so I slept alone at Deji's. He had slept in too and it was a little bit awkward but I couldn't make him leave his house for me another night. So I stayed put. The next day. I picked up my bag and quickly left for Jos. My friends had been waiting for me...