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jullyrosy:
Are u okay moura7?

I'm good, thanks. New update on Wednesday evening.
Have a fruitful week y'all.

Odoogu:
[/b]Shey K no go ever get peace of mind like now?[b]

Good one bro!!

Lol....e never even see anything yet.

33

Kk

"Well, go on", I urged Dave on, while I took a step farther away from him. I wasn't going to take any chances now. Who knows, he just pretending to come clean with me and then come at me at the slightest opening he sees.

"Okay", he sighed and looked at his feet, hands on his waist. His stance resembled those of elders in a nollywood royal movie, especially when they are told bad news. Well, if nollywood is anything to go by, then whatever he's about to say won't be good.

"Here's the thing", he began. "My dad and I, we are...", he sighed again, hesitating. "We are ..we are wanted men", he voiced out.
"The FBI has been on our trail for quite some time now and they came real close to nabbing him at Stanford. That was the issue I talked about."

"Wait...why would the FBI be after you?", I asked.

"Well, we move weight", he said and looked at me, probably, to gauge my reaction. "You know, like drug dealers?" He continued, sensing my confusion at his first answer.

"Oh", I muttered, increasing the distance between us. Now I want expecting this at all.

"Yeah", Dave said. "That, and multiple counts of murder too".

Uh oh

Then something unexpected happened. All of a sudden, he started laughing. Like real hysterical kinda laughter, like an insane person and that got me more scared. Movies have taught me that most killers, especially the serial ones are pyschos and sociopaths. I didn't think it applied to Africans too but here I am now, faced with a real life one.

"God- you...you should've seen your face", he said in between laughs. I just stared at him, utterly confused as he struggled to catch his breath with his hands on his knees.
"I'm- I'm sorry man but your face, that expression is just priceless. I couldn't pass up on the opportunity", he laughed. "Man, you're so gullible. How did you even buy that?"

"Wait" I blinked. "You mean you just lied to me?" I asked as the realization that he was just messing with me hit me.

"Uh..yeah. Look at me man, do I seem like drug dealing type? Bro I don't even have a single tattoo. Besides, I'm too fresh for that", he joked. But something in me wasn't still sitting well with whole thing and just couldn't let it go.

"Still doesn't explain the weirdness and mystery around you and your dad. Like how are you even able to afford this car and then live in a school dorm? How is your dad's dorm apartment that exquisitely furnished and how did even get into this school mid semester? And you guys seem to know alot about me, HOW! ?" I almost yelled. Sh*t is driving me crazy.

"Oh then you should have just asked", Dave shrugged. "The dorm room is mine along  with the whole building. Well, not me though,  my dad purchased 45% ownership of the Regal Group, making him the single majority shareholder. So basically,  this dorm and the whole school is mine. That's why I can do my dorm room like that", he said cool, like it was nothing. I just stared wide eyed at this sudden unexpected revelation.

"So- ", I began but cleared my throat cause I think the shock I felt earlier had clogged my voice. "So you mean you're rich? Like really rich?"

"Uh....let's just say my family is pretty comfortable", he shrugged.

"Exactly what a filthy rich person would say", I voiced slowly in awe. "But wait, hold up a minute, why would your dad be crashing up at the dorm though?"

"Well, he wanted to scout the place for me, you know to make sure the environment was good enough for me so I don't get into trouble again, like what happened at Stanford", he said and his face fell as he said that last part. Whatever happened at Stanford must gave really huge else why all these clandestine moves just to go to school here.

"That was why he looked you up too, he thinks you'd be a good influence on me and frankly, I agree with him and I'm sorry if we made you feel like you couldn't trust us in anyway. We just wanted to close with you and do right by you".

"Do right by me?", I asked confused. "You guys haven't done anything wrong to me before".

"Yeah..uhn...that came out wrong", he stuttered and chuckled nervously. "I guess I got too caught up emotionally and started saying nonsense", he added, avoiding my eyes as he spoke. That's strange.

"Yeah okay", I agreed,  deciding to let it go. I've had enough for one day. "Let's get going, we've wasted enough time already", I said as I got into the car.

"Yeah", he said. "Wanna drive?", he offered and my heart leapt with joy.

"Absolutely man", I affirmed and switched to the driving seat.

"Well, knock yourself out", he smiled.

I pressed the start button and the car came to life. It was nothing like the noise my car made whenever I started it. This was another level of ease and peace. As I began to move, it was like I was floating through the road in my own enclosed serene space. Ah! This life sha.
__________________________________________

"Can believe you made me come out on my free day just for this", I complained as we got out of the administrative building. We were already done with the whole admission process and it didn't even take up to an hour. It turned out that the news of who he was had already reached our VC and everything had already been arranged for him. Dude just needed to pen down some signatures and everything was done.

"You can't tell me you didn't know about this", I went on.

"Okay, maybe I knew but I just thought we could use it as an opportunity to hang out. Like show me round the school, you know?", he replied.

"Whatever, but just know you owe me", I sighed.

"Sure", he agreed happily. "I'd like it if we check out the spot where the pretty ladies hang".

"You man LovePeddler", I laughed. "Remind me not ever show you to my girlfriend". And almost immediately, we saw Mia and Gina coming out from one of our lecture buildings. They were accompanied by some other people and I spot my dump cousins, Rex and Cynthia among them.

I considered pretending like I didn't see them and just get in the car and drive cause I didn't have the strength to deal with Rex but then they seemed to be coming our way and who knows, maybe Mia already saw me.

"Cmon man, let's get going already", Dave urged.

"Uh...Mia's coming", I said uneasily.

"Oh, where is she?", he asked turning around. "Oh wow, she's smoking hot", he said excitedly when he looked towards her direction.

"Uh..I know. Don't look at her again", I said and hurriedly stood in front of him to shield his view of her.

"Hey babe", Mia said happily as soon as she saw me. She quickened her steps and hugged me. "What a pleasant surprise, I thought you didn't have any classes today".

"Yeah", I answered and wrapped an arm round her, pulled her closer to me, not to show off but for reasons best known to me. I'm very serious I'll throw my shoe at Dave if he tries to flirt with Mia.

"Who's your friend?", she asked.

"Nobody", I answered quickly.

"Oh please don't mind him, he's very rude. I'm Dave and you must be Mia", he said charmingly as he bowed low for her. He stretched his hand to give her a handshake and I accepted it in her, in what was more of a reflex action. Honestly, I didn't even know when I did that.

"Mia, really?", Gina said as she and friends finally caught up with us. "You just left us hanging just because you saw him?"

"Sorrryyy", Mia said, pouting. "I couldn't help myself", she giggled and pecked me. She seemed so happy to see me and that warmed my heart.

"Its all your fault K", Gina faced me. "You're a bad influence on her".

I was about to answer her when Dave nudged me and cleared his throat.

"What?", I whispered to him.

"Introduce me to her", he whispered back.

"Hey Gina, what's good?", I greeted. "Uhm..meet my friend Dave. Dave, Gina".

"I'm just going to be straight with you Gina, I'm in love with you", Dave spat out and I face palmed myself in shame. I'm beginning to think the issue he had at Stanford definitely had something to do with a woman. Did he have to flirt with every girl?

"Uhh, thank you?", Gina said, more like asked as her face screamed confusion.

"Gina baby, let's go. I feel sick of all a sudden. I think the air here has been contaminated", Rex spoke for the first time. I smiled cause I knew that subtle dig was aimed at me and I felt Mia tighten her hold on me. I looked at her and she shook her head slowly, signalling that I shouldn't react and I just smiled in return to reassure her.

Another merit that being Mia's boyfriend brought was that Rex and his goons no longer disturbed me. Obviously,  Mia must have warned them to keep to their lane and not trouble me at all. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

"But, we-",

"I said let's go now", Rex thundered and she gasped.

"Hey man, that's no way to speak to a lady", Dave said looking quite pissed.

"Mind your business, new boy", Rex retorted. "Don't start what you cant finish".

"Its okay, let's go babe. Mia, I'll call you later", she said as she headed out with Rex and their friends.

"Dude, you need to chill sometimes", I said to Dave. I get he was trying to stand up for Gina but it wasn't his place to do so and it definitely was his business either.

"Oh, its about to become my business cause I like her and I won't stop till I get her", he smiled confidently.

"Bro, you just met her and besides, she already has a boyfriend. She's already spoken for", I emphasized.

"Haven't heard of love at first sight before? And as for her being taken, I guess I'll just have to take her from her taker then. May the best man wins", he smiled and got in the car. "Let's go home, I don't need a tour of the school anymore, I've already seen my soulmate".

"Is he always this forward? Like doesn't he have a filter or anything?", Mia whispered to me and I shook my head.

"Uh sorry bro, you can go ahead. I'll just head on with Mia".

"Oh ok then. See you later and nice meeting you Mia. I can see why he's whipped to the core, you're a goddess", he said with a smile and drove off.

"Bye", Mia waved, smiling and then I gave her a face. Why's she smiling?

"What?", she questioned, looking at me.

"Mhmm. So he's not forward again just because she complimented you?"

"Well..", she began what I presume to be her defence. "I don't know,  that's besides the point", she whined, seeing she couldn't up with anything. "Let's go to yours I'm starving".

"You're such a foodie", I teased and she punched me lightly.

In no time we reached my place and almost as soon as we entered my apartment,  the doorbell rang.

"Babe, can you please help me get the door", I requested from the kitchen where I was getting a bottle of water.

"But I'm tireddd", she whined and I just sighed, knowing I was going to be the one to get it after all.

"If lazy was a person, it would be you", I said and threw her a cushion pillow as I skipped to the door.
I had a feeling it was Dave, coming to disturb me with something I'm pretty sure he can handle bu himself and was ready to tell him off now. This Mia time and no interruptions are allowed. So without even asking, I just yanked the door open only to be met face to face with the least person I expected to see now.

"Surpriseeee", the person said, smiling like a Cheshire cat.

"Oh no", I muttered...TBC

So sorry guys....update would drop unfailingly tomorrow. Might up the usual word count as compensation. Keyword being "might"

Next update, Friday evening

Thanks for the comments....but I need more, especially from the ghost readers

jullyrosy:
Moura7

Done

32

Kk

"Mia", I groaned. "There's literally a bed right here, why do have to lie on my back? I'm trying to get this assignment done", I complained but as usual Mia does whatever Mia wants and now she chose to ignore. I just laughed and shook my head at her childless which I was finding cute as the day goes by. Is that weird?
Truth is, ever since that day at the pool, I've been the happiest I've ever been in my life. It's been mad bliss ever since and sometimes, I find it hard to believe that this goddess of beauty is actually mine. Like she's actually into someone like me. Wow!

At first, I was kind of unsure about her stand on the whole thing. I felt she wouldn't want to be seen with me in public and so I was a bit withdrawn so I wouldn't come off as too clingy. I didn't call much or ask to meet up at all. I just wanted her to not feel pressured or overwhelmed. It wasn't until she complained that I got realise that she didn't care about stuff like that. She even threatened to deal mercilessly with anyone that so much as breathed near me. I felt like the 'girl' in the relationship. And another thing, Mia's big on PDA like crazy. It was like she wanted the whole world to know that I was hers and in all honesty, l liked it even though I get really shy about stuff like kissing her in public and all that. All in all, I've never felt better in my whole life. Its like I found my own person in this life, like the person meant for me. Everything just seemed to pick up for me. Now I'm getting a bit popular, even my almost non existent IG account has blown up with followers since she randomly put it out there. An account I used for stalking my favourite celebs and trolling (lol). Even my sadistic boss has started warming up to me too although I feel it has more to do with the new ownership of PM. There were rumours of the new owner condemning employee exploitation and encouraging the employees to be more forward with their complaints against their superiors. So maybe that's why he's acting all cozy now.
Another part is my academics, Mia's been really helpful with getting me to speed on things concerning my grades. She's been tutoring me and helping me with my assignments too, except now. She's been bugging me since she got here this evening. Now she's lying on my back, tickling my ears while I'm trying to get this assignment done and that's due tomorrow but Her Royal Highness doesn't care at all.
Now I won't lie, I'm really enjoying what's she's doing. Its sending mad sweet sensations through my body but a dude's gotta form once in a while right?

"Babe, cmon, let me just get this stuff done and then, I'll be all yours", I pleaded and she continued for a bit before she stopped and rolled over.

"You finally called me by a pet name", she said smiling. "That's the only reason I'm letting you go".

"Oh, did I?", I asked. "I mean...only if that's okay with you. You know I don't really have much experience about all these", I said, feeling a little less sure of myself. She quickly grabbed my hand an gave it a small squeeze as if to reassure me.

"Of course it is. I know how irresistible I am. It would be cruel to deny you that opportunity", she said smiling.

"Its sick that I'm beginning to find your narcissism so charming", I shook my head.

"Stop lying. You've always found it charming", she whined, shifting on the one of the pillows. "When is your birthday?", she asked out of the blue. "Can believe we've been going out for a while now and you haven't even told me your birthday date? What kind of a boyfriend are you?"

"Uhh, it never came up?", I more like asked than stated, feeling a little confused. I didn't know I was supposed to tell her about my birthday. It's not like she even asked.

"Urghh...boys and cluelessness", she sighed deeply. "Anyways, what date is it so I can beginning my shopping in advance".

"Let's talk about your excessive shopping", I pinned her with a look as I twirled my pen with my fingers.

"Oh, K", she rolled her eyes and collapsed on the bed.

"No, I'm serious. You have no concept of money and I don't want to wake on the first of May, to a Rolls Royce in my parking space".

"Oh, is that what you want?", she immediately sat up from her lying position on the bed. "What about an Audi?"

"Mia!"

"Okay okay, I won't get you anything on your birthday, K. Would you get me something on my birthday though?"

"Well, yes but-"

"Then I'm definitely getting you something on yours. I already have a whole gift basket planned out and before you say anything, it's not expensive. Just a couple thousands, that's all", she said.

"Now you see, I've no problem with that", I said feeling quite relieved but then something hit me. "Wait,  a couple thousand what?" I asked to be sure. With this girl, one can never predict anything.

"Dollars", she answered and now, it was my turn to collapse on the bed in frustration and exhaustion.

"Why, what's the problem now?", she asked and I sighed.

"I don't have even a thousand dollars to spend on you".

"K, you don't have to match my spending. Just having you with me and all baggage is enough. Really. So don't beat yourself up about that. Trust me, anything you get me would be very much cherished by me forever", she said softly and I stared, lost in the most mesmerising pair of eyes and all I think of was how lucky I am to have her.

"Wow, when did you become this mature? You've always been so shallow minded", I said in a whisper as I leaned in.

"Some pauper boy rubbed off on me. He's making me do really questionable things", she whispered and leaned in too.

"Really..like what?" I asked and pecked her lips softly.

"Like this", she whispered and drew me closer for a longer ,slow,  sweet and passionate kiss.

"Wow", I paused to breathe a little. "I guess you should let him rub off on you more then".

"Mmhmm", she hummed and pulled me in again for another kiss. My assignment in the mud.
__________________________________________

I woke up to annoying sound of my doorbell ringing loudly nonstop. Couldn't the person ringing it take a hint and just leave? With my vision still blurred by sleep, I staggered to get the door and also give the person a piece of my mind.

"Hey man", Dave greeted with a smile. "Been ringing since forever", he continued and walked in without my permitting him. Why do people always do that to me.

"Sure, make yourself at home", I replied sarcastically and like I expected,  he didn't get it. "What do you want, Dave?" I asked, settling down on a couch and massaging my forehead lightly with my thumb and index fingers. Truth was I didn't even care, I just wanted to go back to bed.

"Nothing", he shrugged. "I just need you to be ready so we can get to school".

"School? For what?",I asked confused.

"I just enrolled yesterday. Dad thought it best for me to transfer to Regal so we could spend more time together", he replied.

"What..why? What about your former school?", I asked. This development just felt pretty weird to just wave off. Its starting to feel like they are obsessed with me or something like that. It's gone beyond just being friendly.

"Uhm...had a little misunderstanding at Stanford in my third year and it kinda blew out of proportion so Dad thought it best for me to continue here", he replied and I looked at him wide eyed.

"You were schooling abroad?", I asked surprised.

"Yeah", he shrugged. "Enough about all these questions. Can you just take shower so you help me with the registrations and then show me around?"

"Wait, how did you even pull the whole admission thing off? Regal doesn't accept students mid semester".

"Yeah, about that, my dad pulled some strings", he replied nonchalantly, like it was nothing.

"Your dad?"; I asked, just to be sure. "The one that's my neighbour in the school dorm?"

"Uhmm, I don't have two dads now, do I?", he answered with a slightly confused expression on his face.

"Okay", I said, deciding to let it go. It's not really my business, just that I just find them to be really weird. "You see, the thing is, today is my lecture fred day and I've also got work so I cant really help you out today. Sorry man".

"Cmon bro", he hissed. "No do me like this na, abeg", he switched to pidgin immediately. The first time I've heard speak it and surprisingly his 'naija' accent was solid. It didn't sound as weird as it does when most 'ajebo' kids speak it.

"Chairman,  I dey sorry like this", I replied.

"Haba now g. Cmon bro, just come through for me this once please. I was there when you needed help with your girl remember?"
He said switching back to English, I guess it was getting hard to him to keep up in pidgin.

"Okay", I sighed. "Just know my debt is paid after this, I don't owe you no favours anymore".

"Thanks bro", he smiled.

"Man, it ain't your bro", I muttered angrily,  as I made for the bathroom.

"You'd surprised at the amount of things you don't know", he laughed and I paused.

"What was that?", I turned back and asked.

"Eh- uhm- nothing. What I mean is- uh- that you'd surprised,  I might be in a position to help you again". He stuttered and I just looked at him.

"Mhmm", I hummed and walked off.

"I'm serious. We can't run from destiny", he called out after me.

"Destiny?", I scoffed. "Yeah whatever".

In no time I was done and we were ready to go. My car wasn't fixed yet and I hadn't seen Mr Richard in a car before so I assumed he didn't have one and that means we'd either bolt or uber ourselves to school but then I saw Dave press a button on a set of keys and a white Mercedes Benz S Class -that I hadn't seen before in this parking lot- beeped. This version was no earlier than a 2020 version.

"Cmon hop in", he said as he opened the driver's door.

"This is actually yours?" I asked just to be sure.

"Yeah?" He answered, like he wasn't getting my reaction.

Everytime I try to just let go of any suspicions about these guys, they come up with an even more suspicious stunt.

Who the heck are these people? I almost screamed.

"Dave,  I want you to be honest with me man. Who are you guys?", I asked, a serious look on my face. "You better tell me the truth now or I'll call security on you now", I said shifted farther away from the car.

"Oh God", he sighed and got out from the car. "I told dad we couldn't keep up with this charade for too long", he said and spat.

"Well, I guess it's time for you to know th whole truth"......TBC

Finally KIA, what next now? We'll see on Tuesday evening.

Oh thanks for the comments guys, still keep em constructive takes coming too

Wow! Nice

Nice stuff

31

Mia

In life some friends stick closer than family. I think it was said in another way in the Bible and like always,  the Bible doesn't miss. With the way I was feeling earlier today,  I'd already seen my day ending with me being alone with tears, tissues littered all over and some sappy rom com(with me screaming profanities at the actors of course). But fun time with my girls overturned everything, even though the devil - that relentless motherf***ker- still wanted to try with Caleb, God still came through. Driving into my compound now, I just feel so happy and I'm not even hurt about K anymore. Even better, I think I'll call him later and just catch up on how he's doing and who knows, we can even start building our relationship from there.

As I got in, I was hit with sweet aroma of deliciousness which I'm sure was coming from the kitchen.

'What is Joy up to now?', I thought as I skipped happily to the kitchen. I was quite full as I had already taken something at Chills' but I think I can make room for some of whatever was brewing in the kitchen. I'd just have to double my workout hours later this week to shred off any added fat.

"Hey Joy", I greeted as I stepped into the kitchen.

"Oh you're back hun. Good timing, dinner is almost ready. K can you help me with the small pot?"

"Um what?", I asked, not sure I heard well. Did she just say K?

"Okay, coming right up?", K said holding a pot in his hands. Like in flesh and blood, K was really in my house..in my kitchen.

"Hi Mia", he greeted and smiled at me and then returned to what he was doing with Joy, leaving me rooted in my confusion.

"Okay, what's going on here?", I asked cause it seemed they didn't notice my utter look of confusion at all.

"What you do mean honey, your friend is helping me prepare dinner that's all", Joy replied, not even giving me a glance and still going about her business. "UhmmK  can you help me take this over to the dinning room? It's the last door down the hallway".

"Sure", he replied and got to it.

Now it was just me and Joy, so I held her arm and turned her to me. I looked back at the door to be sure he was gone before I spoke.

"What is he doing here?", I asked in a whisper.

"Uh...I don't understand", she said confused.

"What do you mean you don't understand?", I asked. "You didn't ask what he why he was here, even cooking?"

"No? He came to see you and when I told him you weren't around, he decided to wait and then he offered to help with the cooking. Who am I to refuse extra help?"

"Oh", I said, feeling a bit relaxed now and happy. Sometimes I get too anxious about nothing. Of course, he came to see me.
"Wait, how long has he been here?", I asked.

"Uh, about three hours I think", she replied as she got out plates.

"Wow..he waited three hours for me? And offered to cook for me?" I swooned as I thought about how sweet the gesture was.

"No, he offered to help me in the kitchen, he didn't offer to cook for you . Help me being the keyword", she countered.

"Potato potato", I waved her off. "Let me go see if he needs any help in the dinning room".

"I'm sure hes fine, me on the other hand, could really use some help with carrying these over to the dinning room", Joy said but I was already on the way out.

"I'm sure you can find a way around it", I said as I made my way over to K.

"Hey", I said as I got to the dinning room.

"Hey beautiful", he replied and I felt my cheeks go hot. The things this boy does to me.

"Just beautiful?", I joked and he chuckled. "Just kidding", I added.

"Yeah. So, want to show me around", he asked. "Your house is massive".

"Oh, what about the food? Its ready".

"Food can wait", he said. "Right now, I want to just be with you". He said and my heart did a backflip with joy.

"Okay", I agreed. "If you say so but don't go running your mouth later that Mia Rotimi didn't offer you something when you visited".

"Okay", he laughed. "I'll be sure to remember that".

So we started strolling in silence through the gardens and then to the pool side. He suggested we sit by the poolside and I agreed. I had so much to say to him but I just couldn't seem to get the words out of my mouth.

"Ooo", he moaned as he dipped his legs into the pool. "The water's cold".

"Yeah", I replied. "What about your car, I didn't see it as I came back", I asked.

"Oh that", he smiled nervously, touching the back of his neck in what seemed to look like embarrassment.  "Its having some issues so it's a mechanic workshop now".

"Oh okay".

"Yeah, soooooo...you were out for a while", he said. "Went to anywhere interesting?"

"Is Kachi Kalu asking where I was?", I teased. "You know that's a  boyfriend level kind of question to ask?" I continued with my teasing and in a sense I wish I wasn't. I wished it was actually a reality...our reality.

"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"Oh chill, I'm just pulling your legs", I caught him off, laughing at how he looked. Very cute.
"Anyways I just went out with my girls for some fun time. Been a while since we hung out".

"Nice", he nodded. "Guess you really had fun then".

"Pretty much", I affirmed. "Till we saw Caleb".

"Caleb? You mean Caleb your fian- sorry ex fiance?" He quickly corrected himself when I gave a him a look.

"Yeah, that one", I sighed.

"So what did he want. Did you guys talk?"

"Yeah we did", I replied, moving my legs back and forth in the water so it splashed.

"About what?", he continued with the questions and I raised an eye brow.

"Woah, chill with questions detective", I chuckled, looking at him curiously. Is he jealous?

"I'm sorry", he apologised and then he went silent.

"I miss this", I said. "You know, just hanging and vibing with you".

"Me too", he replied with a smile and then then the silence came upon us again.

"So that girl I saw you with earlier in class got anything to do with why you've distant lately?" I asked and looked at him.

"Shade? No, she's just a friend", he answered.

"A friend", I nodded. "You know I'm quite sure she's the same girl from the club. The one that was pestering you and I saved you from?"

"Yeah she is", he replied.

"I see", I nodded. They obviously shagged before but that's for another day. " So why have you been distant then?" I asked softly.

"I tried to reach out to you but I guess you weren't ready yet", he said and as I opened my mouth to counter that, he signalled he wasn't done.

"Listen Mia", he started softly, looking at me lovingly. "I don't want to be another person that you have to navigate around, you know?"

"Mia", he called softly. "I think you're the most amazing girl I've ever known. I mean that", he paused for a second and continued. "But I don't want to bring any more drama in your life. So if that means I have to back off, give you enough space, you know what I mean? I'll do that. Even if it hurts".

"Is that what you want?", I muttered quietly, overridden by waves of emotions I couldn't quite put a finger on. All I know is that I wanted to just sit there, talking to him and looking into his eyes forever.

"Not in the slightest chance", he blurted out and I laughed in relief. "But-"

"Me neither", I whispered, cutting him off. I didn't know when I started leaning towards him till our lips touched and my arms found themselves rounding his neck and pulling him much closer to me. As we kissed, all my doubts and fears seemed to have been lifted off me. He belonged to me....TBC

jullyrosy:
Moura oooooooooo
Now d story is getting more interesting���

Travelled to school today for my clearance

Happy new month guys. Won't be able to update till the weekend..

30

Mia

I scrolled through my missed calls, messages and unread DMs from social media as I waited for lectures to begin. Most came from friends, comments on a picture I'd uploaded earlier in the morning and all that. My heart was beating fast as I scrolled through looking for the one message that mattered, K's message.
Since yesterday, I hadn't gotten any call or text from him and I didn't even see him at school too. It was frustrating. Had he given up already? Or maybe I went too far with the whole unavailable charade. I mean I just wanted him to sweat a little before winning me back. Is that so much to ask after what he put me through?

I looked up when I felt someone sit beside me. It was Juilet looking all fine and gorgeous in fine ass burgundy Chanel jumpsuit with a burgundy Hermes bag to match.

"Hey you", I greeted. "You look nice".

"I know right", she smiled.

"Oh, just get out. You're too proud".

"Look who's talking", she laughed. "Where's G?"

"Don't know", I answered. "Maybe she's skipping".

"Oh okay".

I returned to my phone, refreshing to see 8f any new messages would pop up but nothing. I sighed, feeling very frustrated.

"What's wrong?", Juliet asked without turning to me.

"Nothing", I breathed out.

"Okay".

"Some friend you are. You don't know you're supposed to ask again then I'll now tell you", I whined and she laughed.

"Abeg Mia, I no get that strength now", she said in pidgin.

"You're mean", I whined again. "But I'll still tell you sha. K hasn't called or texted me since yesterday".

"What? Who are you talking about?"

"K! Can you keep up?", I snapped.

"Okay! Don't yell in my ear", she yelled, covering her ears. "Wait, isn't he that pauper dude that you have a thing for and also got you feeling moody few weeks ago?" I rolled my eyes at that condescending manner she said it, taking deep breaths so I don't lose it.

"I'll just pretend like I didn't hear that", I said. "And I never said I have a thing for him", I added.

"Yeah right", she clicked her tongue. "I guess all this fussing is because you don't have a thing for him".

"Leave me", I retorted in a childish manner.

"So he hasn't called or texted...so?"

"So doesn't that mean something?" I asked, feeling worried. "He's been hitting me up or trying to talk to me since the past week and now, he's just stopped? Doesn't that seem fishy? What if he's sick or even worse, he might be in danger. I'm calling him", I concluded, already tapping away on my phone.

"No!" Juilet barked like I was a misbehaving dog taking a poo on an expensive rug. "No. No maybes, I don't care if he's disappeared off the face of the earth, you're not calling him back. My God! You're so ridiculous. I mean you guys haven't even shagged and you're already like this,  what would now happen when you guys eventually do the deed".

"Eeww you're so gross", I laughed at the her face when she said that. "And so unsupportive too", I hit her lightly.
"You don't understand,  I-I-"

"You what? You love him?"

"Don't be ridiculous", I clicked my tongue. "Of course I don't. I just him to kiss me and hold me and tell me I'm pretty and let him play with my hair and cook for him-"

"Wowww", Juilet drawled like she was dazed". "You're so whipped, like do you..do you even know how to cool?", she laughed.

"I can make the best cereal ever", I retorted.

"And that qualifies as cooking?" She continued laughing.

"Bite me", I glanced towards the door when I heard it open, my heart falling to stomach when I saw him enter with someone else....A girl. Not just any girl, but the girl that was with him at the club the first time we met. What's her name again, Shade or Simi.

"Ooooh, looks like somebody else's got your mans", Juliet said and I felt like slapping her for stating the obvious.
Here I am, feeling all worried that something bad might have happened to him and he's busy frolicking with some bimbo? Okay I might be taking it a bit too far but still...Cmon.

"I'm so stupid", I sighed as I lightly crashed my head on the desk.

"Damn right you-", Jules was saying when the look I gave her cut her off. "Nothing".

"When did she start attending this class?", I groaned in frustration.  I was fighting the urge to look back at them. Wouldn't want to give K the impression that I was bothered at all.

"Juilet", I called. "I need you to find out everything you can about this girl. Everything!" I demanded.

"Uuhhhh....okay, but I think that's a bit too far. You shouldn't be bothered by someone like her, and even worse, by someone like him. I mean what a downgrade, but then I expect nothing less from people of his status", Juilet replied and I banged my hand on my desk so hard that I'm sure all eyes were drawn to me.

I looked around, a little bit embarrassed, before I turned back to Juliet.

"Look here, Jules. My anger is already on thin ice and trust me, you don't want me unleashing it in you so just keep whatever stupid remarks about K in your stupid head. Don't think I've gone soft just because I've been chill for some time now. Don't forget who you're talking to",  I spat out in a low icy voice. With how frustrated I was feeling now, I didn't have the patience to put up with her now.

"Geeez okay. Take a chill pill please", she replied and I just ignored her and laid my head on my desk. I already knew this lecture was gone for me. I cringed inwardly at how I was feeling just because of a guy. This wasn't me at all.

Different thoughts stormed my head all the lecture and nothing of them had anything to do with it. Most dominant of them were the ones that in my playing hard to get, K became fed up and decided to give up on winning me back and that scared me.

The lecture ended and it took everything in me resist from trotting my way to the back where K was with that-that...whatever she's called and throw her out the window and then slap K(for hurting me like this) before I drag him with me to my house and not let him go ever again. I know, my imagination isn't a nice place to be in at all.

"Are you ready to go now?", Juilet asked a while after class had ended and I hadn't gotten up yet. She was in her own silent mode after my rude outburst .

"Yeah", I replied softly.

"Okay", she nodded. "Let's go".

I sluggishly packed my notes and notebook before getting up and walking slowly behind Juilet.

"Hey Jules..um...I'm really sorry about earlier. I was slightly out of line. So, pleeeease forgive me?"

"Slightly?", Juilet chuckled, but I could tell she was in no way amused right now. You call calling me stupid 'slightly' out of line?"

"Well, you did insult K and that didn't sit well with me. Besides, I'd warned you over and over", I defended myself. Of course I can't be entirely wrong, right?

"Oh really? Fine", she said and picked up pace, leaving me behind.

"Hey!", I whined as I walked faster to catch up with her. "Okay sorry, I really am. Thing is, I really like him so please just for my sake, try to be more accommodating pleeeease?", I pleaded and tried my  best to pull the puppy eye thingy.

"Just stop", she said, trying hard not to smile. "You're lucky I love you". She said and smiled.

"Yeah I get that alot", I bragged and she playfully pushed me farther away from her.

"Oh please, it's just because I need a ride now if not I'd have boned your a** for a longer time".

"Oh, you didn't come with your car?", I asked.

"Nah, my new boo dropped me off", she boasted and I just rolled my eyes.

"LovePeddler", I joked and she laughed.

"Well, you're my friend and you that saying again", she tapped her chin trying to remember.  "Ahah, show me who your friends and I'll show you who you are".

"You're just mad", I replied, lacking a sharp comeback and she laughed the more.

"Let's go somewhere and just chill. I don't feel like going home now", I suggested as we reached the parking lot. I needed to surround myself with friends and just have a good time, so as not drown myself in overwhelming thoughts.

"Uh...sounds nice. I'll hit G up now so she can join us later".

"Great", I replied as I unlocked my royal blue Audi R8. "So tell me about this new boo", I said as we settled in, ready to zoom off.

Jules suggested we check out this new joint in town, Chills'. According to her, it's validated by some of the most influential lifestyle influencers in the country as the next hottest thing in the world of relaxation spots. The place wasn't bad at all, even I was feeling the whole setting of the place and I'm a very hard person to please. It was like we entered another world different from the very sunny and rowdy Lagos. No wonder the owner named it Chills' , I already feel chilled and relaxed.
Chills' flaunted a masculine black and blue decor, including the bar's modern onyx pendant lighting. Its windows were floor to ceiling style and a very chic suspended fireplace, not to mention open slat bucket chairs with pretty blue cushions to match the decor. I definitely need to have interior decor's contact so they could something similar in my house.

"Hi", Jules greeted as a waiter approached us as soon as we sat down. "I'll have a glass of Hive N Dime and she'll have-", she paused, waiting for me to make my order.

"I'll have a martini, thank you".

"Coming right up ma'am", the waiter bowed slightly and left.

"Wow, Jules how did you even get to know about this place. This place is really nice", I asked, still wowed.

"Came here last week with a friend and i just knew I had to bring you girls here. Oh look, Gina's here".

"Hey you", Gina greeted as she joined us. "Damn, this place is fire", she said as she sat down.

"Tell me about it", I concurred.

"Whoever did this definitely needs to work on my new restaurant", she added.

"Yeah, that's true. How's it coming up?" Jules asked.

"Pretty tough girls. I thought getting pops to accept the idea would be the tough part but it seems sourcing for even four star chefs in this Lagos is more of a hassle. You need to have tasted what these people presented during interviews. Oh, I'm just so tired already and I haven't even started yet".

"Eeya sorry, yeah? You're the one that refused to study law and join the family legacy so, be strong", I said

"I know right. Who knew following my passion would be this hard", G whined. "Won't give my dad the satisfaction of thinking he was right by giving up sha. We die here", she said and we laughed.

"What about you Mia, still designing?" Jules asked. Why was she playing interviewer this afternoon?

"Uhm....nothing of recent though. Haven't had time with school and other stuff", I replied.

"By other stuff, you mean K,", G asked, zn eyebrow raised and Jules coughed to hide a chuckle.

"You'll soon soon that laugh", I threatened. "Please girls, let's just enjoy this beauty of a place, ok?" I suggested and they shrugged their agreement.

Our drinks arrived and I was marveled, even the martini glass was carved out of ice.

We were having a good time, gisting, reminiscing and catching up on each other's lives. Its actually been a long time, us three just hung out for fun and no problems to solve. In all honesty, I think its actually my fault. Ever since my mum passed, I kinda withdrew and when I started to get back to my usual self, I was all about K. This, right here, really felt great.

"Wait,  isn't that Caleb?" Jules asked looking over my shoulder.

"Caleb? Where?" I asked and quickly turned to check and it was really him. He seemed to have come out from a room or something,  he was with someone though. A guy and he looked kinda familiar. I know I've seen that face somewhere before.

"This is good", I said as I stood up. "Time to set things straight with him".

"Go girl", Jules cheered, raised her glass in a salute manner. "What?", she said when she saw the disapproving look on Gina's face and I just smiled.

"Hey Mia", Caleb greeted as soon I reached where he and his friend were. "What a pleasant surprise?" He continued with a smile.

"Yeah whatever", I said dismissively. "Look, I don't know why you're back and honestly,  I don't give a hoot. I'll just want to make it clear that we have nothing to do with each other. You should know better than still claim that we're engaged,  you know it was fake. So just stay away from me", I spat out and turned to leave when he held me back.

"Oh sorry", he said and quickly let go of my arm when I eyed his hand. "Look Mia, I'm really sorry about how things turned out between us and even more, I'm sorry about the other night. I wasn't thinking straight. I hope it didn't cause you any problems with your date. I'm really sorry".

"Yeah right", I sneered.

"I'm really serious Mia. I'm truly sorry and I don't intend to get in your way at all. I just want us to be friends or at least civil with each other since I'm going to be around for a while", he pleaded and he seemed really sincere. Life had taught me to be very wary and cautious with people so I knew how to spot a fake and honestly,  I felt he was telling the truth.

"Hmm...okay", I said, look at him with narrow eyes. I wasn't going lay down my guard in the slightest way. I turned to go back to my friends but I just felt too curious about his friend and so I turned back.

"Hey", I called out to the friend. "Have we met before?'

"Uhm...not personally but we go to the same college. I'm Dayo", he replied and smiled, stretching his hand out for a handshake.

"Oh", I said, not entirely convinced. I feel I've actually met him somewhere. "Well, nice to meet you", I said and bounced back to my friends......TBC

Captaintitan:
Nice update moura ; I’m sure mr Richard and His don are K’s father and brother respectively

Ogamysamo:
i was thinking same oespecially mr richard told him that nothing about him will bore him.

Lol..na wetin una think?

29

Kk

It's been about a week since I decided to win Mia's love and affection back, no, it's more like to make her willing to commit herself to me again cause I feel she already has something for me. That didn't just go away, right?

'Oh no! What if she doesn't feel me like that anymore', I thought, feeling scared at just the thought of it.

"Nah, that can't happen", I reassured myself and shook my head.

In the course of the past week, I tried to talk to her and get her to hang out like before, but damn, she's been really difficult. Everytime I try to hang out with her, she just brings up these silly excuses and asks for a rain check that won't happen. The worst is when I try to chat her up. Her delayed one- liner replies almost made me smash my phone on the wall but then I remembered my account balance and gently placed it on the couch and then screamed into a pillow.

I'd be hearing stuff about how women are difficult to understand and please but I just waved it off as idle talk, now I know better. Even my gramps(my granddad) had complained about the same thing too concerning my grandma but I just laughed it off.
I thought of even going to my gramps for woman advice but I waved it off. No offence gramps, but I need something that would work for women born in this century.
Times like this made me wish my dad was still here. Surely he'd have helped but the coward left and I wish him.......nothing. He's dead to me.

Speaking of dads and advice, Mr Richard came to my mind. Handsome man, a bit of swag and suave, a bit old but surely he'll know a thing or two about women. Without thinking much about it, I grabbed my phone and marched down to his flat.

"I hope he's home", I muttered before pressing the door bell. I smiled as I heard footsteps approaching the door.
The door opened and my face fell a bit when I saw it wasn't Mr Richard. It was a much younger version of him instead. This must be his son.

"Hi", he greeted. "You must be Kachi", he stretched his hand out for a handshake.
I was surprised he knew who I was but was even more surprised he called me by my name. Only few people knew me by my name, they just called me K, so how did he know? I'm very sure I didn't tell Mr Richard that. Even if I did, what's the probability that he'd go yapping about to his son.

"Uh, my hand might fall off if you keep ignoring it", he joked.

"Oh sorry about", I replied, coming back to the present and receiving his handshake.

"I guess I startled you, calling your name like that, like we are buddies or something", he said.

"Yeah", I nodded feeling weird about the whole thing. If I thought Mr Richard was too chatty before, then I'm sorry. He's kid right here is the real deal. Dude is like a radio on steroids.

"My manners. Please come in", he gave way for me to enter but I was having a rethink already.

"Oh no, don't bother. I just wanted to see Mr Richard for something but it seems as though he's not around so I'll just come back another time".

"Oh", his face seemed to fall abit. "He won't be long so you can just wait for him here".

"Uhh..um", I began, looking for the right words to politely decline.

"Please,  I insist please", he urged.

"Uh..okay", I agreed reluctantly. I mean a couple of minutes wouldn't hurt.

"Yayy", he jubliated. "So, what can I get you? Beer, vodka, cognac, smoke,  anything at all, I got you", he said as he disappeared to get the drinks I presume.

"Uh water would be fine, thank you", I answered and he poked his head back to sitting room with a funny doubtful look on his face.

"Sure?", he asked quizzically.

"Mmhmm", I hummed my reply.

"Okay", he as said as he got back to the sitting room with a bottled water and a glass of alcohol.

"Here's your water", he threw the water my way lightly. "I'm Dave".

I realized I didn't even know his name or ask for it which felt a bit rude of me. I was so in a haste to leave that I didn't even care to ask for his name when he knew mine already.

"Oh nice", I said and stretched my hand to shake this time. "Nice to meet you Dave. You're Mr Richard's son ,yeah?" I asked trying to initiate a convo. I felt it was the least I could do.

"The resemblance is uncanny right?" He asked and I hummed my reply. Truthfully,  the resemblance was indeed uncanny and I'm not just talking about physical appearance, I'm talking gestures and behaviours too, especially the talking part. He's been talking to me like we've been friends since forever and I'm not saying I don't like it, it just all too new for me.
That aside, I think he's cool though. He's really handsome too and also a nice physique. With how social and open he is plus the kind of dad he has, I bet he has lots of chicks flocking around him. Unconsciously,  I made a mental note to shield Mia from him. I'm not taking any chances at all.

"So what is it you want to discuss with dad?", he asked, sipping from his glass.

"Uh nothing much", I answered feeling uncomfortable that he was prying.

"Okay", he backed up a bit and seconds later, lean towards me. "Not to pry, but perhaps, I could be of help. I've got a lot of experience with life".
I chuckled at that last part,  he looked at least two years younger than me and he's talking about experience with life. But then, I remembered the reason I came here- advice for girl matters-- and I have an african incarnation of casanova (at least what he'd look like) in front of me here. Who knows, he might just be the exact help I need. What's that saying about God again, 'He uses the weirdest of people to come through for us'. Yes I know, I just forged that to suit my agenda right now. Lol!

"Okay, so there's this girl-"

"I knew it. Damn! I'm too good", Dave burst in excitement, cutting me off from what I was about to say. Looks like he saw my expression wasn't encouraging at all so he kept quiet.

"I'm sorry bro. Please go on", he said and I gave him a look. I was already regretting agreeing to this.

"So, I was saying before I was rudely interrupted", I eyed him and he raised his hands in mock surrender. " There's this girl I'm really into. We were feeling each other pretty well before I messed things up. There was an issue and I didn't care to listen to her own side of the story and it turned out she was right after all. So now she feels sh can't trust and rely on me to always be there for her and have her back", I paused for a bit.

"Uhm....I won't lie bro, you messed up", Dave said.

"Tell me about it", I sighed. "Anyways, now I gotta prove to her that I'm still worth the shot and she's been making it hell for me bro. Like she's not even giving me a chance to make up for my mistake. She's always too busy for us to even chat on SM, talk more of hanging out".

"Hmm..that's tough bro", Dave chipped.

"I know right", I replied. "Worse part is she warned me that she would make it difficult for me and that I'd have competitors too".

"Ah that's some how harsh na", Dave said, sitting up. "It shows she's deliberately blowing you off and rightly so, but I mean you've apologised already so she should relax small too".

"Look I have an idea", he said and I sat up.

"Alright, I'm all ears".

"So since it seems she's been intentionally blowing you off, it means she's actually seeing you, like she conscious of your efforts. I propose, you stop trying for a while, like say, a day or two. Act like you ain't seeing her but if she reaches out during this interval, don't ignore her. Talk to her, joke a little but that's it. Don't prolong any conversation for more than thirty minutes, you get right?"

"Uh yeah", I answered,  not really sure about this strategy. "Uhm what if she doesn't reach out in this interval and instead it pushes her away the more?"

"That's where the second phase comes in", he smiled. I bet he was enjoying this.
"So if this approach doesn't work, then we move to the next one which involves you hanging out with another girl", he said and I made a face that screamed OBJECTION!

"Ah ah ah...hear me out first", he said using his hands to demonstrate calmness to me.
"I'm not saying go and date another girl, no what I'm saying is just han out with another girl as friends...don't forget that part,  as friends. Preferably, a girl she might feel threatened by or knows you've had a thing for or with".

"Wait, back up, let's rewind a little in case you've forgotten the main purpose of all these which is to get back Mia and not drive her away", I said, hoping he understood.

"Yeah and that's what I'm trying to do", he answered immediately. "Look, in as much as you're trying to show how sorry you are, you also have to remind her that you're still a catch. Plus this move will surely make her notice you if she's been forming busy since. It will make her see the things she's missing by being with you".

Now that I think about it, it's not so bad. He has a point.

"Okay", I agreed.

"Great. Now it has to be in a way that it's not obvious that you planned it and want to make her jealous cause that would make you seem pathetic. So no posting it on social media at all. I'd rather you hang with the other girl in a class that you and Mia share. That way it just seem like two coursemates conversing in a really friendly manner. Now you have to make sure the convo is very interesting,  be funny, get her to laugh and you, act like you're really enjoying yourself too. Trust me, this always works and when it does,  we enter the third and final phase", he said and relaxed.

"Wow, that's something bro", I said wowed.
"Are you a shrink or something?" I asked.

"Nah, nothing like that. I just know how a woman's heart works. So the last phase now, you have to do something grand for here. Something you know she really likes and just like that, you get her back", he finished smiling and I just stared in confusion.

"Huh?", I voiced out. "So after acting like she doesn't matter, I then go back and do something grand for here? Please make it make sense".

"A woman's mind is just like faith bro, it doesn't make sense. You just have to trust and go with the flow".

"Wait..what..how does that even---", I paused to calm down and breathe slowly. The nonsense I just heard now almost caused me a heart attack. "What if this whole thing doesn't work?"

"Oh, then you're f**ked bro", he answered nonchalantly.

"Oh God", I sighed, hand on my forehead. I got up to leave. I still had work later this evening so I had to catch few minutes 9f sleep to ease the headache that hearing this maniac caused.

"You're leaving?", he asked as I got up.

"Mmhmm", I answered. "Got work later this evening".

"Oh that's true", he replied and I looked at him curiously.

"What do you mean by that?"

"What?"

"You replied like you already knew I worked when it's just the first time we're meeting", I said suspiciously. There's this feeling in my gut that this guy and his father know more about me than they are letting on. Its like they are spying on me with the way they seem to know about me.

"Oh", he laughed nervously. "My dad mentioned it. Its part of the reason he dragged me here, so I could learn and see how hardworking you are despite you being in the same age bracket with me", he said.

"Hmm..okay", I answered and started for the door, not believing a single word he said.

As I entered my apartment,  I began thinking about all Dave's big plan. It had some logical points and also some very illogical ones too but in the absence of any alternatives, it was worth trying right?

I decided to give it a shot and see how it goes. I mean it's part of my resolution,  to try everything to win Mia back and go for things I want without fear of failure or rejection. So I'll go for it and if it fails, I'll just try again and again till she tells me NO herself.

I got on my bed, ready to take a nap to ease up on the stress. I already got a headache listening to Dave and his crazy idea.

"Now all I have to do is find the girl to execute this plan with. God help me", I prayed before closing my eyes......TBC

28

Kk

"What are you doing here?" That was what I should have said, instead I stood there, gawking away at her stunning beauty shamelessly. So much for moving on I guess. It's so easy to decide to shut someone out when they are out of sight but when they are in sight, slowly those walls of resolve that to crack and then before you know it, they crumble. Seeing her here now, just made me realise how much I'd missed her.

"Hi..uhmm..mm", I said then cleared my throat, not liking how my voice sounded.
"Hey, what's up?", I asked, satisfied with the amount of bass my voice carried now.

"I'm good", she replied with a small smile and I felt abit hurt. I guess I'd hoped she was also half as hurt as I was with how everything turned. Ofcourse, she's not bothered at all. She's that kind of person. A narcissist.

"Uhmm..are you going to let me in or you rather we talk here, in the hallway of your apartment building", she asked.

"I don't think there's anything left for us to talk about", I replied coldly.

"Oh will you stop being a spoilt brat and be mature for once?", she retorted. "So I hurt your feelings unintentionally, get over it already and just let me explain myself", she ranted on.

"Please", she added calmly now. "Just hear me out and then we don't have to ever see or speak to each other again", she pleaded and I took a deep breathe, before going past her without a word and unlocked the door to my apartment. I walked in, leaving the door open.

"You coming?", I asked when I saw she hadn't entered yet.

"Wow, you're polite", she said as she entered. The fact that she was still sarcastic given the situation of things now almost made me angry again but I just figured that's how she is. She just doesn't care.

"Hahaha very funny", I replied dryly.

"Ooo someone's on his period", she whispered and I turned.

"Can we just get right to it? I've got something else to do. Say what you want to say", I flipped and for the first time since she came, I saw the hurt flash across her face.

"Okay, let's get right to it then", she said flatly.  "I want to be clear on my relationship with Caleb. I want to tell you everything".

"Seriously Mia, you don't need to explain anyt-"

"For the love of God just shut up and listen to me", She cut me off and sighed heavily in a that expressed tiredness.

"Alright go on", I gave in, holding my hands up in mock surrender. She gave me a look before she sighed deeply.

"So Caleb and I met in high school and we were instantly drawn to each other. I'd already spent like five years in Nigeria and you'd think I'd have already settled in and the bullying would have stopped but no, it didn't. I had to strive to be perfect in everything I did cause a lot of people attributed my feats to my being beautiful and as much as its flattering its also degrading in the sense that I'm more than just a pretty face. I'm not some bimbo with no brains. I studied hard to get the best grades, did well in my extracurricular activities too and then I learned to be fierce and tough, displaying little or no emotions at all. People, especially in this part of the society, see emotions as a sign of weakness and take advantage of it to destroy you. You can ask your bestie/crush Nonye, I'm sure she knows what I'm talking", she said and paused for a bit, while I just listened. I wasn't in so much in hurry to drive her out anymore,  in fact  I wanted to hear more.

"So I did all these to get by here and it worked. I got the power and respect I wanted and lots of friends, although most are just lecherous fakes, all wanting the perks that associating with me brings. I hardly let anyone in till Caleb Asiwaju", she said and smiled. It hurt me that a memory of him still made her happy.

"He was just what I needed. He somehow found a way to penetrate the walls I used to surround myself. That fact that he was the most popular boy in the school and that he came from one the most prestigious families in Lagos, The Asiwajus, was just a bonus. A welcome bonus. We became really serious with the relationship, like meet the family kind of serious. His family treated me like family and my mum also treated him like a son", she said as she paused again.

"So you guys go way back...why leave that out then?", I asked.

"Just let me finish. You'll see why", she replied softly.

"So..", she began again. "Things start shaking when we got to senior year. Caleb was the school's basketball team and the school was bringing in foreign scouts to pick the best players and offer them a scholarship. But due to Caleb's low grades, he was in danger of being excluded from the team that year if he dropped below the 2.6 GPA mark. That was  the mark for anyone to still be allowed in any sports team or club in school." She shuddered lightly. She was getting quite uneasy with going on, I could tell.

"I tried to help him with his academics. God knows I tried", she sobbed and I dashed quickly to her side and held her. I just couldn't stand the sight of her tears.

"I'm fine, I'm good", she said as she stylishly released herself from my hold and wiped her eyes. I didn't miss it.

"So", she continued and then cleared her throat. "He began to use drugs. At first it was just xanax, to help with his stress and anxiety. At least that what he told me, till I found out he and a couple of his friends were also using coke. I cried and begged him to stop, that I would help but he didn't listen. Instead he accused me of adding to his stress with my nagging and then gave me an ultimatum. He said that if I really loved him, that I should help me write one of his tests. He wanted me to impersonate for him. It was hard for me, pretty hard. It went against my principles but I loved him and eventually,  I did it. I was lucky I didn't get caught. That didn't seem to help though,  as he was now addicted to coke".

She paused to get a hold of herself and on impulse I took my hand in mine and gave a gentle squeeze. This time she didn't pull away and I smiled inwardly.

"He became worse by the day. There were times, when he even hit me whenever I berated him. He'd cry and ask for forgiveness and I'd forgive him, only for it to happen again. I decided I was fed up and called it quits with him and that's when it happened. He ODed on coke and almost lost his life. His parents were very scared and blamed me for making their son to commit suicide. I tried to explain and defend myself but it all fell on dead ears. Later on, he woke up and I got a call from his parents,  now begging me to come that he was asking for me. They apologised and begged that I try to do anything he asks so he wouldn't relapse again. That was when he begged me to marry him, that he was changed now and so on. I refused on the spot but his mother called me aside and begged me to just accept, so he'd recover quickly and then she herself would call everything off. She even said that from there,  they'd be relocating to the UK and that I wouldn't have to see him again. She was crying and even attempted to go on knees just so I would say yes to her son's proposal. I agreed but I insisted that they knew it was just fake and that I'd not in any way be obligated to marry him once he gets better and they all agreed. I even had my lawyer put it in contract."

"So", she sighed. "That's our story. Now I can go", she stood up to leave and I quickly drew her into a hug. I felt so ashamed and stupid at how immature and insecure I dealt with the whole thing.

"I'm sorry", I whispered into her ears while holding her tight. "I'm really sorry you had to go through all that alone".

All this while, she wasn't hugging me back and at a point, she wanted to pull away but I held her in. Then she started crying and I just held there,  stroking her hair and cooing her.

"I'm really sorry Mia, I was an idiot", I apologised, then broke the hug so I could look at her face and wipe her tears.

"Please forgive me", I continued and she smiled, tears still in her eyes.

"Its okay. Trust me I understand even though you took it a bit far. You're forgiven though", she said and I smiled.

"But I don't think I can go through with this", she said and I paused, feeling confused. "I don't think I can be with someone who can't trust me enough to hear me out first without acting out. I've been through alot lately and I need someone who can be a rock for me. Someone I can rely and depend on to always be there for me, no matter what. I have a lot of fair weather people around me already, I need something real. Something meaningful", she said and slowly pulled her hand from mine.

I was dumb struck and I didn't know what to do or say. I just stood there speechless.

"We can still stay friends though. As much as I want to protect my heart, I still want to see you and be around you. Goodbye K", she said and walked out.

"Damn", I cursed and punched the wall. I regretted that action immediately as I winced in pain and the blood on my knuckles. It didn't compare to the pain in my heart though but this shit was still painful.

I recalled everything from the past hour she'd been here. From how pretty she looked,  to the tears while she told the story about Caleb, to the her subtle friend zoning and then I realized I wasn't ready to let go.

For the first time, I felt this urge to fight for something I wanted. No, I wasn't going to just give up on her like that, no not me.
I'm going to win her over again. I'm going to be open, trusting and vulnerable with her this time. Quickly,  I grabbed my phone and dialled her number. It rang for sometime before her sweet voice came on.

"Hello", her sweet voice filled my ear.

"Hey", I replied. "I heard all you said Mia and I'm really sorry but I'm not giving up on us".

"K, pleas-"

"No Mia", I cut her off. "I'm not hearing anything. I'm going to win you over no matter what I have to do or let go. I'm going to prove that I can be your rock".

"Woah!", she exclaimed. "Uhmm...if you insist but just know, you're going to have to face some serious competition".

"Competition?", I asked alarmed.

"Mmhmm. Oh you didn't think it was going be to easy to woo me, did you? There's a queue honey,  a pretty long one and you're just going to have to join or quit".

"Hmm really? Where was this queue when you said yes to me on our first date, huh?", I asked smiling, already feeling happy we were teasing each other again.

"Shut up", she clicked her tongue and I laughed.

"For real though, I don't care about any competition,  even if it turns out that you also have a spirit husband, I'd fight him off...in the Name of Jesus if course", I said and she laughed.

"You're so corny. Goodbye Mr", she said.

"Goodbye Mrs Me", I smiled and hung up.....TBC

27

Kk

I must have done something in my past lives to be this miserable. I mean, the constant disappointments in my life has to be some sort of consequence for something, right? But this...this I didn't expect at all. A freaking Fiance?

Okay, maybe I might be overreacting a little bit but come on, it was clear that there was some sort of chemistry between us. The least she could have done was to come clean about the other guy.
The past few days have been pretty rough. I feel played and worthless and I think hallucinating now. I say this because I've been seeing Dayo everywhere saying, "I told you so" and the laughing wildly. I tried to bury myself in school stuff and work but it ain't really working. I can't even cook cause when I enter the kitchen or look in fridge, I see the groceries she got me and  just like that, I lose my appetite.

Worse part is there's no one I can even talk to about all these. Times like these, I wish I wasn't so closed off and introverted. I had friends that had been with me through everything but I unconsciously kicked them out because of her(saying her name won't do me any good now). Like I knew and was even warned that this wasn't going to lead to anything but like a deaf and stubborn mule, I still plunged deep without looking.
Time I should have used to catch up on my studies and actually make my grandparents proud--even though school isn't my thing-- I was using to play chef. Oh how stupid I must have looked to her while she laughed me to scorn in her mind.
  I was even willing to jeopardize the scholarship offered by the Michaels foundation for her. Damn! What cheap drug was I high on?

I wasn't big on alcohol else I'd have drowned myself in some bottles just to get semblance of an escape from my present reality now. Tried it once though, when Nonye had asked Dayo out. I remember I went to the club that night and that the same I met her. I sighed heavily at that thought. Somehow everything just leads right back to her.

"It is what it is", I guess as I stood up. If I was going to get past this, I might as well learn to stop dwelling on stuff about her. Right now, I needed to talk with someone, anyone at all. A friend, an acquaintance or even a stranger. At first thought, Dayo came to mind but I just waved it off. As much as he turned out to be right, the way he went about it wasn't. Besides, I needed someone who would sympathise with me rather than admonish me.
Would have hit Nonye up but we left things, it didn't seem right. At that moment, I remembered Mr Richard. Dude has always been up in my business anyway so I feel I might as well just lay it all out there for him. I hoped he was around as I locked my door and headed to his own apartment.

I pressed his door bell and tapped out a beat on the wall with my fingers as I waited. I was about to ring the bell again before the door was opened by him.

"Hey, my guy", he beamed in his usual cheerful self. "What's good son?"
He said as he gave way for me to enter. It would be the first time I'd be entering his house, no, it would be the first time I'd be entering another apartment in the building since I moved.
I had to turn back to look at him to be sure I was actually in the apartment he opened for me or whether it was some trap chronicles of Narnia kinda door that led to another world cause, wow, this apartment screamed fire. Everything from the drapes, arts, furniture, soft animal skin rugs, even his TV oozed affluence. Just who is this guy really?

"Wow", I mumbled, shamelessly oogling his apartment.  When he moved in, I thought maybe he was one of the school's workers , cause what would a grown a** man like that be doing in a school dorm?

"You like?", he asked.

"Love it", I replied, still admiring the place. Now, I've been to pretty mad beautiful houses before, like Dayo's, Nonye's and a part of Mia's too and I can pretty much say that the decors here is almost at par with theirs.

"Thanks", he smiled. "So what can I get you?"

"Oh nothing. Unless you have something that can erase the last three months of my life, then I'd gladly have an overdose of it", I sighed and sat down on one of the cushions.

"Okay...", Mr Richard said as he sat down beside me, a curious smile on his face. I laughed in my mind at his expression. The man sure likes gossip.

"What's wrong?", he asked me.

"Don't mind me Sir", I waved his question with a small smile. "Don't want to bother you with my small problems."
Lies! I was itching to pour everything out for him so he'd advice me on what to do.

"Cmon man, its me", he laughed. "Nothing about you can ever be boring to me", he continued.
Okay, that's very weird. What does he mean by that?

"Uh..I.. I mean I'm the human definition of boredom so nothing you do can ever be boring for me", he said in what seemed like a cover up. I didn't buy it but I didn't press it either. I had enough issues already.

"Okay", I heaved a deep sigh. "Remember when you advised me to go for Mia, the girl I told you I kind of liked?", I asked and he nodded.

"Well, I did", I paused. "Well, almost did. I didn't get to ask her out fully".

"What..why?", he asked. "You chickened out?", he laughed.

"No, I didn't", I spat out. "I didn't get to ask her out because her fiance showed up at our date", I finished and a surprise expression took over his face.

"Oh", he mumbled.

"Yeah. 'Oh' ", I replied. "I've just been so down ever since. I mean I really liked this girl man".

"Liked?", he asked. "You don't like her again?"

"Well...yeah...I guess", I answered, not sure of myself.

"I understand man and I'm sorry it turned out this way. So what did she say?", he asked.

"Well..uhmm...she..", I stuttered.

"Mmhmm", he pressed on.

"Uh...I didn't really give her a chance to explain", I mumbled.

"Wait...what....you didn't even let her explain herself?", he exclaimed. "Not cool boy".

"I know I know, it's just that...", I paused and sighed. "I just felt played and that reality in our differences dawned on me. Besides, now I look it, she doesn't owe me any explanation at all. We weren't even dating".

"Oh God"  he heaved a heavy sigh and touched his forehead. "Why are you this insecure?" He asked out of the blue.

"Like why do you always short change yourself. Its like you anticipate your failure all the time".

"Okay", I stood up, abit annoyed but not showing. "This is turning to another thing so I think I'll just take my leave. Good night Sir", I said and was about to go when he stopped me.

"Look don't take this the wrong way, it's just something I've observed since I got to know you and I want to tell you something. You're good enough and you deserve the best things in life. That you're not wealthy now or seem not to be in the same class of people you've been around your whole life doesn't make you any less human. So please stop thinking you're not qualified to be happy or have a good break in life if not you won't go far in life", he finished and I shrugged his hand off mine and walked out.

Who does he think he is, telling me all that sh*t? He knows nothing about me, about my life, about the disappointments I've had to live through even as a child and he's here forming motivational speaker for me.

"Man, f**k you", I spat out in anger as I got to my door and just as I raised my head , I noticed her waiting for me there.

"Hi", she smiled a little. "We need to talk", she stated  and I just stood there transfixed, not knowing what to do.....TBC

Hey guys, happy Sunday. Just want to let you guys know I've not forgotten this story. Allowed myself to get sucked in by pressures that usually comes with being a young adults in this country and that stifled my creativity. God in His mercies have reminded me to be grateful for what I have now.
Expect updates by end of this month, that's from this weekend. Have a nice week ya'll