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EPISODE ELEVEN


Over eighty percent of corp members were out for a night program. The room was very quiet because a corp member claimed to have seen a soldier approaching near and the consequence for being indoor was their merciless punishment that caused ache which everyone avoided .

I decided to hide under the bed. For the first week in Camp we had few night activities that ended between eleven P.m to twelve, we had to wake up as early as four in the morning to get water to bathe which was really strenuous .
We were informed in the beginning of the morning parade that the week would be loaded with activities all through. When it was evident that no Soldier was approaching, i changed to my pyjamas and lay on my bed reflecting on how i spent my day and also waiting for sleep to come.
I couldn't sleep because of the noise from the roommates and it really annoyed me.

Less than thirty minutes to the program Kunle and Biodun were back to the hostel. As they got nearer i pretended to be asleep because i didn't want any disturbance.

Biodun: "Just like the other night Osaz came back again"

Kunle: "It's because he isn't really a social guy, he hardly get involved in social activities"

Biodun: "Na lie jare, nobody in this camp can convince me that he or she isn't enjoying the fun, even if you don't like any of the activities, they are lots of beautiful ladies to hook around with."

Kunle: "That reminds me, Is Osaz still interested in Ada?"

Biodun: "I don't know o, recently he has been quiet on that matter"

Kunle: "I think he is taking his time to really observe Ada"

Biodun: "Hmmmn, i think he is just confused, if you could remember, the other evening he hugged a girl romantically in our presence"

Kunle: "That's true, I forgot to ask him who that was, he owe us an explanation"

Biodun: ***laughs***
"I think Osaz is just confused"

Me: ***clears throat*** "I heard everything you guys said said, i am not asleep"

Biodun: "Thank God we didn't say anything bad"

Me: "I didn't accuse you of any wrong, as for the girl i hugged few days back, her name is Maureen and she is in my platoon and also she is my church member, our relationship is platonic"

Biodun: "Osaz, Osaz, hope you are telling the truth?"

Me: "Sure"

Kunle: "How far with Ada?

Me: "I am still investigating jare"

Biodun: *** laughs*** "Hmm, tell us the truth, Maureen is now your new babe abi"

Me: "Don't be ridiculous man, she is more like an elder sister to me, nothing intimate there"

Kunle: "As for me i have discovered a beautiful chick, her name is Omolara, we finished from the same school, but when we were in school we hardly talk just hello friends but today Is saw her when I was training my volleyball girls. I was shocked to see Omolara. It was then i discovered that she was in my Platoon after, and i remembered she was a very good volleyball player while in the University , i then integrated her into the team, the other volleyball girls were highly impressed with her ability."

Biodun: "So you mean she will now be your Camp Chick?

Kunle: "You always jump into conclusion, I wasn't done speaking before you interfered, while addressing the team after rehearsals, i noticed Omolara gave a stare that had a meaning i couldn't decode"

Biodun: "So how does that translates into her being you girlfriend ??"

Me: "Biodun! Let hear Kunle please"

Kunle: "When everyone had gone, i called Omolara to inform her of how i and the entire team felt her impact in the team and were impressed with her performance. I also enquired if all was well, that was how it started, we shared our experiences back in the University, while waiting for NYSC mobilization and our experiences in camp.

We strolled in the cool evening breeze, I felt so free with Omolara like i had known her for years, our hands were locked, we gisted romantically while we talked, I collected her phone number from there we went for dinner, after eating, I walked her back to her hostel, before i finally left her she pulled me closer and whispered in my ears "don't let go of this opportunity, you are sweet"

Me: "Wow, that is a green card, take advantage of this opportunity o, I trust you jare"

Biodun: "What she said could mean many things, don't conclude yet"

Kunle: "Enemy of progress, let's us bet the girl will me mine, no matter the cost i will go for her, you are just being jealous because no lady is attracted to you"

Those who were listening laughed, i kinda regretted letting Kunle and Biodynamic being aware i wasn't asleep. I read and replied my WhatsApp messages while the duo continued with their argument.

EPISODE TEN

My Motive for attending the evening mass wasn't to worship God neither was it to listen to the word. All i wanted to achieve was just to set my eyes on this girl; Kate.
I felt guilty within because my sincere love for God was being replaced by my selfish desire.

Kate walked in after the homily, immediately i set my eyes on her my heart skipped for joy. I monitored her all through the mass.

When it was time for the offertory, i deliberately walked past her row for her to notice my presence, she didn't stare at me but i believed she had seen me but pretended.

Kate was having a meeting with the choir, i did not know when the meeting would be concluded but i knew it wouldn't be long because it was close to dinner time.
The mass was shorter than the previous, it was already twilight, i leaned at the entrance and i explained to Maureen that i will be waiting for Kate, Maureen agreed to wait with me. I found a way to get rid of Maureen as her presence may cause something else.

When Kate rounded off her meeting Maureen said her goodbye and she stayed back in the chapel to charge her phone battery.

As Kate drew nearer my heart beat increased but i kept my cool.

Kate: "Hi"

Me: "Hi"

Kate: "Are who waiting for someone?"

Me: ***trembles, nodded **

Kate: "That must be your friend over there (she pointed to Maureen's direction) see you another time"

Me: "emm, alright"

As Kate took few steps, i gently pulled her close, she turned back with a shocking look, everywhere was quiet and dark, i could hear Kate heavy breath as a result of shock. Everywhere was still and dark except for the sound of crickets and walksteps .

Kate: "You scared the hell out of me"

Me: "I am sorry"

Kate: "Why is Maureen not with you"

Me: "It is you i was actually waiting for"

Kate: " But you said Maureen earlier"

Me: "yes, I was scared"

Kate: *** feeling guilty***** "You should have told me"

Me: "I was scared"

Kate: "of what"

Me:"You rebuking me"

Kate: "I will never do that, have i ever rebuked you?"

Me: "At all"

We walked to the Kitchen as usual, Kate always carried her cooler to the chapel so as to get dinner afterwards . I was surprised by that because Kate appeared extremely rich and one could say she wasn't capable of eating the not too tasty food prepared by the camp caterers. I reserved my comments concluding she was humble.

Kate came out of the kitchen carefully holding her filled cooler.

Me: "I had wanted to tell you something when we met in the afternoon but i retracted"

Kate: "What is it all about"

Me: "The first day i set my eyes on you i was totally out of control, i felt this instant connection, i admire your personality and charisma, you carriage is excellent and i feel a little of me is inside of you."

Kate: " but this your feeling is so sudden"

Me: "I am surprised myself, i had never had this feeling before, it is just so real and it is burning inside of me and i am always happy being around you"

Kate: "wow, this is interesting"

Me: "seeming"

Kate: "Are you asking me out"

Me: "At all, all i want is just to know you"

Kate: "Hope that is all?"

Me: "All for now"

Kate: "now!"

Me: ***scared*** "that is all"

Kate remained silent, she checked her wristwatch, then thanked me for seeing her off. I also appreciated her for her time and patience.

Me: "You are a likeable person goodnight"

Kate: "goodnight"

I expected Maureen to be somewhere around eavesdropping and appear from wherever she was hiding as she did the last time, but she didn't show up.

I was happy that i had the courage to express my feeling and that i would have point to proof to Ada that she wasn't the only beautiful girl in camp. I felt a lot of excitement when Kate left. I had this feeling that we would build a meaningful relationship it i was careful.

I hopped to the hostel in excitement like some who had just won a lottery to America. Little showers began to rain, i increased my pace.

Odoskii:
Masterpiece

Thanks a lot, please share with your friends, I need more comments

EPISODE NINE

It rained for three consecutive days and when it shone it was extreme. No sooner had we started the morning drill when it started from a little shower to a heavy downpour. We were dismissed as the rain intensified, we all chanted joyfully as we were dismissed.
I had the intention of going to the hostel but i took a shade under the pavilion because the rain had increased.

While we sat waiting for the rain to stop, there was murmuring all around, some took time to gist, some were busy with their phone, the band group reahersed too .

The smell of wet soil brought memories, I was watching how little drop of water met at different points turned to gullies that made paths on the red soil.

There wasn't a sign of the rain decreasing, even with large number of people around me i felt cold, i was putting on a plain white T-shirt, i regretted not putting on a jacket. Where I sat, i watched the rocks afar that seemed like mountains that had fogs in their top reaching into the skies, it was indeed a admiration on nature.
I felt someone touch on my shoulder from behind, it was Kunle Felix who was with Biodun.

Biodun: "Mr lover boy no go die on top this Ada matter o"

Me: "It's not about Ada o"

Kunle: "Then what is making you think this way?"

Me: ***pointed to the direction of the rocks**** "I am adoring the beautiful rocks far away".

Biodun: ****smirks*** "Are you sure?"

Me: "Very"

Kunle: "Osaz we have gist for you?"

Me: "What is it about?"

Kunle:"It's about Ada?"

Me: "What happened to Ada?"

Biodun: "Guy chill, no go get high blood pressure"

Kunle: " Yesterday night on my way to the camp market, i stumbled upon Ada with the boy whom you described to us that was with her on the welcome party night, there were coming out of an eatery. I greeted her and enquired about her well being, she responded fairly."

Biodun: "Osaz for your own good, leave this girl alone. You are intelligent and handsome, Just play your game well and you will find someone who really values you."

Me: **** I am doomed**** "I will think about it and make my decision. Kunle are you sure of what you said?

Kunle: "Why would i be telling you a lie??"

Me: "Thanks for this information"

We waited till the rain decreased as we jogged to the hostel.

The rowdiness was unsual this afternoon, Just few minutes after we fell into our platoon lines, A girl who fainted was being rescued by a doctor and his assistants who were Corpers of Medicine graduate. Everyone rushed to the scene but they were being driven back due to the need for air. It took time for everyone to be put in order but the Soldiers eventually did.

They were side talks from all nooks and crannies, the incident made me to remember a friend a mine who took ill while in Camp and died few days after returning home. While we fell into the platoon lines, i was the last person on the queue i gazed around for Kate but she was nowhere to be found, i waited impatiently, i wanted to inquire from a friend of hers but i decided to wait a little longer. Five minutes had passed but Kate wasn't Visible. I was worried that she might had gone home due to illness or something wrong had happened. I recounted my experience with her the previous night and i wanted the experience to reoccur.

I wanted to approach her friend who stood at the start of the queue but i couldn't because i would distort the matching exercise. The matching was over, I saw Maureen approaching but i found my way to evade her before she could reach where i was, i moved to a location where i was sure Maureen wouldn't see me, i wasn't interested in her jibes and i was observing with hope of seeing Kate.

I couldn't walk to where Kate friend was standing because of Maureen.

Just then i sighted Kate from afar. She was approaching the direction where her friend was, she walked slowly, her huge bosom vibrated in the fitted plain shirt that was tight to her body. Her eye lid was painted with a mix red and black and her lips red-hot. Her mood was difficult to tell.

After few minutes Kate and her friend had talked, she was now alone and i went to approach her as i sat beside her.

Me: ***smiling** "hi Katie"

Her: ** In a straight face**** "Hi"

Me: "I have been searching for you from afar"

Her: ***she gave me a foolish look*** "Was i missing?"

Me: ***I remained silent, her response was unexpected, I didn't know where to continue from** "No you weren't, i just wanted to check on you"

Her: "Ok"

I felt something was bothering her, but i couldn't look into her eyes anymore. I took the courage once more.

Me:"Hope you will be around for the evening mass?"

Her: "Why do you ask"

Me: "Nothing really"

Her: "it is undecided"

Me: "OK, take care of yourself"

Her: *** silent***

I moved few metres peeping at her from behind , she still sat in the same way i left her, i knew i made a fool of myself, i regretted approaching her as i bit my finger in regret. I thought i was the cause of Kate's anger but i couldn't see anything wrong i did or spoke .I concluded that something was bothering her or someone must have offended her. I decided to give her time to rest.

As i walked to the hostel i heard footsteps of someone running from behind behold it was Maureen.

Maureen: "You think you can avoid me abi? Have you seen you wife today?"

Me: *** I remained silent **, ***In an angry mood*** "Which wife?"

Maureen: "Kate of course?"

Me: "I don't have time for this please if you have nothing to say excuse me"

I increased my pace, Maureen caught up with me and held unto my hand

Maureen: "Hey Osaz, I am sorry for my naughty attitude last night, please forgive me and i promise to be of good behavior "

I felt I was being too harsh on her, i now spoke to her politely that i had no reason to be offended, we held hands as we walked to the boys hostel. When we reached i told Maureen to call me when going for evening mass and she agreed, she requested for a departing hug and i reluctantly hugged her because of the multitude of boys staring in front of the hostel, she pressed me tight to her and i forcefully pulled her off me.
Immediately Maureen turned back, Biodun and Kunle appeared clapping and smiling sheepishly, i knew what they were going to say.

EPISODE EIGHT

The altar was made of a wooden table with a cloth that two golden cups beside two lit candles.
The congregation muttered "hail mary" and "our father" repeatedly. It was custom in the Catholic Church to pray rosary before the commencement of the evening mass. I knelt on a concrete floor, I felt pains on my knees.

The Chapel had wooden benches, the chapel was hastily constructed, it had no windows and the walls weren't plastered. From where i knelt, i could see the other church; where non catholics worshipped, i could hear their worship .

Alas the priest arrived, we stood up as he walked the aisle to the alter. The mass took about fourthy five minutes which it ought no to, it encroached into dinner time.


*********************
After the evening parade, I was on my way to the camp market to get some items, i stumbled upon a lady who look familiar. She asked if i was aware of the presence of the chapel in the camp which i said no. She then inform me about the Catholic church and their weekly programs, she accompanied me to the market and as we walked we got to know each other, she introduced herself as Maureen. She behaved mature and appeared so. It was obvious she was quite older than me. After purchasing the items, we went to the place where our platoon members were rehearsing for the forthcoming inter-platoon cultural competition happening in two nights . Maureen was part of the cultural group, she suggested that i shouldn't join and i would meet up emphasizing that it wasn't too late, I declined her Offer.

After the rehearsal, Maureen coerced me to attend the evening mass which i lackadaisical obliged.

I stood up to take communion, as i turned to my seat i sighted the girl i saw a day back she came beside me to take a cover from the sun.
I noticed how beautiful she sat at the back of the choristers. I was really impressed by her beauty, i was astonished how i didn't noticed how beautiful she was at our meeting, she was extremely fair and beautiful, she looked like someone of a mixed race. She looked calm, sophisticated and expensive. She looked like someone that lived most of her life abroad, of a foreign descent, her lips were painted red hot and she wore a large golden dangling big round ear-ring. I just stared at her as i walked back to my seat, she didn't see me.

I didn't know when i passed my seat, i was alerted by someone, i felt embarrassed. Till the end of the mass, i couldn't take my mind of her, i lost concentration. I didn't realize when the priest said the final prayers.

The corpers were address before we were being dispatched. I walked briskly to catch up with the girl from Calabar.

Me: "Hi"

Her: ***surprised*** "I remember you so well. Are you a Catholic?"

Me: "of course"

Her: "Good to hear"

Me: "Please give me few minutes, let me talk to someone, i want to accompany you back to the hostel "

Her: "OK, but i will head first to the kitchen"

Me: "alright"

As i turned to excuse myself from Maureen, I saw Maureen staring at me with disgust, she looked at me with anger written in her face i queried her about why the sudden change of mood, she said i would have taken permission before leaving her.
I apologized but she was still angry, she placed her hand by her waist and tapped her feet repeatedly on the floor.

The girl from Calabar beckoned on me to hurry. I explained to Maureen that i want to discuss something important with her. Before i finished explaining, Maureen walked out on me and I was shocked by her attitude. I felt she was just being jealous.
I went to meet the girl from calabar and i remember the scent of that perfume.

Her: "Why did you take much time?"

Me: "I am sorry dear"

Her: "no problem"

Me: "May i know your name?"

Her: "I don't telling strangers my name"

Me: ***laughs*** "but i am not a stranger"

Her: "OK, you have to pay a price"

Me: "name it"

Her: "Lol, well i am Kate, What about you?"

Me: "I am the almighty Osas"

Her: "Almighty indeed"

We both bursted into laughter. We discussed various matters, i noticed that Kate wasn't much of a talker, but i immediately I fell in love with her, i couldn't look into her eyes, it was round and sexy, she had this pitiful look like someone going through a lot, and i felt i could lift whatever the burden was.

After i accompanied her to kitchen. It was time to depart our separate ways, i promised to always check on her, i then waved goodbye as she disappeared into the dark. Just as i dialed my phone to ask Kunle of his whereabouts, I saw Maureen looking at me, she must have been trailing us from the Chapel and must have heard our discussion. I was frozen to the pant.

EPISODE SEVEN

We were seated in a circle eating rice when we started discussing the event of the previous night, Felix the Corper whom we travelled together and assisted me in conveying my luggage to the hostel and Biodun the Corper who was next to my bunk said positive comment about the welcome party. I just remained silent,occasionally I spoke, more about the comedians who thrilled us with their jokes.

Kunle: "We didn't see you at the end off the program, Did you go somewhere?"

Biodun : "yes it is true?"

Me: "I got tired, so i came back to the hostel to sleep"

Kunle: "Okay"

Just as we ate, we heard the sound of whistles blown from a distance , it was the soldiers, they alerted us about the commencement of any activity about to begin in camp. The rest of the boys rushed their meals, wore their clothes and prepared for the lecture which was about to commence in few minutes.

I was calm, i didn't mind the consequence of being late; punishment from the soldiers. I still had a large portion of meal yet to be touched.

The sound of the whistle was now becoming louder, people hastened up with noises of hastiness everywhere. I just surrendered and took my time knowing fully well that i would be punished.

I gazed searching for both Ada and the guy whom she sat on his leg. I was furious, i planned to confront Ada in a polite manner and ask her why she didn't keep her promise last night. As i walked through her platoon i searched but i didn't find her and the guy who was with her, though i wasn't sure if i recognized him that much.

No sooner had the lecture stared when i got a seat. I jotted some points, it was a lecture on drug abuse. At a time i became bored and uninterested, i played game on my phone, i dozed, i tried to manoeuvre the soldiers but i was unsuccessful, we still had over an hour to go.

A number of people who were sitting outside the pavilion came to take a shade from the scorching sun that shone. We adjusted so that the pavilion would accommodate them. The noise from the crowd became loud suggesting the poor lecture to the environment to the camp officials. It was evident that the audience wanted to leave, i stopped pressing my phone because there wasn't anywhere to charge except for the high cost of charging phones in the Camp.

I scented a nice perfume that i couldn't ignore, I traced the source, i discovered it was from the girl that sat by my left. She noticed i stared at her. She was one of the most beautiful lady i had ever seen in my life

Me: "Hello dear"

Her: "hi"

Me: "I love your perfume, it really smells nice, what's is the name?"

Her: "smart"

Me: "cool"

Her: "Thanks"

Me: "it seems you are tired of this lecture?"

Her: "exactly, not just the lecture, but everything in camp"

Me: *** giggle*** "just endure it's a lifetime experience, i am sure you would adapt"

Her: ***hisses** "Let this twenty one days just roll fast i want to travel back"

Me: "This lecture is just so unimportant and the weather isn't helping matters, i wanna take a rest too"

Her: "It is needed o, i am exhausted here"

Me: "Where do you come from?"

Her: "Do you mean my origin or place of residence?"

Me: "Both"

Her: "I am from cross river state and I live at Calabar"

Me: "Wow i have heard a lot about calabar, it is a very beautiful place, although i haven't been there".

Her: "Not really, it took me about eight hours to get here"

Me: "Yours is better, it took me ten hours"

Her: "Wow, where do you stay?

Me: "Lagos"

Her: "Oh, i see"

The sun had reduced it intensity, the lady from calabar had gone back from where she came from, i also discovered that she was in my platoon based on the tag she wore.

The lecture was over, i quickly called Kunle and we went together to the kitchen to queue for food so we could have time to do other things and then relax before the impatient soldiers chase us out for the evening parade.

We were served yam with beans as we walked back holding our food,i opened us to Kunle and Biodun about what Ada did the previous night Kunle advised that i shouldn't be quick to judge her, that i should monitor her closely while Biodun castigated her action, his reason was her telling a lie ensued by her ignoring me.

Biodun suggested i shouldn't have anything to do with Ada, Kunle countered him stating it is unwise to give an impression on a first experience . It became an argument between both of them i had to interfere since the issue was of my immediate concern .

I was in a dilemma, I took sides with Kunle's advice but i knew Biodun had a point. I decided to give the issue more thought but to stick to Biodun Advice for the moment .