₦airaland Forum

THE GRACE OF CLARITY

Lord, the day’s events have left me in doubt,
And pressure has brought a knowledge drought.
My mind feels empty amidst many thoughts,
Yet my trust remains in the peace You’ve brought.

When I am in doubt, Lord, I pray for sight,
Give me the clarity to drown out the night.
When I am afraid and the shadows grow near,
Lord, let Your purpose cast away fear.

In all of my hurdles and every endeavor,
Encompass my path with Your favor forever.
Not by my strength, and not through my stress,
But by Your Grace and Your Spirit. Amen.

Written by Uduji Samuel. A

THE CALL TO SERVORSHIP

Is there no true worship?
The shepherd leads the sheep,
Performing signs and wonders
While the Word of Spirit sleeps.
The message of salvation
Is lost within the show;
Is there no true worship?
Where did the Gospel go?

Is there no true worship?
On ships of lies they sail,
With lips of painted feathers
Behind a hollow veil.
They offer God no praises,
For vanity’s their aim;
Is there no true worship?
Or just a hollow name?

Is there no true worship?
The children are not taught
To face the rising challenge
Or the battles to be fought.
They cower for a miracle,
Dependent and unsure;
With no true way to worship,
Or spirits to endure.

Is there no true worship?
Where men upon their knees
Seek only grace for lordship
And lives of selfish ease.
They care not for the labor,
But how they might appear;
Is there no true worship?
Is only pride held dear?

We must return to worship,
For it is Servorship;
A humble heart’s rendition,
Not praise from lying lips.
A lowly, Christian duty
To wear just like a hat;
The service of the Master—
True worship lives in that

Written by Uduji Samuel Anderson...

THE BEAUTIFUL ASHES

Love can be a mystery
‎A day apart, a century
‎
Many a time‎ romance, freedom and kisses
And other times secrets
‎
‎When it's the person who say they love you the most
‎Who hurts you the most
‎
‎When your passion burns so bright
‎That it torches everything around you

When the memory of your sensational love making
Is paused by a memory of hurt
‎
‎Then the best form of love
‎Is walking away
‎
‎Leave it all behind
‎While you still have your soul
‎
‎No matter how much your body yearns
‎No matter how hard it will be
‎
‎Let them go
‎I say let them go
‎
By Uduji Samuel A.......✍️


‎

The Depth of Knowledge

Little drops of water make a mighty ocean,
The Elders say: "Patience is a virtue,"
Agba zina speed, nwokem—slow your pace.
Never dive into unfamiliar waters,
Lest you drown.

Test the depth before you leap;
From afar, let knowledge be your boat.
When you do not understand the depth,
Observe, learn, then take your stand.

For stories are merely stories,
But performance is reality.

Written by
Uduji Samuel A

TITLE: A FILLY IN MY MIND

A thousand oaths have I sworn to break this chain,
And sought in vice a balm for love’s sharp sting;
Yet at thy sight, my world is rent in twain,
And to thy memory, like a ghost, I cling.

But in your shadow, I am a man of lesser choices.
I never knew a greater love
Than when I held you, feeling your warmth—
The sharp intake of breath
As it moved from your lips to my ear.

I do not know what broke my guard,
Or why I allowed you this advantage.
I am lost in the slipstream of a dream;
I struggle to wake, but my limbs are lead.
Am I no longer the man I believed myself to be?
A spirit meant to rival Jupiter himself,
Now brought low by my first memory of you:

A filly with no regard for the bridle,
Too stubborn to heed the bit or the word.
Yet even then, I knew I would give my all
To the rarest of women—
A wild, beautiful thing of wind and compassion.

I dreamt we shared this fire,
But your words offer no such heat.
Your heart is set on other horizons,
In a landscape where I am not commanded.
I have learned to accept this silence.
Yet beneath my pride, the foundation is weak;
I am still a man waiting,
Hoping to find that you desired me, too.

Written by Uduji Samuel Anderson

LIFE, LOVE AND GRATITUDE

I have learnt a lot about life lately; and it isn't all that I think it is.....

Because I have come to understand that life is living in every moment

It is about gratitude; Being grateful for all that it brings both the good and the bad

It is about the sad moments and the moments of laughter; that brings color to the world

It is about the joy in every little things.....

It is about happiness; Just being happy no matter the circumstances you find yourself

And richly; it is about love which is all that I feel and want to feel....

Merry Xmas in advance and welcome to the season of thanksgiving

Written by Uduji Samuel Anderson....

UNDISCOVERED TRUTH

Privacy a tiny key to keep a ship

For nothing looks good in a magnifying glass
You look through and all beauty becomes distorted

Truths only to be accepted as it is
With all shits left undiscovered

So many truths left a bay
with no intention to dig up the clay

A way only to keep dispositions a gay
To move in a slow pace

A life with no expectation
And no microscopic ideas resulting to fears

All yeh not necessarily yeh
For the sake of keeping the ship

We must avoid the magnifying glass
To prevent a sailing ship capsized by a pandora's box

Written by Uduji Samuel Anderson...

Thank you all for your views on the new poems but as you view do not forget to like, follow and send a reply. love you all

THE REFINING FIRE

Sometimes I wonder, Where is God?
When I needed him, my defender

Sometimes I wonder, where is God?
When I walk south, nine miles yonder

Sometimes I wonder, Where is God?
When every pathway is filled with dirt

Always I've wondered
And I've wondered many nights long

Only then do I remember
That God's love endureth forever

For when I asked for knowledge and understanding
He gave me life experiences to learn from

When I asked for strength
He gave me difficult tasks to be strengthened by

When I asked for growth
He gave me roles that has made me into a man

When I ask for good health
He made me, a sprawled figure basking in the afternoon sun

By these, I must no longer wonder
But I must believe in his process

For Gold is only Gold
When heated by the right amount of fire

Written by Uduji Samuel Anderson.....

Thank you so much. We cannot loose poetry for it is how we express our feelings

THE FLAWED MIND

A mind of solution
But when he looks in the mirror
All that can be seen is an error

He tutors others
Helping them actualize excellence
By his great mind of solution

But on a rainy day, to help himself
The mind shots it eyes
So dark that no light can be seen

Leaving the tree of knowledge with no leaves
And no branch to anchor ideas

To help itself, it becomes empty
Maybe a sorcerer had ripped off its branches
Exposing the root to emptiness, So they said

Or is he so afraid to grow?
That his star twinkles

A gleam that changes; for others so bright
A gleam that changes; for itself so faint

Is the great mind destined not to achieve?
Does he require an opium to forget his anxiety?
or should prayer be his last resolve?

Written by Uduji Samuel Anderson

THE MEANING OF ME

See what your presence has made of me
A man so vulnerable...

‎That except I be by you in the night
‎There is no music in the nightingale
‎
‎Except I be by you in the day
‎There is no sun for me to look upon
‎
‎Except I hold you in my arms
‎There is no comfort that I can feel
‎
‎Except I listen to your voice speaking
‎There are no words to the angered mind suiting
‎
‎Except you call me by my name
‎There's no better way for me to be called

Except you say its right
Nothing, no longer makes right
‎
‎Except you are with me
‎There is no me at all
‎
‎For your existence....
is my essence

Written by....✍️
Uduji Samuel Anderson
‎
‎
‎

ECHOES FROM AN EMPTY ROOM

In my little room of thoughts
Grew many ideas

In my little room of thoughts
Buried great ideas

When in thoughts I build castles
Only to see it collapse without actualization

So many knowledge gained and many more to be acquired
Yet no result

Many errors hindering the flow of my stream
A stream of ideas that might produce success

Be nice to people they say
To all people even if you don't have to be

Yet on hearing my ideas
They steal in actualization for themselves

Knowledge is power they say
Yet knowledge is powerless

Stupidity so glorified
While knowledge is easily stolen

But, I'm still in motion
For I know, I shall succeed one day

Despite my errors
I thrive to be perfect

For the knowledge gained in errors
Contributes to all knowledge base

Written by Uduji Samuel A.

UNAPPRECIATION

The feeling of unappreciation
Bore acclimatization

With all efforts I had inserted
Yet I'm neglected

So many glorious moments
But my little mistakes they billboarded

I'll no more care for their thoughts
For my contributions will take a turn

So many contributions I have made to make it work
But it seem they had planned to let me walk

Little stipend I receive
yet supervised by Adolescents with no knowledge to give

Joyous as they drink from the flowing lakes
While basking in their mistakes

So much they must learn
For to manage human they must learn

I know it all; they publicly say
But deep down they know they are strays

For they would only learn
Unless they accept to unlearn

This is the structure of a management
With no proficiency or efficiency

They are positioned with so much authority to exercise
Yet no strategic decisions are made

Always in constant search
for who to take the fall

Truly Knowledge has been trampled upon
And human connection upheld

Written by Uduji Samuel Anderson

THE POEM: SOLITUDE

I found my love for solitude quite sincerely
Being familiar with the feeling of melancholy
That plagued the world

I felt the isolation of inhabiting a world
I knew to be cruel

A moment of isolation
To think on all possibilities

The lives of children in such a world
Takes me tremendous fortitude to carry on

To see what others cannot and the constant struggle
To find light within the shadows

Sitting under the greenwood tree alone
Who would love to lie with me?

Turning my merry note
Unto the sweet birds throat

To some; is anything more boring
Than bird watching?

Six hours to maybe glimpse the bill of a Toucan
That can be seen on a box of froot loops

Only if they knew the importance of solitude
For bird watching is more than just birds

Its seeing ourselves
In connection with the world in which we live

For without the moment of solitude and reflection
Ones world is uniquely inanimate


Written by Uduji Samuel Anderson

INEVITABILITY

Shot blind by the huddles of life
The cold black cloud coming around

Surrounded by pain and death in so many ways
But passionately committed to embracing life

Death; an inevitability
That will come for us all

And with the mindset of inevitability
Death is robbed entirely of its significance

What matter, are the things
That are not inevitable

The things we create
And the things we find

The left we take when everything
In our life is leading us right

How we try to live right
And what we achieve

This, THE philosophy
I would love to keep

Not allowing the thoughts
Of death to be a roadblock

To keep to the struggle
Until the last moment

To rage against the dark
While knowing that the light was dying

The remarkable refusal to go quietly
Into that good night

This, the philosophy
That I must keep

Written by Uduji Samuel A

CHAPTER 10 (VOLUME_1 FINALE) A NEW PHASE

Nine months later Nedu gave birth to a handsome baby boy that looked much like Uzorchukwu. He believed the child was his given the time of conception and delivery. He had resolved not to bring any trouble to Nedu's marriage because it was the agreement they both had at the pool on the eve of her wedding.

Uzorchukwu had agreed not bring trouble to Nedu's marriage but at the same time wouldn't want his child to grow up without knowing him as his father. What must he do? Life had fettered him from acting at least not now until he is settled. "The boy is better off without me he said to himself. Sammy please let it lie he said to himself.

Samuel is now ready to encourage the burning flame of love between him and Ugomma. They had met, and gone on dates together in one of the best eatery in their location. The first date was remarkable; they began by discussing how they almost lost what they felt for each other. Ugomma was so beautiful that she lit up the room with her presence. Her charisma and smile flustered his heart that he couldn't believe how he would have foolishly lost her to someone else. How lonely would it have been without you he said to himself.

He couldn't eat from the order he made. He kept staring at the beauty before him. Samuel! Samuel! stop with the stare please you're making me feel shy everyone is looking at us. Why do you stare as if you've not seen me before. We practically lived our life together. Its still me.. she said.

Uuuuuhmmmm was I staring that long? you know....I can't help it but to stare. You are beautiful Ugomma and I would want you to be mine. When I returned I searched everywhere for you. I went to see your sister to ask of you, and she told me that you refused coming home; saying there wasn't anything left for you in Tofa. So if that was the case what bout me? I'm here. I know that you're all that I want and I no longer care of whomever that will come in our way because I know better that you're all that I want and I'm ready to fight for our love...Samuel said to her.

She smiled and said; now you're ready to fight for me right? After you left me without a good bye, Now I get it. Its only because your Nedu has been married and with a child right? I do not want to be a second choice Sammy. I love you so much and right now I do not have anyone in my life but that doesn't mean I'm ready to allow you into my life. I have a question for you, so What happens when we're together and Nedu decides to come back to you? I can't be in this triangle anymore. I struggled to heal from it after you chose her over me and I wouldn't want to go back to the pain.

As she kept talking and with the gentle way the words came out from her mouth, her pretty eyes and alluring lips made Samuel not to be in the moment to know all she was saying. As she was talking he was lost in her gaze. At a point he said; Ugom I don't know how to make you believe me but right now you're all I think of.

From the beginning I knew you were the one and here we are. I promise that I will love you forever. You're my forever and I don't think anyone or anything can change that. I love and Cherish you and no one can change that. She smiled and said; I will have to think about it. They ate, discussing more and laughing at each other's joke. When they were done Samuel booked a bolt to take them home.

Lunch was over but Samuel could not stop thinking about it and replaying all scenes in his head. He couldn't wait for her to settle in after dropping her by the gate of her house. As the bolt dropped her and was taking him home he called her immediately and she answered; Hey you! couldn't wait for me to get inside the house, could you?. I'm still in the bot going home he responded.

I just want to be on the phone with you while you walk inside. She smiled and called him a lover boy, and laughed. Okay I will stay on the call; so what do you want us to talk about? He responded; I just want to keep hearing your lovely voice. Babe just a minute without you in this car right now is like eternity. I'm missing you already and I want us to do this more often.

She responded; that is if i've agreed to give you a second chance. Right now the decision is in conclusive and they both laughed. He said to her; Are you not Ugomma that I have bewizard already? You're mine, now and forever if you don't know, better know it now. You have no choice but to love me and be with me. The conversation was on with few breaks until night came.

Ifeanyi had relocated to another state. He wasn't able to further his education after series of failed attempt. He couldn't pass his JAMB examination and with the absence of Samuel in his life as his moral compass he went into bottles and narcotics. He had become a shadow of himself. No longer the handsome boy that was loved by all but a father of three from three different girls.

He didn't just choose this path but life chose it for him, with lack of proper upbringing and peer-group influence he became who he was. A boy of great hopes now lost to the shadows. Samuel blamed himself partly for Ifeanyi turning up the way he did that If he had been around him, He wouldn't have become this way.

Nedu lost her father to the cold hands of death and her mother soon after her father's death. Her husband was not much around. He was always travelling for business leaving her all to herself. She reached out to Samuel as a friend to console her in her down time. Samuel knew it would be a bad Idea so he didn't oblige to her request rather he told his sister Chioma to try her best to be there for her and console her.

Ugomma and Samuel started dating and were in love with each other. A year passed Ugomma completed her studies. She had bagged first class in Mass Communication. She was all joyous and happy. All that remained was for Samuel to propose and they will be wedded. It was her dream come true but only to find out that Samuel will be travelling out of the country in a month time. This changed the whole joyous mood she had. He didn't say anything to me was he trying to leave me again? No this can't be.

8:00am in the morning as Samuel woke up from the bed, He got two beeps on his Phone; It was messages one from Ugomma and the other from Nedu. The first message read; I am done with this relationship please do not bother to call me or contact me I wish you well in all your endeavors. Then the later was from an unknown number and it read; Samuel it was a mistake, it was all a mistake I love you and I've not been able to live in this marriage because I'm still in love with you. Please call me we need to talk. From Nedu

Samuel became confused on how his love life has once again fallen apart. Where is all this coming from? He picked up his phone and called Ugomma but it didn't pull through. Ugomma had blocked him from calling her and from all social handle. What is the problem? What have I done this time? He dressed up to run down to Ugomma's place to find her but she had gone back to Enugu.

WATCH OUT FOR VOLUME TWO........

A DARK PATH

I'm drawn to a path, a dark path
And its taking me in a cart
To a place I do not want to go
I try to turn back
But I don't know how to

I was born to a lightened path
But life has fettered me in the dark
A place where everyone's ugliness is undiluted
And the pursuit on desires left unchecked

But I have learnt
To recognize light when I see it
To stop and to stare; to reach for it
In the hope that it will shed it light
On me once again

And every once in a while
I'm able to bask in its warmth for a moment
A moment of rest, peace and satisfaction
Before moving on in the dark

And when nothing makes sense in the light
I must search in the dark
This is my life
You don't have to make it yours

Written by Uduji Samuel Anderson...

MAN AND LIFE

Life a beautiful thing that puts all existence
And Nature into action

Man you've held by his wits, Making him believe he will always live
Showing him colors like grey, white and blue

With so much experiences came excitement, feelings and emotions
Heterogenous beings you've groomed

At the center of life, Man is placed
And at the helm of everything living man is made

Man in Igbo is called Nma Ndu; The beauty of life
Beautifying the existence of all that is

Because he wants to live to the fullest, He works and clocks
Amassing all and believing he can own all

Experiences that makes man, you bring to him
Life a force that gives man purpose

WHY IS THE CHAPTER EIGHT DELETED?

CHAPTER NINE (THE WEDDING)

6years later Samuel was now a graduate, and was done with his NYSC. Though was still trying to get his life together with numerous job applications but no employment gotten. He went back to being a teacher but after a year got a job in a fintech company as a customer service representative. His friend Ifeanyi wasn't able to complete his education. With the absence of Samuel in his life it seemed his moral compass had left him only to tread in dark paths. Ifeanyi became a boy linked to cultism, alcoholism and frivolous activities. He had impregnated a girl who was now his baby mama. With responsibility to cater for a child and a mother Ifeanyi became less of himself a shell of a once handsome boy that was loved by many. He was now known as one of the bad eggs in the community. smoking, drinking and fraud was now the other of the day.

Nedu had graduated a year after Samuel and had done her NYSC as well. There she met a lovely man whom she chose to spend the rest of her life with. Samuel had tried several times when they were in school to get her back but she refused all his advances. He also moved out of where he was squatting to take a room in one of the hostel outside of the school but that didn't get anywhere with her.

When Samuel told her that he had rented a place for himself because of her, and that she can visit anytime she want. She turned it down saying; Renting an apartment should be something he should do for himself and not because of her. She went ahead to say; you saying this simply means that you don't get it I want it to be what you want and not what I want. Stop trying so hard I no longer feel anything for you. I am in love with someone else, and I'm sorry it turned out thiis way but you have to move on.

During one of the Holiday period, Samuel traveled back to Abuja to meet his parents hoping for Nedu to come back as well which would have given them enough time to bond again only for Nedu to call her parents to say she would be spending the holiday with her aunt. This was to help her keep away from Samuel and to see if her new found relationship would work. She had been in about two relationships in the space of two years but none worked. All of it was an attempt to fight off her feeling for Samuel.

Samuel went to see Ugomma and Ifeanyi before his holiday was over. He took Chioma with him to Ugomma's house to see her. Nedu was not willing to give him a second chance then there was no need to be in arms length from Ugomma. At least he could keep her as a friend. When they got to Ugomma's home, they met only her elder who told them that Ugomma had refused coming back for holidays saying that there was nothing left for her to come back to in Tofa. Samuel sighed and said; I deserve all this things happening to me right now. Had I stuck to one emotion I would've been fine. Please when next you speak to her tell her that Samuel and Chioma came to visit he said to her and and they left.

Samuel went to see Ifeanyi at home as well to see if they can rekindle their friendship. Ifeanyi's sister Adaobi told them them that he wasnt home and she directed him to the joint where Ifeanyi goes to hangout with his friends. Samuel left Chioma at Ifeanyi's place for thats no place to take his little sister to, though she was no longer little but to Samuel he still sees his little sister. He told her to head home from there. When Sammy got there he saw him in the midst of boys smoking and whiling away time. Immediately Ifeanyi saw him, He called unto Samuel he said In a high state of mind from the drugs he had taken; Sammy bruh come and sit with me here. I really miss you my brother from another mother. Samuel went to him to hear what he had to say. He went on; Bruh relax take make you dey alright abii you never grow up? I will give you a dirty slap young man its as if you've lost your senses...You don't know you senior again right? You never dey WOBE? This was the next question that came out from Ifeanyi's mouth. Samuel sighed and asked abeg this boy wetin be WOBE? He went on and said to him Ifeanyi you know that I don't smoke and right now I'm not feeling at ease. I will be at home waiting for you. He stood up and about to leave. Ifeanyi said to him that means you cannot be hanging with me ooh beause I no dey hang with jew man and the chorused in laughter. Samuel shook his head and left.

The next day morning Ifeanyi came to visit Samuel and Immediately he saw him he hugged him and said my bruh I have missed you so much. Samuel looked at him and said Ifeanyi What's up with you now? Looking at Ifeanyi his body and lips had already began to be darker and thiner especially the lips which are signs to know a smoker in the neighborhood for some reason their lips always become dark. Smoking was one of the rule the duo took as a pact never to do. Samuel and Ifeanyi had made a childhood pact never to take in hard drugs into their system. He asked him brother what happened why are you like this? I thought we agreed never to do this.. Ifeanyi replied... we? "WE" was broken a long time nah. You broke we. Anyways I just came to greet you and possibly wish you a safe journey back to school because you might not see me again until you leave. If you change your mind you can come see me at the usual joint and he left.

Samuel didn't bother to go back and look for Ifeanyi anymore because his mind was already made up to break the pact they had. While going back to school Nedu's mom brought some food stuffs for Samuel to give to Nedu. Samuel collected it even though he knew that it will be an extra cost to the heavy loads his mom had packed for him, instead he reduced his stuffs to accommodate that of Nedu with the hope of getting to see her once again.

Grin Grin it was Sammy's phone ringing. Sammy was back to school the break was over. Hello Nedu how are you? This one you remembered to call me I will have to give a special thanksgiving in church next Sunday....Sammy was being funny. She laughed stop that joor as if I don't call you at all. Please my mom said she gave you some food stuffs to give me. Can you please bring it to school. I will come to your lecture hall to get it from you. Samuel sighed and said Nedu is this what we have become? Am I now a monster that you cannot come to my place to get your stuffs? Anyways you can't even get it right now am in my uncle's place...He said. You uncle place again what are you doing there I thought you said you rented a place? What is it to you on where I go or what I do? But If you must know I went to deliver what my mom got for them... He replied. You know I don't care. You can go anywhere or do what you want it doesn't bother me, but please can you bring my stuff to school tomorrow?...She asked. Samuel said to Nedu; if you can't come to the house to take it then they will be mine for the keeps. She sighed and said okay I will be at your place tomorrow by 4:00pm after lectures.

Samuel couldn't wait for the lectures to be over he ran to his hostel. His room was actually one of the best rooms in the hostel. He had beautiful lightens, air conditioner, TV set, Dish, room theater and all the self contain paid for by him and his room mate. He got in prepared a wonderful jollof spaghetti and fresh fish using ingredients like; carrot, green bean, and other condiments to spice it up. He had juice and drinks packed up in his fridge. Samuel was well doing in school because while going to school he got part time job airtel telecommunication network where he was paid based on the percentage he made daily. He was a good salesman which made him earn enough to make his room nice.

When Nedu came to visit, this time she didn't come alone she came a friend in her own way an attempt not to be in the same room with Samuel. Samuel was not happy with what she did but decided to be hospitable to them. He served them food and drinks as they were eating he brought out all her mom wanted him to give her. While he was doing that he over heard the two girls discussing; Chinenye the girl that came with Nedu said girl this your guy is cute ooh. I think I would want him for myself but na this one wey you say him family no too get and them con be your tenant join and him get many sisters. Omo I no just want wahala for myself but the guy fine come sabi cook again Kai. Nedu responded abiiii....He's a good cook even when we were together I sometimes prefer him cooking than him taking me out. But that ship had sailed with all my exposure now I don't see myself coming back to him. Do I love him? Yes but my children and I will not eat love nau.....

Samuel returned from the kitchen pretending to have heard anything but heard all they said. He cleared his throat and said to them when you ladies are done please lock the door and bring the keys to the room next door by your right . I still have drinks in the fridge and alcohol as well you can knock yourselves out. The food is also remaining in the pot in case you want more. I am going to my friend's place next door just knock on the door to drop the key when you're done. Come Uzochi when did you start taking alcohol? And do you want leave me here in your room? You have been disturbing me to come see your place now am here you want to leave. Nedu I didnt leave you alone your friend is with you and let me borrow your words "the ship had sailed" when I wanted you to come see my place you refused you're only here today to get what your mom gave you and when you're done you can leave. Please Knock on the next door I will be there waiting to receive my key....Samuel responded.

About twenty minutes went by, there came a knock on the door. A beautiful lady called Comfort came out with her short and half cut top with most part of her body revealing which was how most girls in the hostel dress. Nedu said to her please is Samuel here I am to return his keys. Then Samuel came out and collected the keys from her and went back inside. She then said; Sammy won't you see me off? Samuel heard her but pretended as if he didn't. Comfort was his roomate's fiancée, and by that nothing could go on between Sammy and her but Nedu didn't know that. Samuel on the other hand was not willing to explain to her because she didn't deserve to know not after all he had heard her friend say about his family. Her friend she came with after bad mouthing Samuel before Nedu managed to get his number from her contact list. She called him to know how they can meet which they did and sammy made the best out of the meeting. While laying with Nenye her phone rang it was Nedu and Sammy picked it up for her to know what her friend was up to. For even if they cannot be together he still wanted her to be around friends that truly loves her.

After her NYSC Nedu was two weeks pregnant. With the pregnancy the family of the young man that put her in the family went for introduction and preparation for the wedding. Nedu informed all her friends including Ifeanyi and gave them all an invitation letter except Samuel. Samuel not aware of what was going on decided to travel back to Tofa to see his parents. Immediately he arrived the first thing he heard was the ongoing marriage preparations. Everyone in Tofa was preparing and planning to join the provided bus by Nedu's husband to Owerri in Imo state to join in the wedding. Everyone got the Asoebi except Samuel but he must attend the solemnization of the Holy Matrimony if not for anything because they were once friends.

He joined them in the bus. That was when his phone starting bussing with call from the same number. Samuel had deleted Nedu's number after the incident that happened when she came with her friend to his place in school. Nedu had called and called but Sammy wasn't picking up. She was calling because her younger brother Collins had informed her that Sammy would be joining them in the bus to the village for her wedding. She became restless. The wedding was in the next two days which was Saturday.

When they got to Nedu's family house. She came out to welcome people that came down from the bus then she saw him. She stopped looked at him for a while she couldn't say anything and then he said to her Congratulations Nedu I'm happy for you even though you didn't invite me I'm here. She smiled and went on to greet other invitees that highlighted from the bus. Whiles they were all settling down Samuel was just seated in the sitting room watching Soccer when Nedu came in put it off and tuned in to Telemundo. Samuel stood up about to leave and she said where are you running off to this time? This place is not hostel where you have numerous chicks that you would run into their room while they are half naked. Samuel smiled and replied; Nedu enjoy your movie you chased me out then am going outside but know that you cannot chase me from your wedding after tomorrow is the next day. She scowled why are you even here? Oh you didn't want to see me right? Am sorry but I am here.

On the eve of the wedding was a bachelor's eve and bridal shower party. The invitees were conveyed to the best hotel in the area and separated; men went to a different room and same as the ladies. The party was on but Samuel wasn't enjoying the party so he stepped out to get fresh air beside the pool when it was almost about to end by 2:00am. There was a lady smoking cigar. Samuel didn't bother to know who that was. He sat down and ordered for something to drink as he drank he reminisced on how he had lost Nedu to someone better than himself. Her husband was a handsome young man with a big tommy, a wealthy man who could afford whatever she wanted, and was tall, dark and huge. As he was reminiscing the lady turned to him.

While he was seated still on his thoughts the girl smoking cigar kept walking closer to him. It was Nedu she was walking towards him. Hey stranger why are you out here alone and he said; I should be asking you this question Nedu its your night aren't you suppose to be inside and allow the ones that lost to grieve and he gave out a fake smiled. She said We've done all the bridal games and all I decided to get fresh air and smoke one last time. Samuel asked what about your husband you should one to see him... Ah that one he is still partying with his friends. They will not rest until they whole people know they are here.. Samuel laughed and said that is the doings of an Odogwu they both laughed it out. Samuel continued by this time tomorrow you will become Asa Odogwu. She smiled and said; I miss you so much Sammy. Meanwhile she was seated beside him by the pool. Samuel said to her I don't think you do. You were going to be married without even letting me know remember. I just thought to come here that maybe you forgot but with all I have seen you do and say earlier I am beginning to reconsider. Maybe it was a mistake.

As they were still on the subject she kissed him passionately as if she has been longing for it. As the light went off beside the pool she went on him and they rode through. A moment later when they were done, She said I miss this so much and its the reason I never wanted you to be here. With you here it will be difficult for me. Samuel looked at her and said to her; you must go ahead with the marriage. Right now I am not well to do and if you leave him right I don't have the capability to take care of you and the baby. The baby should be our top priority and is his and he has the right to be part of his child's life. They went to their various rooms.

The next day was the wedding. Everyone was at the church waiting for the arrival of the bride. The groom was already at alter in his dark suit waiting to be handed his bride. As she came in with her father beautifully adorned in her white wedding gown. Samuel stood by the wall expecting a Hi but none came. She matched straight to the alter like a flower to be handed to a king and the prince isolated in an empty castle defeated by a wealthy king that was how he felt. When the administrator of the wedding asked is there anyone who thinks this couple shouldn't be married? Samuel was tempted to say something but who was he to do so at the moment he was only but mouse in the midst of elephants. He watched as the ring was exchanged and kiss shared. Then they matched out into a beautiful car only bought three days before the wedding because of the grand occasion. so fast they both drove away. His bluebell has been taken. He was heart broken and swore never to loose any jewel of his again.

As he turned to leave a beautiful melanin looked at him and smiled it was Ugomma. She was one of the bridal girls.

FINAL CHAPTER (A NEW PHASE).......................................

CHAPTER SEVEN (SECRET AFFAIR)

Uzo and Nedu became so in love that everyone in the community was aware of their relationship. Both families welcomed the Idea. Even though Nedu's family were the owners of the house which Samuel's family were living in they still found the relationship a healthy one so long as they don't do anything that would hurt the reputation of the family.

The new found love of Samuel became hard on Ugomma. She had finally realized that she loved Samuel so much that she cannot bear to see him with another lady. Samuel on the other hand was enjoying the companionship of Nedu. She was a beautiful lady who was ready to invest in their relationship. She was ever present in every conversation. The way she looks at him even when he was unaware. Her love for him was known by him and everyone. Her fair skin figure eight body and elegance made her exceptionally beautiful not to talk of her coordinated dress sense. At some point Samuel kept thinking that she was above his league.

Nedu was a lady that grown ups had eyes on, but she chose Samuel whom she had crush on while growing up. The duo's love was exceptional; love for the purpose of love and not for what one would benefit from the other.

The long awaited time came for Samuel to go back to school. The government of the country had a meeting with the heads of the union of lecturers and promised to pay lecturers their wages and areas which led to the strike being called off . This was a good news for the students as it meant that they would be going back to school to complete their studies. Samuel had worked for a year now which helped him eaarn enough money to buy all that he needed to go back to school coupled with the provision his parents made for him. He would be able to pay his school fees and buy textbooks. The school he taught also organized a send fort party for him and a contribution of N50,000 was made by all the teachers and handed to him on the day of the celebration to encourage him in his studies . This was above the expectation of Samuel. It made him feel loved.

It was weekend already. Sammy had packed up his bags to leave for school. Nedu was going to miss him even though she would be going to Owerri next week to write her POST UTME examination. She had applied to study in the same university as Samuel but even at that the 7days break from each other had already began to feel like a year. The eve of the day he would leave, Nedu came to the house to spend the day with him they were in the sitting room all alone when Ugomma came to the house. This time around not to see Chioma but to speak with Samuel. As she walked into the room she met the two love birds kissing passionately. They had agreed to loose themselves to each other and be fully committed. With clothes down in the sitting room not minding who would walk in was a readiness for intimacy only to be interrupted by a beautiful tall dark girl who walked in without any notice. With the view before her she turned to leave.

Nedu saw her and signaled to Samuel who immediately covered up and called unto her. uuuuhhhh Heyyy Ugo Hi how are you? Uumm scratch that what are you doing here? He stood up to put on his clothes for some reason feeling guilty. Nedu on the hand was not happy to see Ugomma. She had always seen her as someone that would one day take her Sammy away from her because she could not explain the preferential treatment that Samuel had constantly shown to Ugomma and now she had to be the one to interrupt their moment. Ugomma said to Samuel I came to see you and to bid you farewell but it seems you're busy. I'm very sorry for ruining your moment just pretend as if I was never here and you guys can continue with what is it you were doing. Have a safe travel back to school that was all I came to say..... At this point Nedu got angry and stood up to leave.

Heyyyyy babe why are you leaving we were in the middle of something please stay, but she refused and replied it appears you have better things to do than me being here when you're done you know where to find me that's if I will still be there. Babe wait now, why are you being like this? Okay don't worry I will come get you in the next two minutes. Nedu sighed and left. Ugomma turned to him and said Mr. Samuel run to her please I'm done with what I came to say and am leaving. Why do I get the feeling that this isn't all you came to tell me. Did you and Ifeanyi fight again? What is the issue? Are you okay? She replied to him; you don't get it do you? I have been waiting and hoping that one day you would recognize I love and come for me, but instead I walk in to see you like this. Its fine maybe I should have said something. I had always believed that in the end we will be together that we are meant to be together but now it seem it is never going to happen. I just don't know why but I am really pained.

Uhhhm Ugom, I don't think it is appropriate for you to say this to me now. You knew I was in love with you but you never said or did anything instead you kept coming to me to fix your problems with Ifeanyi. Do you know how that hurt? and now I am finally happy you want to ruin it. Are you sure this is love? because its looking more like hate. I have a question for you in fact a couple; Please how is your relationship with Ifeanyi? Is he aware that you're saying this to me? Is he aware of how you truly feel about him? I don't think I can recognize you anymore because you're not the pretty princess I fell in love with the very first time we met. All I see you're doing right now is to hurt me, my friend and others around you. Please leave

She began to cry and said; yes I knew you loved me but do you still do? Samuel asked do what? and she replied love me because if you do I'd do anything to be with you. Samuel became a statue to here Ugomma say this was never what he believed would happen. He wasn't able to say anything because he was very much in love with her and with the question she asked came a weakness to counter and a second later she was close to him. With the closeness he felt every breath as she takes them with hearts repeatedly beating. She kissed him so passionately that he could not resist but to hold her so close into his arms and gently placed her on the sopher and gradually each took off the wears of the other. The sky was complacent as the weather became cold and foggy followed by droplets of water and then rain. Her fingers she pressed on his shirtless body as he felt her womanhood and warmth. With his gentle moves she raises up and moans. It was not with Nedu but with Ugomma which was who he had always dreamt loosing himself to. It appeared that Ugomma had been known by another before Samuel but that didn't matter because it made the feeling a wonderful one as she worked him through the process.

When the rain stopped, Ugomma was in the arms of Samuel sleeping like a pretty butterfly on a flower petal. The earlier incident had taking them from the sitting room to the bed room. Samuel was filled with thoughts on what to do. He didn't know how to face Nedu and his friend Ifeanyi. He robbed Ugomma on the cheek to wake her up. He said to her; Please wake up so I can take you home its late already. They had slept off for an hour. It was now 7pm. She woke up put her clothes on then he walked her home. On their way, Ugomma was shy or what others will believe to be blushing. She wasn't saying a word but then Samuel had to say something because he had resolved to keep their affair a secret it was only okay to let her know which was the best for everyone. He started; Ugom I love you so much and that is why it will be painful as we must do this. I don't know how better to say this that will not be hurtful but I still have to. Please I think we should forget about this and he pointed to both of them and said I meant what we're supposed to have that we didn't have, because we were waiting for who will make the first move. Ugomma was now 18years old and Samuel was 20years old. She replied I don't understand what you're saying. Samuel said to her; this is a little too late we would be hurting a lot of people in the process if we continue to pursue this. Please this has to end. How can we end what we had just started. I love you and that is all that matters she said. Samuel said to her I love you too so much maybe too much but I cant hurt Nedu she had been my all even when you weren't there. We must end this if its the will of God for the two of us to be we will, but for now it has to end.

He took her to her home and waited until she got inside the gate. She was moody and had a lot to say but couldn't. Immediately she got inside the gate he picked his slippers and ran like his life depended on it because the whole place had become unusually dark due to the weather. On getting home. His parents were already back from where they went. They came back bearing gifts and stuffs for his school. Seated on the other side of the sopher was Nedu holding her own gift on her hand; wow it was actually a wrist watch. She called him by the side; Saying mom please can I steal Sammy for some minutes and she replied; take him please my dear you two have a lot to talk about and he isn't doing anything for us here. Samuel's Mom had fallen in love with having Nedu for her Son all they were waiting for was for him to graduate so that he can bring her as his wife. Nedu called him; babe can we talk? He was reluctant because he could not look her in the eyes.

When he came to her, it was difficult to talk to her while looking at her beautiful charming face. Nedu said; babe I know our moment today was cut short but I want you to know that I love you so much and I can't think of anyone that I would love to spend my life with if not you. This is my gift to you. She opened it and it was a beautiful watch while she was wearing it on his wrist, she said this is a watch from me to you. Let it keep reminding you of the time we spent together and the moments we shared. Samuel brought out a gift for her which he had gotten to give to her earlier. It was a pretty necklace and he wore it on her as well. She loved it and kissed him passionately and said babe am very sorry for overreacting earlier. I love you so much that sometimes it makes me behave like a child. Samuel said to her you don't have to apologize babe I love you too and you were right to be jealous If for anything I should be the one apologizing to you... am sorry babe. For what? she asked and he said for all that I've put you through. He was actually apologizing for something else but she needn't to know about it because he had resolved never for it to happen again.

The next day Samuel was ready to go to the pack to board a bus to Owerri. Ugomma came as early as 8am to bid him farewell. Nedu was all around Samuel not willing to let him go. Samuel's mom told her to come with them in the car so she can spend more time with him while on the road. Ugomma was crying as well because this would actually be the last time she would see him. The love she never knew would be all she would ever want. Her parent had enrolled her into a private university that didn't require JAMB result but just her WAEC result. She would be leaving with her Aunt in Enugu until she's graduated. She didn't tell Samuel because he was head bent on them not seeing each other again. She ran away from the scene as tears was about dropping from her eyes. Samuel wanted to go console her but he couldn't Nedu was right beside him. They drove away and everyone went to their various homes. Samuel was with Nedu but couldn't stop thinking about Ugomma. He then sent a text to Chioma to help check up on Ugomma when she get home. Chioma was right beside him when the text came into her phone. She looked at him and scowled she wrote you are with a woman and your mind is with another one how ironic. One day you will tell me what your deal is with my friend Ugomma

They arrived to the park and unpacked his load. The loaders had to reduce the food stuff his mother packed for him. It was looking like he was not going there for school but to start up a foodstuff business. Samuel said to Nedu by this time next week you'll be with me in school. please don't be like this babe don't cry I love you and I promise to always call you every morning before going to school, afternoon after morning lectures and night before I go to bed even when am in the bathing room I will give you a video call. She said okay we will have no problem if keep to your promise I love you babe. She kissed him and he hopped into the bus. Samuel's mom and Nedu entered the car and went back home.

NEXT CHAPTER LOADING: EIGHT (THE UNIVERSITY BREAK UP)...............

CHAPTER SIX (THE SECRET ADMIRER)

Some months later after Ifeanyi was done with his WAEC. He credited the science subjects required for him to be enrolled into the university to study medicine but all that was left was for him to pass his Joint Admission Matriculation Board Examination which is a an examination accepted by tertiary institutions in the country. Students who wish to be enrolled into any tertiary institution of their choice must first pass this exam in other to gain admission.

Ifeanyi was preparing for this exam as same as Chinedu. Chinedu is the daughter of Mr. Augustine the landlord of Mr. Samuel’s apartment (Uzorchukwu’s father). Mr. Samuel named his son Samuel junior to signify the transition of his inheritance to him. Chinedu a fair beautiful lady who has been in boarding school had completed her secondary education and was back to spend some time with her parents before gaining admission into the university.

She was eighteen years old same age as Ifeanyi and Ugomma. Upon her return her encounter with Samuel was when she went to fetch water from the well in the compound. She was rather too enthusiastic to converse with him. Samuel had always been away in school. His vacation periods had never coincided with that of Nedu. Whenever she returned for her vacation as well he was not always around but this time he was; what a pleasant sight she said to herself. She had always wanted to see Chioma’s brother.

Loving the conversation, he helped her to fetch her water and helped her take it to her door step. Ifeanyi joined in the conversation; they had been friends even before Samuel came into the picture. Samuel excused them to allow them catch up with the lost time.
Later in the evening, she came into the house bearing gifts. She had prepared wonderful Jollof rice for Chioma. Both of them usually share food and other edibles. Ahh I forgot drinks. I will be right back don’t start without me ooh my eyes are on you she said. After bringing in the food she went to get drinks.

Samuel came into the sitting room and saw Chioma with nice Jollof rice not knowing how it came about all he could notice was the garnished food and the aroma it came with while being tricky took the meal from her and ran away. Petite Chioma chased him round the house while he was eating the meal not knowing it was made by the lady about to enter the room.

Chioma what is the problem why are you shouting? Is it not my big brother he just collected the rice you gave me now and he is eating it all by himself look at how he is even eating as if he had not eaten before. Do you know that he has been shouting that the food is so delicious! The food is so delicious! Samuel upon hearing this became low.

He thought that Chioma had prepared the food herself and didn’t want to share with anyone. The plot to deal with Chioma had turned around to bite him in his throat. Chioma upon seeing his facial expression began to laugh at him. Even the girl he was shy to talk to was now laughing at him as well.
Chinedu said to Chioma don’t worry I will fetch you another one. Brother Samuel please enjoy your meal don’t mind Chioma she’s not well I will be right back. She went in and brought drink for Samuel as well. Samuel said to her don’t mind Chioma she likes throwing tantrums on little things, but none the less sorry you had to witness our little fiesta. You’re actually a good cook and I would like to have you as my wife material one day. Make your head no swell too much. She smiled and said to him; thank you. She let out a smile and said; I have saved what you just said to me and I will remind you about it.

Days passed Samuel and Chinedu had become close friends that they cannot help but to always let out a smile whenever there is a eye contact. A woman called madam Sokoto usually made fun of them by calling them husband and wife due to the way they were close to each other. Samuel had become so close to Chinedu that she was now at the center of his world.

A secret admirer kept sending anonymous messages to Chinedu declaring his love and affection to her via phone text, but that didn’t go well because of how the letter was closed. The message read; Thank you from your Prince Charming but no name of the sender was indicated. This got Chinedu worried. She was not able to identify the sender of the anonymous messages. I have a secret admirer she said. She met with Ifeanyi to help her investigate into the messages. Ifeanyi spoke to his friend whose name was Prince about the message but he said he wasn’t the one who sent the message to her. The constant secret meeting between Ifeanyi and Chinedu continued which got Samuel worried.

It got to a point that he could no longer hold his feelings. Meanwhile Ifeanyi had sterted introducing Chinedu to his friend known in the community as rolling stone. Rolling Stone is a tick boy feared in the community as the strongest teen no one dares face him in any fight. Samuel was now in the same state of feeling when he lost Ugomma. He said to himself; No I have to do something. I will speak to Chinedu today.

The four friends Chinedu, Samuel, Ifeanyi and Chioma were playing Ludo game when Samuel whispered to her please I will like to speak to you. Chinedu wasn’t willing to leave the game because she had started to believe that it was Ifeanyi that had been sending her the messages without her knowing and now that she had told him about it he decided to stop.

Even as Ifeanyi was telling her about Rolling stone (Onoja) she was still much interested in her secret admirer according to her the guy was a good poet and she would like to know him before she would engage in any kind of relationship. Basically she wants to know if Ifeanyi was the secret admirer but that wouldn’t be the case because he was in love with Ugomma.

Samuel was still very much in love with Ugomma and Ugomma was very much in love with Samuel but circumstances had not permitted them to be together which made Samuel to try other option to be happy and not sad. Fortunately Chinedu came along the girl he had crush on even before he knew Ugomma but due to their unavailability due to the nature of the school each attended they didn’t see much to build a relationship. Only that now they can see each other to rekindle the long unseen smoke.

After the first round of the game Samuel lost then the next round Chinedu lost as well leaving Ifeanyi and Chioma to meet in the final round which game Chinedu and Samuel the Opportunity to talk. Looking at her he gulped not knowing how to start the conversation, He said I have fallen in love with you Nedu. She laughed what did you just say are kidding? You Samuel have fallen in love with me? Please if it is a prank stop it. You can’t be in love with me now. I have waited for you to say this to me but you didn’t. Now I have a secret admirer whom I want to know and until I have know him I don’t know what to say to you.

So sorry for laughing not that I don’t take you seriously but because you finally said what has been in your mind but I think it’s rather too late. Oh really and here I was thinking you feel the same way with your behavior towards me but none the less I don’t feel like giving up on you I got me eyes on you he said to her. She smiled and said Sammy I love you too but I need some time to figure things out.

Samuel said to her; have you been able to know your secret admirer that wants to steal you away from me? She smiled and said I don’t really know but he is a good poet come read the loving messages he sent to me and for some reason he stopped. I am suspecting it to be Ifeanyi because after I told him about it the messages stopped. Samuel laughed so you’re also a fan Ifeanyi. You can speak to him about it but I don’t think he’s the one. Sammy please don’t get me wrong I didn’t say I chose him over you. I just need closure before giving you a response. No I don’t mind you can love and un-love so long as you are happy Samuel said to her.

The game was over rather over for Samuel. A notification came into Nedu’s phone and she ran immediately to Samuel. Samuel see he has sent another message to me same number. The message read; “you’re so beautiful, the light shine on you even in a dark room”. You see what I told you he is in this room but Ifeanyi is not with a phone same as others in the room Samuel said. Gambo Samuel’s new found friend, Chukwudalu and others were there as well. So if it is not Ifeanyi then anyone in this room is. How sure are you that he is in this room? Samuel asked. Can’t you see that he made mention of a dark room and we’re in a dark room she replied. Don’t you think it’s a coincidence? She looked awed you think so? Maybe...... He replied

Nedu replied the text; Please who’re you? Immediately she clicked the send button the notification sounded on Samuel’s phone. Samuel had to go change the music that was playing leaving his phone on the cushion. Nedu turned to the sound she heard looking at the phone it was the message she had sent to the anonymous admirer. She checked the messages on the Xpress music Nokia phone it was the conversation she had been having with her secret admirer. Wait is Samuel the…. This is confusing. Samuel came back to sit on his seat only to meet the two naked eyes of Nedu starring at him. What is it Nedu why are you looking at me like this? Don’t you think that there is something you need to tell me? And what might that be? She slapped him and said that is for giving me the headache of searching who my secret admirer was then she kissed him so passionately and said this is because I love you too. Everyone in the room turned to see the two kissing everyone was so happy because finally Samuel is now in love and has a relationship. Samuel’s mother upon hearing this came to the sitting room.

Samuel was scared to see his mom looking at him. It felt like the ground would swallow him up but to his surprise his mom joined the crowd to clap. She was happy that finally her son was now in a relationship which they thought was never possible. When Samuel took Nedu by the hand to his room his mother said; In as much as am happy for you boy make sure you door is open I don't want any foul play” She smiled and went back into her room.


Chapter Seven loading………..

CHAPTER FIVE (FIRST KISS)

Hey Sleepy head aren't you going to work today? Chioma had prepared for school and was about to go to the gate to catch up with the school bus. Samuel was still on the bed sleeping away. Mom Brother Samuel don't want to go to work today he is still sleeping, but I am leaving already Chioma said to her mother. Not that Samuel Slept off but he had decided not to go to school today because of What had happened with Agnes. He had decided not to resign from his work but had to skip school because he was ashamed of himself for almost laying with his student and wouldn't want to create an awkward atmosphere in the school environment.

Although he had made up his mind, but that would not be the case as he received a call on his Motorola cell phone; "Grin grin the phone rings Hello Mr. Samuel Good Morning. This is the proprietor of NHAC school. I had sent out a mail over the weekend to all staffs informing them this morning. Do well to check yours to get the details and agenda of the meeting. Thank you and please be early we have a long list of issues to discuss. Thank you.

The call came with a level of heart beat as Samuel's heart began to race so fast that the cold environment began to be hot as hell. What was he to do? Has Agnes due to anger and dissatisfaction reported him to her mother telling a convenient lie to implicate him? Many thoughts kept running down his mind. He rose up immediately and began to dress up without bathing but he made sure he washed his mouth and put on different column of perfumes to smell nice. Ifeanyi had come to call him but he had refused to go with him. He was still feeling betrayed by Ifeanyi and had earlier decided to call in sick only to receive a call from his boss.

Samuel took a bike to beat the time. While on his way he kept thinking about all that transpired: "Samuel don't fret you didn't sleep with her, you controlled yourself but what if she lies. Not to worry it will be your word against hers but I don't want to hurt her. You wouldn't you would only be telling the truth. What is this urgent meeting all about? God please save my soul. If you save me lord I would never repeat this behavior ever again. This was a cry of a seventeen years old boy. As he drew near to school the more anxious he became. What must I do lord. Please help me.

On getting to the school premises the first person he saw was Ugomma. Her beautiful smile and greeting lightened his mood. "Good morning sir..." "I am fine Ugomma and you?".... "I am fine thank you sir" Please what is the matter you don't look bright today sir hope you got enough sleep I know that your work at the photoshop can be hectic most times.... Yes my dear but I slept well thank you" Hope you're ready for what's coming because you deserved it. When she said this my heart began to pound. "What!!! Does she know what happened?". For a moment the thought in his mind was to run away from that environment but he didn't. Samuel's father had thought him that a man does not run away from his problems he has to face it and head on.

By 7:45am the meeting started but before that, the prefects had been assigned to control junior students in their classes. The meeting began. The proprietress greeted everyone, commending their efforts and stated that some issues had come to his attention and by this most be treated urgently thereby some restructuring will be made in the process. He stated "It has come to my notice that some students especially the senior classes has been involved in sexual relationship they call boyfriend and girlfriends. This is not something that the school condones. We have core values in this school and must be upheld. It has also been reported that teachers are in this same kind of relationship themselves. It is not that I am against a teacher courting another because it might result to marriage but please let your romantic life and love life be expressed outside this school premises because whatever this students see you do as their role models that they will want to do as well. Children learn from what they see and watch.

We have two reported names. A JSS1 student caught this two senior students frolicking around in an empty class and this must stop by this I would be putting together a team to be responsible in counselling this children on their choice of actions. Please if you here your name you wait behind. He then call out the names of the the three elderly staffs to be headed by the principal as the counselling committee. He mentioned the name of the two students as well as; The Head boy Ifeanyi and the Health prefect Ugonma. Your first task is to speak to them accordingly, dont be harsh admonish them with love. You know this teenagers, if you don't hold them well they will sleep away and we wouldnt want that". He went further to call out another name; Mr. Samuel please stand up. By hearing his name Samuel's heart began to pound as if it was going to fall into his stomach. He stood up but with the earlier mention of Ifeanyi and Ugonma's name he's thoughts was all wrapped up in the fact that he would be exposed for almost sleeping with Agnes. The next thing he heard was "Samuel is now the newest HOD of Art" You all can do well to congratulate him later, but now you have to go to your classes and start your lessons. Mr. Dembe and Miss Ruth please wait behind I will like to have a word with you two. Thank you.

Samuel was supposed to be Joyous because this position came with a raise from N7000 he will now be earning N15,000, but he did not know how to feel. He had thought that he would be crucified. He had thought he would have brought shame to his family's name only to be promoted even ahead of his elder sister, though her pay was still higher than his because she had been working with them for 2years, he had become her boss still. She will have to answer to him but how is this even possible? That remained a mystery.

Samuel got to the staff office and began to thank God promising never to feel that way towards his students ever again. He must keep to being a professional educator not just in the school environment but also at home. While he was still in his thoughts the teachers that weren't taking a class at the moment came into the class room to congratulate him. He asked the of Mr Ade, Please what happened to the former HOD Mr Yousuf? He responded that Mr. Yousuf had secured a better job in town and decided to resign. Samuel exclaimed WOW thats nice oooh. This is our prayer as we serve humanity we will also be remembered and served as well we all deserve it. I thank God for him oooh.....Miss Amina added.

Unlike the thoughts of Samuel the day was rather a wonderful one. Agnes maintained her statute of being a student to Samuel and nothing more even though she acted cold to him when he called onto her to answer some questions, but at the end she answered the ones she felt she can answer. The class was fun yet Samuel couldn't help but wonder what was going on in Agnes's mind with the way he kept staring at her, scared of what she would do next made Ugonma to suspect that something was going on.

It was closing time. Samuel was the first to pack up his bags to head home after signing on the class registers, marking and making corrections on the lesson notes submitted by the teachers. On the way home Ifeanyi was awfully silent. Samuel knew the reason for that which was because his secret affair with Ugonma was now in the open. He had been called by the counselling committee which was not what every students wanted to be linked to their reputation. Samuel walked over to him to talk but then he said; now you want to talk to me abiii after you've taking my secret affair to the school even after I apologized to you. Just leave me alone don't talk to me you have done your worst. Good bye. With what he just said Samuel became shocked "What are you talking about young man, I have never betrayed you, you were the one that betrayed me and stop talking rubbish get your facts right and when you do then you can come and apologize for this nonsense you just said to me. Good bye and have a nice day. Don't even come to the house if you're not ready.

When we departed Ifeanyi went away with some of his classmates and I followed our usual path. On my way home I saw this beauty with her white host, short red uniform skirt and check. She was sitting on a rock crying. It was Ugonma. I went to her to know what the problem was only to be soaked with tears. I hugged her and asked what the issue was and she explained that the school counselling team called her and Ifeanyi after admonishing them gave them a letter to give to their parents. She was scared for herself and believed that she was going to be expelled. Samuel told her to stop crying and reassured her that nothing of that nature would happen that she should just bring her parents to meet with the counselling team and they know how to do this kind of stuff without implicating her. Its just to ascertain the cause of the behaviour of a child, and possible advice them on how to keep the child from such negative behaviour. After hearing this she wiped off her tears. As she was about getting up their eyes locked without much hesitation they kissed so passionately and deeply like they have been surprising it for long. Ugonma got a hold of herself and stopped the kiss apologized for initiating it; "I am sorry I couldnt hold myself. I have been dreaming of kissing you but now that I did I want more but I cant because you're his friend and I still love him but I cant because I cant have you two. Please am sorry I will like to take my leave.

Being kissed by his crush and the girl he truly cared for Samuel was rather unease. He didn't want any of this relationships. He intended to be professional and focused on his job but how can he keep to this promise now when he had gone and kissed two best friends in the space of a day. Ugonma was Ifeanyi's love but same time in love with Samuel while Samuel was in love with Ugonma but was ready to love Agnes who had fallen in love with him after their kiss Who would each one of them end up with only time can tell.

CHAPTER FOUR (THE BETRAYAL)

On a Saturday morning Agnes came to collect her note from Chioma. She had given her a geography note to help her copy. Chioma had a lot of house chores which made her pun the note to Ifeanyi. Ifeanyi having the interest of laying with Agnes told Chioma to tell her to come to the shop to collect it later in the day. His plan was to be alone with Agnes to have her all to himself. Chioma being a naive girl obliged by passing the message across to Agnes just as Ifeanyi had told her to.

Ifeanyi was rather too busy keeping the photoshop studio clean. Samuel noticed how busy he was and asked him of what the occasion was but Ifeanyi dismissed him saying "cant one be tidy for ones?" but knowing his best friend so well he knew he had never kept his own room tidy and now he is working really hard in keeping the studio clean. No, something is truly amiss he said to himself.

Samuel decided to go out to grab lunch and possibly buy snacks for his friend. He went to Iya Bosede's shop; Iya Bosede was a trader in the area known for her love often shown to the boys. Everyone called her Mama of the less privileged. She was known by this name because she sells to the boys on credit and sometimes gives free food to the boys when they didn't have money to pay.

Iya Bosede after giving Samuel the biscuit and cold drinks he came to buy in her shop started a conversation with him. She commended him for the strong bond he has with Ifeanyi. She said: "I like the kind friendship wey you get with Ifeanyi. E strong die and everyone know that but I go like make you dey very careful with that boy. He is a good boy but him get some skoin skoin for head. You be good boy and I no go like see you in trouble. That your friend Ifeanyi Him movement with girls this days I no just understand. You fit still advice am sha oooo." Samuel scowled, In his thoughts he had cursed her a thousand times calling her Amebo Olofofo, a gossip and all but he dares not say it out loud. Iya Bosede was a good woman to the boys and everyone. All he could say to her was; "Okay ma I've heard you and thank you for the advice".

Samuel took the things he bought and walked straight to the studio while on his way he was hearing a loud music coming from the studio. He thought that maybe Ifeanyi was enjoying himself with the music. Their boss had gone to cover an event with their Junior colleague Ope which meant that they both had the shop all to themselves. Approaching the door he noticed an extra slipper beside the door. Who might this be? It is not our Oga's wife because she doesn't wear this fancy slipper. Getting inside the shop a fair beautiful girl jumped up with her laps exposed and her oranges to the eyes of all. She quickly covered herself and Ifeanyi immediately raised his trousers and zipped up. Raising his head he saw the girl he had fallen in love with and had told his friend not to get engaged with. A lot of emotions came in; that of betrayal, anger and disappointment. Immediately a drop of tear from his left eye as he dropped what he got for him and he turned around and left.

Agnes seeing this ran to catch up with Samuel but couldn't as he refused giving her a listening ears. That was the end of work for Samuel. Mr. Ola their boss came back from the event he went to cover not seeing Samuel in the shop; he asked about his whereabout and Ifeanyi whom had already prepared a lie to tell immediately said; "Samuel wasn't feeling too well so he asked me to tell you he would be going home to take medication". Their boss didn't ask further questions because he knew that unlike Ifeanyi, Samuel doesn't leave work without it being something serious.

Samuel got home moody and refusing to eat. Yes he loved Ugomma but he had accepted that Ugomma had chosen Ifeanyi and now he had started falling for Agnes but his best friend had to lay with her even after he had told him that she is a person of his love interest. He was much angry with Agnes because she knew Ugomma her best friend was with Ifeanyi why would she then lay with him is she crazy? Maybe Iya Bosede was right I must distance myself from him he said to himself.

The next day after Sunday service Ifeanyi came to the house to see Samuel. After knocking at the door for several hours Samuel went to check on who was by the door. Oh its you what do you want? Please nobody is at home come back later I need to sleep he banged the door and went to his room. Upon hearing the noise Samuel's mother Mrs Adaku shouted from the kitchen Uzorchukwu who is at the door? Samuel didn't respond but Ifeanyi answered "Mommy its Ifeanyi". Immediately she asked Samuel to let Ifeanyi in.

Samuel didn't enter his room for he didn't want Ifeanyi to step his foot inside the room. Everyone sat in the sitting room. A lively room now covered with cloudy environment and as quiet as a grave yard. This was odd because the family had never been in a room so quiet when Ifeanyi and Uzorchukwu were in. Chioma tried to break the ice by asking if anyone cared to play rock paper scissors with her? but no one responded. Mrs Adaku asked her son Samuel and Ifeanyi about what was going on between them but the two with the fear of what will happen after spilling the bean kept quiet and said nothing to her. Mrs Adaku then said to them " Your relationship is known by us all in this room and by everyone in the community I dont know what the problem was because you two have refused to say anything. Please try and work it out and be boys again also I hope none of you is mischievous because if I find out that you guys are doing anything bad you will get it hot from me and that includes you Chioma, Chidera and Munachi. Chidera and Munachi are the two elder siblings of Samuel. Chidera works in the same school as Samuel (NHAC) while Munachi is till preparing for her second sitting for WAEC.

Samuel called Ifeanyi into his room for them to converse but before he could say anything, Ifeanyi had hugged him and started apologizing saying that he never meant for that to happy. He said that he was sorry for what he had done and the betrayal he had committed against Samuel but he only said to him; "Ifeanyi I hold as my friend and I never expected you to betray me. You are only sorry because you're caught because I know that had you not been caught you would not have been saying this. How do I even know if this has not been done several times". Ifeanyi rolled on the floor saying that it was the first and will be the last. He said that his intention was never to sleep with her to give her the note helped her to copy before he could know it Agnes started touching him in places he could not resist. Samuel exclaimed "Ahhhh Ifeanyi, places you could not resist? You're only 17years young man. See let me say this to you, I know this was your plan all along because even before it happened you had been cleaning the shop which was unlike you and when I asked you if you were expecting any visitor you lied to me. There is absolutely nothing you can say to me to make me think otherwise. I cant say anything to you for now until I hear from the girl you're trying to lie against. Please you may leave my room. You can come to the house but don't come to see me."


After Ifeanyi left, Samuel's sibling went to a family friend's birthday party. His mom went to a meeting, but Samuel was all alone in the house refusing to eat or go out. A knock on the door; He asked please who is that? A gentle voice echoed its me Agnes. He paused for a while and said to himself what is this girl doing here? He went to the door refusing to let her in but after much persuasion from her to come in he let her in. She started the conversation; I didn't come to apologize for what you saw yesterday because there was no time you've ever told me you loved me. We practically come home together even when I try to hold you, you push off my hand and now you come shading tears. I just have a question for you. Why were you mad? Do I mean anything to you? or did I not tell you that I have always loved Ifeanyi which brought a serious problem between me and my friend? Please tell me if I have ever done anything wrong to you that you wouldn't want me and also you wouldn't want me for your friend. Am I that bad that you hate me so much? I know Ifeanyi didn't love me but I still wanted him. Samuel got furious and immediately raised his had to hit her but stopped himself.

He then said to her are you serious Agnes? Anyways if you're done kindly leave please. As she was about leaving some words of question came out from her beautiful lips "Do you love me Uzor?" she asked. Uzor looked at her and said it no longer matter if I do. I can't even look at you without the picture in my head. As Samuel kept talking continuously to express his anger and disappointment Agnes gave him a deep kiss and whispered to his ears I love you, I always have but I keep telling myself I need Ifeanyi because you're not in our league. If I had...... before she could complete what she was saying Samuel kissed her back. The weather became so calm with the air condition breezing the room. Samuel raised her up in his arms and carefully carried her into his room. He placed her on his bed kissing through her body, perceiving her alluring perfume. She held his hand to her left orange as he squeezed. A boy about to become a man only to stop at a time ready. She was confused to why he stopped but Samuel being a gentleman only said; Please I am sorry I can't do this. I want you so badly but I cant do this and he left to the sitting room.

While he was in the sitting room Agnes came out with her clothes worn and hair properly arranged and make up done. She said to him; Uzor abii Samuel no I prefer calling you Uzor, I understand why you couldn't do it. I am not as pretty as Ugomma whom I know you have always fancied above anyone else but know that I love you but in as much as I love and want you to be mine I will not always wait for you to make up your mind. Good bye Samuel.

Samuel who was not always knowing what to do in relationship matters was sure he did the right thing by not laying with Agnes even though he wanted to. He was in love with her and wouldn't want to remain a virgin but that shouldn't mean he should be with someone that he can't trust around his friend. What has happened can always happen and Agnes didn't deny Ifeanyi's claims when he asked her. This made Samuel to keep to himself the rest of the day having a mixed thoughts and feeling if he should keep working in the school or resign because what had just happened between him and Agnes is not a good place for a teacher to be with his student. What must he do now?

CHAPTER THREE (CLASS DISPUTE)

A wonderful Monday morning, Samuel was preparing for work when Ifeanyi ran to the house to meet him so that they can walk to school together which was their daily routine. A teacher and his student friend. An unlikely situation but who cares he was his best friend after all. Ifeanyi never disrespected Samuel. Even when his classmate tried to disrespect him. There was a time Ifeanyi's classmate tried to disrespect Samuel and Immediately Ifeanyi stood up and defended him though Samuel was not happy for his aggressive behavior at the time but it was done in the spirit of loyalty and friendship. Samuel told him never to do that again that he was the one to protect him and not the other way round. Indeed Samuel had a good friend.

In SS2 class Mr. Madaki the Civic subject teacher told his students to go get any teacher's phones just to test how secured the teachers feel around them. The students ran to the teachers they felt close to, but much numbers ran to Samuel's class for his phone. This group had more of the female students. Being oblivious of what they were on about, Samuel refused giving them his phone. But when Ugomma came to him for it he unconsciously and without giving it any second thoughts gave it to her. She started robbing it on the students faces.

This particular incident made Samuel's students to be angry but none could echo out a word. Noticing that his students were troubled Samuel said; What do I know? and went about his everyday classes. But it became a serious challenge in his class as his students became disinterested in the classes, no contributions in the class as it used to be. Ugomma was the only active participant he had in the class. Samuel stated; I know I love this beautiful melanin girl but seeing only her answering my questions is becoming boring.

He had to call for a meeting to ascertain what their challenges were. Only for Dayo the stubborn boy in the class to stand up and narrate the incident and how it had made them feel. From the look on his face it showed that he was very much irritated by it. Dayo the boy that never cared about how the teachers felt about him was affected by this little incident which simply meant that the students were deeply affected. Samuel had to be diplomatic in this issue for unknowingly he was cause of students disinterest to his class.

He apologized and went further to say; "I feel secured with everyone of you. We have a good teacher and student relationship and there shouldn't be anything other than this in your thoughts. I only gave my phone to Ugomma because some of you guys had come to get it earlier and my thoughts was for her to come for it again meant you guys needed it urgently and possibly for research. This was the reason and nothing more and it was never a preferential treatment.

It was a preferential treatment but Samuel had to lie to get his students back, which worked perfectly fine except for this three girls in the class; Ugonma, Khadijat and Zainab. Why were Khadijat and Zainab still angry? Where they expecting him to feel a certain way towards them? that that he did not know. Ugomma's anger on the other hand was understandable because his explanation simply showed to the class that she isn't that special in his heart.

The lesson period for that day was used to sort out the class issues which was a win. The bell was rung and Samuel went to the office. Ugonma the beautiful prefect in her white sock leggings and short red skirt and red check shirt uniform always come to the staff office to either drop books or submit notes. At some point whenever she's coming other staffs will tease Samuel; "Sammy your student crush is coming" but today she was nowhere near the office. "It was breaktime and she still didn't come" Samuel had become accustomed to seeing her face all day but now cannot have a glimpse of her. What can he do? if not to suffer the pain. He said those things in the class earlier to cover up his feelings towards her. He gave Ugomma the phone because he cannot refuse her anything she wanted.

NOBLE HEROES ACADEMY is one of the best private school in Tofa community. Tofa community is in the outskirt of Kaduna state and by this a community with little or no access to adequate amenities. NHA despite being one of the best school in the community lacked ICT class where students can make research on the internet, no school wifi or any form of internet available in the school. Students resulted to teachers phones for research which was the reason that students can access teachers phone when permitted by their class teacher. This idea didn't go well with Samuel because he believed that students especially the female ones can easily be exploited by the teachers but as time went by he got accustomed to it.

Missing his student crush he had to visit the students play ground just to see her. Taking up another staff's job just to feel okay. It is always the duty of the staff on duty to monitor children while they play during their breaktime but today Samuel couldn't rest so he took up a task to solve my problem. He had taken up the task before he found out that she doesn't play with other students in the play ground. Curses, the lady on duty had happily left the job to him. Why wouldn't she? He volunteered she never forced me. As hungry as he was he couldn't go to eat because he had given his breaktime out to see his crush.

Seated under on the bench outside, he resolved to watch as the students play soccer for the rest of the break. He forgot all he was pained about. The game between SS1 and Jss3 was fun to watch. Students of the two classes came to watch including some senior students as well but Ugomma was nowhere to be found. At some point he didn't bother. His little Sister Chioma was in SS1. She came out as well to cheer her classmates. The sight of seeing her was pleasing. She was his beautiful little pumpkin. She was the only sibling that attended private school courtesy to their elder sister Chidera who teaches in the school and partly myself.

Samuel called Chioma and sent her to buy him snacks to eat as he couldn't eat his home made food in an open and dusty space. When she returned with the egg roll and chilled Kunu he was so pleased to see her return with the bread and wine of life. She was wearing her short skirt white sock leggings and red check shirt, "demnnn my sister is beautiful".....Samuel said. The school local canteen was owned by the proprietor's wife and it was rich in chilled local drinks. When Chioma returned with the snack Samuel saw it as an opportunity to ask her about the whereabout of her friend Ugomma. The response wasn't pleasing to him. She told him that Ugonma had been in the class alone with Ifeanyi. A million and one questions kept creeping into his thoughts. Are they....? Hope they are not being intimate in school. Does she really want him over me? Maybe his company is better. Did I do anything wrong to her?.... Come on Sammy are you stupid? get a grip of yourself uuuuhhh. She's just your student do well to go and check what those two are doing before they put themselves into trouble.

He walked into the class to confront the two only to find executives of the Fellowship of Christian Students having a meeting. As he opened the door he couldn't say anything because the class they were using for the meeting was JSS3 class and he wasn't a JSS3 class teacher, so what was he doing there? Immediately Ugomma saw him she looked at him and smiled. Not to feel embarassed he called Ifeanyi out to ask him about his preparation for their match coming up in two weeks time. He then said "Guy wetin be your problem, I get meeting now. I know say you dey miss me but no dey over show am" as he said it on a low tone Samuel smiled and then responded "Na slap I go give you shey you know say I be your teacher" Samuel laughed and left.

Samuel called for Chioma to know why she told him that Ifeanyi and Ugomma had been in JSS3 class alone. She then confessed to him that Ugomma had told her that she should tell anyone looking for her that she had been in JSS3 class with Ifeanyi alone. Was she trying to make Samuel jealous on purpose? Was she making herself scarce so that he can come look for her? What is in the mind of this girl?

It was closing hours and Samuel couldn't wait for Ifeanyi or Ugomma because the situation had become awkward once again. While on the way going home Ifeanyi ran up to him and Ugomma did as well. Ifeanyi asked him about the event that happened in Ugomma's class. He said Ugomma told him everything on how he gave her his phone after every other students had met him for it only to end up giving it to Ugomma, Samuel was surprised that Ugomma told Ifeanyi but then responded; I figured that their class might need the phone urgently for research that was my reason for giving her the phone so that she can bring it to her class. Samuel added "Guy you dey mad ooh na for school you want dey do love abii, na slap you go soon collect no worry". A minute later Ugomma ran towards them. so beautiful as she ran. Her hair flying in the air, a beautiful melanin running towards her prince. Her prince in an open arm to receive and hold her tightly and never to let go. Snap out of it Sammy what are you thinking about.

The duo held onto each other's hands leaving Samuel as a tag along, and a third wheel. This was a confused kind of relationship with many titles. Ugomma was clingy on Ifeanyi. She usually go home by school bus but she had decided to trek home when she saw Samuel and Ifeanyi going home by foot. Her excuse was that the rusty seat aches her bumbum. Chioma on the other hand couldn't bear to trek with them after trying it for a day. She swore never to do it again "trekking made my feet sore".....she said. By this it was always a romantic trekking of two love birds

At a point her friend and classmate Agnes joined us. Ahhh Agnes you didn't go with the school bus today? Samuel asked... she responded I couldn't go with the bus because my mother sent me to get some groceries. The duo became more clingy. Ugomma was obviously doing it to spite her friend Agnes. Agnes had a thing for Ifeanyi the hottest boy in the school. She had confessed to him but Ifeanyi went ahead to tell Ugomma about it which caused the two friends to be in a serious fight that was later resolved. Samuel was watching and waiting for the whole fiesta to unfold. Surprisingly Agnes didn't react in the already predicted way instead she walked to Samuel, paying the duo ahead no attention.

They left the two to be at the front talking and laughing at each others jokes. Samuel never knew that Agnes could be this funny. At a point she wanted to jump on his back to carry her and he exclaimed " Are you aware you're still in your school uniform and am your teacher? she laughed and said eheeen just imagine that you will be carrying one of those kids in nursery 2 because you must back me today. I want to feel your muscles. Samuel laughed and said you're not okay Agnes go away joor, you want to sack me from my job abii.

Hearing all this Ugomma unhanded Ifeanyi, she walked to Samuel gave him a hug and a peck on the cheek which was her way of saying goodbye then she went home. Samuel and Ifeanyi went with Agnes to the groceries store, she bought the groceries she needed and went home. As the two settled and ate together, Ifeanyi told Samuel how he would have loved to have Agnes without Ugomma. Samuel became furious and told him to leave Agnes out of their love triangle. To save her he went ahead to say that he loved Agnes and Ifeanyi should promise him that he would not do anything to hurt her.

Agnes is a lovely girl she knows what she wants and goes for it, Not to talk of her lovely voice and personality.... Samuel had admired her for a long time but has not gotten the time to talk with her. Samuel was really going to carry her on his back when she requested. What was wrong with me? I don't know. Can love be split among persons? That I cannot tell. Samuel leaving in his thoughts...

CHAPTER FOUR LOADING..............

CHAPER TWO (FIRST DAY AS A TEACHER)

The first day at work in Ifeanyi's school was like an eternity. Samuel was employed as a subject teacher after series of examinations and an interview as part of the recruitment process. He did a micro teaching which was something he loved doing. Samuel saw teaching as a hobby which made the micro teaching the most easy part of the recruitment process. The head teacher and the rest of the HR personnel were wowed. Actually he couldn't be prouder of himself.

As a year 2 student who was currently on strike, Samuel was made the English Studies teacher of SS1 to SS3 classes. The school was located in a community with little access to quality education and other social amenities. A community that has little or no access to proper education one with little qualification was seen as the best to handle much tasks. That was the case for Samuel. He was a second year Philosophy undergraduate of Imo State University and by that was seen as the most qualified to take the job unlike the other teachers with either SSCE certificate or Ordinary National Diploma.

The day seemed rather long. (8am-3pm) was like an eternity for Samuel. The head teacher took him round the classes to introduce him to the students. The first class they entered was SS3 class which was Ifeanyi's class. it was a mixed feeling. Samuel didn't know what to do and how to feel but at a appoint he summoned courage, because before now he had been tutoring and helping Ifeanyi with his school works. What can go wrong? he asked himself. The head teacher introduced him to the class. It wasn't awkward at all. The SS3 class had his age mates and seniors alike. He saw his soccer team mates. They were all cool with him being their teacher. Some of them came later to the staff office to congratulate HIM. What did he expect? This were adults matured enough to know what they wanted. Ifeanyi was actually the youngest in the class. He was very happy to see his friend as his teacher, because to him he can now be with his best friend in his school. That was not the case because Samuel was not his friend in the school but his teacher.

Ifeanyi was in SS3 while Ugonma was in SS2 class. After the introduction in SS3 class it was now time for the head teacher to introduce Samuel to the students of SS2 class. The feeling became more awkward but he was determined to never allow his feeling to interfere with his work and duty because he needed to keep his brain sharp and also needed the pay to get most of his needs. As a 17years old boy whose parents were not well to do, he had started at an early age to fend for himself. To him this job would really go along way in helping him do just that. As a Subject teacher he was paid N7,000 monthly where as class teachers received N10,000. Even though the pay was a stipend he still believed and hoped that it would help in getting some of the things he would need for school after the strike is called off instead of just staying Idle and lazy he decided to earn some money. Getting into SS2 class all the students both boys and girls stood up to greet. Most of the students were his age mates as well and by this they thought they are having a new student in the class. Some were murmuring; saying that the class was already choked up for an extra student.

The principal heard them and smiled. The principal went ahead to make the introduction and they were all... I cant really say how they felt. The room became totally quiet. Then Samuel introduced himself further, and the girls in the class stared the more, One of the girl Khadijat started winking her eyes. Samuel thought maybe something had entered her eyes that she was winking so hard. After the introduction was done, The head teacher took him to the staff office and he settled for the days work.

During breaktime, A beautiful girl in her red check shirt and red skirt uniform entered the office. Her elegance and beauty well announced. She was wearing her glasses and her prefect tag on her neck. She was the health prefect of the school. She entered the office not smiling, and not happy as she walked straight to Samuel's table. Meanwhile he was trying to sort out the books given to him for the classes he would be taking for the term.

Ugomma walked in and said... Sir uhhhhm.... this is awkward calling you sir. Samuel looked up, he had pretended not to know she entered. He smiled at her and said...You just have to do that because right now I am your teacher and no form of over familiarity would be tolerated. Good morning to you too and how are you today? She looked at him and scowled, she asked.... why did you have to come to this school sir? Could you not have found any other school to go teach why must it be this one that I and Ifeanyi is schooling?

The questions gave him a shock, thankfully there was no one else in the office to hear what she had said. Some of the teachers had gone out to get what they would eat while the teachers on duty was outside the playground supervising the students as they play to prevent rough and injurious play that students tends to engage themselves in. He sighed... Ahhh women and their emotions everything has to just be about them. Does she really think that am here just to be with her? Yes I know I love her so dearly but I cannot be jobless to stalk someone. This is absurd for her to think this way. Samuel said to himself

He then replied to her; I am here because I want to work and nothing more, I do not care how you feel about it or why you feel it is wrong. Why do you even think that... Miss Ugomma, Ifeanyi is very happy for me that I got to earn my first salary. He came earlier to congratulate me. What then are you saying? She said I don't know why you don't see how awkward this is.... He cut her short immediately and told her; "nothing is awkward about working here, is it because we are friends? Look when its work I must be professional. you're in my office space and you're my student therefore you must know am not your friend at the moment but your teacher. When we get home we can now continue being friends. Please never come into the office to see me if it has nothing to do with the topics that will be treated in the class or for urgent matter that really needs my attention". When she left Samuel felt bad on how he spoke to her but he had to set boundaries. Damn Samuel you were straight as it can be. He sat on his sit rolled it a little and said I think am starting to to get a hang on this and smiled.

After the break Samuel went to SS2 class to teach English. After writing down the scheme of work for the term for the students to copy they used the next 25minutes to discuss on the topic; READING TO IDENTIFY MEANING surprisingly the students were attentive in the class. He noticed that the girls were more attentive and interactive, answering questions and giving contributions. It was now like a form of competition. Surprisingly it was a class of fun and learning. Assignment were given to be submitted the next day. Samuel also entered SS1 class and that of SS3. SS3 class was a revision class in readiness for their SSCE examination.

When it was finally 3:00pm. The feeling of satisfaction crept into Samuel's mind. He began packing up his books into his bag to go home only to notice that Ugonma for some reason was hanging around in the school not ready to go home. He also noticed that Ifeanyi was hanging around as well. He knew they were in a relationship unknown to the rest of the teachers. Some of the students were aware; her friends and Ifeanyi's friends were all aware of their secrete relationship. He knew that both of them hanging around waiting for every other people to leave simply means they were of no good for something was amiss. I have to confront them, Samuel said to himself.

Going to confront them became difficult. He didn't want to appear jealous or trying to sabotage their relationship. He scowled because he knew something had to be done. The school is a place of learning both intellectual and moral values. I just had to meet them. He has to be strategic not to convey the wrong message. By this he opted to meet Ifeanyi alone and not Ugonma. "Boy am done lets go home" He said to Ifeanyi "Guy abeg I want to meet my babe just give me time Ifeanyi responded". You can see her some other place and have whatever talk you think you want to have but not in the school. Don't ever put yourself in a position where you will be caught doing the wrong thing, again while in this relationship do not think to be intimate yet until you know you're capable of taking care of a mother and a child. Ifeanyi laughed and said; guy just one day as a teacher you don dey turn grandpa. Sammy laughed and said am just saying the truth you don't need to be intimate with her just yet. You two can kiss. it shouldn't be more than that.

With much conversation he decided to go home with Ifeanyi. Ugomma ran towards them to join in the gist which was changed immediately they saw her coming. They had a wonderful conversation that lasted for forty minutes which was the longest conversation Sammy ever had with someone and for the first time not about marriage or relationships but about career, subject topics, Which was a discussion he knew well to keep. At interval Ugomma will give me a certain kind of flirtatious look which at a point wasn't comfortable with Sammy. Is she playing with my emotions or is she oblivious of what her actions are doing to me and how I am feeling? Is she doing it on purpose?. Of course I like the way she looks at me but she is with my friend....Sammy in his world of thoughts

While they were going home they took a longer path so that they could enjoy one another's company. They got to a path were cows were grazing and by the sight of the cow Ugomma jumped onto Sammy's arms and not that of Ifeanyi right next to her. Placing all her body on him, tightly she held onto me. He was left to feel the softness of her breast as it was pressed on his chest but he had to act as if it was nothing. god damn it Ifeanyi, how can you trust so much? Can't you see what just happened? He said to my self. He then quickly and gently moved from her grip, Sammy became angry at Ifeanyi for just saying; "This girl you too dey fear". Cant he see what she is doing? Not to talk about the looks she gave me when I put her down from my body.

He scowled; this will not be easy as I thought it would.... CHAPTER 3 LOADING