by Chuks Gerry
Shsss, how do you know he is responsible for that? Don’t say what you don’t know,’ reprimanded Nneka.
Oh please,’he waved his hands in absolute dismissal of her remark. We both knew how he threatened to get even with Tina and as far as i’m concern Eugene is not one to make empty threat. Watching him roll his eyes gesticulating while speaking made her smile. She loves the wits and frankness he exudes and being a sapiosexual by nature she was quite hook.
Why are you smiling at me like that? He queried before she could change her expression.
Oh nothing,’she replied feigning, returning back to the note she was writing.
C’mon spill it; something else is on your mind.
Well it’s just that over the period of our friendship, you’ve stayed true to form and remained consistent. I may not be the best person in the judgement of character but I’m convinced you’re a good person.
Ibrahim let out a deep sigh placing his hands across her shoulder and squeezing ever so gently saying,’I don’t know the reason for this compliment but is nice hearing it.
He looked over her shoulder to see Eugene approaching. He came across the hall exuding an air of confidence with his peculiar winning boyish grin, exchanging compliments with all and sundry as he made his way casualy to his favorite folks.
What’s up brethren? He said with a cheerful grin giving Ibrahim a firm handshake and a warm pat on the back for Nneka.
Here is your copy of Mr Abiodun essay assignment,’Ibrahim said curtly. You owe me a thousand naira.
Oh nice, what can I ever do without you,’he gestured flipping through its pages. Taking out his wallet, he whisked out a thousand naira note and gave to Ibrahim as he took his seat. He closed his eyes tightly, rubbing both his hands on them exclaiming how fagged out he was. Getting closer to him, Nneka could perceive the remote stench of alchohol on his breath.
Are you inebriated? She questioned furrowly.
Why, no i’m not. Oh is it because of the headache, forget I even mentioned it. Its infact gone,’ he mumbled defensively.
Yea I think you’re right Nneka, Eugene you’re slosh,’attributed Ibrahim. You reek of alchohol and weed.
That is infact a lie,’he insisted looking at them puzzled. Alright, alright gimme a break both of you, for godsake my girlfriend dumped me. I’m the one losing my mind here and can you please wipe that prejudice look off your faces, am in a freaking depressing mood right now. Please guys try and understand.
No we don’t,’Nneka began with a notch,’ever since your breakup, you’ve slipped off and become absentminded. You’ve been more than please to dump your assignments on us and allow us pick up the slack. You miss lectures at interval, even last week presentation and defense. Let me remind you our dissertation is by the corner and one stumbling block can topple even the toughest fortress.
Are you implying I’m the weak link? He asked peevishly.
Listen Eugene, it’s just a relationship,’Ibrahim butted in,’not the end of the world and definitely not the end of your life. Take a break and relax, she will probably come around when the time is right.
I guess not, you guys ain’t getting it at all. I love her,’he said emphatically,’I am in love with her. What I feel for her is special unlike any other, perharps which is why I’m reacting this way. Honestly I don’t even know what I’m doing here talking to the both of you,’he said as if thinking outloud,’when I can go over and bare my heart to her.
That will be a bad idea trust me,’Nneka quipped,’ but I can arranged for a meeting or something,’she continued in an effort to dissuade him.
Sorry, not after referring to me as a weakling and stumbling block. It’s high time I get acquainted with getting things done by myself around here,’he retorted. My princess here I come,’he said swinging to his feet, moving in his usual gallant swag to the front pew.
Let’s see how this melodrama unfolds,’Ibrahim heaved nibbling nervously on his thumbnail. Nneka dropped her pen and took out her mobile phone. They both knew that since the discord between Eugene and Amina began, hot arguments have been the norm which Nneka find somewhat theatrical and worthy of recording to be used for her own personalise skits. What is about to unfold will certainly make an interesting addition to her collection.
Amina was engaged in lighthearted conversation with a few pals when she caught glimpse of him approaching, exuding grandeur and with a crooked grin which made him all the sexier. She withdrew immediately and turned pensive, throwing her full concentration on her textbook. Her sudden taciturn mode change was a total red flag but he brazened it out and said hello. From their vantage position Ibrahim and Nneka peered on. Amina as expected was distant, restrictive and unreceptive but it was lost to Eugene who was all out to impress, determined to get through to her. This went on for a while until Amina suddenly spranged up and made to stomp out but Eugene gripped her firmly, going down on one knee depicting a proposal posture, pleading his heart out. His theatrical display for forgiveness was not lost on the entire hall; with rapt attention they focused on the scene especially being that it involved one of the biggest and popular players on campus. She managed to wringgle her hands from his grip, shoved him aside and hurried for the exit. Nneka made to go after her but was nudged by Ibrahim, pointing out Mr Abiodun emerging figure from the opposite direction. With moist eyes and dazed expression, Eugene stood up and flounced out of the hall to be on his own for a while.The whispering and muttering quickly transformed to staggering laughter as he took the walk of shame.
Mr Abiodun gives a leverage time of five minutes to everyone both within and outside the hall to prep before ordering for both entry points to be shut. A piece of paper is passed around for everyone present to put down their names. Attendance is mandatory to Mr Abiodun and he made sure to consult his list when grading his students.
I better put a call across to Amina,’Nneka said scrolling for her number,’she didn’t see Mr Abiodun coming as she was in such haste.
You dont need to,’Ibrahim responded staring ahead, she followed his gaze to see Amina settling on her seat, looking calm with a demure expression which reveals little of her countenance.
I suggest you call Eugene instead. He was absent at the previous two classes, failing to be present for this lecture will definitely spell doom for him in the forthcoming examination,’he pointed out. She dialed his digits severally but couldn’t get through to him.
Don’t think he’ll be attending today’s lecture either because he keeps busying my call,’she muttered.
When Mr Abiodun had settled, he began his lecture which went on for well over an hour, were he spent more time reprimanding their lack luster to academics reinforcing his stance concerning hardwork and dedication. He instructed the groups under his supervision to meet with him immediately after the lecture as it regards their thesis. He exited the hall at exactly three forty pm leaving enough buzz as usual in his wake. Amina went over to join her friends as they discussed about the various project topics they had source, debating on which to present or discard. Conclusively they streamlined it to five topics before proceeding to Mr Abiodun’s office which was on the building first floor. On their way up the stairway quickly Amina remembered her handbag excused herself and went to get it. Gathering her stuff together, she politely excused herself from some colleagues curious to what to know more of what transpired earlier. She hurried up the flight of stairs as fast as she can; upon reaching the landing she encountered Eugene who looked disgruntled and pale. She made to walk pass him but he held unto her leading her into one of the empty halls.
Please listen to what I’ve to say before you walk out on me,’ he pleaded. Her first intuition was to flounce out ASAP but something kept her transfixed on the spot. He was looking forlorn and diminished a sight which made a fissure on her frozen heart. Letting go of her, he took a deep breath and poured his soul.
For every pain—hurt I’ve caused, please forgive me. For the heartbreak or teardrops you shed broken, my soul
ache in regret,’he paused biting his lower lip in a bid to control his emotion. I love you,’he continued staring deeply in her eyes,’not because of your beauty, feminity or sexual appeal. I love you not because of your intelligence, spirituality or body. I’m in love with you because you make my life complete. Knowing you these past months have been the happiest for me. Your love is like spring sunshine, giving beauty to anything it beholds. I don’t wanna loose that beauty, I don’t wanna loose you. I need you and am ready to do anything to make it work, mi Corazon.
Feeling the heat of his breath so close in combination with the fiery sincerity in his tone, stung her heart forcefully shattering her emotionally frozen fortress.
Eugene i——i’m still skeptical about all these,’she stuttered trying to gather her thoughts. I will ha—-have to—-
But you can’t be skeptical about this,’Eugene interjected lowering his head further to meet her lips. His lips brushed against hers softly, sparingly savoring the aroma of her scent before parting it aside to gain more acess. They kissed passionately, tugging and groping at their bodies oblivious of their surrounding as gradually it intensifies. When their lips finally parted he looked into her eyes, it was soft, glassy and positive yearning back at him. She smiled at him, a smile that signals a new beginning. Truth be told she was tired of fighting and everything in between. Time to unwind and be less uptight, probably it will help ease off the extreme tension surrounding her academics plus a boyfriend on the side wasn’t too benevolent. Eugene the bad good guy was the best she’d ever kissed. Oh well -—he was the only guy she’d kiss and definitely good at it, something she’d probably be wanting more often.
What are you thinking about? Eugene words softly eased her back to reality, his stares piercing through her glassy brown eyes reaching out to her soul searchingly.
Hmmm, why did you have to stop silly,’she replied coyly pulling him closer and the kisses rages on becoming fiercer by the second. He put his hands across for better balancing, caressing and squeezing gently at intervals. Their heartbeats increased dramatically that it felt it could be heard way across the corridor. The ensuing vibration accompany by music playing dazzled them back to reality, reminding them they ain’t the only souls in the world.
Who’s it? He asked in a sultry husky tone as she struggle to get out her mobile from her handbag.
It’s Ibrahim! She exclaimed breathelessly pausing to receive his call.
Our group is next in line to see Mr Abiodun, we’d better be going,’ she said in a flurry after she hunged up.
Ok you run along while I go get my books. I will meet up with you guys in a jiffy.
Ibrahim was a nervous wreck when she returned prancing up and down, with hands akimbo. Nneka on the other hand wasn’t different either. She was furious as well but laid back.
Where the hell have you been,’he shrieked, his cracked tenor riddled with frustration,’ we are next in line. This is a wrong time for you and Eugene to be MIA. What is the matter with both of you?
Actually I met Eugene when coming and we————-
Excuse me if I didn’t know better I would have concluded you guys were saboteurs intentional planted to frustrate our effort,’he cutted in fuming.
Take it easy Ibrahim,’Nneka chipped in,’no one is a saboteur alright?
Alright,’he responded raising his hand up as if giving up. By the way were is Eugene, can’t see him with you.
He will be here any moment,’she replied solemnly.
Honey, Mr Abiodun isn’t in a good mood. He has been trashing and tossing out almost every other group that had gone in there. There goes the reason for Ibrahim terseness,’Nneka explained.
In that regards, I must say it wasn’t intentional that I or Eugene chose to act in such subversive manner but still I’ll take responsibility for our shortcoming and offer an apology on our behalf for any wrongdoing.
Wow, since when did you start making excuses and apologizing on behalf of your ex, is there something else we don’t know or you ain’t divulging? Ibrahim smiled pensively at her.
That is so true,’Nneka concurred. This babe is being coy, I mean despite the outer tension I noticed a blooming glow in your countenance something I haven’t seen in a while. C’mon, stop being a prude and spill out the salacious details. God knows it’ll go a long way to calm all our wrecking nerves.
They all burst into laughter especially at Nneka faux accent. Amina went ahead to give them a brief download of how she and Eugene had patch things up some few minutes ago. From the way and manner she exudes confidence, her eyes beaming with hope and her brightened countenance, they all felt her joy and willingness in letting go and giving it a second chance. They were happy for her and expressed it with lots of encomiums. The office door flunged open, Mr Abiodun huge frame stood at the entrance in rage raving and swearing as their colleagues filed out of his office. When they had all exited he beckoned on the next group to come in ASAP before banging the door shut. Quite nervously they knocked on his door, heard a disgruntled reply before stepping inside. They opened the door and filed in, with Amina surreptitiously typing a frantic sms on her mobile to Eugene. Ibrahim who was the team leader led the way and stood facing Mr Abiodun who was engrossed on his monitor not even pausing for a second to acknowledge their presence. The silence that ensued even though enthralling worked in Ibrahim favour at calming his nerve and building his self confidence, the only glitch was Eugene obvious absence.
Where is the list of your prospective dissertation topics,’he said brusquely still focused on his PC. Ibrahim forage through his file took out a sheet and presented it to him. He removed his glasses, wipes his eyes with a hanky then put it back on and focused on the paper. His gaze moved intermittently from them back to the note.
Who’s the Head of this team?
I am sir,’Ibrahim responded
And how many are you in this group?
We are four sir.
Okay, were’s the fourth person? He inquired his stare burned at the trio especially on Ibrahim.
He went to make use of the gents, but will be here any moment,’he stuttered. His excuse wasn’t convincing or plausible to the hearing of Mr Abiodun who gave them a flinty glare.
I’ve got no time for this nonsense. You all will step outside and wait until he returns, then come back for my formal address. And if I don’t get to address you guys before I take my leave, then better prepar———.There was a knock on the door cutting him midway.
Come in,’he yelled impatiently.The door opened and Eugene step in.
Yes can I help you?
He’s with us sir,’rejoinded Ibrahim. A mobile phone on the large office table rang, Mr Abiodun glance at it with a frown. Seeing that the caller was someone familiar he hurriedly answered it. He flew into a string of dialogue in Yoruba that swiftly destroyed his mood.
Where’ve you been bro, you almost got us all in trouble,’Ibrahim whispered at Eugene.
Relax dude, it wasn’t intentional. I heard some very disturbing news that there is an ongoing virulent terrorist attacks and shootings in town and market. Guys it’s everywhere on the news and social media, quite deadly. I think we better hurry and start leaving,’his eyes glint as he spoke.
Market you say, which in particular? Nneka asked slightly perturbed.
Am not sure for now but I’m expecting a call any moment to furnish me with more info.
Suddenly his mobile rang as if in tune which he cautiously silience, staring at Mr Abiodun who was already hyperventilating with beads of sweat streaming down his bald hair to his face. It was obvious he was in a dilemma even though he tried to put up a front, still engrossed in his conversation. Eugene waited till he looked away then stealthly sneaks out of the office to answer his call. With Eugene gone and MrAbiodun engaged, Nneka brought out her mobile and tried putting a call across to her mother but it kept going straight to voice message. Deeply troubled she kept trying.
Any luck yet,’Ibrahim queried for the umpteenth tim
e.
No not yet,’she replied dazed.
Don’t worry darling it’s probably network issues.
I can’t even get across to any of my mother’s employees sef, damn. Seriously I wonder why the NCC don’t impose and enforce severe sanctions on these telecommunication companies on their miserable services despite the billions of naira they snuff out of the poor masses each month.
Yea we all wish they would but like every other public sectors they have been compromised.
The line went dead on the other end, Mr Abiodun looking distraught told them to be patient a little as he dialed another number and continue in his banter. Amina whom have been quiet all this while placed her hand on Nneka shoulders alerting her.
Eugene is right you know. Based on what I can deduce from Mr Abiodun discourse, things are worst and casualties much but I’ve faith that none of our loved ones are involved,’she said reassuringly.
There was a large explosion which shook the entire bulding accompany by several gunshots. Shaken by the explosion Mr Abiodun abruptly ended his conversation and together with his students went outside. The view which beholds them was ghastly.There was pandemonium everywhere with dead bodies lying around. Some strange people wearing an all black assemble and mask covering ninty percent of their face were shooting sporadically and obviously the ones responsible for the panic. They shot at the student, lectures, traders, transporters anyone one within range. They were all over the place with their weaponary going from halls to offices to shops. One of the attackers looked up, saw them and started hurling profanities at them alerting his men. Mr Abiodun hurriedly ordered everyone back into the office, locking the door. They closed the louvers and lie down on their belly face downward, heart beat racing listening to the eerie cries filtering through from outside.