Rahel POV
"Hello?" I answered with a hoarse voice. I wondered who could be calling this evening. I couldn't help but check the clock close to my little bunk bed and it was exactly 6 pm which means I had been sleeping for almost one and half hours. Schoolwork had been hectic since we resumed, it hasn't been really easy combining school work with wedding preparations.
After reading through the night, it's expected of us to be in class before 7 am with just an hour break throughout classwork and classes end at exactly 4 pm, that's if the lecturer decided to have mercy on us. Sometimes I felt I would get sick with too much class work we were going through and everything happening with my personal life.
I might be getting married this weekend, that doesn't mean I should neglect my studies because when Aderemi won't be with me again my studies will be the only pillar I would be resting on. My life took a drastic turn since I planned to get my ass married. It has been stressful and with the left and right preparation, you would think I'm getting married in a World-known style, whereas it's just a garden and low-key party.
I read almost every night; I couldn't wait to get married to the man of my dreams and get my exams done. Failing in the two wasn't an option for me. Even though I've got a stressful week, the calls from Aderemi and his voice always soothe my stressed and weak mind. Of course, he doesn't call every day but anytime he does, it would be as if I had taken chilled water after a long race. His calls gave me goosebumps and I wished he could call every time. I couldn't call so that he wouldn't think I was too eager or maybe I was in love already.
It was hard for me to believe I was getting married in 2 days and I've been both happy and nervous about it. In less than 72 hours, I won't just be seeing his calls alone, I will see him every day especially when he's around. Whenever my mind struck that realization, I still think it's a dream. I've not been the only one preparing for this glorious event, my parents, his parents, and a few of our friends were almost ready for our conjugal party. His mum and dad call sometimes too and ask about my preparations for the wedding.
They will be in Nigeria tomorrow and I'm so eager to meet them again. They will soon be my parents too because my husband's parents are automatically my parents. That thought alone was enough to bring a smile to my face.
"Hello?" I heard the caller's voice again. I have forgotten that the stranger was still on the phone.
"Hi" I replied, still naive to the bass voice talking and disturbing my peaceful sleep.
"I guess you didn't save my number and you don't know the person speaking with you with the way you answered me" the person from the other side said.
"Not so...to be frank, I don't know who is speaking to me and I think you should tell me instead of...
"It's Femi" my mouth was agape. I was surprised he could be the one calling by this time because it's been almost 2weeks since we've talked or seen each other.
"I'm at your school gate, can you come and meet me there?"
What the fuck is that? School gate? Did he mean that or he's just kidding? why will he come to my school without prior notice? Did he think he can predict my life or wherever I might be because he's my friend's brother's friend? A lot of questions crossed my mind.
I was planning to give him the best insult of his life when he cut off the words from my mouth even before it was spoken.
"I need to see you, please?" It was as if he was begging and pleading for something. Something I'm not aware of.
"What do you want?" Some words came out from my smart mouth at last.
"We can talk better if we meet, okay? don't abort the call and leave me standing and I know you won't want me to spend money on bribes before I meet you or will you?"
He asked questions I couldn't give answers to; I didn't feel like meeting him and on second thought, meeting him wasn't a bad idea.
The truth is, I don't hate him, I just hate the way Tommy and Mary were trying to pair us up. They know I desire someone else in my heart but they don't seem to mind. They just went on about their matchmaking.
"Are you there?" He asked.
"I'm here" I replied. "I will be with you in a few minutes" I told him.
"Please Rach, don't keep me waiting" then he dropped the call. But who asked him to give me a pet name. Rach? Is he kidding me? I couldn't help the laughter that erupted from my throat. I think Mary needs to stop this nonsense. She needs to see the real handwriting on the wall that I will never be interested in this guy.
"Hey, what's up? You are awake already? Adedamola said through the door. I didn't even know when she opened the door but I guess It must have been when I was so caught up with Femi's call.
"Of course, I'm wide awake" I replied her.
"I'm here to ask if you will be coming to the library tonight, maybe I can join you" I looked up at my friend and neighbor. She's a beautiful girl with a round face worthy to be a facial model. Although she's short, she has the clearest sclera. She's about 5'1 meaning she was way too short. Even with her short stature, she still turned a lot of eyes whenever we were out.
"I don't think I will be going to the library tonight" I told her. I could see the frown on her face but I couldn't tell her I wouldn't be around since I wasn't even sure when Femi will leave 'cause I didn't know when I will be done with the so-called "discussion" he talked about. I stood up from the bed and moved towards my wardrobe to get suitable clothes to wear.
"Are you going out? You know you can't leave the school after 7 pm" I wish she could just shut up and leave- she's kind of nosy. This is one of the reasons Mary will always be my best and closest friend, she knows when I'm in the mood to talk and when I'm not.
"Yes I am, I will be back soon but I can't promise I will be back early. This was why I said I won't be going to the library" I informed her.
"Okay then, let me know when you are back" as she left and I gave a deep sigh in relief but I was curious to know why the man outside my school wanted to see me. I locked my door and left my hostel, eager to get everything done.
"Where are you going?" I heard a man say from behind me. I looked back to see a man in his mid-fifties looking in my direction. It took me almost 30 seconds before I could realize it was the security man. He's a short man with a big belly like a mud pot. His eyes were red and he reeked of alcohol.
"Pardon? What did you say?"
"You don't know that you are not to leave the school hostel after 7 pm? He looked directly into my eyes. What he's searching for, I'm oblivious to.
"I'm so sorry sir, I know that but I have a friend who is here to see me and deliver some foodstuffs from my parents. I need to see him and get it from him" The lies came smoothly. I had to lie not because Femi deserves my attention but because I was curious to hear him.
"Please sir, just give me this chance, I promise I won't let anyone see me and I will be back before 9:30 pm" I gave him an innocent look that can make him change his decision. I knew he was contemplating whether he should allow me or not with the look on his face.
"You can look outside the gate to confirm what I just told you. He's outside waiting for me".
"A lot of people say that and..."
"I will be back soon sir" I cut in.
"Make sure you are back soon" he brought out the keys from his back pocket and unlocked the gate. I muttered a quick thank you and ran out to see my so-called "friend".