Christmas holidays ended, and everyone returned to their normal activities.
* * *
Four hundred level, began in earnest. But the evil committed by male lecturers continued and even worse.
At the end of this level, another lecturer frustrated me. I had to meet to his demands, having no choice. But I was a bit glad that I didn't get pregnant after this one.
* * *
Then my final year at uni. I did all my possible best to make sure, I passed. My projects turned out great and excellent, then I wrote my final exams.
Unfortunately, two lecturers having seen my efforts and knew I was qualified for first class, frustrated me. Of course they asked for nothing else but Shay! I sluggishly allowed them have their fun, but knew within me that they wouldn't get away with their evils.
Who would ever believe that I went through all these in school?
* * *
I passed, and graduated with first class. Dad threw a big party to celebrate my success. I invited friends from College, and friends invited other friends. The event hall was full, as everyone was indeed happy for me. Despite all that, I sought for happiness that day, but it refused to come. I smiled a lot that day, but there was a lot going on beneath that smile. Anger, Pain and Sadness dominated me.
I got a shocker. Mum came with David to the party. At this time, David was 2yrs old. I was surprised and happy at the same time.
"Mum?" I asked in surprise.
"Yes dear, please can we talk somewhere quiet?" I nodded and took my baby brother by his hand, then led them to the lounge.
There, we sat and I lapped my baby brother, while mum sat beside me.
"My daughter, I want to apologize for suddenly turning different and maltreating you. Honestly, I don't know what came over me, but please do find a place in your heart to forgive me dear. Please..." Mum said with sincerity and wanted to go on her knees but I immediately stopped her.
"Please don't do that mum..." She sat back and wiped the tears that came out.
"David fell Ill, just after he clocked 1 year. His illness was to the point of death. We nearly. lost him Florence." I was beyond shocked.
"What! And you guys didn't tell me? Oh my God!" I buried my face in my palm.
"Oh dear, my husband didn't want to bother you at all. I gave my life to Christ a month after he fell Ill. I then regretted all my past mistakes and cried to God for a change. I thank God David got healed and is healthy now. Please my dear, I am terribly sorry."
I let go of my brother and locked mum in an embrace.
"It's okay mum. Everything happens for a reason. I love you mum."
"Oh thank you my dear. I love you too."
* * *
I received gifts from friends, after the party. Dad gave me a bigger gift.
A job offer to resume work immediately I was done with NYSC. Indeed I was short of words.
"Thank you so much dad. I really appreciate your efforts towards my education. Thank you, this means a lot to me. I said with joy and hugged him.
" You are welcome dear. I thank God that I helped you then. Your star is truly bright, and I'm proud of you."
Dubem approached me after the party.
"Congratulations dear. I am proud of you." He said in smiles.
"Oh thanks Dubem. Thanks for being a wonderful friend and brother to me during College days."
"That's no problem. I don't regret being one to you. I have a confession to make Florence." My mind raced, and thought of what he wanted to say.
"I'm in love with you! I felt this way from the first time we met at the bar. I don't know if you feel the same way. But if you don't, it's okay. I'm glad I have told you what has been lingering in my heart." I blushed uncontrollably. I knew I did felt the same way.
"Dubem, I... I think I feel the same way."
"Really? Oh thank God. I guess it won't be wrong to do this..." He brought out a ring and went down on one knee.
"Florence dear, will you marry marry me?"
I was blown away. Yes I had feelings, but I wasn't expecting this so soon.
"I... I will... Yes! Yes I will marry you!" He placed the ring on my finger, then stood on his feet and kissed me.
"Thank you. I feel like the happiest man on this earth. But one more thing dear. I will be going overseas for my Masters. That may delay our wedding plans a bit. But am glad I have done the needful." I hugged him.
"No problem sweet, I understand. And I am so happy for you." We hugged again.
"I love you..."
"I love you too..."
* * *
Isabella and I became close. We now behaved like sisters. Surprised?
Well, after my 'big party' she came to me and apologized. She was indeed a changed person. With everyone at peace, we lived as a one big family.
* * *
I told mum and dad about my engagement, and they were more than joyous.
The two families(Dubem's and ours) met and got to know each other better, before Dubem left for overseas.