That statement was a subtle attack. Sometimes, Timi behaved like he knew more than he was letting on. There was this profound wisdom he seemed to have. He returned to his laptop while I opened the shiny brown wrapping of the chocolate bar. I took a bite and offered him one. he bit the tip of the snack, blew me a kiss, and took a sip of his coffee.
After a few minutes of sitting silently and munching on edibles, my phone buzzed with another text informing me of Julie's arrival.
"Our baby is here," I said in a sing-song voice. Excitement coursed through my veins.
Timi Smirked. "she's more of your baby than she is mine. And I'm more of your baby than I'm hers. " He didn't look up. Instead, he patted my bag." you can leave this with me. I'll wait for you in the auditorium once I'm done with this."
"Are you offering to help me with my bag because you want to prove to be a gentleman or to ensure that I return in time for the lecture by 11"
"It is a mixture of both, baby girl." He chuckled
"I'll see you in two hours." I shoved my phone into my dress pocket, placed my headphones on, and resisted the urge to run as I exited the building.
Julie leaned on the side of the Uber wearing a dress similar to mine. No doubt, she was my twin flame. The times we unknowingly matched clothes reinforced that fact. Plus, she looked beautiful as usual, and her high bun sat pretty atop her head. What followed next were screams and jumps as we embraced each other, drawing unfriendly stares from the other girls in the vicinity.
"Girl, you look good," Julie said as she twirled me.
"You flatter me." I kissed her cheek once more and proceeded to grab her purse from the passenger seat. The driver helped us carry the huge purple boxes into the hostel waiting room where Julie would be assigned a room by the fat grumpy woman behind the desk.
She was given a key to her room after filling out some consent, pledge, and commitment forms. As the universe would have it, her room was right beside mine. We dragged the boxes up one at a time, tripping and giggling. Her room was exactly like mine except her roomies were more friendly. They shared overly friendly nice to meet you hugs and even helped with the setup before they left for their various classes.
Juliet and I bonded as we continued setting up. She told me of her indifferent, cheating boyfriend who still managed to lavish her with gifts, of her extorting brother and a new future stepmother. For my part, I filled her in on Daniel and Beatrice. She was as shocked as I was.
"I feel it is time for you to confess how you feel to him" Julie smoothed out the corners of the Lilac bedsheet as she tucked it in. Her love for the shades of purple
"What?" I suddenly straightened my back. "NO"
" Come on, Eve. at least, you'll be able to know what is and move forward if need be." Julie moved her hands as she talked. A mannerism of hers.
"I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm shy plus what if he doesn't feel the same?"
"Then at least you'll know and be able to forget about him. You are getting dangerously obsessed."
"That is a complete lie." I shook my head
"Have you seen how your eyes sparkle when you talk about him" Julie popped her hip to one side and placed her hand on it. I blinked a couple of times. Has it been that obvious? Could he tell too?
No matter what, I knew I couldn't bring myself to do it. But Julie did have a point though. Knowing how he felt about me would clear the air. Glancing at the wall clock placed on the center wall made me realize that I had 20 minutes to get to the lecture hall. Phew, I have had a very busy morning.
I gave Julie a quick hug and rushed out of the door. Luckily, I found a campus shuttle and boarded it. There was no way I could make it in time for my class with my slender legs. Timi was seated on the second row, and beside him was my black bag. I took my seat beside him, stole a gulp from his water bottle, and settled down for the lecture. Julie and I made plans to meet up at 3 for lunch.
After two more exhausting classes. Timi and I made our way to the cafeteria for the second time to join Julie. Her cheerful wave set her apart from the crowd and we could easily spot her.
"Hey, girl." Timi greeted as he pulled her in for a hug. "It is great to see you again. Welcome to madness."
"Yeah, I know right? You would not believe how stressed I am. The lady at the faculty office was rude." the lines on Julie's forehead became visible as she frowed. Complaining didn't just suit her bright nature.
"Again, welcome to uni madness." Timi chuckled.
After we got our meals, we occupied one of the empty round tables in the hall. Julie sat beside me while Timi took the chair directly opposite me. We ate our food with a sprinkle of His jokes here and there. He was also kind to help us with pooping our drinks open. In my heart, I hoped he finds a girl who appreciates his kind gestures-unlike his ex. Timi told me the story once. He had been completely shattered and lost. Guess we've all had that one time where we loved too much only to get crushed. I admired how much of a green flag he was. If only my heart had not beat for Daniel, I probably would have gone for him.
After a few minutes, Timi left to get us some more drinks, and not long after he left, Daniel materialized behind me, poked my sides, and proceeded to take over Timi's seat. My heart skipped a beat, and it kept skipping the minute he flashed me a flirtatious smirk and a wink. Juliet stretched her hand across the table to give him a high-five. Close on his heel was his close friend- the cheating Edward. Julie's supposed better half. He bent halfway and kissed her forehead. Since we hated each other, he only spared me a half-nod which I didn't reciprocate. I had temporarily forgotten Timi was part of our company till he approached our table. The irritation on his face was visible. After handing Julie and me our drinks, he picked up his bag and excused himself. Yes, he did not like Daniel one bit for reasons best known to him. He declined my offer to join us but promised to call me later.
"What is with him?" Daniel raised a questioning brow and pointed to Timi's retreating silhouette with his thumb.
"Um.. he's had a long day" My attempt to make up an excuse for Timi failed miserably as Daniel gave me a knowing look.
"Dude just hates me." he cast a side glance at Edward who nodded in support.
"I don't think that is the case." I insisted.
"Yeah. Whatever" Daniel scoffed. "I'm here to propose a double date for the four of us. Eve, we should get to know each other better."
I felt multiple butterflies in my belly as Daniel reached out to caress my hand. I was so lost in the moment that I could not bring myself to give him a fitting reply. Julie beat me to it.
"Yes. that would be great."
"Is tomorrow evening by 7 convenient?"
"Of course," Julie spoke again.
"Eve?" Daniel reached out to touch my face. "Say something" he urged
"I would be delighted." I blushed.
Eve. I loved how he voiced my nickname.