Chapter 1 Meeting friends

They met in the University during a class, a few weeks before their matriculation, yet it seems like they have known each other for years. They were studying the same course - English and Literature and were in their first year with everything still looking a bit strange to them. The three friends - Anne, Josephine, and Naomi were very different individuals with some similarities. While Anne and Naomi were both from Edo State, Josephine was from Delta State. Both Anne and Josephine were Catholics while Naomi attended a Pentecostal church.

They had gathered for a class at a one-thousand-capacity lecture theatre(LT) and after waiting for close to one hour, it became obvious that the class would not hold. The moment the class rep announced that the class had been canceled, the hall became momentarily rowdy as the majority of the students were going out of the hall at the same time.

"I'm going back to the hostel" Naomi announced, standing up from where she sat.

When she received no response from either Anne or Josephine who were engrossed in their phone, she became pissed and left.

The hall was almost empty when the two friends decided to go home.

"Are you boarding a bus?"

"No".

"Okay, see you tomorrow then, I'm boarding a bus".

"Okay bye".

Since she was trekking to the main gate alone, Anne kept herself busy by listening to music through her Earphones. She walked past June 12, a popular shopping mall, and walked past where the hostels are located. She passed the chemistry department after crossing the road, and as usual, it was very cool and airy. Naomi would always say the department is always cool because of the stress and calculations the students encounter daily even though Anne would argue that all departments are just as stressful. After about fifteen minutes of walking under the scorching sun, she finally got to the main gate where she boarded a bus to take her home.

* * * * * *

It was 05:04 pm, and having slept for most of the time since she arrived a few hours ago, she proceeded to make dinner. She often joked that her family made her school from home not because they loved her too much but so that she could continue with the chores. Even though it is only a joke, Anne knows that to some extent it is true. She hurriedly prepared dinner, did the dishes, and settled down to browse the internet. Logging into her favorite social media platform, Facebook, she met tons of messages from old and new friends, and as expected, she ignored them all, searching for the familiar name 'Collins-Maxwell' who over the years remained her favorite friend on Facebook. Their friendship dates back to Anne's Senior secondary school days, Collins was in his first year at Lagos State University and their friendship had blossomed since then. Their friendship had only a setback- her delay in responding to his relationship proposal. A message soon popped up at the top of her screen.

"Hello there, good evening "

Good evening, How was your day?" And so they talked about other things

like they always do.

"You mean you trekked to the main gate with your tiny legs??" Collins asked at a point.

"It wasn't so long a journey and mind you, my legs are not tiny " she defended. Just then her phone rang and it was Josephine.

"Hey, good evening ".

"Good evening, Exam timetable is out, we have less than two weeks before the exams commence ".

"Are you for real?? They've barely taught us anything worthwhile ".

"Maybe they will be more serious now before the exams ".

"I doubt that, anyway thanks for calling, did you call Naomi?"

"I will, after this call".

"Okay bye".

Wow! She exclaimed inwardly and told Collins of the latest development.

"You should quit Facebook for now and face your books instead ".

"I still have a week plus to prepare sir".

"I know but I want you to be serious and make me proud ".

"Make you proud as my Father or what?"

"As your would-be husband of course ".

"I have told you to stop dreaming, Collins".

"But seriously when will you give me a reply to my proposal?"

"You are right, I have to study for my exams. Good night Collins".