Chapter 3 A NEW FACE A NEW FEELING

It was morning and the sun shone brightly, reflecting through the curtains into our room. "Good morning," Joy greeted. I looked up and saw her dressed in a white shirt and dark blue flay skirt. Her black shoes shone so perfectly that you could see your face in them. She had sprayed a vanilla and oud perfume blend, which made the whole room smell delightful.

"Good morning," I replied after scanning her from head to toe with both my eyes and mind.

"Aren't you going for lectures? I mean, it's the first day," she asked, already putting on her tie

I immediately reached for my phone. It was already 7:00 a.m.

"OMG! My lecture starts by 8. I better start preparing!" I yelled and dashed into the bathroom.

"I'm off to school, Vanessa. Please make sure you lock the door, and don't forget your key. I might be coming home late today," she said loudly so I could hear from inside. I heard the door click shut behind her.

I came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel and wearing a shower cap. I paced around, searching for where I had kept my body lotion. I argued with myself over whether I packed it in my bag or left it at home when I heard a knock on the door. I thought it was Joy, probably back because she forgot something. I didn't hesitate to open it.

"Joy, why are ....." I paused mid-sentence. It wasn't Joy.

It was a guy. Not just any guy. A breathtaking guy. His presence was enough to silence me.

He was nothing like Chris.

Chris. Just thinking of him made me want to roll my eyes. If not for my mother's constant persuasion, I would never have agreed to date him. I remember it vividly, like it happened yesterday.

It started when a guy chatted me up on Facebook. His pictures were attractive, but pictures can be deceiving. When we finally met in person, I was disappointed he was far from what I expected. Average height, chubby, a big tummy, a bald head, and a habit of spitting while talking. I almost puked the first day we met. But he begged and begged to date me. I wasn't sure what to do.

So I went to my mum's house for advice. I needed someone to talk to.

"Hey my baby, come in," she said, opening the door. She stepped aside and let me in. I sat on the green couch.

"You look sad. What's the problem?" she asked. Sometimes, I felt like my mum faked her concern. But right now, I needed someone.

"Mum, I..."

"Before you say anything, did you take the money I asked you to collect from your dad? I hope he didn't suspect you're giving it to me," she cut in.

I opened my bag and handed her ₦20,000 in cash.

"That's my smart daughter! So what were you saying again?" she asked, pretending to care.

"There's this rich guy I met on Facebook. After months of chatting, we met at a restaurant. But mum, he's not what I expected. He's not attractive at all. He asked me to be his girlfriend. I rejected him."

"Wait, what?!" she exclaimed. "You rejected a rich guy?"

"But mum, I don't like him."

"Do you think I liked your father? I agreed to marry him because he had money. He was so rich, he sent his two younger brothers abroad and funded everything. I seduced my way into his heart. Unfortunately, your father fell way too deep for me. Now, with all these responsibilities, things are tough. This isn't the life I pictured. So my dear, if this guy is rich, accept him. Don't you want to help your dad out with some bills? Especially me. I'm not getting younger. Give him whatever he wants as long as he keeps the money coming."

And that was how I agreed to date Chris. For two whole years.

He spoiled my mum. She treated him like her personal ATM. I felt guilty, but his money was paying my bills. I never asked my dad for money. He didn't suspect a thing because my mum told me to lie that I had an online job as a virtual assistant. I even faked earning small amounts from there. Till today, I haven't told my mum that Chris and I are over. I just want to avoid her. She caused everything.

Well, I'm glad Chris's chapter is closed for good.

And now, standing in front of me, was a man who didn't just look good, he had presence.

"Hi, I'm Fred. You must be Joy's roommate," he said with a calm, deep voice.

"Yes... I'm Vanessa," I replied, trying not to sound awkward.

He smiled. His teeth were perfectly white, his skin tone was smooth and fair, and he had well-shaped eyebrows that gave him a slightly mischievous look. He was dressed casually in a black round-neck t-shirt and joggers. His cologne filled the air with a woody, musky scent.

"Joy forgot her file I came to drop it off."

I took the bag from him. Our fingers brushed, and I froze a little.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"You're welcome. You're new here, right?"

"Yes. First day of lectures today."

"Nice. I'm a final year student, mechanical engineering. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

He smiled again and turned to leave.

"Wait, would you like some juice?" I blurted out.

He turned around slowly and nodded. "Sure."

We sat and talked for a while. He was easy to talk to. I found myself laughing at his jokes and even talking about things I rarely told people. He was mature, polite, and carried himself with a quiet confidence.

He didn't stay long. After his drink, he stood up. "It was nice meeting you, Vanessa. I'll see you around."

"Same here," I replied, watching him leave.

After he left, I sat in silence for a while. My heart was beating faster than usual. I didn't know what it was, but Fred had a presence that lingered even after he was gone.

That evening, Joy came back from school looking tired.

"Did anyone come around?" she asked while removing her shoes.

"Yeah, someone. Your brother. He brought your file"

Joy smiled. "Fred? He's always acting like he's my dad. I told him I'd buy something in school, but he insisted."

I nodded and smiled.

"He's nice," I added.

"Yes, he is," she said, removing her earrings. "Too nice sometimes. But he's very protective. He's all I have."

I didn't say anything. I just smiled and went back to folding my clothes.

That night, I dreamt of Fred.

His smile, his voice, the way he said my name.

For the first time since arriving at UNILAG, I felt like something, or someone, special was about to become part of my story.

And I couldn't wait to see what happened next.