Second Chances

Meeting him

Elena's pov

**************

Finally, my days as a student of St. Xavier University was over. I graduated with third-class honors which was not too bad considering that I was not too keen on getting a degree, all I had wanted was to design and make clothes.

However, my father Mr. Desmond Badmus would not hear of it. "My only child and daughter would earn her degree first." He had insisted. "I want you to be a lawyer just like me, you can pursue your passion in fashion as a hobby." Father continued as he persuaded me to do as he wanted.

I agreed to fathers demand, you see, I didn't have the will power to stand my ground. My parents knew my weakness and it was easy for them to get me to do as they pleased, especially my mother who ran my life as if it was hers to live.

Meanwhile, in school, I had waited patiently for the chaos that came with students leaving the hostels for their family home every end of school semester to subside, I wasn't in a rush since this was my last day in the hostel and I wouldn't be coming back again.

It was a bittersweet feeling for me as I packed my belongings into my suitcases. Mother ensured that I had everything that would make life easy for me in school, weekly she sent me foodstuffs both cooked and raw. The raw ones were usually given out by me, I wasn't a homely person and could barely boil an egg.

My only roommate Helen had an agreement with me, I provided the foodstuffs and she cooked, I also sorted out some of her bills for her while she washed and cleaned up our apartment and helped me run some errands. It was a win-win situation for both of us.

"I will miss you, Elena." Helen had said the morning of our departure, she looked sad. However, I knew what she would miss was my money and connections my influence gave her. Helen was a good friend to me and I was surprised when I discovered that I would miss her too, apparently, I had gotten attached to her since knowing her for almost four years since I started schooling here.

I glanced at my watch and was surprised to see that it was almost quarter past one in the afternoon and the sun would be at its peak. Helen had left earlier, she got a free ride home from one of her friends, as I packed my belongings I realized that I had no one to help me carry my luggage to my car, the car was a birthday gift from dad for my 20th birthday last year. Mother had chosen the gift for me, she insisted she knew what I wanted and when I should get it.

I opened the door to my flat in the hostel and peeped into the long corridors, the hostel was a three-story building and each floor had a total of 6 flats consisting of two bedrooms, a kitchen, two toilets, and a bathroom for each room, and a sitting room. My flat was at the end of the corridor and had a beautiful view, mother had paid off the earlier occupant so she would vacate the

room for me.

The hostel was almost empty and since I hardly talked to the other students in the hostel, it dawned on me that I would be carrying my luggage to the car all by myself.

I had about three large, two medium and one smaller sized suitcase carefully arranged at the corner of my sitting room. The furniture and other stuff in my room would be moved the next by my father's employees.

I lifted one of the larger suitcases off the ground and began the journey towards my car. I was already sweating before I reached the staircase of my building, my leg ached, it was the most tedious work I had done in my life.

As I stood panting I regretted telling my father not to send help when he called me to ask if he should send the servants over to me. Now here I was breathless, my nails would be ruined before I finished loading the suitcases in the car, which would take all day if I continued like this.

"Watch your step ma'am." The husky voice said while he held me from falling down the flight of stairs. my heels gave way as I was about to take the next step and I almost rolled down the stairs if not for the hands that held me.

I had to steady myself before gazing at him, his arms were huge probably from exercising, I wanted to lay my head forever on his muscular chest, it was so hard and soft at the same time.

"Sorry," I said when I regained my composure. Then my eyes met his and I drowned in the sea of his luminous eyes. My tongue felt tied and I maintained eye contact with him for what seemed like hours. It felt as though I was in a movie, I could hear the soft rhythm of a love song playing nearby.

"Are you okay?" He said, there was a smile at the corner of his mouth. I immediately felt stupid and wondered how long I had been staring at the most gorgeous face I've seen in a long while.

"Yes, I am," I replied shyly. A moment of awkward silence passed before he spoke again.

"I'm Anthony and you are?"

"Elena," I replied, stretching out my hand towards his already outstretched hands. His palms had calluses but it felt warm and made me tingle.

"Nice to meet you, Elena. Do you stay in this hostel, because I haven't seen you before?" He continued.

"Yes, I live at the flat at the end of the first floor," I said. I noticed a frown crisp on his forehead and I wondered why. The frown disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

"Let me help you with that." Anthony took the suitcase and asked me to lead him to where I was taking it to.

"Thank you," I replied and led him to my car. I felt so self-conscious and hoped I looked beautiful to him as most men and women always complimented my beauty. I wished I had taken the time to apply at least a light makeup.

"Do you still have more bags or is this the last one."

"Just five more to go."

"What! isn't that too much luggage?"

"This is my last day here so I'm taking all my stuff back home with me."

"If you say so," Anthony replied and started back to the hostel.

He was such a fine gentleman that I didn't want to part ways with him which was quite inevitable unless a miracle happened.

"Are you a student here."

"Yes."

"What department."

"Engineering."

I thought he would ask me what I studied in school and when he didn't I volunteered the information myself. "I studied law," I said, trying to match his step.

He stopped and looked me over then continued walking, thankfully he reduced his pace which made it easier for me.

When we got to my flat, I expected the usual surprise and admiration most people had when they came into my apartment for the first time. But Anthony didn't flinch, he just took two of the suitcases and went out, I in tow.

When all my luggage was in the car and he had to leave I stopped him.

"Erm..." I stammered "Can I have your phone number so I can call you later in the day." "To say thank you," I added quickly.

He repeated his phone number off hand and asked for mine too. I felt like a child that just got a new toy. "I hope he calls me." I thought to myself

"See you then." He said and made me walk off.

"The campus is almost empty, when do you plan to leave," I said, trying hard to keep the conversation going.

"I don't have much luggage, unlike you." He said and laughed. His eyes shone as he laughed, I felt mesmerized by it all.

I joined in and laughed too, it felt refreshing. "I can wait for you to get your things, then we can drive off at the same time. Where is your car packed? I could shift my car closer to yours." I knew I was beginning to look and sound clingy, but I couldn't help myself.

"I don't have a car, I planned on using a cab," Anthony replied.

"I could drop you off at your place. Please don't say no, that's the least I can do to say thank you for your help earlier."

"Okay, give me a few minutes." He said and left.

I quickly called my mother to tell her I would be home late, she picked at the second ring.

I swallowed hard before speaking, as I was about to tell a lie.

"It's almost 2:00 p.m honey, your dad and I have been expecting you for over an hour plus now. Everyone is waiting and I had the chef make your favorite meals." Mother said, she sounded angry as she spoke. She hated it when things didn't go as she planned

"I'm sorry mum, I am stuck in traffic. I will be a bit late."

"Where exactly are you? Hello."

"I can't hear you mum, the line is breaking," I replied and cut off the call. I knew if I stayed longer on the call with mum I would weaken and go straight home.

I stood fidgeting, my eyes focused on the path Anthony had followed to his hotel. A few minutes later I saw him coming towards me, my palms started sweating and I placed it inside my jeans pocket to keep it dry. I have never reacted to anyone the way I was reacting to Anthony who was only a stranger to me a few hours ago.

"Is this all you are going with," I asked pointing towards the green backpack he was carrying?

"Yes."

"Alright then." I walked to the driver's seat and sat down before Anthony joined me.

"Your location," I asked as I drove away from the campus.

"Ajegunle." He replied

My heart sank, I wanted this man to be part of my life but Ajegunle, that was the slum of Nigeria.

We drove in companionable silence, though I stole glances towards him, he felt so right sitting next to me.

"Turn left," Anthony said abruptly, taking me out of my deep thought. I did as I was told, forcing myself to remain focused.

"My house is the building with the huge black tank in the front yard," Anthony said.

Within seconds I reached the building and stopped the car. I knew this was the hour of our final goodbyes.

Thank you, Elena, I appreciate your kindness." Anthony said to me, smiling. He opened his door and alighted.

I felt disappointed, somehow I had thought he would ask me out on a date.

Meeting her

Anthony's pov

****************

Becoming the best graduating student at St. Xavier University was a dream come through for me. It had not been easy from the start as I had to work harder than most students, coming from a poor family with limited resources made things more difficult for me.

"I can't afford to send you to the university." My father had said to me the day my West African Examination Council (WAEC) result came in and I made a distinction in all the subjects. I watched his face contour in pain and frustration as he spoke those words to me.

I had been heartbroken but not surprised because I knew he was barely making enough to feed us as a roadside carpenter and my mother's work as a janitor in a private secondary school at Ajegunle was even more minimal than what my father earned.

After I graduated from secondary school I spent the next two years working as a record keeper in an engineering firm, my salary came in handy and relieved some burdens of the family from my parents. I loved my job and the people in the firm were nice to me but I wanted more. I had ambitions that I wanted to be fulfilled.

I wasn't aware that my supervisor at the firm had been observing my work ethics, not until he called me into his office a few minutes before we closed work for the day on a rainy Saturday evening exactly two years after I started working in the firm.

"Sit down Anthony." Mr. Peter, my supervisor and head of the Accounting department said to me as I walked into his office.

I sat down at the seat facing him. I ransacked through my mind in case I had done something wrong that warranted being summoned by him. It was the first time he had called me into his office and I became worried he was about to sack me or maybe worse. "What if he found discrepancies in my record." My mind worked in turmoil, different ideas and thoughts pumped into my head and I suddenly became dizzy. I had put myself in a frenzy even though somehow within me I knew I had done nothing wrong.

I tried my best to put my mind at ease but it was quite futile. My boss must have noticed my discomfort and tried to calm me down by making small jokes which made me laugh and put me at ease.

"I know you are wondering why I called you into my office Anthony." He said

I only nodded a yes, tongue-tied to speak.

"I have noticed how hard you work in this firm, your records are perfect and your work ethics admirable. I also realized you are exceptionally intelligent and smart." He continued

I felt honored by his words and my mind settled down more. He wasn't about to fire me after all.

"Do you have any intention of going to the university for a degree?" Mr. Peter said to me, looking at me intently.

"I can't afford to pay my way through sir," I replied

"Would you attend if you had a sponsor?"

"Certainly sir, that would be a dream come through," I said. When my mind wanted to fly with possibilities, I calmed myself down, I didn't want to raise my hopes only to be disappointed again.

He brought out a form from the file on his table and gave it to me. "Fill this form and send it to me tomorrow afternoon. Our company has a scholarship program every year for the children of our staff and I feel you should be given a chance too."

"Thank you, sir." I took the form from him grinning from ear to ear.

"You would have to write a test too in a month to ensure your eligibility but I trust and believe in your capability."

I felt happy by his vote of confidence and felt a renewed energy to work harder "I'm honored by your words, sir."

"Drop the form with my secretary once you have filled it and attach the necessary documents requested too. I will pass more information to you as they come in."

"Thank you, sir," I said and left his office. The future looked brighter already.

*********

And here I was five years later, graduating as the best student and ready to enter the labor market. I was thrilled and scared at the same time and with this excitement, I ran up the flight of steps unknown to me that I was in the wrong building.

When she fell as she missed a step I held her to prevent her from crashing. The first thing I noticed was her alluring perfume. It filled my nostrils and I found it pleasing, her body felt soft in my hands, I couldn't resist holding her longer than necessary.

"Are you okay?" I said steading her.

'Yes, thank you." Her voice sounded melodious in my ears. I felt charmed by her presence, since my five years in the university, I had not dated anyone. I had been so engrossed in my studies that my social life was almost non-existent. Maybe that was why I felt mesmerized by this goddess standing before me.

I smiled down at her when I noticed the big suitcase with her. "Do you stay here?" I asked surprised at why she should be here, it was supposed to be the male hostel

"Yes, last flat by the end of the floor."

I frowned slightly, then it dawned on me that I had entered the wrong hostel, they were three similar buildings standing beside each other, and the female hostel stood in the middle, I had wanted to meet a friend quickly before going home. I had to leave as soon as possible to see him but I did otherwise.

"I will help you with that." I took the suitcase which was heavier than I thought. "Where am I taking this to," I asked her, she was so quiet that I hoped I wasn't scaring her.

"My car." She stuttered a bit. She led the way and stopped in front of a black Venda. The car looked expensive, it only meant she was rich, my heart sank. What would she want to do with a carpenter's son?

I dropped the bag inside the boot of the car and waited thinking that was all but from her demeanor, I knew there was more, so I asked.

"Do you have more suitcases?" I hoped she didn't, it was better I left and soon. The more I stayed close to her the more I wanted her.

"Yes." She said shyly and smiled. My heart skipped a bit, and I felt warmth fill my whole body.

"Let's go then," I said and started walking towards her hostel.

When she unlocked her apartment and I stepped in, I was taken aback by the luxury and exquisite furniture In the apartment, my heart sank further. There was no way she would date someone like me, it was better I forget about pursuing her.

"Here they are." She said and pointed at more large suitcases, I could count up to five of them.

I carried two more and we left the apartment for her car. We made two more trips to and from her apartment to the car, I was exhausted by the time we finished.

"Thank you for your help."

"You are welcome, safe trip home," I said and started walking away, glad it was over and sad I might never see her again.

"The campus is almost empty, when do you plan to leave." She asked me

"Once I get my backpack from my room, I will leave."

"I will wait for you so we drive off together "

"I don't have a car, I will take a taxi," I replied. I didn't want to pretend with her.

"I will drop you off at your place." She said

I wanted to say no, I didn't want to linger around her more than I should then she spoke again

"At least to say thank you."

She looked so eager to help, that I had no choice but to agree and it would also save me some stress too.

"Okay, I will get my bag," I said and walked away.

As I packed my stuff into my backpack, I felt hesitant about Elena driving me home. I knew she wanted to help but still, I didn't feel comfortable about it anymore. My body was reacting to her in ways I had not experienced before and from what I've seen she was wealthy and I was only the son of a Carpenter.

I glanced over the poorly furnished one-room apartment I had shared with two other friends for almost five years now. I scanned the room for the last time before shutting the door behind me.

Elena was still standing in the same position near her car when I reached her and we began the journey home.

"What part of Lagos do you live in?" She asked me.

I knew this was the moment of truth, I wouldn't deny my family just to please a girl I just met.

"Ajegunle," I replied. I saw the shock and disgust flash her face and disappear almost immediately from her face. She couldn't conceal her disappointment when we arrived at my residence. I thanked her and alighted, but on second thought, I entered back into the car and faced her.

"Elena," I said.

When she turned to face me, I knew it was now or never, no going back.

Narrators pov

****************

Elena felt disappointed, she had hoped that he would ask her out to a date or at least make an advance towards her. But he had seemed aloof throughout the journey to his home, he didn't seem a bit interested in her and this was the first time she had experienced such an attitude towards her.

Men usually fell on their feet and confessed their undying love for her from the first time they met her. She knew she was very beautiful at almost 5feet 11inches tall, with an oval face and smooth dark brown skin. She always wore her hair in curls which added an irresistible charm to her looks.

When he said his goodbye and alighted her car, she squeezed her eyes shut and lay back on her car seat, willing herself to gain composure. It baffled her to think that she just met him and he already ruffled her without even trying.

She was surprised when he came back into the car, the way he called her name made her heart leap, she could feel butterflies at the bottom of her stomach. When she turned toward him and their eyes met she had a tingling sensation all over her body. "What power does this stranger have over me." She wondered.

Even as Elena yearned for Anthony she had this fear within her. Would her parents accept this young man, especially her mother, who dreaded anything that was not within her standards? But she pushed the thoughts away, all she wanted, for now, was to be in his embrace, to feel his warmth all over her body.

*************

Anthony on the other hand knew from Elena's reaction to his place of residence that she was probably a spoiled rich brat and a snob, she was however elegant, and her smile was to die for. She was the first lady to have caught his attention in a long time.

He has had his share of admiration from girls over the years, he was tall almost 6 feet, black with an athletic body even though he rarely exercised. Women threw themselves at him in school not just for his looks but also for the respect he commands amongst his friends and peers. He was also intelligent and for almost 3 years head of the student union in school.

If he had been a Casanova, he would have had different ladies on his bed daily, but he wasn't interested, he was focused on his academics only, he needed to graduate with first-class honor as a scholarship student and also to make his parents and Mr. Peter proud of him. He wanted to gain a good job after school and take himself and his family out of poverty.

Falling in love was not part of his plan; he had his whole life mapped out, and dating and getting married was the least on his list. However, it seemed fate had other plans. Here he was sitting before the most beautiful woman he had ever met, his heart beating against his chest loudly that he feared she might hear it. He wanted her, not for a fling but to know her better.

Against his better judgment, he knew dating her would not be easy considering the huge gap in their status but he wasn't one to back out of challenges.

"I like you a lot Elena," Anthony said, looking at her with so much intensity.

Elena could feel the heat spread through her as she blushed. "He likes me." She smiled to herself. She didn't know whether to reply to him or not so she kept quiet and only smiled shyly. Her faux lashes fluttered as she removed her eyes from his gaze, the burning intensity and emotions radiating from them made her knees weak.

"I would love to know you better Elena, that's if you don't mind." He continued, willing her to look at him.

"I don't mind," Elena replied. Glancing at him before removing her eyes.

"Would you go out on a date with me?"

"Yes."

"Is tomorrow afternoon okay with you?"

Elena thought briefly, her mother would want her to stay by her side once she gets home. She knew how pushy her mum could be but she also wanted to stay with Anthony. Going against her mother would be tough but for the sake of what she was feeling, she would have to think of a plan so she could sneak out and meet him.

"Yes, it's okay." She stammered.

"Should I come and get you or we would meet at a particular place."

"No need coming to get me, let's meet up." She said too quickly, this wasn't lost on Anthony but he refused to dwell on it.

"Where do you stay, Elena. I forgot to ask."

"Victoria garden city." She replied.

That was a high brow area for the rich and affluent. Anthony wasn't sure if he should pursue her further, he knew he didn't have the financial power to match hers. She probably had everything money could buy, and he was just a carpenter's son.

He looked at her again, but he couldn't let go. He knew then that he probably was already in love with her and he intended to see where their relationship would lead to.

"Let's meet at Elegushi beach, it's not too far from where you live. There is a coffee shop located opposite the beach. I will be waiting for you there."

"I will be there," Elena said, her mind already working up plans on what to tell her mum.

"Is 2:00 p.m okay with you?"

"Sure."

"See you tomorrow, and please drive carefully," Anthony replied, he watched her drive off before going into his apartment.

Unknown to him, his mother had been watching them the whole time from her window, the window blinds had covered her so it was impossible to notice her. She had never seen her son with any woman before, though it pleased her that he was finally developing interest in the opposite sex, she still felt uneasy, the last thing she wanted for her son was to fall in love with someone who wasn't in the same social circle as them.

The rich and powerful individuals she had come in contact with had left her ego shattered as they ensured they rubbed her poverty and low status on her face without remorse.

The knock-on her door brought her out of her reverie and announced her son's arrival, she would pretend she hadn't noticed his visitor or how long he had spent with her. "There might be nothing going on between them." She told herself, reaching the door she opened it and plastered a welcoming smile for the son in whom she was well pleased.

"Welcome home, Anthony." She said and gave her son a heartwarming hug, shoving away any doubt and apprehension that had earlier surrounded her. Her son was home and that was all that mattered.