A CHRONICLE OF MY UNIVERSITY DAYS. BY DARLINGTON NWOSU.
First day of clearance at school was always stressful. The process wasn't much but there was just this stressful nature about the whole day. From my mum waking me up by 4am to catch a 9am flight (from our house to the airport is almost an hour) to check in, to haggling with the airport cab guys, to arguing with Mr Donatus (the hostel porter) about which hostel I wanted, everything about that day just makes you tired.
Except for the 'guy howfar' you got from friends you haven't seen since early July. We had just come back from long vacation and
On 16th September 2016, I came into that semester confident and ready to hit that jackpot again.
200level was supposed to be just like 100level, a repeat of good work and concentration. I had no choice than to be serious, i certainly was.
I'm Nnadi Donald, the quiet boy who had a triangular movement at school from class to church then to hostel. I didn't smile much, I didn't have much "friends " either. So, I was a snub to some people but a gem to others who knew me. Being in a relationship was the last thing on my mind as a first year student. I just wanted to study, play football during leisure time and make a first class at the end of 4years. I was on track. Sometimes, teasing news filtered in my ears about someone liking me but I didn't pay attention. It didn't cross my mind to loosen up. I wanted to stay focused, the only time you wouldn't see me with my school bag was when I am on the pitch, trying to get a spot in the school team. Also, I wanted to be the best RB in the school. All these were in full swing.
"Have you settled with the SRA"? If you don't pay all..... Mr. Donatus voice faded slowly at least for that moment into thin air. The earth paused and everything stood still at least for me and my imagination.
She was on a red dress, Damn! The most beautiful girl i have ever seen till this day. A returning student won't ask where the SRA base table was, so I knew she was a fresher.
My heart sank in instantly, I was so surprised. She took a teller from her box. I didn't know what to think, she was jaw dropping beautiful. I was brought back to my senses by the deep voice of Mr. Donatus. He was formerly in the army so as I heard, "My friend! Sign this thing and leave, that's how you people will be absent minded everytime, what are you even thinking? Fine boy like you, you have children? ". I cared less about what he said. She took the teller to a man standing by the security posts, she resembled him in a young female body and that's when I realized it was her DAD. I immediately canceled any thoughts of even saying hi to her that day.
I kept thinking about her the next few days as I climbed the staircases and walked the hallways, trying to get my lecturers sign my course form. I hardly entered an office that I wasn't welcomed with "Donald right? Hope you keep it up this semester ". I wasn't thinking of all those, I just wanted to set my eyes on her. I couldn't draw a picture of her face inside my head because I had only seen her once but I'd know her the moment I sight her. I hoped gate made me see her anywhere. I wasnt good at shooting shots or approaching girls. I can say i was a complete novice. Well, maybe not a novice really but a guy that can improvise and nothing seemed impossible. When that time comes, she will know who the boss is "Oya na, wills! We go see later, I wan go hostel" I was in the chemistry lab upstairs. One last gaze through the window, I saw people going my direction. Then I saw someone, my heart jumped like the first day of clearance, I don't know where I grew balls from but i've never been so courageous. I had to rush downstairs before she took another turn into PTDF block and I'd loose sight of her. I forgot I was waiting for Mr. Uche to come back from lunch, so he will sign for me.
I was walking very fast, almost running to catch up with her. As I came closer to her, I had cold feet. Come on mehn! Chief speaker, presidential unity schools debate 2012-2015, its just a girl, A fresher! The thoughts shouting inside my head.
I got close and said Hello with a staggering voice. She looked at me, said hi and brought down her face. She looked worn out and tired as I noticed quickly so I had better say the right things and ask the right questions. Damn! I was nervous.
My name is Donald, please what is your name? I asked, she responded 'my name is Elma". I wasn't sure what I heard so I asked 'is that like a nickname or something? 'and she said no. She was still not smiling so I asked what was wrong and she opened up to being tired and stressed out due to too much protocols for new students. She had done enough for that day and was going to the hostel to sleep, she didn't accomplish much that day. She was almost crying.
D! Calm her down, you are the man! The same thoughts shouting inside my head.
I started explaining how hard it was for me as a new student a year ago. I knew I was doing well when she looked up and concentrated on what I was saying. I seemed to give her a glimpse of hope as we walked. Her hands folded across her chest with a hardcover note in between, she was even more heartwarming up close.
She was light skinned with a pointed nose and small pink lips. I was a bit taller, but she was the perfect height. She was moderately slim and walked timidly like a fresher she was.
The university admitted over a thousand fresher that year, but I don't know what attracted me to her. If I was to draw the girl of my dreams, I don't know what else I could have put down. Her voice matched her looks which seasoned with an angelic smile. She was so beautiful and nothing else made sense that moment. I pretended to be going her way because our hostels were the same direction.
I remembered Mr. Uche so I had to head back, before that, She paused and informed me. I forgot the basics, I finally asked the buzz questions for freshers; what department? And she replied mass communication and her voice melted me.
She didn't speak much and that made me more curious. She looked irritated by where we stood talking so she took a step backwards. I had to end the day well, I had to go all in and ask for her number. She thought for couple of seconds, smiled and then called it out. I waved goodbye and she did too before walking so fast into her hostel like she escaped a robbery. That was weird but I didn't mind anything, I was happy because i had won the champions league that after noon. I walked towards my hostel trying so hard not to smile.
Then I regained my senses, Mr. Uche!
Chei God.
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