Little Do You Know

3. TEXTS.

If I could describe how I felt at that moment, it would be simple—I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

What do I say now? I thought he didn't come today! What kind of problem is this, God?

I forced a weak smile, trying my best not to tremble.

"O-okay, nice to meet yo-you."

Nice to meet you keh? Someone you've been stalking for three years?

"Have this," he said, ignoring my awkward greeting.

I stared at the paper in his hand, hesitating.

What is this? My heart thumped in fear.

Jummy, your voice is shaky!

"My phone number. Text me in the evening, we'll talk about the project," he said, then turned and walked away without another word.

You could have at least said goodbye.

I let out a long, shaky exhale as I watched him disappear.

"Jummy Jummy!"

I turned and saw Enny sprinting towards me like she had just won a lottery.

I gave her a side-eye. "Kini?"

"Was that not Alex?" she screeched.

"Lower your voice na, I'm the one you're talking to."

"Forget that one. What did Alex come and do here? I saw him talking to you just now, and you were looking like someone that wanted to enter the ground."

"Jesus!" I screamed.

"He's in heaven."

"Was it obvious that I was shy?"

"Very. You couldn't even look him in the eye. Nawa for you o."

"Let's start going home. I'll gist you."

We started walking towards the Western Gate, which we only used when we had lectures nearby. The university's main gate was a little far, and we were too tired to stress.

"So what happened?" Enny asked eagerly.

"The 311 practical. Who were you paired with?"

"It's Raymond jor."

"That weirdo that sings?"

She rolled her eyes. "And you?"

I sighed. "Alex."

"Oh, my God!" she squealed.

"Yes, oh my God!"

"Was that why he came earlier?"

"I don't even know what to do. How will I face him? How will we even do the project together?"

"Babe, instead of you to be happy that God has finally answered your prayers, you're panicking. You'll get to spend time with him. You can even confess your feelings sef."

"Never. I can't tell him."

"Why?"

I didn't answer.

She sighed. "See, opportunities like this are rare, and now that you have one, don't waste it. You can't tell me you're not happy."

"I am o, but..."

"No but! Just try and talk to him one day, Jumoke. I've said my own."

There she goes again, talking like my mother.

"I'll think about it."

"You're always thinking about it."

"Enny!"