Blurred Vision

Moving On

I was sitting in a class when Asah hurried in with Kele, she had a worried expression on her face. "Ryl, you have to get over this, Anderson has probably gotten on his life, enjoying over there"

Kele was mute, he just stared at me with the same expression Asah had.

I ignored them just staring at the table.

"Anderson knows why he did this" Kele told me, his voice coming as a gentle whisper.

I shook my head to erase whatever they were saying and tears welled up in my eyes.

I once said I could never cry for a boy but I felt betrayed and disappointed at myself for thinking that we would ever meet again... Even if we did meet again, it would never be the same.

Asah wrapped her hands around me and my tears fell to her skirt. "I'm so sorry, Ryl"

I was angry that she was apologizing for nothing but I said nothing because I just knew that I was going to erase every memory of Anderson from my mind and I was going to be fine without him.

***
It was late November and the first semester was nearly over, the harmattan had set in and it was terrible in Nsukka, dust coated buildings in brown, trees were not left out neither were people so everywhere I went to, I always carried my Vaseline.

We had the last lecture for the day and everyone began to disperse, Chiamaka left immediately because she wanted to go to the market while Tosin left with her boyfriend.

It was evening and the wind whipped dust at people's faces. I had to get a cab but none was forthcoming and when I was about to give up and start walking home. A car pulled up beside me.

"Ryl get in"

"What?" I bent to see who the occupant was.

"David" he said.

I exhaled and opened the door entering quickly. "Thank you"

"No problem, I thought your friend usually dropped you off"

"Yes but she had somewhere to go to today" I explained.

"Hi Ryl" a meek voice came from behind and I turned around to see Catherine.

"How are you doing, Kate?"

"I'm okay, I didn't see you in the class, I thought you didn't come"

"I came late, so I was behind" I replied.

She shrugged and gave me a smile before plugging her earpiece in her ear.

David smiled at me before steering the car out of the school.

"You've been scarce" he said after a while.

"How?" I murmured.

"I've been looking around for you"

I shook my head with a smile. "Stalking me, you should say"

His cheeks reddened. "Not exactly"

"That's exactly what you have been doing" I chuckled and stared out of the window. "I like it"

"Like what?" He asked puzzled.

".... That you are being careful not to make me angry"

He held on to the wheels but I could feel his gaze burning my back. "I...."

I turned to him sharply. "Face the road, I don't want to die in your hands"

He let out an embarrassed laugh. "Can I be honest with you?" He asked me.

I shrugged.

"I like you"

I bit my lip saying nothing.