Life Love Self

2

"that's all for today, keep writing everyone, see you next time." Concluded professor Andrews lifting my spirits immediately.
I was already hungry which was an understatement because I was starving thus he didn't have to say it twice for me to start shoving my books into my black tote bag.

I had returned to campus on Saturday immediately after the party, I had actually left shortly after dad had arrived, only exchanging greetings with him and left as I knew he wouldn't ask how I was fairing at school. And honestly I wanted to rest before another academic packed week and it was exactly what I had done the entire Sunday, sleep in.

"Girl, I couldn't wait to tell you, Samuel sent an email and I am too scared to open it." My campus best friend  literally shoved her phone into my face before I even looked at her.

"Good afternoon to you too, Cissy. Thanks for caring." I said grabbing the phone from her hands to look at the email.

The response had come in just after two weeks of us sending our manuscripts which was good, the waiting part was always the worst.

"Don't tell me if it's bad." She said holding her cheeks causing me to laugh.
Her brown Bantu knots not helping her worried face.
She was a brown skinned chubby girl that caused heads to turn wherever we went, it was no surprise guys were peeking at us as they passed by, heading for the exit to get on with their day.

Running my eyes through the email, I felt relieved as I was too hungry to deal with a sulking Cissy at this time of the day.

"He liked your manuscript and he will give you a call soon." I said and she shrieked jumping up and down fist pumping the air, finally pulling me into a bear hug. I was never used to how outwardly she showed affection even after almost three years of friendship.

"Beautiful, beautiful." She said elegantly mimicking classical books.
"This is great, Cissy. We should totally toast to your success." I suggested. Because I was happy for her, well, also because I was hungry and a toast meant drinks and drinks meant food.

"Whatever we shall have for lunch, my dear." She said and I swatted her hand away.
"I feel like goats meat." I said and she beamed already knowing the spot I was referring to.

And without delay, she held my hand and started for the door.
God,please let it be positive for me too.
I whispered a prayer.

***
"I can't believe my manuscript got Samuel's attention, I was so sure he wouldn't even consider it." Stated Cissy as she sipped her orange juice.

"Your story is beautiful, he would be a fool to refuse it." I complimented and ate a fork of my fries.
A waiter placed our bill on the table and I rolled my eyes.
"Why again are we paying here?"I asked and she laughed.

We were at fooders, one of the most loved on campus cafeterias. It was large with white and light colors including the lights giving a homely vibe, besides, they had most things, a breakfast bar with coffee, tea, milk, confectionaries then served lunch and dinner as well.
What more would a student ask for. Close to windows were booths and we were occupying our usual spot that was looking out to the parking lot and in the center were several tables laid in white surrounded with comfortable chairs, four each. And as usual it was filled with people though the chatter was bearable.

"I hope Samuel has a positive response for me too." I said trying not to dwell so much on why the agent hadn't sent both replies at once.
"He will, if there is any good writer I know, that's you." She said sympathetically. I wasn't so sure about that.

"Tell me, did you see lover boy when you went home over the weekend?" She asked, wiggling her eyebrows at me at which I rolled my eyes.
"I did, we didn't talk much though, lance whisked him away before I could even say a thing."

"No wonder you're grumpy today, you need to get laid." She said at which I gasped.
"You did not just say that to a feminist, I cannot admit I need a man." I said with a hand over my chest, then rubbed away fake tears. And we laughed at that.

"Speaking of men, incoming."she warned just as a familiar scent reached me. If anyone liked perfumes, it was this guy. I couldn't point out exactly what he smelled like but it is so good, heavenly in fact, not that I could ever tell him that.

"Hey, girls." He greeted us with a smile. The smile was more for me.
Tall, brown skin, bush locks, clad in dark jeans and a sweat shirt that complimented his skin, he was handsome and he knew it, which often made me roll my eyes with all his dripping confidence as though he owned the place, well, his mother owned fooders but you get the point.

"Chase, didn't know you were on shift." Laughed Cissy, or at least tried cause it sounded sarcastic with just her teeth out.
"Cecilia, it's nice to know you're still a bitch." he said and they glared at each other.

"What do you want Chase?" I interfered with the sibling's glare match at which the said man turned to me with a smirk on his face.
"Just came to say hi, would like to invite you to my get together next weekend." he requested. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

"She has a man, get lost." Cissy swatted her twin brother away but he didn't budge.
"I think she can speak for herself." said Chase.
"Don't put me in the middle." I declared, earning a glare from both of them.

"Will let you know." I said to him and he stuck out his tongue at his twin who was fake glowering at me. I laughed at the interaction as Chase retreated.

"You guys never cease to amuse me." I started sipping my water.

"Chase must really like you, he is getting persistent." She said sympathetically. "You're such a catch, who wouldn't." She smiled at me.

"It's still weird that he has had the longest crush on me, men fall in love!" I exclaimed.
"I wouldn't know." She shrugged. "Not with how they change women like clothes." She visibly shuddered.
"Are you sure you're not the one changing them like clothes?" I asked and ducked instinctively as a napkin flew past my head.

"It's college, explore, be with whoever you like." She beamed then becoming serious said. "And just because I tell my brother off doesn't mean I don't want you to date, I am just messing with him. If you want him, it's up to you."

Only if Lance thought the same.
"And I am sure Lance would understand, you guys should tell him soon " she said as though she had read my mind. I simply smiled at her as I didn't want the conversation going any further than it should.

I hoped he would understand if we ever came clean to him, that is if he got to know from us anyway.

****
So, lovelies. What do you think of Cissy?
How about Chase.
And why the hell is lance in the dark about his sister and best friend.
Let me know.