The Player's Regret

~UNO~

SETTLING IN
  Here I am on the campus of Osun State University, where I was just accepted to study surgery and medicine. Naturally, my mother, who has always been my pillar of support, was there today to help me with all the procedures, including moving into the hostel, registering for classes and departments, and other things. I chose to ignore the stress and just smiled because, at last, after writing Jamb for three freaking years, I finally got in for medicine, babyyy.

   My mother and I went to my new hostel after leaving the administrative building. Prior to this, Mum had already requested that my room be cleaned, painted, and decorated to my satisfaction. Due to my infatuation with purple, my room was painted pink and purple, and I also had a cute wall mirror with purple stickers on it. My curtains, boxes, bed spreads, even door mats, all purple.

   As I stepped into my soon-to-be room, I was astounded by the amazing sight before me. 

   "Mummy It's beautiful." I smiled at her, hugging her tightly
         "Thank you, mummy."

"You know I'd do anything for you, sweetie. Although this purple is too much, Ayo..."

Before she could complain further, I quickly cut her
   "No mummy, It's perfect this way. I am not obsessed with the colour, I promise." I assured her.

   After long hours of packing and arranging, I was all set and mum prepared to leave.
   "Ayomide, Ola mi, My Nova. Remember, you are capable of anything you put your mind to. Trust yourself, and don't let anyone make you feel less than what you are. This is your time to enjoy your freedom, but remember that with freedom comes responsibility. Take care of yourself and make choices you will be proud of, okay baby." She said, kissing my forehead

   "Yes, Mum, I have heard, and I shall make you proud no matter what. I promise to never disappoint you." I hugged her tightly, some tears streaming down my face.

   "Ehhnn big girl like you, crying, oya wipe your tears sweetie." Mum joked, and we both burst into tears. She got into her car and drove off while I watched her car disappear more and more.

  I returned to the hostel and simply took in my surroundings. There are 20 boys staying downstairs and 20 girls upstairs at this private mixed hostel. Few students had resumed, so the hostel was still quiet for the time being. As I made my way back to my room, I noticed a girl a few rooms away from me fumbling with her belongings.
I debated whether I should help her or just ignore her and go to my room, and I decided to help her.

  As she held the heavy bag on one end, I hurried over to her and carried it on the other. We managed to carry it to her room together.
   Looking closely, I could see that she was shorter than me—I am 5'7" and she is probably 5'4". 
 
       "Oh my God!!! What did I even pack in that bag, but thank you so much, If not for you, I would have literally spent the whole day there." She said, laughing and panting.

"Oh, it was nothing. I just thought to help. And yeah, I am Nova, and you are?"

     "Well, I am Dolapo. Nice meeting you, Nova." She beamed brightly at me.

"Same here. Uhh, I have to take my leave now, see you around, Dolapo." I left, waving at her.

After spending the entire weekend in my  room, doing random things like pasting Trent Alexander Arnold's posters on my wall, ironing all my shirts, arranged the clothes I would wear for the next two weeks all ironed and matched with respective shoes, going through some of the notes I found online, having non stop video calls with my mum and Dad called me once or twice when he had the chance as he was busy working.

Finally, Monday came, I woke up extra early, put in my clothes, styles my braids, put on lip gloss, and sat to have a bowl of cornflakes. As I was eating, I heard a soft knock

   "Who is it?" I asked

"Hi. Good morning. It's Dolapo. Are you ready for school?" She asked from the other side of the door.

    "I will be. In five minutes." I answered.

I quickly munched the rest of my cereal, washed the plate, took my bag, and opened the door, Dolapo still waiting for me.
 
    "Hi, Good morning. Thanks for waiting."

    "Of course, anytime." She replied

I locked the door, dropped my keys in the bag, and we headed out for school.