JEMIMA

Chapter 30

It had been two weeks since Ephraim confessed to me, and a lot had happened in that space. So much that I didn't know what and how to feel, so much that I couldn't comprehend how we all got there.

Surprising things had been happening too. For example, Fikayo had been absent from school since the day I saw her with the girl who seemed like her sister. Lecturers had complained about our class rep had gone AWOL, the assistant class rep had to step into action as we awaited her return. But I couldn't help but worry about her wellbeing, but what worried me most was how much  I was worried about her. I mean, we aren't cool, right?

Mo' and Dare had been all mushy too, and it felt good to tease her about it. Semiloore was on my side this time and I was no longer the victim. At least not yet.

Well, Ephraim and I had started dating.

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•

A few days earlier...

Ephraim was walking me to my hostel, we had adjusted and there wasn't any form of awkwardness between us, which I was thankful for. Everything had returned to normal, well, except the usual bickering of Fikayo whenever she saw us together. She was not around so I did have my peace of mind.

We were cracking jokes as we walked, and I could say we had gotten attached. I had not been that cool with the other gender ever. He had told me many things he probably hadn't told anyone (so he said). He had told me about his stepsister and his family, his worries and fears.

And I had gotten free with him too, but not to free to tell him the things I had successfully managed to keep out of my life. My family. We talked about everything and anything, hung out when we are free. We visited the library twice a week and he had given me some personal tutorials. The truth was I didn't know how I felt about him anymore before it was all sparks and extraordinary blushing whenever I was with him. But now, all I felt was intimacy, friendship, freedom, and ability to be true to myself, without being nervous and awkward.

We got to the hostel and sat on a bench, as usual, still cracking jokes and smiling. Then he went all cold and silent.

" What is it?" I had asked worriedly.

"Nothing". He had asked as he perched nervously on the bench.

" That's not true", I said as I smiled. "Now tell me, what is wrong". I asked, placing my hand on his shoulders.

" You know me," he said as he chuckled.

" Yes, I do" I replied smiling.

"Nothing bad. It's just beautiful to be with you". He said causing my heart to flutter.

" oh," I muttered.

" Yeah", He said as a pregnant silence passed, he was sure itching to say something.

" Would you date me if I asked?" he said asking out of the blues, his nervousness disappearing suddenly?

My head dropped as I held my face, my heartbeat rate increasing by the second. Every other seemed to be on pause, and it seemed the moment was going to last for eternity. I lost my voice and control of my neck as I couldn't lift my head, neither could I say anything. After more seconds, I felt stupid for being so mute, I raised my head and saw Ephraim watching me closely. I tried to avoid his gaze as I laughed a little, to calm myself down. As always, I lost my voice as I opened her mouth to speak, I was so nervous.

" Where is that coming from". I finally asked, smiling so he could be free.

" From here," he said beating his chest, his action causing me to laugh out loud. " So I'm asking now. Would you date me?" He asked, his voice and expression making it seem like he used all his last energy to say it.

"Why? We are friends already right?" I asked. I remembered what I had learned in Sunday schools, that many teenagers went into relationships even when all they needed was friendship.

"Oh. Yeah, we are" he said embarrassed. A loud silence passed as the situation changed, he was the nervous one now, while I was watching him closely. I knew I didn't want a relationship, but something in me wanted to know what being in a relationship was about.

" What's dating about?" I asked cluelessly. Which was true, cos I was clueless. I hadn't been in this situation before.

"Huh?" Ephraim said as he raised his head to look at me. I gestured, letting him know I was clueless and I needed an answer.

"Yeah. I agree that I have feelings for you. Something new to me. I don't know what to do in a relationship". I said innocently.

" Hmm," Ephraim signed.

"Huh"

"Yeah, I know it's something beautiful. I want to be able to express how I feel. I don't know how too, but I which I can" he explained. "We can learn?"

I chuckled as I looked straight. I didn't know what to say, I didn't know how to feel, my thoughts were clustered as I avoided his gaze.

" I'm sorry". He said. I turned to look at him.

"Why?" I asked.

"Jemima, I met you and admired you because of your values and principles. But here I am, making this type of moves". He apologized as I smirked.

Maybe it won't be so bad to let my guards down?

I thought to myself, before I could say anything, he added.

" And you're a D.O's daughter, I'm sure your parents won't want something like this".

I scoffed at the idea, it would have been better if he didn't mention that.

" Is this about my parents or me?" I asked but he remained mute.

I was tired of people's opinions about what I can or what I can not be wrapped around the fact that my parents are ministers. I was done with agreeing with the stereotype that I was supposed to act in a particular way. I might be many things, but I refuse to be fake. My parents who have built a lifestyle they believe I should live in aren't any better themselves.

I was done with being goody, and being in a relationship with someone I 'loved' doesn't make me a bad person too.

"Okay, Ephraim. I would date you."

•

•

Hadn't been in one before, but if what had been happening between Ephraim and I was anything near it, I was okay with it.

Though many times, I had tried my best to stop thinking about the fact that, I might be in this relationship just to prove a point. A point I was proving to just myself because no one else knew. I was trying to convince myself that I could make any decision I wanted, I could do anything I wanted, besides my parents have done the same.

I refused to listen to the nudging and uneasiness in my spirit, I refused to give my decision another thought. I was enjoying every bit of attention my 'boyfriend ' was giving me, I was enjoying the outings, the walks, the gifts, and every other beautiful Ephraim was giving me.

Strange things had happened over the last few days and maybe this was the strangest. Dumping who I believed I was a few months back and embracing the 'me' I didn't quite understand. Well, strange is beautiful.

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