CHAPTER NINE

      "Hahahahahaha!! Stop babe.. Please, Hahahahahaha....." I laughed so hard as Nicholas tickled me. 

I struggled to loose his grip but he was stronger, then I stretched my hand on the sheet to get a pillow. I grabbed a pillow and hit him on his head. He took another pillow to fight back. We laughed and played until sunset. 

Nicholas and I were more like couples now. I visited him almost everyday after school. Some students suspected us to be couples but I'd deny it. I didn't want Sandra to be mad at me for moving on too fast. She has been asking me if I'm dating Nicholas. 

"No!" I'd respond. 

She had asked me to merge them together since I'm closer to him than any one in class. I've lied to her several times that I tried talking to him about it but he's not just into her. She got offended why any guy will reject her without a reason. 

There was a time in class she overreacted seeing Nicholas sitting on her spot and conversing with me. It drives her crazy feeling she has been replaced. 

"Ever since this guy got here, you don't have time for me anymore" she'd say. 

I do, I really do. Just that I love spending time with Nicholas, he gives me joy and makes me want to forget about Nathan. This is the kind of love I've been searching for, I thought. 

He was perfect, apologizes even when I'm wrong. He treats me like a queen and does everything I say. I told him not to tell anyone we are seeing each other until I make it official, he compromised. 

The flaw I found in him was that he's overprotective and very jealous. He is hard to deal with when he's upset. If I talk to a guy in class or laugh at their jokes, he'd get angry and won't talk to me until I plead.

 I'd beg him and explain myself, give details of the conversation I had with the guy and reason I laughed during the conversation. He wants to choose my friends, he tells me who and who not to talk to. He monitors my calls and check my messages. Geez this guy is too clingy and possessive. I don't enjoy my personal space anymore. 

I just had to be careful not to flirt with any guy online because it makes him mad. I hid the pictures and old conversations I had with Nathan in my smartphone because I wasn't ready to let go. 

One faithful day, I was in class when my phone rang. I forgot to put my phone on silent as I wasn't expecting any calls. The whole class turned to me as my ringtone disturbed the class. Some students that are overly serious with academic murmured in front. 

"Stop the call" Sandra whispered from two sits in front of me. 

I searched in my bag to busy the call "Oh my God! God, God, God... What do I do?" I became confused. 

I didn't know if to take the call in class or decline it. I can't accept the call because Nicholas was there. I don't want him to interrogate me on why I excused the class to answer a phone call. I also could not decline it. What if Nathan doesn't call back? What if he thinks I don't want to talk to him.

Before I could make a decision, my mobile phone stopped ringing. I immediately switched it off to avoid him disrupting the class again. The tutor continued with the lessons. 

Alas! it was 2:00pm, Classes ended. I rushed forward where Sandra was seated. 

"Scooch over!" I used my buttocks to give her a slight push to the side. 

"Guess who was calling?" I said with a radiant smile. 

"Your mom?" she responded. 

"No silly!? tchew!  It was Nathan" My face ignite as I smiled. 

"Oh my God...  What did he say?" she said in excitement. 

I looked at her incredulously. "How could he have said anything when you asked me to decline the call".

"Oh I forgot!" she facepalm hard for not having thought of it before. 

"So what should I do? I need your advice" I said anxiously. 

"Call him when you get home, he probably has something to say" she stated. 

"what if he wants to break up?" I was feeling perturbed. 

"No no no.. My brother is not cruel enough to dump a girl via phone call. I've seen the way he looks at you, Nathan really likes you Bae, stop being apprehensive". 

I smiled and my eyes merged with Nicholas staring at me viciously from a distant. "I have to go now" I said. 

"Why? Okay wait for me to pack my bag, let's go home together today" Sandra started packing her books into her handbag. 

"Oh no, I don't think that's gonna be today. I'm walking home with Nicholas" I said with an expressive gesture, evidently wishing to give my words a very definite meaning. 

She huffed and puffed "That.... " squeezing her ball-pen and gave a death stare at him. 

"I'm sorry sweety, I promise it's gonna be us next time" I gently seized the pen from her fist before she does something wrong. 

"You promised to hang out with me when my brother is gone, now it's all about Nic-whatever. Why can't he understand you don't like him, if only he's aware you are only been nice to him for the culture. I'm not happy with you Emily" she was sober. 

"I understand where you are coming from. I'm sorry babe, I'll make it up to you" I gave her a peck and before I knew it, Nicholas stood up in a fury and flounced out.

 "Ciao Sandy..." I yelled as I ran after him. 

"Hey, Nicholas, heyyyyyy wait up!!!!!!" I was waving and chasing after him echoing his name. 

We left school premises then he finally stopped and turned around. I got to him and panted for a while before I said anything. 

"I'm not ready to lose calories. Why didn't you stop. Please don't leave me like that next time" I cautioned. 

I was flabbergasted by his response "If you want to stay the whole day in school, suit yourself. You did not employ me to escort you home" he said. 

"Wait, what?! Why are you talking to me like that" 

He ignored me and continued in motion. 

"Are you mad at me?" I asked. 

He continued moving quickly in an exaggeratedly impatient manner. 

"Hey! I'm talking to you, slow down". I held his hand and he pulled it forcefully. 

"What is wrong with you?" I spoke in a brittle voice. "Why are you being so rude? Fine, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting" I said. 

He halted and turned to me "Who was calling?" his hands balled up into fist as if he wanted to hit me. 

"What do you mean?" my voice trembled. 

"Who was the guy that called you in class" he asked again in a penetrating voice that made me slightly uncomfortable and frightened. 

"Who said it was a guy" I said in a toneless voice to feel confident and express no emotion. 

"Don't lie to me Emily, if it wasn't a guy, then who?" he interrogated. 

"It was my mom, stop asking dumb questions" I said. 

"Okay then, show me your phone" he stretched his hand to receive it. 

"What phone?" I withdrew my phone. 

"If it was your mom, why can't you prove it. Or are you lying to me" he looked tricky. 

Oh you think you are the only one that can play tricks huh? I said thoughtfully.

 "Here, have it!" I held forth his hand and slammed the phone on his palm as he grabbed it firmly. I thought doing that, you know... acting tough and confident will make him change his mind and trust me. 

"Oh, it's off" he said. 

"Yes, my battery died" I said in an adinoidal accent. 

I was surprise he was determine enough to press the power button and the phone booted. He gazed at me and I looked away feeling ashamed. 

Beep-beep. It was a sound of a message notification. A message had just entered my phone. My heart pound in anxiety. 

"Lemme see" I said. 

He stretched the phone higher and restricted me with one hand. "Who is LOML?" he asked. My heart skipped a beat as he read Nathan's message out loud.

           LOML💖

"Sunshine, I called to see how you are doing. I hope you are in good health and  how's lessons down there? Baby I'm sorry  about how our conversations ended the  last time we spoke. I miss you so much  honey, despite you never left my thoughts  and my dreams. I promise to make it up to you when I return. Love you... #kisses "

"Sunshine? Really? Who is..." Nicholas wasn't done yelling when another message came in:

       "I love you 100% babe. Muah."

Kpas!  I can't believe Nicholas just smashed my phone on the ground. I looked up at him, then I looked down at my phone expecting him to pick it up. He did not. I bent to pick my phone. I dusted the screen with my shirt to see if it was damaged. Behold, my screen was cracked beyond repair. Words were heavy in my mouth, I couldn't curse Nicholas because of the love I have for him. 

I removed my SIM card and SD card from the slots and threw the phone at him. "Here, you can organise a funeral for it" I walked away. 

He hooked my arm firmly and pulled me back exerting force "Where do you think you are going" he scolded. 

"Let me go, you are hurting me" I cried out.

 He released his grip and left finger prints with sore arm. I got angry and lashed out "Who gave you the audacity to do this to me!".  

"You are my girlfriend, I wasn't done talking to you" he defended. 

"First you think you can choose my friends. Secondly, you smashed my property. You know... Being with you is like slavery. I can't be free with anybody else. I lost friends 'cause of you. Where ever you are, I have to be your handbag. You know what? I'm done!". I duster my hands and walked away. 

He followed me, dragging me back and slowing my movement as I tried to resist. "Don't end this babe, please I love you" I ignored him and warned him not to come closer. 

The weather became cloudy. I flagged down every taxi that drove by but none stopped for me. I decided to walk home using a short cut. He keeps following me and pleading. I kept up with the fast pace as it began to drizzle. We got to a local neighborhood when Nicholas knelt down on both knees to apologize in the rain 

"I'm sorry my love, please forgive me". 

I trembled to see a guy on his knees in public. People walked pass us and turned back to see him begging and shedding tears. His jean was muddy because the ground was wet. He did not mind what was happening around. 

"Nicholas, stand up. People are watching" I spoke in an undertone. 

He shed more tears and held my shirt "I love you, I don't care what these people say or think. I want you to take me back. Please Emily" he cried more.

"Please stand up, you are embarrassing me" I appealed. 

"I won't leave this spot if you don't accept me back" he said. 

My eyes streamed through the neighborhood. I saw people in story buildings watching and some filming through their windows. Some passerby could not mind their business as they turned to look until they went out of sight. Children pointed and laughed at him. I wasn't comfortable with the whole scenario. I was still pissed but I had to forgive him. 

For a guy to do this, it means he adores me and It will take a life time to find a guy like this. "It's okay, please stand up. I forgive you" I said. 

"Are you sure?" he asked. I wiped his tears with my hands and pulled him up "Yes, I've forgiven you" I stretched my lips to smile. 

"Can I kiss you" he asked. 

"Don't be stupid. You need to seek permission from your girlfriend before you do that?" I giggled. 

We kisses and people applauded. He quickly removed his jacket and covered me with it 

"You are my pride babe" he pressed a kiss upon my forehead and hugged me tightly "I love you" he said again. 

"I love you too" I smiled. 

"You should go home now, get dressed in warm clothes and stay healthy" he said.

We walked to the road side holding hands, he waved down a taxi and instructed the driver to take me home safely. 

      I was lying on my bed that evening, bored. I couldn't access the internet because I don't have a phone anymore. I wasn't in the mood to play video games, I can't study either because my mind was not stable. I was desperate to hear from Nathan that evening. I really wanted to talk to him. 

"Yes!" I snapped my fingers. 

I just remembered dad has a PC in his work room. I sneaked out of my room and tip toed to his workroom. I didn't want to wake mom and dad, they must be sleeping by now. I twisted the door knob and shut it silently. I sat in front of the monitor and imputed my facebook detail to login.

 "Geez man! Nathan is offline".

 He had not left any message for me. Whilst I waited for him to come online, I kept myself from dozing by reading new feeds, liking and commenting on people's photos. 

It was past 11, he still wasn't online. With frustration, I logged out and tip toed back to my room. I gazed at the ceiling fan rotating with random thoughts in my head until I passed out. 

The following day at school, Nicholas was absent. I wonder why. I didn't have a cell phone to reach him so I made enquires from his friend, Luke.

 "it's his birthday" Luke said.

Oh my God! I totally forgot. Luke continued "he didn't tell you?" 

"Yeah he did sometime ago. I'm sorry the date escaped my mind" I said scratching my hair. 

"Nicholas birthday is like a public holiday for him. He stays at home playing video games all day, snacking on unhealthy food. He doesn't go to school on his birthday neither does he do house chores". 

I chuckled with my hands covering my mouth "and what if he had exams?" 

Then luke said "Well, that's really a good question. I don't think he'd ditch school for that. Luckily for him, Exams don't fall on his birth month". 

I thought for a moment then asked again "and if it was a professional exam? You know.. the school calender can change at any time in cases of a pandemic or natural disasters" 

Luke put his hand on my shoulder and said "Oh smart smart Emily, you see.. everyone has his or her own perspective in life. You want to learn more? Quiz him when you see him. Right now, my head is heavy. I've got pretty girls to talk to". 

I looked at him curiously and asked "So will he be home today?".  

"Yes of course" he sighed. 

Precious blindfolded me from behind "Guess who" she said. 

I removed her hands covering my eyes "This is getting a little too old, don't you think?" I said. 

"Awwn.. don't say that.. that's my signature move" she gave me puppy dog eyes. 

Luke gazed at her unpleasantly and said "It's boring, try something new". 

Precious lit with rainbows over her head and screamed "Oh my God, he talked to me". Then she ran out of the class. 

Luke and I exchanged glace awkwardly with our lips upturned and our eyeballs fixed at the side then I laughed and walked away. 

I got to Sandra's desk. She was sharpening a pencil "What" she uttered without raising her head to look at me. 

"Sandy crush, are you mad at me?" I asked in a sweet tone as I stroke her hair. 

"Stop it, you are only here for me because he is not here for you today" she said. 

Pretending to be shocked, I gasped "Oh my, Why would you think that? I'm here for you babe. No body can take your place. No body" I repeated. 

She looked up at me and tried to hide her smile 

"Hahaha you look really ugly when you frown" I teased. 

Immediately she gave a genuine smile and said "How about now". 

"A little more wider please" I instructed. 

She gave a big grin "How about now?" she asked. 

"I have a potion that when you drink it, you turn into a beautiful princess overnight. Right now, not even a surgeon can fix that face" I stuck my tongue out. 

She gave me the bird and said "Fuck you bitch" We laughed. 

"So what did my brother say last night?" she asked. 

"Oh that.." I scratched my head 

"...I lost my phone, I didn't get the chance to talk to him last night" I said. 

"Oh my God! Where you robbed? What happened?" she sounded super worried. 

My eyes drifted to the left as I cooked up a lie "Well... Well it fell in a drainage. You know it rained yesterday right?" 

She nodded. 

"...the phone slipped from my hand and fell inside the drainage. It was a turbulent flow. I lost it. Yeah, I lost it!" I cross checked my statement. 

"Oh dear, take heart. Maybe Nathan will get you a better phone, I'll tell him just that". She said smooching my hands. 

"Awwn, that's very kind of you. You will make a good sister in-law" I hugged her and she yanked my ponytail "Ouch, what was that for?" I said rubbing my scalp. 

"that's for ditching me the last few months". 

I pulled her hair too and she chased me around the classroom. It was fun hanging out with Sandra again. Frankly, I've missed her. I walked out of school that day with Sandra like I've promised. 

We waved down a taxi and it stopped for us. "You go first" I said. 

"Nah, you go first, I'm looking out for you today" she responded opening the door for me. 

The taxi driver rolled his eyes to see two teenage girls being dramatic. 

The car was in motion....

 "You are going the opposite direction" she yelled. 

I stuck out my head from the window "I know. I want to get something for my aunt" I yelled back. 

She waved at me and I gave her the finger. She stuck out her tongue and hold up her middle finger. 

Putting my head back in the car "Hahaha, crazy bitch" I muttered. 

Reality is, I was heading to Nicholas house. Oh my.. I don't have a present for him. I thought. I alighted immediately and rushed into a supermarket to buy singlet since I don't have enough cash on me. Then I boarded another cab to his residence. 

I got to Nicholas entrance and pushed the door bell. I waited patiently for response then I noticed my reflection on the door knob. I bent to check if I had any particle on my teeth as I used my tongue to brush through my mouth. I quickly dressed my hair and adjusted my breast tube. 

The door opened. I glanced a huge hairy feet in leather sandals. I raised my head gradually to see the face 

"G-good afternoon sir, I mean good evening sir" I cleared my throat. 

He was hefty, barrel-chested built like a brick shithouse with bullneck. "Who are you looking for?" he spoke in guttural tone.

"Nicholas sir, please is he in?" I gulped. 

"Who is Nicholas?" He seem confuse 

"Paapi! Paapi!!!" He yelled. 

"Yes dad?" 

is that Nicholas voice I'm hearing? Is his actual named paapi? He came out and saw me at the door 

"Oh hey Emily, I didn't see you there" he waved and I nodded casually. 

"Grandpa, this is my friend from school, Emily" he introduced me to his grandfather. 

Oh his grandfather, I thought as much. The man was looking way too old to be his dad. I'm just noticing the wrinkles on his face and he must have dyed his grey hair because it's very dark. 

Nicholas turned to me "Emily meet my dad"

 I nodded shyly. 

"Hohoho..." grandpa chuckled. "....Such beautiful young lady paapi" Nicholas grandfather added. 

"Stop calling me paapi in front of her dad, it's not cool. Emily please let's go inside" Nicholas held my wrist and took me in. 

I got to his room, before he could shut the door, I fell on his bed and laughed hysterically.

"What? What's so funny?" he asked.

 I laughed again. 

"What? Why are you laughing?" he was puzzled. 

"Paapi" I whispered and laughed covering my mouth. 

"Oh no, you don't" he jumped on the bed, with one hand holding my both hands behind, he used the other to spank my ass.

I was still laughing and struggling to loose his grip then he covered my mouth and said "Shh!" looking around the room. 

I removed his palm from my mouth "What, what?" I asked. 

"Did you see it?" he said. "see what?" l asked curiously. "A ghost" he whispered. I hit his chest with the back of my hand "Don't play with me boy" I said. 

I sat upright to pick the present I bought for him as it had fell on the ground due to the rough play. 

"What are you holding" he asked. 

I tried to put it behind me but then he snatched it and tore the polythene bag. "What is this? You got me a singlet?" he said holding it up. 

"I'm sorry babe, I was in a rush so I just grabbed that from the supermarket. Happy birthday?" I quivered. 

"I love it honey, thank you" he said. 

I smiled, its good to know he likes it. I was afraid it was too cheap. 

"Well guess what, got something for you too" he said. 

"What is it?" I asked. "Hold on a second, close your eyes" he got up from the bed. I slightly opened one eye to peep. "Hey, no peeking!" he cautioned. I closed my eyes tightly. 

It was taking too long, I could hear the sound of his dresser, opening and shuting as if he was searching for something "Can I open my eyes now?" I asked. 

"Not yet baby, it's a surprise" he answered.

"Heheh... it's not even my birthday and I'm the one getting surprises" I blushed.

"Okay!  you can open your eyes now" 

he handed me a parcel. I looked at him, looked at the parcel. I shook it close to my ear to try to figure out what's inside. 

"Just open it already" he sighed. 

I loosed the ribbon and violá! It was a smart phone. 

"Ahhhhhhh"  

I screamed and jumped on him in excitement. I pecked his lip multiple times then jumped down to check it out, turning the phone side to side. 

"I'm sorry about the other day babe" he said with a wounded expression on his face. 

"why do you keep apologizing. Awwn.. You even got me a better phone paapi" I gazed in puppy dog eyes. 

"Stop calling me paapi" he said with a red face. 

"I will if you tell me the reason your grandfather calls you that" I said, tracing my fingers up his sleeve. 

"That was my first word to him as a kid, since then he calls me paapi. I'm a big boy now, he just won't stop". I laughed as he narrated. 

"So where is the party" I asked. "No party, just me, you and FIFA. Ooh! Lest I forget, do you want cake?" he said. 

"Yeah, with more icing on it" I specified. 

"Okay cool, be right back" he winked.

I ate some goodies, played FIFA with Nicholas and I lost drastically. It was fun celebrating with him. 

I was studying one evening when Nathan called. I picked up my phone and waited for him to talk first 

"Hello sunshine" he said in a cool voice. 

For him to call me sunshine and the manner of approach, it tells he misses me. I was overwhelmed but I did not let my guard down 

"Hi" I responded merely.

"Oh baby, how are you doing today?" he asked. 

"I'm good, thank you" I simply said. 

"My queen, are you still mad at me? I guess you didn't get my text the other day. Sandra told me you lost your phone. I'll get you a new one when I return" He appealed.

"Don't bother. My dad got me one already" I declined. 

"Okay if you say so. Just know I love you okay? If you need anything, I'm here for you" he responded. 

"Are you? Are you really speaking gibberish right now? You tried reaching me like some weeks ago. Now you have effrontery to call me and pretend everything is fine" I got angry and didn't know when I started crying. 

"Shh.. Shhh.. Babe, please don't cry. You hurt me when you do that. Please... " he consoled. 

"I don't even know why I still shed tears for you. You don't love me anymore, do you?" I said in a brittle voice. 

"I do baby, I really do. That's why I'm coming for you next week" he said. 

Immediately the tears ceased in my eyes "You said?" I asked for clarity purpose. 

"I'm rounding up my academic work this Friday. I should be done with my exams before next week" he elaborated. 

I kept mute. 

"Hello? Babe, you there? I know you are smiling. Just tell me what you want and I'll do it" he said.

"I want to see you again" I sobbed. 

"It's okay sunshine, you'll have me to yourself when I return. Now smile for me" he teased. 

"Okay dear" I wiped my tears with my hands. 

"You are not smiling baby. I want to feel you from here" He said. 

I giggled and sniffed in the mucus running in my nose. 

"Very good my love, keep your phone close to you. I'll buzz you later" he stated. 

"Okay baby, love you..." I said expressing happiness. 

"I love you too sunshine" he said in a sweet tone and hanged up. 

I dropped my phone and picked up my book to continue reading. Gosh! I just can't help it but think of Nathan as I bite my lips. 

Beep-beep!  I just received a text notification. I inserted my password to read the message:

                      LOML💖

"Missing you is something that comes in waves. And tonight I am just drowning."

Awwn, I covered my face to blush seeing this sweet message from him. It was heart felt, I had to respond. Before I could type back, another message popped in; 

>> "I can’t pretend that I don’t miss you because I see you in everything that I do. I can’t help that I miss you and the person that I was when I was with you. I’m not sure what is worse, missing you, or pretending that I don’t".

<< "I miss you so much that I am jealous  of the people that get the chance to see you every day". 

>>"If I had a flower for every time I think about you and how much I miss you, then I would be walking forever in an endless garden."

<<"To me, the brightest and most colorful garden looks dull and dreary without you in it."

>>"I’m trying to think of something I rather be doing than making out with you ... I got nothing".

<< "What is the opposite of two? A lonely me, a lonely you. Hahah!"

>>"If I was there u would find out what it really means to be cozy under the covers *wink*"

<<"I have so much to do, but I keep getting distracted thinking about u" 

>>"I'm sorry dear, are you studying?"

<<"My face hurts from all the smiling I've done thinking about you. Good night." 😴

>>"When words aren't enough to tell you how great you have been, remind me to come and kiss you. Goodnight my love."

I had to end the conversation so he won't get enough of me in one night. It's obvious he misses me and wants to spend the rest of the night talking to me. I just gotta keep him coming. However,I pretty much enjoyed the flirtatious text messages and where the conversation was leading to. Heheh. 

I went back to my book as i flipped the pages to where I was. Beep beep!  I unlocked my phone to check my message. 

                            LOML💖

HAVING TROUBLE SLEEPING BECAUSE I NEED TO TELL YOU I LOVE YOU.

I read the message and smiled. My game plan was working.. I dropped the phone on the table and proceeded to study. Beep beep! Another message came in. 

                            LOML💖

>>"TRYING TO FALL ASLEEP…CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU. YOU ARE TURNING ME INTO AN INSOMNIAC!"😩

<<"I love you too honey, goodnight. 

>>"I’LL DREAM ABOUT YOU IF YOU DREAM ABOUT ME. DEAL?"😏

<< "You are the last thing on my mind before I go to sleep."

>>"I HATE GOOD-NIGHTS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM PRAISING THE TIME YOU SPEND AWAY FROM ME. WHAT I WANT TO TRULY SAY, IS THAT I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN"

<<"NOW THAT I’VE OFFICIALLY TEXTED YOU, I’M GOING TO BE OBSESSIVELY STARING AT MY PHONE, WAITING FOR IT TO BEEP again, SO DON’T KEEP ME WAITING."

>>"OK baby cross my heart, sweet dreams. I LOVE YOU #kisses." 

<<"Sweet dreams. I love you too"

I hugged my phone close to my heart and bounced on the bed, waving my hands and legs to form snow angel on my sheet. 

Sigh.. "sweet dreams Emily..." With my phone on my chest, I said softly in a low voice as I closed my eyes to sleep. 

It got to the time Nathan should be back. I've tried reaching him, he stopped taking my calls and responding to my messages again. The last time we spoke was three days ago. I just wanna know if he's still coming or had changed plans. I sent dozen of text messages to him on whatsapp, he was online but wasn't responding as he kept my message on read:

                    LOML 💖

««Hey babe, talk to me. 

««When am I seeing you? 

««Are you still coming?

««Why ain't you responding? Did I do something wrong?

««Please you have to talk to me. I'm dying to see you. 😥

««Hello!!!  

««Are you there? 😓

««Babe!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭

I wasn't sure which baffled me more; that he happened to read my messages and ignore or the fact that he's suppose to be home by now. I was perplexed by his action. What have I done wrong? After he swore to contact me everyday. We were fine until this week he promised he'd be coming. It's weekend already, what could be holding him back. I waited patiently for this week to come. "I'll come for you... he said, I miss you.. he said". I mimicked through my nose. What's up with him for goodness sake! I've tried contacting Sandra, she didn't say if he's back already. Okay then, No problem. I'd just give him space since that's what he wants. 

While I was thinking out loud, the phone buzzed. I got a text message from Nicholas.

                        Nick boo💋

>>"Hey babe, will you be free tomorrow? Let's grab some snack"

<<" Is 12noon okay by you?"

>>"Yeah sure, come out to T-junction and wait for me"

<<"Okay, I'll be there"

>>"I love you babe😘"

<<"I love you too hun.😘"

Well, at least I got plans tomorrow. I won't sit all day and wait for Nathan to call me. It's been a long week and I want to enjoy this weekend with my boo Nickolas, since we hardly go on dates.

           It was Saturday morning, I was washing dishes when I had abstract thoughts. Nicholas is not really the outdoor type. I wonder why he wants to see me outside today. Am I suppose to look cute for him? Or Prolly classy and graceful. What are we gonna be doing at T-junction? Why can't I meet him at the restaurant? Why T-junction? Why am I even making a big deal outta this? Sigh. I should just go casual, I thought. 

After I finished doing the house chores, I took my bath and had breakfast with my parents. "I'll be out today mom" I said

 "Okay, don't stay out late" she responded. 

It was 11:45am. I still cannot decide what to wear. Beep beep!  I picked up my phone from the bed to read the message. 

                          Nick Boo💋 

"Just a reminder, T-junction. don't be late!."

I threw my phone on the bed and struggled to fit into a pencil jean. I looked through the closet for a nice blouse when suddenly my phone rang out loud. 

"Ohhh ooohhhh.. What again?" I grumbled stamping my feet on the ground. 

I rushed to the bed and slide to answer the call in a haste.. "I'm coming, I'm coming" I said. 

"Coming where?" 

my heart skipped to hear Nathan's voice. I looked at my phone screen to see LOML💖 calling. Oh My God! I screamed inside of me. 

"Sweety, how are you?" I said in a lovely tone. 

"I'm good. Where are you?" he asked. 

"I'm home" I respond. 

"Doing what?" he asked bluntly. 

I looked around my room and my eyes picked my textbook I've left opened on the reading table "I'm studying" I said. 

"Okay good to know, do you have plans for today?" he asked. 

My heart pound as I thought of my date with Nicholas. Could it be that Nathan is back? 

"Oh, no, no dear, Not at all. Why do you ask?" I answered in denial. 

"Oh, I was thinking maybe we could hang out today" he said. 

"Oh dear, today is not good for me, I'm studying and grounded. Hold on a second, are you back?" I questioned as my mind reset. 

"Pfff! What?! Nooo.... " he chuckled "...i was only pulling your legs. I'll talk to you later. G2g" he added. 

Before I could say anything he dropped the call. I wanted to ask why he has been ignoring me. Oh well, I'll give him a call tonight when I return home. I shrugged my shoulders and checked the time on my phone screen.

"OMG! I'm late already" I exclaimed. I got fully dressed in a hurry and dashed out of the house wiping the sweat on my forehead with a handkerchief. 

I walked to T-junction because it was around my residence. On getting there, I spotted Nicholas from a distant. Wait a minute, is that Nathan walking with him? I rubbed my eyes to clear my vision. Oh my God! It's Nathan! Why are they walking side by side and conversing. Do they know each other? 

Oh my... they are getting closer. What do I do? What do I do? I turned back quickly. 

I was walking towards the opposite direction when my phone rang. I check to see who was calling. It was Nicholas. I ignored the call and put the phone back in my pocket. 

"Emily!" he called out.

Hell no! They caught me. I turned with a plastic smile "Hello, I did not see you there". I approached the both of them and greeted casually "Hey.. What's up guys?". 

 "Do you know her?" Nicholas asked Nathan. 

He smiled with his hands in his pocket and bowed his head. I felt really guilty yet pretended to act natural "Do you know each other?" I asked. 

"Yes, we are more like brothers" Nicholas responded. 

I could not say anything further but keep mute. I was feeling bad already, Nicholas was pretending to be happy with the whole scenario. I know it was tough for him. He was just playing out to be the alpha. 

I tried to look Nathan in the eye but I could not. I could feel his heart bleeding. I saw blood in his eyes. His hands was just in his pocket the whole time. He did not say a word to me. 

"Babe, we know everything. You have to make a decision now. Is it gonna be me or him?" said Nicholas.