Meeting her

Meeting her

Anthony's pov

****************

Becoming the best graduating student at St. Xavier University was a dream come through for me. It had not been easy from the start as I had to work harder than most students, coming from a poor family with limited resources made things more difficult for me.

"I can't afford to send you to the university." My father had said to me the day my West African Examination Council (WAEC) result came in and I made a distinction in all the subjects. I watched his face contour in pain and frustration as he spoke those words to me.

I had been heartbroken but not surprised because I knew he was barely making enough to feed us as a roadside carpenter and my mother's work as a janitor in a private secondary school at Ajegunle was even more minimal than what my father earned.

After I graduated from secondary school I spent the next two years working as a record keeper in an engineering firm, my salary came in handy and relieved some burdens of the family from my parents. I loved my job and the people in the firm were nice to me but I wanted more. I had ambitions that I wanted to be fulfilled.

I wasn't aware that my supervisor at the firm had been observing my work ethics, not until he called me into his office a few minutes before we closed work for the day on a rainy Saturday evening exactly two years after I started working in the firm.

"Sit down Anthony." Mr. Peter, my supervisor and head of the Accounting department said to me as I walked into his office.

I sat down at the seat facing him. I ransacked through my mind in case I had done something wrong that warranted being summoned by him. It was the first time he had called me into his office and I became worried he was about to sack me or maybe worse. "What if he found discrepancies in my record." My mind worked in turmoil, different ideas and thoughts pumped into my head and I suddenly became dizzy. I had put myself in a frenzy even though somehow within me I knew I had done nothing wrong.

I tried my best to put my mind at ease but it was quite futile. My boss must have noticed my discomfort and tried to calm me down by making small jokes which made me laugh and put me at ease.

"I know you are wondering why I called you into my office Anthony." He said

I only nodded a yes, tongue-tied to speak.

"I have noticed how hard you work in this firm, your records are perfect and your work ethics admirable. I also realized you are exceptionally intelligent and smart." He continued

I felt honored by his words and my mind settled down more. He wasn't about to fire me after all.

"Do you have any intention of going to the university for a degree?" Mr. Peter said to me, looking at me intently.

"I can't afford to pay my way through sir," I replied 

"Would you attend if you had a sponsor?" 

"Certainly sir, that would be a dream come through," I said. When my mind wanted to fly with possibilities, I calmed myself down, I didn't want to raise my hopes only to be disappointed again.

He brought out a form from the file on his table and gave it to me. "Fill this form and send it to me tomorrow afternoon. Our company has a scholarship program every year for the children of our staff and I feel you should be given a chance too." 

"Thank you, sir." I took the form from him grinning from ear to ear.

"You would have to write a test too in a month to ensure your eligibility but I trust and believe in your capability."

I felt happy by his vote of confidence and felt a renewed energy to work harder "I'm honored by your words, sir."

"Drop the form with my secretary once you have filled it and attach the necessary documents requested too. I will pass more information to you as they come in."

"Thank you, sir," I said and left his office. The future looked brighter already.

*********

And here I was five years later, graduating as the best student and ready to enter the labor market. I was thrilled and scared at the same time and with this excitement, I ran up the flight of steps unknown to me that I was in the wrong building.

When she fell as she missed a step I held her to prevent her from crashing. The first thing I noticed was her alluring perfume. It filled my nostrils and I found it pleasing, her body felt soft in my hands, I couldn't resist holding her longer than necessary.

"Are you okay?" I said steading her.

'Yes, thank you." Her voice sounded melodious in my ears. I felt charmed by her presence, since my five years in the university, I had not dated anyone. I had been so engrossed in my studies that my social life was almost non-existent. Maybe that was why I felt mesmerized by this goddess standing before me.

I smiled down at her when I noticed the big suitcase with her. "Do you stay here?" I asked surprised at why she should be here, it was supposed to be the male hostel

"Yes, last flat by the end of the floor." 

I frowned slightly, then it dawned on me that I had entered the wrong hostel, they were three similar buildings standing beside each other, and the female hostel stood in the middle, I had wanted to meet a friend quickly before going home. I had to leave as soon as possible to see him but I did otherwise.

"I will help you with that." I took the suitcase which was heavier than I thought. "Where am I taking this to," I asked her, she was so quiet that I hoped I wasn't scaring her.

"My car." She stuttered a bit. She led the way and stopped in front of a black Venda. The car looked expensive, it only meant she was rich, my heart sank. What would she want to do with a carpenter's son?

I dropped the bag inside the boot of the car and waited thinking that was all but from her demeanor, I knew there was more, so I asked.

"Do you have more suitcases?" I hoped she didn't, it was better I left and soon. The more I stayed close to her the more I wanted her.

"Yes." She said shyly and smiled. My heart skipped a bit, and I felt warmth fill my whole body.

"Let's go then," I said and started walking towards her hostel.

When she unlocked her apartment and I stepped in, I was taken aback by the luxury and exquisite furniture In the apartment, my heart sank further. There was no way she would date someone like me, it was better I forget about pursuing her.

"Here they are." She said and pointed at more large suitcases, I could count up to five of them.

I carried two more and we left the apartment for her car. We made two more trips to and from her apartment to the car, I was exhausted by the time we finished.

"Thank you for your help."

"You are welcome, safe trip home," I said and started walking away, glad it was over and sad I might never see her again.

"The campus is almost empty, when do you plan to leave." She asked me 

"Once I get my backpack from my room, I will leave."

"I will wait for you so we drive off together "

"I don't have a car, I will take a taxi," I replied. I didn't want to pretend with her. 

"I will drop you off at your place." She said 

I wanted to say no, I didn't want to linger around her more than I should then she spoke again

"At least to say thank you." 

She looked so eager to help, that I had no choice but to agree and it would also save me some stress too.

"Okay, I will get my bag," I said and walked away.

As I packed my stuff into my backpack, I felt hesitant about Elena driving me home. I knew she wanted to help but still, I didn't feel comfortable about it anymore. My body was reacting to her in ways I had not experienced before and from what I've seen she was wealthy and I was only the son of a Carpenter.

I glanced over the poorly furnished one-room apartment I had shared with two other friends for almost five years now. I scanned the room for the last time before shutting the door behind me. 

Elena was still standing in the same position near her car when I reached her and we began the journey home.

"What part of Lagos do you live in?" She asked me.

I knew this was the moment of truth, I wouldn't deny my family just to please a girl I just met.

"Ajegunle," I replied. I saw the shock and disgust flash her face and disappear almost immediately from her face. She couldn't conceal her disappointment when we arrived at my residence. I thanked her and alighted, but on second thought, I entered back into the car and faced her.

"Elena," I said.

When she turned to face me, I knew it was now or never, no going back.