"Oh poor Selena Williams, It seems to be that, luck is against you today," Kylie teased, as she patted my back.
I shot at her a death stare, which made her to throw her head back in laughter.
When she realized that I was serious, she mouthed an "I'm sorry".
"I have an idea, what if I were to go over to the lecturer's office to ask for a change?" I asked, looking at her gleefully, with so much enthusiasm.
"Really, girl? You think he's going to pay attention to you? It seems you've forgotten, you're only a freshman!" Kylie replied, placing emphasis on the word, 'freshman'.
"I may be a freshman, but I'm not dumb. Listen, I'd tell the lecturer that I had met with Nicholas earlier, and he had refused working with me. With this, I can coax him to change my partner. What do you think?"I answered, and she nodded.
"Not a bad idea, Selena. But neither of us knows where the lecturer's office is located," Kylie said again.
That definitely made sense.
How do we meet with him now?
Perhaps, we'd ask the sophomores, they should have an idea at least.
"Kylie, we could ask the second year students. That would make the job so much easier," I said, and she nodded again.
Together, with our hands intertwined, we left the lecture hall. Our eyes scanned the hallway for unfamiliar faces. That is, persons we knew weren't freshmen.
One caught my eye. A white girl with fake skin tans. She had a curly hair which seemed too black to be natural.
She was pretty, slender, yet somewhat curvy. She wore a black turtle neck shirt, over a dark green pleated skirt, and black flats.
I nudged Kylie, signalling at her that this girl was the perfect person we could approach.
Again, Kylie nodded, which made me wonder if she had slowly began to lose her ability to speak.
I wriggled my hands out of Kylie's, and walked up to the girl.
"Hi, good afternoon. My name's Selena, and I am a Freshman here. It's nice to meet you," I said to the girl, introducing myself, while she only stared at me.
I turned back to look at Kylie, and then back at the girl.
Why wasn't she talking? I was in a desperate situation, and needed help!
"Um, I was wondering if you could help me in locating a certain professor's office. He takes the course 'Williams Wordsworth Poetry'," I said again to the girl.
"Oh, you mean Professor Seth? Yes. I could take you there right now if you want." She replied.
I smiled broadly at her, thanking God in my heart.
"Yes, sure. I'd really appreciate that, thank you so much," I said to the girl, and she smiled.
Kylie and I walked closely behind the girl, as she led the way. When we finally arrived at a certain office, the girl stopped.
She said, "This is Professor Seth's office, you should knock before going in".
After she said this, she suddenly turned her back and walked away, without giving us an opportunity to thank her.
Kylie looked at me, and shrugged it off, like it didn't matter if we thanked the girl or not. I took in a deep breath, while Kylie rubbed on the back of my palms in order to cool down my nerves.
I mustered courage, and knocked gently on the door, once. It was common sense to knock just once, and wait patiently till they usher you in.
We both waited patiently, in silence for a response, but there was none. Just when I was about knocking the second time, against the moral etiquettes I had, I heard someone say, "Come on in."
I heaved in a sigh of relief, before turning the door knob. When Kylie and I entered into the lecturer's office, she gently shut the door behind us.
I looked at Kylie, and back at the lecturer before finally speaking.
"Good afternoon Sir, we both are freshmen in the department of English and Literature. My name is Selena Williams, and.." I started, and paused to allow Kylie complete the sentence.
"Kylie Simpson, sir," she said.
"Okay, how may I be of help to you too?" Professor Seth asked, curious.
"Sir, actually it is just I who has a problem. I was wondering if I could have a change in my partner, as the senior colleague I was assigned to earlier, has refused working with me," I said.
Oh, here I was lying with so much enthusiasm.
Professor Seth looked at me, as though I had uttered a blasphemous word. I bit my lips out of nervousness, I knew the words he was about saying, even before he said it.
"Miss Selena Williams, I believe you realize you are in college and not in high school?" Professor Seth asked, and I simply nodded.
He goes further, "So, I don't see any reason why you would expect to be treated like someone in high school. If your partner has issues with working with you, sort it out amongst yourselves. It is not my duty to rearrange partners just because, one is in refusal or denial to work with the other.
I have assigned you to your partner, so get to work."Professor Seth said, his voice firm and final.
"But, Sir..", I began with a shaky voice. The lecturer simply shakes his head in disagreement, as he wasn't having any of it.
"If that is all, you are excused." He said finally, while pointing to the door with his fingers.
Kylie nudges me with her elbow, which I interpreted in my head as, "Let's go,"
I looked at her, and nodded. Quietly, we exited the lecturer's office, again Kylie shuts the door behind us.
"I told you he wouldn't pay attention to you, but you just wouldn't listen, you were adamant!" Kylie said, the moment we stood in the hallway.
"It's not my fault, Kylie. I just didn't want to work with Nicholas, now there's absolutely nothing I can do," I said, pouting my lips in a child-like manner.
"Girl, you just have to settle whatever differences you have with him. At least, for the sake of your grades!"she said to me, which causes me to nod in response.
I mean, there was nothing to 'settle', right? Nicholas and I never even had any issue, it's just he who decided to be rude to me. I can make this work, right?, I asked myself. All these were questions of rhetorics, which of course I never got any answers.
Kylie and I walked back to our lecture hall, and I stood still just at the entrance. Kylie stared at my feet, then at my face, while arching her eyebrows.
Yes, just like her elder brother!
Finally she asked, "What's up? Are your feet stuck now?"
"I was considering going over to Nicholas, in order to discuss my project with him. I mean, I can't and shouldn't fail!" I said to her, while placing emphasis on the word "can't".
Kylie stared at me again, her lips slightly parted, as if she had words beneath her throat which she couldn't voice out. Finally, she said, "Selena, you and I know quite well that Nicholas Carson detests you! Personally, I would encourage you to meet up with him, sorely for the sake of your academics, who knows? He might actually pay attention to you. But, the chances of being attended to by Nicholas, are literally very very slim."
I shook my head vehemently, as if to shrug off her pessimism. I took her hands, and held them, before saying "Listen, Kylie, there's no room for negativity. Earlier, you were the one who insisted that I met with Nicholas, to discuss this with him. I remember you emphasized that it was a total waste of time, to meet up with Professor Seth, and that such time should be invested in trying to make peace with Nicholas. That's exactly what I'm trying to do now! okay?"
Kylie simply nodded, which causes me to smile at her.
Let's stay positive, shall we!?
After mustering courage, I walked away from Kylie, and the Freshmen's lecture hall, halting my steps abruptly at the entrance of the Sophomore's lecture hall.
As luck would have it, I sighted the curly hair girl from earlier. I whistled at her, in a very queer manner... She turned in my direction, and smiled at me, before walking to the entrance where I stood.
"Oh, it's you again!" she said the moment she stood right next to me.
"Yes, indeed it is me again" I said to her, while faking a smile.
"What could be the problem? I believe you already have knowledge of Professor Seth's office?" she asked, inquisitively.
"Yes, I do. Well, I have another problem, and it shares a connection with my initial need to meet with the Professor," I said again, without mincing words.
"Okay? What could this 'problem' be, and how can I be of help to you?" the girl asked again, out of sheer curiosity.
"Um.." I started while scratching the back of my neck. I was struggling within myself; how could I ask for Nicholas's house address, or phone number, without coming off as a desperate girl in dire need of attention?
Continuing, I said, "I was wondering if you could give out Nicolas' phone number, and house address to me?"
There was an unusual and seemingly awkward silence, the girl stared at me for so long. Her eyes grew so big, that I feared they would fall out!
Have I asked for something abominable? I was perplexed.
Clearing my throat, I said, "Well, I know how this sounds, but trust me, it's most definitely not what you think,"
Thereafter, I explained the entire situation to her, while placing emphasis on the fact that all these was just for my academics.
"Why ask for such personal details? You could just meet up with him here, in school. I believe he's around somewhere," the girl replied.
Girl, just give me the damn number and address, come on!
I looked behind me, there Kylie stood still just at the entrance to the Freshmen's lecture hall, waiting for me patiently.
Again, I turned to face the curly hair girl. "Nicholas and I, are not exactly in good terms right now. Which is why, I don't deem it as reasonable to meet up with him at school. He wouldn't pay any attention to me, and I can't afford to let that happen. Listen, I am a Freshman, and my grades matter to me. I don't want to fail this course, due to the altercations he and I had earlier. Please, just give me his details, I am begging!" I pleaded.
I looked at the girl, to see if she was touched by my great acting skills. And of course, she was! I deserve an Oscar award at this point.
"Okay, I'd help you out," the girl said to me. I watched as she zipped open her hand bag. She pulled out a notepad, and scribbled something down on the paper.
Afterwards, she tore off the paper from the note pad, and handed it over to me.
"Here you go, his number and home address. Please, I beg you, do not tell anyone I gave this information to you," she said again, while I nodded.
How possibly would I tell on her, when I didn't even know her name, she was being ridiculous!
"Thank you so much, I'm beyond grateful!" I said, which causes her to smile.
"Alright, if that's all, I'd get going now. I'd see you around, and of course, good luck!" she said finally, before walking away.
I turned back to look at Kylie again, while she arches her eyebrows. I smiled at her, while nodding.
She rushes over to where I stood, grinning from ear to ear.
"You got his information?" she asked.
"Yes!" I screamed, which causes others in the hallway to turn and stare at me.
"Girl, you are a freaking genius!", she screamed
"Say that again, baby," I said and smiled.
"So... What do you plan on doing with these information?" Kylie asked. I stared at her, in disbelief.
"Really Kylie? What do you use phone numbers and house addresses for, hmm?"
"I'm sorry, I just..whatever, do you" she said, shrugging me off. I laughed at her initial nervousness.
So silly.
"You can go back home, with your brother. While I go over go the lion's den, myself," I said, and she laughed.
She laughed so hard, that her eyes began to water.
"Sure, ensure you don't get eaten alive, sweetheart," Kylie replied, while patting my back.
I rolled my eyes at her, while tossing her hands away.
"I'd see you tomorrow, stay safe." I said, while she nodded at me. With that, I walked out of my department, to the departmental parking lot.
When I had gotten to the parking lot, I scanned the entire park, for my car. When I found it,I walked to where it was parked. I unlocked the door, and sat in the driver's seat.
Afterwards, I locked the car door, started the ignition, and drove off.
With my left hand firmly on the steering wheel, I brought out my phone from my bag with the other.
I searched for the name, 'Nicholas Carson' in my contacts, as I had previously saved it.
Then I clicked on message, and typed in a 'not too short' text.
It read, "Hi, this is Selena Williams, the Freshman whom you have unfortunately bumped into. Twice. I'm currently on my way to your house to discuss a project on Professor Seth's course, 'Williams Wordsworth's Poetry'. The lecturer had earlier assigned everyone to senior colleagues from your class, and I happened to be paired up with you, I look forward to working with you."
I reread this text so many times, before clicking on the send button. Fifteen minutes into the ride, I checked my phone, there was still no message from Nicholas.
Well, he left me with no other option, I was going over to his house!
I checked the street name on the signpost, and that on the scribbled paper. I nodded my head at myself, it was the same. The words on the paper stated clearly, House 5.
I drove past the other houses, till I got to the House 5, before turning off the engine.
I unbuckled the seatbelt, and alighted from my car. Afterwards, I locked the car doors. I was not in the mood to suffer from a car theft, whatsoever.
I lifted up my eyes to look at the house before me, this was not just a house, this was a palace! It was magnificent, it had huge pillars, with walls painted with very bright colors. The house gates stood firmly, with walls so tall!
Now I understood why Nicholas was this arrogant. He lived in a modern palace, where all his needs were attended to, as if he was some prince.
I jerked myself off from my thoughts, this wasn't the time for admiring buildings. I came here for my project, not for Nicholas's 'palace'.
I walked closer to the house gate, and knocked. It was a part of my moral etiquettes, to always knock before entering offices, or even houses.
I heard male grunts, and then footsteps which initially sounded afar off, and later closer.
The gate was opened suddenly, revealing a man probably in his mid 40s. The man's eyes sized me from head to toe, like one would stare at garbage.
This made me slightly uncomfortable, so I said to him, "I'm here to see Nicholas Carson. Is he in?"
He looked at me again, as if in unbelief, before saying, "Nicholas never made mention of expecting any visitors,"
"Well Sir, tell him Selena Williams is here to see him. Or simply let me in so I could meet him myself," I said to the man, impatiently.
"Okay, you can go in," the man said, ushering me in.
"Thank you, Sir," I simply said, and walked in.
I pushed open slightly the house doors, and walked into the sitting room. I prayed in my heart, that Nicholas's parents weren't home, as I had no idea how I could explain what exactly I was doing in their house.
I walked in, and sat on one of the many sofas. I watched as a middle aged lady, who was in a certain uniform, walked up to me. I assumed that she must be one of the many other house servants, employed by the Carsons.
"Miss, how can we be of help to you? Do you want soda, tea, cookies?", she asked
I shook my head vehemently, I wasn't here to be entertained.
"Ma'am, thank you for your gestures, but I'd pass," I said to her.
"Okay, Miss. Are you here for Mister Nicholas, perhaps?" she inquired, and I nodded in agreement.
"Well, Miss you might have to go over to his room. It is upstairs, the first room to the left," she said, pointing upstairs.
"Oh, sure. Thank you, ma'am", I said to her, respectfully. I was taught by my Mom, to always show respect to those older than I was, and even more respect to the elderly. Nigerian people never joked with the elderly!
Hurriedly, I climbed the stairs, and turned left.
"The first room to the left. Ah, here!"I thought to myself, as I stood in front of Nicholas Carson's exquisite room.
I believed he got my text, and was aware of my coming to his house, right? Well, I'd have to go in anyway.
Here I was standing in front of Nicholas's room, deliberating on knocking and going in, or going back home. Eventually, I chose the first option!
I knocked gently on the door, there was no response. I knocked again, and there was still no response. So I turned the doorknob, opened the door, and walked in... And of course, I did shut the door behind me.
I heard the water running in his bathroom, oh my goodness! Could it be that he was in the shower or something? I had better left, before he came out stark naked! I turned my back in an attempt to exit the room, but stopped dead in my tracks when I heard him say,
"Who are you, and what are you doing in my bedroom?"
Clearing my throat, I said while stuttering, "Uh, I, I...I can explain. It's not what it looks like, trust me please!"
I still had not turned to face him, so slowly I did.
"You? What are you doing in my house, in my room!?" Nicholas yelled.
My eyes were fixated on the shiny floor of his room, I refused lifting them up to look at him.
"I asked a question, what are you doing here?!" he yelled again.
Slowly, I lifted my eyes from the floor; gradually looking from his legs, to his waist region, to his chest, and then to his face. He was dressed in a white towel-like robe, and his hair was wet and messy. He had obviously just had his bath, so he had water running down his face.
His robe didn't do much in providing coverage for his abs, as I could clearly see everything! His body looked so athletic, so fit..
"You should clean the drool on your lips, and answer my question" he said, sarcastically.
Drool? Where? I touched my lips, and indeed I had drool on my lips!
Hurriedly, I cleaned it off, and looked away from him in an attempt to hide my embarrassment.
Clearing my throat, I said, "I sent a message to you earlier, Nicholas. I came here to discuss my project, on Professor Seth's course. He assigned me to you, that's why I came around,"
Nicholas stared at me for a minute, before damping his face with a smaller towel.
"I don't want to work with you, go ask for a change," he said, matter of factly.
This causes me to roll my eyes at him, like who did he think he was?
"Nicholas, don't flatter yourself too much. Why do you think I'm here? It's because I have no other options. If it were up to me, I wouldn't want to work with you either," I said to him, point blankly.
"Right, so go ask for a change!" he said again.
"I did, earlier, just before I came here. The lecturer chose to remain adamant, saying that he can't change my partner," I said again to him.
I found it rather amusing how much this man flattered himself. Unnecessarily.
"Well, sweetheart..that's your problem. I won't work with you. So, get lost, I have to get dressed," Nicholas said, while pointing to the door.
I had to convince him, I had to convince him.
I muttered to myself.
I began walking closer to him, I needed him to understand.
I said, "Nicholas, please. Let's put behind us our differences, please. I really do not want..."
My words were cut short, as I suddenly missed my step, which causes me to fall on Nicholas, and he to fall on the floor.
The words I had to say hung beneath my throat... my voice had suddenly disappeared.