"I know it's isn't true," Sharon had seen through the flimsy lie. Her tone registered hurt but she smiled warmly. " I know you don't want me around-you never wanted me or anyone else around- and I understand. Especially now. You could have just told me."

"It's not what you think," Uche said. "It's complicated." She was on break and had settled somewhere in the supermarket for a quick lunch and Sharon had come looking for her-as expected. "At least sit down."

Sharon shook her head."I'm fine standing. I won't be here for too long anyway." She was quiet a moment." What do you mean it's complicated?"

At loss for words, Uche fumbled."I don't just think I'm the person you should be around." It isn't safe, she wanted to say.

"I think that's my decision to make." Sharon said. She brought out a paper and pen from her hand bag, scribbled something down and place the paper on the table. "That's my number. I'll also want to invite you to my wedding, when it's time. They want me to give birth first."

"Sharon, really--"

"I've always admired you." Sharon interjected, meeting Uche's gaze and cutting off her flow of words. "You were not like the others. I know you never saw me as a friend, but you are. To me. You kept my secret and treated me well despite what everyone else said. I love how you're so beautiful, Uche and you don't raise your shoulders about it......I just ...just don't run away. Let me come see you." She sniffed then laughed, wiping tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry. These days I cry over anything. Must be hormones."

Huma walked into their midst at that moment, looking between them, and Sharon smiled, composing herself.

"See you later then," she hurried away before Uche could stop her.

"Who is she?" Huma asked having seen the familiar face before.

"No one," Uche folded the paper into the pocket of her Jean." Have you eaten?"

Huma shook her head. It was as one of those 'we won't talk about it' issues. She had a nylon bag with her and placed it on the table as she sat down.

"You can have some of my food. I couldn't finish it." Uche said handing over her food flask. She eyed the fruit juice Huma opened ready to drink." Can I have some of that?"

There was a stiffness along Huma's Jaw as she passed the drink and Uche was aware that every gulp squeezed her heart. " One of those rare moments when your selfishness raises it's ugly head." Uche commented.

Caught so easily, Huma blushed. It wasn't selfishness. She just believed in equal satiety.

"You just gave yourself an excuse, didn't you?" Huma spluttered juice as Uche smirked. Just how readable was she? Huma thought, wiping her lips.

"Ann," they turned to look as one of the sales girls approached. "Madam wants to see you," she said airily, moving past them.

Ann?

"It's my christened name," Uche said, rising. " I thought I mentioned it." Memory failed Huma and she shook her head because it wasn't used so often. "I'll be right back." She went to her cashier desk because two shopping bags were on it, which she eyed puzzedly.

"There you are," her boss, a rotund woman, approached. " I want these delivered to this address." She handed Uche a piece of paper and transportation.

Immediately, Uche read it, she frowned. Not again.

"Is there a problem?"

Uche glanced up, pocketing the paper and picking up the bags. "No, ma."

"Don't be late, and deliver it personally," the woman said as she walked deeper into the supermarket, her enormous behind waggling.

When Uche returned to Huma, she told her to go home without. "I have a delivery to make. She knows I live close by so she wants me to do it."

"Where?"

"Uh," Uche faltered, thinking of a close enough drop. " Inside school."

"We can go together."

" I'm not going there straight away. I still have to meet with my project supervisor after, but I'm making a stop somewhere first. " Uche tried, the weak nature of lie making her cringe inwardly. She saw Huma's face dampen. " I already told you. Your mother hitting me has nothing to do with you, so don't worry, it won't affect us, okay? We're fine. See you when I get back."

The resort looked busy when Uche stepped inside. There were men at work signs in several places. She looked around as she approached the receptionist, dropping the bags in the table.

"An order was placed from here." She said.

The young man's face didn't register recognition. "From who, please?"

Uche hadn't asked. She checked the bag. " I'm not sure. I was just told to deliver them." there was a card stapled to one of the bags. Her lips tightened as saw the name. "Mr Lawrence."

"Thank you," The young man smiled perfunctorily. "I'll just confirm." He picked up the phone and called. After speaking a few words, he closed the mouthpiece and asked for her name.

"Tell him it's from Your everything supermarket." Uche responded with a polite smile.

"He'd still like to know."

"Ann,"

He said a few words again into the phone and ended the call. " You can deliver it. His room number is---"

"I'm having this serious leg pain," Uche interrupted. " I fell yesterday, a very bad fall." The young man eyed eyed her as though to confirm her story. " Please, if someone could help me take it up to him."

The young man was quiet a moment, staring with bleak eyes. " I hope you recover soon. The elevator is still in service. I'm sure it will ease your pain. I'm sorry we have to stress you but, as you can see, everyone is working around the clock."

He stated his room number and floor and turned from her. Uche rolled her eyes, grabbing the bags. When she got to the door and knocked. Running her hand through her hair, she waited. No one answered. She tried again. No response. He had once mentioned that the place was sound proof. How did that work? From the outside or inside? There was a door bell. She rang it, exhaling deeply.

It took her a moment to realise that she was nervous. Puzzled as to why, she frowned. Her heart rate had quickened. When no response was forthcoming, she dropped the bags on the floor, relieved and ready to leave, but the door opened. Her heart flipped , expecting to see Lawrence.

A lady peered through the narrow space she'd created. She looked familiar, and Uche remembered from where: she stayed in the hostel.

"Yes?" The lady asked.

Tugging her cap lower, Uche nodded picked up the bags. " Sorry, I think I've got the wrong room."Just then Lawrence stepped out from behind her pulling the door open. He gave her a cursory glance and focused on the bags.

"Ann from the supermarket, right?" He asked.

He didn't recognize her. Somewhere along the way she had worn her shades to hide her eyes. Uche tugged her cap lower, ignoring the tightness in her chest. "Yes. I was told to deliver these to you," her voice was devoid of any emotion.

"Thank you," he said as he took the bags proffered to him. "Wait," he produced his wallet and brought out some notes. "A little something."

Uche eyed the money then him through her shades. After a moment, her lips stretched into a strained smile. "Thank you, sir." Taking the tip, she walked away.

Meanwhile Lawrence frowned, watching her stiff back and gait.

*********

Something was bothering her roommate, Huma observed over her book. Uche's back was hunched over as she peered at her computer screen, clacking away, face inscrutable. Occasionally, she rubbed her eyes and temples.

Huma supposed it was typical of her roommate to brood. But then theses days had been far more stressful with tedious school work as the academic session drew closer to an end.

Or could it be those incessant phone calls.

For what seemed like the hundredth time, light flared of Uche's phone screen. At some point, she had silenced the ringtone, so it simply rang unheard until whoever was calling relented. She saw Uche's lips tighten infinitesimally. Without taking her eyes of the screen, she turned the phone off then glanced over at Huma who ducked behind her book.

Soon the time came for her project group meeting which was to hold by five thirty later in the day and she wanted to leave early.

"Are you staying overnight today as well?" Uche asked.

Huma nodded.

"Okay. Text me when your done. I guess Kazeem will accompany you back in the morning."

That was no longer necessary. She was well accustomed with tha path to and fro.

"Look who's a big geh now."

Huma flushed at the tease.

"Don't forget your water bottle, big girl." Uche didn't try to hide the mockery in her voice, and Huma deadpanned, grabbing it from the reading table.

For a moment she watched Uche then tapped her shoulder. She wanted to know what disturbed her.

"I'm okay. I just have this bitchy headache." It was a lie, and Huma knew it. She wished Uche could be more open with her. Sometimes she felt they were as close as sisters; other times, like now, complete strangers.

*******

Uche glanced at the time on her computer screen. 7:30pm. She fell back on her bed. The aches behind her eyes didn't subside even as she closed them. For several moments she tried to relax in silence and darkness but her head hurt too much, so she downed some pain killers. She went to the closet and checked for her other pills. Just one pill left, which she popped into mouth as well.

Sihuottes passed by her window. Few moments later, someone was knocking. Frowning, she opened to door to find Lawrence outside. He smiled at her, and she bristled.

" What are you doing here?" Uche said through gritted teeth, voice low.

"I know I shouldn't be here but it's urgent," he quickly added before Uche could shut the door in his face. "I tried reaching you but you wouldn't pick--"

"What do you want?" Uche interjected. " Be quick about it and leave."

"Actually," Lawrence smiled sheepishly. " I was hoping if I could spend the night."

Uche stared at him as though he'd lost his mind. "What?"

"He meant we'd like your permission to stay over." A feminine voice said, and Uche angled her head to see a familiar face, Vanessa. She had a face cap on and was carrying Lawrence's child.

Befuddled, Uche was quiet a moment. She folded her arms, speaking to Vanessa directly. " I stay with someone, so....I'm afraid there's no room."

"I know Huma isn't in and won't be until tomorrow." Lawrence said.

Uche scoffed, eyes narrowing. " Have you been spying on us?"

"I think it's better we have this conversation inside, okay? That is, if you don't want us attracting attention."

Flickering her gaze between them, Uche capitulated. "Take off your shoes,"

Once they were inside, Lawrence stated his predicament. " I can't take her back to her place. There's protest about fuel price hike and scarcity over there."

She had heard about the uproar downtown on the radio but that was not her problem."And what happened to the hotel, or did you forget?" Uche looked behind him to see that Vanessa had already made herself comfortable. She had placed Jidenna on the bed and settled beside him, removing her cap and the Jacket she wore.

"She can't stay there. It's complicated." Lawrence said cryptically. He stepped closer so he could speak at a near hush."I'm sorry to impose on you. I truly am. But I wouldn't if it wasn't important. It's just for tonight." He looked into her eyes, his entreating. "Please,"

She looked away under the intensity of his gaze. No doubt persons saw them coming in, and she had a feeling the damage had already been done. Exhaling deeply, Uche walked past him to Vanessa. "Would you like something to drink?"

Surprised by the polite offer, Vanessa's brows creased. "Uh, yes, if you don't mind. Thank you."

While she got the drink, Lawrence stepped out with a promise to return, and Uche hoped he did not.

"I hope you like water?" Uche said proferring the filled glass. " We're out of drinks."

"It's fine," Vanessa smiled, drinking. Jidenna was reaching out his hands for the cup and she put it to his lips. Uche watched briefly then picked up her system.

"Oh I'm sorry. I should have asked before taking the bed." Vanessa said when she saw Uche taking a pillow.

"It's no problem."

"We could move to the floor."

"Don't worry about it." Settling in Huma's corner, she continued working on her system, earbuds plugged in. By the time Lawrence returned-unfortunately- Vanessa and her baby were fast asleep.

He looked between them, wary.

"What?" Uche asked noticing his relief.

Lawrence gave a lopsided smile, rubbing his nape. He had been wearing a collared shirt and slacks, and changed into a flattering T shirt and joggers. He looked....good. Too good.

"I don't know what I was expecting." He said. The two women had had a heated altercation and he had been afraid heads would roll, even though he'd already explained to Vanessa who still wasn't keen on the idea.

"Do you have to be here? They are the ones who need to stay over right?"

He angled his head. "Are you telling me to get out?"

"You're smart," Uche said flatly, and focused on the screen. Anywhere but at him.

"Unfortunately," Lawrence sat at the reading table. "I have to keep watch."

"Afraid I'll kill her still?"

"Something like that." He suddenly dropped down beside her. " What are you working on?"

Uche slammed the laptop shut. "It's none of your business." She didn't look at him, hating their proximity.

"You know how this works, Uchechukwu. I ask, you answer explicitly. 'none of your business' just makes me more curious. Now I want to know. Is it your project?"

When she remained silent, he reached for the laptop and she held it out of reach. "Don't touch my stuff."

"Then tell me." He reached for it again and she faced him so she could prop herself properly with her free hand while the other stretched farther out. Lawrence loomed over her, a grin on his face. Slowly it faded as the memories of another indelible night slipped between them,their gaze holding, their noses almost touching, his smell in her nose and brain.

"Get off me," She spoke loud enough for him to hear.

He seemed to realized their positions and settled back but not before he snatched the laptop.

"Give it back," she grappled for it.

Grinning triumphantly, he held her at arms length then shook his head. " Shhh. You'll wake them. Trust me you don't want that boy awake now."

Past her break point, she relented. " It's my project. Now can I have it?"

"See, it wasn't so hard. You don't have to be stubborn about everything." He let Uche take the laptop. " I bet you're regretting not locking the door behind me."

Saying nothing, she resumed her work, ignoring his presence as best as she could. She felt him shift near her and swore under her breath. "Could you go sit somewhere else? Maybe with your wife and child. I need to focus. Thank you."

He moved but didn't leave her side. "She's not my wife."

"Okay," Uche said simply.

Lawrence observed her for some moments. " Is everything all right?"

"What do you mean?"

" You just seem angrier. More than usual. Did something happen?"

"Nothing happened. I'm just trying to work without distractions."

"So I distract you?"

She heard the smile in his voice. "Stop talking."

He chuckled. For a while neither spoke. She felt him put distance between them, and relaxed, able to concentrate once again. " She not my wife," he retierated." We're just two people trying to play our roles in the baby's life. I have no interest in anyone, Uche. Besides you, that is. I really do only have eyes for you. I swear it."

Her eyes drifted to the side and back. He saw this. "I didn't ask for an explanation."

" I know," he said." I wanted to reassure you that there's no reason to be jealous."

She paused briefly,saying with a wry smile. "Consider me reassured then."

"I could tell you all about it. How I became a dad."

Pride won over curiosity. "I'd rather you shut up,"

"Are you sure you don't want to know?"

Uche remained resolute. "All I want to know is when exactly you all are leaving tomorrow."

Chuckling, Lawrence got up and went to the opposite corner.
Uche tossed him a pillow and a blanket. She knew he was smiling as he put them in place. Laying down, he crossed an arm over his forehead. He closed his eyes."Thank you," he said.

Uche glanced over. "Why did you bring them here?"

"Because I trust you." He turned to face the wall, saying nothing else.

Uche said nothing to that. " I could have refuse."

"You could have."

Her lips tightened. " It was no coincidence was it? Knowing my roommate was out. You wouldn't have come otherwise."

"Goodnight, Uchechukwu."

Uche shook her head at how infuriating he was, and how deeply his antics got to her. Somehow that night had open a chasm she couldn't close. As she prepared for an all nighter, too uncomfortable to sleep, she was oblivious to the dissipating weight in her chest. Meanwhile Vanessa finally relaxed into sleep, a smile on her face.