My alarm woke me around 7:30 being set to that time last night and crawling out of bed, I veer to look at my reflection in my mirror.

I let out a sigh of relief learning my face doesn't have a bruise or swell from the hot slap I received from Karen.

I can't imagine how mad this girl is all because I mentioned her so-called area. Yesterday should be her last day at work as I don't even want to set my eyes on her again in this house.

I reach for my phone on the nightstand and make my way out of my room in my pajamas and crocs, heading downstairs.

I have to confirm Karen's job termination.

I drop by the kitchen to see a guy in an apron, the other chef that was recruited alongside Karen, I guess.

This makes me remember Karen is a part-time chef who cooks in the evening.

"Morning, you must be Ayo," I greet, and he turns around to me. He clearly looks older than me.

Why would we even employ an undergraduate as a chef in this house? I can't blame the house manager though, I unknowingly chose Karen.

But I admit she is a great cook.

"Yeah, I'm Ayo, one of the morning chefs," He replies with a smile and I nod okay, still standing by the door.

"Have you seen the HM this morning?" I ask.

"Of course, she must be in her office," He answers, and I turn back, walking to her office.

"Come in," I hear her say the moment I give a twice knock. I open the door and step in.

She is on her seat, fast typing on her system.

"Good morning, Mike," She greets, raising her head to stare at me. "How is your face?" She adds.

"Thank goodness I haven't turned deaf," I answer with a shrug and she chuckles a little.

"She made an over salty pepper soup and hit you, I don't know she is that violence," She expresses with emotion, and I clear my throat.

I have a guilty conscience about the salty soup but she deserves it the way she would think I deserve a slap.

"So is she still coming this evening?"

"No way," She answers, frowning her face. "I have emailed her, the chief must not even hear about an ordinary house help hitting you,"

That sounds satisfactory to me.

My phone begins to buzz. It's Scott who calls me.

"Later," I mouth to the HM before walking out of her office to pick up Scott's call.

"Hey dude," I say, moving into the porch.

"Where the hell are you?" He asks.

"Home," I answer briefly.

"Do not tell me that you are not attending BUS 414," He replies to me, and I mutter shit.

I'm tired of morning lectures. Gosh!

He continues,

"Being the son of the next governor of Lagos State will have nothing to do with you graduating. Trust me, some of these lecturers won't accept bribery to pass you..."

Do you have that friend who always rants at you? Mine is Scott. He babbles a lot.

"Karen slapped me last night," I interrupt him.

"What!" He exclaims and his mocking laugh follows.

"Why would she hit you?" He adds in the middle of his laughs.

"It's not funny," I react.

"Of course it is funny," He argues and I roll my eyes. "A lady hits Mike, I love that title,"

I regret telling Scott this.

"Wait, what happened to your bad boy?"

"I don't know," I respond calmly. "This girl is just different,"

"She must be the baddest then," He slangs. "So what are you gonna do about your game?"

That reminds me but the HM has fired her. I need to think about what to do next.

"Any advice?" I inquire as I'm now pacing back and forth on the porch.

"I think you should change your ways of getting her," Scott lectures. "Stop acting like that arrogant boss commanding her to do your laundry when it's not even her job. She is that kind of girl who will never fall for you with that,"

I let out a deep sigh, reasoning with him.

"By the way, have you told Tracy?"

"Why would I tell her," I argue. "It's man-to-man talk okay?" I add, lamenting while he chuckles a little.

"So no one saw her hitting you,"

I'm done with this conversation with Scott.

"Go attend those lectures," I say. "I will sleepover at your place tonight so that we can study together,"

"Then it's high time you started paying me for this,"

Hearing that, all I do is hang up. I'm even on a bet with Tracy. I can't lose to her this way.

I have to get this girl back to play my game. Trying to think straight, I have no idea what I'm going to do.

Jeff arrives at this moment and I wait for him to get out of his car, to briskly exchange pleasantries before going back to my room.

We barely talk these days.

*****

The night finally came with the sunset after a long day of staying indoors, and after having dinner with dad and Olivia, I ride my motorbike to Scott's hostel for the sleepover which we do call TDB.

His hotel is situated outside the school campus which is just some minutes away from home.

It's the biggest hostel built near our school which consists of sets of self- contain for both males and females.

By the time I get to the hostel, the weather has suddenly changed, as the sky appears gray, even darker, and cloudy.

Everyone rushes in and out of the hostel while the wind starts to blow violently in all directions.

I also quickly parked my bike well, still wearing my helmet to protect me from the wind blasts.

I intently swing by the hostel cafeteria to get some snacks and coffee to keep Scott and me awake for the rest of the night.

Then I come over to a lady sitting alone on the pavement with her face buried in her lap. With folks passing her by, I wonder if she knows it's about to rain.

"Hey," I say as I move close in front of her. She couldn't shake and talk less of responding to me.

This makes me touch her shoulder. She raises her head and turns out to be Karen. I immediately take off my helmet.

How come I do not notice she is the one before approaching her?

Well, let's leave that aside and talk about her wellness. With the light bulb that is just turned on, I can see her eyes look puffy, and the way she sits moodily describes sadness.

"Are you okay?" I inquired, leaning forward to her.

"Like you care?" She retorts and buries back her face. I squat before her, thinking of what next to say to her since we do not get along.

I have no idea if she stays here or... I think I guess it right.

"He cheated on you?" I interrogate in my calm voice.

"With my roommate," She let out, not lifting her head.

"What!" I react in shock and chuckle.

I try hard to stop the moment she gives me a death stare. She gets up and walks away from me.

Damn! What have I done? I shouldn't have laughed.

I begin to approach her to amend my ways by heeding the advice Scott gave me.

"I'm sorry," I plead but she doesn't stop walking.

"I laughed because I don't believe in true love not because I'm making fun of you," I add and she finally freezes while I catch up.

The wind keeps blowing and her braids are flipping around.

"I can be of help," I say, moving in front of her.

"They have traced me to my hostel. I do not want to go back there," She cries out.

"You can stay with Maria since you guys are friends," I suggest and she nods okay in agreement.

I gently wear the helmet on her head, noticing her shaking uncontrollably, I also take off my leather jacket and hand it over to her.

"Thanks," She whispers and takes it from me.

"Give me some seconds," I reply and walk down to the park to get my bike.

Riding to her side, she climbs onto the back and I start streaking off so as not to be drenched by the rain which is already dazzling.

I feel something I can't describe the moment she holds me by my waist, leaning her chest on my back.

Getting home the security man opens the gate and I ride into the lawn tiles which lead to the quarters in the backyard where most of our full-time house helpers, including Maria, do stay.

With some bright flashes, making in the sky with sounds of thunder following, it starts tipping down.

I park and we quickly jump out of the bike and rush to the quarter's porch. She is slightly wet likewise me.

I watch her taking off the helmet and she hands it over to me, trying hard to smile.

I can see how hurt she is.

Damn, her boyfriend and her roommate. Imagine!

"Thanks," She adds.

"Are you sure you will be okay?" I ask, looking deeply into her eyes.

"I just want to be alone," She replies and sniffs.

I nod okay and she starts heading in to meet Maria while I stay behind watching the raindrops.

I have the intention to go back and meet Scott.

This is the first rain of the year in Lagos.

************************************
I dedicate this chapter to Omah_nwodo  KanuChiomaAngel katherina-k Butterflies1980 mireya_writes Chukwuzitelem anythinguptomylevel yoitslt MichelleMorado594

Thank you guys for your support❤❤❤