I had the ice-cream date with my friends and had fully convinced myself I was in a better place. I resumed attending classes the next Monday and began talking in the room again. My roommate tried asking questions about what had happened, but I told them nothing had happened, that I was simply down. Inoma was happy, but also avoided asking about Fareedah. She was waiting for me to talk about her first, but I wasn't ready to tell her I blocked her and decided to distance myself from her. She was going to have my head for dinner if I said so, while still trying to be supportive.

It was Tuesday and we had finished our classes for the day. We had only two classes that day, two long and boring classes. "If Mr. Akin's course was an elective, I know deep down that that man's class would be empty. Not only is his class a bore, he is also not loud and then all the stress to now come and get pass. Abeg Abeg," I said to Inoma as I slumped my shoulder, causing her to laugh.

"Abeg," she replied. "If not for life ehn, nah to drop ou-" She didn't finish her sentence before she grabbed my hands and said, "Guy, Isn't that your babe?" Her voice was low.

I frowned a bit, because she was probably joking again. Maybe referring to someone I didn't like and calling them 'my babe' in an attempt to get on my nerves. I smirked before I replied, "Which babe?"

"Which other babe?" She looked at me up down, before turning to look ahead of us, causing me to follow her gaze.

To my utmost surprise, there stood Fareedah, leaning against her car as she stared at me. I quickly averted my gaze as I tried to hide behind Inoma, which caused her to grain as she muttered, "What stupid thing have you done again?"

I shook my head, not agreeing to tell her what I had done.

"She's walking over here, so I'm going to gently excuse you both."

I couldn't help the way my heart started racing, panic filling my entire body and making my knees go weak. I wanted to run away so I didn't have to face her heads on, but Instead I stood straight up and move to stand beside Inoma.

"Hi, you must be Celia's roommate," she said with a gentle smile as she stretched her hands for a handshake.

Inoma stretched her hands to shake her, smiling gently as she nodded. "Yes, I am her roommate and friend."

"Nice to meet you," Fareedah replied as they both let each other's hands go.

They both stood, smiling for a short while before Fareedah asked, "Could I have Celia?"

I felt my body tingle when I name rolled so smoothly off her tongue, and her gaze move to be fixed on me. I suddenly became conscious of my environment and the people continuously passing by. It was like I was reminded that Faculty of Arts was a really busy place.

"Oh, that is completely fine," Inoma said. "Ceila has a mind of her own, and would be the one to decide. But... I'd be stepping aside to give you guys a chance to talk." With that, she turned to me for confirmation.

I nodded, keeping my gaze in Fareedah as I used my side eye to watch her leave.

"Can we walk to my car? Standing out here has gotten really tiring," Fareedah said as she pointed to her car, looking at me for confirmation.

I nodded as we began to walk to her car, and got in.

The moment I sat in her passenger sit, I began to so greatly hate myself for agreeing to be in an enclosed space with her. My mind began to have multiple thoughts, and none of them innocent at all. First, I wanted to kiss her so passionately, because no matter how I tried to assure myself that she was better without me, I still wanted to hold her so close that she begged me for a release. I wanted to be buried in her soft and flowery scent, while we laid in bed and talked about absolutely nothing.

"So..." Fareedah began, causing me to look away from her as I fiddled with the edge of my tote bag. "You blocked me."

My heart stopped for a split second, before it began beating rapidly. I didn't respond.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked so innocently, I felt my heart ache and began hating myself for over thinking and over reacting.

I still didn't respond.

"Can I make it up to you?"

I still didn't respond. Not because I was trying to be difficult, but no matter how I tried to think of an answer, I couldn't.

"Okay, let's go. I'd go tell your friend we are dropping her at New Hall, then we can head out," With that she got out of the car and soon returned with Inoma.

There was so much going on that my brain was finding it hard to process. It wasn't until we were already out of school before I had successfully processed it all. I knew it was best I wasn't around her. "I blocked you out of intent," I told her.

"It's fine, I just need to make it up to you and then earn it for you to unblock me," she replied.

I shook my head, further explaining myself. "No, it is better that I am away from you. Fareedah I don't want you to have to see experien-"

"It is a new place, I feel like you'd really like the food there," she said, cutting me mid-sentence.

"Fareedah you're not listening to me. That truth is that I-"

"After that, we can maybe go home and see a movie."

I sighed. "There is no aft-"

"It would be so much fun."

I sighed again as I sank into the chair, feeling glad that I hadn't put on my seat belt. Not only was she avoiding the conversation or topic, but she was also trying to get us to move on like nothing happened. I began to think.

A/N

Good day everyone,

Sorry for the very long delay once again. My school suddenly resumed from its academic strike. And that sent us into series of tests and exams. I presently have two papers tomorrow. This has had be busy and with little to no time to write.

I quickly dropped this chapter because a reader had dm-ed (sorry I couldn't tag you). Thank you for reaching out. And I quickly dropped part of this chapter due to that. I hope you enjoy this and wait a little while longer for me to began releasing chapters once again.

With Love,
Ebun.