Living With My Grandma
Episode 5
Having Meska in my life lighted up my world again. I went back to the days of constant chatting and video call with him. We chatted about what we had been up to for the past weeks. And it seemed we were a lot more compatible than we had previously been. We texted like never before. I didn’t have any worries or doubts about rekindling the relationship, especially given how much we had changed.
He finally narrated his ordeal to me. According to Meska, the caretaker had seized his phone after he promised to pay but couldn’t fulfill his promises and those were the days I couldn’t reach him. He said he almost sold his phone just to settle the bill. Meska said he used the last money I sent to him to settle one of his friends who assisted him.
***
My grandma and I were back to our boring life in absence of Darlington. Thanks goodness Annabel came back. She visited our house regularly. We would talk and gossip about some of our classmates each time she visited. Annabel never lacked what to say or discuss. I always teased her with “Annabel the talkative” She deserves an award for being the most talkative friend I got.
Months later, Darlington finally graduated from UNN. He posted the pictures of him signing out on Facebook. Just like every other person in the comment section, I congratulated him and wished him success in his next life endeavors. I anticipated seeing him maybe days later, but he didn’t come as he said.
So, Annabel remained the only person that visited our house regularly.
One Saturday evening, we were together in our house talking, Annabel asked if I was going to register for JAMB lesson which according to her had started.
“Yipee! Yes! Yes!” I shouted, punching the air with my fists.
“What’s that? Why the excitement?” She asked.
I was thrilled that I wouldn’t be the only teenager in our street, suffering through JAMB classes.
“You know I have always thought about how to go about this lesson of a thing all alone,” I replied. I wasted no time telling why I was delighted. I wouldn’t like to walk in there feeling like one JJC.
“Oh! I see why you are excited. I hope you’ll also be excited when you see JAMB Chemistry questions. They can make an adult cry,” Annabel said.
“And you know Zee is not an Olodo right? I’ll definitely scale through those questions. Besides, I chose this.”
“What did you choose?” she asked.
“Phy—Chem—Bio.”
“But wait…”
“What’s that?”
“Erm, Zee, but your parents can afford to send you to Canada or The United States of America for uni right?” she said inaudibly, probably pondering whether what she just said didn’t screech insensitive.
“Of course, they can. You know my eldest sister is in the US. And likewise, my mum wants me to go there too,” I paused.
“But?” She offered, encouraging me to continue.
“But I have always told her I didn’t like the idea.”
Annabel was puzzled.
“Girllll, are you for real?”
I nodded my head affirmative.
She was literally like, what is this girl saying? Who meets such an opportunity to study abroad but rather prefers to suffer from the yearly and endless ASUU strike that for long hindered most Nigerian students from graduating as when due? She stared surprisingly.
“Why the look? It’s my choice or you’re surprised?”
“Of course. Why won’t I be? All my life, I’ve never met anyone who says such a thing,” she spat.
“Hian, has it gotten to that? Well, I guess I’m the first then, you know there is always a first time for everything right?
Silence.
“Annabel, I’m not interested in going abroad for school. Maybe after school, I’ll consider.
“Okay oo, so it’s JAMB for you then. At least for now?”
“Yeah. JAMB for now.” I smirked.
Annabel went on to enlighten me about the JAMB lesson, that although it was open to anyone taking or re-taking JAMB, there were older folks who possibly had failed severally and they were also part of the lesson.
“But our age group dominated this particular JAMB lesson,” she added.
The lesson starts at 4:30 pm to accommodate those who were in school.
So, that was how Annabel took me there the following week, and I got registered with two thousand, five hundred naira.
***
One very day, Annabel and I were on our way to the lesson. We usually trek to the venue unless whenever we were late, then, we would bike. This very day, we trekked because we went on time.
As we trekked, there was this combination of nervousness and excitement that had been simmering on Annabel all day, causing her to walk a little faster than usual. If she didn’t notice the marked increase in her pace, I certainly did.
“Girl, wait for me naa!” I groaned, panting as I jogged a short distance until I caught up with her. That was the fourth time I had to catch up with her that afternoon, and we had only been walking for ten minutes. I wasn’t happy with her power walking.
“What exactly is chasing you?” I demanded when I caught up with her.
Silence.
“You’ve just been walking faster as if they are going to share free food at the lesson hall.”
She laughed.
“It’s not funny, and you know.”
“Um, nothing really. I just want to seat in the front seat today,” she said.
“Story. We’ll surely get there on time. That’s certainly not the reason.” I refused to believe any of the rational but completely bogus explanations.
“My mummy won’t be happy if she finds out I got late to the lesson,” she added, hoping that would get me off her back.
“We’ll surely get there on time and still have time to relax before the class kicks off. So you better tell me what is chasing you.” I checked my brown leather wristwatch, it was three minutes before 4:00 pm.
“I have told you but you have chosen not to believe me,” she replied.
“Lair!” I said, accusingly.
“Zee, please, leave me alone. Stop pestering me!” she snarled.
“Hmmm. Do you call this pestering, ehn? You better talk and stop this your grammar. And you know I’ll still find out.”
Annabel stubbornly refused to tell me what was responsible for her rush to the JAMB lesson that afternoon. Instead, she temporarily abandoned the topic and switched to telling me another thing entirely. But my occasional “Um—hmm” and “Okay” I uttered now and then did not satisfy her, and she accused me of not paying attention.
Of course, she was right. But I was so aware Annabel was a certified talkative and no secret, not even the ones which appeared to be harmless on the surface, were safe with her. I was also getting tired of her constant talking more than anything else.
And no matter how hard I wished, a large man-sized bird didn’t swoop down and carry Annabel away and dump her on a deserted Island where she would have coconut trees and rushing waves for company. It didn’t happen. They were mere wishes. Annabel kept talking until we reached our JAMB Tutorial hall.
Then I was relieved that Annabel instantly abandoned me as she found other people she knew and went to fraternize with them. “Peace at least!” I sighed in relief.
I went straight inside the tutorial hall, few people were seated already. It was a spacious hall with wooden chairs arranged in rows. The time was 4:15 pm and about fifteen minutes more before the tutorial would start. I watched through the open windows as people loitered about. I have always enjoyed my space more than anything. I sat there quietly, observing movements.
Moments later, I felt the urge to drink something cold. My throat was dried. I quickly stood up and headed towards the canteen which was behind the auditorium. The sun had gone down, but not completely.
Aunty Oge was the lady that sold foodstuffs and provisions there. A single mother of two. That was exactly what Annabel told me the very first time we went there, even when I didn’t ask her about the woman’s status. Apart from provisions, she had a small space where people relax and enjoy small chops and drinks. She also made pepper soup at night.
“Aunty Oge, please, give me one cold Fanta,” I stepped inside the canteen, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was frozen for some seconds. Yes, you guessed right if you guessed I met Annabel. But I’m sure you’d never guess right whom she was with. My cousin’s brother, Darlington! They were both seated having drinks and small snacks. Heii God! I couldn’t believe Darlington could be this shocking and unpredictable.
They saw me and I saw them too. Our eyes got locked in contact—and nobody uttered a word. I should have known why Annabel was pacing faster. I then remembered that very day I took grandma to the hospital. I remembered they didn’t exchange contact while Darlington and I waited outside for grandma to get ready. How on earth did these two people connect?
I left with the cold drink but suddenly lost appetite. I didn’t open it. I held it as I returned to my seat. Lots of thoughts clustered in my head, I was so annoyed. I was ashamed of Darlington. It simply implies that was how he goes about with everything he finds on skirt. He didn’t visit us as he promised but there he was, sharing drinks with my close friend. I was enveloped with anger and jealousy. I was boiling inside. Like Darlington had the gut to go after my friend, after napping with me.
Annabel later joined the tutorial when Mr. Iyke had taught Geometry in Mathematics for almost thirty minutes. Throughout the time we were there, I couldn’t concentrate. My mind drifted, with voices saying this and that.
The prospect of knowing Darlington and Annabel were having something irked me. I probably shouldn’t feel bad my cousin was having something to do with my close friend, but the fact Annabel hid it from me made me feel bad. Darlington on his part irritated me too. Maybe he didn’t know the secret affairs we had had a bond it brought afterward. I was simply mad at the duo.
Annabel was gradually getting tired of my attitude towards her after I met her with Darlington. She didn’t expect me to react the way I did but she barely knew
exactly how I felt. Our friendship was on the verge of breaking by the day.
Well, long story short, Annabel stopped coming to our house. We met only during the lesson period and barely talked like we used to. She had other friends she mingled with after the lesson unlike myself who half knew anyone else.
It was all my fault. Maybe I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I just couldn’t handle the sort of jealousy that clouded my heart. Annabel once queried angrily if I’d marry my cousin? Of course, I didn’t have any response to her query. I wasn’t sure what was doing me then. I was just young and naïve.
Within a few weeks, I subdued those thoughts and moved on. My Meska was there for me, too. JAMB exam was what occupied my mind. It did come and pass. My aggregate score was 286, and that was a big boost to my chances of getting my desired course, Applied Microbiology and Brewing. I was excited I made the cut-off mark. Annabel scored 254. Of course, she didn’t tell me herself. I found out through one of her friends. Annabel and I didn’t choose the same University. She chose Unical.
All while I was preparing for my journey to the University, grandma and my uncles were making plans for another person who would stay with grandma just in case I scale through the admission process and eventually get admitted.
I called my Dad and mom, telling them my score. They were glad I made the cutoff mark. My Dad said I should put more effort into the screening test so that all my efforts wouldn’t be in vain. I also called my uncles, indirectly sending them signals that I was on the verge of leaving their mother for school.
***
Post utme was the next thing in my mind. I chatted with Meska and informed him I’d be coming to their school for my screening exam (Post utme). I asked him to help me contact one of his female friends who could easily accommodate me for the two days I’d be staying in Awka. He obliged and promised to do the needful. He said I shouldn’t worry about accommodation. I knew Meska lived alone off-campus, but I didn’t want to stay in his apartment or perhaps pass the night there before writing my exam the next day. I needed maximum concentration to come out in flying colors, and he understood that too.
Meska equally assisted me with useful past questions which he sent across via pdf format. Even though he was an Art student, he was still able to get my subject combination, Phy—Chm—Bio from his friends. He played a major role in giving me the necessary orientation I needed for the upcoming screening test, which was a computer-based test.
I was anxiously anticipating as the days passed by. It was a different kind of feeling entirely. All my life, I haven’t seen the four walls of any University. Not only that, I was going to meet my guy again—and that was enough reason to be enthusiastic.
While waiting for the screening test, I didn’t relax at all. I was told Unizik was very competitive and one would only need a connection to succeed if eventually, you fail to meet up the required score. I wasn’t the kind of student that would read once and get it retained in my memory. I’d have to study and study before it sticks, so I steadily burn midnight candles. It was one of the periods I read like never before. The way some of my friends online hyped the exam stole sleep away from my eyes. Besides, I didn’t want to settle for Polytechnic. My Dad wouldn’t accept such from me. He made it clear that it was either a University or another University. He meant, it’s either I gain admission or I wait and rewrite another JAMB.
The day before the exam, I called Meska and informed him I would be coming in the evening so he could take me to the place I’d stay against tomorrow’s exam. Meska was excited he would see me in a few hours. Well, the feeling was mutual. I was delighted too. I had missed him so dearly.
It was around 3:30 pm when I started preparing. I took my bath, brushed my teeth, and did a light make–up that concealed all the black spots on my face. I needed to dress like a campus girl, too. So I wore one of my favorite chevon tops and black jeans. I glanced in the mirror, carefully staring at my reflection, and applying lipstick to my lips. My hair was beautifully tied up in a bun. I reached into the wardrobe and picked two other clothes of mine that I cherished. I picked other accessories I’d be needing over there. And they were neatly arranged in my small red and white bag. I was finally done dressing up, I wore my most expensive perfume, and I made sure it was obvious I had a cologne.
Grandma was sleeping in her room when I entered to inform her I was about to leave for my exam. I tapped her gently and she rose. Grandma sat me down and gave me motherly advice. She cautioned me to be watchful and to always mind my movement. She knew it was my first time traveling to Awka, so she counseled me to mind my business and avoid trouble with anybody. She equally said a short prayer and wished me success, and that made me emotional. Grandma had me at heart. She wanted the best for me even though I was on the verge of leaving her for school, but she still wanted me to succeed, and I felt her good intentions.
“Thank you, grandma. I made soups for you and they are in the freezer. I’ll be back tomorrow evening, by God’s grace,” I said.
“Ngwanu, jee nke oma. Gbadokwa anya,” she bid me farewell in the Igbo language. I left her room with a half-smile. I hit back to my room, picked up my bag, and zoomed off. It was 4:15 pm when I left the house.
From our hometown to Awka was less than an hour’s journey, but we spent two hours in transit. There was a disastrous accident along the highway. A long lorry collided with a truck and the outcome was terrible that all moving vehicles diverted to one lane. It was the rainy season too, and the roads were awful. Throughout our journey, almost everyone on the bus complained bitterly about how the government had failed to work on the major roads across the state.
Meska was steadily checking up on me. He called severally to know if I had arrived.
It was 5:58 pm when I finally arrived at Awka. I stopped at Unizik junction as directed by Meska. Cars and trucks swooshed past. Students were on different sides of the road. The weather was unclear. It seemed it would rain. I quickly dialed Meska’s number, and in a twinkle of an eye, he came from behind, tickling my ribs. He hugged me as soon as I turned. “So fast? Have you been waiting here?” He nodded his head affirmatively. Meska was all smile on his sleeves and a black short. “Ziggy, I miss you,” Meska said. I was all smiles. I was timid to reciprocate when I saw the number of people close by.
Meska took my bag and lead the way to his lodge at Aroma. He didn’t want us to trek even when it was about ten-fifteen minutes walk. We boarded a bike and we soon arrived. It was twilight and the sun had gone down completely.
His apartment was a storey building painted in green and yellow. There were many numbers of students moving in and out of the building. Meska’s room was upstairs, so we climbed the staircases. The moment he opened the door, Nepa restored light. Meska’s rough face came through the white bulb. “What happened to your face? Have you used any ointment? I moved towards him, using my fingers to burst the ripe pimples carefully. He groaned in pain as soon as I punctured his skin. “See your ugly face. You have changed.” I taunted him.
We laughed.
Meska took my bag and dropped it under his wooden wardrobe. His room was littered with his drawing materials. I wasn’t surprised to see some of them on the bed. Meska went ahead to apologize again for what transpired between us. I quickly pleaded with him not to bring back the past.
“Have you called the girl I’d be staying with this night?” I asked. I needed us to divert from the past which seemed like he wasn’t ready to let go.
“Yes. I called her around 4:00 pm.”
“What did she say?”
“She said she is going to be back from church from 6:00 pm upwards.
“Okay then.” I finally sat at the edge of his bed and asked him to bring my bag. He did—and I gently unzipped it—and brought out black nylon which contained a row of sachet tea, milk, and corn flakes. There was butter and bread too. Meska was smiling when I handed them to him.
“Thank you, babe.” He kissed my forehead. He was overwhelmed seeing his girl again. She joined me in the bed and we got talking.
At 6:45 pm, Meska called the girl, but she didn’t pick up. She called back immediately, saying she was still in church. She promised she would stop by and take me along to her apartment once she is out of the fellowship center. It was quite relieving hearing that from her. So, Meska and I relaxed. We got talking and laughing out loud. I have missed his vibes. I moved closer and rested on his thighs while he played with my hair.
At 7:15 pm, the girl called back. She told him they just dismissed and she would soon be on her way. I quickly arranged my bags and zipped them.
At 7:20 pm, the roof began banging with drops of rain. It was raining heavily that we closed the windows because of the heavy waves that had blown up. And not long, the light went off. The room got illuminated by Meska’s rechargeable lamp.
While we waited for the rain to stop, I told him I was feeling famished. He asked if noodles would be fine with me because that was the only fast food available. I told him to go on with it. I had no option. And it eventually turned out well, he came minutes later with two plates of spiced noodles and fried egg. We dined on his bed, feeding each other like couples. Meska was romantic. Not to exaggerate, my guy was damn incredible.
Seconds turned minutes and minutes turned hours, yet the rain didn’t stop. Time was ticking away. There was no point calling the innocent girl since it was still raining
At 10:38 pm, the rain finally stopped. Everywhere became dark and quiet. Meska said it was unsafe to go anywhere at that time, and I didn’t argue. It was really late. The serenity of the compound and its neighborhood spoke volumes. Meska’s phone came beeping. It was the same girl calling. I heaved a big sigh of relief. I guess she was finally outside. But sadly, she only called to inform him she wouldn’t make it again. She was already in her apartment. It finally dawned on me I had no option but to stay back with Meska.
The long hours on the road from our hometown to Awka really sapped my strength. I was tired. I later took my bath, removed my undies, and wore a short; a sport short. I searched through Meska’s wardrobe and found one of his sleeveless.
Meska lay on his bed pressing his phone. I sat at the edge of the bed scrolling through the past questions on my phone. Many dirty thoughts started running in my head. I was thinking of making out with Meska, or a least feeling his touches. But we were both glued to our phones. I knew Meska was doing everything possible to put himself under control, knowing I have an exam the following day.
After 10-15 minutes, he slept off unannounced. I stayed up with my phone. I did my last revision before retiring beside Meska.
At around 4 am, I was woken by some touch around my waist and it moved inside my shorts! I turned around to find that the touch was that of Meska’s hand. He was awake—and when I tried resisting him, he planted a tight kiss on my lips, and we kissed passionately, tasting our tongues. The light from the rechargeable lamp has gone down; it became dim. We got rolling on the sheet. Meska took charge and stayed on top. He quickly pulled the sleeveless, revealing my bare b****t. He fondled, caressed, and suckled on my hardened nips. I knew he had missed my b***s. A certified b****t lover.
I arched against him when he moved to my other b****t. Two fingers worked inside me, a little uncomfortable but nothing I couldn’t handle. Not so long as he kept his mouth on me, lavishing my b*****s with attention. His thumb rubbed around a sweet spot and my eyes rolled back into my head. So close. The strength of what was building was staggering. Mind-blowing. My body was going to be blown to dust, and atoms, when this hit. If he stopped, I’d cry. Cry, and beg. And maybe kill… I came, groaning, every muscle drawn taut. It was almost too much. Almost.
To be continued…
