October rush

"October rush" was the most comical period in the university.

It often extended from October up until December because that's when "freshers" usually resumed academic activities.

I had waved it aside when my roommates gisted me about it mostly because I had already formulated a plan to evade the "rush".

It was a time when third to fifth and sometimes sixth-year students "preyed" on first-year students with different tactics, some completely unimaginable.

I planned to live a triangular lifestyle- hostel to class and back to the hostel but for some reason, all plans I usually made did not always seem to go my way.

.

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"Hey! Sister on jeans!"

I heard someone yell from behind.

I stopped, looked down at my slacks in bewilderment and glanced at Ugochi's pleated skirt, and concluded that we weren't the ones being addressed.

A moment later, I was stopped in my tracks when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I turned around slowly and met the smiling face of a quite boring-looking guy who seemed to be in his early twenties.

"Hey, my name is John."

He extended a hand; waving at Ugochi with his other, and I reluctantly shook it and forced a smile.

"I saw you earlier at the fellowship service and I was counting down the minutes until I could speak with you. You're very beautiful, might I add."

I looked over at Ugochi who was trying to hold in her laughter and fought back a laugh of my own.

"Thank you very much. Is there anything I can help you with?" I enquired.

"Oh not at all. I just wanted to get to know you better. What's your name and which department are you in?"

Many snarky answers flitted across my mind but I resisted the urge to say something rude and decided to be polite.

"My name is Chisom. I'm a first-year student of Medicine and Surgery."

"That's wonderful. Pleased to meet you. You even look like a medicine and surgery student with your glasses and the way you carry yourself."

I rolled my eyes at this statement.

"I'm wearing glasses so I can see, idiot. Not because I'm studying medicine and surgery," I muttered under my breath and forced another smile.

"Well, I'm a fourth-year Microbiology student. Since you're a fresher, I'd be happy to show you around campus sometime whenever you're free. Can I get your number?"

He brought out his phone from his pocket.

I contemplated giving him a fake number or just outright refusing but my phone was clearly in my hand and he would want to dial my number to be sure.

Besides, refusing would just make him insist even more which would get me more annoyed than I already was and lead me to say something mean which could get me in trouble as I didn't know anything about this random dude except his name and department.

I made up my mind and punched in my number and handed it back to him to save. After all, it was up to me to decide to pick up when he called or reply if he texted.

As expected, he dialed my number and I held my phone up to show his number flashing on my screen.

"Alright, dear. I'll call you later. I hope you'll take me up on my offer."

"We'll see," I replied.

Thankfully, he walked away and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, Ugochi started laughing as I noticed she had been wanting to do since the beginning of the conversation.

"Sister on jeans!" She mimicked, wheezing. "The stupid guy doesn't even know the difference between slacks and jeans. My goodness!"

I joined in her laughter as we continued our walk back to our hostel.

"This one is looking for a fresher to use and throw to one side. His coursemates are no longer attractive to him again," I said, giggling.

"Don't mind him. Look at his face like spoiled plantain."

"Ah! Ugochi! You're wicked!"

"What? Is that human being pleasing to your eyes? Say the truth o." She pressed.

"Well, he's not fine but he's not terrible looking either na!"

I tried defending as I didn't enjoy mocking people's looks out loud.

"Chisom! Ever the diplomat! Be going. I'll be coming to your hostel later in the night to collect that assignment, you hear?" She said, already walking into her hostel.

"Yes, ma. Bring snacks as you're coming!" I shouted after her as she waved me off.

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As my roommates and I gathered on the floor to eat, I began informing them of the guy that approached me.

"Seriously? This one has used another tactic now. From showing you around the school to showing you around his hostel room or lodge," Vivian said.

"That's how they do, "Adaeze added.

"Yes o. That's how one approached me outside Lecture West hall, telling me that he likes me and would love to guide me in the ways of the spirit," Mirabel chipped in, making everyone burst into laughter.

"Ways of the spirit, my foot. Do guys think we're stupid or something?" Genevieve asked.

"Let's be honest though, I'm very sure some girls who don't know better have fallen victim to these cheap tricks of theirs," Vivian said and I nodded in agreement.

"Chisom, don't mind them. This guy won't be the last. You're a fine girl so many will come. You just have to keep being wise.

"Although some might be genuine, you still have to be wary at all times. The same applies to you Mira," Vivian, ever the mom of the room, advised.

"Just pray you guys don't meet cultists o. Because escaping those won't be too easy," Genevieve added.

"Omo, thank you guys," I said also sneakily stealing a piece of potatoes from Adaeze's plate.

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At midnight, I settled in for my weekly video call session with Tobi. But he didn't answer this time. I called two more times, yet, I got no answer although he was online.

A million and one thought ran through my mind, my heart was racing and I felt my eyes well up.

I hated the feeling of abandonment so much.

I dropped three messages asking what was wrong but I received no response and he had posted a status update about ten minutes ago.

I resolved not to read too much into it and concluded that he must have fallen asleep with his data on.

I drifted off to sleep hoping fervently that I was right and everything was still fine between us.