Chapter 6

The sun had begun to set, having most of her day with Tamara, Monah decided to return back to her room. She was tired and ready to take a quick shower before dossing off to sleep. As she entered, she saw Michelle reading a book. Monah chose to be the bigger person and greet her roommate in a polite manner but she just nodded and returned her focus on her book.

But as Monah approached the bed, she noticed something that made her heart skip a beat. Michelle was wearing the same black striped socks that Ted, used to wear. 

The same socks that he had left behind when he invited her to his parents house for the first time. The young woman felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She had thought she was over Ted, but seeing those socks brought back all the memories of their relationship. She remembered the way he would wear them with his favorite jeans and how he would always smelled so good when he put them on. She remembered the way he would look at her when he thought she wasn't looking, with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Monah felt a lump form in her throat as she realized that she wasn't as over Ted as she thought she was. She had been trying to move on, to put him out of her mind and focus on her new life, but seeing those socks had brought him back to her in a way she couldn't ignore. She took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling, telling herself that it was just a pair of socks. But as she looked at Michelle, wearing them with such ease and comfort, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Why did Michelle get to wear Ted's socks when she couldn't? Why did Michelle get to be with Ted when she couldn't? But then again was he even worth thinking about? 

I mean this was her new year without Ted, a year of starting afresh. He had made his own choice, and she had a choice to make as well. To stay in the past or look forward to a great future whilst living in the present. Monah took a towel and headed for the shower. She began to reminisce about Derrick. He seemed so interested in her, Monah thought to herself. She tried to think about how his cologne smelled, a spicy cinnamon and a hint of alcohol. He not only smelled nice, he was polite to her. He walked so confidently and his grip was so firm and protective. Nothing that she had expected her first class with him. Monah giggled at each thought. She wished badly she could repeat the same scenario that had happened at the school. How Derrick was willing to fight for her. How he would not let her go. It all seemed like a fantasy but it was realistic. The most handsome guy in her class actually fought for her. And that she liked very much. 

The morning arrived quickly, Monah had a peaceful sleep. The first she hasn't had since she had arrived at the student residence. She grabbed a quick breakfast then took a cab to school. She passed Ted on the stair's with Michelle missing but paid no attention to it. 

As she entered class she found Derrick on his seat. Monah smiled as she saw him and he smiled too. The lecturer began his lesson until an hour ended. 

The student's grabbed their books and left. The lecturer asked for Derrick and immediately he followed after him. Monah was slightly disappointed to leave the class alone without him. But she didn't understand why she had to feel that way since she and Derrick were not even dating. 

That afternoon, Monah and Tamara made their way to the library to study as they education was important to them both. They sat in the place near the window like the previous day. 

"I tried to call my brother yesterday since I couldn't find him in his room. He just ignored me. Can you believe it?" Tamara complained. 

"Ted has changed and we both were too blinded to see it." Monah added. 

"Anyway how is your handsome crush treating you, has he asked for a date yet?" 

Monah giggled. 

"Of course not. I don't think he sees me in that way." She explained. 

"Yeah right. You and I both know he wants you. I could see it in his eyes. The way he stared at you while you were studying. He likes you a lot." 

"Come on Tammy, stop exaggerating. I don't think he sees me like that. I walked alone today. He just followed the lecturer to his office without even consulting me." Said Monah in a low voice. 

Tamara began to laugh

"I knew it, you're completely into him. You know this is the 21st century, you don't have to wait for a guy to ask you out. Just invite him for coffee then tell him how you feel about him." She advised

Monah exhaled heavily

"Its not that simple. He's just way above my standard." 

Suddenly Derrick walked their way. 

"Hey there, ladies! Can I?" The young man asked. 

Monah nodded. 

Tamara's eyes widened in excitement.

"I need a bathroom break. I'll be back just now." She said. Leaving the two alone. 

Monah, still feeling a bit self-conscious about the previous day's incident was silent. 

"Okay, what did I do now?" Derrick asked with a sparkle in his eyes. 

"Nothing. I I just wanted to apologize for Ted's behavior yesterday. He got a bit jealous and reacted immaturely." 

Derrick chuckled and shook his head. "No need to apologize. I understand. Ted's just a bit protective of you, that's all." 

"But he was ready to start a fight, something I didn't even expect from him since he has a girlfriend whose now my roommate, unfortunately." Monah said, then exhaled heavily. 

"Forget about that guy, he just has to suck it up like a man. I mean you're beautiful, who wouldn't fight to have you by their side." 

"Thanks. I needed to hear that." 

"You're welcome." 

Monah bit her lips gently. Derrick's heart began to pound a little harder than usual. Tamara suddenly arrived. She could feel the tension between the two. To ease the air, she threw a large book on top of the table.. 

"Hey, are we still studying or are we still blushing!" She teased.. 

Monah laughed the comment off and signalled that her friend was crazy in the head. 

Derrick smiled.