Chapter 1

RACHEL POV

The air was thick with the scent of dust and wind, hinting at the impending rain. The cool northern breeze carried an unmistakable warning: the storm was approaching, and it would be intense. The streets were congested, with traffic crawling at a snail's pace despite the traffic lights' efforts to regulate the flow.

Yet, despite the ominous atmosphere, my excitement remained unbridled. As an avid football fan, today's match was just the boost I needed. After a long, grueling day at school, there was no better way to unwind than at a nearby football viewing center, where the thrill of the game would wash away my worries. The smell of rain may have been heavy, but my enthusiasm was heavier still.

I might have been a little bit of the book type- not a nerd, but I find football life on its own rather than just a game; being a 400level Nursing student at Lagos State University didn't stop me from loving football. I'd always wanted to be a professional footballer but my parents were so keen on me being a Nurse, marrying a good man, having kids, and maybe taking good care of my in-laws.

Since resuming school, lectures have been energy-draining, stressful, and less fun but watching soccer is another part of my life that made the day a better one. World-cup qualifiers started months ago and since then, I haven't felt much pressure from studying. Beyond the thrill of watching the game, I'd recently discovered a new fascination - the captivating African-American footballer. The first time I laid eyes on him, I was utterly entranced. It was as if a deity had taken human form.

His rugged charm was undeniable. His hair was always cropped short even though the curly dark and shiny hair still found its way to reach his nape. His lips, plump and inviting, exuded sensuality. His muscles appeared almost soft, but still accentuated his masculine presence. His eyes, piercing and bright, reminded me of the mythical Thor.

I couldn't help but wonder how I'd break the news to my parents: that my dreams were now filled with visions of this "god" rather than the books they expected me to be studying. I knew they'd be shocked, to say the least.

As I strolled alongside Mary, my closest and most loyal friend, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought us together. We had met during our freshman year, when I was on my way to one of the gazebos. Mary, with her average height and curious demeanor, had approached me to ask for directions to the Nursing department. I had been taken aback, considering we had all attended the orientation program during our first week on campus.

However, I soon discovered that Mary had missed the orientation due to illness, which had hospitalized her for several weeks. From that moment on, we formed an unbreakable bond. As a simple girl from Ekiti, I had found Lagos to be a complex and overwhelming city, but Mary had taken me under her wing, showing me the ropes and helping me understand the intricacies of city life.

She must have noticed the smile on my face because she halted mid-stride, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized my expression. "What's wrong?" I asked, puzzled by her sudden stop. "Why'd you stop walking?"

Mary's hands settled on her hips, her gaze expectant. "A penny for your thoughts," she teased. "What's behind that lopsided smile of yours?"

I hesitated for a moment before revealing my innermost thought. "I've come to a realization, Mary. I want to marry a footballer or become one myself." The words spilled out, and I steeled myself for her reaction.

Mary's response was immediate and overwhelming – a peal of laughter that was both annoying and infectious. For a moment, I felt like a fool, but my determination remained unwavering. Nothing, not even Mary's teasing laughter, could shake this resolve.

"Football? Are you out of your mind?" Mary's voice was laced with incredulity. "Even if you wanted to become a pro, do you think your super-strict parents would ever let you?" Her words cut deep, deflating my enthusiasm from a hundred to zero.

Despite her teasing, Mary's expression softened, and I forced a smile onto my face. I decided to confess my true obsession. "I've had that handsome, half-caste player on my mind throughout the qualifying matches," I admitted, feeling a bit sheepish.

Mary's response was predictable – another burst of laughter, this time even more intense. I couldn't help but laugh along with her, feeling a bit crazy for harboring such a crush.

"You mean Aderemi John?" Mary asked, her tone incredulous.

"Are you dreaming? You know you'll never meet him. It's better to focus on finishing our council exams, graduating, landing a good job at a reputable hospital, and settling down," she said matter-of-factly.

Her words stung, the truth piercing like a fresh wound doused with iodine solution. Mary noticed my disappointment and softened her approach. She drew closer, cradling my face in her palm. "You know I always support you, but Aderemi John is out of your league. He's probably around 24..." she began, but I cut her off, unwilling to hear more.

"He's 24, I'm 21 – age is just a number," I countered, a dreamy look in my eyes. "It's not a big deal when love is involved."

A sudden spark of imagination ignited within me. "Mary, what if I actually meet him?" I exclaimed, my excitement building. "What if he sees me, and it's love at first sight? What if he proposes to me?" My voice trembled with enthusiasm, as I envisioned the impossible becoming possible.

"Rach, it's just a hypothetical scenerio, but if it ever happens, I'll grant you a wish," Mary said with a chuckle.

We both laughed, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. As much as I yearned to meet my dream guy, the harsh reality was that he was out of my league, and the chances of meeting him were slim to none.

Mary gave my hand a gentle tug, signaling that it was time to continue our walk. The air was still heavy with the scent of impending rain, and the first few drops began to fall, hinting at the storm to come. My parents were comfortable, but I wasn't born with a silver spoon like Mary. She had always aspired to be a nurse, and when she gained admission, it was a dream come true.

As we walked through the hostel gate, hand in hand, I sent a silent prayer to God, hoping to somehow cross paths with Aderemi John. But a nagging question crept into my mind, and I couldn't shake it off: Would someone like him, likely surrounded by beautiful and sophisticated women and with a beautiful and sexy girlfriend, ever notice or like a simple girl like me?