BITTER SWEET LOVE

DORIS

I could hear them speak in hushed tones at the background.

I knew very well Hakeem wasn't working that particular Saturday.

He had received my call and forgot to speak and I could hear very well whatever he was saying.

"Why can't you just tell her the truth? Tell her you can't marry her because I'm expecting your baby! "

" I can't bring myself to tell her that Olivia! Doris is my life. She has been too good to me to deserve whatever I'm doing to her! Just get rid of that baby!"

"You must be kidding me Hakeem. I'm not getting rid of our baby and you are going to marry me, and not that Slut Doris!"

She said with finality.

" Shit! The call is ongoing! Shiet!"

Hakeem exclaimed.

Then there was silence from the other end.

Hakeem and I had gone through alot.

I had met him when we were in college.

It wasn't a case of love at first sight! Noooo.

It was my first day at the college and I was literally stranded. I couldn't trace the administration block and I was going in circles, always ending at the same spot.

"Hey there, you look lost. Maybe I can help you!"

"Hi there. I'm looking for the administration block. I'm new here. I've just arrived for admission!"

I told him, letting out a heavy sigh of relief.

" This way lady. Forgive my manners, I'm Hekeem... Hakeem Eason."

He said while helping me with my luggage.

"I'm Doris Benicio."

He led me to the block and helped me through all the registration processes.

By the time we were done, I was already worn out.

I was showed to my room where I met a lovely lady who was quite accommodative.

Hakeem left us and excused himself, claiming that he had an afternoon class.

Olivia Fox was a jovial lady. She was quite helpful and she made sure I got to know everything nook and corner of the campus.

She was a second year student and her former roommate had just graduated.

Through her, I got to know that Hakeem was a third year student and he was currently the students' leader.

Olivia was like the sister I never had. Having being brought up in a family where all my siblings are boys, I felt safe with her.

My two brothers were older than me and they were all abroad, looking for greener pastures.

Mum and dad were retired government official but money wasn't a problem because they had businesses all over.

When I first saw Hakeem, I never felt anything for him. Infact I saw him as a friend, just like Olivia.

Since the day he helped me check in the campus, I never saw him for days.

I had already forgotten about him.

Olivia and I had clicked well and we shared almost everything about us.

She wasn't dating but she was expecting to get a faithful man to take care of her.

On the other hand, I was a virgin, fresh from high school and boys always freaked me out.

I had sworn to myself that I was gonna wait till I achieve my dreams.

I was lazing around all alone in the school cafe after the afternoon lectures, sipping some juice when I felt someone tap my shoulder.

I turned back only to meet the sweetest smile ever.

There stood Hakeem, wearing a grey suit looking all sharp in it.

"Hey there!"

He said while smiling.

"Hi!"

I replied.

" How have you been. Haven't seen you since the admission day!"

He asked, while pulling a seat and sat next to me.

" I'm doing fine Hakeem. Olivia has been helping me out alot."

He ordered for some fries and asked me to do my order.

I didn't refuse.

We ate while chatting about college life.

I could see some few girls throwing hateful glances towards us. Others went to an extend of asking Hakeem to join them in their tables but he blatantly refused.

As the students leader, he was famous and I expected him to be everybody's favourite.

After we had had our fill, he paid the bill and he made me goodbye.

Before he left, he gave me his complementary card and told me to call him whenever I'm in need.

As I was heading towards the hostels, since I had no more classes, there skimpily dressed damsels blocked my way.

The eyed me furiously, throwing daggers at me.

I was tempted to push them aside but not till I heard what they had in mind....

"Hey newbie... I can see you've found favour in Mr handsome!"

One of them, whom I came to learn later she's Hellen asked me.

"Get Straight to the piont lady, I've alot of stuff to take care of!"

I was somehow arrogant and my arrogance somehow helped me. I usually got away with things because of my nature.

"A lot of stuff uh? Like following people's boyfriends around the whole school?"

She asked me, obviously irritated.

" Cut the crap woman! What is your problem? If you've nothing else to say, I've alot to do. Excuse me!"

I shoved miss know it all aside and headed for my room.

The rest didn't say anything the whole time. They only looked at me with warning eyes and I wondered what the future was all about.

"By the time I'm done with you slut, you will be having no ass to swing around this college!"

Hellen shouted behind me.

" Do your worst bitch!"

I shouted over my shoulder.

I was fuming when I finally pushed to door to our house open. Olivia was sleeping, and I startled her when I threw my books on the table, clicking loudly.

"Those girls are testing my patience!"

I told her.

"Which girls?"

She asked me as she rubbed her eyes, as if to have a clear view of me.

" I've never seen you this furious dear, anything the matter?"

She asked, looking curious.

" Is it not those three assless bitches who threatened me on the way?"

"Who? Why? When? Where?"

She asked me, rather furious.

" That slim girl. She claimed I'm planning to take her man away!"

"Hellen! Thanks conniving bitch!..."

She sat up and looked at me, chuckling cheekily.

" Tell me something Doris. Did you by any chance meet Hakeem or speak to him?"

" Yeah, found me in the cafe and he sat with me as we ate. He even took care of the bill!"

I told her innocently.

" Did you guys do something to make those girls jealous?"

" Something like what?"

" Hugging....kissing?"

" Yeeeewk! Hell no! We were just chatting and Hakeem refused to join their table!"

" I trust you girlfriend. Hellen is a third year student and she has been throwing herself at Hakeem since he became the students leader. However, Hakeem doesn't care about her. Just because she's rich make she think she can order everybody around. She's the governor's daughter!"

" Say what?"

I asked her, looking shocked.

" She must be filthy rich. But she won't intimidate me. I won't let her walk on me whenever she feels like. And those her equally skinny bodyguards, they better beware! I spit venom like a snake whenever crossed!"

I said with finality.

" I've heard you officer Doris!"

She told me while saluting.

"Forget about those bitches for now. That Hakeem boy ain't that handsome! With those big eyes, who can like him anyway?"

I said while grinning.

" What do you know about handsome men you silly girl?"

Olivia threw me a pillow and I picked it up, chased her round the room beating her with it.

We had grown so fond of each other such that we couldn't do without each other.