Chapter 3

DORIS

"Whose house is this Hakeem?"

I asked him, as the alcohol was absorbing into my system.

"This is one my parents'houses. They left this one to me and relocated to the US. They have several houses which are currently occupied by my siblings!"

He explained.

" Waoh!"

It's all I could say.

The moments that followed were full of silence, each of us sailing in their fantasy world.

"There's something I've been willing to tell you Doris."

Hakeem told me as we were busy sipping our wine, breaking the silence.

"I'm all ears."

I replied.

"You know I like you Doris. Since the day you joined our college, I've been in love with you. I've been looking for the best opportunity to tell you this. I'm helplessly in love with you!"

His words left my mouth wide agape.

I didn't expect someone like Hakeem to fall for me.

I only saw him as a friend and that was it!

I was still deep in thought when he startled me;

"Say something Doris. I can't continue living a lie. I love you!"

He was already holding my free hand, his eyes boring into mine.

"What do you want me to say Hakeem? I only take you as a friend. After all you have Hellen. She's your girlfriend and you are both rich. I can't match to your standards Hakeem!"

" Don't you ever mention that bitch in my presence! She only throws herself at me. I've never loved her. But I won't deny the fact that we've had several moments together. That's all. It's you I want. I don't want to toil with your feelings. I want to love and care for you as the angel you are. Then later marry you!"

This startled me more.

Who was I to make Hakeem fall in love with me?

I couldn't give him an answer right there.

I had withdrawn my hand from his and I was busy fumbling with my tumbler, facing downwards when I heard someone calling Hakeem.

We were both startled and we rose up to see who the intruder was.

"So you're here with this pauper?"

It was Hellen, addressing Hakeem as she crossed her hands over her chest.

"What do you want from me Hellen? Are you following me around? I'm not your puppet. And don't you dare call my girlfriend names again! You hear that? Leave my presence if you don't want me to harm you!"

Hakeem was furious.

I looked at the glaring Hellen and I couldn't help but feel remorse for her.

There's nothing bad like throwing yourself at a man who loathes you.

Hellen didn't move an inch. Her hands were now akimbo, glaring at me.

"And you shameless bitch, if you think you can come into this campus to take my man away, then you're wrong. You've started a fight, be sure to end it!"

Hellen threatened.

"I've told you to get the hell out of here Hellen. You've no right threatening my girl. I don't remember inviting you in my party. Leave! Now!"

He barked.

She left after spitting on my face.

I ran after her, seething with anger, ready to beat he into a pulp but Hakeem caught up with me.

"She's not worth your anger Doris. Let her be!"

" You don't be this lucky next time, you hear me bitch! "

I shouted at her!

Hakeem took me back to the poolside and we sat facing each other.

"Hakeem, if you really love me as you claim, keep that slut away from me. I will skin her alive the next time she crossed my way."

I warned him.

" I love you Doris. Please say yes!"

He insisted.

"Not until you keep that bitch out of my way!"

I bellowed.

"Consider it done."

I was still furious and that made me to gulp down another full glass of wine.

"Easy now! She's not worth your furry. Let's continue making merry. Smile for me, please!"

He beseeched me as he stared deep into my eyes.

At that moment, I saw the love deep in his eyes.

He seemed to be sincere with me.

I was willing to give it a try but I wasn't going to give him the reply by that time.

"I want to go and look for Olivia. She must be worried sick about me!"

I said, avoiding his gaze.

I was somehow shy in his presence.

His gaze send chills down my spine.

I've never looked at him as a lover. I only saw him as a friend, a good friend for that matter.

"She's alright. I've already send her a text and she knows I'm with you!"

He assured me.

" Now, smile for me, will you beautiful?"

I smiled, at the same time blushing.

Hakeem smiled too as he called me a shy girl.

"Hug me if you're not mad at me!"

He ordered.

"Only that?"

I asked him.

" Yeah... Only that!"

We hugged and continued taking our wine, chatting happily.