Chapter 14: Reminiscing the first year of college

Its been a year in college. The breeze in campus is so refreshing and I love it.

I thought college was going to be as easy or just let me say a little bit easy as high school but Its obvious I'm wrong because the first year of college has been hectic.

Today, I, Steve and Annie just like some other students have come to school to see the dean of our department and finish up some things.

The students in school aren't that much and that is because we have been given a week to come to school to do whatever we want to do whenever we're chanced to within that one week time.

"Did you hear what they said about the new professor that would be replacing professor Tom?", Ann asked as we started gossiping out of the dean's office.

Holding Steve on his right arm, Ann walked beside me.

"Yes Ann, even the other professors are gossiping about him", i replied prior to her statement.

"The news is all over the school already ladies, some said they haven't heard about him before. While as we all heard, according to the professors words; they said they haven't seen him before except for once and that was the day he respected the vice chancellor's invitation by coming to pay him a visit", Steve backed up.

"Yes baby, according to what Mrs Powell said in there, she said; he looks strict and even his attitude is kind of stiff. She also made mention of the fact that they made a joke but the man was looking all serious and never even smiled....", I said pursing before continuing.

"... I really pity this professor's daughters and grand daughters if he has any", I said making Steve and Ann laugh.

"C'mon Maya, you pity them and not even 'we' his soon to be students?", Ann said, almosting lamenting.

" I'm sure his family members must have been used to this already so the concern now should be about 'us' Maya; how will 'we' his soon to be students cope...?", Ann asked, commenting sarcastically.

Chuckling, I nodded my head in agreement to her comment. "True Ann, you're so correct", Steve commented and Ann shrugged.

"I really hope he's the peaceful type because Professor Tom was an handful already. This new professor shouldn't add to that please. Moreover, any one remember what Professor Roberts called his name? I need to do my assignment well on him by searching the Internet in case there's anything about his attitude we need to know beforehand", I said.

Ann putted her fingers on her jaw side like someone thinking while Steve scratched his head also trying to remember. "Anything yet...?", I asked.

"Nothing Maya", Ann replied.

"Nothing here baby. I can't seem to remember because I wasn't too focused on their discussion", Steve replied and I nodded.

"Alright, no problem, we'll survive whatever earthquake of an attitude he has", I said; trying to console us before hand.

We walked to the car park still gossiping about various things.

"Let me drive you home babe", Steve urged when we got to the car park.

"Go home and rest Steve, we'll catch up by weekend, this week has been hectic already. From the exams and everything, you need the rest baby", I said, trying to persuade him from driving us home.

The week has truly been hectic, we've been waking at night to read for exams and ending up to school looking like zombies.

Surprisingly, even Issy and her minions haven't been giving me their disgusting attitudes during the exam period. I think someone must have told them they can't buy their exam results.

"C'mon babe... I really miss you. We haven't had the time to get together due to the exam tension. At least let me drive you home today and then you come over during the weekend so we can go shopping", Steve said again, driving me out of my train of thoughts.

"Say yes already Maya, please, you guys are killing me with sugar", Ann pleaded pouting and I laughed.

"Alright baby, you drive", I said, giving the car keys to Steve.

"Great, now at your service ma'am", Steve said, slightly bowing like a chauffer before going to the drivers seat.

We went into the car and I sat in front, beside Steve while Ann sat at the back.

I rolled the window down a little because I've gotten tired of the car air con.; moreover, I love it whenever the air slaps my face during car travel.

The air always feels clean, refreshing and also smells nice. The road side trees are so enticing especially during summer because of their beautiful leaves and color flowers.

Steve volunteered to drive me to school and as always i can't go without Ann and leave her bored. She has really been lonely since i started dating Steve but as always, she's been hiding behind a poker smile.

I always felt pity for her so whenever Steve wants to drive me, we bring her along and I also make time for her at least once a week.

I didn't like the way Steve troubles himself to come pick us and drop us.

We live opposite each other because the road to our apartments are opposite to each other so I told Steve I'd drive us home in his car so he can rest along the way but as always, he deceived me by agreeing to it only to decline at the last minute.

Actually, Its been over a year since I requested college and officially eight months since I and Steve started our relationship.

Steve has been sweet and considerate since we've stated dating, though I know I don't really love him hundred percent or like crazy like I'm supposed to but I know he's a really good guy and with time I'll learn to love him more than I do now.

Though Steve is not my ideal type of even style of man but just like Ann said, I think the man I consider my ideal type is truly imaginary because since I've been going on blind dates and the normal two dates I've had since highschool before now, I've never met the type of man I want.

Steve drove in and parked the car at the garage.

"See you soon baby", Steve said as we went out of his car.

"Same here love though I don't know when", i said, pouting but quickly smiled and added hugging Steve; "call me the moment you get home".

"Sure baby, I'll do just that. I love you", he replied and dragged me closer for a goodbye kiss.

" I love you too", I said, amidst our goodbye kiss just in time to hear Ann's phone ring.

Steve went back into his car and I waved to him till he drove out of our yard.

I went into the house and heard Ann having a phone conversation with someone. I couldn't make out what they were saying because their conversation sounded kind of muffled.

I dropped my bag and went into the kitchen to take some juice. Our cook Lydia and the rest have been given a vacation already.

I and Ann gave them the vacation to challenge ourselves on what we've learned from them.

It hasn't been easy learning to clean, cook and do other domestic works we haven't done before.

It has truly been hectic over the year and sometimes we felt like giving up but I can proudly say it has been worth the stress for me.

Now I can bake some sweets and cake because I learn that faster than cooking. I still try my best with frying at times though it gets burnt.

Ann still cooks better than I do though I do better with baking and pastries because I've grown a passion for it. I search the net for every pastry possible and I've learnt them.

Rinsing the cup of juice, Ann walked into the kitchen. "I hope everything is okay Ann", I said worriedly due to theamount of time she used to answer her call.

"That was Sammie, she said she'll be coming over tomorrow if that's okay by you also. She said she's bored and could use some girls time", Ann replied microwaving the rest of the dishes Lydia made before going on vacation two days ago.

She made a lot of dishes though we told her not to worry. We've been living on those dishes since then.

"I'd be glad to see her Ann, even I could use some girls time with you my love and Sammie, I've been feeling some how choked up having Steve around too often", I said bringing the last microwaved dish out of the microwave.

"With time you'll get used to him Maya, it hasn't even been over a year already. Give him the whole of your heart; stop reserving it for your imaginary man", Ann said, frowning.

Seeing how cute she looked, I laughed and she frowned the more then I stopped.

THE NEXT DAY: SAMMIE'S ARRIVAL

"Have you cleaned the kitchen?", I asked Ann who was putting things in order at the sitting room.

"Yes, I've done that, the dishes are the only ones left. Moreover, we're yet to decide what to eat, should we cook or order?", Ann asked, walking pass me to the kitchen.

"I'll do the dishes the moment I'm done cleaning the dining. Since you're more better at cooking, you do the cooking while I prepare desert", I inspected and saw her nod.

I'm not sure of it was up to thirty minutes we finished up things and freshened up that Sammie arrived.

"Hi girls...", we heard her say and hurriedly sprinted out to welcome her.

"Hey Sammie, welcome", I and Ann said at the same time then laughed immediately we realized what happened.

"Bring those things in the booth in Gilbert", Sammie said and dragged us in like she owns the house.

I and Ann chuckked as we were been dragged into our 'own' house.

"Wow... this is the first time I'll be here and I must confess, it looks more beautiful than the pictures you sent to me", Sammie said, wowing here and there.

We toured Samantha around the whole penthouse including the garden and the swimming pool.

"The pool is cool and refreshing", Sammie said dipping her foot in and out if the pool continuously.

"Let's dine here this evening, my chauffeur Gilbert is good with the grills", she said and we agreed.

"Good thinking, haven't had enough of this pool due to exams", I said.

"Let's go dine at the dinning first. You'll love the wine we prepared", Ann said.

"Its none alcoholic Sammie, we'll have time for some alcohol at the pool", I said and she heaved a sigh of relief.

We went to the dining and served ourselves. Sammie complemented Ann's cooking but said it needed more touch, like reducing the seasoning and oil but she said she loved my desert.

She also added; "you'll prepare some for me, I have to take them home. This is nice".

* * * *

Evening came and we gathered outside. Sammie's chauffeur was very quick with preparing everything while we helped with little things like beer, cups and the likes.

We all wore our bikini and started the evening with Peaches by Justin Bieber. The grill smoke filled the air and little sizzle sounds caused by the grill could be heard.

Everything missed with the atmosphere giving the perfect evening for fun.

Gilbert served us each with our barbeque and we toasted to good life with our can of beer.

"Nice seeing you again Sammie", I said and she smiled.

"I missed you Sam, its been over a year and it feels like it was just yesterday we gathered together to celebrate and gossip", Ann said and we busted into laughter.

"I never knew you would miss me this much", Sammie said, blushing.

"I miss seeing you stupor due to your low alcohol tolerance", I teased.

"Stop Maya, a pity there's nothing to tease you about, moreover you haven't said anything to me about your new found man our ex- old maid", Sammie teased me and I rolled my eyes.

"Thanks Ann...", I said in my thoughts.

If there's anything I know about Sammie, its the fact that she never stops until she hears everything part of a gossip.

"What's the attitude about...? or don't you want to tell me...?", she questioned.

"Don't mind Maya Sam, she's yet to fall head over heels for the boy because she's still reserving some space for her imaginary heart shocker guy", Ann answered on my behalf.

Rolling my eyes, Sammie wowed. "Let's forget about Maya for now Sammie, you tell us about the mystery man, you didn't tell us any other thing apart from him not been interested again", Ann said changing the subject and I felt relieved.

"I only heard his name is Jeremiah but I didnt hear any other thing again. I over heard the secret of the man's father tell my dad some people are after his life when the man came to settle some things with my dad. That was the only thing I overheard in his study".

"Wow...!!!", Ann exclaimed and sipped her beer.

"Unexpected", I said, reacting to Sammie's revelation.

"Why and who is after his life...?", I asked biting a piece of my BBQ.

"Great question Maya", Ann said and jumped into the pool.

"Never heard a thing since then, I tried asking my dad but he said he wasn't told anything and he hasn't even seen the man before", Sammie replied.

"Hmm... Who cares...", Ann who dipped her head out of the pool said.

"Yeah... Now I suddenly remembered what happened during one of our outings last year", said Sammie.

Looking confused, I asked before jumping into pool also; "what happened and when was that...?".

"Last year during you guys friendversary, when we went to the movies", Sammie said, looking intently at me with a knowing smile.

"Please grace yourself with at least a can of beer Gilbert, i strongly insist before you decline", we heard Ann say and Gilbert shyly took the can of beer from her.

Looking back at me, Sammie said; "I have forgotten Maya, let's at least reminisce on last year a bit, come join us Gilbert", Sammie said.

"Yes baby, let's reminisce", Ann backed up.

"Sorry to disturb your conversation ladies but since you both are keen on talking about it, can you please let the cat out of the bag, I'm dying of curiosity", Gilbert said since we gave him the chance to dine and gossip with us.

I frowned because I still remembered how embarassing that was.

"When we went to the movies, there were this two couples kissing themselves in front of us but because Maya hated those kissing scenes due to been single then, she poured popcorn on their heads and lied on it been a mistake", Sammie said and they all busted into laughter.

"There was this time we resumed and went into the wrong lecture room to receive lectures, all of them were all dressed in law unifroms except for we. It took us over twenty minutes of the lecture time before we understood our bearings", Ann said and we all laughed.

"It was really funny that day, immediately I and Ann went out of the lecture room, we began laughing and people thought we just went crazy", I backed up.

"I will never forget the first day we resumed for professor Tom's class, it happended the second day after the fresher's party..."

"Yeah there's that one too", Ann who cutted my words said, frowning. It was my turn to laugh and mock her.

".... That day, Ann woke up like a panda because of her dark circles. We were sneaking into the class until my phone rang and embarrassed us", I finally concluded.

"That's embarrassing...", Sammie said and we all laughed it off over BBQ and cans of beer.