Maryann was not around when I came back. I hurried to the bathroom, showered, and then had my siesta. Towards the early evening, I was woken up by the sweet aroma of a jollof Indomie which wafted through my nostrils. It was Maryann cooking.
"When did you come back?" I asked, yawning hungrily.
"Not too long. I didn't want to disturb your sleep," she said, dishing the food out. "How was your journey and your parents?"
"The journey was fine, dear. My parents are hale and hearty," I replied.
"Any school update?"
"Nothing much, just that some group of old students came visiting. One of them offered to sponsor a 300-level medical student who happened to be the most outstanding in his field of study," Maryann said before handing over a plate to me.
"Thanks," I said.
At school the next day, I met Alex for his jot book. He did give it to me, but not until he had asked me to pay extra money. I knew he just wanted to frustrate me as I was in desperate need of it. Nevertheless, I settled him against our initial bargain.
Life moved on. As for my relationship with Frank, I just saw him as a friend and nothing more. One of the days, he invited me over to his house but I politely declined. He offered to take me out to a hotel at another instance. When I tried to use school project as an excuse, Maryann almost chewed me raw. She told me to give him a chance. In fact, she coaxed me to go on the date.
"Look Tasha, I quite understand that your academics are your priority, but come on girl, you need to give chances to other areas of your life. As you would never let go of your dream, also do not let go of this rare gem of a man. Besides, this guy is not just any guy. Imagine the way he calls you every now and then to ask about you and your studies. From the look of things, I think he likes you," Maryann said to me.
I paid heed to Maryann and I called Frank back, telling him when I was free to go for a date. On that very day, we both went to a decent hotel where we had a nice meal while engaging ourselves in a conversation.
"It seems you are uncomfortable with men," Frank stated.
"Why do you say so?" I asked.
"You've been avoiding me. The other time I invited you over to my residence, but you turned me down. And that day was a special day in my life."
"Your birthday?" I inquired.
"Of course."
"I'm so sorry for not showing up. You know, I'm not really a social type," I said. I knew right within me there was a lot of lies in the statement I just uttered.
"At least not with me. I am harmless. I want us to be good friends with mutual benefits," Frank elucidated.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" I found myself asking.
"Sincerely, I have female friends but no intimacy exists between us. Look Natasha, I really like you. Since the first day I set my eyes upon you, I have never stopped thinking about you. Please, I need you to give us a chance."
I felt suddenly nervous by the way he stared at me. That has been the most awkward moment of my life.
"I'll have to think about that," I finally said.
Before I returned to my lodge, Frank bought me a lot of university student's stuff and still gave me a bundle of money to sustain myself. I did not hesitate to tell Maryann all that happened.
After some time, Frank and I became what was more than a casual friend. He soon became my obsession. A day could hardly pass by without us talking to each other on phone or even video calling. Our closeness made me know that he was a graduate of Pharmacy from the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State before he further went for his master's degree in one of Lagos State's private universities, where he certainly must have met Uncle Joe as his lecturer. Presently, Frank was co-working with a big renowned hospital in Banana Island where he owns and runs a pharmaceutical store.
Nevertheless, I did not let my academics suffer. I balanced my love relationship with that of my academics.
Perfect — thanks for sharing all the pages in sequence. I'll transcribe Chapter Thirteen faithfully, polish grammar and punctuation, and keep your story voice intact.