He stretched his hand forward in a gentleman style, with a smile on his face.
"I am Michael, a 400-year Pharmacy student", I said, stretching my hand forward for a handshake.
His hand was soft and cold, against my soft and warm hand. I released my hand from him, as I kept searching for the best way to leave him. He is making me nervous.
" I know your name already. Oyedele Michael, the most well-behaved Class Representative of our time. Not only that he is pure and innocent at heart", his voice calming as he leaned forward a little.
"I don't think I deserve those accolades. I make mistakes too sometimes which does not make me pure or innocent as you said", I refuted, my eyes scanning where it could reach but no sign of any students looking at our side.
Even tho I was still speaking to this stranger, I could not help but feel anxious a little about who he was, as it seems that he looks scary yet cool, and charming.
" Ha! Your words explain it all. The same mistake you make in changing the last two numbers of the account number you gave to that bully. Oh! Is Mrs. Linda giving you a problem? I can take care of her since you decided to keep mute about her", his words sent shivers down my body as I stood dumbstruck.
He might have probably checked the guy's phone before going but how did he know about my account number. Mrs. Linda does give me problems during her class, a lot. And what does he mean by taking care of her?
"Let me walk you to the class", he lowered his mouth as he whispered into my ear, before taking my hand as he led me.
To say my mind was working well was wrong. Because why should I allow a stranger to drag me along.
We walked in silence as I thanked God it was Friday, a day with fewer lectures. I tried not to look at the surprised look of those around me. I knew in my heart that Mr. Philip here must be a very important person in this university.
Breaking my hand off him, I could see the surprise look on his face. There is no way I am going to allow him to get to my lecture room. I wonder what my friends would say about him.
" Who are you? And why are you stalking me", I said, praying silently he does not get angry.
He placed his right hand on my shoulder, his height a little bit hovering over me.
"You can call me Philip. I need your help because you are the right person whom I can trust. And one more thing, Mrs. Linda will be taken care of. She won't be able to disturb you", he paused then continued whispering the last part in my ear
" I am your secret admirer" and those words alone send my brain spinning.
He removed his hand, a smirk at the corner of his lips, as he turned to go.
"Hey, Mr. Philip", he turned abruptly, a frown on his face.
" I allow you to call me by my name. I'm only 24", he said, as I swallowed the lump of saliva down my throat.
I'm only 21, a 3 years difference. This is bad. I have to do this or get to his bad book.
"Urm Phil", I shortened his name as he gave out that vibrant smile.
" Please don't do anything bad to Mrs. Linda, she is a good teacher", I tried to cover up, afraid he might do something bad to her or ask someone to do it.
"A teacher does not only teach. He or she nurtures, builds, and encourages a student. But her's is the opposite. She embarrassed you because you are effeminate, giving you the responsibility of doing absentee projects. Who does that?", he objected, fear gripping me for how much information he knows about me.
" I don't think she is a good teacher. I will only listen to your plea hatefully if you accept to hang out with me. I'm pretty sure you have a lot of questions for me. I promise to answer them all. I hope you can help me out of my misery too", he stated, his voice sounding convincing as I nodded, agreeing to his demands.
I need to know who he is. Why does he know much about me? Why did he call me his secret admirer? And most importantly, why does he need my help?
All these thoughts kept revolving in my head, as I summoned my courage to get to the root of the matter. I quickly walked towards the class, not without reminding him not to do anything to Mrs. Linda, leaving him as I could feel his gaze on me.
Mrs. Linda came late for that lecture, giving me quite countless imaginations in my head. After 30minutes of waiting, she finally got to the class and wrote a class test on the whiteboard. I tried as much as possible not to have any eye contact with her. Phil must be a powerful person, perhaps the son of the chancellor or something.
"Michael, can I speak with you for a sec", Mrs. Linda's voice gave me goosebumps, as the class all turned to look at me.
" Good or bad. Be calm, Michael, and all the best", Abigael whispered as I stood following Mrs. Linda who went out.
Mrs. Linda is someone that is strict and does not get easily satisfied. The first time she knew I was the Class Representative, she embarrassed me stating how I was behaving like a girl and seemed incapable of the role.
I could not help but sink in my thoughts finding the best way to get rid of my epicene lifestyle. Even if I do, my voice still sounded like that of a lady.
Mrs. Linda did not stop as she made me do absentee assignments and projects, making it more of a burden for me.
Trying not to sound rude, I took the responsibility of assisting absentees with their projects. It would have been better if she graded me well but she told me she would be reducing my marks because I was too brilliant. Who does that?
Even though my friends told me to inform the Head of Department, I couldn't. I will accept my B+ in her course and ace it up in other courses.
Looking at the 40 something-year-old woman in front of me, my heart kept racing, especially with the complicated look on her face. Even though she is short, her voice alone can make an army bow to her. Her presence is highly noticeable, backing up every word that comes from her mouth.
"Michael, I don't know how you get to be friends with the son of the Vice-Chancellor, but… I am sorry for what I have been doing to you these past two years. Making you do other projects, giving you a B+ instead of the A+ you deserved, I apologize. The body-shaming, everything. Just forgive me, please", her voice stuttering.
One could see how she finds it difficult to say sorry. And Phil is also the son of the Vice-Chancellor? Something is still missing.
" It is okay ma. I have forgiven you", I said briefly, as she sniffled before saying thank you and leaving.
I don't know why but I feel something creepy about this. Who is Philip?
I concluded my class test and got an A. I guess Mrs. Linda is changing.
Walking out of the class, I made my way to the Garden, which has been renovated this past few years. After whispering every detail of what transpired between Mrs. Linda and me to Abigael, she still finds it difficult to believe.
It was a good thing I did not tell Abigael I was leaving, or I might have been dead because of her questions. I sat down on one of the carved chairs under one of the big trees in the GARDEN. I felt calm not until I saw his silhouette approaching me. Like seriously?
A\N: What do you think about Philip? Is he the son of the vice-chancellor or someone else? Why the sudden interest in Michael?