+++++
Two weeks had passed and i was gradually learning to adjust to my new environment.
I rarely left the room through except for lectures and church service. I steered clear of most of my peers because i just wasn't ready to fully interact with anyone if wasn't absolutely necessary.
''You guys, it is official !'' Lisa ran into the room as she waved a flyer in the air.
I looked up from where i was studying some notes. ''What's official? ‘Alison asked, sitting cross-legged on her bed as she painted her nails a deep purple color, a gossip magazine lay open before her.
The Fresher's Party and happening on the 5th, that's on Saturday. ‘She grinned. ''Just when i thought this Campus was getting too boring for my liking.
''Let me see that.'' Alison suddenly sat up and collected the flyer from Lisa, trying not to smear her nail polish.
I recalled several meetings were held for the party planning but i ever attended any. I did hear however, that nasty fight broke out between the guys but i didn't know what caused it.
Rumors had it that cultists were to blame while some others said that it was simply the guy’s ego that got in the way.
Anyway, i wasn't up for it. ''Alison, please can i borrow your--''
''No,'' Alison's sharp response cut Lisa off.
"Fine Stacy, how about your---
''No''
Lisa rolled her eyes then turned to me and smiled innocently.
"Monica, do you mind if i borrow a skirt and maybe some perfume?
''Err....'' I blinked. I was not aware from the history of the two habits, i certainly didn't want to get involved.
''I'm sorry but i can't lend you my stuff''. I shrugged.
''Ugh, you girls are the worst !'' Lisa hissed and stormed out of the room.
''Ignore her, she'll come around eventually. Better that your stuff's safe and in good condition''. Alison said.
''You've got a bit of backbone after all, saying no. I thought you were going to care in on her wishes. ‘Stacy remarked.
I smiled slightly to myself, but a little did i know that i as going to need to grow a lot more backbones for what was headed my way.
++++++
There was a youth service that Saturday morning before the fresher's party.
I found it ironical that the preaching was coming just before the students go wild in roughly.
The next hours.
Several faces were absent, probably in preparation for the big party.
The Preacher's message was about keeping focus on our aims but at the end of the service, his announcement swerved in a different direction from his message.
''Same of you may be aware of the shocking activities going on in this city but it shouldn't frighten you, it should only make you more cautious and observant about your surroundings. A group of youths popularly known as THE REDS are reported to be infiltrating the Campuses in the part of the country.
''.
The announcement left me a bit frightened. ''Don't look so scared, Monica''. Alison smiled assumingly.
''Did you hear anything about this earlier?'' I asked her as we made our way out of the chapel.
''Just a few rumors here and there, it's still recent so no news hasn't really spread. I did hear that they raided a female hostel nearby.
No one was hurt but it caused quite a scare. Listen, don't panic, and just daily activities as normal. Probably more concerned with turning up later that night.
I sighed and shook my head, i was so not feeling any party vibes.
By the time i returned to the hostel, i was pretty sure that i witnessed first-hand, the literal meaning of girls gone wild.
There they were; every shape and size running about like they were in the middle of a war. Some were clad in their underwear and some didn't even bother with the formalities.
''Where's my bloody mascara !''A girl i vaguely recognized breezed past time in a mad dash.
''Safety pin ! I need a safety pin !'' I neatly swerved out of the way when Rose, a pretty girl from my department ran from one room to another, clutching frantically at her falling skirt. I held in the burst of laughter that was threatening to erupt from my mouth but i couldn't take it anymore when i stepped into the room and found Lisa contorting her face into what she thought were seductive looks in the mirror.
''Wow, this is the first time you've laughed since you got here''. She looked shocked as she turned to face me. I suddenly became self-conscious
''Really?'' i frowned
''Uhmm, yeah''. She said, pointedly.
''And trust me, i would notice.
It's nothing to be shy about. I think it's cool that you've finally loosening up.'' She said.
''Anyway, are you coming to the fresher's party?
''Nope''. I shrugged.
''Why not?''
The voice wasn't Lisa's. I looked behind me to find Stacy and Alison fully dressed and made up as they stepped into the room.
''Who did your makeup?' Lisa asked suddenly
''Sylvia''. They both answered
''Look good.'' She said, impressed.
''Anyway, why aren't you coming?'' Stacy asked again.
''I'm kinda occupied tonight.''
''how can you not attend your own fresher's night?'' Lisa asked.
''Leave her alone, okay. Come on girls, let's go'' Alison said as she grabbed her purse and keys. '' What, haven't you heard of being fashionably late?'' Lisa raised an eyebrow.
''With nearly all the 1st year students in attendance, i don't really think anyone's going to notice our absence, let alone our arrival''. Stacy smirked.
''Whatever’ ‘Lisa hissed and grabbed her stuff, ready to leave too.
''Have fun''. I waved as they left.
The Hostel was nearly empty too as most girls had left for the party, all levels students were involved; not just the fresher’s. I sighed and looked around me before a smile across my face appeared. Finally, there were some peace and quiet
Oh Shit ! Everything went black. I groped around in the dark for a torch, thank goodness i found my torch but the battery power was out. It flickered weakly before going off completely. I hissed in annoyance, all i wanted to do was stay indoors and watch a nice movie to pass the time. Yeah, I admit that's all my plan consisted of. From the electricity pattern I'd studied since coming here, it probably won't be restored till the next two hours or so. I put on my phone's flashlight and made my way out of the hostel.
I strolled leisurely catching a glimpsed of late party goers tethering around in high heels and short skirts. Girls giggled to themselves, making me curious about what they were discussing. Others filed with their gowns and skirts, pulling the hem lower or higher as the case maybe. The air was filled with excitement and i got to whiff of it, but i was scared to partake in it.
.My Memory flashed back to two years at a party similar to the one happening just a short distance away. Back then, when i wasn't always so guarded and withdrawn but now i couldn't help it. The carefree, fun-loving girl was gone and in her place was an empty shell, void of emotions just trying to live life once again.
I stopped walking when a crash came from my left. My hand slowly reached toward my back pocket for my phone.
The security lights were out along with the electricity and everywhere was dark except for the dim glow of moonlight.
''Well hello there''. The voice sent shivers running down my bare arms and they were not the pleasant type.
I fumbled, trying to pull, my phone out but it slipped and went crashing to the ground. I bit my lip, holding in my cry of frustration.
My heart was pumping in a fast rhythm that nearly sent it flying out of my chest. I lowered myself carefully to the ground. Judging by the direction of the voice, he wasn't within grabbing range. If i could just get my phone, i could sprint out of here at least i was good at moving quick on my feet.
''Don't move'', I froze mid-bend in an awkward position that had me trying not to fall face-forward.
''Get up slowly''.
I did as i was told. I wondered if anyone would rush to my aid if I screamed.
''Don't make a sound''.
Whoever this guy is, he's always a step ahead.
Footsteps came closer and i counted silently. One, two, three-- I grabbed my phone and i ran. ''Damn it'' he growled. His steps quickened as he chased after me but i wasn't going to give up easily.
The thought of him putting his hands anywhere near me, spurred me to move faster. I'd never been so glad that I have Androphobia as at that moment. I darted behind a corner and caught my breath. That was when i heard screams.
My mind flashed back to the announcement this morning and all i could think was too late.
We were been raided...
.
.
.
....