My eyes flickered, slowly opening as the light from the bulb caused me to close my eyes again. I feel a hand around my body, my mind wandering. Opening my eyes again, I turned to see Joseph close to me, as he held me.
I sprang out of the bed which startled him, as he woke up, rubbing his eyes slowly. At a thought, I looked down to notice I was still in the clothes Joseph gave to me.
"Hey, you are awake. I feel like still sleeping beside you", Joseph sat up looking at my afraid self.
" Why did you move so close to me? The bed is spacious enough. How did I end up on the other side of the bed", I asked feeling irritated even though I knew I was supposed to not argue with him, especially since I have spent a long day here.
"Oh! You are a pervert. Your body was quite warm, that was why I cuddled you, I want to feel warm too. Do you still want to stay here", he rambled on as I shot him a glare.
I feel as if I have been exposed even though I haven't. Close contact with the same-Sex gives me creeps. I moved to my bag, as I looked at my phone, which has about 4 messages and 15, 2 from my mum and 13 missed calls from Chris.
I bit my lower lips regretting why I had to doze off completely. The weather was tempting enough, I couldn't stop sleeping for close to 4 hours. I dashed to the bathroom as I packed my almost dried clothes.
I tried to open the door but it was locked. Great, Joseph!
" Can you open this door, my roommate is worried and it is no longer raining", I said as he chuckled, moving closer to me with the keys in his hand.
"Alright, but I deserve something. At least to appreciate my help", he stated staring at me, as we were a few inches apart. My heart leaped, looking at the boy in front of me. What if he kisses me?", I thought as I turned away from him, to open my bag.
Handing him the chocolate biscuit in my hand, I collected the keys from his hands, opening it.
" Namaste", I whispered as I ran out of his room.
Getting to the road, I was able to get a bike to take me to my abode. I could not help but feel nervous. Chris must be very angry especially when today was his day off and we were supposed to talk.
I opened the door to our room. Chris was standing and facing the mirror.
"Where did you go? A girl or boy house?", he questioned, sending me dumbstruck.
How will I even tell him about going to Joseph's house without him getting angry? He is sure going to be angry when he realizes that. I can't lie either.
" I...I went to a friend's place. The rain was falling so I had to stay there, but unfortunately, I slept off", I explained, hoping he wouldn't be that bothered.

He turned to face me, his eyes boring at me.
"A boy's house. You even changed your clothes. Not bad...", he voiced as I could sense anger in his words.
" I had no other choice. I am at fault, I should have called you", I said.
"He is not your parent right?' My subconscious interfered as I rolled my eyes.
" And you forgot my warning right? I can't advise you any longer?", he questioned as I raised my brows.
Possessive huh? I don't think I might have the patience to continue this. I need to make him understand.
I moved close to him, as I explained how my day went by. My meeting with Joseph, how I ended up in his apartment, as well as other important things except for the part when I touched Joseph's chest. I feel so stupid for not controlling myself, aaargh!
"Be careful, or you might not like the outcome", As much as those words Chris said sounds good and bad, I can't help but feel a bitter taste at the back of my taste bud, that reckoning feeling that comes with a question.
But the problem here is that I can't stay away from Joseph. He is the type that won't give up easily. Also, I have accepted to tutor him. I need to make a decision, either to stick to Chris's warning and stay clear off boys or otherwise. A hard one to make indeed.
*****"*
It has only been close to three weeks after the scene with Chris. I could not help but give in to Joseph's tutoring, all thanks to his persistence. He has also been improving so far. We took our tutoring in the lecture hall, after classes but he seemed rather unsatisfied, claiming we can go to his apartment since he lives alone or goes to mine.
I wouldn't like what happened to reoccur. I can't afford to lose my self-control in front of him. Being alone with him gives me creeps, nervousness, and tingling down my body, not to talk of being in a closeted place with him. My place is a NO-NO as I don't want to get into an entanglement with Chris. He has been like a brother to me, and heeding to his well suspicious warning seems like the best thing to go for.
*****
Mixing the flour in a bowl, I could not help but think of doubling the number of groundnuts for my peanuts, especially when the demand in the school kiosk is high. Yes, I've progressed to making snacks like doughnuts, plantain chips, meat pie, and peanuts, but it seems most people like peanuts.
The peanut which is usually in medium nylon sold at a cheap rate of 50 nairas can be eaten along with bread, and most people will prefer to use it with their garri(cassava granules), which also saves money.
I can't help but feel happy as my online classes in making snacks are great. Not only am I being entrepreneurial, but I can also help others learn about it. Another way to keep my head off the weird feeling I was having.
Dripping the sweat off my face, I could not help but regret trying to make two plastics of the groundnuts into peanuts. It was more stressful than the one plastic I constantly do most of the time.
I kept pouring the egg white, which was mixed with sugar and the flour at intervals to the groundnut. The mixing process was wearing me out of energy, as I slumped when I realized I had two more intervals to go. I hope I don't mess this up," I thought, breathing in and out for air. This is the time I need Chris around. With his super strength, he would have helped me out. My back, hands, and legs hurt. I need to try a new method of preparing the peanut, even though I knew this was the best technique to use.
I stood up, looking at the basin almost filled with the changed groundnut which had mixed properly with the flour and eggs. I can't wait to finish this", I thought, as I readied to carry the basin again.
The knock on the door made me look up as I silently prayed it was Christopher and not some of the stingy housemates of mine who prefer borrowing things even when they can afford to get it.
I opened the door as my mouth was left slightly opened at what I saw.