Just seeing the message made me weak somehow. Maybe because I care about him due to the attraction I had to him. I looked at my phone which showed Josephine's contact.
I glanced slightly but did not see Josephine. She was not around either.
"Hello, students, sorry I am late", the voice of Mr. Lekan rang through my ear as I groaned inwardly. I forgot we were having another lecture.
The whole lecture was not a good one as I kept slacking in attention, writing and I never raised my hands to answer any question. I kept peeking at my wristwatch to check the time.
" Michael, you seem off today. Quite unlikely of you", the voice of Mr. Lejan jolted me out of my state, as I stood up nervously, the murmurings of my coursemates echoing 'that is true'.
"I'm sorry about that sir. I will try to listen attentively now", I promised as I bow my head slightly,
" Better do. Your contribution is important in my class", he buttressed, as I nodded sitting down.
The whole lecture was more of a battle parade as I had to fight the image of that picture Josephine sent. I feel guilty too, especially for sending him away. I was able to keep up with my promise to Mr. Lekan, by listening to his lectures and answering questions.
Packing my bag, I made my way outside the hall only to bump into Abigael, Joy, and Tosin.
"Going somewhere?", Joy asked, making me chuckle nervously.
" Erm, I need to rest. I'm heading out", I stated, faking a yawn.
"We are not buying that. We are hanging out together. In support say YAY. In against say NAY", Abigael said as the three of them raised their hands, saying NAY
I guess I will have to give up. Maybe I should tell them I want to visit Joseph.
" I will give in but can you listen? A friend of mine is sick, and I would like to go see him", I voiced out, hoping they would bulge.
"You can see him later or do you want to ditch us?", Abigael asked, her hands resting on my shoulder.
" No, I mean…" I could not complete my statement as they all moved close to me, Tosin and Abigael dragging me.
Heaving a sigh of relief, I rested on the tree in one of the Gardens on campus. According to Joy, we will be having a picnic.
We all settled down on a blanket, which was put in place to cover the grass.
"Michael, we discovered you have been dealing with a lot of work as the Class Representative. Do you wanna drop it? You look lean", Joy commented as others nodded.
" I will be alright. If I dropped it, and someone else took it, it would be disturbing for the person, especially if he is new to it. I hope you understand and thanks for the observation and all", I said, pointing to the dishes in front of me.
"Ok, all the best bro. Try to rest more. Better is Michael who has two handfuls of rest than more works" Tosin commented, using a portion of the bible as we all laughed.
"That is crazy. I will rest okay? And I already have a scrawny figure, not that I am too thin", I said as they laughed.

We all continued to chit-chat and for a split second, I realized that Chris probably avoided me. That was why he was not around with us.
I felt Joy whisper in Abigael's ear as she shifted, giving space for Joy and me.
" Chris wanted to come but immediately I mentioned your name, he gave some excuse and left", Joy said, my heart racing fast.
"Are you guys quarreling?", she asked, looking intently at me.
" No, we are not. He went on a vacation. He probably has work to attend to", I voiced out, trying to make my voice more convincing.
"Hmmm, why don't I believe you? Anyways, I won't bother you. Guys fight and settle it. I think you should do the same", she said as I nodded saying a thank you.
Christopher is not yet over his feelings for me, I thought my mind was almost berserk. I hate what is happening to me and I hope it stops soon.
We continued talking and I can't help but keep glancing at my wristwatch hoping they will stop their chatting soon. I'm bad right? But my mind won't be settled not until I see Joseph.
" Michael, you can go and see your sick friend now. Don't forget to rest or we will keep you in suspension or perhaps detained again", Tosin announced as we all laughed.
"Roger that sir", I said as I shook hands with him and said my goodbyes to the girls before going my way.
I stopped Abigael almost halfway to the school gate as I started jogging. Getting to the school gate, the sky began to darken as I cursed inwardly. It would rain soon as I took a cab to Joseph's apartment.
Entering his slightly open apartment, I could not help but develop cold feet. With three self-contained rooms on each side. The first apartment by the left was that of Joseph.
According to Joseph, some adults rented the remaining rooms, as they are hardly around. The whole passage was quiet as I breathe in before knocking
" Come in", his voice startled me as I entered his lightly dim room. He was resting on the bed, a blanket covering his body.
"You came. I thought you won't come", he said as he stood up only to be shirtless with only a small short on.
" Yeah. Hope you are feeling fine", I asked, my eyes fixed in another direction.

He moved close to me as he pulled my hand making me sit on the bed.
"I am okay. My sister trapped me so I had no other choice than to stay home and rest even though it was just a slight fever", he voiced out sitting beside me, our distance so close to each other.
" Ok good then…", I couldn't complete my statement as he leaned close to me, his breath fanning my ear, making me cringe inwardly at the little contact between us.
"Just seeing you makes me feel better. I miss you a lot", he said, his voice calm and soft, that I felt glued to the same spot.
My heart was racing, and I could feel my inner mind warning me to quit the trance I was in. I felt a soft peck on my neck and for some reason, I sprang up immediately. It was like I was a robot being controlled, but I knew I had to leave.
Not only was I feeling weak mostly from the stress and running down here, but I could also feel Joseph's gaze full of unhealthy desires.
" I have to go now. Take care of yourself. Goodbye", I said those words as I hold firmly to my backpack.
I felt Joseph's hand pull me as I landed on the bed, his body on mine. It felt so fast as I tried to struggle to free myself from his grip as his intentions were becoming clear.
My mind wandered as I felt my strength almost draining out, one of his hands on my shirt as he unbuttons it, the other hand holding my two hands firmly.

I tried to scream, but my voice came out muffled, as tears were now brimming on my face, my body becoming weak as I gave up struggling.
"Please st..op", I managed to say as my voice started failing me, my body becoming numb.
" St..op", I pleaded as his mouth made its way to my neck.
Heaven broke loose as it started raining.
"Stop" my voice coming out weaker.