Seriously...

Seriously... Getting Away Seems Impossible

Tabitha spent the rest of her day thinking about her life and lamenting in her friend's arms. Azuka wasn't even angry anymore, seeing how pitiful she was.

In a way, she was still in denial about about Adam being her HOD's child. It was stupid to be in doubt but… if he really was his child, why hadn't she ever seen him in her class before? She'd been teaching for more than two months!

"He's prone to missing classes," Azuka said, noticing her doubtful expression. "Everyone knows that, except you since you're new."

True. The reason Azuka knew that was because she was actually part head of publishing of the school's blog, also actually a pretty popular TV host and had a YouTube… she was just pretty popular and got information everytime.

"Why hasn't he been in school since?" She asked.

They were in Tabitha's room and sitting on her bed. Azuka had to let her out of her arms because her arms were starting to hurt. So, they laid down on the bed, facing each other as she started talking.

"He's a singer who's trying to get gigs and just meet people in Lagos. I mean, everyone knows that's the entertainment hub of the country. He's even an acquaintance of Bo Hanson."

"Bo?"

"Bo Hanson!" Azuka exclaimed. "He's like really, really talented and getting crazy recognition. His brother is Ali Hanson, that feminine guy I've talked about. He officially started music last year. Oh, he's from a wealthy family and well… rumours say he's gay. Or maybe bi." She touched her chin. "Or maybe they mean Ali.”

"Gay?" Tabitha asked with surprise.

Sometimes the conversations she has with Azuka always threw her off. The news, confirmed and nonconfirmed were always crazy. Speaking of news…

"Are you going to blog about me?" Tabitha wanted to know.

Azuka who'd just whipped out her phone from her pocket paused. She gave her a confused look. "Blog about you? Why on earth would I do that?"

Azuka didn't appear to be offended by her question though, which put her at ease. Despite her worry for herself, she was still worried that she'd make her friend get the wrong idea. No matter what, Azuka Emenike was still a blogger who wrote gossips to make money. It was her job.

Azuka sighed, closing her eyes briefly before sitting up, motioning for Tabitha to do the same, making them rest on the pillows. She met her eyes, moving closer and smiling as she placed both hands on her shoulders.

"You are my friend. Best friend to be precise, and that means something," she said. "I care about you very much and the only thing I'm interested in is your happiness and everything else that is positive. That's one of the reasons I struggled to make sure you got this job. It pays well, has a good reputation and the location is perfect for you." She paused, removing her hands from her shoulders. "Why would I do something that would ruin all that hard work?"

Tabitha began to feel a bit of shame. This was her friend, and here she was, doubting her. She started to wonder. Was she wrong? Were her feelings valid or outrightly disrespectful? What would she do if it were her?

Azuka studied her face for a while since Tabitha said nothing in response.

"Would you like to go somewhere to let go of all the stress later tonight?"

She was interested. "Where?"

"A club."

Tabitha frowned and shook her head. "It's because we went to a club that I'm in this hot mess, Azuka. I mean, last time- "

"Last time I wasn't with you to stop you from making the dumb choice of going with a stranger," Azuka interrupted. "This time I'm going to be there, and you'll have fun."

"Azuka- "

"I promise," she assured her. "Besides, clubbing is your stress reliever."

This is what people said when they were talking about bad influences. To be honest, Tabitha did the same multiple times when her friend was down, so it was fair. And she was right about clubbing being her stress reliever.

"Okay," she said.

Azuka smiled. "Great! We're going by 9."

Tabitha sighed. She'd probably regret agreeing to this.

*****

Tabitha wanted to go back home the moment she stepped into the club. She was having flashbacks on the last time she was in a club- they went to a different one to avoid running into Adam- and what happened.

She'd decided that she wasn't going to dance or try to talk to anyone like she usually did. No, she was just going to drink and watch. Better safe than sorry.

"Do you want to dance?" Azuka asked when they found somewhere to seat.

The club wasn't filled up like clubs usually on weekends, probably because it's a weekday. She kind of liked that though.

"Tabi?" Azuka said into her ear.

She found her friend studying her face. Not the first time today. She hated that sometimes.

"I'm fine sitting," she said. "You can go dancing though."

She didn't want her to, but she'd always had more energy than she did and in a few seconds she'd want to go to the dance floor anyway.

"But what if something happens?"

Tabitha rolled her eyes. "Adam is a student. Now that I know that, and that I know not to follow any stranger to bed in case of STDs and the possibilities of them being a child of my boss, I'll be able to prevent anything else from happening."

A corner of Azuka's mouth went down. "I shouldn't have brought you here."

Internally, Tabitha agreed. "There's nothing that can be done now. So go have fun, and let me sit here."

Soweto by Victony was suddenly playing and that was all the encouragement Azuka needed to leave her. Tabitha was happy about that though, they both couldn't be miserable sitting down.

"Tabitha?"

Just the moment her friend leaves her side, some annoying fellow comes to bother her. She knew who it was and that's why she didn't want to turn at the familiar voice. Unfortunately, she had to as she felt her shoulders being tapped. She could be rude, she didn't want to now.

"Hello," she said, forcing a cheerful smile on as she faced her ex-fiancé. And the lady on his arm.

"How have you been?" The deep-voiced and full-bearded man asked, teeth shining. "You seem to be alone. I actually heard that you lost your job, I'm sorry about that."

"I've been great, and I'm not exactly alone. I came with my friend," she responded.

"Oh," he laughed, the busty–because there really was no other word to describe her really–woman beside him joining in.

Why were they even laughing? What was funny? Ugh, she just wanted to be left alone to her drink and phone.

"This is Uduak, my fiancee," he introduced. "Uduak, you know who she is."

Fianceé… A new woman after breaking up with her barely five months ago. Men don't waste time for real.

"Okay," she said, wondering why they were still in front of her.

"What about you? Do you have anyone?" He asked.

Tabitha cursed silently. She knew that was where he was going. He needed to leave her the f**k alone.

"I don't have anyone," she said truthfully. "But I got a job as an assistant lecturer at F. S. Mobolade's University. To answer your question about my unemployment."

She watched in satisfaction as Ade's eyes widened in shock. She'd saved the best for last. Bet he thought she'd still be in shambles and all after everything he did. Trash.

"Hi."

She turned to her side, almost having a heart attack as she saw the same man she was hoping to avoid dressed in all-black, looking as handsome and sexy as ever. As the first time she saw him.

"Adam," she let out.

"You look wonderful tonight." He smiled. "I didn't expect to see you here though."

Neither did she. "Thank you. You look nice as well."

"Thanks," he said, seemingly scanning her face.

"Uh… is there anything else you need, Ade?" She finally said, remembering that they had an audience, wanting to immediately send them on their way.

"Who's he?" Ade demanded.

"It's none of your business," she responded. "Enjoy your night with your fianceé and stop prying into my personal life, please."

She wanted to laugh at how it looked like the veins on his face wanted to burst. He didn't have the right to ask her such question, or had he forgotten? They weren't together anymore.

She watched him struggle not to say anything as he was dragged away by his lady who gave her a nasty glare, coupled with Ade's own.

Tabitha let out some air from her mouth as they left. It wasn't over though, she knew, as Adam was now sitting next to her with his whole attention on her.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" He asked when she wouldn't look at him.

"Yes," she answered honestly.

"The same thing at school today."

So he noticed.

"So… there's nothing wrong with having s*x you know."

Wow, no pausing, huh?

"Yes, if it's not with your student," she said, finally meeting his gaze a bit. "And if his father wasn't your boss."

He didn't seem to be bothered. In fact, his smile widened. "But you liked it though."

Oh, god. She had the sinking feeling that she wouldn't be able to get anywhere with him. Damn.