Rude Awakening

Taking the bull by its horns

A whimsical feeling washed over Ria during her daily holiday escapades.

"I need to strike a conversation with Conrad. I need to find his number."

She decided to go on a quest and hunt for his tens. A couple of mutual friends here and there and bam! success!

She had no idea what to say, but she knew she was definitely going to have to say something.

"Hello Conrad."

She sent the text and went about her day awaiting his response.

Mid day, nothing! The evening, still nothing.

Just when she had killed the thought, a notification came through. He had replied.

Ria spent a couple of minutes Gawking at the response wondering what words were right to use.

"Hi there. May I please know who it is I am talking to?" was the response in question.

"I am going to keep it as casual as possible." She thought.

"Conrad Omara, right? I am Maria Nampeera. You probably don't know me, but I am a huge fan of all the outfits you wear to campus."

"Haha. Really? Thank you. "

"I also think you are kinda cute."

"The bold kind of lady, huh?"

"A type you can handle?"

"I don't know. Keep up, and I will find out."

"I intend for you to do that,"

"*smile emoticons*"

"You do not strike me as the shy kind."

"You know your words, Maria. You have me here with my face flushed."

"I know."

"Daring and confident."

"I try."

"So where have you seen me?"

"Faculty. Same course. Different academic years."

"Oh. Mind if I see a picture?"

She sent a picture of herself.

"Oh, I have seen you. You're that pretty girl. I am honoured and glad that you reached out."

"I surprise myself too. I am actually very shy in person. I just wear pretence like an armour."

She was now geared up, considering her text partner on the other side of the phone was nicer than she thought.

In one night, she had managed to find out so much about him than she expected.

He was just fresh out of a relationship but claimed he still had some unfinished business with his ex-girlfriend. She was not taking the break up and was still willing to convince him that they were end game.

Conrad and Ria would spend hours in the wee hours of the night talking to each other over the phone.

The company from both parties was contagious. Infatuation and curiosity got the best of them. They knew that by the start of the next academic year, they had to be together, so arrangements were made. Ria made it known that she did not have any loose ends in her previous relationship and Conrad should be able to do the same by cutting his ex girlfriend Torah off completely before they make their intentions to date official.

**********

It was not long, and the holiday was already almost long over. Some students would normally report earlier than opening in order to secure their bed spaces. Conrad's reason was a little different. He wanted to meet this girl who was seemingly giving him the adrenaline rush. They had seen each other on campus many times but had never spoken in person.

Sunday morning, Ria was at church with Celine and Irene. Her eyes were closed as the words of the apostles creed were being recited. When she opened them and was about to sit, she almost fell off her feet. Standing beside her was Conrad, smelling as heavenly as she had imagined it. He held her from her shoulders in order to steady her and smiled broadly. He was amused at the reaction he had sparked in her. Ria was chocking on her words. After a long glance, she managed a little "Hi."

Conrad's grin widened as he mouthed "hi" right back. He then whispered in her ear,

"We are going to continue this later."

He then moved forward to look for an empty seat. Ria was breathless. She looked to Celine and they both let out a little squeal.

"Ria! The shoe guy? How?"

"Honey! There is alot I haven't mentioned yet."

"Well, we are walking home with him. I have to vet."

"I bet you do."

The rest of the church service went on with Ria not picking much. She was still stuck in that moment Conrad had left her in.