THE WAITING NEVER SLEEPS

friendship happens and this was one hell of a friend Prince got in high school Joyce with whom they will sit and talk about everything that means anything to them, fantasies of how they wish life could be or where they want to be in the nearest future. Joyce lived with her uncle who was bent on seeing that nothing made her lose sight of her education, guarding every step she made into his so-called evil world of mankind, mentoring her in books as well as a social relationship, and that was because he loved her like his own child and was willing to lead her through to an all well-molded adult life of which to be proud of considering the trust his sister had on him to take care of Joyce. The guarded nature of Joyce's uncle made it difficult for Prince to visit home for fear of being manhandled, but these were times for smart kids' rules as Prince will visit Joyce with another of their close friends, Vivian, and they would enjoy a nice time together without uncle Mart suspecting anything. Meet Joyce, my friend, said Prince to Isaac his brother and she was well welcome into the house, Prince is in love carelessly said aloud by Isaac and they all laughed about it but not seriously Isaac continues. You don't see him this brimming with smiles from chin to chin, this one truly got to him and I am sure we will to the facts on how these two met shortly, so Prince: Isaac called out, tell us what is happening here seeing you brought a woman home for the first time without thinking about what could befall you from us, and I see too you are so bold to say, my girlfriend. Or maybe Joyce could tell us what you said to her that made him follow you here as we are curiously referring to the other three guys in the house with Isaac ''Frank, Onwuka, and Samuel AKA SAMOLINE. Joyce is so cute, with dark skin round face straight nose, and red lips which were made pronounced by the lipgloss adorned to fit in her girly flare flowery white gown giving her an impeccable look of a responsible young lady with the sense of intelligence, yes Joyce was as brilliant as you can imagine and she wanted to read medicine in the university inspired by the fact that she wants to safe lives. so the whole house burst into hysteric clowning of Prince being in love. Joyce laughed herself to a great time in Prince's shank of a home which could barely accommodate three persons, however, it was a home for him and he loved it there considering the company he gets from those clowns of his brother's friends that made him feel secured always being around them as they were like brothers and father to him. once in a while they will take Prince out to experience the life they are living which of course was not how Prince wishes to live neither do they are found where they are where at the moment in time while striving to improve their financial well-being, they were not a lazy set of grown-up folks but just was not in the right track of finance, they were hard-working folks and don't indulge in unwholesome acts, they were respected for being civil in an environment filled with calm. Joyce slept off on Prince's shoulder as they watched an album of old family pictures with a smile on her face still beautiful. Prince could not get up from his seat so as not to wake her while the grown folks left the room for the two love birds to have some private moment, Pince reached out and kissed her forehead and whispered I LOVE YOU, however, Joyce was not deep asleep and heard Prince but pretended to be deep asleep and adjusted herself for comfort indeed it was at an age when the two will be considered too young for any romance but not for love, they grew fond of each other keeping in touch secretly from Joyce's end for fear of her uncle, Prince will go to the pay phone to call Joyce and will ask the female operator to ask whoever picks the phone that she wants to talk with Joyce not until Joyce gets to the phone before she hands over the phone to Prince who has the call as Joyce already understand the trend so once the phone rings as it does virtually every day Joyce will smile in hope and confidence it is Prince calling irrespective of who is on the other side of the phone. on countless occasions, the uncle will pick up the phone and stand by Joyce to make the call when he became suspicious about the constant call coming from Vivian Prince use as a pseudo name to get Joyce to the phone and she will talk knowing the uncle is there by her side in coded tongue as if she is talking with a female friend of hers and the uncle will just walk away, they could talk for as long as twenty to thirty minutes on the phone everyday things of which they can not remember five minutes after that conversation laughing to everything funny or not, I guess that's what love does to anyone. They planned a getaway for the weekend and tried coming up with a lie to sell to Joyce's uncle as Prince wanted Joyce to stay in his place for the weekend seeing that the elder brother will be on a trip for business and Vivian was instrumental for making it happen, Joyce came over to Prince's house as early as 10:00 am while Prince was eagerly waiting for his Princess. They got the weekend going as planned because Joyce made the uncle believe that she was in Vivian's place to study with her regarding exams they were preparing for. saturday was well spent with the two love birds going out together with Vivian getting to a cafe having a drink and snacks went to the mall just for the fun of it as they all retired to Vivian's place to meet her parents who were watching the news as they bit the young lads to join them stating that they will to be able to tell what is happening in the society if they don't get to listen to the news regularly the trio just laughed at it as Vivian told the dad not to worry as they get the news of happening on the go with social media which is better for them than wait till the top of the hour to see the news on TV. Vivian took Joyce into the kitchen and after two boring hours leaving Prince with Vivian's parents the two came out with a delicious meal for dinner they all had a beautiful time dining with Vivian's parents who didn't stop at the food but kept strangling the young lads about staying focused on their education which however was nothing to worry about considering the fact that Prince, Vivian, and Joyce were good at what they do in their academic lives as they were the best in their various classes as shown in their school records but moving into the university was a whole different game from what they were sued to as it is a broader community of both misfit and a whole sort of parenting error brought to beer in universities hence Vivian's parents trying to drive home the fact that they will be meeting a whole new set of personality with which their association might make or mar them in their quest to becoming great at their various dreams to become what the society will benefit from and their parents and family will appreciate in the investment made in their education Prince wanted to become a lawyer while Vivian an engineer and then a doctor for Joyce and they were well on their way to becoming same as they all got good grades in school to pursue that in college, so after the meal Vivian walked the two love birds to the door and bit them goodbye as they both walk towards the gate Joyce's uncle car was parked outside, luckily the two love birds saw him first and quickly ran back inside to Vivian and Prince knowing the likely danger if her uncle had seen them both so cussy with hands lock into each other would have likely been the end of the pair being together so Vivian had to run out to the rescue just with Joyce without Prince to the gate. the uncle seeing them both was relieved that first Joyce was truly with Vivian and secondly at the house, the uncle then asked to see Joyce alone as the both walked away from Vivian, Prince then saw vivian ran back into the house to get something, Vivian had packed some of her cloth in a small bag for Joyce as the uncle had asked what happened to her own bag which she left the house with and she claimed to had moved her things into that of Vivian and gave out the lather bag for polishing not knowing about Joyce's stay with Prince they both left in her uncle's car only for Prince to call Joyce almost immediately and was told that the aunt was back from her long trip unannounced hence the uncle had to come get her. so Prince and Joyce had been in luck since they their little adventure was not blown up in their face, we live for another day of romance Prince had said to as they both laugh while Joyce had thanked him for a nice time although short they had and reminded him to pack her things and give same to Vivian for return. days passed into weeks and to months Prince never got to see his princess Joyce as the aunty had truly gotten her engaged in chores and trips they both did travel for family meets and more considering the amount has been away for years visiting family members and all. Three months after Prince was yet to talk with Joyce. He became very uneasy and talked with Vivian about it but encouraged them not to worry much as she will be back soon and it was that Joyce had missed him too as much as he does. sunny afternoon three months later, managed. He was in a hurry to catch up with friends at a restaurant on his way out there was his princess at the entrance, he was shocked and dumbfounded, lost for words, Prince was frozen for ten seconds then he shouted Joyce!!! oooh oooh my, where did you come out from, I can not believe my eyes is this truly you asking all these mixed exciting moments suddenly stopped and walked closer to Joyce, and asked in worry ' what is the problem, what happened to you, why the scare on your face? too many questions at once and then leaving Joyce with no time to think about an answer but she manage to say something " I have missed you" Prince became so calm and momentarily he had tears run down his cheek and replied I have missed you too Joyce. Joyce further explained that she had a domestic accident, hence the little cut on her face and she had been stressed the past few months and missed all of her shared fun, laughter, book time, and all. just happy to be back with her uncle as her aunty had gone back to her country of residence. school time was upon Joyce and Prince as she got admitted into college to study medicine, while prince could not make the cut-off score required to start life in college with Joyce, meaning another school year to wait and it hit hard on Prince, knowing that Joyce is going to be far from him and he will surely miss her a lot also scared she will find someone else to be close to than himself and distance might bring about a barrier to their intimacy. here is a serious phase of Joyce's life if she truly is going to be a doctor she needs to start by putting in her best and cutting off all forms of distraction from any angle of her life be it social or anything that will cream distraction. On a beautiful Saturday morning Joyce came visiting prince just before the new week for her to leave for school, before now they had talked about their fears and encouraged each other that all will be okay with them and they are truly going to be together a long time than imagine, promising to keep each other in heart and never compromise what they feel for each other and stay faithful. They had cried on each other shoulder everyday they meet leading to the day of Joyce’s departure to school, it has truly been an emotional time for the two love birds as to make it even worse for Prince Vivian got admitted to college far away from them and prince is not taking the whole thing too well as he will utterly be alone pending whenever they come back from school either on holiday or just visits Prince has not been himself this few days leading to the departure to school of his two best friends and love considering that he will be home for another year while the two goes off to school this got him so depressed however he took it upon himself to improve and get into school the following year So Joyce came and the bot held hands as they cried knowing that it will take a while for them to see again as usual but Prince told Joyce not to worry that he will do everything in his power to keep InTouch as frequently as possible, Joyce took that to heart as she had grown to believe in the steadfastness of Prince words, she know Prince to be a man of his word and keeps to promise The two had a time not long after they knew each other but felt like they had been together for ages. They were open to each other and loved dearly as Vivian will always tease and say when will I become like you two full of love for each other, jokingly say I'm jealous of you two. They will all laugh at that and tell her not to worry that a handsome, lovely, and caring guy will come her way soon but on the condition that they will be the ones to vet the guy before she accepts if they don’t give their approval, she will remain single as they don’t want anyone to hurt her again. Vivian had a brief but not honest relationship that lasted for six months but drained her a lot of energy as the guy was not open to her as to many things going on around him. He was never in love with Vivian and when Vivian found out about it she was hurt. While Joyce and Prince were crying on themselves, Vivian walked in on them and started laughing hard, shouting You see why I don’t want to fall in love now." Just now I would have been crying too not wanting to let go of my love because I wanted to go to school except he is in the same school as me. So guys please get up let me take you guys somewhere nice for a treat. At least celebrate the fact that we are going to school, not undermining the fact that Prince, did not get in yet as we are sure you will join us in school sooner than expected. I know they made a big mistake not taking you now because we know you are good at what you do and a brilliant boyfriend too, as they all laughed. A few minutes later, Prince shouted from in the room, READY TO LET US PAINT SOME PLACES RED" as my girls are taking me out. The Prince truly loved his ladies and, above all, loved Joyce more than anything in his life. The trio went out and had a nice time at a park where they just sat and talked about what they will do once they get to school the following week, Vivian started by saying once she gets to school she will take a walk around the school and familiarizes herself with the environment and make new friends but most especially take her studies seriously. Vivian is not one who lacks focus and she exhibited such within the confines of her family circle as the parents adore and love her greatly for her will-spirited personality and as one with candor never say ano person who is a high achiever. She has been an exemplary excellent mind among her peers/siblings, the, she had smashed all the educational records in her home and still doing the same in college and Prince had once mentioned that she will come out tops from college when, eventually, she got the opportunity to get to one. her an opportunity has come for her and she is not going to hold back but give her best as she brags to come outta collage breaking records if there is any in educational performance. the time to say good bye has finally come for the trio at least to see a part of life from the stereotype they have been used to. Vivian was the first to leave for school in the new week and when she arrived colleges the first person she called was Joyce and they both talked for over thirty minutes going on about her new environment and the types of people she met already while shouting no one will replace my best friend no matter what... yes they were that close and Joyce on the other end of the phone shouted I miss you a lot Joyce had to leave for school and Prince went to the bus stop to wait and greet farewell to his princess, he got there as early as possible to ensure he see Joyce before she depart. Prince had waited for an hour leading to two then three hours later his princess is yet to arrive the bus stop this got him so worried he then horridly locate a pay phone to reach out and know what was wrong, the phone rang endlessly twice to the fourth and fifth time, no one on the other side got to the phone, this got Prince really worried and tensed he couldn’t hold back his curiosity as to why no one was taking the calls with so many thoughts running through his mind as to what could had happened, did she change her mind about going today, did she leave the day before? Even at that she would have looked for a way to let me know. Thoughts still running riots in Prince as to the possibility of her leaving without getting to say a goodbye as planned Prince rushed to Vivian’s house forgetting that Vivian has gone to school already, meet her dad and suddenly remembered that Vivian is not available. Her dad on seeing him that early asked Prince I hope all is well with you visiting us this early as your friend has gone to school. Prince responded I know Sir, I was on my way to the mall just decided to stop by and say hello. He immediately parted ways with Vivian’s dad and ran to Joyce’s home. For the first time Prince didn’t think of what her uncle will think or say seeing him or even asked after Joyce, such was far from Prince’s mind as all he want to know is the well-being and whereabout of his princess. No one was at home, the whole place locked from the gate, this got Prince confused and scared not knowing what to do or who to call as he cannot reach Vivian to ask either. Prince reluctantly went back home sad, a day passed, a week went by into a month no words from Joyce. Prince decided to visit Joyce’s house again to find out what had happened. On arrival, he met her uncle and they exchanged pleasantries and Prince was not bothered about what could go wrong in his imagination as he is indeed worried about Joyce and need answers to what had happened. Joyce’s uncle asked ‘young man how may I help you’ and Prince responded responsibly, Sir I do seek for Joyce as I haven’t heard from her a while, yes her uncle had seen him countless times but in the company of the trio not just Prince alone and was suppressed Prince came alone, so he responded why are you not in school or did you come back for something as Joyce is in school, when Prince heard that he immediately took a deep breath and a sigh of relieving from weeks of torment for not hearing from Joyce. He then told her uncle that he did not get admission to college however working hard to get into college soon. Her uncle on seeing the expression on Princess’s face knew that he was feeling really bad, but didn’t know why, however he told him not to worry much and that he understood how he feels that all his friends have gone to college while he is waiting to get in not knowing that was far from what Princes worries and anger was about, that his princess left without a goodbye as planned Joyce’s uncle went further to explain that himself had delays getting to college but turned out the best of his set and had made life good for himself in his choosing career and does not have any regrets while admonishing Prince to stay focused as he considered him brilliant chap and believe he will do well when eventually he gets to college. Prince hurriedly said thank you sir and want to run away immediately he finally got to himself and was surprised that he is standing in front of Joyce’s uncle and talking with him without fear of what he could do to him feared when he usually had to come with Vivian as a cover to see Joyce, his feet start to tremble as he sweats, Joyce’s uncle noticed and asked him to relax and told him that he knows what was going on between us but pretended and watched carefully to be sure we are good and not misbehaving as he further explained that he like Prince and believe both of them are focused and will be great in whatever they choose to do in life. That revelation got Prince further unstable in his presence and begged to take his leave and was encouraged to visit any time he so chooses not only when Joyce is around and asked to be a good boy. Prince left with his heart in his hands while recounting scenarios where the uncle would have scolded or embarrassed him in front of the love of his life Prince returned feeling bad, the whole day was a moody one for him with so many thoughts of unhappiness flushing him down emotionally. Days and months passed no word from Joyce as Prince tried to allow himself some sort of happiness as he tried to go back to his happy self while determined to be in college the next school year. Prince got himself so engaged in his studies as he met like mind who is determined to get to college in the person of Gold. Gold was an ardent studies bookie, intelligent and a smart young man. They both off on an intelligent note for friendship as it happened to be that they were in same neighborhood yet never meet until this day at the public library when Prince was trying to convince the librarian allow him go home with a certain book but he was made to understand that no book leaves the library for any reason. Gold happened to notice the frustration on Prince’s face and then oblige to assist Prince with a copy of the book which he claimed to have at home and told Prince that the book was a gift from an older friend to him and will be difficult to get same in book stores except he places an order for it which might get to him in two to three weeks and time is not in their favor considering how close the college entrance exams is. Prince was excited that someone who he barely knows could offer to assist. Gold then asked that Prince follow him to his house to get the book. The two left the library and walked to Golds home while Gold led the way Prince was confirming to him that he usually takes same route to his house from the library if he is not tired by getting a taxi As they approach Golds house Prince had to ask, please exactly where do you stay? And Gold laughed and asked if he is already tired of taking a walk for such a short distance, but Prince said not exactly. I can still walk for another hour or two if need be, however you are approaching my neighborhood hence my asking and they both laughed as Gold pointed out his apartment and Prince confirmed that two blocks after his is where he also stay. Gold said you see, we are neighbors yet we never met it’s a good thing you desperately needed that book hence I wouldn’t have said a word to you although I see you a lot at the library and I was encouraged by your consistent visit to the library, so what do you intend to study in college Gold asked, and Prince without hesitation said Law, how about you Prince asked. I want to be a marine engineer so engineering is where I am headed you see why I need all the time I can get into my books, for one that’s why I go to the library every day because of the vast resources that abound and seeing you daily was like a light to why I should press on towards attaining my set goal. Nothing will stop me this time as I have tried three times to get into college but failed and was told that there a technique to pass this exam, but I know me, you know not you my brother as Prince interrupted him, and continued. You will think you know all till you meet this exam then you discover that truly you don’t know as much as you thought you knew, hence my consistent visit to the library to broadened my horizon because of its diversity to a true test of knowledge, so I get to read anything and everything while keeping tab on my major. Gold then said exactly my brother, but here and now is our time. The two kept visiting each other to study as they will keep late nights into their books, they kept going to the library together every day encouraging each other to be the best. The grew fund of each other and shared a lot in common Gold became Prince best friend as you will not see Gold without Prince at all time they were together. Prince is happy but no night pass without him crying himself about Joyce as she is yet to visit or might had visited without Prince knowing since he spends all day at the library. Vivian came to visit on a weekend leading to the week of college entrance exams and came to see Prince but did not meet him at home but decided to wait for his return, Prince got back and saw Vivian and couldn’t hold his excitement. He ran and hugged her so tight and whisper to her that he had missed her a lot and he is happy to have her back. Vivian immediately asked have you been talking with Joyce? That question immediately sent Prince bac to a sad mood as he calmingly said no, not a word since she left for school. Vivian saw his gloomy mood of Prince and hugged him again telling him not to worry as she is sure Joyce missed him as much as he does encourage him to put himself together and shouted that she is here and that should make Prince happy. Prince smiled and said yes, I am happy except a bit stressed as my exams is next week, Vivian interrupted by saying" wao how time flies it’s your time now to join us in college. Prince then asked how is studies and life in school you should have new sets of friends and a special boy right without my permitting you. No, that I will not accept as they both laugh and Gold met them talking. Prince introduced Vivian to Gold and told her that he has been the one person keeping him sane and focused otherwise she would have come back from School to meet a broken Prince explaining how he has not been himself until he met Gold as they have been reading together although they had different part to their studies but they found a way to encourage each other to become the best, Vivian was beaming with smiles waiting to tease Prince about his love hanging on a tread but shield the thought of it so as not to provoke the excitement he saw on Prince. Gold told Prince that he wishes to excuse himself and get some stuff from the mall, prince suggested they all go together as he will like to get a few things as well, Vivian concurred to such as a good