Sweet Nemesis💖

Chapter 1 It was clear Monday mid morning. A few weeks after the resumption of uniport fresh students. Few students could still be seen walking from location to another aiming to complete their clearance. Clearance is the most stressful and hectic exercise in the university of portharcourt. Asking for direction and being mislead or being unable to figure out where you are directed to. Joining a long cue if you are lucky enough to find your destination and standing for hours to accomplish your goal. It really was hectic as you could pass where you are meant to be and have to return. During clearance, one gets an opportunity to walk the whole school even if it wasn’t intentional. Then lectures began. That was another struggle entirely. Finding lecture halls felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. New students didn’t know where their faculties were, where lectures held, or even the right time for their courses. You could move from one place to another all day and still not get anything right. At times, students ended up in the wrong class, listening to lectures that were not theirs and struggling to write their names in the attendance sheet. Fresh students were like lost sheep—unsure, confused, and trying to find their way. Even after a few weeks, many were yet to complete their clearances. The faculty of communication and media studies streamed with year one students mostly putting on blue shirts and black trousers. The morning was lively, filled with conversations and small laughter—until Mr. Ochonogor walked into Lecture Room Two. Immediately, the atmosphere changed. The noise died down, and the students became serious. Within just a few weeks, they had already come to know him as a strict and sometimes unfriendly lecturer. No one wanted to be on his bad side. The lecture room could barely contain all 220 journalism students. Many stood behind, while four ceiling fans turned slowly above them. The heat made everyone uncomfortable. A compliant had been made by the students. The management promised to do something about the lecture halls. There where asked to make do with it for the time being as communication and media studies was a new faculty. Mr. Ochonogor had a habit of asking questions, and he didn’t take wrong answers lightly. That alone made students pay attention—even when they didn’t fully understand what he was teaching. That Monday morning was no different “what did I say community journalism is pretty boy” standing in front of a students who have been busy on his laptop since the beginning of class, he stared at the student wondering if he types with his system or simply doing something else while he lectured. It was quiet surprising that one will have the guts to do something else during Ochonogors lectures. “I planed on asking you to redefine community journalism because I don’t understand what you have explained so far” the students said boldly with no fear _ “who does he think he is” “ it seems he wants to come back next year” “ I think he just resumed and possibly doesn’t know who Ochonogor is. Tell him to apologize immediately” where the whispers among the rest of the students “really, is that the only thing you do not understand and intended to ask” the lecturer asked “No sir. Nothing you have said in this class makes sense to me. I don’t understand any” “is that so? What is your name boy” “Micky” “mmmh! Micky you say. Is they any other person who have not understood my lecture so far” the hall fell quiet.. For the fact that he have been teaching that same topic for the pass one weeks, left him expecting every single soul to at least know the definition of the course. The lecturer turned to the boy “Micky right, meet me in my office to get clarification on community journalism. See you all next week” the tensed temperature in the hall dropped drastically once the lecturer steeped out. One of the popular students named Prosper walked up to the pretty boy in disdain “who do you think you are man. Do you know how hard it have been to get the lecturer to teach us? And now you just made him angry by displaying your uncalled for stupidity. Would it have killed you to admit that you are dump and do not know what community journalism is?” the pretty boy continued playing with his laptop and acted as if he wasn’t the one being spoken to “ simple community journalism you don’t know, I wonder what you are doing here.” Wealth the girl sited beside him commented. “What’s more annoying is he is acting all bossy with an empty skull. I pity his parent who are wasting their money on him” the pretty boy seemed to have been gravely offended by the last person statement, he stood up abruptly and gave the speaker a heavy punch on the face followed by another and was held back by a group of other boys before he could give the third. “please you all should stop this nonsense you are doing” the course rep begged “we are a family here and they is no need to fight each other over a trival issue such as this. We all came here to learn and they was nothing wrong with him stating to the lecturer that he had no understanding of what have been thought. They are many of us here who do not understanding but choose to keep quiet” “so are you saying that him being so rude to the lecturer was alright? We all here know the kind of being that man is and for the fact that he did not show his displeasure here doesn’t mean he is not displeased with his attitude. I will have no issue with this if he will be the only person to be punished but because of what he just did which might seem like a trivial matter to you all, the lecturer might not tech us again for the next two to three weeks.” Said Prosper to the course rep who seemed to be finding ways to defend the pretty boy “I believe they is a way to …” the pretty boy suddenly stood up ready to leave “For the fact that you fill your lecturers are gods, is non of my business. I pay fees and they are to teach me what I am here to learn. His personality have got nothing to do with me. And as for you this should be the first and last time you mention my parents or I bet you won’t leave to tell the tale.” He walked out of the class amidst the unpleasant gazes. *** In a corner of the faculty building Favour and her friends Happiness and Victory engaged in a conversation “Why is the guy so bossy” asked happiness “But he is cute though” answered victory “I hate people with his kind of personality. He did that just to get everybody’s attention and notice. He is so arrogant and mean. Jess the worst thing is he is dump” Favour explained in dismay. The pretty boy passed by and heard this harsh comment. “Hey Alex, you shouldn’t give a Dem to what they are saying. People will always gossip” said Henry the pretty boys friend who stood beside him and notice he halted in his step when he heard Favour’s unfriendly remark “I bet you people of her kind, are the ones wishing so hard in their heart to get my attention. They will go home smiling badly if I should say just a hello to them” although, Favour is a plain looking girl in the face, she has a great shape and height and wasn’t so easy to attract. Henry a broadcasting student is the only one who could put up with Alex bossy behavior “come on Alex not all girls are like that although she has a plain look, she is hard to get and also intelligent” “have you asked her out” Alex asked in disbelieve “Off course not, it wasn’t me alright. It …was my friend” Henry answered scratching the back of his head, while hiding his face to the side. The truth is he had once nursed the thought but gave it up when she responded very harshly to one of his course mate. He knew from then that she wasn’t his type as he definitely could not handle a girl with such hot temper. “I bet she will reject you Alex” “Reject me, are you for real. She is clearly not my type” “why don’t you give it a try man” “this talk of yours is becoming annoying. And if you badly won’t to see us together, I will make her pay for bad mouthing me the way she just did. But I hope you won’t be offended as it seems you have a thing for the little poppy” Alex walked away after glancing over at the three girls who where busy airing out their thought without a Care. Actually what Henry wanted to see is Favour being rude to the bossy Alexander Uchenna. “Just wait for it Alex” Having Alex Scolded or embarrassed by Favour could be a sight to behold. He wasn’t doing this out of hate for Alex but because he wanted to teach him a lesson for having being so rude and bossy right from secondary school. “are you coming or not” Alex asked nonchalantly after walking a few steps away and continued walking after asking. Henry ran to catch up with him *** Alex phone jingled. Picking up the phone he saw it was Henry. He let the phone ring over some time before answering. Henrys voice can loudly from the phone. “Hey Alex what’s up” Henry called over the phone “Why did you call” Alex asked coldly “We will be having BCJ class today at ETF building you will be there right” “no” “why not” “am busy now, let’s talk later” “come on Alex attendance is com…. Hello! Hello!” Henry looked at his phone screen. Alex already ended the call “That God forsaken jerk, wait till I teach you a lesson” Alex did not come to school for the rest of the week. On Sunday Henry became impatient and being ready to do all he could to make him come, he dropped by at his apartment. Alex opened the door after hearing relentless knocks on his door. “don’t you get tied of pestering me. Don’t tell me you have nothing good to do with your time” said Alex when he saw that henry have been the one knocking. Henry pushed past him into the apartment as he already was use to not being invited in. Alex closed the door, walked into the room and sat on the bed while Henry sat on the sofa. “So what brings you here broadcaster. Will my apartment be serving as venue for an interview or what” asked Alex without a Care in the world “abeg offer me something to drink except water, I’ve been outside your door knocking over five minute now” many usually wonder why Henry still talked to Alex even for the fact he was treated poorly by Alex. But he knew Alex too be a good person although he is always acting bossy and arrogant. He have known him for a few years and knew that Alex was going through a lot but never shares. He always holds everything within. Alex have helped him many times and he knew very well that Alex cared about him and regarded him a friend, although he is always arrogant and nonchalant both in words and behavior. “Jess” Alex sighed as he moved to the cabinet in his kitchen and got Henry a glass of juice. “don’t you have alcohol? I don’t look like a girl to you right” Henry asked in displeasure “yeah, although you not a girl, you are not a man either. Only men take alcohol. But if you don’t want it I can actually return it” Alex Suggested with an innocent expression. Henry glared at him while quickly taking a sip from the glass of juice “Isn’t it time to tell me why you are here yet” Alex spoke after a while of silence “can’t I visit you” “why are you here Henry?” “alright, first I came because it been a while and secondly they will be FMM test tomorrow” he continued when Alex didn’t say a word “you have been missing classes and attendance how to you intend to keep up, I know you are busy but don’t let your school fees go to waste. This is our year one and the most important in all four years. If you miss classes don’t also miss test” “hahahahaha!” Alex laughed “that was a long sermon guy. It been a long time since you gave me such sermon, what are you up to” “It not a crime to care for a friend right? But think of it man you…..” “I’ve heard you bro” Alex caught in being tied of Henry’s Long speech “I will be they tomorrow if I have time” “if?” “fine I will be they” “that good to know. You’d better not disappoint me” said Henry with a stiff expression “see you tomorrow” Henry continued not making a motion of departure “bye bye” Alex called out “are you not leaving yet” he asked “How about that polo we talked about the last time? Isn’t it available yet? Or should I check the wardrobe” Henry demanded in seriousness. He stood up and walked to the wardrobe. “what are you intending to do? How many more of my shits do you plan on owing?” “for as many as I can claim” Henry answered with a grim “Don’t ever visit me again. You know that is the reason I don’t welcome you in my house. Do I in any way look like your elder brother or father?” “ This one is of my taste but why is it so small?” “I’ve decided to stop buying big ones since they will size you beside it perfectly my own size bro, or do you want to wear a polo as body huge?” “hell fire is real Alex” “I no as much as market is also real” The conversation went on for a while longer before Henry left he apartment with a polo of his own size while Alex called out to him not to ever think of visiting again as he will not be welcomed **** A phone placed at the heard of the bed vibrated in alarm. Favour sat up on the bed with sleepy eyes and stared at the phone screen. The time stated 6:00am on the dot. She still felt very sleepy as she didn’t sleep early yesterday, she had watched Guga_ui up to 2 in the morning. She got up reluctantly to get ready for school, she had GES class by 8am that Morning and if she should be late, she will have to stand for the whole time. Her rommys where still sleeping when she was done getting ready and about to leave. “Betty” she called out to one of her roommate “Yesss” she answered sluggishly “I’m out see you guys later, tell Joy we will talked later when I return” “mmmh” Betty murmured GES class that morning was very populated. She thanked her stars as she had a space to sit. The lecturer a young man in his mid 30s taught marvelously. His voice was heard in every wall of the hall resounding through the public address system. He taught use of library and today he discussed about the OPAC, ISSN and ISBN. “What are the difference between the two” the lecturer asked as the class was coming to an end. The hall fell into silence as no Body dared to speak up. Many because of inferiority complex, others because they had no answer to the question, many because they where shy and a little populace because they didn’t care even if they had an answer. Favours raced her slightly trembling hand as her eyes scanned the hall and noticed only she raced her hand among thousand of students. Just when she taught of dropping her hand the lecturer echoed “yes you” pointed a finger at her “what your name and department” he asked “my name is Eneji Favour from the department of Journalism and Media studies. The difference between ISBN and ISSN numbers is that ISBN is used for: Books and other standalone publications with a format of 13 digits and also used for the purpose of Identifying a specific edition of a book, including the publisher and format example paperback vs. hardcover while ISSN is used for Serial publications like magazines, journals, newspapers, and other periodicals with a format of 8 digits. This is also used for the purpose of Identifying the title of a serial publication as a whole, not individual issues.” Favour explained boldly “A round of applause for her; that was a good one. Remind me to give you 10 marks for this wonderful answer” the lecturer said with smiles “Thank you sir” Outside the class “see free 10marks ooo. GES that is very hard to pass, that man just dashed you free ten marks, ah! you are lucky ooo if you should have even 30 in the exams A is sure for you combined with your continues assessment” Happiness exclaimed jealously “please leave the 10 marks alone, who knows if he will even give me the mark. Let start heading to K Williamson hall for FMM class” Favour responded “I heard the test was postponed” said victory “yes” Favour answered “that’s sweet to hear I did not read for any test” said victory K Williamson hall streamed with students from all departments in the faculty of communication and Media studies. Henry doted Favour and her friends step in. Favour and victory sat besides each other as the sits where arranged in pears. Happiness occupied the one in front of them. Favour stepped out to get water, Henry rushed over to victory with smiles “Hi” said Henry displaying a pleasant smile in his little chubby chicks “Hey” victory responded in likewise manner “mmmh!! please can I ask for a Favour” victory stared at him in confusion. What is he up to, is he asking about Favour “the thing is I have something to tell your friend Favour, I’m wondering if you could allow me sit here. And I will compensate you for creating an opportunity for me to talk to her” “okay so what type of compensation are we dealing with here” victory asked. Henry laughed “please nah! Am actually begging . Let me give you 1k. I’m not going to ask her out” “really” victory asked in doubt. Henry notice that her smile had drop when he asked about Favour instead. Maybe she liked him. He thought within him and if she did, she could be his God sent assistant to help him achieve this goal. “Off course, trust me. If you help me out, we could hang out often” Happiness who have been busy with her phone was ignorant of the deal taking place behind her. Victory moved and sat beside her. Henry dropped some of his stuffs on the sit and sat on another sit right behind. Favour returned to find the sit beside her reserved for someone while victory had moved to sit beside happiness. The lecturer step in just then so she had no time to ask what happened as she concentrated on getting her writing materials ready. 10 minute later, Henry spotted Alex on the door and stood up immediately for him to come over. Alex walked over to him. “isn’t that the boy from that day? I’ve not seen him since then I thought he dropped out” I think he is a part time students” “how can such a handsome guy be dump” many journalism students murmured “girl look how cute that guy is, which department is he” an FMM female student asked “I don’t know” another responded and I have never seen him before “He is a journalism students” a girl behind them answered “Are you for real!! “ the first girl exclaimed “I like him already, he is technically my type” she fantasied Alex walked over to Henry. To his surprise, Henry showed him the sit beside Favour. He gave Henry a questioning look “That’s the only vacant sit left, and journalism students are expected to sir this way” explained Henry with an innocent look “So why are you here” Alex asked “I was afraid you won’t be able to identify your course mate so I decide to sacrifice this for you. Someone will write my name in attendance for me “. Alex gave him a long look before deciding to sit. He understood what Henry was up to. “Setting him up”. He sat down. Favour look to see who it was and was surprised “Jeez! Why are you here” she asked unfriendly “ Did your father rent or buy K Williamson hall,” he asked in the same unfriendly manner as she did. He was actually right, they is absolutely nothing she can do about it as much as it not her house. One do not choose who should sit beside then here. But then she wondered why victory had suddenly left the sit. She felt uncomfortable and tensed. Victory looked behind and saw who it was that had taken the sit she left. She felt regretful for haven left as she would have been pleased to sit beside such beauty. The lecture commenced as note was given and explanation made but test writing wasn’t mentioned. “I thought this class was meant for test writing “ Alex asked unconsciously “how will one who attended class once in a week know what’s going on” Favour murmured out loud for him to hear “Henry?” Alex called out to Henry’s hearing Henry knew what the call was for. He needed Alex to stay till the end of the class for his plans to be finalized “Actually bro, some students are saying the test have been canceled but it not finalized yet we might still write it” he lied. Haven known since on Saturday that the test have been canceled “they will be no test. You are probably dump to think FMM test will he held in this small hall” Henry had no idea who she was referring to, he didn’t care. All he prayed for was that she doesn’t ruin his plans or he will taunt her. She looked back at Henry and saw the look on his face. Whatsoever it was didn’t really matter but it seems he was using the test as an excuse to have the latter come to class. “the only important thing is today’s attendance. I heard it will be use as permit for the test or an extra mark” she lied. She looked back at Henry who nodded toward her with a smile while concurring with her statement. “she isn’t that bad after all” he thought within him as he knew she said that to help him accomplish whatever he was up to. This did not go unnoticed by Alex. He felt slightly confused as to why Favour was helping when she had been against him just now by stating bluntly that they will be no test when Henry was making it seem like they will be test. It all seemed interesting to him. He decided to stay back and see what they where up to. While the class was coming to an end, Alex phone suddenly rang. It wasn’t unusual for his little sister to call but at this time isn’t she suppose to be in school? He stood up and moved to the back of the hall. Henry made sure he had moved away completely. He moved to his sit and stated arranging his stuff. Favour who have been busy on her phone replying to a message didn’t notice Henry putting Alex things together. The class finally ended and everyone stated walking out. Alex returned at this point and took his back and walked out. Henry excused him self to speak to the course rep so Alex walked away alone. Favour stated packing her stuffs and noticed one of her book was missing. She remembered clearly she had dropped it on the desk, so where on earth did the book.. she continued going through her stuffs over and over again. “Is everything ok?” Henry returned to asked “Not really, I can’t find a book of mine. Its supposed to be here” “a book ?” “yeah, did you see it?” Favour asked in anticipation “I think Alex took it” said Henry “Alex”? “yeah, that my friend. Who sat here with you” “okay thank you” Favour rushed pass him and heading to where Alex stood outside the hall tapping on his phone. She walked straight up to him and demanded for her book which Alex denied taking “How long do you want to keep lying, someone clearly saw you taking my book and you dare to deny it” “little girl I will advice you mind your tone and manners of speaking to me. Why will I take your book can’t i afford as many of them as I want at any time ? Stop being stupid” “ let me search your bag” “don’t push this too far or you won’t like my reaction” Alex warmed. Many students heads where turned to the scene unfolding, many were making videos which left Alex slightly Embarrassed. Favour snatched his bag from him and began searching for her book which contend her written novel which she have been writing for months and just completed. Her eyes found the book and she quickly dragged it out of the bag. Alex look stunned when the book came out of his bag. He hard completely no idea how it got they. He looked at Favour suspiciously. Could it be possible that she intentionally put the book in his bag in other to embarrass him like this or what was she up to. “Mr. Alex how do you explain this. Why is my note you denied seeing in your bag , why did you steal my book ?” the crowd murmured in acceptance “I never would have thought that such handsome guy could steal” said a student of broadcasting “he is not just stubborn and dump but also a thief” said a journalism student. Alex glares at the crowd and returned his gaze to the girl in front of him who had brought him all the humiliation. “What are you aiming at”? Alex asked “all I needed was my book if only you had given it back when I asked nicely it wouldn’t have gotten to this” “fine I see, since I stole your book, you can’t get it back not until I decide to turn myself in” Alex snatched the book from her hands and walked away not giving her a chance to respond. She ran after him shouting out loud for him to return her book. After a while of running, she noticed a lot of attention where turned towards her. She felt awkward and embarrassed and stopped running. She sighed in frustration and anger. Alex disappeared into the distance and she could only return to the hall. “what happened” happiness enquired once she got back. Felling embarrassed to narrate the whole running stuff to her friends, she simply said nothing “where did you rush off to a while ago” victory asked “someone took my book so I went to get it back” Favour answered “Where is the book” asked happiness searching her hands with her eye “I was unable to get it back. I'm going home” Favour said and walked away