Stuck in Between

Five

So what is the deal between you guys, Mike asked as we walked to the park. What deal? I asked, pretending not to understand what he meant. I knew what he meant between me and Kabir. Between you and that copper of course, you guys are too close, you are even living together, he gives you gifts here and there, now see, it's an expensive phone, he said pointing at the phone in my hands. What are you talking about Mike, Kabir is just another teacher that is impressed by a brilliant student like me, or are you jealous? I asked jokingly. Stop making it a joke Ahmad, it's not funny. You guys are living together like couples, Mike shouted. What couples, are you crazy? I had to move out of my room because it's leaking and it's very inconvenient when rainfalls. Mr. Lukman asked me to move in with Cooper Kabir, I said defending myself. Just be careful Ahmad, you know how these rich people are, he can take advantage of you. Rumors are going on already in the school about how close you people are, Mike said. I kept quiet for a bit. But is our closeness that obvious? It now dawned on me that I will have to fight this homophobic society sooner or later. We are not even dating yet, but people are already criticizing us. Can't we be good to close friends in their eyes, must they judge any movement of people. Will you get down now or not, Mike said as the bus parked by my village's entrance. Mike walked me home and bid me goodbye. I was lucky my father wasn't home, I would have had his drama as a welcome speech. My mother was so happy to see me. We talked a lot about school. Told her how my exams went and the recent help from Cooper Kabir. She was so happy to hear the story. And father, how is he, I asked. He is fine, he went to the farm, she replied. Go take a rest Ahmad, I am sure he will get you working immediately when he returns. I went to my room and brought out my phone. I texted Kabir and informed him about my arrival home. After like an hour he called. We gist for a while and he told me about his flight too. I gave the phone to mom and they exchanged pleasentries . That's how I stayed in the village for days, dad would always scold me for not working on the farm and mom would defend me. Even though I help him with his animals at home, he still complains.

" So what are you studying at the university Ahmad?" , my mother asked, I wanted to study computers. She sighed. I thought you would choose Agriculture so you can be an influence on this village, if you could study Agriculture and bring possible changes here, parents will start encouraging their children to study too, my mother said. I never thought about that, but thinks I must do that now, replied softly. We suddenly heard noises from the house close to ours. What is wrong with this man and his wife, I have been hearing them fight since the day I came back, I asked. Hmmm, my mother sighed. The wife suspected that her husband is gay, she wanted to leave but her parents won't allow it thinking that she doesn't want the Marriage. My heart beats loud. So what is the situation now, I asked. Nothing much, the villagers are just gossiping about him, the young man looks depressed as no one buys goods from him, I pity him, she said. But mom, do you think it's fair, how they treated him. Ahmad, when it comes to culture and tradition, our people know nothing like being fair, they judge and punish people for things one can't control. We live in a society where sinners judge sinners for sinning differently. She sighed and adjusted herself. Even though what the man did was break the rule of nature, I don't think he should be treated as an outcast by his people. She said as she stood up. Now get up and start arranging your things before your father comes in, you are leaving tomorrow, she said. I slowly walked to my room and begin arranging my stuff. Sometimes, I wonder if my mother is a lost angel that gets stuck in our village. She is too good to be here and too kind for my father. I know she is a special gift to me from God and I appreciate her.

We talked with Kabir on the phone later in the night as usual. I told him about my change of field of study and he was happy to hear the reason. He cares about me more and am missing him these days. I am now considering opening up to him as I couldn't take the pressure anymore.

The following day, my father spent almost an hour ranting when I told him about my university entrance exams. He was very furious. I am used to his drama already so I didn't care. After he was done, he left for the farm as usual. I bid my mother goodbye and headed to the park. Kabir called telling me he will soon arrive too. I went back to the house and did a little cleaning and also cooked something before Kabir arrived. I was sitting on the sofa when I heard a car honking. I was afraid. I thought it was Jeffery, I quickly rushed to the door and locked it from inside. I peeped through the window but to my surprise, it's Kabir. He came back in a car. I rushed and opened the door, I went outside to see him. "Wow, you came back with a car?" I asked. Yes, my father insisted I came with one, he said. I helped him take his boxes into the house. You left with just a bag and you are bringing back all these clothes, are you planning on relocating here, I asked as I dropped the box by the wardrobe. Oh, those 2 are yours, he said trying to remove his shirt. What! Mine? What is mine? I asked with a surprised look. I brought you some things from Lagos, you might need them when you start schooling, he said as he tie a towel on his waist and headed to the bathroom. I was dumbfounded looking at the big boxes he's just called things. I opened them and I was even more surprised. There are lots of clothes, shoes, bags and lots more. Perfumes, wristwatches, and even caps. What? Sir, these are too much for me, how can I finish using these things, I said pointing at them. The least you could do Ahmad is to thank me since you see that we can't share those, he said stepping out of the bathroom. I stood there looking at him as a fool. His well-built body was dripping with water and taking away my attention. Well, I am waiting, he said, drying his hair with a towel. Oh... thank you, sir, I said stammering. I quickly went out of the room as my eyes couldn't take it anymore. What is this guy trying to do, I just hope he is not out to punish me with his body. "Get ready Ahmad, I heard him calling, you will escort me somewhere, he said. Okay, sir, I replied. I went into the room to change. I picked my clothes but he held me back. Won't you try anything from what I brought for you, he said. Here, he gave me a shirt and a pair of trousers, this will look good on you, he said. I collected it and headed to the bathroom to change. After I was ready, I met him in the car. You look like a good boy, he said. Thank you, sir, I replied. I wasn't comfortable. Kabir is acting way too casual. Like we are not a student and teachers. We went to a shopping mall and got some food items. It's nothing serious. While we were on our way out, we bumped into Jeffery. He was giving me this suspicious look. I was scared and Kabir was all smiling, holding me so close. It now dawned on me that Kabir was purposely taking me out. I was angry at him and I felt bad seeing Jeffery that way. I was mute throughout the ride home and Kabir noticed how angry I was. Immediately when we were home. I head to the room directly. He followed me calling my name. Why are you acting funny all of a sudden Ahmad, he asked, holding my hands. I was disappointed sir, I thought you wanted to take me out little did I know that you planned to use me to get back at Jeffery, I said. I am sorry Ahmad, but I didn't plan on meeting him, it's just an honest coincidence, he said. Okay, I replied and lay on the bed. Are you really angry, he asked. I pretended to be asleep because I couldn't stand an argument with him. I didn't know when I slept off.

The rays of sunlight piercing through the window and Kabir's voice echoing in my head woke me up. I slowly opened my eyes seeing him standing in front of me with just a short. I was shocked and quickly closed my eyes. Get up Ahmad, breakfast is getting cold, he said and walk away. This guy is turning into something else, I said to myself. The fact that I am staying with him doesn't mean he should be torturing me with his nude body. He isn't even shy of me anymore. He walked almost half-naked in the house not minding my presence anymore.

That's how I continued living with Kabir in this situation, Am already getting used to it as I also adapt his method slowly. I will also walk around in short and act casually with him. Just like normal roommates. We became more closer as we play, watch movies, cook and study together. I wrote my Jamb examinations and the results were great. My SSEC Results was good too and all thanks to Kabir for his dedication towards me. Life with him is really good.

One fateful day, we were playing games in the sitting room. Kabir was looking damn hot, I couldn't take my eyes off him, my heart was beating fast as all my thoughts concentrate on his lips as he was talking and arranging the cards. I slowly moved closer to him and grab his lips. I kissed him. He was numb for a while. I love you, Sir, I said. He stared at me for a while. Are you sure about this Ahmad? He asked. Yes, I am sir, can't take it anymore more, the pretense is exhausting. I want to be with you sir, I said. I have been waiting for this Ahmad, he said as he grab me by the neck and start kissing me. The kiss was intense. That was my first. My body was shivering. After a while of kissing, Kabir took me to the bedroom and threw me on the bed. He climbed on me and continued kissing, smooching all my body parts. He moved down my body and continued kissing all my body. It was intense, but I don't think am ready for that. I felt reluctant to move but I gathered courage and jump off. He quickly raised and look at me. Are you okay Ahmad? He asked?...