MERMAID OF CALABAR

CHAPTER 5: FATEFUL ENCOUNTER

.

🐠🐠

MERMAIDS OF CALABAR (SEASON ONE) 🧜🔞

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural, Romance, Adult, Adventure

CHAPTER 5: FATEFUL ENCOUNTER

WARNING: This story contains mature themes and is not appropriate for readers under 18. Do not copy or reproduce this story without the author's permission.

---

🐞 JOSEPH 🐞

People often say the first week on campus is nerve-racking, but my experience was completely different. Thanks to my friends, Sofia and Ben, I quickly learned my way around campus and familiarized myself with the things I needed to know.

Lectures weren't very serious during the first week because some lecturers hadn't resumed, while others only gave us course outlines and promised to begin proper lectures the following week.

With little academic work to occupy us, Sofia and Ben decided to give me a proper tour of the campus.

That was when I discovered that campus life was more complicated than I had imagined.

Every student seemed to have a group they belonged to. There were also certain places students were forbidden from visiting, especially at night. Sofia and Ben refused to tell me exactly what happened in those places, but they warned me that nothing good ever came from going there.

I also learned that snitching was practically forbidden. Anyone caught digging into other people's affairs could end up expelled, framed for a crime, or worse.

Then came the biggest revelation: three powerful factions practically controlled the campus.

The first and oldest was known as the Black Sirens.

They were an all-female group whose members were famous for their beauty, wealth, and mysterious behavior. They rarely appeared during the day and were mostly seen at night. Rumors claimed that any man who tried to get close to them either became mysteriously poor or eventually lost his mind.

Some students even questioned whether the Black Sirens were ordinary students at all.

The second faction was the Occultic Owls.

Unlike the Sirens, the Owls consisted of both males and females. They were feared for their violent behavior and alleged involvement in occult practices. Their symbol was the devil's triangle, and rumors claimed that anyone who crossed them rarely lived to tell the story.

The third faction was the Trinity.

They were completely different from the other two groups. They were rough, unpredictable, and always moved together. Their greatest strength was their unity and their ability to gather information.

Although they weren't as wealthy as the Sirens or Owls, they somehow knew everything happening around campus. Some students suspected them of theft, but nobody had ever gathered enough evidence to prove anything.

Anyone who tried to expose them often disappeared.

After hearing all these stories, I decided to stay far away from the factions. I wanted nothing to do with people who could destroy my life simply because I crossed them.

The first two weeks passed quietly.

But when the third week began, things started getting interesting.

---

THE LIBRARY

I was in my department's library searching for a particular history textbook.

History wasn't an easy course. Besides lengthy notes and assignments, we had to read constantly. Fortunately, I had a good memory, which made things slightly easier.

After searching for what felt like forever, I finally spotted the book.

Unfortunately, it was already in the hands of a beautiful girl sitting nearby.

I approached her but suddenly felt strangely nervous.

As if she could sense me staring, she turned and gave me a cold look.

Moremi: Excuse me, can I help you with something?

Joseph: Sorry. I didn't mean to stare. You just have the book I'm looking for.

Moremi: Oh. I'm still reading it. You'll have to wait until I'm done.

Joseph: You're a history student, right? Did you attend the Ancient Civilizations lecture today?

Moremi: Yes.

Joseph: I haven't seen you in the previous classes. I'm guessing you just started this week.

Moremi: Yes. I've seen you too.

Joseph: My name is Joseph.

Moremi: Moremi.

Joseph: Nice name. Do you mind if we study together?

To my surprise, she smiled.

Moremi: Actually, I'd love the company. I need help with this course. It's too bulky, and I've missed quite a lot.

Joseph: Don't worry. You'll catch up in no time.

We had barely settled down when someone interrupted us.

It was Uwem, my longtime nemesis, accompanied by some of his friends.

The moment he saw me with Moremi, his face changed.

Instead of leaving, he decided to embarrass me.

Uwem: Omo! Make una check this guy. Na my eyes dey deceive me?

Joseph: Uwem, respect yourself and leave. What are you even doing here? You're not from this department.

Uwem: E concern you? Babe, leave this fool and let me show you a good time.

Moremi ignored him.

Uwem's friends laughed, but he refused to back down.

Uwem: Come on, babe. You don't know what you're missing. This guy can't even give you the time of day.

Moremi finally looked at him.

Moremi: Just go. You're an eyesore, and you're boring.

Uwem's expression hardened.

Uwem: You b***h! Who do you think you are? Do you know who I am?

I stood up, ready to confront him, but Moremi grabbed my arm.

Moremi: It's alright, Joseph. Let's just go.

I reluctantly followed her.

---

OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY

Joseph: Sorry about what happened. Uwem is just a bully.

Moremi: Don't worry. One of these days, that jerk will get what's coming to him.

Joseph: I'm sorry I couldn't help you with your studies.

Moremi: It's fine. We're course mates anyway. We can arrange another study session. Can I have your number?

Joseph: Sure.

We exchanged contacts before going our separate ways.

As I walked toward my hostel, I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened.

Then I bumped into another girl.

Two iPhones fell from her jacket.

She immediately froze before crouching down to pick them up.

I bent down to help her.

Joseph: I'm sorry. I didn't see you coming. Let me help.

Iniobong: No, it's alright. Don't bother.

Joseph: I insist. What kind of guy would I be if I just walked away?

She chuckled.

Iniobong: What are you, some kind of gentleman?

Joseph: I'm trying to be. My name is Joseph.

Iniobong: What makes you think I want to know you?

Joseph: You never know when we might meet again.

She smiled.

Iniobong: You're weird... but cute. I'm Iniobong. You're new here, aren't you?

Joseph: Yeah.

Her smile disappeared.

Iniobong: Then keep your eyes open, Joseph. This place isn't what you think it is.

Joseph: What do you mean?

But she was already walking away.

Iniobong: See you some other time.

I watched her disappear before continuing toward my hostel.

---

THE HOSTEL

When I arrived, there was a commotion outside. Students were arguing loudly and pointing fingers at one another.

Too tired to investigate, I went straight to my room.

Ade was lying on his bed, reading a strange-looking book.

The moment Haruna entered, Ade immediately closed the book and hid it.

Haruna: Joseph, you look beat. How far?

Joseph: I'm fine, just tired. What's happening outside?

Haruna: Some of our hostel mates were robbed this afternoon.

Joseph: In broad daylight? How?

Ade: Don't bother yourself with that. How was your day?

I shrugged.

Joseph: Normal. But I met two stunning girls today.

Haruna: FINALLY!

Joseph: Guy, calm down. What's that supposed to mean?

Haruna: All this time, I thought you were impotent.

Ade: What does that have to do with anything?

Haruna: Since I met this guy, he's always attached to himself and his books. Studying is important, but you need to have some fun too.

Joseph: I don't need that distraction. I'm not looking for a girlfriend.

Haruna: What's wrong with you?

Ade: Leave him alone. It's his choice.

I stood up.

Joseph: I'm tired. I'm going out later to read.

Haruna: Suit yourself.

---

THE BEACH

Night eventually descended over the campus.

For the past two weeks, I had developed a strange routine. Whenever I needed somewhere quiet to study, I went to the beach.

Nobody knew.

The hostel was always noisy, and the library wasn't much better. The beach gave me the peace I needed.

At about 8:00 p.m., I grabbed my books and secretly made my way there.

Students weren't allowed near the beach at that hour, but I knew a way through.

Minutes later, I reached my favorite spot and sat down on the soft sand.

The beach was peaceful.

The sound of the waves, the cool breeze, and the smell of the ocean made it easier to concentrate.

I became so absorbed in my studies that I lost track of time.

By 10:30 p.m., I finally packed my books and prepared to leave.

As I walked toward the exit, I hit my toe against a stone.

Joseph: Damn!

Annoyed, I picked up the stone and threw it into the water.

Then I heard a splash.

A figure suddenly emerged from the water.

The stone had struck someone.

The person fell backward into the waves.

My heart dropped.

I threw down my bag, removed my shirt, and rushed into the water.

I swam toward the figure as quickly as possible.

When I reached her, I realized it was a woman.

I pulled her toward the shore and carried her onto the sand.

She wasn't wearing any clothes, so I covered her with my shirt.

I checked her breathing.

She was alive.

But something about her was strange.

She had been deep underwater, yet she showed no signs of drowning.

Then I looked at her face.

I froze.

She was breathtaking.

Her long hair shimmered with unusual rainbow colors, while her smooth skin seemed almost unreal beneath the moonlight.

There was something about her face that felt strangely familiar.

I couldn't explain it.

I simply knew I had never seen anyone like her.

I decided to stay until she regained consciousness.

Nearly an hour passed.

Finally, her eyes opened.

She looked around before her gaze settled on me.

Joseph: Hey... are you alright?

She didn't answer.

Instead, she stared at me suspiciously.

Then she noticed the shirt covering her and pulled it tightly around herself.

I immediately looked away.

Joseph: I'm sorry. I was the one who threw the stone, but it wasn't intentional. I didn't see you in the water. I swear I didn't do anything to you. I just couldn't leave you alone here.

She remained silent.

Then something changed in her expression.

She moved closer.

Her attention shifted to the necklace around my neck.

She touched it gently.

I stared at her in confusion.

She then looked directly into my eyes and touched my face.

Before I could understand what was happening, she pulled me closer and kissed me.

For a moment, everything around me disappeared.

The waves.

The wind.

The sound of the storm gathering overhead.

Nothing mattered except the strange woman in front of me.

Then, just as suddenly, she pulled away.

I tried to speak, but she placed a finger against my lips.

She stood up.

Joseph: Wait! What's your name?

She didn't answer.

Instead, she stepped backward.

A small wave crashed against the shore.

For a moment, I looked away.

When I looked back...

She was gone.

Completely gone.

There were no footprints in the sand.

No sign that she had ever been there.

I stood up and searched the beach.

Nothing.

Then thunder exploded across the sky.

A heavy rain began falling.

Realizing I had to leave, I grabbed my books and ran toward the campus.

But even as the rain soaked me, I couldn't stop thinking about her.

Who was she?

How had she survived being underwater for so long?

Why did she disappear without leaving a trace?

And most importantly...

Why did she look so familiar?

I didn't know the answers.

But deep inside, I knew one thing.

This wasn't the last time I would see her.

I only hoped I was ready for whatever came next.

TO BE CONTINUED...