The first time Shirley laid eyes on Jolomi was at Uniben campus main gate. She had just gained admission into the school to study Electrical Engineering and was on her way to do her faculty screening when she noticed him from a campus shuttle. He was sitting under a bus shed in a black ripped jeans, red checkered shirt and a red bandana, which sat perfectly on his plaited hair. He had no idea she was watching him, yet he had so much control over her with his finely carved physique. She thought he was the most beautiful guy she had ever seen.
Now here he was, still the same guy but more handsome. He wore tight jeans and rolled up buttoned shirt that revealed his strong, muscular arms. Suddenly, her gaze met his and Shirley’s heart began to beat hard. “Kukum…Kukum…Kukum…” It beat so hard, she could almost hear it. Then Jolomi called her name and the echo of his velvety voice chimed in her head, causing her to smile like a little girl. As soon as Jolomi opened the door for her, Shirley threw her arms around him, and he lifted her before her feet could touch the ground. Everyone in the bus gawked at them as if they’d never seen two people of the opposite sex embrace before.
After suddenly realizing that he still had other passengers to drop off, the driver interrupted their sweet moment and called on Shirley to get her bags. “Err-hemm! Sista, abeg carry your bag, I won drive commot.” Jolomi shot him a stern look and proceeded to grab her bag from the bus like it weighed nothing. After the driver zoomed off, Jolomi turned to Shirley and caught his breath. She was still pretty and full of life, the two things that caught his attention when he first set his eyes on her at the campus bonfire. She was the 100 Level fresher that every guy, including himself, wanted. His smile grew wider as he pulled Shirley closer, towering over her in his 6ft 3inches stature. Shirley inhaled the familiar musky cologne on his clothes, and the world froze for a moment.
This is what she had always wanted…a life with Jolomi. There were suddenly no signs of itching ears, dark clouds or disapproving words from her father. Jolomi may not have been the perfect boyfriend, but she had decided to give him another chance and make things work out between the two of them. Shirley knew there was no turning back now. She held on tight to Jolomi and fiddled with the buttons on his shirt as she thought deeply about her decision. Jolomi noticed her anxiety and lifted her chin to look into her eyes. He asked her in his usual boyish manner; “having second thoughts?” Shirley smiled at him and shook her head. She was about to say something to him when she heard a gentle voice creep in: “Be not wise in thine own eyes…”
She frowned and ignored the voice. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time and wouldn’t let anything ruin it. Shirley grabbed Jolomi’s right arm and when he saw her excitement, he grinned, knowing for sure that they were in for a wild time together.
To be continued…