A strange sense of pride crept into his heart. 'I handled the whole thing like a man!' But his satisfaction was short lived as a cold realization hit him as he walked down the stairs.
'We're staying here for a week…' His face paled. 'I can't endure another six nights of this.'
He stood there on the stairway, mourning his future predicament, when a faint noise from downstairs caught his attention.
Tap… tap…
It was still quite early. No one else should have been awake yet. Curious, he followed the sound to the kitchen, where he found Chukwudubem rummaging through the refrigerator, searching for ingredients.
The household servants weren't allowed in the house until after 6 a.m., but it didn't matter, Chukwudubem seemed perfectly prepared to handle breakfast on his own. Thanks to Chibuzor's strict upbringing, all his younger siblings were well trained in essential life skills, including cooking.
Unaware of his older brother's presence, Chukwudubem muttered to himself as he picked out items.
"Pepper… onions… carrots…"
Satisfied with his selection, he turned around, and nearly dropped everything, startled to see Chibuzor silently watching him.
"Ahhh!" he yelped before realizing who it was. "Big brother! How did you sneak up on me like that? Don't tell me you're taking martial arts classes now!"
Chukwudubem's words hit a nerve. Chibuzor's mind flashed back to three months ago when his black belt wife had landed several decisive punches on his shoulder during one of their arguments.
That had been the wake up call he needed. To preserve his dignity, and his face, he had begged Olaedo to start teaching him the basics of martial arts.
Besides, learning self defense wasn't such a bad idea. Chibuzor was determined never to feel as helpless as he had seven years ago. The memory of that fateful incident from his college days resurfaced, vivid and raw.
---
Seven Years Ago
Class had just been dismissed, and 18 year old Chibuzor packed his belongings in a rush. He was eager to head over to the Marketing Department to meet his best friend, Adaugo. Both were in the Faculty of Management Sciences, he in Business Administration, and she in Marketing.
Although they had initially planned to study the same course, they had agreed it would be more beneficial to their future. Their hope was that, once married, their specialized knowledge would complement each other in building their family's business empires.
As was his routine, Chibuzor always sought her out after lectures whenever their timetables aligned. Today was no different. A small smile tugged at his lips as he imagined her excitement when they stopped for cotton candy on their way back to their lodges.
Their strict parents had banned them from consuming such "unhealthy" snacks during their years at home, so eating cotton candy now had become a rare, weekly indulgence.
Back then, they had to sneak processed foods whenever they craved them, but now, they could enjoy such treats openly, though their self control limited the tradition to once a week. And today was that day.
Chibuzor arrived at her class and peered in through the window. There she was, packing her things slowly, lost in thought.
He lingered, watching her. His chest tightened, not from nerves but from the secret he had harbored for years. He had been in love with Adaugo since they were ten years old. Yet, he had never confessed his feelings.
What would have been the point? Their parents had already arranged their betrothal, and there was no rush. She wasn't going anywhere, and they both had to finish their education before they could get married.
In the lecture hall, Adaugo felt the weight of a familiar gaze. She looked up and caught Chibuzor's eyes through the window. A radiant smile spread across her face as she waved at him. Then, with renewed energy, she began packing faster.
Her cheeks grew warm as she felt her heartbeat quicken. 'Why does he have to look at me like that?' she wondered, trying to hide her blush by lowering her head. She adored him more than she dared to admit, and the thought of her feelings being unrequited terrified her.
'He must never know,' she told herself. If Chibuzor didn't feel the same way, the rejection would crush her. But if he did…
'If he does, then he's mine. Not just in this life but in every one after.'
As Adaugo exited the lecture hall with her bag slung over her shoulder, her steps faltered as she approached Chibuzor. Her cheeks burned hotter the closer she got, and no matter how hard she tried to calm herself, the redness only deepened.
Chibuzor noticed immediately, his expression clouding with concern. He took her almost empty bag from her shoulder, frowning. "Ugo, you're red again. Are you sure you're not coming down with something? You keep avoiding the hospital, but this seems to be getting worse every time I see you."
Adaugo sighed inwardly, helpless against his worry. 'I am catching something indeed,' she thought ruefully, but she simply shook her head, offering a small smile. "I'm fine, Chibuzor. It's just the sun. Really, don't worry about it."
The moment she mentioned the sun, Chibuzor reached into his bag with practiced ease and pulled out a pink umbrella. He opened it swiftly and held it out to her. "Here, take this. I brought it just in case the sun gets too harsh."
His thoughtfulness only made her cheeks flush deeper, turning her face nearly as red as a ripe tomato. Too shy to meet his gaze, she took the umbrella from him. Chibuzor, oblivious to her turmoil, tilted his head in mild confusion but didn't press further.
"Hurry up and take it," he urged gently. "I don't want the sun to hurt your fair skin."
Adaugo murmured her thanks, still avoiding his gaze, and they began their leisurely walk to their usual cotton candy spot.
As they strolled, Chibuzor glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "How's everything in your department? Is Professor Abubakar still giving you trouble?"