please please please, don't plagiarize my work. sit down and think and write yours too. I'm writing this straight from my head on my phone, so kindly ignore typos, but point out grammatical errors that can ruin my career before it even starts. you can check my Instagram for more works @apollos.heir and follow. thanks.

updates every Monday, Friday and Saturday/Sunday.

the story is a figment of my imagination. purely my imagination.

constructive criticism is needed and welcome. let's get to it!
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I dropped my pen in frustration, squeezing my eyes shut and rubbing my temples, trying to ease the headache that had slowly built up over the hour. I kept hearing his voice in my head, 'you're such a fool…naïve…you need to grow up…' I groaned. Make it stop already. From her sit beside me, Tolu, my partner for the school project I was trying to work on gave me a weird look. Oh no! Did I say that out loud?
'Rebecca, are you fine?' She asked, not bothering to hear my reply before she started tapping away on he phone. God, I hate this girl. She knows how much I hate my name, but insists on calling me Rebecca, instead of Becca, which I prefer. I glanced at my phone- since I never, ever wear a wristwatch-, and was surprised to see that I'd been working for three hours straight. Three hours with no food. No wonder I had a monstrous headache. I started shoving my books into my bag, my mouth watering at the thought of the vegetable soup I made last night. I was going to boil some rice, and maybe buy a bottle of Pepsi. So what if my stomach had folds and my arms were a bit flabby? No one would even notice if I sucked in my stomach hard enough. I finished packing, my mind filled with thoughts of rice and vegetable soup. I muttered a harried goodbye to Tolu, who didn't even bother to reply. I wasn't even sure she heard me. She was so engrossed in whatever she was doing on her phone. I resisted the urge to peep, and turned to go. That was when I saw him. He-who-I-must-not-think-about. I started to panic, looking for an alternative exit, praying he hadn't seen me. Then our eyes met, and his mouth twisted into a smirk. Oh.My.God

Chapter 1

I resisted the urge to sigh for the umpteenth time as I climbed the stairs to my room. I just had to be on the top floor didn't I? I moved closer to the banister, making space for a group of noisy girls, all on heavy makeup, with their perfume lingering long after they passed. I briefly wondered if they had all fallen into a vat of perfume. I hated living in a hostel. But then, the other option was coming from home, and that was worse. Way worse. One of the girls returned, and only when she gave me a questioning look did I realize that I'd been on the stairs for a while. I glared back at her, daring her to say anything. She shrugged and moved away. I rolled my eyes. She probably thought she looked pretty, with her face looking like it was raped by a crayon. I resisted the urge to giggle at the thought, and climbed the last flight of stairs to my room. I paused briefly at the room opposite the stairs, P309, and knocked sharply on the door before running to my room. Before I could go far, the door opened and Jessica looked out.
‘Becca, when will you start acting your age? You know you're growing older ’
I resisted the urge to stick out my tongue at her. Barely. Instead, I smiled and resumed walking to my room. I got to the door, relieved to see that my roommates weren't in. Don't get me wrong, we're on good terms, but I'm not exactly crazy about them. I opened my bag to search for my keys, but of course, they had to be right at the bottom of the bag. I ended up dumping all my books, pen, purse- empty, but purse nonetheless- and odds and ends, before I could grab the keys. Stupid keys, I muttered, as I unlocked the door and kicked my stuff inside, too lazy to pack them up. I grabbed the electric cooker- which everyone in my room uses, but belongs to none of us- and half-ran to the kitchenette, praying for an empty socket. I was in luck. I plugged in the cooker and returned to my room for the pot and other things.

One hour and a huge bowl of rice later, I was lying on my bed with the light off, enjoying the dark and surfing the internet, when I got a notification from my Instagram. I opened the application, and saw a private message from an unknown person. It was a picture of me, taken earlier today while I was working on my project. I frowned. The picture was taken without me being aware. As I mulled over it, another picture came in. This one showed me walking to my hostel with earphones, listening to music. This one was also taken without my knowledge. Before I could react, the light came on, causing me to wince. My roommate seun was standing at the door, her hand on the switch. The little bitch!
'What did you say?'
Did I say that out loud? No. I didn't. Did I?
My phone vibrated, signifying a notification. I looked at my phone. A message had joined the two pictures.
**I'm always watching you, princess**

OK. I officially have a stalker.

please don't be a ghost reader. I need your comments and criticism❤❤

Got me glued, I'm soooo following.

debbietiyan❤❤❤❤





*One* *Step* *Closer*
*Chapter* *Two*

The cold seeped into the room, a by product of the rain falling heavily. I moaned and curled myself into a ball, trying to go back to sleep, but I was too cold. I got down from my bed, and dug out my blanket from my wardrobe. As usual, my wardrobe looked like a tsunami passed through it. I sighed and kicked it shut, then climbed back to my bed and tried to go back to sleep. After about ten minutes of tossing and turning and trying unsuccessfully to go back to sleep, I finally threw my blanket aside in mild annoyance. I picked up my phone beside me and checked the time. It was just past seven a.m. I didn't have a class until noon, so that left me with five hours to kill. I opened WhatsApp and replied the few messages that I had. Then I plugged in my earphones and scrolled through my music gallery, trying to decide which songs to listen to, even though I knew I would end up listening to Ed Sheeran's 'Divide' album. I was mildly disgusted at myself because I was obsessed with the album. I was determined to listen to something else. I played a few tracks, but couldn't get the feel of the music. I resigned myself to fate and played 'Divide'. Listening to Ed rap about life in fame, I jumped down from my bed, narrowly missing Kemi's head, and my earphone fell out of my ears. She shares my bunk, and has the bottom bed while I have the top one.
'Kuku jump on my head na, shebi you want to start gymnastics'
OK. Somebody is cranky this morning.
I smiled, then turned to leave the room.
Seun said, 'Becca, pick up your things from all over the floor. God. How did I end up with someone like you?'
My things were all over the floor from last night. But why didn't she tell me yesterday when we were alone? A silly wave of resentment washes over me as I pick up my things and dump them on my bed. It's not like I'm messy or anything. I'm just a bit disorganized. Ok, maybe very disorganized, but in my defense, my thinking is often disorganized. My brain just works too fast for other parts of my body to keep up with, that's all. Niyi tells me all the time that I can't keep up a train of thought. He's my best friend, even though I've known him for less than six months. I've never really had close friends, and it feels good having someone. I'd rather die than tell him this of course, but I think he knows. I know he knows. And he knows I know he knows. 'Castle on the hill' is now playing, and its one of my favorite songs. I walked to P309, intending to disturb Jessica. I briefly stopped in front of the mirror beside her room and took in my features. I sucked in my stomach and stuck out my chest. I squinted and pursed my lips, the way the models do in the magazines.
OK. Let me tell you about myself.
I'm Becca, I'm dark, average weight, 67kg last I checked. I stood at 5 feet and 8 and half inches, even though I tell everyone that I'm 5ft9", which technically, is not a lie. It's just an approximation. My face is oval, with a sharp chin. My eyelids are a bit droopy from where I had chalazia two years ago. I used to think my eyes were pretty. Not anymore. My nose is pointed, and my lips are small. Behind the lips are what I consider the worst feature on my face. My teeth. The middle three on top were crooked, from when I fell down as a kid. I hate my teeth. They made me feel self conscious. I knock on Jessica's door, but left when she didn't open.
My phone began to ring, and I frown at the unknown number. I hesitated before picking it. Before I could talk, a smooth, velvety male voice spoke.
'Good morning, Becca'
Shit. I totally forgot about yesterday's encounter. Or almost encounter. About him. About he-who-I-must-not-think-about. Now he's calling me. What does he want? How did he get my number?

JackieMay:
please don't be a ghost reader. I need your comments and criticism❤❤

Okay, just a quick observation, not criticism (you're doing good). Spacing, it's makes it easier on the eyes. In the next update, try spacing each paragraph.

so I haven't posted in long time. I'm sorry. I'll try my best to update daily. thanks.
@debbietiyan
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Chapter 2.5

'Jessica, we'll be late for class!' I told her for what seemed like the millionth time. She however, didn't take me serious. It probably had something to do with the fact that I was sprawled across her bed, scrolling through her picture gallery.
'Aunty chill. We have twenty minutes, and I'm almost done. I just need to find something to wear.'
'Nineteen minutes. And you know I love to sit at the front of the class.'
'Yes I do. What I do not, however understand is why.'
Before I could reply, she pulled on a pair of trousers and a loose blouse, picked up her bag and walked out of the room. I rolled my eyes and got up from the bed.

After the class, I walked up to Jessica and said, 'I can't walk you back to the hostel. I have to meet Tolu for the project thingy'. Without waiting for her reply, I walked off to look for the girl that was going to make the next hours of my life miserable. We had barely sat down in a free classroom when a shadow fell over the desk. I looked up and locked gazes with Ebuka, and managed to suppress a groan. The details of our last conversation came flooding back.

*FLASHBACK*
We were seated in an empty hall. The ceiling fan made creaking noises as it made an half hearted attempt to dispel the heat in the room. Ebuka was pacing the room. One would think I was being interrogated for a heinous crime, instead of having a friendly discussion.
'So, what you're saying is that you have a boyfriend, and he studies in obafemi awolowo university?'
'Yep'
'How do you guys cope with the distance and stuff? Aren't you worried he'll cheat and all?
'No. I trust him.'
'You trust him? You trust a hormonal guy, thousands of miles away?'
'Yes. He's a good person.'
He raised his eyebrows in what could only be disbelief.
I felt defensive. 'What? Good people still exist, Ebuka'
He snorted, 'Good people only exist in fairy tales. In real life, nope. They don't.'
I crossed my arms over my chest, aware that he was undressing me with his eyes. My black bra was clearly visible under the sheer black shirt I wore. In my defense, I had no idea the shirt was that gauzy
'They do.'
'Listen princess, people are motivated by greed, selfishness and self interest.'
'Sure they are, but there are good people out there too. You can't just lump everyone together in one category'
'You're such a little naive fool. There is no good in people.'
'There is.' I replied stubbornly
'So you're a good person?'
I hesitated before replying, 'I wouldn't say so exactly, but…'
'So if you can't vouch for yourself, why are you so confident that there is good in others?'
I had no reply.


THE PRESENT
I forced a smile as I looked up at him.
'How may I help you, Ebuka?'
He muttered something intelligible, before glancing at Tolu, who made no attempt to hide the fact that her interest was piqued.
'I was wondering if I could speak to you alone.'
I frowned. What could he possibly want to talk about?
'I'm sorry Ebuka, I don't think that's a good idea.'
'Fine then. I'll talk right here. See, I…..'
'OK, OK, fine. We'll talk somewhere else.', I hurriedly shut him up before he could say more. I didn't miss his smug expression, or the confused look on Tolu's face. Well, I dont exactly blame her. I'm perceived to be very reserved, bordering on antisocial, though I'm not quiet. Wouldn't say I blame them though. We walked to a private corner of the faculty, even though I tried my best to look like I wasn't with him. I don't think I fooled anyone though.
'I see that you took my advice', he said, breaking the silence. His gaze roved over me, taking in my ripped jeans and top. 'You look good, Becca'
I rolled my eyes, replying, 'I sincerely doubt you took me away from my project and halfway across the faculty to compliment my outfit. If you have anything to say, let's hear it'
He sighed, 'I know you're still upset over what happened last semester. I'm sorry OK? I know sorry doesn't cut it, but….'
'You're damn right sorry does not cut it. What part are you sorry about? The part where your friend broke my heart? The part he ridiculed me and you did nothing? The part you tried to make a move on me because you believed everything he said?' I fought desperately to keep my emotions in check.
'Every last part, Becca. Especially the kiss'
Yes. He made a sneak attack on me during our one and only conversation and kissed me. Suffice to say I was shocked and told him off in such words that he wouldn't try anything of the sort. I sighed.
'You guys hurt me.'
'I know. But you have part of the blame though'
'You think I don't know that?! You think I haven't spent the last couple of months beating myself up? You think…'
'Hey, hey, hey. Its fine. I came to apologize, not bring up old wounds. I'm sorry, Becca'
I sighed again. He did seem sincere. But then what do I know about sincerity? If I was a good judge of sincerity, we wouldn't be having this conversation in the first place.
'Its fine, Ebuka. We're good.'
'Thanks. That's a relief.'
'Yeah.' I bit my lip, wondering whether to divulge the next piece of information. 'He called me this morning', I blurted
He truly appeared shocked. 'Tony? What did he want? How did he get your number? I thought you changed it.'
'Yes, I did. I have no idea how he got it.'
'Well, what did he want?'
'I don't know. I hung up'
He ran his hands over his face. 'Well, just be careful, Becca.'
OK, he was either truly as confused as I was or he's giving an Oscar-worthy performance. We began walking back to Tolu.
He suddenly said, 'I never asked you how your results were last term'
I met him when a mutual friend of ours hooked us up so he could tutor me, because I was scared of failing. We were in the same department but he was in his third year while I was in my first, which made him a good choice of tutor
I grimaced. 'Not too good, not too bad. 4 A's and a C'
That's wonderful!' He whooped.
'Yeah, whatever' I was trying hard not to smile.
'Listen, I have to go. I have a class now. I'll see you around OK?' he enveloped me in a brief side hug and jogged away. I smiled after him while walking back to Tolu, and our stupid project. Well, that's one nasty relationship smoothed out. If only the rest could be so easy. But I sincerely doubted Tony and his friends would apologize. Especially since they weren't aware that I knew. Even James. The name brought a pang the part of my chest were my heart probably was. It still felt raw, even after all these months. My mind started to wander back to happier times, to happier memories, but I firmly reeled it back in angrily. What's done is done. But I couldn't help but long for things to be different…