My Encounter With Kate - Episode 15

 

A crescent moon appeared in the sky,  from a distance i could see sparkles of light beautifully set on canopies, i manoeuvred amongst people so as my cloth wouldn't be stained. 

I could hear my heart pounding my chest at a fast rate,  its been been a long time i have been trapped by the sort of anxiety. 

I hadn't any plan on what i would tell Kate but i was optimistic the date was going to be successful and was determined i would be able to express myself without fear.

My phone was ringing and it was Kunle Felix, I was nervous and i wasn't in the mood to pick the call, I eventually silenced my phone. 

I moved to the pavilion when power supply was restored, it was already 7:35pm and a few were trooping in,  in due time the comedy competition would begin, i  folded my fingers around my biceps and i could feel goose bumps on my skin.

I  fixed in my earpiece to my ears in order to listen to music to reduce the tension, i remembered the song i always listened to whenever i was tensed ("I am not afraid by Eminem), i felt relaxed but not totally.

After listening to the song three times,  i went to get  two comfortable seats, i placed them few distance where Kate and her friends usually sat,  i sat on one and kept the other by my side, i checked my wrist watch and it was few minutes to eight, everywhere was gradually becoming filled, i wiped my sweaty face and was on alert on any female i set my eyes on hoping to find Kate. 

Alas Uddy  arrived, she seemed happy, her hands was all over Yusuf's, she chatted with him and played around before they sat,  my heart leaped for joy because i was certain Kate would arrive soon. 

The speakers were being placed at strategic position and the stage were orderly set with decorations and inscriptions describing the programme at hand. 

I just sat with my chin cupped in my palm, Uddy and Yusuf frolicked, they were having mad fun,  the event  began and Kate was absent, I had a feeling she was somewhere in the crowd looking at me but that immediately seemed wrong because i observed Kate was obsessed with activities and always wanted to sit in front, another thing i thought was that Kate was putting me to a test probably watching me from somewhere amongst the crowd validating my claim of love. 

I wanted to approach Uddy to enquire but i resisted, i guessed  the Priest arrived late but a Catholic Corper was visible. 

Out of impatience i went to approach Uddy......

Me: "Hello Uddy"

Uddy: " hey Osaz, how are you?

Me: "doing great o, Yusuf how far? "

Yusuf: "Fine o" ** in Hausa tone**

Me: "Why is Kate not here?"

Uddy: "I just called her, she is on her way"

Me: "OK,  thanks,  please inform her that i reserved a seat for her"    ** points***

Uddy: ** coughs indistinctly** "OK i will"

I thought of many things when i saw Maureen, most especially i was bothered that Kate would notice our closeness, be jealous and rebuke me.

Maureen sat on the  seat i  reserved for Kate...

Me: "welcome"

Maureen:  ** steer for a while** "why are you looking so clean and fine this night? I think i know why"

Me: "clean ke? It's just a new hair cut"

Maureen: **  "nice scent you have got, you have an appointment with Kate?"

Me: ** smiles** "Yes o, please where you're seated is reserved for her" 

Maureen: "then get me another"

Me: ** reluctant for a while** "it because you are my Coach o"

After searching thoroughly for one, i got back and Kate wasn't still around, Maureen sat directly behind me,  she vowed to listen secretly to our conversation, her cap half covered her face, i was against it but i reluctantly permitted her since she promised it was for my good. 

Alas Kate walked in gallantly and went to meet Uddy, i saw Uddy pointing to my direction, i pretended no to see her and was pressing my phone. Kate came to join me,  she looked very happy, her make up was beautiful, i was happy because the signs were going, she held unto my hand, her hands were cold, Kate apologized for coming late..........

Me: "it's nothing, what kept you? "

Kate: "i had some personal things to deal with"

Me: "oh, i thought you forgot about the date"

Kate: "At all"

Me: "What would you like  to eat and drink?"

Kate: "don't bother, i am very fine"

Me:  ** trembling**   "OK dear, i really anticipated  this moment"

Kate: "why?"

Me: "it's just so joyous the comedians are really exceptional and i have you by my side, a good combination " 

Kate: "Osaz i don't really like this place we are seated "

Me: "why dear?"

Kate: " I hardly see the comedian, you aren't having this challenge because you are tall"

Me: "OK,  where do we go?"

Kate:  ** moves her seat behind Uddy's **

I looked at Maureen and her expression was bland, Kate beckoned to come over,  i was sad because i wouldn't be free to discuss much and also she could abandon me for Uddy....

Kate: "Osaz,  this is better, i have a clear view"

Me: ** nodded**

Kate was just engrossed and laughed occasionally, she  occasionally talked,  i was feeling so inconvenient because we were directly behind a speaker, i felt she deliberately planned it,  i wondered how she was convenient there, most times i was alone to myself.

 I went far at times because i couldn't bear the noise,  Kate kept laughing at every joke cracked and sometimes she would lost control and lean on me, it gave me little hope,  i loved the feeling of her smooth skin .

 I pretended to be fine whereas my eardrums were hurting. 

Whenever Kate spoke i barely hear a word. 
On few occasions i left for a while to avoid the noise emitted and whenever Kate asked I  gave a flimsy excuse. 

When it was unbearable i left and told her something came up and i needed to be in the hostel quickly.

I felt so bad that i rained curses on Kate for her wickedness, i noticed only lips moving and couldn't hear a sound , i had a put water into my ears but there wasn't much improvement especially on the left. 

I couldn't go to the clinic because it was already late.

The sound from the speakers kept vibrating in my inner ears, few meters to the hostel a boy was pointing to the ground in front of me and saying something i didn't hear,  i felt it wasn't important, all i thought was laying on my bed till the next day

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/my-encounter-with-kate

. I wasn't in the mood so i ignored him.

In a twinkle of an eye i was flat on the ground, i was too weak to get up, my face was flat in the pool of muddy water,  I felt two hands lifted my drenched body, the two boys made signals thinking i was dump.