My Encounter With Kate - Episode 21

 

Noise filled the air, Everyone was trying to be creative. The event; costume day was all about creativity in dressing and presentation. It was the climax of the competition in Camp. It was the only day we wmwould wear mofty aside Sundays. 

I didn't have any preconceived plan on what to wear, i wasn't really in a good mood,  i was bothered about the choice i had made. I was very familiar with people here,  a family friend had promised to help me settle well in the city; Lokoja. 

I picked up a bucket, everywhere  was colourful, different platoons customized their attires to their taste, the sight was a glamour and it was obvious everyone was excited, anyone who passed the hostel walkway and was outstanding would receive a loud ovation . 

When i came back from the tap, the room was almost empty, i was still deliberating either to go or not.

I became relaxed when i noticed i wasn't the only one who wasn't putting on the platoon customized shirt, i was welcomed by few, some had tattooed their faces, some wore decorated face mask,  some attached leaves to their clothing, some wore native attires and the northerners were dominant . Everyone was in a exciting mood, it was indeed colourful.

We were being addressed by our assistance Platoon officer on how best we can present to score more points,  a lot of ideas  were considered and it was really awesome. 

I scanned around for Kate,  from her look I could tell that she wasn't happy, she was adorned in a plain vest that made the size of her boxom obvious and a pair of jeans.  I decided to wait a little while to see if she would change before approaching but she still maintained her mood

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

. When we went for the group photograph she stayed back. I decided to talk to her. 

Me: "Hello Katie"

Her: "Hi Osaz"

Me: "you look so worried , what is bothering you?"

Kate: "Nothing really, i am just not in a happy mood,  i wish i can stay indoors.

Me: "You ought to be happy like everyone here, i feel you are hiding something from me, don't forget a problem shared is half solved, or are you afraid of being posted to a remote PPA?"

Kate: "Not at all, well you look good"

Me: ***grins*** "you too, can i ask for something"

Kate: "Feel free"

Me: "hope you will grant my request"

Kate: "if it is within my power"

Me: "Can i have your Facebook name and your  WhatsApp number"

Kate: ** Sighs ** "What exactly do you want them for?"

Me: "just wanna know more about you that's all"

Kate: "I am sorry you are getting none, i only give them to VIPs especially my Facebook identity"

Me: " Am i not a VIP?  You have to give them to me or else i won't let you rest oh,  how do we reach out to each other after we leave Camp?"

Kate: ** silent **  "Okay,  i will give them to you, you have been a good companion"

Me: ** finally i go catch this babe e be like say she get boyfriend** "thanks a lot I really appreciate"

Kate: "you are welcome"

My platoon took sixth position out of ten,  our presentation was less colourful  and lacked vigour, when the overall results of the whole competition were announced we were fifth.

The organizers were communicating the plans of the upcoming  party that was going to be held that Saturday night,  i knew i wasn't going to be there likewise Kate.  

When the planners called for a gathering i remained with Kate we talked a lot and the bond became stronger. I was pained because our closeness was waxing,  i wished we had more days to ourselves but i knew my wish were unrealistic as we were definitely leaving Camp in two days time. 

I and Kate were so free with each other, i was really enjoying her presence, I caught Maureen spying on us but i pretended not to see her. 

I was less less anxious and for the first time i expressed feelings to Kate without fear and also asked if we could start a relationship, She insisted on it being a failure.

Kate told me more herself including her political views,  social life,  early life, family,  aspiration and i also told her everything about myself as emphasizing how i struggled to gain her attention of couple of weeks back. She laughed all off. 

When the Sun became intense, Kate wanted to leave for the hostel but i begged, at times she teased me often calling me a small boy and undermined my age and often called me "small boy."

When the heat of the Sun became unbearable i had to let Kate go ......

Me: "I really appreciate your time, it was one of the best moment of my life"

Kate: "Awwn, i appreciate you too, you are such a funny guy"

Me: "Probably this would be the last time we see each other"

Kate: "Why do you say so?  We still have tomorrow and the next, we can arrange a meeting, it's no big deal"

Me: ** chai,  this girl is finally falling **  " Okay that would be cool, would you like we hanging out after an eatery after tomorrow's mass? 

Kate:  "That would be cool"

Me: " i bet you,  it gonna be memorable, hopefully i will call you tonight"

We held hands as i accompanied her to her hostel before heading straight to mine in excitement, it was two hours  with Kate.

All i did when i put off my shirt and laid on my bed was just a smile, Biodun was confused and he was eager to question the unnecessary cause of happiness.