180 days with my crush

Rachel POV

As he strode towards me, his smile was all over the place. His eyes sparkling as he waved in a friendly manner at me. Clad in a crisp T-shirt and sleek trousers, his athletic build was evident that you'd think he was one of us. His whole demeanor screamed approachable and friendly. To be honest, Femi is effortlessly handsome. If I didn't have someone else in my heart, he would have been the best candidate.

I could see the look of awe in everyone's eyes, of course, except Mary. I can read their expression like an open book. I heard someone whispered how I knew such a handsome man since I was always in my room. It was really a funny assumption. I didn't even need to travel around the world to meet him. His appearance brought about a jolt of surprise through my veins. I became a statue, carved from shock and uncertainty. I didn't like the idea of him coming here, but when he eventually got here, I was sure about why I didn't want him. He calls unnecessary attention to himself at every encounter I've had with him and I believe he just did that now. I could hear incomprehensible murmurs from my classmates but I shut my ears on whatever they might be saying. My little admiration turned into anger quicker than I expected.

Mary was still holding my hands when he strode towards us with an air of nonchalance. I turned my eyes to look at my annoying best friend only to see that she couldn't keep her teeth in her mouth from smiling at our visitor. If they all got fascinated because of Femi, I wondered what they would do if they eventually meet my Aderemi. That alone was enough to bring a smile to my face. As Femi got closer to us, Mary dropped my hands like a child who just found a new toy and lost interest in the previous one she's been playing with.

"You found us" Mary squeaked

"Yes I did. I thought I'd lost my way with your direction but I was pleased when I recognized your team immediately" he boasted.

I wondered if he's here to see me or Mary. It was as if he read my mind, because he looked at me immediately.

"I'm glad I found you" his gaze was piercing. It was as if he was looking right into my soul. I wasn't sure if he was glad he found me or he was glad he found us.

Mary led us away from the prying eyes of others. She asked him to come, I hope she would be ready to explain everything to our classmates. I didn't know a mat was with Mary until she spread it on the matted grass. I took my seat at the edge of the mat, giving them enough space to do whatever they like. I was surprised when he took the seat beside me and Mary took that time to give an excuse to get him something to drink despite Femi's refusal. I wish I could cast a spell on Mary at that moment.

It was awkward for God-knows-how-many- minutes. I was angry at him for coming unannounced at first but couldn't understand my emotion when I tried to spare him a glance. He seemed to be in his own world, worried, disturbed with creases on his forehead. Maybe he really had something on his mind, like Mary said earlier. He was usually confident that you'd think he didn't have a thing to worry about in this world

"How are you?" I wasn't expecting that question and I didn't expect him to expect an answer too. What if I'm not fine? Did he expect me to spill everything going on in my life to him? I fumbled with my fingers. I was supposed to be comfortable around him, right?

"Rachel, I'm sorry for coming unannounced" How he could read the room without being told is beyond me. My anger evaporated instantly. I turned around to face him, searching for what I can't explain

"Mary said you sounded off when she spoke with you, is everything okay with you?" I asked, sincerely curious. I might not have liked him as a man, I feel like he might need a friend at that moment

"I had a heated exchange with my dad" I could see the shadow of sadness in his voice

"What happened?" I became a friend I never knew I'd be to him. He must be hurting. I was surprised he could even open up to me

"He has some issues with his company and now he wants me to stop being a doctor and manage the company. It doesn't make sense" He said as a matter of fact

"You do not like the company?" I asked

"I love being a Doctor, Rach. I don't think being the head of a company is meant for me" He must have thought hard about this before he could let it out. It's so hard trying to do things you love against an African parent idea.

"I understand you. Instead of fighting with him, dialogue is the solution" I paused and looked intently at him

"He wanted you in his company because he loves you and he feels no one can do it better than his son. He must have thought well about it too before brushing the topic with you" I could hear some murmurs coming from my friends but I ignored it. What could make them gather together to check Wonu's phone must have been a serious matter. I wouldn't be fazed by their cooperation at that point

"You should talk to him and hear him out, then, you can present your case. He's your father, he will understand" He seemed to be amused by what I said, because he gave me his 100-watt smile. I've never been a comedian which was why I was surprised he smiled at what I just said

"I've thought about how to make him change his mind, but I've been stuck because of the anger I was feeling" He tucked one of my braids away from my face. He really should stop this.

"Thank you. I will talk to him and give you a feedback" He turned away from me to watch the sun sinking into the horizon. It was a complete silence for a few seconds

"Is he treating you right?" His questions was so unexpected. He said he was okay being a friend, right? So why was he concerned about my marriage. Will he spank him if he wasn't treating me right?

"You don't have the ri...."

"I know. You should know that I will always be here for you anytime you need me and so you know, I haven't been able to take you off my mind" Sometimes I wondered if he thinks with his heart instead of his head. He's known my stand, how he believed it would change made me question his sanity internally. I looked around and saw my friends looking intently at me. I almost laughed. Have they never seen a lady having a serious discussion with a guy? I searched and found Mary but her expression looked grim. What could be the problem?

I stood abruptly and made my way towards the rest of the group. Something must have happened to make my best friend look scared. I was about to ask what happened when Sarah stood up from the group and walked stormily towards me

"Hey, why didn't you tell us you got married"

Blood drained from my face