Few weeks later

~Somi's POV~

"We are done!" Folu said, her big bright eyes shining like chandeliers as she twists her slender waist in circular motions, dancing to no song in particular but the celebratory sounds erupting all around us. Everyone is in high spirits.

"Finally. We have our BSc Biochemistry!" I said and she hugged me. Folu and I have always had a close relationship since first year. We never really became buddies or besties as is expected but we always had this mutual respect and support for each other.

As we skipped down the staircase to join the photography frenzy happening downstairs, we didn't pass by anyone who doesn't have a big smile plastered on their sweat drenched face for the boys, and a mix of sweat and make up for some girls. I think we look just the same, navy blue skirt suits, light blue shirts, and sleeked back ponytails, the signature outfit for our final project defence.

"ASUU tried, we tried harder!" Benjamin yelled, smiling as wide as his already big mouth permitted.

It was allowed.

"Somi is a Hons. graduate." I yelled back as loud as I could, laughing.

My phone's ringtone distracted me from the happenings. It was Sarima.

"Congratulations Som-som!" She said, I could barely make out her words from the small Nokia she'd resorted to start using for calls ever since her poor phone gave up.

"Congratulations to us! We did it! We are graduates now!" I replied between breaths.

"Are you done? We've been done for hours now."

"We just finished o. I was just about to join people's pictures."

"Okay, I'm coming to your faculty." She said. I responded in the affirmative and she hung up.

Time zooms by when you're celebrating. Like an envious friend that seethes at your happiness, time wants your celebration to be behind you as soon as possible.

The frenzy finally died down. Few students were left, others have gone their separate ways to wait for clearance and begin separate life, Folu being one of them. For most, we'll meet again during final clearance and convocation. That's the summary of education, if you just keep going, you'll keep going. There are no destinations really, just milestones. The more you go, the more you'll hit.

"Somi!" Sarima waves from close to the entrance and I skipped to meet her. We embraced each other so tight for so long. When we pull apart, we both have damp spots on our shoulders. She wipes the left-over tears on my face and I wipe hers.

"We did it." She said again and we hugged again.

Coming from where we've both come from, the struggles we've both had to face, getting here is as much of a miracle as it is a testament of our hard work, resilience and commitment.

"Have you seen Homa's status?" I chuckled.

"With which phone na." Sarima laughed. "But that one, I know people will think she's the one that graduated."

"Wait let me show you na." I answered dipping my hands in my bag to search for the phone I just dropped in it a few minutes ago.

Homa is not here today, only some final year students are in school, others have gone on the summer break, but her presence is loud on her WhatsApp status though, one would think she was the photographer.

"Somiiiiiii!"

"Wait na, let me get my phone. I don't know why I can't find it now."

"Somi!"

"What?" I look up and then towards what she's pointing at.

Adams?

"He brought you flowers. Oh my God!" she squealed!

"Calm down. Behave joor." I said blushing.

"Let's go now." She nudged me forward.

"Stand there, let him be the gentleman." I replied.

So, we stood there, both of us, watching him walk towards us with a wide bouquet in his hand and a small bag in his other hand. His expensive shoes glisten in the low afternoon sun, his blue trousers still look like they've just been ironed and his light blue shirt is a bit undone at the top, flexing his taut pecs.

"They look real." Sarima whispered.

"Yeah, he works out a lot, his penthouse has a standard gym. I told you nau, that day?"

"I mean the flowers,"

"Ohhh..." I said, flushing between my legs and my cheeks. "Of course, Adams is anything but cheap."

"Flex." She said and we both laughed. He starts to smile too as he nears our permanent spot of placement.

I know I said not to move but instinct and compulsion are vehicles of powerful desire and can break the strongest wills, so I begin to walk towards the object of my own desire amidst Sarima's annoyed hiss.

"Hey, baby." He grabbed me by the waist as soon as I was within range and planted a soft kiss on my right cheek. I stretched on my toes to reciprocate and it made him laugh even more.

God can he just be mine for like forever?

"This is for you." He whispered as he handed me the bouquet of fresh flowers. They smell like a good dream, like this moment. Only that this moment is real.

"Thank you. They're so beautiful. How did you get fresh flowers this evening?"

"I have my ways." He said.

Adams has become more seductive/romantic in the last few weeks. I don't know if it's me exaggerating everything he does but gosh, lately I've had to make an extra effort to concentrate around him.

His words sound more intense, his eyes suck me in and keep me limp and when he touches me, it feels like being washed by a tall wave at the beach.

"Hi, Sarima," He waves at my sister, who's swaying from side to side like a palm tree in the storm.

"Yeah?" She replied, her smile spilling out like cheese left in the sun.

"This is for you. Congratulations." He hands her the small bag.

"Wow." She collected it, my eyes are as wide as hers wondering what it is. The way she spins, jumping, clutching the bag to her chest after getting a glimpse at what was inside confirms my suspicion. "Oh, my goodness, Adams! Thank you so much!"

"Somi was always talking about you needing one so I decided to... you know... Congratulations again." He replied slightly embarrassed by her appreciative outburst.

"Thank you." I whispered to him.

"Shhhh. It's nothing." He said, planting a kiss this time on my waiting lips. It makes me laugh.

Sarima hasn't stopped smiling, she waves the box at me, smiling, it's an iPhone. I winked at her, smiling too.

Enjoyment.

"Uhmm, I was wondering if you'd like to travel to say... somewhere with me?"

Travel.

"Did you say travel?"

"Yeah. I took a week off work and PK is celebrating the grand opening of his resort in Calabar over the weekend. I was wondering if you'd like to just chill and wind down there with me."

Patrick Cole-Alakija, aka, PK is Adams' closest friend. His grandfather was a two-term governor of Lagos state in the early 1980s and his father is a billionaire. This is the profile of all Adams' friends. Rich and affluent. Some of them are silent billionaire families, only known within their circle. Adams is one of the silent ones I believe. I don't know so much about his family yet. Just that they're rich and quiet people.

"When are we expected to leave?"

"Tonight, but tomorrow is fine if you need more time."

"We're flying business class?" I asked, biting my bottom lip, hoping he'll say yes.

"Private?" He suggested.

"Nooooo." I whispered wide-eyed. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, I mean it's short notice and we have to avoid the troubles of public airlines. I don't want delays." He explained.

"You have a jet?"

"No, not me. Those things are expensive to park." He laughed, spotting my edginess. "My father does, and I just need to make a few calls."

"Wow." I said.

A weekend away with Adams sounds great but also scary. His friends will be there, with their own girls, and then me. They probably all know Amina and when they ask who I am...

Somi. Somi. That's me. I'm somebody enough. And if any of their powdered butts cross me, I'll give them a real piece of-

"You don't have to worry about what anyone will think of you." Adams' voice cuts my thoughts.

"I'm not worried. I can think of them too, can't I?"

"Of course. That won't be necessary though. They're all really chill people."

"Okay." I heaved a sigh.

"So, yes?" He asked. I look at Sarima who has unboxed her present and is busy with it.

"Sarima, I'm going to Calabar with Adams tonight." I said, my lips folded into each other.

She looks up, mouth slightly open. "Tonight?" she asked slowly.

"Yes," I nodded.

"How?" she asked again, slowly.

"It's a flight." I answered.

"When will you be back?"

"It's for the weekend."

"Will you get home first?" She asked and it occurred to me that I need to pack a bag at least. I turn to Adams.

"We can pick up anything you need on the way." He said.

"Okay. Wow." Sarima shrugged. "But you people should give me a ride home, sha."

"Sure." Adams said. "The car is parked there. We should get going."

We walked together, Adams and I stealing glances at each other. Laughing. Today my life looks like the one I've imagined for the longest time. I pray it lasts. I pray this is really it. It has to be.

"Didn't notice that you people are wearing matching outfits earlier." Sarima commented as we entered the car.

"Oh." Adams and I exchange glances, chuckling again.

After we dropped Sarima off, I said hi and bye to Homa at the gate. She wouldn't stop cheesing. I love my sisters and as much as my life seems to be taking off in ways I've always wanted it to, I'm not so ready to leave them yet. I still have plans and I have to remind myself that we still need each other but just not this weekend.

"Bye!" Homa hopped excitedly as we drove off.

On the way to the mall, Adams made the call for the jet and unfortunately the pilot was not in town, and they would not be able to get the other pilot till tomorrow morning. I saw him pissed for the first time. It was cute how his nose flared and his jaws clenched.

"I could take you back home if you want." He said when we were done shopping and walking out of the store.

I bought so many dresses and some shoes. Beach wears, bikinis, regular clothes, evening gowns, he kept asking to try on outfits until I almost cried out, then we paid for a brand-new box too before he let us leave.

"What's the other option?" I asked.

"You spend the night and we'll be off first thing in the morning."

I'm too tired now and going back home will have me explaining so much to my sisters, plus they'd raid these things.

"Okay." I said. He squints, needing more explanation than okay. "I'll stay over."

I catch him trying to hide his smile and shake my head. "You better not have any funny ideas."

"Save for the weekend?" he asked.

"Don't even dream." I left him there and started walking towards the car.

I was tired and needed to sleep.

He laughed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When we got to his penthouse, I was so tired. He tried to make eggs for me because I was hungry. Of course, it was a humbling disaster but he makes really good toasted bread and he also has nice tea making skills which was not surprising because more than actual pots, Adams has a thing for teapots. When it was time to sleep, he showed me to the spare room where I'd sleep alone. I walked into it without sparing him a glance, afraid that only a look and I'd be begging to be under his sheets.

I think this room is where Amira sleeps when she comes over because Adams has no reason to have Rema's half naked pictures pasted on the wall and I know my sister, Homa, is mad over Rema and there's a particular bird she flocks with that happens to visit this house. I finally fell into a deep sleep.

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