OK, I'M ADDICTED

And this is what my typical day looks like..

I toss and turn on my bed, knowing in my sub-conscious that its time to wake up. So I gradually open my eyes and start to look for my best friend. Where did she go again? I get into a panic, jump up and start to look for my phone. I finally breathe a sigh of relieve after I find her in my hand bag (that’s the next best place to keep my phone when its not on me).

Like every other person suffering from the same addiction, the first I do when I wake up in the morning is to check all my social media accounts. I check my Instagram. Ah ah no likes? No new followers? Ok I really like that picture, so I scroll a bit, like some more and off I am to twitter. What’s trending on twitter? Ah! Inyanya had sex with one girl like that? What’s more, she isn’t his girlfriend? Hmm juicy. I have to go to Linda Ikeji’s blog, to get more gossip. My tummy is remainding me that’s its time to poop. So I go along with my phone, which is the best pooping companion everrrr. Omg, do you know how relaxing it is, when you are taking a dump and reading the lastest gossips on LIB? It is the best thing ever. I used to go a newspaper before but now, but my phone just keeps me company the most.

Ok I’m dressed and ready for work. Time to take a SelfieJ. One for IG, one for face book and the last one for snap chat. I don’t really post pictures on twitter, not my thing.

I am half way through the day, and I realize Omg! My phone would soon go off, I start to panic again. What am I going to do? How am I going to reply to my chats if am offline? I hate that word offline because it is not an option for me. O God, please don’t let my phone die. I beg you. So I run to my colleague and ask her to lend me her charger, and this is what I get.

“Carole why are you always looking for charger? Its either you are charging your phone or you are looking for a charger. This your phone no dey rest?”

Na wa o, what is doing this babe self, does she want my phone to die. So I tell her,

“Babe have you forgotten what I told you? Being offline is not an option”.

The day is over, and I’m just tired. But trust me, my daytime job, does not compare to the work I do on social media. I mean, all that chatting, posting pictures, updating profiles, liking pictures and posting on my time line is just exhausting. So I have my bath, check my social media accounts one last time and then keep my phone within arms reach. Then I sleep off.

 MY NAME IS CAROLE, AND I AM A PHONE AD.

If you can relate to my write up then do not even kid yourself. You are an addict also. Have a lovely day.

Image credit buzz feed.com

WHEN THE GOING IS GOOD (5)

After studying, Sonia sat on her bed and thought of all that happened that day. She thought of how sweet Derrick was and how sweeter his mum was. She thought about her miracle car and she was amazed. Yesterday, she would have desperately paid a rain maker to stop the rain so she could get to her school on time. Who would have thought that the rain was in fact showers of blessings? It connected her to Derrick, to Mrs. Smith and also to her mini jeep. She knew her life was about to change. And so, before she called Derrick to inform him she was through with reading, she called her mum first. Her best friend.

''Hey mum'' ''Hey baby, what's up?'' ''A whole lot, Really? Hmm, I am all ears''

''So I met a guy yesterday...'' she told her mum everything that happened yesterday and all that happened that day.

''...as I speak with you now, I have a car packed in the garage. So what do you have to say?''

''Well dear, I wouldn't have taken that car gift, as tempting as the offer was, if I were you. She is a rich woman, what if she was testing you to know if you are materialistic? Also, without the car, your respect would be in tact. She may now feel that she can talk to you anyhow, possibly call you up one day and ask you to come clean her house, because she gave you a car''

''Mum, that woman is an angel. She wouldn't do that''

''Well then, I would tell you to be careful. No sex, just friendship. Make sure you are happy and make sure you keep an open mind'' ''An open mind? What do you mean?'' ''Am I the only person that thinks all you just told me now is too good to be true? Keep an open mind okay? I don't want you getting hurt'' ''Okay mum. Thanks. So how's dad?'' ''He is fine. He had a slight fever last week, but he is strong now''

''A fever and no one told me. Hey, I may be in school but I am still and honorable member of the house oh''

''Sure you are baby. But you have your studies to worry about, that should be enough''

''My regards to him. Kiss him for me''

''I'd do that very well''

''Ok then. You know this isn’t a free call now'' Her mum laughed

''Is anything ever free with you?'' '

'When I start working, I promise calling you would be free, but for now, if I call, you pay''

''So how much does this call cost?''

 ''Err, lemme see...400naira MTN''.

''Okay baby I will send it to you''. ''Nice doing business with you. Love ya, byeee''. ''Bye baby, the pleasure is all mine''.

Then she called Derrick. ''So I just told my mum about you. After reading, I did some thinking, then I called my mum and told her eeeeeeeeverything about you and now hear I am speaking to you on phone''.

''Are you always this dramatic?''

''You'll find out with time''

''I am glad I left my house the time I did yesterday. It afforded me the opportunity to meet you'' ''And the lecturer who fixed the quiz yesterday, just became my favorite lecturer. He got me out of the house and then I met you''.

They paused for a while. Both thinking. Sonia once again thought of how lucky she was to have met someone like Derrick and prayed that he is for real and not just one random playboy. Derrick on another hand, thought of how beautiful Sonia was and he prayed the relationship never gets sour. Then Sonia broke the silence.

''You know I wanted to ask you to come pick us up from school tomorrow after lectures, but now I have a car of my own'' '

'I can still come if you want me to''

''Really?'' her face lightened up a grin

''Yes really''

''Cool. There is this girl in our class, she is the self-acclaimed Queen Bee of our department. She is very slutty and annoying. She thinks she has it all and we hate her''

''So you want to flaunt me right?'' ''You smart ass'' They both laughed hysterically, said their goodbyes and then Sonia called her friends.

''Babes, you might just want to come over to my house'' The girls jumped up, looked cute and then left their rooms for Sonia's apartment. When they got there, they didn't even take notice of the car that was parked in the garage because they were used to seeing the garage empty. Soon they came out, screaming on top of their voices and heading straight for the car. '

'Boy o boy, I don't mind this type of mother-in-law oh'', said Melissa admiring the car.

''Ah, mother-in-law ke''. ''Ok, dey there na. I dey pray better prayer for you, you dey der dey ask me. Before nko, u no go want make she be your mother-in-law? You have to step up your game now that you have seen the light oh'' '

'Wow, the woman must be really nice oh'', said Julie

''I told you it would go well didn't I?'' asked Angie

''I asked him to come pick us up tomorrow after lectures, and he agreed''

''Pick us up? So you mean we wouldn't launch this machine tomorrow?''

''Ah ah Melissa, which one you no dey? Wasn't it you that brought up the idea of Derrick coming to school and Sonia flaunting him before Queen Bee?'' Julie asked. ''Nna that idea was before I saw this light oh, hia. We have to rock this gift that God has given us. My temperature dey hot abeg''.

''Carry co water cool am o''.

The next day, Sonia dressed to kill. She wore a pretty dress, with a lovely bag and shoes to match. Before she left the house, she called Derrick.

''Hey good morning''.

''Good morning dear'', he sounded sleepy.

''Still in bed? On a Monday morning?''

''Yep, I don't go to work on Mondays''.

''Lucky you. So I am dressed now and about to leave the house. I just wanted to let you know that lectures would end by 2pm today. Also, Queen Bee is usually the first to leave the lecture hall. So when I get to the school, I would check her out and let you know what she is wearing, for easy identification. The plan is to walk up to her and ask of me''.

''This is what I am talking about. A girl to spice up my days. Don't worry princess, I know exactly how to set a bon fire''.

''Make sure you look hot''.

''Don't I always?''

''Sure you do. Ok, have a lovely day''. ''See you later''.

THE STORY CONTINUES

WHEN THE GOOING IS GOOD (4)

''Well dear, it is a good thing, right?'' asked Julie.

''Wow, he must be close to his mum, which is a nice thing.... Sometimes'' said Melissa. ''I didn't even know when I said yes, sure, okay, why not. Now I am going to have lunch with them tomorrow, after service. He happens to be an Anglican too, so he asked me to come to St. Patrick's Parish, which is where they worship. He would then take me 'home' in quote (she makes the double air quote sign with her fingers), after service. I am so nervous''.

''This guy could just be your husband you know''. ''I only pray he is not like every other guy out there. You really have to be careful okay? Guys would do anything to be a lady's first. They can even go as far as seeing your parents, so you can feel relaxed and let them in. I love him oh but I don't want him reaping where he did not sow, unless he marries you. Honestly, I can't say how proud I am of you. It is really difficult to find a virgin these days so please do all you can to keep it for the right person, under the right ceiling, a person deserving of your special kind of loving'', Julie smiles.

''Ok, now she's singing'', Melissa said.

''Ooh you know how much I love that song na, even though I no be virgin. Tu Face really killed the song''. ''Don't worry dear, relax your spirit. Things would go on smoothly'', Angela assured Sonia.

The next day after service at ST. Patrick's Parish, Derrick took Sonia to his house to meet with his mum. When they got to the house, the dining table was already set and Derrick’s mum ushered then to the dining.

''Sonia darling, I am sorry I couldn't make it to service. I wanted to prepare something nice for us all to eat. I hope you love coconut rice'' Mrs Smith said while she opened the plates to reveal the contents.

''Yes ma, I do. Thank you''

''Okay,I consider you to be a part of this family now, so please bless the food''. ''Oookay ma. Let us close our eyes and hold hands. In Jesus' name'' ''Amen'', they replied

''Most Gracious God, I thank you for this wonderful family and I thank you for this wonderful lunch. I ask that you bless and sanctify the food and bless our mummy who has done well to prepare it. Amen''. ''Amen''. They replied.

''So dear, tell me about yourself'' ''Well ma...'' Sonia began with a smile.

''I am from an Anglican family of five. My dad, mum, my elder brothers and myself. I am a 100level students of Fine Arts...'' ''Wait a minute, you are studying Fine Arts?''

''Yes ma''

''Interesting. That is not something most young ladies want to study, and I mean that in a good way. Most ladies want to study Accountancy, Mass Communication, Medicine, Law, ah! Law. I think it is brilliant and smart to think out of the box, follow your heart, and I bet you, you'll be satisfied doing that which you love'' ''Thank you ma. It wasn't easy getting my mum's approval. She wanted me to study Microbiology. Actually, when I got my WAEC result, I was uncertain which course to go for. Before I wrote the exam, I told myself my result would determine the course I'd study. I intended to study Arts if I did better in it or study Science if I did better in it. Alas! I got all my papers, 9As. So I was confused and I decided to follow my ear and do that which I enjoyed doing. Life is too short, why spend it doing something you don't really love''

''Wow, 9As. That is a record I thought only my son had. Then, I was so quick to tell anyone who cared to listen that my son had 9 distinctions. You know, I can't forgive you for graduating with a second-class upper division. You are brighter than that. Whatever happened?''

''Mum, please don't start''.

''Well dear, you must promise me you would graduate with a first class honors''

“I promise ma'', she smiled graciously.

''And I promise to get you a car when you graduate with a first class''

''Wow ma, now I wish I was graduating tomorrow''.

''You can make use of Derrick’s first car for now though, till your graduation day'' ''I don't understand ma''

''I got Derrick a mini jeep as his car gift after school. Now he has bought his car, he dumped mine. So annoying''

''Well, you kept reminding me of how I didn't graduate with a first class each time I rode the car. I just had to get something of my own''

Sonia was still puzzled and so Mrs. Smith made it clearer.

''After lunch, Derrick would take you to my house and hand over the car to you. That is if you are ok with it''.

''Ma, I really don't know what to say''

''Save it. Just make me proud with that first class okay?''

''Thank you so much ma''.

''You are most welcome. Now if you both would excuse me, I want to get some sleep. Make yourself comfortable dear. It was a pleasure getting to know you'' ''Same here ma, and thank you for the spectacular meal''.

Mrs. Smith leaves the dining room. When she had gone upstairs, Sonia was now free to eat the way she wanted.

''Ah! Your mum can cook for Africa, the food is great''.

''I have a food flask you know, you can take some home''.

“Insult me now, insult me you hear?'' They both laughed.

After eating, they cleared the dinning, and washed the plates together. They then went to the sitting room and Derrick was about to slot in his favorite movie, 'Coming to America', when Sonia's phone beeped.

''Wow! That is it then. I've got to go home''.

''Is anything wrong?'' ''No dear, the alarm was for my studies''.

''Today is Sunday you know, you can take a break''. ''I would love to, but I am a student and studying is what makes me a good one. Besides, I love to shine in the class when the lecturers start asking questions''.

''That is good. Well, as much as I wouldn't want you to go, I promised not to get in between you and your degree. So do you by any chance know how to drive? If you don't no problem, but if you do, I would love you to ride your car back home''. ''My mum had to force me to learn how to drive, so I could be running errands for her. Funny enough I almost didn't. Alas! It has paid off. I really am grateful for this car gift, please let your mum know ok?''

Derrick grabbed his car keys and they left the house together. They went to Derrick’s mum's apartment and then Sonia got into her car and Derrick drove behind her. When they got to Sonia's apartment, she parked the car in the garage provided by her landlord, and they had a brief talk.

''I really had a nice time today thank you''.

''You are most welcome''. ''Please Derrick, can I ask you a question?'' ''Certainly, shoot please''. ''What of your dad?''

''Oh, that'', he said and then fixed his gaze on his shoe.

''I noticed you had only pictures of your mum hung up on your wall, in your house. I didn't see any picture of your dad''.

''Well dear, we were never close. He and my mum separated when I was 12 and I saw him just once after the separation. We learnt he died last year, of cancer, cancer of the lungs. He was a chain smoker''.

''Oh, I'm sorry''.

''Don't be. He wasn't worth it''.

''So I usually switch off my phone when I study. I would call you after studying ok?''

''I will be waiting student''.

''Be a good boy''. ''You can count on it''. She gave him a hug and a peck on his left cheek and then she went inside while he got into his car and drove off.

Written by Jonah Sandra

WHEN THE GOING IS GOOD (3)

Derrick drove to a classy eatery with the girls. They all got down and entered the eatery. Angie couldn’t hold her joy any longer and then she spoke.

 ''Wooow! I have always dreamt of entering this place. It is even more beautiful on the inside than outside''. Melissa quickly whispered ''Angie, disgrace us all oh''.

 Derrick found two spots and gently asked the girls

''Girls, I would love to have a word with your friend in private so please, can I take her away from you for now? We would sit just there'', he points.

Melissa smiled, Angie pushed her shoulder forward and back, while Julie nodded.

''I take that as a yes then, so please waiter:'' He spoke to the waiter who was standing beside them

''Give them whatever they ask of, except you life''. They all laughed and he went with Sonia.

A gentleman that Derrick was, he made sure Sonia sat down before he did. Then he went through the menu, called out a few of his favorite dishes and drinks and asked Sonia which she would love. She told him she wasn't in a hurry to collect anything from him and then for the first time since they met, Derrick frowned. ''Hmm'', looking at his sad face, ''that's new''. Derrick then spoke to her in a warm voice.

''Ever since I laid my eyes on you, I have done nothing but be good to you. I have tried my best to show you in a simple way that I like you, you? You effortlessly show hatred, disgust and pride, every chance you get. But you know what Sonia? Beneath all that, I sense fear. What I don't know actually is what you are afraid of. Surely I am not the first guy to show interest in you am I? No. Is this the way you treat every guy that shows interest in you? Surely not. Then why treat me so? I really like you and I can't help it. My mum isn't happy I don't have a girlfriend''.

Sonia looked at him sternly.

''Yeah I know that sounds like shit to you but it's the truth. She is scared that I may be lonely, given the fact that I am the only child she has. The truth is that, I am in fact actually lonely, but I am not the type of guy that jumps from one girl to the other. I hate embarrassments, even though I have received enough today to last me for an entire year''.

Sonia laughs. Derrick smiled and then looked at her deeply.

''I have not said this since I met you, so permit me darling to say it now. You are indeed a beauty. You should smile more often''.

''Look Derrick would be very honest with you. The reason I tried to avoid you so much is because I don't want to get my heart shattered again. I fell in love with a corps member in my SS1. He was my Biology teacher. We were first friends and then lovers. My parents knew him, my brothers too''.

He looked at her with a question mark on his face. She knew why he looked at her and then she cleared the air.

''Yes'', she smiled, ''I am the only girl and not the only child as I made you believe. I loved him with all of my heart but he clearly wanted more and I was too blind to see it. I told him I made my mum a promise to wait till I get married and he didn't see any sense in it. One day I paid him a visit and I caught him making out with a fellow corps member. I felt like a little fool and you know what? I called her a whore and she called me a little whore. He showed no remorse. He said he had to see to his needs since I was blind to them. Kai! I felt used. I hated myself more because I couldn't bring myself to hate him even as I looked at him with that lady. I stood, frozen stiff, and he told me to stare at them all I wanted and when I was tired I should ''get the hell out'', she said in his voice. I didn't think I deserved it. My parents made me leave the school. They didn't want me to see him anymore but sadly I had a piece of him in my head. I knew what it took me to get over him. Now that taught me a lesson, that love is a fire. You don't play with it unless you are prepared to get your hands burnt. Guys want only one thing in girls and this baby right here (she points to herself) is not giving''.

Derrick wanted to speak but she cut him short. Then she spoke in a lustful tone. ''When I saw you this morning, i knew I was in trouble. Derrick you are a cutie''. He smiled.

''What do you think?'' asked Melissa.

''Well honey, with the smiles and all, I think they are going somewhere'', Julie replied. ''I would really love them to date you know'', said Angie.

“I mean it. I saw you today and I froze stiff. I told myself that you would be my undoing. I made my parents a promise to graduate with a first class and I don't want a relationship to come in between that. I don talk too much sef, mouth don dey pepper me''.

Derrick laughed.

''I really do not know what you want Derrick. Surely, you can't see a girl for the first time and want to date her''.

''Well love, I am not going to break your heart. And yes, I can actually see someone and want to date her. I like you more than enough already. I am a simple guy, down to earth. I hate lies and I hate pretense. And I promise that if we date and it doesn't work out, it wouldn't be because you want to keep yourself till you get married. I respect that a lot in a woman''. She thought he meant he respected virgins but he didn't.

''I respect a woman who has values and knows how to keep them. However, don’t let your values keep you from being happy. I really like you. Very much''. ''Nice speech'', said Sonia. ''So can I have your number?'' ''Sure you can''. After they exchanged numbers, Derrick called the waiter and asked her to give him her orders and she did. The waiter then brought what she ordered, along with their bill. Derrick paid and still asked the girls if they wanted something else. Angela was quick to answer.

''Yes please, ice-cream would be nice, but I already asked and the guy said they don't sell it here. I know where we can get though''. Julie pinched Angela and Angela responded.

''Lemme o, because when we get home now you would not allow me take it in peace''.

''Okay Angela, so where do you have in mind?''

Derrick drove them to the place where Angela spoke of and got them ice creams. He then took them to their hostel and went further to drop Sonia at her apartment. ''So this is where you stay princess''. ''Yes but you aren't invited''. ''Ok. Like I said, I would respect your values. Have a great day''. He pecked her on her nose and left. Immediately he drove off, Sonia called the girls and they all came over to her place to gossip.

''Oooh dear, this is one thing you can't be wrong about I tell you'', said Julie to Sonia. ''He is so cute'', added Angela ''Polite'', added Julie again ''And willing to spend'', Melissa concluded. Girls would burn with hate when they see us walk with him''. ''You mean when they see HER walk with him'', Julie corrected. ''Whatever. You should flaunt him you know. Stupid Catherine that carries herself as if she is the owner of our department, she would die if she sees you with a guy as cute as Derrick. Tell him to come pick us up from school after lectures on Monday''. ''Meeelissaaaa'', the girls shouted. ''Since when did he become my drive nah? Abeg oh''. ''Forget that thing joor, the guy I saw likes you scarra. You should really ask him and I tell you he will and then you can flaunt him before Catherine and her swine’s''. ''Hmm, speaking of flaunting him before self acclaimed Queen Bee, well, that's something to go by oh'', Julie spoke. Suddenly, Sonia's phone rang and it was Derrick calling.... Sonia ended the call and looked thrown off balance.

''Sonia, what di he say?'' She looked at the girls with shock and replied ''He wants me to meet his mother........ Tomorrow''.

The story continues......

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