I’ve been told that I have a smooth well sculptured, face; big brown eyes, a pointed nose and perfectly curved lips. I’m not unaware of the beauty I possess, that’s why I carry myself gracefully to the admiration of everyone.
In college, I tried to keep myself pure; I vowed to pass through college with no hiccups. And so, the first two years on campus, I led a saintly life – I frequented the chapel. But that all changed and I got myself expelled from college. You guessed right, it was because of a guy – Femi. He led me astray and I let him.
Let me take you to the beginning.
On the 22nd of September, three years ago, I received an offer of admission to read medicine in a private university. Everyone was elated at the news and a congratulatory party was thrown in my honour. As the day to leave for my studies approached, my parents advised me to be alert on campus. “Avoid boys; they are wolves in sheepskin”, my mom said.
For this reason, I made a resolve to stay focused and avoid mingling with guys. And the only way I believed I could successfully achieve this was by being a church girl.
However, I soon realized nothing would deter boys, not even my church girl façade.
Ben, a fellow churchgoer fancied me. He pleaded with me for months to be his girlfriend, but every time, I turned down his advances. I was called ‘cold’ and ‘hard-hearted’ by frustrated guys who tried to have me to no avail.
My girlfriends were concerned. “Live your life”, they’d advice.
“Mary, why are you letting life pass you by”, they inquired.
Eventually, after much tugging and bugging, I went to a friend’s birthday party. For the first time, I let myself go!
It was one of the best nights of my life; I no longer felt like a naïve little church girl.
That was where I met Bob. I recall dancing with him and being asked for a second dance. He seemed fascinated by me, and I returned the chemistry.
But, that mini-affair didn’t last. A week later, Bob called things off. His reason? I was a shy and timid girl he couldn’t stand. I pleaded with him. I know It had just been a few days ago we met, but I had fallen for him – or so I thought. Bob turned a deaf ear to my pleadings, so I moved on.
Meeting Bob made me crave companionship. Now, I wanted a boyfriend. And that was the beginning of my misery.
It started on the eve of Havana day, the festive of Sigmites. We met in the queue at the cafeteria. He said hello and I responded in kind. We exchanged small talks as the queue moved slowly. He paid for my food despite my protests after which we sat at a vacant table to continue our chit-chat. Despite meeting him for the first time, he felt familiar. He introduced himself as Femi.
Femi was soft-spoken for a man. But he was sexy, not your usual kind. He was dressed casually in a white tee and blue jeans that made him look more desirable. He wasn’t ripped muscularly, but there was something about his build that made me feel safe. So when he asked me out on a date, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
Later that day, we spent our first date at the cinema. I enjoyed his company, so I agreed to see him again.
We attended the Havana carnival together, and that night my relationship with Femi evolved. At midnight, Femi led me to the love Park within the Havana ground. We found a seat in a secluded place and talked for a while in low tones that sounded like whispers.
I’m not sure if it was the wine we’d been drinking, but Femi promised to love, protect and honour me forever. I believed him and made the same verbal pact.
We embraced each other and shared a passionate kiss. It was only my willpower that stopped us from taking it any further that night.
Although the carnival was over by 7 a.m., the warm feeling of the night before stayed with me.
The next day, Femi came to my room to invite me to his piano concert. Soon after, we were in his car heading to his hostel.
When we got to his room, he offered me a drink. Minutes later, I started feeling light-headed and drowsy. It was not until Femi began undressing that the reality hit me like a baseball bat, I’d been drugged. Femi drugged me. I tried to scream for help, but I couldn’t.
Before I completely passed out, I saw Femi carry me from the chair to the bed and undress me.
I woke up by 2 a.m. to found myself lying beside Femi, naked. I felt weak, empty, deflated, dirty and disgusted. I had lost my virginity in the worst possible way. I lost my self-respect too.
A month later, I knew something was wrong, so I went to the college’s medical centre. That was when my life changed. The result showed that I was pregnant.
In line with the school rule, I knew I would be expelled.
As I sat there reading the expulsion letter with teary eyes, all I could think of was my parents and their advice. I heaved a sigh. My love affair with Femi earned me an unwanted pregnancy, expulsion from college, and shame.
I looked around my college room wondering what to do next.
Story by Mary Ejiogu. Edited by The Pride Team