Chapter 1

They say planning ahead, prepare our paths and destination for the feature, but when you don't plan ahead, you plan to fail , that is one statement I still find difficult to buy.

In a refreshing morning the story got to the class that there is a new lecturer, for one of the course, and he was to join the next day , with the information getting to the class every student was looking forward to meet their new teacher ,

lati 35 , after the days class, walked along with her best friend Donald, as they discussed the assignment given to the class and how to finish up before the day runs out , lati wished that the new lecturer coming should be a favor to the class, they settled at lati apartment where they continue with school work, after lati prepare something for the to eat.

It was Wednesday morning, As usual lati sat in her position, the fifth roll close to the window , while Donald sat at his usual position , the other roll, if any have told lati that she will one day seat at the front roll she will not agree, the class await the new lecturer as his time was close to begin his class .

lati busy with her phone , when she heard the voice , is this the sociology class? the class answered in chorus, lati wasn't expecting this person as their lecturer, looks like one of the Nigerian politicians, smart , and what thrilled lati more is the movement of his fragrance as it's rubbed on her face, at the moment lati was lost, trying to understand if this was actually the teacher the class was expecting, at the moment Letii noticed that his eyes was locked on her , they both felt a spark that makes them uncomfortable at the moment, as they try to focus on the the days activities.

In an hour later, the class was done with, Mr Jones call on the class rep to get all his students information including their contact, which was an unusual situation to Philip ( Rep)

it was after pastor Luke had called for offering when lati s phone suddenly rang , it was a number without identity, she quickly rushed out to take her call, to her surprise the caller was asking her if she had call her course mate who couldn't make it to class for the morning class, she thought at the moment how is that supposed to be her problem, and it hasn't been seen anywhere where your lecturer call it's students to remind them of their assignment, her heart was beating heavy, lots of questions started running through her Head.

Chapter 2

Time passes, so fast that lati and Mr Jones got too familiar with each other, to the extent they both complement each, when they had the chance or when students weren't paying attention, this caused lati changed her seating position, from the seventh roll to the first roll , so she could have a view of Mr Jones , on a particular day after a class , Mr Jones was looking sharp as usual which lati couldn't hold back but complement what she has saw, that moves convinced Mr Jones about his feeling and the chemistry between both of them.

months has passed , Mr Jones had traveled out of the country for break , Donald has reminded leti of reaching Mr Jones after months of him being away , that was an opportunity for leti to shot her short , with doubt they where not sure if he would respond to her message but any ways, she checked to his hie contact through her Whatsapp, where she Saw him active, she quickly dropped a message for him , wasn't Expecting his response any sooner

That evening, after the days activities , on her bed, leti went through the studies of the day , suddenly she heard bip from her phone to her surprise , she couldn't expect much from the message she was looking at, it was Mr Jones responding



Chapter 3

As the days turned into weeks, Lati found herself in a whirlwind of emotions. The unexpected connection with Mr Jones had sparked a flame that she couldn't extinguish. She often caught herself daydreaming about their conversations, the way he articulated his thoughts, and the subtle glances they exchanged. It was a dangerous territory, a student and a lecturer, but the heart wants what it wants.

Lati's academic performance began to soar. With each class, she absorbed the knowledge like a sponge, eager to impress Mr Jones, not just with her intellect but with the depth of her understanding. Donald noticed the change too, and while he was happy for her newfound motivation, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to it than met the eye.

Chapter 4

One rainy afternoon, as the class trickled out, Mr Jones asked Lati to stay behind. Her heart raced as she approached his desk, her palms sweaty. "Lati," he began, his voice steady, "I've noticed your passion for sociology. It's rare to see such dedication." Lati blushed, her eyes meeting his. "Thank you, sir," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mr Jones handed her a book, its cover worn from use. "I thought you might enjoy this," he said. "It's been a source of inspiration for me." Lati accepted the book, her fingers brushing against his. The contact sent a jolt through her, and she quickly pulled away, afraid of the intensity of her feelings.

Chapter 5

The book became Lati's treasure, a symbol of their unspoken bond. She read it every night, underlining passages and scribbling notes in the margins. It was during one of these nights that her phone buzzed. It was Mr. Jones, asking if she had understood a particularly complex theory they had discussed in class. The conversation flowed naturally, and before they knew it, hours had passed.

Their chats became a regular occurrence, a secret shared between them. Lati felt alive, her world expanding with each exchange. But with the joy came the fear of being discovered, the potential scandal that could ruin both their lives. Yet, in those moments of connection, none of it seemed to matter.

Chapter 6

On a serene Sunday morning, the church bells chimed harmoniously, calling the faithful to the first mass of the day. Lati, adhering to her routine, took her place in the pews, her heart calm in the sanctity of the chapel. As the congregation settled, a hush fell over the room, and the priest ascended to the pulpit.

To Lati's astonishment, the man standing before the congregation was none other than Mr Jones, her mentor and confidant. Her mind raced with confusion and disbelief. How could Mr Jones, a man of scholarly pursuits and secular life, stand there clad in the vestments of priesthood? The sight of him in such a sacred role was jarring, a stark contrast to the memories she held of their time together.

As Mr. Jones spoke, his words seemed to float past her, lost in the whirlwind of her thoughts. She felt a bitterness creeping in, a sense of betrayal for this sudden shift in the world as she knew it. This transformation was forbidden, a line that should never have been crossed, and yet, there he was, leading the mass as if it were his calling all along.

The service concluded, and the parishioners formed a line to offer their regards to the young priest. Lati moved with them, her heart heavy, her mind still grappling with the sight before her. As she approached Mr. Jones, their eyes met, and in that brief moment, a silent understanding passed between them. His gaze held a depth of sorrow and apology, while hers shimmered with the onset of tears.

Without a word, Lati walked past him, the connection they once shared now a chasm too wide to bridge. The echoes of the closing hymn followed her as she stepped out into the daylight, leaving behind the shadow of the man she once knew, now a stranger in the guise of the familiar.


Chapter 7

As the semester drew to a close, the reality of their situation settled in. Lati knew that whatever they had couldn't last forever. It was a bittersweet acknowledgment, one that filled her with both relief and sorrow. Mr. Jones sensed her withdrawal and confronted her after class one day.

"Lati, is everything alright?" he asked, concern etching his features. Lati hesitated, then spoke the truth. "We can't continue this, Mr Jones. It's not right." He nodded, a pained expression crossing his face. "I understand," he said softly. "Just know that you've made this semester unforgettable."

And with that, they parted ways, their story a secret chapter in the book of their lives.


© Deb