For the next two days, she stayed in the hostel using her medication. Feeling better in the evening, she decided to visit Yomi. They needed to talk about the gonorrhoeal infection. She needed an explanation; where they got it from and how. Then she was going to let him know she'd decided to abstain from sex from now on. For the past two days, she’d been ruminating on her sexual life and had blamed herself for being careless. She’d browsed extensively on gonorrhoea and was scared that the infection could affect her reproductive system. Contrary to the doctor’s accusations, she was aware of STIs but she just didn't think Yomi could ever have it let alone infect her. She became so afraid for her future.
She got off the bus outside the campus gate and crossed the express road, making her way to Asherifa Street. She walked into the green-and-cream building which was quiet. The student occupants must have gone to bury themselves in books at the library.
When she got to the balcony, she heard some music coming from Yomi's room. She walked to his door and was about to knock. Her fist froze on the way. She could hear different voices and moans coming from his room. Her heart began to beat faster. There was definitely a girl inside, moaning with sexual pleasure. Or were there two?
She stood transfixed to the door and didn't realise the moans had subsided until the key turned in the lock and Yomi opened the door. His face first registered surprise and then irritation. He shut the door behind him but not until Ireti had caught a glimpse of different underwear strewn across the rug and two girls lying on the bed, giggling to themselves. Her eyes widened. She opened her mouth but nothing came out.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded. “I thought we weren't supposed to see until tomorrow.”
“What?” Furious, she found her voice. “You dare use that tone when I have just caught you cheating on me?”
He chuckled and raised his eyebrows. “Cheating on you? A man never cheats on a woman.”
“What?! So here was I, thinking we had something special and you were sleeping with other girls all the time? Two at a time? Jesus!”
“Get over yourself, Ireti. I have to go pee. I don't have time for this.”
“I'm so disappointed in you. I thought you were decent, I didn't know you were a liar, a cheat and a repository of infections!”
His big palms closed on her neck and squeezed. She choked and tried to cough as she struggled to take off his hands from her neck to no avail. Her pupils dilated, staring at the guy who had professed undying love for her, took her virginity and promised her lasting faithfulness.
He pulled her towards the bathroom area, his eyes hot and intense.
“Next time you use those words on me, I will really kill you and I mean it, you piece of shit. You think I love you? Who would love a fat, dull and boring girl like you? You really think high of yourself.”
At that very moment, something died within her. She felt herself falling into a dark abyss so deep she didn't know if she would ever come out. He loosened his grip on her neck and stormed to the bathroom. Ireti coughed violently as she tried to get air into her lungs. She was lost in time and place and just stared ahead of her.
I love you, Ireti. The thief comes only to destroy, I am here to give you life.
Some minutes later, Yomi came out of the bathroom and passed by without looking at her for a second.
“I am not doing this anymore. I want out,” she said.
He paused by the door and chuckled. “You really think you are something, don’t you? I’ve been through with you a long time ago, I just didn’t want to hurt you by saying so.” He shrugged. “So, suit yourself.” With that, he stepped into his room and locked the door.
Then she knew. Her two-year relationship had been a façade. It all added up now. She’d been the one doing the calling, the visiting, trying to hold the relationship together. He never visited her again, after the first time when he’d asked for her room number. They really had nothing going on except sex. It was just her who was in love with him, he didn’t love her.