The Student Teacher Affair

Chapter 6: Reunions and Rivalries

Mercy’s POV

The lecture hall buzzed with the hum of conversation as Gracie, a few friends, and I discussed our upcoming art course. Our voices mingled with the background noise, creating a familiar symphony of academic life. I leaned against my desk, flipping through the pages of my notebook, trying to keep up with the animated discussion.

"I think Professor Adeyemi’s approach to post-colonial art is fascinating," Gracie said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "He really captures the essence of Nigerian culture."

"Absolutely," I agreed, nodding. "His lectures are always so insightful. It's like he brings the artwork to life."

Our friends chimed in, each offering their thoughts and opinions. It was moments like these that made university life enjoyable, despite the constant stress and pressure. We were all so engrossed in our conversation that I almost didn't hear someone calling my name from the back of the room.

"Mercy!"

I turned, my eyes widening in surprise as I saw a familiar face. "Michael?"

It had been years since I'd last seen him. Michael and his family had moved away when he was fifteen, and we'd lost touch. Seeing him now, all grown up, was like a blast from the past. I couldn't help but smile as I got up and walked over to him.

"Oh my God, Michael, it's so nice to see you again!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms around him in a warm hug.

"It's great to see you too, Mercy," he replied, hugging me back. "You look amazing."

I pulled back, taking a good look at him. He had grown taller, his features more defined, but his eyes still held the same mischievous glint I remembered from our childhood.

"How have you been? What are you doing here?" I asked, curiosity bubbling over.

"I just transferred here for the final year," he explained. "My parents are back in Nigeria, so I thought I'd finish my degree here. And what about you? How’s life treating you?"

We chatted for a few more minutes, catching up on old times and filling in the gaps of the years we’d missed. It was comforting to reconnect with someone who had been such a big part of my childhood.

Two days later, Michael and I were taking a leisurely stroll around the faculty grounds, reminiscing about the old days and talking about our future plans. The sun was shining, casting a warm glow over the campus. Everything seemed perfect, and I felt a sense of contentment that I hadn't felt in a while.

"So, do you remember that time we got caught sneaking into the neighbor's yard to pick mangoes?" Michael asked, laughing at the memory.

I giggled. "Oh, how could I forget? We thought we were so sneaky, and then the neighbor’s dog chased us all the way home."

We both laughed, the sound mingling with the rustling of the trees. It was nice to have someone who knew me so well, someone who shared my history. As we walked, I noticed a familiar figure approaching us. Joshua.

My heart skipped a beat, not out of excitement, but out of sheer annoyance. I wasn't in the mood for another round of snarky comments and thinly veiled insults. But it seemed fate had other plans.

"Mercy," Joshua said as he approached, his tone neutral but his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Michael’s presence. "I see you’re enjoying your stroll."

I forced a smile, trying to keep my tone light. "Just catching up with an old friend. Joshua, this is Michael. We’ve known each other since we were kids."

Michael extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Joshua."

Joshua shook his hand, his grip firm. "Likewise. I’m one of Mercy’s lecturers here."

"Joshua's heading to our class for a lecture," I explained to Michael. "We should probably join him."

As we walked to the classroom, I could feel the tension between Joshua and me. We exchanged snarky comments, our words laced with sarcasm. It was as if we couldn't help ourselves. The animosity between us was palpable.

"Nice to see you actually showing up for once, Mercy," Joshua said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

I rolled my eyes. "Nice to see you actually caring about your students for once, Joshua."

Michael looked between us, clearly confused but choosing not to comment. We entered the classroom, and Joshua took his place at the front, preparing for the lecture.

Today's topic was Nigerian literature, specifically the works of Chinua Achebe. Joshua started the lecture, and to my surprise, it was engaging. He had a way of bringing the text to life, drawing the students into the discussion. It was an interactive session, with students asking questions and sharing their thoughts.

Michael, who was sitting next to me, leaned over and whispered, "He's a good lecturer. You sure you two don't get along?"

I shrugged, keeping my voice low. "We just have… different ways of seeing things."

Throughout the lecture, Michael kept glancing at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He was clearly flirting, and it didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the class. I felt a bit embarrassed, especially since Joshua seemed to be paying extra attention to our interaction.

"Mercy, what do you think about Achebe’s portrayal of colonialism?" Joshua asked, his gaze piercing as he directed the question at me.

I cleared my throat, trying to focus. "I think Achebe does an excellent job of highlighting the complexities of colonialism and its impact on traditional African societies. He presents both sides, showing the good and the bad."

Joshua nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Interesting perspective. And Michael, any thoughts?"

Michael straightened up, his tone serious but his eyes still glancing at me occasionally. "I agree with Mercy. Achebe's work is a powerful critique of colonialism. It’s both informative and thought-provoking."

As the lecture continued, I couldn’t help but notice Joshua’s occasional glances in our direction. It was as if he was scrutinizing every interaction between Michael and me. When Michael made a particularly insightful comment, Joshua's gaze would flicker to me, almost as if he was assessing my reaction.

After the lecture, Joshua called it a day and dismissed the class. Michael and I gathered our things, preparing to leave. As we walked out, Joshua approached us.

"Mercy, Michael," he said, nodding at each of us. "Good job today. It was a productive session."

"Thank you, Joshua," Michael replied, smiling.

I nodded, trying to hide my surprise at the compliment. "Thanks."

As we walked away, Michael nudged me. "You know, for someone you claim to dislike, you two sure have a lot of chemistry."

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Oh, please. We argue more than we agree on anything."

Michael smirked. "Maybe that’s what makes it interesting."

I shook my head, trying to dismiss the thought. But a part of me couldn’t help but wonder if Michael was right. There was something about Joshua that got under my skin, something that made our interactions so intense. And as much as I hated to admit it, I couldn’t stop thinking about him.