CHOCOLATE & MILK 🍫🥛 Episode 9

Jude closed the office door leaving only his letter behind him.
He went back to the classroom slowly. He appeared moody and down. His steps were slow and apathetic and his mind was cloudy with troubles.
"It's done," he thought and hoped the look on President Kachi's face didn't mean refusal. He really wished Kachi would simply accept and raise no issue on the matter, especially to his coursemates. He had told him that, and Kachi had only said, "I'll get back to you on this later. Until then, I hope you will reconsider."

He sighed when he thought of Dinah. He hadn't told her. He was afraid of her getting disappointed but there was nothing he could do. He also didn't want anyone to dissuade him from his decision. She could do that easily.

NENE'S JOURNAL
I saw Jude leave the NALLS office today. I frowned at his gloomy countenance.
"Hello," I said with a smile as he passed where I sat. He managed a smile and waved back.
I stared after him and remembered his passionate outburst to Dinah at the quadrangle. I had heard every word and felt every pang of pain. I had seen him rub his eyes. I had also seen Dinah hold his hand.
Sadly, I had been tempted to take a few pictures. Thank God Perky hadn't been there. This isn't a good time for Dude2023.

I recall now that Jude didn't look like he recognized me when I greeted him. That was somewhat a relief to me. I didn't want him to remember. I myself didn't want to remember it. I told myself, it wasn't intentional. Even if it was, he was already being punished for it. The insults and hate of over a hundred students is no small agony.

I forgave Jude and Dinah. Why not? It isn't easy, leadership. It always impressed me as something difficult, frustrating, burdensome. I really wonder how anyone can manage to pull through. As a class rep, you're a student and a servant. You have to take care of a class' needs and still study. You have to be cordial to lecturers and students when they are mean or friendly. You have to be perfect, but that's the thing. No one is perfect. We're all humans. We make mistakes. The good part is we can be corrected.

I feel much better now. I no longer feel angry or sore when I think about them. In fact, I want to be as helpful as possible. I'll be a good follower to encourage my great leaders. I'm just one Lin025 student, but I'm sure I can make a world of difference.

NARRATOR
Jude collapsed on his bed tired and weak. His back ached from carrying heavy textbooks to and from school. He was worried about his first departmental exam which was the next day. He was too tired to go to his study desk. Night class was out of his options. He still felt sleepy from yesterday's reading vigil.
"What do I do? Oh God," he muttered. With all his will, he removed all thoughts of his duties. "It'll soon be over," he told himself. He hoped that his resignation would take effect immediately. One semester of leadership was enough for him.
His phone rang. He picked it up and stared at the screen. It was Dinah.
"Hello?"
"How are you, dear?" Jude asked in a coarse voice.
"I'm fine. Good evening. You haven't been online for a while," said Dinah with some concern.
"I just got home."
Dinah smiled. She knew Jude enough to know that excuse wasn't valid. Wasn't it Jude that sent voice notes while walking on the road? She asked, "Are you alright?"
"Hmm," Jude hesitated. Then he refused to bring up the latest assault on him by yet another problematic coursemate. "I'm just tired. I can't believe exams are here already."
"Rest a little. I'll call you at 2 in the morning so we can revise," Dinah said.
"Thanks dear," Jude said after a brief silence.
"Jude."
"Mmh?"
"You want to resign, don't you?"
Jude didn't reply.
She continued, "I guess that's why you went to see Kachi. Am I right?"
He still didn't reply.
"Well, I think it's okay. You have done your best. We really don't deserve someone as zealous and meticulous as you. God bless you Jude, for us," Dinah said with a smile. She still didn't hear anything but she knew what his response would have been if he wasn't too choked up with emotions. She added quickly, "I thank God you are my 001."
Then she cut the call.

PERKY'S STATUS
Lin 141 was bloody! 😭 The fact that I'm hearing Mrs Ezeh is done marking is really terrifying. On top of that, she asked to see our class today.
# SOS

NARRATOR
Mrs Ezeh did come to the classroom to share bad news. Lin 025 had performed poorly. However, there was one exception.
Nene crossed her fingers.
Mrs Ezeh wished to reward him.
Nene sighed.
Who could the lucky student be?
"Mr Asogwa, please can you come forward?"
The class erupted with cheers. Jude gave a bright smile before leaving Dinah's side to meet Mrs Ezeh. It was a pleasant surprise. No doubt Dinah's revision had been very helpful. Still, he had had no hopes of performing excellently.
He received her gift gratefully. It was an envelope; a brown envelope. A thick brown envelope.
When the news got to Dave, he was shocked because, according to him, "Mrs Ezeh can never give anyone money. She's the stingiest lecturer I know."

Things got even better for dear Jude. After Mrs Ezeh's gift, Jude also merited three awards from his faculty. He was awarded the most popular fresher, the best class rep and the most handsome student of the year. Lin 025 group chat was flooded with congratulatory messages for Jude. Everyone had a word of goodwill. Jude was most grateful but was also surprised. The same group had nearly killed his reputation. Still, he couldn't hold a grudge, especially against his peers. Like Nene, he decided to let go.

PERKY'S STATUS
Congratulations Jude 🎉 Lin 025 will never regret choosing you as its class rep.
Thank you for your tolerance, your resilience, your passion! All your good deeds are coming back to you. Sha, I know we gave you headache 😂 No too reason am. We ❤️ you!
Best 001 ever. Keep soaring.
# Can your class rep ever!

NARRATOR
"I hope now you won't dream of resigning," Dinah said in a teasing voice. They were in the quadrangle sitting at their favourite spot.
Jude looked at her and smiled. He bowed his head and seemed to think. Finally, he raised his head and said, "Maybe."
Dinah frowned. She rolled her eyes before she said, "Well, if you do, I'll be right behind you."
Jude gave her a suspicious look.
"What?" she asked in a merry voice, "I'm tired too."
"So you would step down because of me?" he asked in a smooth whisper and gave her a charming gaze.
"Dey play," she said with a laugh. "I don see shege wey pass me. Why won't I run?"
He laughed. Then he called her name fondly and held her hand. She shifted uncomfortably. Her palm was a little wet but she didn't want to pull her hand away. As if Jude read her mind, he let go of her hand for a moment. She quickly but furtively wiped it. She was glad when he took it in his again.
"Dinah?" he called.
"Yes?"
He looked deeply into her smiling eyes and sighed. For a second, she feared he was going to say something awkward, like in the movies. What he said was a simple "Thank you." She was a little disappointed but she knew that there was so much meaning in his brief appreciation. She smiled as she grasped the message and leaned back a little. He did the same. At the same time, they let out peaceful sighs. Jude mustered courage and rested his eyes on Dinah's face. Dinah tried not to meet his eyes so she stared at his hand and hers, and admired the shades of chocolate and milk.

🍫The end 🥛