Trust in the Shadows

I was never a studious person back in those years in school, but I knew I never had that habit of missing lectures and failing to submit my assignments. Attending lectures to me wasn't fun, but I knew it was necessary to do so.

"Oh my gosh! What a hectic day filled with assignments" I exclaimed, with a feeling of heavy workload around me.

"Hello! Beautiful damsel, how are you doing?" As I looked behind me, I saw a tall, handsome, full of life looking young man, asked.

My coursemate, Mark. We have never been close as he is not part of my friendship clique, but most times answers questions in class. Among my many classmates, his intelligence stood out for him. He was a hard-working young and studious guy, one of the brightest in our engineering program. I first noticed him when he calmly solved a complicated mathematics problem during a lecture, earning applause and admiration from the entire class. His charming looking looks were irresistible to be neglected by ladies.

I initially pretended not to have been noticing his distinct academic prowess. "Mark! I guess that's your name, right? He responded with a gentle smile, capable of sending strings of warmth radiation at the speed of light.

Oh yes! Evelyn, you absolutely guessed right. I am Mark Peter, but my friends call me Makky and I don't mind, you call me the same too. How about that, pretty?

Fi...fine! Makky! Immediately, he stretched forth his hand for a handshake.

"I was walking behind you and heard you exclaim about the heavy workload of assignments, is there anywhere I can be of help to you, pretty?" Makky asked softly and from the tune of his voice I could observe the sincerity of someone willing to assist.

With buried excitement, I hesitated, although with the feelings that he would persuade me.

Much as I know I sometimes get bored doing my assignments, I never allowed anyone to do them for me.

With a subtle and gentle voice capable of penetrating into the heart, Makky insisted on assisting me with the homework.

It was indeed a sense of relief to me. "Thank you Makky" I said to him. Wondering... and could not wait to ponder... "What in the world made him accept freely to assist me in my homework? "He seemed to be a nice, ever willing to help, and kind guy" Such were my cogitations.

"I derive pleasure in helping people, especially when I observe they are in dire need, like the one I noticed you were" Makky interjected at the peak of my thoughts.

Yeah! I don't need to be told about these exceptional qualities of yours, I'm a witness, I responded with smiles.

Weeks rolled down... Makky and I began to share study sessions, and I discovered a person not only talented but filled with passion to excel in all spheres of life. He had a rich inner world-a dreamer amidst the grind of college life who often spoke about his ambitions.

Makky and I developed a natural bond, and it wasn't long before we were more than just study partners. Our late-night conversations on campus benches under the stars turned into deep revelations about our lives, goals, and dreams. As we laughed and shared stories, Makky's smile became something I eagerly anticipated.

"Evelyn, has anyone told you how adorable and exceptionally beautiful you are? My admiration of you is something I have been wanting to express all these while, but there hasn't been any opportunity to do so" These were one of his sweet words and each time it flashes to my mind, a tinkling brightness of smiles envelopes my face.

As I was about to step off to my hostel from one of the trees we were hanging out, since it was already getting dark. I heard someone calling my name, "Evelyn! Evelyn!! The voice sounded familiar...but as I got closer, it was Sandra, my childhood friend.

Sandra also was a student in the school, Medicine Department, always very busy with practicals. I earlier gisted her on the phone about Makky and how helpful he has been to me.

I immediately introduced Sandra to Makky.

"Sandra, meet my new admirer and the bookworm guy I've earlier gisted you about, Makky, and that's Sandra, my childhood friend, the lady that can tell you more about me" I laughed as I made the introduction.

"Your friend is beautiful just like you are". Makky said.

Thanks!

"Evelyn, how about three of us hanging out at the Coffee store, tomorrow?"

'Hmmmm ... I will check my schedule and Sandra needs to check hers. "Sandra, what do you think?" I asked.

I will check my program and call you on the phone.

We all parted for the night to our various hostels.

Just on the wake of the next day, the first call I received was at 5:45am. I checked my phone, it was Sandra. I picked the call.

"Hello, Evelyn, I trust you had a pleasant night rest, I just checked through my program for the day, I will be free, by 6pm"

"O.. okay! That means you are available, for the "Coffee treat"

"No problem, I will communicate, Makky, do have a great day"

Right after the phone interaction, I hurriedly started preparing for the day's lecture. The course for that morning has not always been my favorite. But thanks to Makky for always putting me through it.

As usual, immediately after this particular course, I will always meet Makky for an explanation, not only me though. Makky has always been admired by everyone in the class for his intelligence, even the lecturers talk about him.

Sandra just called me, and told me she was on her way. I checked the time, it was 5:48 pm.

The Coffee hang out store was not too far from the school. I called the driver assigned to me by my Dad to take us there.

Menu cards were served round for us to make our choice of snacks.

In the middle of our nice time together, I was sensing some unpleasant eye's direction of Makky towards Sandra. At first, trying to get his attention towards me, seemed difficult.

Sandra was vivacious, charming, and effortlessly likable. I had always admired her ability to draw people in and make them feel comfortable.

Well, I allowed it to slide, because I don't see it as a crime for someone to be admired.