On getting to the camp for the three weeks of orientation, I saw a large population of corpers from different states. Some are on the parade ground with drummers playing beautifully. They are all putting on colorful green and white khaki standing firmly and singing the NYSC anthem;
'Youth obey the clarion call
Let us lift our nation high
Under the sun and in the rain
With dedication and selflessness
Nigeria is ours...Nigeria we serve
We were also put on notice. There are some military men with the camp commandant addressing the corpers, while some corpers are just coming in like I was. I was feeling euphoric then i went ahead for my registration and was given my uniform as well. I joined the parade group in my platoon. I belong to Platoon 7.
**
Three weeks of orientation camping was so tedious and fun, especially going through with the Nigerian army military men and man-o- drilling. By 5:00 am, we are up to be in the parade ground. We were addressed by the camp commandant and started up our morning routine exercise. Breakfast follows immediately then comes in lectures and SAED classes, lunch and rest was been observed. The aspect I loved too was the parade that comes next. I was one of those that paraded for my platoon. Dinner comes in and socials night was another interesting part of the three weeks camp. The socials night's includes a welcoming party, platoon drama, platoons dance competitions, Miss Camp and Mr macho pageant, and lastly, Light Out! This was when everyone have to go for a night's rest. The routine kept cycling.
There is a volleyball court as well. I also joined the volleyball team in my platoon because I was good at sports. That was my first time playing volleyball though. Back home, i played football and badminton so well. I met new friends and I was so popular because of my skills of volleyball playing,
as the volleyball team leader known as captain. Choose me to serve in the capital of the state so that I can join the girls team of the state.
I was so carried away with fun especially with the different platoons and inter- platoons competitions then I heard my phone ringing out loud. Who's is calling as I thought within.
Oh! It's Jerry. I can't pick up now. I have been ignoring Jerry's calls lately and giving him excuses because I wanted to yield to my mum's advice. His mother has been calling lately, but I responded as if everything was okay between his son and I. Peroratively; I can attest that Jerry hasn't informed her mum lately of my attitude I thought to myself. this was another privileged for me to mingle with others I thought within.
After the three-week camping, we were posted to our various Place of Primary Assignment (PPA). I was posted to the capital of Sokoto state which is also known as Sokoto. The capital is so beautiful. They have good roads with flyovers with not many industries. They have different banks with large markets and they are good with Agriculture. My primary assignment was to lecture at Shehu Shagari College of Education in the agric unit. So I lectured their 300-level students as an assistant lecturer. My Community Development Scheme (CDS) was volleyball. With all these, I was also a church staff in my church.
**
(ROSIE'S POV)
For some time now, my volleyball coach has been into me. But I haven't complied with his intention. With his looks, I could detect that he can't date a virgin. I will give him a trial so i thought within…. I just want to yield to my mum's advice.
Twice in a week, i go for volleyball training. He took me to his private sport training ground. There, I was taught different skills on volleyball. I was able to learn a different serving called "OVER HEAD SERVICE". I was also trained to learn how to spike smartly. He always wants me to be the best in the volleyball team. He is a good trumpet player. He's the one in charge of the music during the parading in the camp ground. I fell so much for him because of his musics skills
I still remember the day I received the call that would change my evening plans. My phone buzzed with an incoming call from a number I recognized. Wao. It's Emeka As I answered, my heart skipped a beat ..
(EMEKA'S POV)
"Hey, I was wondering if you'd like to grab dinner sometime this week?
(ROSIE'S POV)
My mind racing with excitement, I paused for a moment before responding, "I'd love to!"
We chatted for a bit, discussing potential dates, times, and locations. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and I couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation.
As we wrapped up our call, I couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for the opportunity to connect with someone new.
***
(ROSIE'S POV)
Coach Emeka has been getting so serious with me. He took me out to Shanghai fast food. On our way back home, he pushed. E to the wall and was about harass me by taking off my clothes. Get off me as I screamed in a loud voice.
(EMEKA'S POV)
Why did you push me off Rosie?
(ROSIE'S POV)
Stop! Please stop it okay. I can't give you want you want now. Until I get married.
(EMEKA'S POV)
Don't say that please....we have to...
(ROSIE'S POV)
If thats what you wanted, I'm not interested anymore. I ended the relationship because I felt something different with him. He wanted to have sex with me... letting him know that i can't was the best. He got angry and left.
**
After few months, I met Philip in church. His dressing code attracted me so much. He asked me out on a date. I accepted. He took me to Pinnacle hotel. He bought me fried rice and chicken . I eat till I was satisfied when I heard him saying " please be my girlfriend" I snapped out quickly because I am having a mixed feelings for him. I wasn't so sure of what i wanted from him. But obviously not marriage. I was just so consumed with his dressing. To top it all. He is not having a good height. I got angry and left. He called and called, but I ignored. Getting to my hostel, I cried out loud. Other corp members taught that Philip was my boyfriend already because of our closeness. But I just couldn't flow with him.
**
(ROSIE'S POV)
For some months now, I have been so consumed looking for "Mr Perfect '' or "Mr Right ''. I have tried to get involved in other relationships but it wasn't working out for me…. Sobbing was inevitable now with tears flowing out of my eye. I don't want to make a mistake because I have heard and I have seen a lot of homes breaking apart. I just want to have a beautiful and glorious life… I want a home full of love, A home full of peace, and A home full of joy. But I can't built such home when I'm not even comfy with all these guys that I just meant for the past now. As I weep In deep thoughts..