They met at a place as agreed. It was a safe nook to unfold secrets. She was trying to control her emotions. Not really worried about not being told earlier instead worried about his decision to become a soldier which might mess things up.
"Were you serious about what you told me on the phone?" Roselyn asked as calm as she can be.
"About applying for Nigerian army?"
"Yes"
"Yes, I planned telling you but not before the results. Sorry about that"
"Telling me is not my problem, whether before, now or later. Why would you choose army of all things? is your mom aware of your decision?"
"Yes"
"And she didn't try to stop you?"
"Hahaha..." He chuckled now pulling all he's got into the conversation. "Why would she? well, at first she was against it but I made her understand"
"What could you have told her to let you on this? Is she forgetting you are her only son? Does she want to loose you?"
"Now I know what you are thinking. You think I'm going there to fight and die? No! I applied as cyber. you know my ways with computers. I can't leave it. I won't be sent to the battlefield. So don't worry about my life. It's a safe sector. Why will I apply to die? Do you think I don't like my life? If not for anything, at least for knowing you. I'd neglect the result for your sake" This was nerve calming. The waving tension was brought to stillness. Roselyn sighed, with her face up like she meant to say THANK GOD. 
"I was really troubled. This sounds better" She confessed. "But there are firms that would need someone with your kind of skill. Why don't you...?"
"Oh no, I need to be in a place I can put all I know into work. The more challenges you encounter the more strategies you create and the more defeat you achieve. I don't want any work that would limit me or hold me stagnant" She likes how bold he looks when talking, but not when stating reasons against her wish. 
"Is that what you think?"
"You don't comprehend?"
           She didn't reply. To her it was like a debate. He is striving to get his points convincing while she is also trying to let him know the risk involved. After a long silent stare, she compromised. 
"So when are you expecting the results?"
"First list is out already. My name is not there, you know what I applied for, it's very difficult to get. Most people only get it through connection and bribery. So, I'm looking up to seeing what the second and third list has. I pray to get a divine connection, as I do not have anyone with a strong ground"
         Not lacking words though, but she was quiet, she didn't know whether to be happy or sad. Or maybe her feelings stands in between. Better side of it was that she was relieved of the fear of loosing him in a battle and the bad side of it was that he will be staying far from her if his plans works out. She didn't know what to say or do about it. Now, the whole thing is left for the second and third list to decide. 
"Please, pray that my name comes out"
           Roselyn looked at him coldly. How she felt to be asked to do something contrary to her liking.
"Will you?" This was a hard task, but she can not deprived him his happiness for hers.
"I will, if that satisfies you"
"Thank you" 
          Since then she never stopped being cold. things doesn't really excite her like before especially when she's in the midst of friends. She lost concentration and composure. some of the times she's absent minded and drowsy. 
"How about your boyfriend?" Fatima asked. Anytime Susan or Fatima ask her about Richard she feels there's more to the question. But there's never been something to be suspected.
"He is fine" Roselyn replied staring with a keen focus but it seemed that Fatima was just being casual with her question. She meant no details. The crowd moving on the corridor were colliding with her and so she needed to step down pavement.
"Why is she not coming?" Fatima asked. It was Susan they were waiting for.
"Almost everyone from her department is out, what could she be doing behind?"
"She must be discussing with her colleagues. talkative"
"Emh Rosy, I just recalled something. How do you intend to celebrate this Christmas?"
"I don't know yet, maybe I will celebrate it with my family"
"Oh, ok. That's cool too, but left to me I would suggest you stay for the party and after that you can visit your family for new year"
"What party?"
"What party? Are you kidding me? wait! don't say you haven't heard about the beach party the students are planning? Anyway, it's possible. You have locked everyone outside your life"
"Hey Tima just tell me about the part and don't go where I think you are going"
"Where do you think I'm going? I'm only being honest. Okay, the thing is, I'm inviting you as my friend. look, I'm not expecting a NO or a maybe from you. it's a solid yes. You don't even have to think about it. I'm counting on you. I don't want the situation whereby everyone will be there having fun with friends and I will be a watcher. No, so you have to be there"
"Will you go without Susan?"
"Of course Susan doesn't miss parties. She makes every party look like her birthday"
"Why should you be a watcher if Susan will be there?" It was a sensitive question. It hit Fatima back to her senses.
"Oh really! look aunty, this is not time to play smart. you are coming" 
"Is it a forced invitation?"
"it is, Rosy. if you fail to, then I know you have something against me"
"I thought you know that already"
"Don't try me. in fact, I will be the one to dress you up on that day"
"Okay. I've heard you ma'am. Let's see"
"Better. Please, let's me check if this girl is still in the hall so that we don't waste more time here waiting when she might have taking another route out"
"Okay, but I won't wait"
"What if I don't find her?"
"Go home"
"Alone?"
"No, take all the students along"