I was strolling the street of facebook, immediately I entered my school Facebook group"ESUT aspirant group". I came across a post of a student requesting for a room mate. As usual I wanted to ignore because I only came there to catch fun. But there's something that couldn't be ignored.
"You will be surprised at the package that awaits you. slide into my dm now". It was really a compelling statement. Out of curiosity I slid into his dm because I'm a fan of surprises.
I was so shocked with the kind of package she offered to me. According to her, she didn't plan on having a roomie as she has been alone for the past one week since resumption; she thought she would cope with staying alone, but couldn't. She told me to just come with my clothes only, I shouldn't bother paying because she has already paid and I shouldn't bother coming with foodstuffs.
I accepted immediately. Who won't be over the moon with such an offer? I had to call my cousin with whom I've made plans with to get a lodge that I now have a change of mind.
"You are not serious, how can you just be so gullible accepting an offer from a stranger? we are to inspect the lodge we are supposed to pay for tomorrow, what is she offering you? He asked sounding annoyed
"Calm down bro, the prize is cheaper, and the lodge is closer to school" I said not even so sure if it's closer to school or not because I didn't ask. Who cares? I didn't even tell him that I'm not paying a dime.
"Please understand me, you know how much I needed money,at least it will save me some money for the new session, please don't tell my parents" I added.
" Alright good luck sis" he hung up.
A week later, I'm all ready to resume school, I packed my clothes, and some foodstuffs which mum has packaged for me. I didn't hesitate taking the foodstuffs because I don't want mum to be suspicious. I arrived school, I dialed the number of my new roomie. Funny enough I didn't even get to ask for her name, I just saved her number with "ROOMIE". SHe picked at the first ring. I told her I'm in school already, asking for the name of the lodge, she said the name is "FOREVER LODGE". But she told me I shouldn't bother locating it, that she's coming to pick me up. The name of the lodge sounded strange to me because I've not heard of it. I concluded it might be a new lodge.
As promised she came and picked me up. We arrived. The lodge was so quiet like a grave yard, I didn't even see a single soul. Fear gripped me. I didn't mutter a word. We entered her room, what I saw erased my fears. I saw a prayer guide book, a Bible and a Jesus poster hanging on his wall. I concluded he's a core Christian.
But I couldn't stop thinking about the silence in the Lodge. I asked her about it. She said many of them are yet to resume school, while some have gone out to study. I was a bit sceptical despite being relieved with what I had seen.
The next morning, we prepared for lectures. I was able to meet some of my Lodge mates. I tried greeting them but none of them responded to my greetings despite how audible I was. I was awe stricken.
We've been going for lectures together and we always come back together, but funny enough I don't know his department. Anytime I bring it up he'll wave it off.
This strange thing about her reluctance to me going home alone without waiting for him no matter how long he'll stay in school had me in wonderland, he warned me on several occasions not to go alone. The more he warned,the more curiosity enveloped me.
A certain day came, I decided to go home all alone. I wandered for hours, but I couldn't locate FOREVER LODGE. I was certain of the path I took. I was visibly shaking. I had to call Erica, that's what she said her name is.
She was obviously annoyed over the phone. She came to where I was and asked me to follow her. We went back. It was as if we reversed and began the journey again, we followed the same path I followed, before I could say jack, behold FOREVER LODGE is there looking at us. I was awed. So many questions unanswered were running through my mind. I decided to ask him questions that night.
"Erica I'm scared" I said
"Scared about what?" She asked grabbing her pyjamas from the wardrobe.
"This lodge, everything about this lodge is weird, from the people living here to the environment. How long have you been in this lodge?"
" For years ,for years, I hope this is your last question" she said grabbing his Bible
" Years? What level are you, and what department?" I asked again.
" You don't need to know" she said trying to open her Bible.
" I need to know, I'm your roommate for God's sake"
" Eternal Level, in dark department" she said this time with a howling voice
I was totally afraid. "Erica?" I called
"No, I'm not Erica. I'm QUEEN TENEBRIS!!"
She howled loudly with her eyes as dark as the darkness. The atmosphere changed in the room with the wind tossing the curtains about.
My head got swollen, I shouted Jesus so many times, I reached out for his Bible, the Holy Bible written there suddenly turned to TENEBRIS with darkness in parentheses. I fall back.
She rushed me and gripped me on the neck.
I woke up panting, shouting Jesus. I checked the time it's 00:00, I looked beside me Erica wasn't on the bed. With a soft voice I called her "Erica?" Immediately the same atmosphere as it was in my dream enveloped the room with wind tossing the curtains about.
"It's time TENEBRIS!!!!!" a voice howled.