Attachment was now behind her, and it was time to prepare for college.
She missed Cindy alot because she had taken a long bus journey to visit her mother in Pwani County—a full day's travel.
Dr. Jerry accompanied her under the pretext of meeting her mum. But Megyn remained skeptical, pondering his true intentions. She never fully trusted him.
Deep down, Megyn hoped they would return to campus within a week, giving Cindy some distance from Jerry—and a clearer view of her future.
As the reporting date drew near, Megyn began preparations to return to campus and start a new trimester—a new year. She was entering her fifth year of study.
The excitement bubbled within her—not only because she'd be seeing Benjamin every day, but because this was her final year of medical school.
She had already booked a seat with City Bus Services and was simply waiting for the travel day.
On the eve of her departure, Benjamin called. The call felt different from the ones she'd received since their engagement.
He asked for her travel details: the bus line, seat number, and departure time.
"Benj, don't think you can abduct me from the bus that easily," Megyn joked.
He chuckled softly. "A prince doesn't abduct his princess—he honours her and makes her his queen."
"Then I guess I'll say goodnight to my prince," Megyn said with a yawn. "I need to sleep well tonight. Meet me at the City Bus Station. I can't wait to see your face tomorrow in the City."
"Goodnight, Princess."
But Megyn remained thinking what kind of surprise Benjamin had in store for her - her life was full of sweet surprises, since she fell in love with Benjamin.
The next morning, the Maringo family gathered in the living room for prayers. After wishing her a safe journey, they all climbed into the family's double-cabin vehicle. Mrs. Maringo drove them to the City Bus Terminal. After hugs and goodbyes, they left Megyn on the bus and returned home.
Her ticket showed seat 5A, but when she boarded, both 5A and 5B were occupied.
Before she could protest, a familiar hand gently wrapped around her, and she heard Benjamin's voice.
"Good morning, my Gazelle," he greeted warmly. "Let's sit together."
"Benj! You never cease to amaze me." She turned to find his mischievous grin. "How did you even get to Randi? You're supposed to be in the city!"
"I flew in last night—just to travel with you." He pointed at seats 5C and 5D. "I booked my seat in this bus too, and I swapped your seat with that gentleman sitting on seat 5A. Come, sit next to me. Let's enjoy the ride, almost road trip together."
They sat side by side for the seven-hour journey, her head resting in his arms. They enjoyed each other's conversation. At one point they fell asleep. They ate a light lunch at a wayside restaurant where the bus stopped briefly.
The bus finally reached the city around half-past three. Larry, their driver, was waiting. First, he took them to the Royal Sunset Hotel for a proper meal.
Then Megyn freshened up and spent the night in the penthouse, with Benjamin. She was ready for registration at the campus, the next day.
Benjamin took her out for lunch daily during the opening week. It was a quiet week, not too busy. But he confided that he would soon become scarce—he had multiple out-of-town meetings representing Sunset Holdings.
"It's okay, my love," she replied. "I love you. Just keep in touch—every day, every hour, every minute, every second—just like this."
She tiptoed and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Mmm... that's tempting," he murmured, dragging his words. "We should do this more often, my love."
The first month passed smoothly. The trimester was intense—classes ran all day as she moved from one venue to another. Benjamin called regularly, either in the early mornings or late at night.
He understood the pressures she faced. He himself was busy traveling for the company, now co-managing with his father. His mother, in the late stages of pregnancy, needed more attention, so his father stayed home with her more often.
Their schedules were packed. Three weeks into the second month of the trimester, the final lecture of the week was anatomy.
After the lecture, Dr. Evans asked Megyn to stay behind. The other girls exchanged curious glances—some even scoffed.
"How can the doctor choose such a plain girl today?" one of the more provocatively dressed girls muttered.
Megyn knew Dr. Evans wasn't a womanizer, but she still felt uneasy being alone with him. She asked Cindy to stay back with her.
She remembered Benjamin's warning: "Stay away from him—he's the one who broke my heart with my ex-girlfriend."
What could he possibly want?
He claimed to help female students, but Megyn didn't feel she needed help. Cindy, too, distrusted him and had no intention of leaving her friend alone.
As soon as the last student left, Cindy began speaking to the doctor.
"Doctor, I know you wanted Megyn alone, but I'll wait with her. Whatever you need to say, you can say it in my presence."
Dr. Evans raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? I see Megyn is well protected. For your information, she's mature enough to handle herself without a chaperone."
"Really, Doctor?" Cindy shot back. "Well, I'm her guardian angel today."
Megyn, though anxious, wasn't surprised by Cindy's fiery loyalty. She was about to speak, to calm the tension, when the door to the inner office opened—and out walked Benjamin.
A wide smile lit his face as he took in the scene. Clearly amused by the brewing drama, he addressed Cindy warmly.
"Cindy, thank you for looking out for my fiancee."
"Benjamin? What are you doing in our lecture hall?" Cindy asked, stunned.
"I came to surprise my fiancee I've missed her too much." He replied with a wink.
He turned his eyes to Megyn, his gaze warm and unwavering.
She met his look with such joy that she didn't wait for him to approach—she dashed toward him, leaping into his arms. They embraced tightly, and he kissed her smiling lips.
She looked at him and said, "My love, you could have told me you are coming. I mean, I would have dressed to impress you."
With a grin, he said. "My Princess is beautiful in anything, and I believe in nothing too."
"Naughty, naughty boy." Megyn said laughing.
Doctor Evans remained thinking how lucky Benjamin is. He always gets the best. But this time round, he swore to himself and to God that he would support him, no matter what.
He is now mature and self controlled. He also recognised that having a friend is better than having an enemy.