₦airaland Forum

mokoh:
Abeg try drop something for us tonight

I understand bro but you guys also have to understand I've got a life outside of writing too....I'm pretty much swamped now.

efeteb:
Waiting since 24th, no update.

Lol bro, no vex I've been pretty occupied lately.

26

Mia

Never has the term 'village people' ever made sense to me until now. Like how possible is it for your people in the village to influence and have a hand in things you're going through in life huh? I always saw as a superstitious agenda lazy and incompetent people made up to excuse their failures. Harsh.... but true.
And there I am sitting, stunned at the almost impossible reality of seeing Caleb here, in Nigeria, in front of me.

"Uh...you know what? I think I'll just leave you guys to continue your...", Caleb paused to look at our table, the slightest look of condescension his face and smirked. "whatever it is you guys are doing here", he completed and with that, he left.
 
An awkward silence overtook our once chatty and lively table. I looked to K and he was looking at me too but this time, there was no twinkle in his eyes as he beheld me. No, infact there was nothing at all. It as just expressionless, I couldn't tell if he was angry or not.

"Is it true? Are you really engaged to that guy?", K asked softly.

"K, look it's not as it seems. Let me ju-", I tried to explain but he cut me off by standing up and I stood up too, scared.
"Wait...what...please wait", I pleaded and he paused.

"I just need an answer to question, Mia", he said coolly. "Is he really your fiance?"

"Its....its complicated", I stuttered and he sighed deeply.

"Yes or no, Mia. Where's the complication is just picking one?", he asked. Now it was my turn to take a deep breath. He wanted the truth, then I'll tell him the truth.

"Yes", I mumbled softly. "We're engaged".

"Wow", he muttered, a slightly stunned look on his. He turned away from me, his right hand rubbing his neck.

"But...I mean this night...we..", he tried to say but just stopped and then smiled sadly and shook his head. "What was I doing, thinking I could actually get you to like me and have you to myself", he said and for the first time I saw the pain in his expression and my heart shattered. I didn't even know when tears started rolling down my cheeks.

"Noo...its not like that", I pleaded and tried to reach out to touch him but he shifted and that hurt more.

"And how is it huh? You....you used me to pass time till you're fiance got back from wherever he was. Heck! Why don't I ever learn?", he lamented softly and maybe that made it worse. I think it would have been better he lashed out at me then being this cool about it.

"Dayo was right after all", he said softly.

"K, I'm so sorry for not telling you about Cal eb but it's too complicated. If you'll just let me explain....",

"Yeah right", he said cutting me off for the umpteenth time this evening. I know I'm all sad and crying but that was beginning to piss me off.

"Can you just hear me out please?" I yelled a bit in my teary voice. I wiped tears off my eyes and held on to him. "Please...please just listen to him", I begged softly.

His face seemed to soften now as he held my gaze but gently, he took my hand off him. "I just can't...not right now. I think we shouldn't...I think we need space away from each other", he said calmly and my heart sank. How did I go from teasing and feeling on top on the world to feeling like this; so pained and hurt in just a matter of minutes.

"Um...I think we should go now", he stood up.

"Mmhmm", I hummed in agreement as I stood up slowly, deep in my thoughts.

The drive home was as expected, a very loud silence. I looked out window, sobbing silently, hoping we reach sooner so I can cry the way I felt. We reached my house and I slowly got out. Oh, how I'd give anything in the world to go back in time and insist that we eat at another restaurant so we'd avoid running into Caleb. I started walking towards my gate but stopped and turned back. I just couldn't help myself.

"I know you said you needed space and I'll give you that but....", I paused as a sob caught my voice. "But how long?...a day, a month?" I asked, my heart pounding so loudly it felt like it was vibrating through my top.

"I don't know, Mia. I don't know", he said coolly. "Goodnight", he muttered and drove off.

My steps faltered terribly as I walked to my doorstep. The fact that my vision was blurred by tears didn't help either. Infact, it was a miracle I didn't fall and injure myself.
I hadn't felt this bad since my mum's death and that was because I met K. He brought this newness, this breath of fresh air into my life and now he's..he's gone..just like that.
  I knew there was trouble the moment I started feeling something towards him. This was the reason I hated letting down the walls of protection I built around my heart.

__________________________________________

I rolled to a stop in front of Gina's house, who was coincidentally just stepping out when I pulled up. Her lit up when she saw me, and she skipped over to hop into my car.

"Hey!" She exclaimed, leaning over to give a kiss on the cheek. "You're out of the house!"

"Yes, I am", I gave her a small smile as I began to drive. "We've got this annoying presentation for Business Analysis. Can't afford to miss it or my gp might dip."

"Wow!", she smiled, slightly surprised. "Honestly, I'm- I'm surprised. You've a been a mess for the past couple of days."

"I think that's an exaggeration", I replied, rolling my eyes. I don't think I was that bad.

"You told me you would never find love in this life, and you might as well join a convent", she replied, smirking. Okay, I admit it, I was that bad.

"That was the first night", I said defensively. "The wound was still very fresh."

"Still, I'm glad you're taking the first steps of getting over this", Gina linked her hands together and looked over at me. "I don't think he even deserves your tears, Mia".

I didn't answer, knowing if I did she wouldn't approve of my reply.
Sure, I'm still pretty hurt by everything, especially by the fact that K doesn't even want to give me a chance to explain myself but still, I think he's definitely worth  a lot more than my tears. Yes, that didn't say much for my sense of dignity, but oh well.

"Don't you worry, okay?", G reached over to rub my arm. "The people involved in this must pay for making you feel like this".

"Oh, G", I sighed. "Please don't".

"Please don't what?" She asked. "Exact revenge in your name because I absolutely will".

"Gina-"

"They deserve it. K or whatever he's called for breaking your heart. To even think I was rooting for him before. Urgghh", she gagged as if saying his name was like taking a bitter pill. "And Caleb for being a such a douchè. Can you imagine the nerve of that manipulator?", she spat out angrily and I sighed.
"After putting up with his junkie ass for so long. Nah, we need to treat his f**k up".

"Caleb, we'll deal with soon", I promised. "But you need to leave K alone".

"What? Why!?"

"Well, for one K will always be off limits from your insanity", I reached over to give her a small push. "And two, he didn't really do anything wrong. His reaction was quite normal".

"Damn, girl. You got it real bad for him", she looked at with surprise. "And to think you've been denying all this while".

"I-I-I've not got anything for anyone", I stuttered.

"Mhmm", she sneered. "Tell that to yourself".

I sighed defeated. I hate that I still feel this way for him.

"Okay, fine", I admitted. "I really do like him BUT-", I held up a finger. "That's not why I'm defending him. I defending him because it's not really his fault. I never told him anything about that engagement, which in all honesty, I had already forgotten".

"Awww...that's sweet", she cooed. "Has he called you yet?"

"Nope",I shook my head sadly. "Neither has he replied to my numerous texts".

I pulled into the parking lot and slid into my slot.

"Don't worry, he'll come around", she smiled. "If he doesn't then he's just an immature fool who's so full of shit because his head is so far up his ass".

I stared at her wide eyed, like who is this person with me right now? What's gotten into her?

"Wow, Gina!", I exclaimed. "That was oddly too specific and I don't mean in a good way. What's wrong?"

"Nothing", she puffed. "Just that boys can be such douchebags".

"What did Rex do this time?"

"Doesn't matter", she waved off. "I'll see you at lunch, yeah?"

"I guess", I nodded and we both got out my car and headed our separate ways.

I have to admit school wasn't at all bad. Infact I was enjoying every moment of it, my presentation was flawless. My professor loved it and I hope he reflects that same love on my grades. I even had some coursemates come over to check on me.

It was when the time for my last lecture was around the corner, just after my lunch break I started to get cold feet. It was Advanced Ecomomics, one of the courses I shared with K. How am I going to face him?

"Hey you", Gina greeted as she walked in. "Let's go for lunch I'm starving. Juliet's at Peaches' already".

"Uh..um. I think I'll just skip lunch today", I replied.

"Mia", Gina sighed. "Are you going to tiptoe around him forever?"

"I'm not tip toeing around him", I lied. "This has nothing to do with K. I could care less if I see him. I'm just not hungry. Plus, it's been a while since I've sketched. I could really get inspired from the peace and quiet here now".

"Okay", she smiled. "See you later?"

"Yeah", I smiled back and replaced the smile back with a sad expression after she left.
I exited the lecture room after a while. I'd decided to ditch my last period. I stopped by the restroom to freshen up.

I stepped back a little to examined myself in the mirror. I ran my hands over my outfit and turned a little to study my butt in the mirror.

"I still got it", I muttered to myself with a small smile. What? A girl still has to make herself feel good, right? Even though I'm grieving now. Lol.

I stared at myself in the mirror, picking apart the tiniest things in my appearance and willing myself not to break down in tears like I felt like doing. This was just getting pathetic at this point.

The fact that I still had tears to cry over K wws freaking me out. We hadn't even dated and I was in the verge of losing my mind. Maybe all of this was for the best. I was way too emotionally tied to him, and like Gina has been implying, it went against my very nature to be controlled by anybody, let alone a boy. At least not again, Caleb was lesson enough for me.

"You need to get yourself together", I told my reflection. "You're a strong, independent woman. You're not going to hide in the bathroom or go home because of a guy. You run this school and every being in it. Don't be so pathetic".

And with that encouraging pep talk I exited the restroom but this time, I wasn't going to run home anymore. I'd go have lunch and then go for my last period. And K or not, I'll enjoy that lecture and then, later this night I'm going to his house and he'll hear me out whether he likes it or not.
I'm so done playing the soft girl...I'm not that person. Never was and never will be.....TBC

2000 words phew! And I'm not even done yet but una go first manage this one. Sorry for not updating on friday again, something came up. Have a nice week y'all.

Make una no forget go Glory Reign 2022 this week o. God Bless all of you.

New update this evening

These two just can't seem to catch a clean break...something always gets in the way.
Maybe that's just how it's meant to be.....thanks for all the comments guys. Next updates, this week lol.

Had to bring back the suspense on this one.
Want to thank all of you guys still reading this story, despite the slow updates and all. The regulars and even the ghosts too, thanks alot guys. New update next week.
Happy weekend.

25

Kk

I looked closely at my reflection in the mirror, making sure I looked good enough.
My shift at PM had just ended and I began prepping myself for my date with Mia. I'd brought a change of clothes so I could easily change and wait for Mia to get here.

"Hmm", Chef Chioma said as she entered the employees' locker room. "Someone's looking unusually sweet this evening. Hot date?"

"Unusually?", I fake gasped. "Now I'll have you know that doctors around the world diagnosed me to be the source of diabetes, you know because I'm so sweet", I joked and she laughed.

"You're so corny", she hit me playfully. "So..", she began. "Who's the girl?" She asked and then gasped as if suddenly hit with realisation of something. "You finally grew the balls to ask Nonye out? Wow, I'm so proud of you".She said and indeed she was beaming at me like a proud mother and I just stood there gaping at her.

"Wait...you knew I had a thing for Nonye?"

"Of course", she scoffed. "You never shut up about her".

"Oh", I muttered. Flashes of our last time together came to my mind and I felt this wave of guilt wash over me. I totally forgot about her and hadn't even reached out at all like I said I would when she left.

"Oh wait", Chef Chioma said, a curious look on her face. "I thought she was going out with your friend Dayo. How come you guys are going for a date?"

"Well, for starters, I'm not going on a date with Nonye. Secondly, they broke up", I said dryly.

"Oh", she said. "Wait, if it's not Nonye then who?"

"Its this girl I met. She's called None of your business", I said and smiled at the shocked expression on Chef Chioma's face. "Like why you so nosy this evening?"

"Nonsense boy", she hit me. "Don't worry come and collect takeaway again let me see", she said and I laughed.

"Umm....if she's done with Dayo", she began again and I sighed. She wouldn't let this go. "Isn't that like a good thing for you? I mean you can shoot your shot now".

"Nah, I think that ship has sailed. I like this girl", I smiled as I thought of Mia.

"Really?", Chef Chioma pouted like a child.
"Too bad. I really like her. She always left generous tips".

"No wonder", I chuckled and she nudged my sides with her shoulder. Why does she always have to be violent?

"So are you guys dining here or you're taking her somewhere else?"

"Here?", I exclaimed in disapproval. "Abeg o. Can't deal with that sadistic manager o. Dude hates me enough as it is, don't want to give him more reasons to do so. He might just come through on his numerous threats of sacking me and boy, I really need this job".

"Yeah yeah, I totally understand", she replied. "So where you guys going though?" She pressed on and I just smiled at her relentlessness.

"Well, if your nosy self must know, there's this lowkey bar downtown, Salient. I've got a friend working there so he helped me book a reservation in their rooftop restaurant. Food's pretty nice too, almost better than yours", I said, not meaning that last part though.

" That's it", she spanked me yet again. "No more food for you and I hope you choke on your food there", she said as she left.

"Love you too", I called after her and just then Mia called.

"Hey..I'm outside", she said as I hit the receive button.

"Okay, I'm coming outside now", I replied and hung up. I went outside and saw Mia leaning on a white range rover autobiography which I presumed to be hers and like the first time I saw her dance in the club that night, I forgot how to breathe. She looked absolutely stunning. It was a bit cold so she had on black jacket which slip down bit her shoulder to reveal her fair and smooth skin. The jacket was unbuttoned and so revealed a sleeveless yellow crop top, showcasing her really flat tummy and a navel ring that made her tummy standout. She also had on black skinny pants and knee high boots that I know cost a fortune. She let her hair fall freely on her shoulders and damn, she just looked breathtaking even if she wasn't smiling.

"Wow". I said as I got to her. "You look...you look beautiful", I said.

She tapped her fingers against her chin.
"Only beautiful? Not really, extraordinarily, jaw dropping kinda beautiful?"

"You're way too much for your own good", I laughed, shaking my head.

"That's why you like me so much", she said with a smile.

"Umm...don't know about the 'so much' part", I countered.

"So you admit to liking me, but not so much...yet", she smiled and I looked away and shook my head in amusement and a timidity. Her rather bold openness this evening was a bit unnerving and I liked it.

"Uh..yeah. Among other things". I grinned and her face lit up.

"Ooh! Like what?", She got out of her leaning position on the car. "Go on. List out a few things".

"I've enough for your ego for one day", I said and tapped her forehead. "Besides we won't go anywhere if I decide to do that. Not sure if the earth can contain that ego of yours".

"You're no fun", she frowned. "Um....can we just use my car instead? It's way more comfortable", she suggested and I sighed. We gonna have to fix that attitude of hers if this--us-- is going to work. But then again in a weird way that I can't explain, I kinda like it about her.

"Uh..no? Maybe when you're the one taking me out I'll think about going in your own ride", I disagreed.

"Men and their rubbish toxic masculinity", she clicked her tongue. "She knocked on the window and it wound down and after while it wound back up and the car drove off. Guess she told the whoever was behind the steering that she wouldn't be needing his/her services anymore.
__________________________________________

"So..how did you like your food?", I asked as the waiter cleared our table and brought the dessert, a chocolate and red velvet cake.

"It was really delicious. Let's get another one to go please. Pretty pleasee", She pleaded and I laughed.

"Mmhmm....it was this same you that  wanted to leave when you saw it wasn't a five star restaurant". Like she legit didn't want to get out of the car when she saw the place. I had to beg and beg before she reluctantly accepted to come out of the car. Even when we reached the rooftop, she took her time before sitting down. I even had to order for her because if I let her, who knows, she might have just embarrassed the both of us and the poor waiter. It wasn't until she finally tasted the lobster mac and cheese I ordered for her that she decided relax herself.

"Well", she began. "A girl is allowed to be shallow sometimes", she laughed. "Seriously though, I really enjoyed the dish. I'm adding it to the menu at home. Let me text our chef ASAP", she said and got out her phone.

"Mmmm", she moaned when she tasted the dessert. "This sorta sweetness is sinful. It should be forbidden".

"I know right", I concurred.

"Okay. What are we doing?" She asked out of the blue. "I mean it clear there's chemistry between us so what's the endgame?"

"Wait, did the 'Mia Rotimi' just say she's attracted to me, a basic guy that lives in a basic apartment, has a pretty basic job and drives an even more basic car?", I teased and she smiled shyly. Wow, that's a first.

"Well", she started, smiling and twirling a piece of cake stuck in her fork. "If you put it like that, I might just reconsider if I really like you like that".

"Reconsider?" I hoped we were still joking and teasing though.

"Mmhmm. You know, I'm a queen after all and you're...you're just a filthy peasant", she smiled and I chuckled. I reached over and grabbed her hand gently.

"Well, if you will just give this filthy peasant a chance, you might not regret it", I replied, this time gazing into her eyes. At point, even I know that I'm whipped to the core. Imagine a full fledged young man like myself ( a whole mazi), accepting that I'm a filthy peasant all because of girl.

"Uhmm", she tapped her chin in think mode and then smiled at me. "Okay, besides nothing or no one associated with me is basic because I'm the standard for all things".

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that", I smiled and she smiled back at me.

Someone bumped against my car by mistake and almost fell but I caught him just in time.

"Hey, sorry man. Are you ok?", I asked.

"Yeah yeah, thanks bro", he said and looked to Mia.

"Mia?", he said in surprise.

"Caleb", she muttered, shocked.

"You guys know each other?", I asked confused.

"Yeah. She's my fiancee..... or was. I don't know now", he replied, still looking at her......TBC

24

Dayo

Growing up in wealth has its perks. You get to have almost everything you desire just at the swipe of a black card, servants running all over at your beck and call, heck even people stumbling upon themselves trying to be friends with you. That's how I've always felt my whole life but it wasn't enough. Sure I had my parents but they weren't always around and the felt their black card was enough replacement for the presence. I had  Shade too but she's a girl and there's only a handful of things we could talk about. Luckily, K came into the picture and there was my  brother from another mother.  We just clicked and did almost everything together but then things started to take a turn when entered senior high. It started with my parents, especially my dad. I've worked my ass off just to please that man, just to get him to actually see me and be proud of me. I tried everything possible legal and illegal to be the best at everything I did just so I could gain his approval, even if it was just once but still he never seemed to be impressed but with K, I don't know, it was like he was the one now trying to seek K's approval. Like could be helping out in the garden and my dad would sing his praises like a canary on steroids, about how hardworking he is. I think the one time he was really happy with me was when I pleaded that the foundation help in sponsoring Kachi's tuition fees. It was like I was unofficially competing for my father's love and approval with K and I didn't like it one bit. It was like everybody liked and respected him, even Shade developed some sort of crush on him too. I felt jealous--I still kinda do-- and I don't like the feeling. I'm not supposed to feel this way-- he's my brother for cry out loud-- but I just can't help myself.

There was this story my mum told us then about how she and K's mum were friends and my dad was into her but she didn't reciprocate his feelings back and in a weird way, I comforted myself with that story. I looked at it as my dad was just nice to K because of K's mother and nothing more.
School has always been my sanctuary
From elementary, middle school, high school and now college, I've always been the golden boy. The rich kid that was good at everything, I was a small demi god. It was the one place, I surpassed K in eve hing, not like he cared though. His grade weren't really great but he got enough to help him pass every class plus he didn't really like school at all. He was just attending to please his grandparents .

Some times when I see the way he's always happy when I achieve something and the way he genuinely celebrates my wins, I just get so ashamed at myself. It's like I'm happy and cool with him when it's just us, when we are at par, but just the slightest comparison of me to him and I start feeling jealous again.
The day Nonye confessed her feelings to me, I knew I had no business with her in that manner adding the fact that I knew how K already felt towards her but my selfish and petty self couldn't just pass up the opportunity of really beating K to something. It was the one time I really felt superior to him, knowing that the girl he was dying for was infact dying for me and I went ahead and betrayed him. But karma wasted no time in paying me back in my own coin in the weirdest of ways.
Like how in the world did K and Mia become friends? Like it's an insanity that they even talk to each other talk more of being friends to the point that she even sleeps over at his tiny dorm.....in his jersey too!! It's just unbelievable.

I know I told him that a girl like her can never ever see a guy like him in the way a girl sees a boy but deep down I knew K's ability to make people like him was not to be taken lightly but I won't give up either. This time I plan to give it my all for the love of my life. Whatever it takes and as the saying goes; all is fair in love and war. Still, I hope he realises himself and backs down if not let's see how he deals with what I've got lined up for him.
__________________________________________

K

I ended the call before it connected to Mia and sighed as I sat down. This is what exactly what I've been doing the whole of yesterday and the better part of today. Like what was I even going to say and how would she react. The fact that she hadn't reached out in any way too didn't help at all.

"Oh God", I massage my head. My life was much more simpler before Mia came in with her drama and turned it on itself..but the thing is it's a drama I wanted.
Why am I even getting myself all worked up sef. We almost kissed, keyword being 'almost' and that's it. We are adults for crying out loud and teenagers.

"Yeah", I said taking up my phone. "I'm just going to call, it's no big deal. And then we'd talk about what 'didnt' happen", I reassured myself.
I won't lie, I almost hung up again when I heard tone signalling her phone was ringing. It rang till the call ended, she didn't pick. Well, atleast it will be on record that I reached out. I just feel we need to talk to know where we actually stand; like are we still normal friends or friends that kiss or no more friends at all( God forbid) but I just feel we need to be clear and defined on matters like this.

"Maybe I need to go to her house", I said to myself. No matter how desperate it seemed, it just had to be done. Just then my door bell rang and I froze. Could that be her?  Without even checking, I rushed to my room to brush my hair and beards, sprayed my cologne and hurriedly arranged the sitting room. I kept asking myself what was wrong with me as I hurriedly went about the shenanigans. It wasn't as if this was her first time here. I put up the laziest and most unbothered look I could muster, and opened the door.

I don't think I've ever been more disappointed in my life as I was this moment, staring back at unknown man that was rather impeccably dressed.

"Good day Sir", he greeted and I just hummed my reply. "Please am I at the residence of one Mr Kay?"

Now my guard was up. How did he know my name and where I live?

"Uh yeah, I'm K. Who are you and how may I help you?"

"Oh okay. I was sent by Miss Rotimi to deliver these groceries to you", he said as he grabbed a trolley full of groceries and pushed into my apartment. No permission at all.

"Ofcourse come on in. Make yourself at home", my tone dripping of sarcasm.
  He left when he was done and I sat back down stunned. I didn't know whether to be happy because I could really do with some foodstuff or to be angry that she did this for me out of pity or whatever emotions that propelled her to do such and worse, without even asking me first.

In my Mia absorption, I'd forgotten that I needed to shop for groceries. Now I've got the perfect excuse to reach out to her. I dialled her number again and this time she answered.

"Finally, she answers", I said as she said hello. Don't know how but just hearing her voice lit up my face with a smile.

"Oh please, it was just once and today you called and I wasn't with my phone then", she retorted.

"Just today?", I asked. "Were you expecting me to call earlier?"

"Yes...no..kinda", she answered and I smiled the more glad that I wasn't the only one that was left restless from the other day.

"Okay. You know the phone works both ways right? You could have called too if you wanted to talk to me", I said and I heard her scoff.

"I didn't feel like calling".

"How do you even breathe carrying an ego the size of Zuma rock all the time", I teased and she clicked her tongue.

"Whatever".

"I saw the groceries", I said changing the topic. "I'm really grateful, thanks alot but you shouldn't have. I'll pay you back though".

"Look who's being proud now. You don't need to pay back and it's my way of saying thanks for helping me all this while. I'm not some ungrateful b**ch you know, that can't be appreciative".

"Ok..thanks again".

"Yeah yeah".

"Uhm.." I began. "Since you've missed me so much, how about we hang this evening?" I asked and started pacing around, praying she says yes.

"Well, since you're insisting on begging me to grace your simple self with my presence and company, I guess and I take pity on you and make out time", she replied and I smiled widely.

"Touché. Okay, I have the afternoon shift so meet me at PM, say 6?"

"Yeah, okay", she replied.

I bade her goodbye and hung up. Immediately, I started kicking and punching the air in excitement. Just then I got a message from Mia and I panicked a little. What if she's cancelling? I opened the message and it read: " you really should up your game on how to ask a girl out for a date". I let out the breath I  didn't know I was holding and smiled......TBC

Happy Sunday.

dimssy:
Brother Moura7, I have a powder to blow so that you will update, should I blow it?

Lol....boss noooo. I'm on it.

23

Mia

"Uhm Joy?", I called out as I entered the kitchen.

"Yes dear", she replied as she glanced at me for a split second before returning her eyes to her cooking. "Hungry?"

"Nah", I shook my head. "So...I wanted to ask you something. Uhmm...have I changed in any anyway? I mean physically..like my appearance. I mean, I'm still attractive right?" I asked trying hard to mask the nervousness in my voice.

"Of course you're still gorgeous baby girl. Wait where's this coming from?", she asked and then switched off the gas. I guess she was done. Today was Friday, which meant Joy would be spending the weekend with her family as she usually does and so she always cooked enough to last me through the weekend. Most of the helps don't stay for the weekend except the security guys. Weekends were my favourite days of the week when mum was still alive. We'd spend all of it together but now it's the worst. The loneliness on the weekends nowadays is just too much. Thankfully, the girls were spending this one with me.
Now back to the matter at hand. Since I left K's last night, dude was yet to call or even text like he said he would. I mean I didn't even get to sleep last night when I was waiting for him to reach out. I mean we almost kissed for crying out loud; that's not something you can just pretend never happened right? Especially when it involves me.

"Uh..earth to you Temioluwa", Joy said as I got back from my thoughts. "What's wrong...Why did you ask that?"

"Oh its nothing, just boy drama and the name is Mia, Joy", I replied and she smiled. She knew I didn't like being called that. "So umm...Joy I'd some groceries for someone. You know what, let me just text you the address so you can give it to the driver to take it there", I said and Joy raised her eyebrow.

"Ok?", she started. "Who are you getting it for?", she asked curiously and I sighed. This was exactly what I was trying to avoid, infact I would have done it myself but I don't know how to shop for groceries.

"Uh....can you just do what I asked without asking why?", I said a bit irritated more at myself than Joy. I've never felt this way about someone before in a long time and I hate that it's changing me, making me feel vulnerable.

"Okay ma'am", Joy smiled and just then Gina walked in with her duffel bag and I smiled as I went to give her a quick hug.

"Hmm...something smells yummy. Hi Joy", she greeted as she set her bag down and sat on of the kitchen high stools.
"So what's up?", Gina asked as she got out her phone.

"Same old same old..nothing much", I sighed and Joy coughed which made me raise an eyebrow. Apparently I wasn't the only one whose attention was drawn by Joy's suspicious cough.

"You okay Joy?", Gina asked concerned.

"Oh I'm good, child. By the way have you met Mia's new friend, the tall dark fine guy?" Joy asked out of the blue while stirring some mixture in a bowl. I knew that cough wasn't ordinary.

"Oh", G opened her mouth in surprise. "You've met him too? Wait did she bring him here?" She went on a question spree with Joy and then turned to me. "But you said there's nothing between you too the other day and now you're friends?"

"Well, I never said that to you, I just didn't comment on it when you were pestering me about who he was", I replied and then turned to Joy. "Nice one Joy. Just put my business out there for everyone ok?"

"Oh child, it's not like that. Besides I kinda like him, he's seems like a good guy", she added and I smiled.

"Really?" I asked and she nodded smiling.

"Oh my God!" G exclaimed. "You like him".

"What?" I asked shocked. "No I don't", I shrugged.

"Do too", she continued.

"Do not", I replied.

"Mmhmm", Joy sneered. "I bet he's the one you're getting those groceries for", she added and I grimaced, mad that I even asked her to do it. I could have just shopped online and bought everything available in the grocery section.

"What!" Gina shouted again. "You guys in that stage already? Damn girl, you move pretty fast and to think you kept it all away from me your best friend. That's mean girl", she said as she feigned hurt but I could tell she was trying so hard not to burst out in laughter.

"You guys", I sighed as I touched my forehead. "Okay so K is my friend, a good one at that, so what? I'm getting him groceries too, so fr**king what. It's not like I'm asking giving him a diamond ring, asking him to marry me. Besides I've been eating at his place recently and now he's kinda short on groceries so I'm just being courteous", I defended myself and G released a snort. I'm finna kill this girl one day.

"You? Courteous?"

I smacked her arm lightly.  " I happen to be a very courteous person".

"Yeah right. But for real though, are you into him?"

My jaw dropped and for some seconds, I was truly at a loss for what to say cause it was a question I'd ignoring for a while now. Maybe because it was a question I already the answer  to but didn't want to admit to myself. "Oh my God. Are you mad?", I said in a bid to avoid the question.

"Oh come on, Mia. I saw the way you smiled when Joy approved of him. That's your really happy smile".

"You don't know what you're talking about.  He's just a good friend".

She raised her eyebrows, a look of utter doubt cast over her expression.

I ran my tongue over my lips flickering my eyes up to the ceiling. "I mean he's cute-"

"I knew it", she giggled.

"But a lot of guys are cute. Besides I'm in a situationship ish".

"That fact has never stopped you in the past from pursuing a guy you want".

"I'm not pursuing him and I don't want him", I made a face. "That would be like a queen chasing after a peasant. This ain't no Cinderella story, its simply not done".

"So now you're a queen?", Joy chipped in smiling that her all knowing annoying smile.

"I'm just saying. Opposite sides attract usually only applies to science.

I studied my beautiful nails for a while, and then looked back up at G who was still watching me.

"Well", I lowered my voice. "We almost kissed yesterday.

"What!", she exclaimed again. "But you...you just said--"

"Forget what I said. I don't even know what I just said. I'm just worried that he hasn't called me at all since".

"Well, have you tried calling him?", she asked and I made a face.

"No...Shouldn't he be the one to call me? You know come to think of it, I was even the one to make a move last night", I continued then I gasped at a sudden realization. "What if he doesn't even like me?"

"Sweet Jesus! I can't take it anymore", Joy said as she walked out in a kinda frustrated manner. I guess she was done with the food but I don't really care now.

"Why would you say that?", G asked.

"You know he hasn't really made a move on me". I reduced my voice. "Like at all?"

She smiled and shrugged. "So?"

"So, why shouldn't he? Look at me!"

Gina laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Okay, so this is about your ego".

"Its kinda insulting", I slammed my hand on the kitchen slab. "I'm a very attractive human being and he's a guy".

"What if he did make a move on him, would you accept?" She raised an eyebrow. "Would you go for him?"

"Absolutely..", I spat out without even thinking and it wasn't until I saw Gina's coy smile that I realized myself. "Not..I mean absolutely not", I cleared my throat and Gina cleared hers too, still looking intently at me and I sighed out of frustration.

"Okay, fine. I might accept but the main thing is that it would nice to know I haven't lost my touch with the male gender".

"So because one guy may not be attracted to you you've lost your touch?" Gina cocked her head. "Ever heard of the term narcissist before?"

"Yes and its thrown around way too much" I said.

"Mhmm", she hummed. "Well, I still think you should call him up if its bothering you that much. Who knows if he's not called cause he's ill or had an accident or something worse".

"Prophetess of doom", I sneered as I got out my phone. "Maybe I'll just send him a text you know, just to let him know I got him groceries so he won't bother buying himself", I said and she smiled but turned it to a frown when I gave her a look.
I turned my eyes back to my phone as I tried to figure out the most causal, non thirsty message ever. I just hope it's worth it.....TBC

Happy New Year again to you guys.

doctorexcel:
Happy new year Moura

Same to you doc

hotswagg12:
same to you. Oya drop new year update.

Working on it boss...say tomorrow I go don finish with am.

Happy New Year peeps.

Merry Christmas guys

Nice inputs guys, thanks alot.

doctorexcel:
Thanks man. You just made my day better

Thanks bro

Contd

I stood up to get the door barely thinking straight. It was like my brain got foggy and I was watching myself walk to get the door.

"Who's it?", I asked a bit irritated. Can't blame me, after all it's of this person I didn't get to kiss Mia.

"Its me, Richard. Your new neighbour?", Richard answered and I sighed. I took a deep breathe and plastered a fake smile on my face before opening the door.

"Hey..um...good evening Sir", I greeted and he frowned.

"I've told you, you can just call me Richard. Well, I've got something here", he said as he got out a Ciroç vodka from the small takeaway bag he was holding.

"Thought we could get to know each other more over drinks", he said as he walked into my apartment, not even waiting for my permission.

"Um...uh....I don't know about that. I'm kinda in the middle of something now", I said after him.

"Oh, too bad. Lovely place you've got here", he said as he looked around.

"Thanks."

At that moment, Mia came out of the kitchen with a nylon bag which I guess contained her remaining ice cream.

"Oh, you've got company. I'm sorry didn't mean to interrupt", Richard said when he saw Mia. He looked at me with a knowing smile. "I'll take my leave now."

"Oh, don't bother. I was just leaving", said Mia as she picked her handbag.

"You're leaving?", I asked surprised and not in a good way.

"Yeah. I'll see you later", she replied, avoiding my eyes.

"Okay, well call me?", I said to which she just gave a nod and made for the door.

Richard whistled as I crashed on one of the couches. I know I shouldn't blame him but I couldn't just help but be mad at his very wrong timing. Like who told him I even wanted a friend in this building.

"Trouble in paradise I presume?", he more like stated than asked as he took a seat.

'Of course make yourself comfortable', I thought sarcastically.

"So woman troubles eh?", he asked and smiled when I didn't say anything. Can't he take a hint? I'm in no mood for any talks now.

"You know I'm quite sure the beauty that left here now wasn't the one I saw yesterday.

"Um..Sir...I mean Richard, I don't want to sound rude but I feel like being alone now. Got a lot going on now", I said in the most polite way I could.

"Exactly why you need someone to talk to and lucky for you, I'm here. Now go get some cups boy, let's drink and trash this problem", he replied unfazed at all by what I said.
I looked at him a bit surprised and then decided to just go for it. Who knows, this might just be exactly what I need.

"Okay", I shrugged and stood up to go get the cups.

"Here you go." I handed him a cup and sat down on the floor, waiting for him to fill my cup.

"So...", he drawled as he gave more attention to pouring the vodka in my cup. "What's the problem? You've got two beautiful ladies around you, something most guys your age would be very much happy about so why are you like this?"

"Its complicated. Like literally complicated", I replied.

"Okay, good thing we've got Ciroç then. Uncomplicate it for me", he smiled and took a sip. I bet he was enjoying himself.

"Okay", I gave in. "How do I explain this in the easiest way possible? Uhmm...the girl you saw yesterday was Nonye, my first love...or crush, I don't know. I'm a bit confused now on how things are with us. I don't know if I still love her like that or in that same manner anymore".

"Oh so you want to break up with her because you're not sure anymore, now the beauty queen I saw today is involved?", Mr. Richard asked, curiosity clearly spelt on his face.

"Yes....I mean no..No!" I stuttered and took a sip to calm myself. "No I don't want to break up cause technically, we never dated", I said and Mr Richard's brow's shut up in confusion.

"Okay see, I never told her about my feelings because she didn't see me that way, infact she actually asked my best friend out."

"Damn bro, that's some unrequited sh*t right there. Sorry man", he sympathised.

"Yeah", I smiled.

"Wait, did this best friend know you had feelings for Nonye?", he asked and I nodded in affirmation. "And he still agreed...what kind of friend is that?"

"Its not really his fault though. I guess I thought never stood a chance at all."

"Thought?..what do you mean?"

"Well, you see last night when you saw Nonye, she was crying, Dayo had just broken up with her and she might have kissed me later in the night", I said, feeling a bit nervous.

"I knew it"! Mr Richard stood and punched the air like someone who had just scored last minute equaliser. "I knew something was going to do down."

"Yeah, well it was just a kiss and nothing else", I said, pouring myself another drink.

"Mmhmm", he sat down again. "Go on".

"That's that about Nonye. Now the one you saw today is Mia. Met her or more like we got talking a few weeks ago and I think I like her. Like really really like her but I don't know if she feels the same way. Can't deal with another case of unrequited love man."

"Yeah, I get you son but let me tell you something. You already lost your chance with Nonye when you never let her know how you feel about her. An undefined relationship is always doomed to fail. Yes, you're still friends with her because that aspect of your relationship was defined and you might be making the same mistake with Mia.  A girl as pretty as that? Boy better make your feelings known to her now before the other one million guys waiting around would do it for you. Who knows, now that 'best friend' of yours isn't with Nonye again, he might just be interested in her too", he finished off and I turned him sharply baffled at how spot-on that assumption was. He looked at me too and I quickly averted my gaze before he figured it out.

"Wait", he said, dropping his drink. "He's already interested isn't he?"

"Yeah", I admitted and then went on to explain everything surrounding my relationship with Mia, including Dayo's interest, subtle ultimatum and Nonye's age long enmity with Mia.

"Hmmmm", Mr Richard sighed. "That's too much for one person son and you ain't even an actor."

"I know right". I took a sip and then another one.

"This Dayo kid, that's the boy that comes to see you right?"

"Yeah", I answered.

"Dayo Michaels? His dad is a politician, a senator I think and his mum's name is Kiki right?"

"Yes..uhmm now you're weirding me out. How did you know all that?" I asked alarmed that he knew that much about Dayo and his family.

"Oh it's nothing. I used to know his mum back in our school days that's all. He kind of resembles her", he smiled and I nodded slowly. Bullsh*t, everyone who's seen Dayo and his dad can tell the resemblance is uncanny.

"Wow...would you look at that", Mr Richard gave a short laugh as he pointed to the bottle. "A whole bottle of vodka down already. How time flies when you're having fun. Let's call it a night ,okay?" He said as he stood up and swayed a little but still maintained his balance.

"Yeah. Goodnight Mr Richard", I said as I walked him to the door. That was weird....TBC

Okay guys, so no suspense this time around. Happy weekend y'all.

dimssy:
The man you met earlier is at the door jare

Lol...for your mind o