Silence And Rebellion
I can't believe how boring today is. I haven't spoken to Mysterio. I've been trying his number, but it hasn't been reachable, making me wonder if he even took it like I instructed. I did everything he asked, and luckily, I was able to occupy my day by interacting with customers.
"What's wrong with you today?" Emeka, our company driver, asked. I guess even he noticed my mood.
"Nothing, just feeling stressed," I replied tiredly. He took it as a sign not to push further. The rest of our day was spent in silence, only discussing work-related matters. When I got home, the usual excitement of talking to Mysterio was gone. I wouldn't be speaking to him again tonight.
Today was the same—no way of reaching him. I followed all his instructions and even wore my black underwear like he had asked. Funny how he has been the one deciding which underwear I wear. I never had this kind of connection with Josh. It's been so long since I even thought about him.
The entire day dragged on, just like yesterday. It's already Friday, and Mysterio said he would be back today. I wonder if we'll finally talk tonight. The thought alone is comforting.
I hurried home after work, hoping I'd be able to call him or at least be ready when he called. After freshening up and slipping into the singlet he mentioned—though I can't remember ever telling him about it—I sat down and dialed his number for what felt like the millionth time. Still unavailable. My WhatsApp messages remained undelivered. These past two days felt longer than I expected.
I fell asleep on the couch while rereading our old messages. They were the only company I had.
On Saturday, I went to work gloomy. With no instructions from him, I decided to wear red underwear—his favorite. Saturday work was simple: just reporting to the company and submitting statements. It wasn't much, and we often used it as a gossip session.
"The C.E.O hasn't been to the office for two days," Timi said. I think she has a special interest in him.
"I heard from the manager that he traveled to check on the new hotel they're building overseas," Chima added. She worked in the office, so she always had the latest news.
"Wow, if it's a hotel, I'll drop an application," Nnedi said. I silently agreed but was too moody to voice it.
"It's overseas, so the chances of getting employed are slim," Timi noted. We all knew that, but it didn't stop us from dreaming.
As they continued with their gossip—discussing which manager was the biggest womanizer and who the cutest men in the office were—I tuned them out.
"I heard some of the guys who came for the interview were really cute."
"I saw them. They weren't hard to look at."
Their conversation reminded me of Mysterio.
"Was there anyone among them with a husky voice?" I asked, instantly realizing how silly the description was.
"We don't know, but if someone had a voice like that, he'd definitely be one of the hottest," Timi said with a wink. I gave a sheepish smile.
I left work early, drained.
"Hello again," Emma greeted me. He had been pestering me for weeks. I kept forgetting to tell Mysterio about him because he was insignificant. Don't worry, I'll report him when Mysterio comes back.
"Come on, the sun is scorching. At least let me drive you home."
"Don't worry, I'll manage," I replied, barely containing my irritation.
"Can't we just be friends and slowly become something more?"
"We could have been friends if you weren't hoping for something more," I shot back. As soon as I spotted a tricycle, I flagged it down, eager to escape his annoying voice and presence.
At home, I went straight to bed. Mysterio was still offline. When I woke up, nothing had changed except the bitter taste of loneliness. I lost my appetite. Trying to distract myself, I decided to watch my favorite anime.
This is no longer funny. It's been nine more days, and he still isn't online. My sadness was slowly turning into anger. I wanted to smack him so hard that he'd never do this again.
"Come on, Rose, just give me a chance—just one date," Emma begged. Everything was getting on my nerves. Just like last Saturday, he was here again, pestering me. I wanted to punch him.
"Can't you just leave me alone?"
"I can't. But I promise to leave you alone if you give me one chance."
I waited impatiently for a tricycle, but none were in sight. People were starting to take notice of us, which only irritated me further.
"Time and venue," I blurted out.
His face lit up. "Kitty's. 8 PM. I can pick you up."
"Don't bother. I'll be there."
The smile on his face was disgustingly bright. Why did I accept? Was it boredom? No. If I were being honest, it was rebellion. I wanted to tell Mysterio that I went on a date and had fun. He left me without a word, so why should I sit around waiting?
After getting home and preparing for my date, I debated whether to text him about it or wait until he came back online. I had already sent a thousand messages. Was I being too clingy?
"He's not even my boyfriend. I hate this feeling," I muttered, heading out for my forced, rebellious date.
Emma looked thrilled when he saw me. I never admitted this to anyone, but my ideal date was staying indoors, watching anime, and falling asleep in each other's arms. Too childish for any guy to consider, I guess.
"You came," he said.
"Of course I did," I replied, already regretting my decision.
"What would you like to eat?"
"Rice would be fine."
He ordered fried rice and chicken for both of us. I gave him one-word answers, so eventually, he stopped trying to make conversation.
"So, how was your day?" he asked.
One thing about a date—it's only beautiful when there's mutual attraction. The conversation flows effortlessly, like you're on the same frequency, with beautiful music playing in the background. When you feel nothing for the other person, everything becomes a distraction—even the fat guy at the next table gnawing on his chicken bones.
I just wanted to escape. This was more of a punishment than I expected.
"It's getting late. I should go," I said, faking a yawn.
"Alright, let me drop you home."
"No, I'll manage."
"At least let me walk you out."
I agreed. As we stepped outside, I was surprised by how dark it had gotten.
"Escort me to my car. I need to get something," he said, pointing to a spot at the far end of the parking lot. It was darker there, but I followed without thinking.
"So, do I have a second chance?"
"You asked for one, and I gave it to you. Don't be greedy."
"I was hoping I'd use this one to convince you for another."
I checked my phone for the time.
"I really—"
Before I could finish, his lips crashed onto mine.