Next Level Stuff
14
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“Hey, you two!” I adjust my phone’s camera as I switch to video call, the familiar faces of Linda and Ekene appearing on the screen. “Welcome to my crib!”
Linda’s eyes widen as she takes in the surroundings. “Wow! It looks amazing! My girl has upgraded!”
It’s the same reaction I got from Itohan when she visited yesterday.
Life has been great! It’s way better than I expected and giving me opportunities to dream bigger—like supporting the twins, my brothers, to come over for their bachelor’s, and if G-Ben wants, his master’s degree.
“Why are you dragging our throat. Give us a tour,” Ekene demands.
And that’s what I do. Panning the camera around, I go into details about the cozy living room, the modern kitchen with its gleaming appliances, and the view from the window that overlooks the bustling city below. I explain to them how some landlords had unrealistic prices and expectations. Of apartments that were far from what was advertised, and the countless hours spent scrolling through online listings. When I found this, the issues I had with the agency and slight touch ups I had them do before I moved in. “I’m really happy with how it turned out.”
Ekene nods in agreement. “It’s so cool. You’ve really made it your own.”
Excited, I chuckle at their proclamations. “Thanks, guys. It’s was a lot finding a place that fits my budget and that is close to work. Hmm. You know how crazy the housing market is here.”
Ekene lets out a sympathetic sigh. “Tell me about it. I’ve been hearing horror stories. Even here, it’s getting crazy.”
I switch to the front-facing camera, making a face. “I swear, it’s like every country has its own apartment hunting challenge. I’m so glad I found this gem.”
Linda smirks. “The way you two are going about this thing. Did you have to bribe anyone to secure this place?”
I laugh, shaking my head. Is someone feeling left out? “Almost, but not quite. This one no be Naija way o.”
We all chuckle.
Linda raises an eyebrow. “Na so. Anyways, it looks like all the effort was worth it.”
I nod. “Definitely. And you know what the best part is? It’s a place where I can finally host you guys when you come to visit.”
Ekene grins. “Oh, you bet I’ll be taking you up on that offer soon.”
We share a laugh, our conversation turning to plans for the future—gatherings, reunions, and all the moments we’ll share together. Ekene and I try convincing Linda to consider relocating, but she laughs us off. It’s not the first time and it’s not going to be the last.
Linda’s voice takes on a playful tone as she asks, “So, when are you planning to make the big move to the UK?”
Widening my eyes in surprise, I chuckle, because someone is trying to deviate from the spotlight. “You never waste time getting to the point, do you? ”
She grins mischievously. “Hey, I’m just curious. You’ve been talking about UK and you-know-who all this time, and now that you’ve got a job and everything...”
I shake my head, still smiling. “Trust me, I’ve thought about it. But you know I just started this job, and I need some time to settle in and get a feel for things.” It’s been almost six months, and it still feels like yesterday.
Ekene purses her lips before agreeing. “Yeah, it makes sense. You don’t want to rush into anything.”
“Exactly,” I respond, grateful for her understanding.
“But,” Linda begins, scrunching up her face, “Isn’t this apartment contrary to your plans? Because believe you me, I won’t trade this space for those UK cubed rooms.”
We laugh in unison.
“It’s not every room in UK that is cubed. Don’t worry, Special and I have an understanding,” I assure her. “The fact that I’m here doesn’t mean I’m not applying to companies in the UK. Although... I’m looking into getting my company to relocate me to—”
Ekene gasps. “That’s such a novel idea!”
“Yes… that’s smart,” Linda adds. “Because I won’t support you in quitting your job to go and live with a man.”
“You know I won’t do that.”
“You know better. Well sha, I hope it all works out.”
It will… “And you won’t believe this—I actually got approved for a UK visa.”
Their eyes widen collectively, and Linda squeals, “No way! This is fantastic news! Double celebration.”
“I know, right?” I nod, enjoying their enthusiasm.
It was the same reaction I got after getting the news. Over a year has passed since the initial disappointment of the refused visa application. Despite my determination and a second attempt at securing a visa, the outcome remained unchanged—a second refusal. The frustration, the longing. I finally tried it one last time without Special’s knowledge and it clicked .
“It’s been a journey, but it finally worked out. Now,” I shrug, “who knows what the future holds?”
“Which future?” Linda teases. “Everything is set! See me thinking things were still bleak. Aunty, when are you planning to move over?”
“Slow down o, it’s a visitor’s visa.”
“And so?”
“What are you implying?”
Linda stares down at me until I crack.
While the idea of moving to the UK to be with Special is tantalizing, timing and circumstances play a significant role in these decisions. “See, I don’t want to do anything illegal. I’m fine where I am. Like I said, I’m looking into various options.”
“Hmm, wonders…” Linda smiles, pressing her lips together.
“Fifi, Linda is just worried about you and Special. She’s not implying that you do anything untoward that will jeopardize your stay. You know how you’ve been all along about this issue.”
“How I’ve been?” I roll my eyes.
“Ah! Fifi. Special this, Special that.”
I remember my college days and end up chuckling, slapping a hand to my forehead. “Lord have mercy.”
Ekene chuckles. “You sef, you see?”
“Yeah…” I nod in agreement. Gosh, I must have been so annoying.
While I may not have seen Special in almost three years, my dreams of being in his arms, of exploring new cities together—they remain alive and well, not defined by distance. But really, have I been annoyingly Special-crazy?
“I’m glad it wasn’t me that pointed that out,” Linda pipes.
“Shey I should say sorry now?” I tease.
“ Abeg i,” Linda hisses with a smile. “So, for reals, what’s the plan?”
“For now?”
“Yes,” they both say .
“I’m content to focus on my job, my apartment, the opportunities that come with them, and…” I drawl, looking anywhere but the camera, “I plan to visit the UK, very soon.”
“You see!” Linda laughs.
Ekene smiles. “Stop it.”
“It’s just a surprise weekend trip. It’s too sudden to request time off from work. So… yeah, its a weekend something.”
“Oooh… I like that,” Linda croons, teasing me. “Lover girl. Mumu, you never get complete sense.”
Ekene smiles warmly. “Well, if that’s what you want to do… do it!”
“Yes oh, cheerleading geng!” Linda grins. “Cheers to new beginnings and crossing borders—literally!”
Awwn, these foolish girls, I chuckle. “Thank you. ?se, a dupe .”
We wrap up the call, and I look around my new apartment with a sense of contentment.
I’ve got a trip to plan!