Wish You Well
___________
Time flies by so quickly, especially when everything in life is going well! Now it’s time for Special’s graduation—actually, it’s G-Ben and Special’s graduation. The day is bright and filled with celebrations as the university campus buzzes with activities and excitement. Mama Gee and daddy made it to school this morning. Trust Mama Gee to bring two buses filled with family members, church members, and childhood friends.
I’m so proud of G-Ben for achieving this significant milestone, not just for himself, but for the whole family. Too bad, David and Daniel couldn’t make it because they’re writing exams. The way Mama Gee and daddy are going all out—coolers upon coolers of food, a canopy on the convocation grounds, and souvenir packs waiting for anyone who happens to stop by has me eagerly looking forward to my own graduation which is less than two years away.
“Wear the light blue,” I suggest to G-Ben, who’s torn between a light blue and a navy-blue shirt. How can he not have this planned out already? I would have picked my graduation outfit weeks in advance.
“Are you going alone?” I ask, subtly inquiring about Special without directly asking where he is.
G-Ben is buttoning his shirt, lost in thought as he gazes at his reflection in the mirror. He’s oblivious to the intent behind my question. “Special is supposed to be here,” he replies.
“Hmm.” My gaze drifts to the big gift box on his bed. Unfortunately, G-Ben’s new flame, a Babcock student, can’t make it, so she sent him a gift box. I wonder what’s in it.
G-Ben’s apartment, where we’ve been preparing, is bustling with activity. Our guests, who have traveled from near and far, are gathered in the common room. Some are waiting in buses parked outside the lodge, eager to get to the school grounds, while others are busy setting up canopies at the university.
Daddy is sitting calmly in one corner watching videos on his tablet, while Mama Gee, full of energy, is everywhere, appreciating and blessing everyone who dares to glance her way. I’m sure her younger self would never believe that she, a war displaced Liberian, would raise kids in a middle-class Nigerian home, who would eventually become university graduates.
“Won’t you people start heading to the hall?” Mama Gee asks, looking elegant in her damask lace gown. She doesn’t look like what she’s been through. For reals, if you remove the wrinkles on her forehead the makeup can’t hide, she’d look like the one graduating, not G-Ben.
I sigh, responding for G-Ben, who’s absentmindedly chuckling at something on his phone. “He’s waiting for Special.”
“Ah… Special.” The mere mention of his name seems to calm Mama Gee. G-Ben had shared how Special’s friendship had contributed to his academic success and focus, and Mama Gee is forever grateful. “Let him be fast now. So you don’t miss the program.”
We’re outside, waiting to get into the car that will take us to the auditorium. I’m playfully adjusting G-Ben’s graduation hat when G-Ben shouts at someone behind me. “Guy!”
Special voice booms with his familiar laughter. “Sorry I kept you waiting. Mama Gee!” He hails, and Mama Gee blushes like a teenager. It’s embarrassing. But since it’s Special, it’s understandable.
“I don ready oh.” Special quickly recounts his morning ordeal to G-Ben. I can’t remember a time when he spoke to me in pidgin. “Next thing I know, as I dey wash my face for bathroom, water stop to dey rush. I carry towel go backyard to on pumping machine, them say pump don spoil. I gats go well. Na well water I take baff.” He chuckles, turning to glance my way.
There’s a twinkle in his eyes, as if he’s just noticed me. “Fifi babyyy…” he drawls. Isn’t it fascinating how he switches his accent?
With his full attention on me, my heart pounds like the wild rhythm of a distant drum. How have I not missed this feeling in the past months?
“Hey.” Is all I can manage.
G-Ben doesn’t let me savor the attention Special is blasting my way. “Let’s go. I don dey wait you since.” He glances at me. “Please let mumsy dem know where to park. Oya.” He taps Special on the shoulder, and they both head towards his car.
Special grins and nods at me. “See you around, Fifi.” he winks.
“Break a leg!” I call after them, smiling like a proud mother hen.
Is Ella around? That’s a question I want to ask, not out of jealousy, but out of curiosity.
People on the street cheer and clap for them as they walk-jog to G-Ben’s car.
About thirty minutes later, I’m walking into the 5,000-seat capacity auditorium with Linda and Ekene, surrounded by a jubilant crowd of graduates and their loved ones. My heart swells with pride as I see G-Ben and Special, donned in their caps and gowns, surrounded by well-wishers. I’m beaming with pride for my brother and the man who unknowingly holds a piece of my heart.
The atmosphere is electric, filled with nervousness and jubilation. Gbenga struts, his academic regalia proof of his hard work. Special, standing beside him, exudes a quiet confidence. As their names are called for various awards and accolades, I watch them step onto the stage, greeted by thunderous applause.
My heart swells with admiration as I witness their achievements, knowing firsthand the countless hours they’ve devoted to their studies and the unwavering determination that has brought them to this moment. When G-Ben receives his awards, I catch his eye and offer an enthusiastic wave, screaming. “That’s my brother!” And his face lights up with gratitude and joy. My girls are laughing and waving too.
The announcer clears their throat. “This is the moment you’ve all been waiting for. For the overall best graduating student for the school of engineering, leaving this university with a brand-new car, sponsored by the First Bank of Nigeria… Join me in celebrating, Omehia Special!”
G-Ben’s smile widens, and Special’s gaze scans the crowd. When he holds my gaze, my heart flutters, but it abruptly stills as his eyes lower. He grins at someone, and it doesn’t take long for me to spot Ella. She is…one, two, three, four… Four rows in front of us.
Yeah, cute.
I hold my breath as Special walks across the stage, the epitome of grace and accomplishment. Applause echoes through the auditorium. There’s a tinge of bittersweetness in my chest knowing this milestone brings us closer to an uncertain future, where our paths may diverge. Would Special and G-Ben remain friends? Will he ever visit us in Lagos? Would I remain Fifi, his best friend’s younger sister?
I shake off these thoughts, focusing on the celebration at hand. The future will take care of itself. As the ceremony concludes, we gather outside the auditorium, a sea of graduates and their loved ones.
Well-wishers surround G-Ben and Special. I approach them, my heart filled with joy and nostalgia. Ella greets me warmly, and I exchange pleasantries with her, all the while wondering why Special persuaded her to come for two days when she didn’t want to be here.
Why am I feeling this way? My mouth is saying something else when my heart feels betrayed she has been at Special’s for two days.
They’re dating, Fifi! Get a grip!
I can’t let my emotions get the best of me. So, I excuse myself and walk over to where my favorite graduates are. I congratulate both G-Ben and Special on their remarkable achievements. G-Ben pulls me into a tight side embrace, and I can’t help but laugh self-consciously as our little celebration becomes the center of attention.
“Let’s go to the convocation grounds before Mama Gee changes it for you,” I warn playfully. There are emotions swirling inside me I’m not ready to assess.
As we walk towards the convocation ground, my phone vibrates with a call from Evans, who has just finished his class. The ongoing celebrations create so much noise that I can’t hear anything, so I send him a text message. He had sent me a text about fifteen minutes ago.
New Message From Evans:
Just finished class.
Did I miss the celebration?
Smiling, I send him a reply. You didn’t, it’s about to begin. Find us at the convocation grounds.
New Message From Evans:
I’m by the Senate Building. There are lots of canopies.
Looking around for a landmark, I send him further instructions. “It’s the canopy by the white and blue buses.”
Special notices me on my phone. “Who’s that?” he asks.
My heart races as a familiar momentum builds inside me, carrying me towards a future filled with endless possibilities and—STOP. “Oh.” I smile, shaking my head. “It’s my friend. He’s coming over.”
Special raises his brows. “Your boyfriend?”
“No,” I quickly reply.
He looks around, and I’m not sure what he’s searching for. “In the few months I’ve been busy with my project, you’ve quickly found a boyfriend.”
I have male friends. He knows some offers I’ve gotten, and we’ve all laughed about it. And by we, I mean, together with G-Ben. You’ve quickly found a boyfriend. It sounds accusatory in my head. Something in me wants to fight. “He’s not my—”
Grinning, he interrupts. “I’m just messing with you.”
Before I can figure out what he’s getting at, Evans arrives. I introduce Evans as a friend to Special. Special acknowledges him with a quick smile and a somewhat dismissive “sup” before melting into the crowd.
“Is that who you’re into?”
How many men named Special are there in the world?