Hookups Plan
___________
Settling into the routine of being at home comes easily to me. Most days, I’m indoors recuperating for when school resumes, other days, I stop by Mama Gee’s joint to help, in between those days, I also take late night walks.
As I stroll along the ever-bustling streets, crisp harmattan air brushes against my cheeks, invigorating my senses. Christmas festivities may have ended, but the lingering excitement of the holiday season still fills the atmosphere.
Distant sound of laughter and faint strains of music echo through the night, creating a comforting backdrop to my thoughts. The tempting aroma of freshly baked bread from a local bakery, savory scents coming from a suya spot, and banter between teenage young lovers mesmerizes me.
Oh, what I would give to be young again and not worry about what will happen after Uni. If I could rewind time, I would warn my thirteen-year-old self to savor her teenage years because in seven years, she would encounter countless adult choices.
For example, what is this recent tingling sensation I get in my private part whenever I’m on call with Evans? Why am I considering having sex after assertively stating to Linda and Ekene I will only do it when I become a Mrs. In this same brain, why is it that whenever I listen to Fireboy DML singing his What If I Say track, I’m thinking of Special? Should I reach out and ask about his travel plans?
I approach our house, enter, and climb the stairs to the room I share with Aunty S?epe? who usually stays late at Mama Gee’s pepper soup joint. I’m pushing open my bedroom door when I hear a shout.
It’s coming from G-Ben’s room.
I notice a soft glow of light coming from his room where the door is ajar. Although it’s the holiday season, G-Ben said he wouldn’t be home until the weekend. He is always hanging out with friends, busy doing whatever.
Curiosity piqued, I’m urged to investigate what’s happening. Are David and Daniel in G-Ben’s room doing something they shouldn’t? Drawing closer, the earthy musk of G-Ben’s cologne hangs in the hallway, evidence of his meticulous grooming rituals and his quest to exude poise and charm.
G-Ben is home.
Pushing open the door, I stand still, eavesdropping on his side of the conversation with keen interest. He’s kneeling by his bed, chuckling softly into the black screen of his phone.
“It’s not that hard. Most people do it. There’s nothing to it.”
Which lady he is trying to woo? Smiling, I fold my arms, watching him fondly, waiting for the call to end so I can tease him.
The line crackles before the person on the phone speaks. My heart quickens, as Special’s familiar voice carries. “I’ll try. But mehn… this stuff is getting out of hand.”
What are they talking about? What is happening? Does he even remember me now that he is fully settled in Port Harcourt, entangled in Ella’s arms.
“No be you?” G-Ben teases. “I trust your judgement.”
“Sure, sure. I gats bounce. We go talk.”
G-Ben turns his head toward the door, noticing my presence, including the questions painted across my face. “Special, man, it’s been too long. We miss you, oh,” he says wearing a mischievous smile. “Especially Fifi. She’s been asking about you a lot lately.”
What?! I gasp.
My stomach tightens, then flutters. I press my lips together. My heart pounds erratically.
G-Ben plays too much! Only if he knows how much of what he’s saying is true.
I hold my breath, yearning for Special’s response.
His voice crackles with warmth. “I miss you guys too…”
A surge of hope swells within me, waiting for more. For a declaration. But—silence.
Is that all? He misses us too? Hmm. Well, that’s something. He misses us. Misses me.
“The last time I visited Lag, she was in school now.”
So, he visited Lagos in my absence. Hmm. G-Ben has some explaining to do.
“And finding time to come around,” he releases a sharp hiss, “e get as e be.”
A heavy silence ensues before G-Ben clears his throat and finally speaks, “I understand. Life can be demanding—”
“It is,” Special’s tone grows serious, “I’ve got a lot going on here in Port Harcourt. I just started the other new job, and things are finally falling into place. I have plans to come to Lagos for my US Visa interview but I’m not sure…”
As he rattles on, relief washes over me, like a gentle breeze on a warm evening day. He has future plans to visit Lagos. Somewhere at the back of my mind, I recall there’s a budding romance with Evans, but I can’t resist the idea of Special travelling down to Lagos just for me.
Hands on my back, I step into the room and once there’s a window to speak, I do. “Hey, guys,” I chime in, using a light and playful voice. “Special, when are you coming to visit us in Lagos? We’ve been missing you o.”
G-Ben grins. Shaking his head like I blindly walked into a trap he’d set, he rises from the floor, then sits on the bed.
“Fifi baby!”
I feel tingly inside. Oh, how I’ve missed the way he hypes me.
“How are you?”
“I’m doing well. So, when are you coming? You’ve always said you would visit us in Lag and to visit Mama Gee’s joint.”
He hesitates. “I visited the other time and—”
“Ehn-ehn. I don’t know about that one o. Did you visit Mama Gee’s joint?”
“No, I—”
G-Ben laughs. “He came in for a German Visa interview and quickly left.”
“Did he get it?” I mouth.
G-Ben shakes his head.
Oh.
“Don’t listen to whatever he’s telling you.” Special says.
We chuckle and I ask again when I’ll be seeing him.
“For now, I don’t know.”
“No now.”
“I promise you; I’ll find a way to make it happen.”
G-Ben clears his throat. “See you changing your tone.”
Special laughs. “What now? You guys are always in my thoughts.”
A rush of warmth engulfs my heart, like the embrace of a long-lost friend.
G-Ben grins, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he shares a knowing look. “Alright, Special, the ball is in your court. Make good on your promise, because Fifi is eagerly anticipating your visit—”
I playfully smack G-Ben’s arm. “Eagerly ko.”
Special chuckles.
“Don’t keep her waiting o,” G-Ben shouts.
I laugh, appreciating G-Ben’s willingness to entertain my whims. He chuckles, concluding the call.
“So… He is going to visit us here in Lagos?” I hope my voice is playful with a hint of mischief and not so desperate as the voice in my head is taunting me that it is. “Do you know when?”
G-Ben’s expression shifts. He’s wearing a frown while cracking his knuckles. “You know Special’s schedule is always uncertain.” Then he flexes his wrist. “It’s hard to say when he’ll be able to make it. He’s working on multiple avenues to leave the country.”
“Avenues? Like?”
“Learning German. Soliciting funds. Booking interview schedules. Working multiple jobs. He’s doing a lot.”
Teasing, I prod G-Ben further. “Come on, you should hook me up with Special. We’ll make a great team!” I playfully nudge his arm.
He chuckles, though I sense a bit of unease in his response. “You know Special is still with Ella. Besides, things are complicated. You should focus on your life and—what am I saying?”
“Ahn-ahn. What’s with all the sermon? I only said hook me up with him so I can prepare to study abroad. Besides, why does it matter? People break up, and move on. Maybe he and Ella are just not meant to be.”
He looks at me suspiciously. “Are you still harboring those thoughts about him?”
I shrug, maintaining a nonchalant fa?ade.
G-Ben scoffs, a nervous energy underlying his laughter. “My God, Fifi. You’re relentless. This is fire you want to play with. I can laugh and crack jokes with you about this thing you have for Special but to be honest, I can’t stand by and watch you dive head-first into a mess. Coupled with the fact that you know how close Special and I are.”
I roll my eyes, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “Oh, spare me the protective brother act. I’m not a child, and I can handle my emotions.”
G-Ben’s laughter fades into a serious expression. “See, this isn’t about being protective. It’s about reality. Better let your head set well. Special’s not some romantic fantasy—he’s a person with a life and commitments.”
I shoot back, my tone defiant. “Oh, please. Who knows, maybe we’re destined to be together?” Rolling my eyes, and adding a bit of theatrics, I scoff folding my arms. “Maybe I want to be a part of that life. Ever think of that?”
G-Ben’s gaze sharpens. “Destined? Now that’s a bold claim. All these things you’re saying, you’re joking abi?”
I don’t know what my expression reveals but I hope it’s not showing the conflicting emotions swirling in me. There’s a part of me that yearns for Special. For the indescribable connection we share. Yet, another part of me acknowledges the complexities and hesitations that surround his life.
Our lives.
I think I’m loosing it.
This is madness—a thin line between desire and reality. All this matchmaking talk is both a source of amusement and a way to shield myself from the reality of my unrequited feelings for Special. I need to use my head to navigate it.
G-Ben shakes his head. “Ah Fifi, don’t be naive. There are lines you don’t cross. Special is my friend, and I won’t support you jeopardizing that friendship.”
I bite my lip, struggling with my conflicting emotions. “I’m not asking for your support. I’m just saying... destiny works in mysterious ways.”
“Destiny or not, Fifi, if you’re really thinking about something serious with Special, it is a bad idea. You’re setting yourself up for heartache.”
I look away, masking the vulnerability in my eyes. “I can handle it.” It’s not like I want to get into a relationship with the guy. I don’t understand why everyone is always in my business about him.
G-Ben sighs, a heavy silence hanging between us. “Just be careful. That’s all I can say. Sometimes what we want isn’t what’s best for us.”
“Did I say I want Special?” I hiss, prancing out of his room with steady legs when deep down I’m shaken to the core. Does he see me as the lovesick younger sister, constantly bothering him with her longings for his friend? Do they make jokes about me. I know G-Ben always has my back, but sometimes I wonder… what do they say about me?