Renewed Connections
___________
“Don’t worry, I will check up on her.” That’s all the warning I get before the knocks reverberate through my door.
In a scramble, I pull myself up on the bed, clad only in shorts and a vest. My heart races, and I press my hands firmly against the sheets, fully aware Special is on the other side. I’d been expecting his visit, but I’d come upstairs for a nap, not expecting his arrival so soon.
“Who is there?” I call out, my voice faltering, attempting to gather my thoughts and compose myself.
“Open this door, my friend,” his voice comes, slightly muffled through the wood.
Such a dramatic soul.
In an act of rebellion, I kick my legs, hesitating to get up and change into something more presentable. After all, if he’s going to be dramatic, why make it easy for him?
“It’s open,” I respond, my voice carrying a playful edge.
As the door swings open, my virtue feels momentarily compromised. I thought I locked the door!
Surprised, I fiercely debate whether to dash for my closet to grab a simple gown or face the music in my current state. I toss my bonnet, my braids falling on my shoulders. Change of clothes—too late! Special is entering, walking in like a ray of sunshine in human form. His presence fills the room, and I bounce my knees in both nervousness and delight.
Our eyes meet, and a smile blossoms across his face, radiating warmth and joy that’s infectious. Despite my initial embarrassment, I smile back, the worries and insecurities melting away in the light of his presence.
We exchange greetings, and soon he is sitting on my bed, recounting his near encounter with a one chance bus on his way here.
“How do you guys rough this Lagos life?”
I shrug. “We just do. It’s all luck and the grace of God.”
“Well, I’m eager to go back to PH.” He scrutinizes me closely, as if I’ve grown a third eye since he entered the room. “You’re looking way better than the last time I was here.” He winks at my outrageous gasp. “What? Was my presence stressing you or have I just missed you a lot?”
“Who knows? Both?” I tuck strands of braids behind my ear. “You know… I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately.”
He sucks air through his teeth, raising his head in a small laugh before looking at me. “Dangerous territory, huh?” Adjusting, he gives me his full attention. “Okay, what’s on your mind?”
“Well, you remember that thing we talked about a while ago?”
“By thing, you mean the whole “let’s catch up on life” thing? Yeah, I remember.”
“Right. Well,” I clear my throat. “I just wanted to let you know that there’s nothing to catch up on anymore. I’m single now.”
“Seriously?” Surprised, he tilts his head to the side. “You called it off?”
I playfully slap his forearm. “Oh, stop being dramatic. It’s just… life happened, you know? Anyway, I thought you should know.”
“Life happened? Hmm. That’s the most vague and intriguing thing I’ve heard all day. But thanks for the update, I guess.”
“Don’t mention it. I knew you’d be hanging on the edge of your seat for this news.” I hiss, smiling.
“You caught me. My seat’s practically worn out from all the edge-hanging.” He teases.
“You’re incorrigible, you know that?”
“Takes one to know one,” he smirks.
I don’t want to focus on myself right now. Him declaring undying affection wasn’t precisely what I had in mind when I made my announcement, but hey, life moves on. “Fair enough. So, what’s new in your world? Aside from eagerly waiting for my thrilling relationship update.”
“Hmm… speaking of news, I actually got a job offer in Port Harcourt.”
“Port Harcourt? That’s… unexpected….”
“Right?”
“I thought you were leaving the country in like… two… three months?”
“Yeah… It’s this renewable energy firm. They were looking for someone to… well, make sure the lights stay on, metaphorically and literally. I can work and save up more money before I leave, which is kind of… win-win situation if you look at it from my end of the table.”
“While some of us desperately need jobs, others are treating them as options.”
“Wow, you’re being a proper adult. Color me impressed.”
I pout. Then press my lips before smiling. “Congratulations, though.”
He raises his brows.
“Really.” Reaching for his hand, I say through my teeth. “I’m genuinely happy for you.”
He bursts into a chuckle, and I join him. That’s all I can do because deep down, I wish I had gotten that offer. For crying out loud, he’s pursuing his master’s.
“Thanks, Fifi.” He says when our laughter fades. “And you? How’s the world of… well, whatever you’re up to these days? Job hunting, work?” His hand rests on my thighs and I try to ignore the electric shivers.
“Oh, you know, the usual.” I say, shaking my head. “Trying to adult and all that. But hey, speaking of changes, how’s the plan for your master’s coming along?”
“Smooth as doughnut glaze, actually.”
“Anyway, since you’ll be leaving for Port Harcourt—”
“Yeah, about that, I thought it’d be nice to say goodbye properly. And maybe catch up on all the non-relationship stuff we’ve been missing out on?”
“That sounds like a plan. It’s been… interesting, to say the least.”
“Interesting is one way to put it.” He laughs quietly. “But hey, we’re still here, right? Making it through the chaos?”
“True. So, when’s this grand farewell happening?”
“How about this evening? We can grab some doughnuts at Krispy Kreme, swap some stories, and maybe even get a decent conversation in between. You still like doughnuts yeah?”
“Yeah. Yeah.” Is he trying to make up for past times?
“And maybe see a late-night movie?”
With a grin on my face, I tightly grasp the sheets. He is trying to make amends. “Deal. But don’t expect me to go easy on you during our decent conversation.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, Fifi. Looking forward to it.”
We share a moment, smiling, our gazes skimming over each other. All I need to do is lean in a bit more...
Closer…
Almost there…
Our eyes meet, and just as we’re about to...
We immediately turn at the sudden sound of the door opening.
G-Ben.
My heart skips a beat, surprised by G-Ben’s unexpected presence. His curious expression turns dark as it locks on mine. Why is he—my gaze follows his.
Oh shit. Shit. Shit. A wave of emotions hits me—guilt, defiance, confusion—blindsiding me.
“What… what is going on here?” Grooves form between G-Ben’s eyebrows as he directs his question to Special.
I toss Special’s hand that’s still on my thigh and walk towards G-Ben, hoping to explain the situation before his assumptions cloud his judgment.
“G-Ben, it’s not what you think. Special and I—”
He interrupts me before I can speak. “I know what I saw. My God, you never give up. I can’t believe you’re involved with him. You two were kissing and—”
“Kissing?” My gaze darts to Special who is on his feet too. “No G-Ben, nothing of such.”
“SP really?” G-Ben ignores my claim, accusing Special further. “For my papa and mama house.”
“Uh, I think you’re mistaken bro.” Special squares his shoulders. “We weren’t kissing.”
It wasn’t far from my mind.
“But that’s what would have happened if I hadn’t stepped in.” He takes a step closer, his brows furrowing, concern etched across his face. “Do you really want to be with him? Are you that desperate? I thought all these Special or nothing was a joke, but Fifi, really?”
His words linger, suffocating the air. My mind frantically races, searching for words to defend my choices and ease G-Ben’s concerns. “I get your worries, but please, listen. Nothing was happening. Special and I are adults. I don’t need to explain myself to you, but out of respect for you, I want you to know that nothing is happening. Nothing happened.”
“But I want something to happen.” Special’s words stop me cold.
Turning, I find him with both hands in his pocket looking brazen.
The lines on G-Ben’s face deepen. “Wetin you talk?”
“Man… I like Fifi.”
“Who doesn’t?”
“I’ve treated her like a sister, but now I promise you I won’t rush her into anything. Like she said, nothing has happened. I won’t start anything with her without letting you know. Cut me some slack, nau.”
G-Ben shakes his head, then scratches it. “Fifi? You’re in on this?”
No! I’m just learning about it now.I shake my head, stunned at Special’s confession. “I-I-I have no idea.”
“She didn’t.” Special comes over, taking my hand. “I want to take things slow. I didn’t say much when you mentioned being single because I didn’t want to pressure you. I came here to tell you I’ve thought about studying abroad, and that if you were ready, I know we can figure being in a relationship together.”
I can’t believe G-Ben is here to witness Special proposing a relationship with me.
“I’ve learned from the past and I want to build something beautiful with you. But only when you’re ready.”
I want to shout, I’m ready! You’re everything I want. My dream come true. But I press my lips and nod like a she-goat.
What am I ready for? This is not the plan.
Stick to the plan!
“See bro.” G-Ben’s voice has me removing my hand from Special’s, “You’re my friend, but Fifi is my priority.”
Awwn…His words hit deep.
“I no wan hear say one thing, one thing.” He takes a breath, his voice calming. “Take it slow, both of you. Abeg.”
“We are.” I swiftly respond. “We’re…” I glance at Special before continuing. “We’re going out tonight to talk about this more. I’ll update you if anything changes, but for now, trust me. Nothing is happening. Trust us to do the right thing.”
G-Ben softens, considering my words. His eyes move between Special and me, a flicker of acceptance mingling with the remnants of concern. “Just be careful, Fifi. If this happens, I’ll be involved. SP, you know me….”
What have I roped myself into?