The Night Before
___________
Special’s departure for UK is imminent, and we’re yet iron out the details of our last meet before he boards his flight from MMA2.
Since we acknowledged our relationship that night—a revelation that took time to sink in—I’ve been anxiously looking forward to this period, intentionally pushing aside thoughts of the worst that could happen.
That night, there was no dramatic declaration of “Will you be my girlfriend?” moment because, honestly, why complicate the obvious? We both know where we stand. I already experienced it before, so… not like I’m missing anything. We just went with the flow from there.
After our doughnut and movie date, he left for Port Harcourt. Since then, we’ve been inseparable, always on the phone, calling or texting. I can’t believe tomorrow marks his last day in Nigeria. Wasn’t it just yesterday when he was laying out his plans for studying abroad?
His family is big on his study abroad plans. Despite his protests, most of them accompanied him into town. It warms my heart knowing they pooled resources to support him. They’re proud, ready to throw a celebration at the airport, announcing their son’s educational journey. It’s something to be proud of! In my corner, I’ve been daydreaming about visiting him before he finishes his program. A girl can dream, right?
My baby’s flying out tomorrow!
Since he arrived in Lagos, he’s been hard to reach. I don’t want to sound needy, but I’d absolutely love to see him tonight, if possible. Spending the night together sounds appealing, but with his family around, it might attract too much attention. So, I type out a message: Wish I could sneak you out of that house.
A few seconds pass before his response pops up on my screen.
New Message from Special:
Smiling emoji Wish I could run away with you
Since my flight’s early, how about we meet tomorrow morning?
I smile, feeling a rush of excitement. Sounds good! Can’t wait to see you, I type, holding back the urge to say, I miss you! I want to see you right now! Lost in thoughts, I imagine countless scenarios in the future of our relationship—meeting at the airport, time and time again. Us running toward each other, grinning as we embrace. The cute chicken head human being, I hiss, rolling my eyes.
My phone buzzes again.
New Message from Special:
I miss my baby girl.
Come let’s runaway together.
My fingers hover over the keyboard, a smile playing on my lips. He’s so sweet. I’m not trying to compare Evans and Special, but in this brief time with Special, I notice things I never did with Evans. Like giving Special nicknames, a natural extension of our deep friendship.
Before I can respond, another message comes through.
New Message from Special:
Hey, I was thinking, do you want to hang out tonight?
Meet the family?
My heart skips a beat at the suggestion of spending time together before his departure, but there is this thing…
Me:
Mama Gee is having that get-together tonight.
There’s a brief pause before his response arrives.
New Message from Special:
I forgot. I’m sorry.
Tomorrow then.
Me:
Don’t worry, I’ll wake you up laughing with tears emoji
New Message from Special:
Laughing with tears and rolling emojiI trust you
My regards to the family.
Me:
Smiling face with heart-eyes emoji
New Message from Special:
Take care and see you soon!
With our plans set and the promise of our reunion on the horizon, I place my phone down and shift my attention back to crafting the decorations for tonight’s gathering. Daniel is setting up the chairs outside, while Aunt S?epe? and David have headed to the joint to retrieve the coolers filled with food. The house is presently peaceful, a temporary calm before the arrival of family and friends we haven’t had the pleasure of seeing in quite some time. They will soon gather to celebrate Daddy’s belated birthday, injecting life and joy into the surroundings.
I’m enjoying the calmness of this moment, but my mind is swamped with thoughts of meeting Special tomorrow and facing the reality of a real long-distance relationship. Am I destined for this thing? Why did I leave one to get into another? My phone buzzes, snapping me out of my reverie.
New Message from Special:
Alice and Obinna are bummed you won’t make it down here because you’re purging.
What?I burst into hysterical laughter at his ridiculous excuse, then compose myself to read the rest of the message pouring in.
New Message from Special:
But they will be at the airport tomorrow.
They want to meet you and spend some time together before I leave.
Is that okay with you?
A surge of warmth and trepidation washes over me at the thought of meeting Special’s family. Alice is his younger sister, and Obinna is the eldest brother.
Is it too soon?
This is a big step!
Will they like me?
If they want to meet me, does it mean Special wants to make us more than dating partners? I am not worried what they think about me, but it matters for Special. Why can’t it just be him and me tomorrow?
Me:
Of course, I’d love to meet them!
It would be great to spend time with your family.
New Message from Special:
Great!
They’re excited too.
It means a lot to me you’re willing to meet them.
Me:
Cool. I want to get to know them better.
New Message from Special:
They’re really looking forward to it.
Especially Alice.
I think you two would get along well.
She’s been wanting to meet you for a while.
My cheeks warm at his words. He has mentioned her before, I know she means the world to him. The idea of forming a bond with someone so important to him makes my heart swell.
Me:
Sweet!
I’m excited to meet her too heart emoji
New Message from Special:
Can’t wait to see you heart emoji
With plans set and the added excitement of meeting Special’s family, I’m so happy I’m floating through Mama Gee’s party, all while making mental notes of what to wear and how to behave tomorrow. The airport meeting now means more than just reuniting with Special—it’s a chance to meet the people who are dear to him. I mean, if I look closely, it’s almost like I’ll need his family as much as I’ll miss him once he’s miles away. Thankfully, we’ll still be in the same time zone.