Confrontations (Part one)

They say love is patient,

But that applies to those that wait.

They say love is potent,

But what happens if you’re late?

©Oluwatoyosi

Precious POV

The hot coffee in my hand warmed me up a bit, as the wind blew harshly against the window. I just finished a test, and was now, sitting in a beautiful café, watching as people walked by minding their own business. In Nigeria, I always complained about the amount of attention someone gets when they do something extravagant. I had neighbors like that once, who never minded their own business, but always watched as though, they’ve been waiting to see what’s going to happen in your life. Funke and I would joke that they were monitoring spirits, so, the fact that no one looked my way twice, here, was a breath of fresh air.

I sighed and sipped my coffee, feeling a bit, nostalgic, on this windy day. My mind could not help but drift once again to the handsome stranger, that clogged it. It’s been two months and it was still the same feeling of longing, I get, whenever I think about him. The paparazzi had died down when they no longer saw us together, but even at that, new stories sprang up about his ‘supposed love affair, with Brittany Lockwood’.

I haven't heard from Ethan at all. No phone calls, no text, and to be honest, it hurt a bit, but then again, I was the one, who pushed for space. I sighed again, he must have gotten his life back together, because it seems like I was just a distraction. I even wanted to confirm the rumors, or even try to apologize for my words and actions that day, by going to his office and clearing things out, but it turned out that, I was the one who got clarity. In his office, was Brittany, blatantly trying to get his attention and like he wanted to stab me in the heart, he gave it to her.

I stood up and paid for my coffee, when I was done, and decided to go to the park since it was Saturday and I had nothing to do. I love this place. The ability to have a park, so, close and open to all was a great experience I didn’t have back home. The parks in Nigeria always came with a hefty sum of money to pay.

“Kai, whoever thought, I’d be here” I mumbled under my breath as I looked around.

Reaching the park, I decided to walk around and clear my head. I've had two exams in these two months and to say I'm good at business is an understatement. I enjoyed all my lectures and exams and now, I had just five more months to go (I don't know how long a master's program is in New York so I just made mine 7 months)

I took my sit on a bench not far from where the children were playing. It was a beautiful sight. I’ve always adored children just for the fact that they were so little and so, innocent. I smiled at some of them that glanced my way and couldn’t help but think, what would have happened if, I didn’t reject Ethan? I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts. The guys I’ve dated always left a painful mark and reminder in my heart. Some never took me seriously because of my stature, as they thought I was just a walk in the park, get it? haha. It’s just that, seeing Ethan and the little time we spent together, left a warmth, I had never felt before.

Did I make a mistake?

My phone buzzed in my bag, snapping me out of my reverie. I brought it out and my face etched into a frown as I saw the caller ID. I hesitated a bit before answering.

"Hello Precious" her excited voice, made me curious but I smiled nonetheless.

"Hello Ma’am, how are you doing? How's Mr. White?" I asked. Mrs. White was a warm woman, and it was kind of sad that we never got to talk since that night of the party.

"Oh dear, I’ve told you to call me Rose. Anyway, we are all doing well. It’s been so long since we saw and spoke to you. How are you doing?  She asked, with a hint of worry in her tone, making me smile. she was as energetic as always. The question was; was I even fine?

“I’m doing okay, ma’am. It’s so good to hear from you. How did you get my number? How’s Liya?” I didn’t remember, giving her my number.

"Liya is great and I stole your number from my son’s phone. I just wanted to invite you to dinner tomorrow night, if that's okay with you. I mean it's been a while and we’ve missed you" Her voice was filled with hope but I knew, I couldn’t go there, just yet. What if I see Ethan? I have no idea how to act in front of him.

"I'm sorry ma’am, I don't think I can make it," I said, hoping she’ll drop it.

"I won't take no, for an answer dear. So, I'll see you tomorrow at 7 pm, dear. I know some things might be different between you and my son, but that doesn’t disturb the rest of the family, right? He’s changed, you know? I can’t explain it, it’s like he keeps walking around with a dark cloud. Just attend the dinner, dear. If you continue to say no, be prepared to see, a driver at your doorstep tomorrow evening.” Her tone was firm and left no room for arguments. 

I was curious though, what does she mean by change?

"All right ma, I’ll be there" I replied and heard a sigh of relief. She thanked me and hung up.

Oh joy, I'm done for.

*********************************

I'm doomed.

Who knew tomorrow would come so fast?

What was I thinking to say yes?  I'm not ready to see him again. I mean, seriously? He was the one who said he liked me; he said, I shouldn’t push him away and that he would be back, right?  But it wasn't even up to a month and he’s already dating Brittany.

The time read 4:39 pm and I wasn’t dressed. I just kept on pacing around my room, with my nails between my teeth, something I did, whenever, I was nervous or thinking, and right now, my nerves are all over the place. My door opened and Funke walked in.

"Hey Prey, what's wrong? " I turned to her and told her about the phone call since she already knew what happened between Ethan and me.

"I am doomed Funke, doomed, I tell you. What am I supposed to do?" I said, while both my hands were on her shoulders, shaking her. I stopped, sighed, and sat on the bed, feeling defeated.

"Okay, your predicament is laughable but you are going to go with the flow. You will go there, eat the wonderful food, that I’m sure is waiting for you and if you meet him, keep your head high, and don’t be shy. You were invited, right?” I nodded at her words and she snapped her fingers in front of my eyes.

“I have just the dress for you," she said and walked to my wardrobe. I sighed. Funke always knew what to do, that’s why she’s my best friend and I couldn't have asked for anyone better.

She brought out a brown Ankara gown, that was sown into a shirt dress. I stood up, took the gown, and wore it since I have already had my bath. I style my hair into a low bun and applied a little brown powder and cherry lip-gloss. Going to my shoe rack, I picked up and put on my black heels.

“You sure say, no be one fancy restaurant you dey go? Omo, yar fine o” Funke said, in pidgin language, which simply meant, ‘Are you sure, it’s not a fancy restaurant, you’re going to? Girl, you look fine. I smiled at my appearance in the mirror, grabbed my purse and phone, and left the house.

I hailed a cab and gave the driver the address and soon, after thirty minutes, he pulled up at a big mansion, that could fit four of my apartments. I stared at the big house, took a deep breath, and gulped the stuck saliva in my throat. I walked to the gate and told the security my name, and just like that, I was standing in front of white double doors. With another, deep breath, I rang the doorbell.

Liya was the one who opened the door, and as she saw me, she squealed and grabbed me into a tight hug. Letting me go, she yelled that I was around and soon, the hugging began.

"C’mon dear, dinner will soon be served," Mrs. White said, with a smile as soon as they all hugged the soul out of me. I was pulled to the table by Liya and I didn’t mind, I felt so comfortable here.

Food! My only love. I looked at the table that held varieties of food sprawled, they looked so delectable. I could feel my tummy grumble in excitement but it turned ashes as I raised my head and my eyes connected with his beautiful blue eyes, staring at me. My tummy instantly fell as he stared at me while I froze.

A sound of a throat clearing brought me back to reality, as I turned my gaze to Brittany, who was cladded in a black knee-length gown that exposed her cleavage and long legs.

"Who invited you? If I recall correctly, this was a family dinner." Brittany said, with a hint of anger.

I rolled my eyes at her childish behavior and turned my eyes back to the man who clouded my thoughts. He was irrevocably handsome. His black hair shone as he dyed them, and his body was still as built as ever, the only problem was, he was looking at me like I was the one lost.