EPISODE FOURTEEN
Theme: Keeping space
Arike’s POV
He gave me a shocked expression. He was taken aback by my expression.
"I..I...am..sorry. I..I.. didn't mean to raise my voice at you." I apologized to him.
"It's alright." He mumbled.
"Look Dayo...we can't do the things we used to do together as best friends anymore." I stuttered.
"But why?" He asked.
"You're getting married in few weeks time."
He sighed. "That shouldn't affect us."
"You should be with your wife to be and not me."
"I know Shalewa called you. Tell me what she said to you that made you change towards me?"
I shook my head in disagreement. "I am not sharing it with you."
"Keeping space between us isn't right...and you know that!"
"But everything Shalewa said was right. If I were in her shoes I wouldn't like to see my husband to be stick around his female bestie anymore. Plus I don't want to be on the headline news as a husband snatcher." I pointed out.
I sniffed as Dayo walked over to me.
"No one is going to tag you as anything aside the fact that you are my best friend. Most of my other friends and family knows that I am closer to you than anyone else." He said calmly.
"That's not enough." I said.
"You can't stop being friends with me because I am getting married. I need you more than ever now."
"I am not ending our friendship." I tried to make him understand.
"That's how I see this space you are trying to create leading to."
"See..don't get me wrong Dayo. I just don't want any problem. That's it." I managed to speak amidst the lump in my throat.
I also did a great job at hiding the tears that threatened to spill down anytime soon. To be honest, one of the last things I want to do is stay away from Adedayo. I am so used to having him around. Even while he was dating other women, I never cared about them. But Shalewa seems different maybe because she's getting married to him. She doesn't want me to be with Dayo. All she wants is for me to end my friendship with Dayo so she could have his undivided attention. And that's what I am trying to do for her. I don't really know what I should do! But I just want to put that space between us!
"I am sorry we can't have dinner together and you can't sleep over at my place too. Shalewa..needs you more than I do."
"Okay..okay..I understand." He whispered. "I should get going."
I could see the hurt written in his expression.
"Good night." I said.
He placed a kiss on my forehead before walking towards the door.
Trust me he's never done the kissing on the forehead with me before. I felt like taking back all my words and just let him stay but I can't forget the promise I made to Shalewa. I fought against the urge to run out and call Dayo back.
A tear slipped down my cheek when I heard the door close gently. I didn't expect to feel this pain in my heart and it was becoming almost unbearable.
I think I need to make my heart,body and soul understand that Adedayo Awosika belongs to someone else now and forever. He can't be with us anymore.
"Everything is different now. The sooner we accept the better it is for us." I said internally.
Slowly, I made my way into my bedroom.
FEW WEEKS LATER
I grumbled as I hopped out of bed when I heard the doorbell in my deep sleep. Wait! It's really late! I glanced at the alarm next to my bed, the red light beeped 2:35am! Who could be out there by this time?! Shit! And why is the doorbell So loud?! Plus I wasn't expecting anyone except Busayomi who promise to visit yesterday but ended up being too busy with work at the office with her boss. I hate her boss for giving her too much work!
The doorbell stopped ringing and a bang on the door came afterwards,making me afraid.
"Who the hell is out there?!" I shouted when I got to the living room. No response
Why on Earth did Ahmed let someone in by this time?! Perhaps is it a thief or worse thieves?!
Gba! Gba! Gba! I should call the police.
"Arike! Open up!" I heard Adedayo's voice.
I relaxed a bit. Why is he here? By this time? I haven't seen him since almost two weeks now. We didn't even exchange text messages online or even call. I assumed that Adedayo really accepted my decision to stay away.
To be honest, I expected him to at least call to check on me but nothing. Busayomi said it was the right thing to do and I have been telling my heart to reason the same way.
Dayo's wedding is just in two weeks time. So I supposed he has been busy preparing for the big day. And guess what?! Shalewa asked me to be part of her bridal train but I declined. Why? I belonged to the husband side. And she also offered me the position of best lady, saying that her best friend was now heavily pregnant but I refused the offer. I don't want! I am not even friends with her so why should I get involved with her! Shalewa was just trying to show me that Dayo was hers now. Dorrrhhhhh! Do I look like I Care? I wasn't from a rich background so I wasn't expecting anything more than friendship with Adedayo.
ied to remember where I had dropped the key but another bang on the door interrupted my train of thought.
"Arike! Please open up! It's me...Adedayo."
"Sorry...I know..it's you. I am looking for the keys!"
"Okay..."
"Found it!" I breathed out when I saw it on the stool next to the big couch.
Then I rushed to the door to open it only for the smell of alcohol to wash over me. Ewwwww!! So disgusting.
"Oh my God! Dayo....why are you so drunk?!"
He laughed, pushed me aside and went into my apartment.
I sighed in frustration and slammed the door.
"Dayo! Dayo! What's all this nonsense?!"
"Trust me...I didn't..drink much..."
"Seriously? Why the drink at all?!"
"Now..you..want to...scold me..can't you see I am drunk?!" He dropped on the couch.
"Didn't I make it clear that you can't sleep over again?!"
"I know..but -" He didn't reply but a sniff from him got my attention.
"Don't I..look...pitiful to you?" He said in a low tone.
I sighed and went to him. "Is everything okay?"
Dayo was never the type who takes alcohol but he only gets drunk whenever something's really bothering him.
"You promised to never get drunk again." I said.
He shook his head. "I can take anything...but not you...pushing me away." He placed his hand over his face. He was sober.
"I am not pushing you away,Dayo."
He snorted. "Yes... that's it. Arike...we didn't keep in touch for about two weeks..and you were fine with it because that's...how you want things to be between us now."
"Dayo -"
"It was...hard for me..but I...have to respect your.. decision."
Okay so one thing about the drunk Dayo, he tends to talk too much anytime he is such state.
am trying to protect your relationship with Shalewa. I know you love her and she loves you too. I don't want to be a problem to -" I paused.
I shouldn't be conversing with a drunk man. I face palmed myself.
"You should get some sleep." I said.
Suddenly Dayo pulled me in for a hug when I tried to stand up.
"Dayo -"
"Wait..let's...stay like...this..for a while."
I tried to free myself. "Dayo we shouldn't -"
"I miss you." He whispered. I wasn't expecting it. His words stopped me from pushing him away. I miss you too but I can't tell him.
"Please just this one time...I promise to leave before anyone wakes up."
"You should take a shower. Your body stinks of alcohol."
"Why can't they all be like you?" He mumbled into my ears.
"Huh? W..w..what are you talk about?" I asked.
No response came from him.
EPISODE FIFTEENTheme: ConfessionArike’s POVONE WEEK LATERSo I am going on a date with Bamidele. Hey! I know what you are thinking! Hanging out with an Ex-Gay! Come of it! Bamidele is normal now! Lol! And we've been going out for a while now. We aren't dating yet. No! Let me rephrase it. I am not in a relationship with Bamidele. We are still trying to figure if things can work out between us.My phone beeped as I apply make up to my face. I was kinda excited to see Bamidele. Honestly I enjoy Bamidele's company. And guess what? We have decided to attend Dayo's wedding together. Thank God I won't be alone at the party,just watching my best friend get married."Hello.""Are you ready?" Bamidele asked."Yes...I am ready.""Okay...I am waiting outside your home.""Oh really?!"
EPISODE SIXTEENTheme: Pregnancy TestArike's POVI settled in my bed after taking a hot shower. I grabbed my phone from the drawer next to my bed.(Hi. I have been trying to reach you but you didn't pick my calls. I was hoping that you could help me check out my suit. They delivered it today)Dayo's message popped up as soon as I switched on my data.(I was busy) I replied(Okay, Leo already helped me and it looked good on me)He texted back and before I could type, pictures of himself on suit together with his best man Leo came in.(Wow! The suit looks nice on you,Bes.)(Thanks. I am a bit nervous about the wedding.)(You need to calm down. Let your mind be at peace and prepare for the big day.)(Okay. So wha
EPISODE SEVENTEENTheme: His babyArike’s POV“No..no..no..my heart beat skipped two beats at a time. Suddenly I went into hyperventilating mode! And I couldn't control it."Hey..Arike...Arike.." she shook my shoulders. "Can you hear me?!"She sprinkled water on my face and held me tight so I wouldn't hit the ground."Pull yourself together! Relax...breathe in breathe out.." I did as she instructed until my breathing returned back to normal."Are you okay now?" She asked with a worried look."Come..you need to relax." She led me out of the bathroom."We..we..need to talk." I whispered."Yes..yes..I know..but we will do that after you get enough rest. You don't need to stress yourself because of the baby."The mention of _baby_ brought tears to my eyes as I lay back in bed.
EPISODE EIGHTEENTheme: Hard TimeArike’s POV(Flashback Continues)"Arike? You have to -""I promise. I won't engage in premarital sex.""Pinky promise?" She smiled."Pinky promise." She locked our fingers."I will buy you a big house and a car too when I have a lot of money.""The I can't wait for you to grow up..my baby." She kissed me on my cheeks.(FLASHBACK ENDS)She didn't stay alive for me to buy her a car or a house. My mom died a year after and she didn't get to fulfill some promises she made to me like telling me who my father was, attending my graduations and buying my law outfits.And what about me? I failed her! I only got to become a Lawyer but I didn't fulfill my promise of not engaging in Pre-Marital Sex. That promise has be the reason why I never had a boyfriend. I
EPISODE NINETEENTheme: Making LoveArike’s POV"What are you going to do?" A tear slipped from my eyes."I don't know what to do." He mumbled as he hugged me back.I couldn't bear to see him hurting. It felt like I was the one hurting badly anytime he was like this. And the reason wasn't far-fetched. I love him! But I never wanted to admit my feelings because I can't stand a chance.I have been hiding my feelings since high school. To be honest, it had hurt me to see him date several women. I know I would just remain as a best friend in his life and nothing more so I didn't try to get my hopes him."But..I wish I could just end everything." He pulled away from me. I could see tears at the corners of his eyes."Hey.." he placed both hands on your cheeks. "I know..I look pitiful but I don't want you to cry for me."I shook my head bu
EPISODE TWENTYTheme: The promiseArike’s POVA wish that can never come true. It's too late to call off the wedding. His father would definitely disown him if he does anything stupid. And that means his inheritance will be gone too. Though I feel bad for Dayo,the fact that he's getting married to someone he doesn't love but I can't let him lose everything because of me."The Awosika Empire is my sole responsibility now. And --"I interrupted him. "That's you can't call off the wedding." I completed his intended statement."I am sorry." He apologized.I shook my head. "it's alright. I mean..you don't have to apologize. I understand." I faked a smile.We can never be together because he has to save his family business. And I am definitely out of his family league of women. I am not from a rich background.I bit my lower lip as
EPISODE TWENTY ONETheme: My baby’s secretArike's POVI sat on my bed with a pillow popped up behind my back to make me comfortable. I have been in this position for about two hours,only getting out of bed whenever I needed to pee. I was too tired to even wash my dirty clothes in my laundry basket. I was too engrossed in browsing online about "pregnancy symptoms,how to stay healthy,how to be a good mother. I have read so much about being pregnant and motherhood." I already embraced the fact that I would be a mother soon.Busayomi had called like five times to check up on me. Her mind was on me and she promised to come with me.My phone beeped next to me. Maybe Busayomi was calling again. I thought. I checked the caller's ID only to see "Big Mommy" on the phone screen. Uncle Badejo's wife was calling.
EPISODE TWENTY TWOTheme: I don’t love youArike’s POV"Are you okay?" Busayomi asked when I entered the kitchen."Yes..I am fine.""Rice or swallow?" She asked."Rice...no.. I'd prefer swallow." I answered."Okay..I will prepare Eba.""That's cool. Thank you."I brief her about the agent response and all she did was heave out a huge sigh. She wasn't happy.I grabbed an apple from the refrigerator."Have you thought about the gender of your baby?" She asked."No, I haven't given it a thought.""A boy would definitely look like Adedayo." She said."I don't want a boy." I resorted Immediately.She laughed. "So no one would know the truth.""I want a baby girl." I whispered."Any gender is fine by me as lon