Keeping Foes As Friends

LUCILLE BRADLEY 

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror and I couldn't stop appreciating the skill of God because I didn't seem to understand why he was going to create an imperfect girl like me in a perfect way. 

Well, a lot of people might not accept that I am the best. I care less, I didn't need anyone to tell me that. I will always remind myself that I am wonderfully made. 

I observed the mascara I applied wasn't enough so I added a little more. My buddy, Rosemary's call came in at the same time. 

  "Hey! Darling!" I let out immediately after I picked up the call. I knew I sounded too excited and it was all because of the surprise I would be getting that evening. 

  "Don't tell me you are still dressing up, Lucille," Rosemary muttered over the phone, giggling. 

I made a funny face even though she was not there to see it and replied, "I just want to look my best, dearie. I don't want to be caught unprepared by Noah's proposal. You know the paparazzi will be there to take our pictures. I want them to have a better view of Noah's fiance since this is the first time he will be showing me to anyone," 

   "Okay. Let's meet at the venue then. I won't be coming to pick you up,"  

I rolled my eyes and heaved. Rosemary was aware I didn't have a car even though I had obtained my license 2 years ago. 

  "You know I don't have a car. How do you want me to get there in this dress of mine?" I inspected the long, sleeveless, and flowing dress in the mirror for the last time. I stepped out of the house, still talking to Rosemary. 

  "Why are you making a fuss out of this?  Technology is easier now, just take a taxi there and your problem is solved,"  She explained but that didn't stop me from grumbling. 

  "I will make sure I repay you, Rose," 

My phone beeped, indicating that the call had been completed. 

Tonight is Noah's mother's birthday and also my engagement ceremony. 

The engagement part was supposed to be a secret but my wide-mouthed friend couldn't keep a single secret. She told me all Noah scheduled. 

Noah and I have been dating for 2 years now and nobody except Rosemary and my sister, Jackie, knew about the relationship. It was weird at first but I finally figured out it was all because Noah was famous. I know the difficulty celebrities have whenever their relationship status is leaked out, especially when they are hot, handsome, and loved by all the women in the country. 

He told me he was scared of what might happen to me if everyone knew I was his girlfriend. Some of his fans were obsessed, they could decide to entrap me for snatching their dream guy and letting everyone know I was his girlfriend would make me popular, which I wasn't ready for.

For these reasons, I never complained to him about the secrecy of our relationship and I was also enjoying my peaceful life. 

But tonight would be the end of everything. Noah was going to propose to me in the presence of everyone on the occasion. The paparazzi would be there to take our pictures and all the citizens would see it in the magazines, televisions,  newspapers, and internet that I am Noah's bride-to-be. 

My face flushed at the thought of that. It felt so good to be the chosen one out of the thousands of women who were tripping and falling for him. 

  "Are you done daydreaming?" My only sister, Jackie, inquired. That made me realize I had been standing at the entrance of my doorway without moving, deep in my thoughts. 

Before I could answer her, my eyes fell on the old watch hung above the kitchen door. 

  "Fuck! I am running late. See you later, sister. I want to go and receive my ring from my handsome and rich husband-to-be," I dashed out before she could stop me. I knew she would scold me for cussing but I was never going to wait to listen to her chastises. Not today. Not tonight. 

  "You will be punished for using that damn language in the house, Lucille," She shouted. 

Her voice echoed as I ascended the taxi I was lucky to meet outside the gate. I shook my head at her troublesome nature. She would never let things go no matter what. 

The party was already filled when I got to the venue. It was the biggest hotel in the country and that was my first time stepping into it. There were A-list actors, artists,  models, and the top businessmen and women in the country. I couldn't believe I would meet any of them in my life but I wasn't just meeting them, we were at the same party. 

I called Rosemary and she came to pick me up.

We were sitting at the corner, chatting and laughing, oblivious that Noah was already on the stage, preparing to make the anticipated announcement. 

His voice jolted us out of our endless discussion.

My heart raced as my eyes met his. He smiled at me and I returned a bright beam to him. 

   "Thanks, everyone for honoring our invitation to my mother's 55th birthday party. You might not know but this means a lot to my family and me," He paused for a few seconds and proceeded with his speech after taking a deep breath, "There's a special announcement tonight," 

My heart sprinted at the statement. The time is here. I have waited patiently for two years. 

   "Before that, I am apologizing to the many that I would be breaking their hearts tonight. Just know you guys are my love and I do not take anybody for granted," He and everybody giggled, "Dear girlfriend, I waited patiently for today. I made several plans on how to make this important day of ours unforgettable," 

He took slow steps toward me as he professed his love. At the rate my heart was running, it could blow up. 

   "Meeting you is a miracle because you have always been a blessing in my life. I love how you look at me and the way you call my name. I don't want to do that with you in secret anymore. I want to be able to hold your hands and call you my own. I want to sleep beside you every night and wake up to your smile every morning. Your belly is perfect for my babies and I do not want to jeopardize that,"  

I was shocked beyond words. I was not expecting his confession to be as alluring and magical as it was. Tears streamed down my face absently. 

He knelt and opened the box in front of him. Two diamond rings were sitting prettily on it. I opened my mouth, unable to hide my astonishment. 

  "Will you do me the honor of being my beautiful bride, Rosemary? Will you let me love as Christ loves the church?" 

My agape mouth refused to close. Maybe it was my ears that were faulty. I chuckled and attempted to correct him but Rosemary cut me. 

  "Yes, babe. It's been five years of courtship. We have endured the temptation that comes with building a true relationship and now is the time to stay together. I will gladly be your bride, darling," Rosemary, my best friend, said. 

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