Chapter 5

        A few minutes later, he finished what he had to do, took his leave of his mother and went to his room. He quickly read the messages Shola had left him, then threw himself on his bed to better enjoy the discussion. 

        He took a deep breath before deciding to call her instead of continuing with the messages. "Hello naughty witch, are you asleep yet ?" Shola laughed on the other end of the line in a rather tired voice. "No, I'm not. I'm facing a job that's tiring me out right now. I'm exhausted, but I'm keeping my spirits up for now." 

        "If you need a good coffee, let me know and I'll make you an expresso !" Said Fèmi, clearing his throat. He texted Shola a teacup emoji.

        "Fèmi, if you ever see me, you'd better run." Both laughed.

        "You know, Shola, there's a modern art exhibition opening in two days at a gallery in town. I was wondering if you'd like to go together ? I thought it would be a nice opportunity to spend some time together and appreciate art. Especially since you've never participated in these things, and I'm a nearly clueless beginner."

        There was a short silence on the other end of the line, then Shola replied enthusiastically, "That's a great idea, Fèmi ! I'd love to. Thanks for inviting me."

        "So, shall I pick you up ?" 

        "No, don't bother, Fèmi. Besides, I'll be leaving work. It would be better if I met you directly at the agreed place. Don't mind me, I'll know how to bring myself back." Shola sighed behind the phone line.

        "Okay, I'll send you the location as soon as I get there so you can meet me."

        "Don't forget the book you want to recommend, too, please." Shola sighed tiredly for a few seconds, then continued, "Well, I must leave you little rascal. I'm tired and I've got a hard day tomorrow too. Have a good night Fèmi. Kisses."

        "I won't forget. Have a beautiful night Shola. Kisses my favorite witch."

        The line disconnected, and Shola buried her head under her pillow. Then, within seconds, she had drifted off to sleep without much delay. She was so tired.

        Meanwhile, Fèmi was tired too, but not too much. It was just getting a bit late. He joined his mother in the dining room, had his dinner and then went to bed.

        Birdsong gently permeated the morning atmosphere. Far away in the landscape, the sounds of vehicles moving through the city echoed. It was 7am and Fèmi had just woken up. He went through his morning routine before picking up his phone, where messages awaited him. He quickly answered the messages, including those from Shola wishing him a wonderful day.

        The day passed quickly and the two young people called each other in the evening, continuing to chat for hours, exchanging laughs and confidences, eager to share together this new experience that was unfolding.

        The next day was show day. The sun was shining in the sky, and a light breeze was blowing, adding a touch of freshness to the air. Later that evening, Fèmi arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule in front of the building where the exhibition was to take place. He had taken care to dress on a stylish yet relaxed manner, wanting to make a good impression, but without overdoing it.

        He didn't have long to wait. A few minutes later, he spotted Shola walking towards him, beaming in a gorgeous dress and a dazzling smile. "Hi Fèmi," she said, greeting him with a warm hug.

        "Hi Shola, you look resplendent," he replied, slightly taken aback by her beauty. "Thank you Fèmi, you look very elegant too." Shola gave a magnificent smile as she reached out to grasp Fèmi's arm.

        After handing over the tickets Fèmi had bought earlier, the two entered the building. Works of art, varied and intriguing, spread out before them in the vast hall on the second floor, each telling a story, stirring emotions.

        This exhibition brought together young artists displaying their sketches and canvases in this small local gallery. Shola was amazed by this world, which she was visiting for the very first time. She was not used to going to exhibitions, nor to seeing works in all their colors. Although she was passionate about art, her greatest escapades were limited to social networks, where she could observe the work of others.

        As they moved through the great hall, Fèmi and Shola discussed the works passionately, sharing their interpretations, their feelings. Their connection seemed to grow stronger with each new piece they discovered together.

        As they reached a somewhat secluded side of the room, lit by the soft light of a sunset, Fèmi took a deep breath and said, "This evening is really special for me, Shola. Not just because of the art, but especially because of your presence and that connection we feel sharing our opinions on canvas."

        Shola smiles, her eyes sparkling with emotion. "For me too, Fèmi. This evening will remain engraved in my memory. It's our ultimate first time !" She pressed in an amused tone, letting out a capricious laugh.

        On the wall opposite them, Shola particularly noticed a painting that had caught her eye. It depicted a young girl with half her face sad and the other half happy. She enjoyed gazing at the painting while Fèmi went to fetch some snacks for them. 

        From across the room came a young man in his early twenties. He had a robust figure, well-groomed beard and a scarf tied on his head. A bit like an American bad boy. He wore a leather shirt and approached Shola with an elegant stride.

        "Magnificent portrait isn't it ?" Shola gasped inside herself, she was deep in thought, yet she had barely left the ambience of the room. She turned abruptly to the young man on her left. 

        "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I couldn't help noticing you admiring this painting. I'm a big fan myself." Shola smiled.

        "Ah, sorry, I haven't introduced myself, I'm Sègla, and like you, I've come to admire works of art and also take the opportunity to show off some of my collections," continued the stranger.

- Shola: Pleased to meet you, Sègla, I'm Shola. I confess that this painting left me a little perplexed and I was trying to get a better idea of it.

        Sègla began to tell her all about the curves and contours of the portrait in front of them. He had shed light on so many shadowy points that Shola was flabbergasted. "I thought I knew a lot about art, but I've just realized that I'm not even what you'd call a beginner yet," Shola replied to her interlocutor before letting out a light laugh.

        Sègla reassured her that he wasn't as gifted as she thought, and that he was still just a young apprentice making his way. Very quickly, he had fallen under the spell of the young lady. 

        Sègla was in fact an accomplished artist who had traveled the world, collecting exquisite works of art and stories of amorous conquests. As soon as his gaze fell on Shola, he was captivated by her beauty and bewitching aura. At the same time, he had chosen to play his cards, to advance all the pawns that would enable him to win the heart of this beauty before him. He wasn't one to put things off. Very quickly, he began to use his charm. Which didn't leave Shola indifferent, because Sègla, he knew how to do it. And yes, he knew how !

        He'd made many conquests throughout the different countries he'd visited so far, and no girl had been able to resist his charm. In a few words: « He'd never hit a pole ».

        Relationships between Sègla and his conquests were mostly limited to simple hobbies. The few girls who let themselves be carried away by his charm ended up with their hearts broken, since he didn't have his heart to offer. He was just passing through their lives, and it made him happy to know that no girl resisted him. He saw himself as a super-talented Casanova.

        After a few minutes of chatting, Shola learned to her surprise that the painting they were standing in front of was indeed one of Sègla's works. She didn't take too long to figure out how Sègla had managed to get so much information about the smallest details of the work. Sègla himself was just passing through the country, and was already planning how to quickly get Shola into his bed before he finished his stay. The exhibition had been organized by one of his father's acquaintances, who had insisted that he be among the artists exhibiting at the gallery. One thing was certain, Sègla had notoriety and a whole crowd of people who loved coming to look at his work.

        Fèmi returned with glasses in hand. These were the snacks he'd fetched for Shola and himself. Sègla put his hand on Shola's back and supported her by the shoulder, inviting her to take a guided tour of the gallery. He wanted to show her some of his other works that she was sure to like too. Unaware that she was accompanied that evening, he had shown a little too much of the gentleman in him. He treated her with the utmost delicacy and walked perfectly in step with the young girl standing next to her.

        Shola hadn't forgotten Fèmi ; she knew he'd be back. So she stopped before taking her third step. She smiled at Sègla: "Sorry, but I was expecting someone, by the way. No offense, but could we wait until he comes ? That way, you could show us both around if you don't mind." At the same time, she turned in the direction Fèmi had taken. Her eyes met Fèmi's, who for his part also noticed at that moment how close this stranger was holding Shola. An incredible shiver ran through his body in a flash.

        The affirmation on his face and in his eyes at that moment, even from a distance, spoke volumes.