THIS THING CALLED LOVE

ADRIAN

   "Babe, please be fast or you would miss your bus"I said while calling out to Lissa my girlfriend. She was supposed to board the next available bus to Port harcourt for a business contract meeting.

"I'm coming, I just need to get all the files needed for the meeting. I do not want to forget anything" she answered from the bedroom. After 2minutes, she came out looking so beautiful and stunning.

Her heels made clicking sounds as it came in contact with the tiled floors of the house.I stared mesmerized at her profile.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting my love. I'm just making sure I don't forget anything important for the meeting" she said sweetly whilst fluttering her lashes at me.

"It's alright love. I just don't want you to miss your flight". I replied, taking strides towards her and grasping hold of her hand. We sauntered towards my car with our hands interlocked.Gearing up the engine, the car ignited and we at once hit the road. I drove her straight to the bus park.The park was busy and boisterous as usual as people moved about in a tide. I sat down with her as we waited for her designated bus to be announced.

Lissa gazed at me, "Baby are you sure I'll be able to get the contract?"

I gave a warm smile and pulled her into my embrace. "Ofcouse love. You are smart, beautiful and you are very competent. I trust you to get the job" I pecked her forehead as she stayed in my arms. 

"Thanks baby. I love you" Lissa whispered."I love you too sweetheart" I replied.

Moments later, Lissa's bus was announced and I watched her board into it.

Waving a goodbye at her , Lissa blew me a kiss before ambling into the twelve seater coach bus.Satusfied with the turn of events, I droveh ome, my face beaming with smiles 

Hours after breakfast, I flopped onto the broad velvet coloured sofa in my living room and switched on the television, tuning into the news channel.

One can never be ignorant about his or her environment. asif on cue, the newscaster made a shocking announcement.

"Unfortunately an accident was recorded in the early hours of a day as a transport bus driving from Lagos to Port harcourt crashed with a trailer, killing all the passagers on board"

 My heart ceased to function and my breathing clogged in my throat on hearing the news.

Tiny bullet sweat beads began taking abode in my forehead. 

"It could be any other bus. It can't be the one Lissa boarded" I repeated to myself.

"We've got word that it was a SLT transport bus which crashed" the newcaster added.

 My world came crumbling down and my heart repeatedly slammed against my rib cages, threatening to be ripped out of my chest.

My head spinned and tears clouded my eyes.That exactly was the same bus my girlfriend boarded to Port harcourt.The television remote dropped to the floor after I heard the sad and unfortunate news.I couldn't believe it. It can't possibly be true. My hands trembled as I picked up my phone in a bid to dial my girlfriend's number.

 The only thing I could hear right now was the loud thumping of my palpitating heart in my ears .I immediately dailed her number but it wasn't reachable.

   I kept on trying until I couldn't breathe normally again. I had already started gasping for air and I crumbled into tears, my knees buckling to the ground.

With a loud scream and an electric jolt, I woke up in a flash, panting so fast while also pespirating profusely.

Fuck it was a Nightmare! My chest heaved heavily as I tried to calm the wreckage my nerves had evolved into.

I just had another dream of my late girlfriend and fiancèe, Lissa.

I loved that woman so much and I still love her. She was everything I needed in a woman. I wanted her but death had to snatch her from my hands.

Even though it had been months since she died, I just couldn't get her off my mind.

Like a distraction, my phone rang , cutting into my thoughts. It was my 

friend Josh. I picked up the call.

"Beautiful morning to the almost newest

 wedded groom in town. I hope you are 

up and you have taken your bath , I will 

be with you shortly. Get ready bro and congratualtions!" He heartily said to me before hunging up without giving me a chance to speak. 

  I groaned out loud. I was supposed to be happy but why did I feel suffocated? 

Today was my wedding day,the day I am to finally tie the knot and become a family man. I was getting married to Edna, a woman whom my family arranged for me to marry following the depression I drove into as a result of Lissa's death.

   Edna was a nice girl but my heart was still tied to Lissa.I at once bolted up and dashed to the shower.In about 15 minutes, I shuffled my feets out of the bathroom and quickly slipped on my outfit.I was putting on my cufflinks when Josh walked into my room, looking dressed up in a black tuxedo and sunshades.

"Hey man. Wow you look amazing today Adrian" Josh complimented me.

"Thanks" I replied with a faint and cold smile. He noticed my cold mood.

"Hey bro, What's the problem? You look so cold man. Today is your wedding day.And literally the best and most happiest day of your life, you should be happy" He advised.

"I am happy Josh" I sighed, forcing a smile on my face.

"Well you don't look happy to me. Or wait, are you getting cold feet?" He asked giving me puckered brows.

"Well I don't know. All I know is I'm not just feeling myself at the moment" Ireplied with utmost sincerity.

"Hey I get you. I understand what's going through your mind. Getting married means no bachelor's lifestyle, no more clubbing, and becoming a family man is one hell of a task and burden. But you are going to be fine. Trust me everything will be ok soon. You will enjoy your marriage. So please cheer up" He said with a comfort and morale boosting tone.

  We both chuckled together, ambling out of my room and into our waiting car.

*AT THE CHURCH*

I was at the altar looking a little bit unsettled as I massaged my forehead. Checking my wristwatch, I wondered why Edna was taking a too long to arrive.Josh noticed my uneasiness  walked up to me.

  "Hey Adrian. What’s going on? You are notl ooking happy my man" Josh said in aconcerned tone.

"She is not here yet. What is going on?Has she meet with an accident? Or has she been kidnapped?" I replied in a confused and destressed manner.Lissa's accident had really scarred me.Fear gripped on to my features and my heart beat was erratic.

   "Hey, please just calm down. It’s possible she is stuck in traffic or something. She will be here soon, just put your mind at rest" Josh reassured me.The moment he finished speaking, the door opened, welcoming in Edna who was clothed in a white mermaid fitted style wedding gown.Edna was looking so beautiful and stunning. A smile carved on both our faces as our gazes locked with each others.

     "Your woman is here buddy, go get the girl bro" Josh winked at me. I immediately went on to the altar, whilst Edna elegantly sauntered in hand in hand with her father, who walked her down the aisle.

The priest started talking and giving his sermons.Edna took her vows first."I, Edna, take you, Adrian to be my husband in sickness and in health, In wealth and penury till death do us part. When you need a friend, I will be your best friend. When you need help, I will be there for you.When you needc are, I will support you. When you want to try something new, I will encourage you. And when you do the same for me, I will appreciate you. But if you don't… I will forgive you. Every day. For the rest of my life."

Everyone clapped their hands after she took her vow. It was my turn but immediately, my hands started shaking and my palms were sweaty. Everyone stared at me, expecting me to take my vows. The hall was as silent as a grave yard that even the drop of a pin could be heard.

 I stood there mute, as the memory of my dead girlfriend started rushing back to me. it's barely a years ince I lost her, and it's been so hard for me to move on just like that without her.But my parents insisted I get married immediately. They didn't want me mourning her for too long.The pressure was too much and I had to bow and succumb to their wishes. That was the main reason I was here today getting married.

My parents had terrified looks on their faces, afraid that I was going to abandon my vows. I tried fighting the memories of my dead girlfriend, a part of me felt like I was betraying Lissa. Our love was just too strong.After struggling within myself, I eventually snapped out of it and took my vows too.

I saw the happiness in Edna's eye which gave me a bit of relief.We exchanged rings, and the priest announced."I now pronounce you both husband and wife. You may kiss your bride" I inched closer to her and we shared a deep and passionate kiss.Immediately the congregation went wild.The resonating sounds of claps filled the air following our kiss.Even though what I felt for Lissa was stronger, I had to atleast try and make sure my marriage worked out with Edna.