Shadow Of Love

Episode 37

We were in pink berries, enjoying the show that was going on. Claire was beside Leonard so I was left to sit beside William. The show was really interesting because it was a dance competition so I glued my eyes on stage, wishing I could overcome my shyness and join the group of girls on the stage who wanted to win the semi final of the competition which started last month.

Leonard: ……..Flord.

The name got me back to group as I turned to Leonard.

Me: You say?

Leonard: Was wondering what’s keeping Flord.

Me: He’s coming here?

Leonard: Yes. With his girlfriend.

I looked away so they won’t notice the change in my mood. I was pretty sure the girlfriend was Franca.

I picked my phone from the table and noticed I had missed calls. Two was from Flord and the other was from Cynthia. Flord had also dropped a message.

“just to tell you that we’ll be seeing tonight. I’ll keep on apologising.”
I hissed and went to my WhatsApp. The girls and I had formed a group so we’ll be able to drop any important message that was supposed to get to us.

Cynthia had dropped a message, saying that she just lost her dad. I told Claire immediately so we excused ourselves and went out to call her.

She was already at home. They lived in Enugu too. We promised to come and see her the next day after school.

We joined the boys but just before we sat down, Flord and Franca came in. There was exchange of greetings between everybody except me. They got a seat and sat down. Thankfully, none of them sat beside me. The guys ready had half crates of Heineken. They called it the rich men’s beer while Claire and I settled for Hollandia yoghurt. We also had devoured a plate of “chicken pepper” each, so upon the two intruder’s arrival, another half crate was ordered. To my surprise, Franca ordered for life. William also excused himself and came back later with a waiter who had two trays of garnished meats and fish.

We were laughing amongst ourselves and enjoying the loud music when suddenly, Franca brought out a pack of Dorchester from her cheap handbag and dropped it on the table. My attention went to her immediately and just then, she brought out one, lighted it and took a long drag, then she turned to Leonard and William;

Franca: Hope you don’t mind?

The guys shook their heads with a smiles in their faces.

William: My guy, don’t you think an introduction is needed here?

He was referring to Flord whose smile disappeared immediately he heard that.

Claire: Was just thinking the same thing.

Flord: Uhm….

Franca: I’m…..

Claire: Let him do it. We girls should respect our man while in public. Flord, we know she’s your babe but you would have just done it, for courtesy sake.

Leonard: My babe’s right y’know.

Did I hear well? Chai! Girls eh, we could build or destroy a man at the snap of our fingers.

There was an annoying silence between us as everyone either went back to their phones, drinks or the assorted animals on the table, or smoking.

Me: You can’t keep quiet in a bar, so I’ll do the introductions if it’ll help add glamour to these gathering.

I cleared my throat as five pairs of eyes turned to me.

Me: Franca, meet William and Leonard, my neighbours, then Claire, my roommate. Guys, that’s Franca, my former roommate.

The guys were surprised but they still covered it up and did the “nice meeting you” stuff.

My phone rang and it was Lois so I excused myself and went outside, away from the loud music.

Me: Hi.

Lois: I just finished speaking with Cynthia now. She said you and Claire would be seeing her tomorrow.

Me: Yes. We got the message late.

Lois: I’m just getting it now. Just wanted to tell you to inform me before going so we could go together. Vanessa is already there. She went with her.

Me: Alright. It’s no problem at all. We’ll see you tomorrow.

Lois: Alright. Good night.

I hung up and turned to see Franca, puffing smoke into the air and looking at me with angry eyes.

I made to walk past her but she pushed me back and I struggled to get a stand and thankfully, I did.

Franca: What was that rubbish you did back there?

I looked around but there was nobody around.

Franca: Speak up bit’ch. What was that stunt you played back there?

I straightened my chiffon top which had somehow gotten rumpled with my palms and then raised my head to look at her.

Me: I didn’t know I now do stunts. Which of them are you talking about please?

She dropped the cigarette and marched it.

Franca: I see you’ve sworn to destroy my happiness in this town. Chikaima you’ll hear from me. It’s a promise.

Me; Of course I’ll hear from you. I know that cause your boyfriend will still come and ask me to take you in again. Wait, did I just call him your boyfriend? Forgive me, I…..

Claire: Pamel?

We both watched her approach us in silence,

Claire: What is this? Franca what is this?

Franca: I don’t think it’s any of your business.

Claire: Well, it’s my business because both of you are my friends. I understand that two of us don’t have good relationship records back then in school but we shouldn’t….

Franca: Just hold your peace. Your roommate happily embarrassed me in there, just…..

Me: Did I embarrass you? I just did an introduction. You’ll always find fault in every little thing I do, because you think I say every word to reveal the kind of human being you are. So disgusting.

Franca: Fine. I’m wayward, I’m a flirt, I’m a slu’t, say them. Yes I know. But what about you that don’t know what you want? You…

Claire: Shut up both of you.
Claire’s screaming brought us back to factory reset and we, sorry, Franca kept quiet.

Claire: Who’s this guy? Where’s he? Is he really worth this fight? Ah! Babes, what is this thing you girls are doing? Fighting over a guy? I’ll tell you what, why not ask this guy to come out open and choose between the two of you? He won’t do it. I…

Me: What are you saying? This guy is my boyfriend. He asked me out but he didn’t even speak a word to her. She’s the one who’s wrong here. She was supposed to be my sister, watch out for me and advice me but no, she didn’t do it. I understand that the heart can be a fool a times by falling for who it’s not supposed to but then, she could have confided in me. She would have told me and we must definitely find a solution, not the way she went about with it. Claire, you don’t know how I wish for Franca to just accept that she’s wrong and apologise, then things will be back the way they were. But no, instead, she plans attacks, makes him sleep with her and then rub it in my face.

I was crying now as I let myself out. I opened up and said everything the way they were in my heart. And after I was done, I wiped my tears and walked out. I didn’t go in, I walked out of pink berries, got into a cab and went home.