Shadow Of Love

Episode 5

We both giggled and hung up. I turned to Franca. Was it tears I saw at the edges of her eyes?
She caught me staring at her.

Franca: I’ll be inside my room
I’m not one to hide my true feelings about something, the same way I’m not one to argue unnecessarily with someone. If you want me in, bring me in but if you want me out, just tell me straight up. I know it’ll hurt but I love being with the truth. That was (is) Pamela for you.

I had tried to question Franca about her sudden mood but she ignored me, she had walked out and boom, she b@nged the door to her room and I knew I wasn’t wanted in any way. I didn’t know why she was suddenly behaving this way. Ever since I’ve known her which is all my life, she’d never acted this way. I couldn’t finish the rest of my meal. I sat down, going through different thoughts as to why my best friend was acting this way. Wasn’t she comfortable with the house? I will tell Tobe and we’ll find somewhere else. No. I don’t think it’s the house. Was it the call I placed to Tobe? Then it struck me, she must be having issues with Charles and seeing me so excited about Tobe must have triggered something.
I smiled. That was it. It’s not the first time they would be having problems actually and just like old times, they’ll pull it off soon. But since this one is affecting her seriously because of Tobe and I, I’ll give her some space and I believe that they will make up by the time I’m back on Sunday evening.

I didn’t see or hear from her till the next morning. I had made cornflakes for the both of us. I knocked on her door but got no response.

Me: Franca it’s me, open up. Breakfast is here.

Franca: I’m not hungry.

Her voice was calm and sounded not so Franca-like.

Me: I’m sure you’ve shat that spag out. Open up, I made cornflakes.

Franca: Pamela just go. Go enjoy your weekend. It’s still morning so don’t let me ruin it for you.

Me: I don’t know what you’re saying. I’m not leaving until you open up.

Franca: Why?

Me: Cause you’re my best friend. You’re like my sister.

Franca: Alright. But I’m not coming out. I….

Me: Look, whatever issues you have with Charles can be sorted out later. You don’t have to treat yourself this way. Come out now.

Franca: Don’t you have Tobe’s place to go to?

Me: He’s coming to pick me. We spoke this morning so since I’ve never being there, he decided to come and……

The door opened.

Franca: He’s coming?

I was startled. She finally opened the door? Oh! She must believe that Tobe will help sort out issues between she and her boyfriend. I smiled.

Me: Yes. He’s coming.

Her face lit up immediately. The first smile since yesterday.

Me: Tobe needs to hear this. His name now helps people snap out from their moods.

She took a bowl of cornflakes from me which was already drained due to the time it had spent in the thick mixture.

We ate away happily, cracking jokes and yabbing each other. She was my best friend after all and I loved her back to back.