A Gone Girl
Love; The Nigerian Way - Chapter 6
I found myself randomly thinking about Gabriel and what he had told me last week. I didn't want to probe more and ask more questions, but there were a lot of things he said that I didn't understand. Why would the Durus adopt a child only to abandon him? Why did they hide him? All these questions came to me unprompted, but I decided not to ask any more questions.
"Earth to Oluchi," I turned to Motunrayo, my best friend who was seated across from me. "What has been on your mind these days? I barely have your attention."
I turned to her, not knowing where to start. "Rayo, I... I don't know. See ehn, let me tell you something, but please don't be dramatic." I needed to preface it because knowing her I wasn't going to live this down.
"Start talking and it better be a good reason because this is not you,"
"So there's this guy I met—"
"Ouuu,"
I levelled a glare at her. "No drama, Rayo."
She made the zipping motion across her lips and I continued. "You know how I was telling you all about the arranged marriage my parents wanted to have for me?" She nodded.
"There was something I didn't mention. Ahamefuna has a brother and I didn't know this prior to last month. My parents still don't know, and the only reason I found out was because I went to their house before I came back to Abuja." I narrated the entire story of how I found out and the Instagram communication.
"When I asked him, he shut me out, and didn't respond. Last week, out of nowhere he texted, asking to meet up. I agreed and he explained everything to me. I'll not go into it, but just know that it's a messy situation. What I don't understand now though is why they're hiding him. At the end of the day, he's their child and if my dad, Uncle Mazi's supposed closest friend, doesn't know, then it's a pretty serious thing, don't you think?"
She was silent for a while and had her thinking face on. "What if it isn't?"
"What?"
"What if there's no huge secret about why they're hiding him. It's possible that they're ashamed of him, or they never loved him, or maybe they just want to avoid questions from people. From what you've told me, I believe that if he knew the reason he would have told you, but since he didn't, maybe there's no solid reason. And even if there is, I'm just wondering why you're so bothered by it... "
I avoided her eyes. She clearly knew why because if there was anyone that knew me like the back of their hands, it was her.
"You know why... "
"Nope, I don't know. I'd like to hear it ftom your mouth, so that I'm not left guessing in my head."
I was silent for a while, I hadn't even admitted the truth to myself, much less her, but if there was anyone that was going to help me navigate this, I could trust her. "He's... interesting?"
She laughed. "Are you asking me abi you're telling me."
"I don't know, I'm curious about him, but I really don't want it to extend beyond that because I'm not sure it's mutual and even if it was, it's going to be a messy situation, and I'd just be adding to the mess in his family considering I was betrothed," I made sure to put the air quotes, "... to his brother. It's just not going to go well."
"Wow, you've really thought this through, but have you prayed about it?" I shook my head. "Why?"
"Because that only helps solidify it. If I take it to God, you know how He has a sense of humour and the possibility that He can give me the go-ahead is there. I don't want it, at least I don't think I do."
She sighed and held my hand that was on the table. "How many times have I told you that you need to let go if this control. It has disguised itself in different ways in your life and now, you might just ruin something good just because you've decided to make yourself judge, jury and executioner over a situation that hasn't even yet begun. Pray about it, before you make any more plans in your head."
I kept silent, she was right, but more than that there was something that I didn't tell her. I didn't know how to let myself be anymore. After trying and failing so many times, what did letting things be look like? I nodded at her and she squeezed my hand before letting go.
"Can I just say though that finally!!! My God I've been waiting for a man to enter your eye. How many years has it been since you liked somebody?"
"Please don't remind me, and I don't like him. I just said I was curious, that's all."
"Same thing o, Oluchi. In my book it sounds the same."
Ever since I met Rayo in 100 level, we were inseperable and she watched me when I fell in love with my one ex and when I distanced myself from the male gender. We had gotten born again almost at the same time and last year, she met Ezra, the man who made her light up like the happiest girl in thr room. I loved it for her, and I also wanted it for myself, but I didn't know what that was supposed to look like and yeah, I had an ideal version of my man in mind, no one was going to stop me from doing that. I didn't even know if Gabriel was born again!!!
"You're going there again—” Rayo was cut off by her ringtone and by the love and ring emojis I knew it was Ezra. "Excuse me, just five minutes." She told me and picked the call. "Hey babe... " I tuned her out because I didn't need to know what they were talking about.
I logged in to my Instagram as I waited for her and among the many messages I had sitting in my inbox, was one from Gabriel. I caught the smile before it showed on my face and clicked open the chat.
@j.gabriel_duru: Hey stranger, are you free this weekend, I want to take you up on your offer to tour this city.
It was Thursday today and I couldn't help my smile. I had planned to visit a new store in town to get some things for my place, but it wasn't something we couldn't do together.
@oluchi.njoku: Sure, why not? I have to go to a mall this weekend to get a few things, if you don't mind. We could go together and then I'd show you some other places.
The typing bubble came up almost immediately.
@j.gabriel_duru: I don't mind, where do you stay so I can come pick you up.
@oluchi.njoku: 🧐 that's suspicious behaviour, I can meet you where we're going or better yet, I can drive
@oluchi.njoku: Wait, do you have a car? And why are tou replying me, aren't you supposed to be working?
@j.gabriel_duru: Has anyone ever told you that you ask a lot of questions? Yes, I have a car; one of the perks of my job. I'm at work but it's my lunch break and how is jt suspicious? I'm the one inconveniencing you so of course I have to drive or make arrangements for transport. I'd prefer to drive so I get to know the place better. Are your questions answered?
Now, I couldn't hide the smile on my face.
@oluchi.njoku: Okay, there's no problem, I don't buy your answer, but whatever.
I texted my address to him.
@oluchi.njoku: See you on Saturday then
@j.gabriel_duru: What time works for you?
@oluchi.njoku: Anything from 10 is fine
@j.gabriel_duru: I'll be with you by 10:30 sharp. Do take care of yourself.
@oluchi.njoku: Bye
I looked up from my phone to see that Rayo was done with her call and was giving me the teasing stare. I felt like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Girl, you're so gone."
"Please shut up, I'm not."
But as I drove home, I couldn't help my smile at the fact that I was going to see Gabriel again soon. I definitely needed to take this matter to God.
I'm glad you feel better now❤️
Both Oluchi and I are looking forward to this weekend!