14

Nnamdi

Like old times, our friendship blossomed again after that Sunday, it always have a way of resuming as if nothing ever happened. I called him more, not wanting to keep the conversation for myself and he listened keenly, laughing and asking questions only where he should. He had begged me to come to Charles wedding and I had agreed on text after thinking of the way he had pleaded with me. it was as if I was the only thing on earth that could make him less lonely.

On Wednesday, Grace came over to my workplace. I was so surprised to see her, thank God, my Boss wasn't around today, it was just I and Ibrahim,the other painter.

I had actually missed her so much, I tried calling her on a certain day ,but she wasn't picking. She looked good in the silk red gown. She drew close and hugged me, her perfume was much and choked me.

" Babe, Am sorry" she said I was shocked to hear that, " i was being so stupid when I said all that to you, can you forgive me?"

She didn't know I liked her so much to get angry with her "Yes, Babe. " I nodded smiling broadly

"I missed you" she kissed my lips. maybe her presence might help me a lot, it was her absence that caused a lot lot of things.

Friday flew with its wings. I had already packed from last night for the vacation. I knew Mother was was missing me but she shrugged it off with motion that i needed things like this to make me understand more about the world. She wasn't so cautious again about Daniel because she has seen how good he was to me, "as a brother", like she had said, but i wonder what her reactions would be like when she sees that our relationship is far from being brothers. She even helped me arrange some stuffs.

Daniel picked me up later and we had to drive long hours to Port Harcourt. He made sure he fed me with food and snacks. Trust me to swallow everything.

The city was so beautiful and the hotel he had reserved for us was also big, nicely decorated and designed. The swimming pool made it more attractive. We met the receptionist for the key and she smiled, handing only a key. I freaked out.

" is it only a key?" Daniel wanted to let this go but I didn't

"Yes sir. This is the last room from the ones being booked" I remembered Daniel telling me that most of the club members traveled yesterday.

This was the most awkward moment of my life, was I going to stay in the same room with him?, I don't even want to think of it, but staying with me was actually dangerous. "Let's book one more" I was asking Daniel, he was too calm. He shrugged

"Am sorry sir, all the rooms are occupied now."

" let's just drop our stuff. Later we can know what to do about this" he told me and I agreed. We took the key and headed for the room.

It was a nicely done room, the bed was high as a mountain and large that it could contain two of us and counting. We dropped our bags, and followed him downstairs. We went to the bar, the others were there, drinking with Charles.

I dropped on the seat beside them after shaking them and giving my congrats to Charles and his wife, she was there in person, so tall and dark-sinned with beautiful eyes. Daniel also did the same,

Everyone of the men, came with a partner, apart from Daniel and I. I didn't care about that because I was the youngest, I cared instead that, Daniel was Basil's age grade and he didn't do bring a partner. I hope the guys won't start suspecting something about him?, they shouldn't because am not interested in being on their lips.

It was late when we finished drinking, Charles met me before leaving with his wife,

"Thanks for coming" he appreciated me firstly

" you are welcome"

" sorry I didn't reserve a room for you. I didn't know you would be here. just stick with Dan for the moment"

I didn't have a choice but agree to him

That night, I took my shower. Nervously , I waited for Daniel to appear but he didn't till I slept off. When I woke up in the early the next morning, I saw him lying beside me, facing the other wall.