Once Upon A Time

Lanre was not expecting Ify to ask her such question. She stood stunned to the core that Ify did ask her such a question. It was more like an attack to her. She opened her mouth wanting to talk but no words could leave her mouth. Then she asked Ify to leave.

“Get out!” Lanre said. Ify got closer to Lanre instead. She told Lanre she was not going anywhere until they settle the pending issue between them.

“I do not have any issue with you. Na you know which issue you wan settle (You alone know the issue you are talking about)”. Lanre said to her. Ify told her to stop pretending. Then she asked her if it was because she was engaged to K that she’s acting up.

“And why would I care about that? Why would I care about your f**king engagement to K?” Lanre asked. Ify told her if she did not care then she would not treat her friend like a mere stranger.

Lanre scoffed. She wondered if Ify said those words herself or there was a puppet somewhere. She turned to face Ify. Her gaze were burning into Ify’s eyes. It was as though Lanre would reap out Ify’s soul.

“Why don’t you leave now that we are still in good terms? You know I can be evil if I want to be”. Lanre said to her. But Ify wouldn’t budge. She was not going to move an inch out of Lanre’s office. Instead she pulled Lanre’s shoulder.

“You said you won’t let a man come between our friendship no matter what”. Ify said. She thought if she reminded Lanre of her own words again, it will yet again help her get Lanre’s attention.

“I kept my word, didn’t I? I did keep it but you are f**king pushing me to the wall Ify. If you keep on, I may turn back and charge at you until one person is down. And it is definitely not going to be me”. Lanre said.

Ify asked Lanre how she intends bringing her down when she has support and money. She told Lanre she only has her work to help her get some change and that she couldn’t compare herself to her.

After saying this, Ify jolted as though she was not the one talking. Her mother’s advice had suddenly replay in her head. She puts her hand in a grasp.

“Lanre I’m so sorry! I did not mean to say that. I mean we are friends and should not fight over a man, please! I came here to tell you that the asoebi is out and you should be my maid of honour”. Ify said.

“Once upon a time, I poisoned Chibuzor because he slapped you even though I knew you deserved that slap because of your running mouth. But now, what should I do for you? Should I be your maid of honour when you clearly told me you won’t marry K. You said it was just a way to get away from Odenigbo who beats you up”. Lanre said.