Chapter 5

As I entered the room, Emily stood up and started begging. I couldn't let her continue, so I walked out on her with style. I entered my room, slammed the door, and connected my phone to a speaker. I played some music to calm myself down. My friend Popcaan called, and we chatted until I wasn't sleepy anymore. He told me that Kings said Emily was about to commit suicide in a restaurant because everyone blamed her for what happened to me. We rushed to the location, only to find Emily and Ange relaxed and eating pizza. Kings had pranked us again.

We decided to join them, and Kings invited Emily and Ange to dine with us. The table was peaceful until Kings asked me a foolish question about my experience in prison. Jeff laughed, and we all followed. I told them a little about how I got abused, and Emily started crying. My phone rang, and it was Vida. She asked where I was, and I told her I was at a restaurant with my friends. She asked if she could join us, and I said yes. We got off the call, and I turned to see Vida joining us.

Vida joined the table and introduced herself. She said she was joining us for dinner and already knew Jeff. He was her ex. The table was quiet until Kings suggested playing a game. Vida agreed, and Kings proposed "Truth or Dare." The rules were: no bailing out, and failure to answer or do the dare would cost GHc50, paid to the winner.

We started the game, and Vida went first. She dared Kings not to pick any calls. Then it was my turn. Kings asked me to choose between Vida and my ex. I chose Vida. Jeff's turn was next, and Emily dared him to reveal who he last had sex with. He said Ange, which surprised Emily.

Ange's turn was next, and she asked Jeff to answer truthfully. Then it was my turn again, and I dared Vida to sing a song by Nasty C. She agreed, and everyone started recording her performance. Kings asked Jeff another question, which he couldn't answer. Vida called him a liar, and Kings joked about taking his money.

Just then, Emily's ex walked into the restaurant with his friends.

The restaurant was buzzing with activity, the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air. But for Collins, the atmosphere was tense, his heart racing with every step Emily's ex-boyfriend took towards their table.

As he approached, Collins pretended everything was fine, but his mind was racing. What did this guy want? He drew a pattern on Collins' chest with a knife, his grip tightening around his neck. Collins tried to stay calm, but his eyes darted to Vida, hoping she would intervene.

And then, in a flash, she did. Vida pulled out a gun from her bag and warned Emily's ex-boyfriend to let Collins go. The restaurant fell silent, patrons screaming and ducking for cover as Vida fired a warning shot into the ceiling.

Emily's ex-boyfriend put Collins down, and his friends quickly ran away, abandoning him. Vida walked up to him, her gun still pointed, and he was visibly shivering, his eyes wide with fear. She gave him a serious warning, telling him to never bother Collins again, and he quickly left, his tail between his legs.

As the drama subsided, Collins asked Vida how long she had been carrying a gun. She replied with a smirk, "Ever since you couldn't control your erection and let it drive you into mythical shits." Collins was embarrassed, his face flushing, but Vida just smiled and asked him not to leave yet.

She pointed to her gun and suggested continuing the game, her eyes glinting with amusement. Collins fake-smiled and returned to the table, trying to play it cool, but his heart was still racing. Everyone was paranoid, looking around nervously, but Vida insisted on continuing the game, her enthusiasm unwavering.

It was her turn again, and she asked Collins, "Truth or dare?" He chose truth, trying to play it safe, but she asked, "For how long are you planning on keeping and hiding your feelings from me?" Collins was taken aback, his mind racing, unsure of how to respond.

As he hesitated, Vida's expression changed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Come on, Collins, tell me. How long have you been hiding your true feelings?" Collins knew he had to answer, but he was scared of what might happen if he revealed the truth.

"Vida, I...I don't know what you're talking about," Collins stuttered, trying to deflect the question. But Vida was not having it. She leaned in, her voice low and husky, "Don't play dumb, Collins. I know you have feelings for me. When are you going to admit it?"

Collins' heart skipped a beat as he looked into Vida's eyes. He saw a glimmer of hope there, a chance that maybe, just maybe, she felt the same way. But he was scared of rejection, of ruining their friendship.

"Vida, I...I need time to think," Collins said finally, trying to stall for time. Vida nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Okay, Collins. But know this - I'm not going anywhere. And soon, you'll have to face your feelings head-on."

As the game continued, Collins couldn't shake off the feeling that his life was about to change forever. He had a choice to make - reveal his true feelings to Vida and risk losing their friendship, or keep hiding and possibly lose his chance at true love.

Only time would tell what Collins would decide, but one thing was certain - Vida was not going to let him hide forever.

1. What was Collins' initial reaction when Emily's ex-boyfriend approached their table?

2. Why did Vida pull out a gun during the confrontation?

3. What did Vida ask Collins during the game of Truth or Dare?

4. How did Collins respond to Vida's question about his feelings?

5. What did Vida say to Collins after he hesitated to answer her question?

6. What is Collins' dilemma regarding his feelings for Vida?

7. What choice does Collins have to make regarding his feelings for Vida?

8. What does Vida mean by saying "I'm not going anywhere"?

9. How does Collins feel about revealing his true feelings to Vida?

10. What might happen if Collins chooses to reveal his true feelings to Vida?