Last updated on March 11th, 2023 at 08:06 pm
It was Tuesday and I was going to see Vic today. The thought of it left me so excited.
“Dimeji, drop it!” I screamed as Dimeji grabbed my phone. He had broken the screen of the phone and I was hoping his dad got me another one soon as I was only managing this. He dropped the phone, even though we both knew it was only for a while. I quickly combed his hair and dropped him from the dressing table before his restless hands picked something else.
I had slight pain from bending and I wasn’t even up to five months yet. I was trying to be positive about this pregnancy, but it was getting harder. I had ironed about four trousers and started trying each of them on. After trying the third one, I gave up. I wanted to dress beautifully because I had not seen Vic in almost two years now, even though she’d been coming around to see her mum.
I wanted to really look good, but none of my pants were my size anymore. I eventually settled for a black stretchy skirt and an Ankara maternity blouse. I brushed my hair and applied some makeup. I was beginning to feel a bit blue because my clothes were getting tight. Get a grip madam, what were you thinking?
***
I waved to Vic as soon as I saw her. We had agreed to meet at a new eatery and I was really eager to taste their food. I heard it was the best in Osogbo. She looked as bubbly as ever. We met halfway and hugged. She looked so good.
“Vic, what are you eating?”
“I’ve added a little weight, right? It was deliberate jare.”
“Weight? Who is talking about that? I mean you look so delicious.”
“Ohhh. Thanks, babe. You know you don’t have to try at all. You look as beautiful as always.”
We hugged once more, then probably annoyed that he wasn’t getting any attention, Dimeji pulled her hair.
“Ouch, man. Don’t be impatient, I am coming for you.” She stretched her arms and Dimeji went to her.
“Hello, nice to meet you. I am your godmother—Vic, whom you are just meeting. I am happy to see you, little cutie.” Dimeji replied with a smile and made for her earring. She tilted her head to the side, escaping his little chubby hand.
“Babe, let’s get somewhere to sit.” She said. We both looked around and chose an empty space in a corner. As we moved, I saw someone that looked like Jude and got a bit scared. The man turned, and I saw that it wasn’t Jude. My mind was playing tricks on me. Since I had been caught trying to get a job, I had not tried to do anything that might embarrass me like that again.
I had even stylishly asked mummy if none of her friends had a shop around here. Mummy or Jude could not know that I came to see Vic—they both disliked her. I couldn’t even afford to offend Jude now that my prayers were finally answered. I was enjoying my marriage too much.
***
I checked the time discreetly; I did not want Vic feeling like I was tired. I didn’t feel tired, actually there was so much catching up to do that I would love to sleep over at Vic’s, but I had someone to report to, whereas, Vic had no one. I felt a twinge of jealousy, but I quickly waved it aside. Vic had ordered fish pepper soup and was battling with the fish’s head as she gisted me about her mother’s toaster.
I held my stomach in laughter as she kept filling me in. It was also amusing how she was battling the fish as if she was in her room and not in a public space. Vic had always been this way, so carefree. When I met her, I had thought she was going to have very bad results as she did not study for exams like normal students did. Also, she was very busy with other campus affairs. I could not hide my shock when her results came and out of thirteen courses, Vic had only one B, the others were an A.
Vic rarely stressed herself, she always sought comfort and that’s why in a city like Osogbo, that’s a bit conservative than Lagos, she was braless in a white crop top. As she gesticulated and talked, her breasts were jumping around. It made the whole scene funnier and more relaxing.
“Enough of me and mummy, tell me more about what’s been happening with you.” She said, after telling about the Yoni massage she had when she travelled three months ago. My mouth agape.
“Tell me you did not do this, Vic.” I whispered, as if Dimeji could understand us.
“Girlll, it was fun. I told mummy about it and mummy is saying she deserves to be pampered like that.”
“Mummy too wants?” Vic has so many sides to her. When she first showed me her toy back then in school, I went to my hostel and asked for forgiveness. I didn’t know how I didn’t run away from her after that time.
“Lape. Stop acting so surprised, it’s me nau.” She drank from her cup and gave Dimeji too, his whole face soiled with food. I eventually found my voice and talked. I talked about Sam and Sarah.
“Wow, they are still together.”
“Yes o.” I deliberately stirred the conversation away from my marriage, but as if she could read my mind, she asked, “how long are you gone?”
“Ummm, about four months.”
“Is Dimeji not like a year?”
“One year and one month.”
“Oh. I guess you want to do it on time and rest.”
“I didn’t exactly plan for it.” I had talked before I could catch my words. I dropped my gaze and hoped she did not hear me. I had no such luck.
“I understand, but why did you not tell Jude?”
“I did…I couldn’t.” Just good. Exactly what you should be telling her mumu
“How’s your marriage, Lape?”
I saw the question as the time to straighten Vic’s view of my marriage.
“It’s the best ever. As sweet as it was in the beginning. This pregnancy as even brought us closer.” Vic just kept looking at me with no expression on her face. I felt the need to say more, even though she said nothing. Look for a lie.
“He even got me this blouse. He gives me a monthly allowance, that’s why I haven’t thought of getting a job.” Good, now you are lying to your best friend. I went on. “Last week Friday was our two years anniversary, it was the best day of my life. He got me so much gifts and even did a surprise for me. On Sunday, we did our anniversary thanksgiving. He held my hand and said new vows to me in front of the whole church, I was so shy. On top of all that, he kissed me. The whole church started laughing.”
“Ehnehn. Mr Jude be blowing our minds ooo.” Vic replied with glee.
I kept quiet before I told more lies. Vic was not dumb, at all. “Wow! Lape, I’m glad you are so happy, honey. Life is too short to be unhappy.” Life is too short to be unhappy.
She called the waiter and requested for our bill. I brought out my purse, but she waved me off. “My treat, babe. I should help you home, if you look at the time under the table again, I might pee my pants.” So she had seen me checking the time. I was also checking for possible messages or calls from Jude.
