{Friends to lovers…, Romance.., Reunion}
EPISODE 1: HOME COMING
*18 YEARS AGO*
Two children coming out of a tick bush both dressed in dirty clothes, “ Chi, our trap didn’t catch
any grasscutters, what would we do?” He said looking at her , feeling disappointed, but she
seems absent minded, while walking out of the bush. He ran towards her tapping her right
shoulder “Chi, didn’t you hear me?”. She turned facing him, it shows visibly on her face that
something was wrong aside the trap disappointment. She use her right hand to scratch her face
while staring at him. He looked at her and became more worried and curious. “What is it?” He
asked but she kept mute. “What is it?” He asked again.
“My mum…” she scoffed , “ my mum would be coming tomorrow to take me back to the City”
she spoked reluctantly . She said and he immediately froze in Shock, he opened his mouth to
speak but no words came forth, he kept staring at her with no words to say.
*18 YEARS LATER*
Chioma POV
“You are still staring at this picture” Her loud voice pulled me back to reality which made me
shock, for a minute I had to pull my self together from the shock I felt before staring at
her slim figure standing beside the empty sit close to me .
Kelly has been my close friend since my say in King’ College University and ever since then we have
been more like sisters. Schooling in London was so much fun thanks to Kelly . She has been in London
since 10 , practically she has lived all her life in London although she’s Nigeria. We both decided to visit
Nigeria after our convocation. Regardless of that, my mum has being calling my phone and also texting
me to return to Nigeria after my studies. I would have loved to begin my first job in London but my parents
won’t allow that. We booked a flight to Nigeria, it’s not like it’s my first time on a plane, but I feel more
happy , maybe is the fact I’m going to see my family again or …..
“You can realize there are people sleeping in this plane” I said in a friendly tone but she rolled her eyes
and sat on the seat beside me.
Her eyes never left the picture of Chima and I when we were little, which I was holding “ i left to the
restroom not quite long and I’m back seeing you staring at this same picture you have been so glue on
since our stay in the university” The way she spoke sounded like I was mentally deranged, if someone in
this plane is evedropping in our conversation ,It would seem like I’m missing a lost one – again curse to
her loud voice.
Will I say ‘missing someone’ I think it’s the perfect explanation. Though time passed so quickly, but
nothing seems to change. Day after day, I felt something new, something I can’t explain. At first I thought
it was a phase or something mutual but It continue to grow to something I feel strange, strangely
unresistable, I felt drawn to his looks , remembering all we had when we were kids, I know it was all
during our childhood, and that makes me feel weird, weird that I’m slowly falling for someone that I have
no chance in meeting, I always question myself if this is Love or something else.
I wasn’t ready for another round of lecture coming from Kelly , I slowly move my face, staring at the
cloud through the oval shaped window close to me . The wind washed my skin as its sign of telling me
good bye, I inhale the cool wind and that made me remember something, and a soft smile appeared on
my lips.
“Chi, don’t you think you are getting yourself lost in this” I moved my face away from the window,
staring at her, she looked more serious than ever and that made me roll my eyes at her , knowing where
this would lead to.
Kelly can be loud and playful sometimes, but she is always there to render advice. I find her advice
helpful , but times like this, she makes me feel like I’m falling in love with someone who’s died. I know it
weird for someone to develop feelings for a childhood friend, and to make it worst, someone I may not me
able to meet because we both lost contact including my parent and his, she makes me fill like I know
nothing about this, or I’m not trying to fight this strange feeling that has been growing in my for years—
truth be told,the more I try fighting this feelings, the more it grew. I have decided to stop fighting and
allow my heart realize that there are 90% chances of use not crossing paths.
I was about facing the window when she place her hand on mine, I gaze at her . “Chi, you realize we
are on our way to Nigeria” I nod my head, already drawn to her discussion “ We aren’t going to Nigeria to
continue our studies , at least not now, but we are going to start our new life, a new page ,a new chapter
of our life. We are going to Nigeria to become independent to our parents, to work” The more she
continue the more serious her face looks, although she is right ,and she doesn’t look like she would stop
talking any time soon, she continued “but you can’t do all this in this firm of mind. We are also going to
start our life, get married hand have kids. And do you think it’s possible for you to see Chima ?”
She is right, O God what is wrong with me?, why can’t I forget him ?, Kelly has always been right, I
see her as that perfect lady that has her life fixed, tall, elegant, light skin, slim beautiful lady. But on my
side, I’m acting like an insane lady who is developing feelings for someone who by now is already
married and has kids. Chioma is time to left go of him, he is your childhood friend, we had nothing
serious, it’s high time I focused on my life.
I placed my right hand on her hand placed on mine, before staring at her with the seriousness in me,
“I promise to fix my life straight” I said but it seems she wasn’t listening to me because her eyes were
fixed on the picture on my lap. “Speaking of fixing” she immediately took the picture for my lap, which
made me glare at her, but it doesn’t mean anything to her.
“We would start with this” I watched her put the picture inside her handbag, my lips were open in
defense but no words came through.
She sat upright , adjusting her dress before staring at the mini TV in front of use, acting as if nothing
happened. I scoffed at her expression , “for someone who had lived all her life in London, you act like an
annoying Nigeria lady” I said trying to read the expression on her face. She looked at me not surprised or
shocked but with an expression that says ‘ you’re just getting to know?’ which made me chuckle.
Our attention suddenly focus on the movie displaying on the mini TV screen, it’s actually a Nigeria
movie , I could spot Uche Montana in the movie. I have always admired her role in every movie. She act
focus and always delivers , also that was also why I had interest on this movie. The movie lasted for two
hours. Almost everyone is asleep except few people in the other side , most of them are either reading a
book, scrolling through there phones or eating. It seems like half of the people in this plane are also
Nigerian.
“I can’t wait to arrive home” . My attention immediately came back to Kelly, who seems a little bit
exhausted and trying to take a nap. “Yeah, me too”
For someone who grew all her life in London while her parents and two sisters are in Nigeria, I could
only imagine how she felt been able to see her parents only once in a year and that’s during Christmas. I
have always seen Kelly as a strong lady, if it were me, I don’t think I would survive all my life without my
parents. She has been excited before and during the ride, and I also can’t wait to see her parents, and
also my family.
After minutes of staring through the window, I was driven to sleep, I was woken up my the sun ray
trying to calm my face. It’s no doubt we are in Nigeria, I guess it’s it way of telling us welcome to Nigeria.
I stared at Kelly who’s head was on my shoulder, “ Wake up Kelly “ I said softly while tapping her face
gently. I heard my phone ring immediately, I brought it out from my purse while Kelly slowly raised her
head off my shoulder.
“Hello mummy” I sound excited, Kelly on the other hand was fully awake , staring at me while I talk.
“Have you arrive Nigeria?” I rolled my eyes , knowing that’s what she’s going to ask. “ Yes mummy,” I
happily said . I could hear her screaming with joy
“Chi, have you arrive the airport?” I hear my dad voice.
“No Dad, but we would soon arrive the airport, and Dad please send you driver to be there before we
arrive, I’m too tired to wait for him” I said polity
“We?” My mum said.
“Oh, forgot to mention” I stared at Kelly, who was trying to evedrop , “ my best friend Kelly who be staying
with us for today before she visit her family” I said.
“Oh … ok” she muttered, her voice felt off, which drew my concern, “mummy, what is it?” I asked
“It’s nothing, I thought the friend you were talking about is a man” , if only I knew that was what she was
assuming, I won’t have asked her. “Mummy, bye, I love you Daddy”
“Are you sure it’s not man that is with you…” I ended the call before breathing a sign of relief.
“It looks like someone’s mother can’t wait for her daughter to get married” I stared back at her in a weird
but funny way. “I would act like I didn’t hear anything” I said and faced the window staring at the cloud and
the tiny buildings”.
It took a few more hours before we arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport , thankfully the driver
arrived before the plane landed, Kelly and I both breath the air of Lagos before entering into the car with
our belongings.
Lagos looks beautifully rebranded, neat and amazing, we passed by beautiful things which I would
have bought if I had a younger sister, Kelly on the other hand deciding to buy something while we
continue the ride.
After few hours, we got into the house, it’s a white duplex with black small gate, well it won’t be like new
or fancy to Kelly, because I know she have seen fancy houses. The gate was opened by the gate keeper
while the driver drove in and park the car beside the white G-wargon and Benz.
We got down from the car, heading to the door, Kelly kept looking around the flowers and the
surrounding as we walk. “Your house is beautiful,” I scoffed “please, it’s not like you haven’t seen houses
that’s more fine and fancy than mine” I said and she nodded ,”you are right, but I haven’t seen houses
which is more compose and comfortable like yours”. I kept quiet while we continued walking. The more I
walked further, the more my heart beat increased in joy, I’m so happy to be with my family again, I could
imagine the surprise on my mum’s face when she sees me. I didn’t bother carrying my luggages because
I knew the driver and gate keeper would do that.With a last and heavy breath, I opened the door.
“Hi mum and Dad” I said while walking towards the couch they both seated. They were both carried away
by my presence, there attention drift to were I was arms wide up ready to be engulf with a tight warming
and welcoming embrace. They both stood up in excitement, the joy of seeing there only daughter after
seven years appeared on there face. My mum was the first person to pull me for a tight hug as I
expected, then I moved to my dad who also did the same.
Staring at me from my head to my Snickers “ you look more fit and beautiful” my dad complicated.
“And you still look young as ever” I said and we all laughed. I turned to the direction Kelly stood close
to the door like she was partaking for a job interview.
“Dad, Mum “ I pointed to where Kelly as she walked towards us “ this is my friend Kelly” I looked at
her , “Kelly, this are my parents”. A smile immediately appeared on her face, and she was pulled for a hug
by my mum and dad.
The house was filled with excitement, we were welcomed with a well nourishing Nigeria delicacy. This
reminds me of how much I have missed my mum’s food.
CHIMA’S POV
Each day I rise from my bed, I have always promised myself one thing ‘ Don’t allow life to place you
on a tight spot , decide where you want to me’ and this word has being what keeps me going, keeps me
strong and most of all keeps me hardworking. I never allow myself a space for pity. Sometimes, people
ask me what I can offer in my situation, and when they see what I can do, they become amazed. I made
sure I plan my life , I aim for what I want and that’s why at age 27, I’m a licensed Medical Radiographist
and also a Data analyst, I have travelled to about five countries. When I sit down and look at all I have
achieved, I would be more proud of myself. People often calls me workaholic including my mum but that
sounds like compliment to me because that’s who I want to be, I’m not one who stays within the crowd but
stays outside the crowd. This is to say, I hardly make friends that’s why I have only one friend. My parents
are not wealthy, but I’m happy with the background I grew from. My parents showers me with love, I grew
up thinking I would find love easily but it feels hard to find.
“Babe … Babe , what’s the problem”. I increased the speed of my legs to catch up with my girlfriend,
who seems angry for reasons I know nothing about. “Babe what up” I eventually cut up with her , I held
her arm while she was about entering the car but she free her hand from my hold, she turned facing me
with both hands crossed. My eyes were fixed on hers with curiosity , “babe what’s wrong?, why do you
have to leave like that? I asked. I stared at ther face waiting for answer, which took a while for her to
respond.
“Why didn’t you tell me , we were going for a party?” Her questions took me off guard, I wasn’t expecting
that question, it’s not like she wasn’t dressed properly for the event or something else, I thought she
would be happy I brought her here since we haven’t been to public places since we started dating.
Vee and I have been dating for three years now, we met on the airport , where we were both returning
from different countries but we ended up in the same plane, I practically didn’t had eyes contact with her
during the plane ride until we both stepped out of the airport. We had weird eyes contact while we were
around the plane, each time I looked at her , I noticed the way she stares back more like flirting, I’m not
that kind of guy who walks up to a lady in public , I’m a man of discipline ,a. Man of few words and also a
man who hates been embarrassed in public places. I stood my ground , just waiting to finish all the things
I need to do before leaving the airport, and then add the strange lady in my list of admirers. I took one last
glance at her, I’m sure she noticed I’m been skeptical about talking towards her. To my surprise I saw her
walking towards me, I figured out ,she is a kind of lady believes in the saying ‘taking a bold step, thre is
no harm in trying, you won’t know if you don’t try ‘ and all kinds of stuff like that. We exchange contacts,
before leaving our separate ways.
Days becomes months, I find myself drawn to her, always wanting to hear her voice, and wanting to see
her, things were cool, we started dating, although I don’t like the idea of her coming in to leave with me, I
prefer she visit, when I mentioned it to her, she was cool with it. The only problem I had with her or would
I say what I found challenging was us having dinner or visiting public places together. At first I found
nothing serious in it but as time grew, it became something I found disturbing. I would rather book a whole
restaurant for her to go no a dinner date with me , just both of us.
Apart from that, Vee has always been very nice and a active girlfriend to me, sometimes I doubt if I
would find love again if we eventually break up, it’s not that I want to break up_ hell no, I find myself
drawn to her that I can’t think of anything else except her.
Maybe I took a stupid decision by thinking it was a phase and she would have gone pass it be now
because it has been two years now since we had anything outside my house . My best friend Nonso call
me , informing me about his brother birthday party, and it first, I find it as a means to get Vee and I in
public . I thought she would be excited about it. Immediately I ended the call with Nonso, I call Vee and
inform her about us having a party. Because for some reason, I wanted this to be a surprise. She asked if
it would be private I told her yes thinking she has gone pass that . I tested her the time. After minutes
before the actual time, she arrive at my house, dressed in decent , beautiful grown befitting for the party.
We both heard to the car after I made sure the door was locked and we drove off.
“Babe, what do you mean by that? I asked in a calm tone, not getting to understand where this was
coming from. But she stood , still arms folded and glaring at me.
I started wondering what might have gone wrong, is it the surprise or the part where I told her it
was a private party. I placed my left hand on my head acting confused. My eyes were still fixed on hers
and a thought came to my head.
“No, it shouldn’t be” she hissed which grew the rage of anger in me, “ Don’t Tell me you are still insisting
we do things privately” I said but gaze at me, and I huffed . My hand was still on my head while I walk to
and fro trying to process all that is happening and also trying to calm my nerves.
I thought this was a phase, I thought she wanted use to take things slow before announcing to the
world about our relationship, but it has been fucking three years, three bloody years and she is till trying
to process us? She doesn’t want to do anything public with me. If I haven’t knew Vee to well ,I would have
said she is shy in public places. This only means two things, it’s either she is ashamed of me or hiding
something from me. I stared at her _ eye to eye , with my heart racing and my body hot and sweaty under
the shirt I was putting on. “Can I ask you something” I said with shaking voice , not ready to believe she is
really ashamed of me. I’m sure she noticed how hot and devastated I feel, I watched as her face change
to something like pity, but I’m not going to fall for that , although I’m afraid of the answer but I also want to
know where I stand. “Vee, are you ashamed of me?” The question felt like I dropped a bomb waiting to
explode. My heart beat increased as I await my answer. But her reaction was something different from
what I expected. She gave me a last look before hopping into the car. “Take me out of here” her voice
sounded low but heavy. I stood still for a minute trying to discover what her action means. I walked
towards the driver’s seat and drove off.
I glance at her through the center mirror but she was focused on her phone. I tried processing and
digesting all that has happened earlier. Should I be mad for her acting like she is ashamed of me or
should I be sorry for acting the way I did. Remembering all Vee has done for me made me fill like a fool, I
shouldn’t have acted that way, Vee is the only lady that has shown me what true love means, I should
have agreed to her decision, just privacy she asked for and I feel like it’s something difficult to do. I’ve
never been in a relationship until I met Vee , reason because I was scared, I was scared of been treated
like a burden, I was scared of not been loved. It’s not easy for someone to date someone like me, each
time I look at myself at the mirror, I ask myself, ‘ would you allow your sister to marry someone like
myself?” and sincerely my answer Is no. Maybe I should apologies, I let anger take over me.
I stared at her, this time we both stared at each other ,and she faced the window be her side. This
confirms she is till angry with me.
The ride went smooth and quiet, we arrive at my apartment and she got down from the car and
walked inside even before I was about to step out of the car. I sigh before stepping out of the car and
headed straight to my room feeling disappointed. All that I could think of was how I would be able to
appease her, if I could turn back the hands of time, i shouldn’t have acted that way. I feel confuse, both
my mind and my head seems to work separately, both throwing questions at me that I couldn’t answer.
A part of me feels sorry about what happened and be grateful for all she has done for me, and the other
part of me still feels angry about what happened and demands an answer to my question. I want to know
my place in her life, it’s of good reason I know . In terms of publicity, I should be the one opposing public
affairs and not her. Or is she ashamed of me? , that question continue playing on my head like a music.
I lay my back down on the bed, staring at the ceiling fan. I stared at the ceiling but my mind was
somewhere else, immediately a thought came to my head. I sat upright “ Maybe if I get her a gift ,she may slowly open
up to me, and tell me her reason for her action” I brought it my phone from my pocket and started scroll through website and browsing for an online store to buy from, there were different product to pick from,
different design of bags and shoes to pick from. I ran my hand through my head , realizing I don’t know
what she likes and where she normally likes shopping online. “Damn” I groan “ maybe I should get her a
bag, that would be much better” I continue scrolling down to varieties of bag to pick but wasn’t drawn to
any. I continue scrolling until I found one which worth $3000 . Just as I was about to place an order, I
received a call and Nonso. I groan knowing the reason for his call. It’s of no use declining it so I swiped
the answer button, with my ear buds on both sides of my ears, I connected to my phone.
“How far, my guy what’s the problem I saw you and your girlfriend leaving the party, I didn’t want to
interrupt, I decided to call you, what’s up?” His voice echoed in my head,it looks like he was resighting a
speech, he couldn’t even let me speak, well not surprised, that’s Nonso for a reason. His the kind of
person that wants to be heard, he rather voice out his problems than bury it, and when he noticed
something strange , he always speak out. One thing we have in common, is the ability for use to have
goal, we don’t back down In whatever we want ,and achieve nothing less than success.
I sighed, I didn’t want him to know the hold story and also don’t want to lie , Idecided to tell him the half
truth “Omo guy, something came up and we just have to go” I lied, actually not a lie because something
actually came up.
“Is it serious?” He asked, I tried opening my mouth to speak but the right words couldn’t come out. I
breathe “ we would talk about this later, I’m really busy now” I said.
He acted reluctant for a while as if not planning to give up, I could here his breath through the ear buds
which means he has actually surrender. “Ok, see you later, but don’t forget you owe me for leaving my
brother’s party just like that” I rolled my eyes, “fine ,when we meet ,I have to go” I said and ended to call.
With no time to spare, I placed an order for the bag which includes me paying for it. I placed both my
phone and ear buds on the cupboard beside the bed,and toss myself flat on the bed.
With time, I slowly drift to sleep . My sister was annoyingly disturbed by my ringing tone. I
reluctantly moved my hand to where my phone is, I took it and swiped to the answer button without
looking at the caller ID
“Hello, who’s this” I said with a husky tone.
“Good Afternoon sir” I immediately looked at the Caller ID, knowing it wasn’t a familiar voice. Thanks to
Truecaller , I was able to identify, it was from the online store. I moved the phone close to my ear. “ Sir I’m
calling from the online…..”. “ Online store , yea” I interrrupted. “ Sir , I’m currently in front of your gate”
“ I would be right there , just give me a minute”. I ended the call, I reluctantly stood up form my bed to my
wardrobe to have a change of clothes before heading outside. With a few signing, I was handed the
shopping bag. I took it and went back inside.
Everywhere seems quiet , like I was the only one here. “ Babe, Babe” I called but no responses. The only
thing drawing my attention was the unresistable aroma of the food I smell coming from the kitchen. I
wanted to move but it seems my feet has betrayed me, my feet could move. Those this means I’m scared
or I think she is still mad. I tried moving my feet again,and before I could blink she was already
approaching me with a tray of food with both hands. I swallowed the lump forming in my thoughts, while I
stared at her completely speechless. Why do I feel like I’m the only one who remembers what happened ,
because she looks pure and happy like nothing happened. She placed the tray on the dining table with a
smile on her face. She stared at me for a while before moving her eyes slowly to what I have hold on my
hand and her smile grew wider. At this point ,I don’t know if I should be scared or happy. I continue staring
at her with no words to say.
“Is this for me?” I slowly looked down at the shopping bag I was holding before gasing at her,and
slowly nod my head in agreement. I watched her walk closer to me while I stood like a log. Before I could
blink, I felt her soft pink lips on mine, gentle and quick. “Should I be worried?” I asked myself. She took
the bag from me , “I made food for us , yam sauce to be presides” she said still bearing a smile on her
face, she held my hand, pulling me to the table. I stared at her while she serve my food.
Despite the fact that Vee is a good food and this food is practically unresistable, but should I be scared?
Shouldn’t I be worried for her sudden change of attitude.
It looks like she read my mind , I watched her talk a handful of fufu and dipped it into the soup before
taking it into her mouth seductively. “Yes, she definitely read my mind” . She gave me a look that says ‘are you satisfied’ before sitting close to me.
“Thanks for the gift, I would open it later” she said and I nod while washing my hand to eat.
I couldn’t bring myself to continue eating without apologizing. I looked at her ,” Babe, I’m sorry, I..”
“It’s ok, I should be the one saying that, I know how happy it for you to be among for friends and family,
and for that, I’m sorry” ‘at least she gets it’ . For no reason , the question played back on my head ,
focusing me to ask, and I think I should just to know where this relationship is leading to.
“Are you ashamed of me?” I popped the question, with my heart racing. Her eyes were fixed on me for a
minute. “No, I’m not , I just need time” she said and I sign , a sign of relief, before eating my food , this
time happy.
Okoro Ikenna
@TwistwdLoveStories
Leonard ✍️ink
