Chapter six: Unlikely Friendship

After the party, I stayed with my parents for two days before moving back to John’s while Hannah went back to school the very next day after the birthday party.

Stella and I became the most unlikely of friends, we had so much to contend about but yet we seemed to have come to an agreement that we would flow with the tides and go wherever the river tides take us. We grew so close that we look forward to hearing from each other every day.

On the morning of the 17^th February 2018, she called me up, guess what Olive, she said.

What! I replied. I got myself an apartment she said excitedly.

Wow, I replied

Bet you didn’t know dad gave me some money when I was about leaving the house, and I got myself a place, I am tired of seeing his face every day, I need my space dear. I am happy, I replied, Peter has been playing the both of us she continued, he really doesn’t want to choose. I... Stella, I cut in, can we refrain from talking about Peter, it pisses me off that I wasted my emotions on a boy that is not even ready to man up and say things the way they are, here are the both of us waiting and hoping he chooses either of us, is he the only man alive? Look babe, yes I love him but my heart is no toy girlfriend.

Quiet down Olive dear we are fine don’t get worked up over him, he is not worth it, not even the slightest. Let’s not give him the satisfaction he is seeking, let’s let him play his game, in the end, may the best candidate win.

After the call with Stella, I knew she was in serious competition and by all means, she was going to prove that she would win Peter. “may the best candidate win?’ seriously are we in a context and what for ‘Peter’, she could have him, I only fear for my heart. He’s my first love.

I was deep in thought till I didn’t realize my phone was ringing, though I could see Anne’s name on it but my mind was far, I could see John standing by the door subconsciously but I was far from my immediate environment, my head was spinning like a drunk person, I tried to stand to get some water but I felt dizzy and fell right into John’s hands. I got you baby, easy on yourself pumpkin.

I sat down leaning on his shoulder, I was going to get water I told him.

Why don't I get it for you, love?

As John rushed to the kitchen to get me water, I thought how lucky his wife would be to have him, a well cultured young man with lots of love to go round. Here’s your water sweetheart he smiled.

Talk to me my Olive plant, what’s going on in your head, it’s a good thing I asked you not to go out today. John, I am the biggest fool, in life, I let my heart fall for the wrong guy, I let my first time be filled with pain and headache. I guess what they say ‘never marry your first is true’. Who says he asked, my heart I replied.

Stop it love, you are no fool, you are smart and intelligent, it’s not your fault that you fell in love with Peter and you know he is a nice guy but indecisive. My advice is that you calm down on love and be easy ok dear. I do not want you to be sad anymore. You are worth more to me, I will have a word with Peter. I love you big brother but please let him be. Besides your phone has been ringing.

Just then I picked up my phone to see 8 missed calls from Anne. Trying to call her back she calls again. I picked with my head on John’s shoulder.

Girlfriend she shouted shaking me off balance until I almost dropped my phone. What I asked bewildered. I called you severally, Peter broke it with Stella.

What!!! I screamed. How did that happen?

She continued, I called my brother up last night asking him his true intentions towards you and his reply was ‘sis if there is one person I love above Stella it’s Olivia’. I told him to choose fast or else he would lose the main thing while chasing shadows. ‘what do you mean he said’ I told him, forget Olivia said she understands, she is actually exhausted and would break up with you soon. Peter swore he could not lose you, and broke up with Stella immediately. Girlfriend, I’m so happy. Stella is a nice person and all but you are awesome honey.

I remained dumbfounded and speechless, what can I say, Anne, I feel terrible this had to happen to Stella, she doesn’t deserve this cruelty from peter, I’d call her up and tell her to continue the relationship, honestly, I would prefer we broke up and he settles with her, she is… Anne, I don’t know what to feel, big brother, I’m confused. Thank you, Anne, I said as I ended the call.

Sitting down quietly with my head between my palms I called out what do I do john, I’m in a fix right now, why would he do this?

John grabbed me in a tight hug, I’ll tell you what to do honey, let him go, do not get entangled in this love war. Just keep off the whole thingy dear ok. He said patting my back.

John stayed in my room trying to make sure I’m sound. He told me some jokes and we played some word game, we will give each other a word and make a short poem from it.

… smile… he said

The most unique five letter word

It’s so bright that it makes the world go round

…beauty, I said

Everyone loves it but it fades with time

… water. he said

You quench my thirst

You feel me with desire

My life would end without you.

…food… I said

You.. wait a minute Olivia, you did not touch your breakfast.

Big bro, I am not hungry.

What! He exclaimed, all because of one boy you want to invite ulcers, are you mad Olivia Chikamso? He said his voice slightly raised. This is 3 pm and you tell me trash about not being hungry. Who are you and what have you done with my sister he shouted while shaking me frantically. Olivia, do not be a wimp, you do not love like a fool, any hurting love isn’t loving at all.

He got went to the kitchen came back with jollof rice, dropped it on my bed and shouted finish every grain.

Seeing John this way really scared me, he never raises his voice at me. Not ever.

I held his hand simultaneously kneeling down, I am sorry, big brother.

He reached down picked me up and hugged me, I am sorry I spoke to you this way, I love you Olive and it hurts to see you this way, you shouldn’t fall sick all cause of a guy, he is not worth. Nothing is worth your happiness, my dearest. Remember Hannah looks up to you, you should give her a better example. Imagine if she sees you this way. Sit down dear, and eat or do you want me to feed you? Yes, I replied.

‘Big baby’ he chuckled.

A hard Decision

That night after a long day with John, I got a call from Peter telling me he has made his decision that he loves me.

In his own word ‘Olivia, my life would never be complete without you in it, I am done being a boy and toiling with two hearts I made my choice. Let me into your heart, your body, and your all. I promise you tonight I would not toil with it anymore.

He began singing if I was your boyfriend by Justin Bieber

Peter made a lot of promises that night and asked for my response. I only told him, I would get back to him. I needed to speak to Stella after all, we have no issues.

After ending my call with Peter, I quickly called Stella

Backstabber, that was the first thing she said to me when she picked.

‘I thought you said you were no longer interested in him and that you wish us luck, you told me you never wished to see me sad and that you were tired of the drama still you went behind me and got him for yourself, wow Olivia, you really got me fooled with your innocent look and words. You can keep him, I just trashed him for you.’

I tried to explain but she would not listen, the next thing was she called me a snake. At this point, I got so pissed and called Peter immediately and said I love you too peter and would love to keep you in my world.

Peter was overjoyed and I was too.

The next morning, I had a different expression, I was happy once more and straightway John knew I had given peter a positive reply. I told him what transpired that night after he left the room.

‘baby sis he said, I am happy you are happy, please just be careful, I fear for your heart.

‘I am wiser now, big brother.’

Peter and I grew closer each day until we planned a secret outing. I lied to my brother that I would be visiting