We are a beautiful
thing together,
even when the weather
is low, we find
the rainbow.
__
"What are you wearing?"
"Not telling. Wait till you can see for yourself." Chimdi replied, fixing an airpod snuggly in her ears, before laying the edges of her hair.
"Babe..." TJ drawled from the other line, a trap song loudly playing in the background, causing Chimdi to sigh in annoyance. "Just tell me the color."
"No." She smiled at the large framed mirror showing her reflection.
Her eyes were brighter, her skin was glowing -- the kind of glow Jiki had said, glow cream couldn't give her.
"Okay, just give me hints." He persisted. "Denims or silk--- sweats or those fluffy things you chicks wear during summer?"
His words had her cracking up. "Fluffy things you say?"
She heard his laughter through the tiny speakers snuggled between her ears. They were like, her favorite sound at the moment.
"Yeah. The fluffy sleeves and tube-like blouses. Do tell, am I right? Or am I right?"
She grinned, applying a dash of peach lipgloss to her lips. "Wrong, definitely wrong."
Softly spreading the glossy fluid on her lips, she gave a light pout, then grinned when she heard him groan.
A lot had changed since their little trip to the mall, few days ago. It felt like, a brick wall had been lifted off them, like a little barrier had been removed. She'd agree that opening up to him about Farouq has been one of the best decisions she'd made so far. Although a lot was yet to be divulged in their relationship and she knew it'd take heavenly intervention to come clear. One thing was crystal clear to her; they were making progress.
But what wasn't progressing was her failed attempt at stopping his current persuasion.
"C'mon sunshine, just a little hint. What will it take from you?"
Duh, "The element of surprise of course." She answered, going ahead to decorate few auburn faux locs with beads.
"You're planning a surprise for me?" His voice indicated that he was smirking. She could envision the usual annoying, smug look, sitting on his face.
She rolled her eyes. "Because you're who, baby Jesus?"
"Nope. Because I'm your beau sweetheart. I read somewhere that we deserve to get pleasant surprises every once in a while."
"Sorry to crash your castle of hopes beau, this girl ain't planning shit for you."
"You're the worst."
She heard the trap song in the background, change to a rap song.
His playlist really needs a thorough cleanup, she thought, batting her lashes at her smiling reflection. "Nah, you just don't know awesomeness when you see one personified."
"I know one quite alright," he disagreed. "She's just being hard on me at the moment."
Corny piece of shit.
An ivory bead fell off her hand before she knew it. She groaned, getting on her knees to search for it.
"What's the problem?" His voice reminded her that he was still on call. She'd surmised, he'd heard her groan.
"My bead is gone TJ," she pouted, reaching for another. "Now get off my phone, you're distracting me."
He cooed, causing her to roll her eyes. "I'm unaware of how much power I have over you, to have been that impeded in your-"
She hissed in mock annoyance, same time she reached for her cellphone and disconnected the call.
He could be a real pain in the rare when he was fully invested in being one.
Sighing out, albeit with a smile on her face, she adjusted the strap of the red crotchet bralette she was wearing, while smoothening the white short, subtly hugging her hips.
A lot had taken place since she'd returned from the ANTT. A lot which had threatened the peace in her life, but she'd decided to let go -- if not totally -- but for the day. She was going to have a steam releasing sort of fun, in Nene's words -- and she was going to do so at Adaeze Kings birthday party. Live a little -like a teenager that is- and shoving all the negativity at the back of her mind.
Fiddling with a dangling hair accessory, it's every movement being captured by the sun, through the mirror before her. A wide smile stretched her lips before she had time to fully process her mental state, she just knew the right person to bring her to the right track.
-- her everything good plug.
__
"Damn babe!" TJ exclaimed, his eyes almost falling of their sockets as he took another look at his girlfriend's slender figure. "Was definitely worth the wait."
Rolling her eyes, Chimdi returned his hug, hands circling his midriff. "You hype up even the most unnecessary thing, TJ."
"Excuse you," he paused dramatically. "My girlfriend dressing up for me isn't unnecessary."
"Awwwn," Nene cooed, walking past them. "Look who's dressing up for boo boo."
"Shut up Nens. And I didn't dress up for anyone!" She groaned when Nene paused, an inquisitive brow up.
"Now that's a way to break a boy's heart Dee." Nene piped in before walking away.
"Thanks fuck someone else has witnessed my emotional abuse!" TJ groaned, arms still wrapped around Chimdi who couldn't stop groaning.
"You're so full of shit, you know that?"
However, she secretly loved the banter.
"Are you guys coming or what? Jeez you guys are so depressing to watch." Jiki called as he walked past, causing them to groan in unison before following him.
TJ took in the sight before him as he stepped into the garage. Strong round, tires, designed to mercilessly troll on an asphalt, begged to be put to good use, as he took in the spectrum of aggressive colors which made adrenaline rush through his body at their mere sight.
Proudly, Jiki let his eyes scan his garage before breaking out into a satisfied grin, his hands tucked into the pockets of his large hoodie. "What do you think?"
"Mehn," TJ cooed, hands smoothing down a red Ferrari. "This is the shit! Your taste is spot on."
"Of course, Jiki loves his rides all sleek and smooth," Nene told, wiggling her brows suggestively. "I'm not sure of his other rides though."
Chimdi blinked in horror, as she stared at Nene. "Do you have to pollute every word that leaves your lips babe?"
"I'm seeking answers Dee." Nene said, smirking at Jiki's direction. "I'm trying to make sure he's okay... you know, all round."
Chimdi shook her head. "You're crazy."
The darker girl blew her a kiss before she turned to the fairer boy, who made no attempt to give her the reaction she sought. "Well, do tell Jikiboo. How do you like your other rides?"
"I'm just going to pretend you didn't ask that question."
Nene smiled cheekily, finally propping on the hood of a car. "Oh really? Abi you don't want to divulge what happens in the inner chamber?"
Chimdi and TJ momentarily cracked up in fits at the horrified look on Jiki's face.
"Babe, I swear. You're mad." Chimdi groaned, shaking her head in disbelief.
TJ raised his hands, nodding in concurrence. "Hundred and one percent accurate."
The darker girl just shrugged, a cheeky smile in place. "Aren't we all." Before she got down from the car. "Jiki you'll not talk now, so we'll see how we can help you."
The fairer boy shot her a death glare.
"Come to think of it," The darker girl continued. "I've not seen you show interest in anyone or, are you just so good at hiding your feelings?"
Annoyed, Jiki groaned in frustration, making his friends crack up. "Why are you suddenly interested in my love life, Nene?"
Nene clicked her tongue. "Make that non-existent love life Jikiboo. And to answer your question, I want to know if I should dedicate my time tonight into playing Cupid or just chill. What do you say? Speak of your crush or forever hold your peace, while I work my magic into finding you a suitable girlfriend?"
Rolling his eyes at the eager look gracing the faces of his friends, he shook his head at all of them.
"Y'all are crazy. I'm done with all of you-"
"Zoom zoom bitch!" Elo sang, hands miming a steering wheel as he made his way into the spacious garage. "This is my favorite part of this building," he made to nuzzle a sleek sports car, while inhaling deeply. "I could be inside you my whole life." He purred, hands rubbing the surface of the car.
Nene scrunched her face in disgust. "Eww babe. I could consider infidelity with a red-blooded, sexy ass female -- which would be a fair competition!" She snapped, glaring at him. "But not with a bloody sports car!"
The gang snickered.
Elo blinked in confusion, before realization dawned on him. He cleared his throat, shooting her a sheepish grin. "Sorry babe. You're irreplaceable, you know that right?"
She scowled. "Remind me of that, when you don't go choosing a damn car over me."
"Dear Cupid, I think your Cupid's bow took a wrong turn." Jiki smirked, his hand coming to rest on Nene's shoulder. "You should work on your existing love life first, don't you agree?"
Swatting his hand off, the darker girl sent daggers his way. "Fuck you!"
Jiki grinned. "That'll be breaking a major bro code. I kindly decline."
__
"He's cute, ain't he?"
Startled at the voice addressing her, Chimdi turned to stare at her obviously happy host sipping from a solo cup before staring ahead. The boys were deep in what seemed like a friendly banter with Omoshola.
Her best friend had a wide smile adorning his face.
"Nah... It's not like that-"
"I'm not talking about the ice Prince." Adaeze Kings said when she followed the skinny girl's eyes, waving her off before pointing at TJ. "I'm referring to Prince charming over there. You've got your eyes on him since you guys parted."
Unable to utter a word due to being embarrassed, the skinny girl went ahead to gulp down the rest of her drink.
"Awwwwn! Are you shy?" Adaeze cooed, coming to stand before Chimdi, when she couldn't bring herself to bring down the cup.
She was used to getting teased about her relationship by her friends, but not from a total stranger.
"Ignore me, I was merely teasing."
Chimdi just nodded.
"Jeez c'mon! Don't be like this. Okay, if it makes you feel any better, he hasn't taken his eyes off you either." Adaeze continued, her eyes glimmering hopefully.
Something Chimdi had noticed first hand. Her host though, petite, who often time came off as shy, wore her heart on her sleeves and spoke from her heart. She wore her innocence proudly like a crown, making her eyes the windows to her soul. Something Chimdi wished she could do.
The girl's expectant look and sheer innocence had the skinny girl chuckling as she brought down the cup.
"You're funny you know that?" Chimdi teased, nudging her playfully.
Adaeze let out a playful snort. "Says the girl who got shy at the mention of some boy."
"He's not just some boy, he's my boyfriend."
"Amen sister, never doubted that for a second."
The skinny girl raised a brow while her host just shrugged. "Shola told me you were never dating Jiki. And so, here you are... Eye stripping someone's son. So I did the maths."
Letting out an exaggerated gasp, Chimdi narrowed her eyes at Adaeze. "Eye stripping? I wasn't eye stripping anyone!"
"You'll say that 'cause you weren't the one left to witness the drool show." Adaeze shut back.
"You know what? Believe whatever you want to. I'll do me."
"The world would be a perfect place if everyone normalizes that."
Chimdi shot her a playful glare before taking her cup to her lips. An act which revealed that the cup was empty.
"Umm... I need to get a refill."
"I thought I saw a drink vendor over there." Adaeze suggested, shaking her almost empty cup, while gesturing to a less crowded part of the beach. "I think I need a refill too."
"Sure." Nodding, Chimdi let her host lead the way.
"How's the party going, by the way?"
Shrugging, the skinny looked around her. The fully booked beach was parked with hormone crazed teenagers. An afro pop song blared from spread-out speakers, causing everyone to move in sync with the beat.
"Not bad. It's lively, loud and fun, what more could a party have."
Grinning, her host shook her head. "Not bad? I'd take that since it's coming from you."
Avoiding a drunk couple, Chimdi shook her head with a matching grin. "Well, don't you mention."
Adaeze shook her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. "You know, now I get why you and Jiki are never a good fit."
Halting, Chimdi turned to face her. "How?"
"You two are so much alike."
"Hell no!" The skinny girl protested. "We're no way alike. That's like comparing Bentley to a Volkswagen."
The comment had Adaeze cracking up in fit of laughter. "Who's the Bentley here?"
"Your's truly of course."
"Honestly though," Chimdi's host began after sobering up. "From an outsider's perspective, I really thought you and Jiki would be a great fit, but I was wrong. Seeing the way you are with TJ made me see things clearly."
Unsure of how to respond, Chimdi kept quiet.
"You two remind me of Shola and I. TJ, so much of Shola." The fond, almost lovestruck look on Adaeze's face had Chimdi hiding a smile.
"Their kind? They are pretty rare you know. They make you question fate, they make you wonder what you did to deserve all the warmth and loving they offer you Chimdi. They have and know the words to say, they make you feel safe at your worse, they touch perfection so much that you begin to believe that perfect really does exist."
Chimdi's host paused when they reached the drink vendor, while Chimdi mussed on her words. All she'd said, hitting straight home.
"Let me," Adaeze offered, taking Chimdi's cup to refill, before giving it back.
"Thanks." The skinny girl said, taking a big gulp, before she felt Adaeze's hand lay gently on her shoulder.
"That's why, you should cut them some slack when they actually act like the rest of us. Later, when it's proven that perfection really doesn't exist, don't be rash in making decisions. Don't think everything was all false, try to give them that benefit of doubt that might be the key to your happily ever after."
Spellbound, Chimdi searched for words but they failed her.
One look at the petite, light skinned girl wrapped in very bright, twopiece swimsuit and satin robes, one would never imagine such words from her. But Chimdi, staring at her face, mirroring all seriousness, knew that it was no joke- her words. They didn't only sound like an advice, Chimdi could dictate the silent plea.
"Umm-"
That moment, her cellphone chose to rescue her.
She offered an apologetic smile to Adaeze when she saw the ID.
"Go ahead." Her host urged. "It's okay."
Smiling in appreciation and letting out a relieved breath, Chimdi received the call, just in time her host walked out.
"Hello, Lara?"
"Dee how are you?" Lara's voice was cautious over the tiny speakers of Chimdi's cellphone, making the skinny girl narrow her eyes.
"Yeah... I'm good? How's babysitting the twins treating-"
"Are you sure you're okay Dee? I've tried Nene's line, seems like reception is kinda poor over there, TJ's too. I need you to go find Nene or TJ or even Jiki-"
"Calm down Lara. I'm fine, infact I've been great the past seventy-two hours. What's wrong?" Now alarmed, Chimdi sort a less noisy area as she anticipated Lara's words.
Chimdi heard the girl exhale out in relief. "Thank God. Dee, don't check your cellphone okay? Trust me just ignore it or switch it off till I reach others-"
"What the fuck happened Omolara? You're making me nervous!"
"Nothing bad Dee, promise."
"Nonsense. The more reason why I should just check myself-"
"Okay!" She heard Lara expel another breath, this time it wasn't one of relief. "There's been an anonymous tip to TalkNaija. They released an article about what happened three years ago."
__