She heard someone call out to her "Bella". She turned around only to see her "once upon a time sweetheart" who was supposed to be in New York City. What is he doing here in Agege market of all places?? She couldn't hide the shock on her face, the only word she could say was "what are you doing here????" She almost screamed while saying the word out loud.
She was sweating profusely because of the stress she had gone through carrying the heavy load on her head. Her neck was beginning to ache. She had to plead with him to give her some minutes to take the load to where her car is. "Please, give me some minutes", she said. She raced through the crowd.
So many questions kept popping into her heart. What could have happened? Why is he here? When is he going back? Is he here for her? Will he go back with her? Has he realised his mistakes and come to ask for forgiveness?
She could only get the answer to these questions by having a conversation with him. She was happy to at least see him again, but was sad when she remembered how things went south between the two of them.
They were sweethearts right from secondary school, so inseparable. The love was so real and innocent back then. They could go several miles to please each other without a second thought. They were just happy being in love. They go to school together, they study together, eat together, and go home together from school. You'll always see them having one chit-chat or another.
Love was so sweet back then perhaps it was because of their innocence. They were satisfied with just holding hands and saying sweet words to each other. Any little money they have, they share it with each other. They eat each other's food. Life was just so good. There were little or no worries. They had parents who sorted their needs. They don't have to worry about where the next meal will come from.
After secondary school, they both proceeded to the same tertiary institution. Adeshina was given admission to study Medicine while Bella was given admission to study Law. They were happy that they could finally pursue their dreams. They did everything possible to always keep in touch despite the school's busy schedule.
They both studied hard and came out with flying colors. Their parents were so happy when they heard the good news. They celebrated their success for a full week.
Bella's father has a law firm that he wants his daughter to take over while Adeshina's father wants him to travel outside the country. He believes there are better opportunities abroad and medicine is more lucrative.
Adeshina did everything possible to avoid the topic of travelling abroad because he didn't want to leave Bella alone in Nigeria; he wanted to stay with her and raise a family with her.
Bella's parents, on the other hand, have been unhappy with their daughter's choice of husband. They want someone who is of the same tribe. They believe their tribe (igbo) knows how to take better care of women than the other tribes. They believe their daughter will be in good hands if she gets married to a young man of their tribe.
They kept introducing several men to her. She kept on refusing to marry any of them. The pressure from her parents became so much to the level that she started avoiding her own home. She would do everything possible just to stay at the office working all through the night.
During her dad's 70th birthday party. The unthinkable happened. Adeshina had an emergency at the hospital, so it took longer than expected before he got to the party. While waiting for him, she was introduced to another man, as usual, by her parents. The man requested to talk to her in private. They stepped outside to have a talk with a bottle of Champagne in the man's hand.
Before they both knew what was happening, they started kissing each other. It was at that point that Adeshina got to where they were. He felt so disappointed and betrayed. How can she just throw away all the years that they've invested in their relationship just like that???
He went home feeling very hurt and never looked back. He didn't pick up her calls and didn't reply to any of her messages. The following week, he travelled to New York City. Since then she hasn't heard from him, only for her to see him in Agege market calling out to her.
She went back to the same spot where she told him to wait for her. On getting there, he was no longer there. She felt like her whole life had collapsed right in front of her all over again. Adeshina! Adeshina!!! She called out for him. Let's give us a second chance, she said to the air.
She opened her eyes and discovered it was all a dream.
This is my response to the Inkwell Weekly Fiction prompt #239 titled "What are you doing here?"
