I was still thinking about the conversation I had with my friends the previous day, and I thought to myself, "So Johnson will be getting married soon, and there is Daniel; I'm not sure if he is ready for love. I wonder how this will turn out."
Well, that's not an issue I should worry myself with anymore.
16 Hours Earlier.
It was a hot Sunday afternoon, just few minutes before evening time. It was the kind of a day that left sweat clinging to your back even when you were just sitting down doing nothing. We were all at Johnson’s apartment. Me, Daniel, Victor, and Johnson himself, we were all lazily sitting on his balcony, sipping 5Alive juice and tossing chinchin in our mouths like we had no worries.
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"My guys, there is something I have been meaning to tell you all," Johnson said, all smiles on his face as he looked down at his cup.
“I’m proposing to her next week.” He then raised his face to look at us.
There was a beat of silence. I blinked. Victor’s hand froze halfway to his mouth. And Daniel… Daniel let out a short, sarcastic laugh.
“Wait… you’re serious? Guy, are you for real?” Daniel leaned forward, looking at Johnson like he was confused and didn't hear him right.
“Dead serious,” Johnson replied, a small smile pulling at his lips. “I’ve got the ring already. Just thinking of the day to make my move.”
“For real?” I grinned. “That’s mad exciting, bro! Congratulations to you.”
Victor was already on his knees, teasing him about rehearsing his kneeling posture. "Will you be the queen to my kingdom, the sugar in my tea? You better say these lines I am giving you." Victor added while laughing.
But Daniel wasn’t smiling. He set his drink down and crossed his arms.
“Why now, though?” he asked, his tone suddenly serious, while he looked at Johnson. “You haven’t even built a house. You’re still living in a rented apartment. Marriage no be beans o. It’s not just love; it’s bills, pressure… It’s fucking expensive.”
Johnson turns to look at Daniel; he was calm and unshaken.
“I know,” he said. “But I also know what I want. She’s been with me when I had nothing. She’s my peace. And I don’t need to own the world before I start building one with her.”
Daniel scoffed. “Yeah, well… Love won’t pay rent. You should focus on getting your finances solid first. You just dey rush things. You are just rushing things.”
We weren't drinking, but there was a sour grape taste in our mouths, and we could all taste it. Daniel was a smart guy and had always been the one talking about his grand plans, business this and that, and this is one of the reasons we all loved him. He wasn't the guy who was interested in love or talking about ladies; we all know this about him, and he doesn't have marriage in his plans. He was still waiting for life to be perfect before he even let someone love him.
Victor gave me a look, and I could tell what he was saying without him saying a word, so I spoke up.
“Daniel, there are no rules for this stuff. People start where they can. Johnson’s not being reckless; he’s being intentional, and I love that about him. Look at him; he will be a father soon after he gets married. I think this is a sign we should all be looking forward to getting married soon.”
Daniel shifted in his seat, jaw tight. “I just don’t want him to regret it.”
“I won’t,” Johnson said quietly. “Even if I struggle, I won’t regret choosing her.”
There was a silence again, heavier this time. Victor clapped his hands and stood up.
“It's like you all don't want this juice again; I will finish it." He took the 5Alive container and poured some juice into his cup. "I guess I’ll be the best man, since someone’s clearly not up for the job,” he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
We all chuckled, and even Daniel cracked a smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
"And what will I be doing that day?" I added. "It seems Johnson will have two best man that day" and this time we all laughed out loud.
Later that night, as we were leaving, I saw Daniel lingering behind Johnson. I caught him looking at Johnson’s engagement ring box, then quickly looking away, and then I smiled.
We waved each other goodnight and went our separate ways. While on my way home, I continued to think about what had happened. "I know Daniel might not be a guy who is ready for love but that shouldn't make him stop Johnson or talk him out of being in love."
"It is well" I murmured to myself and continued walking home.
The End.
Thanks for reading. My name is Fashtioluwa