That evening, Tomiwa was driving to the airport. He had just closed from work but he still had to go to the airport.His best friend was returning home after a few years abroad.
She saw him before he saw her. Simbi waved gently at him from where she stood at the side of the road, her lugages beside her. Tomiwa helped her load her stuff in the trunk and in no time they were on the road.
It was a long ride back home and Tomiwa didn't know what to talk to Simi about. It had been years since they had actually talked, after all.
When they got to Simbi's house. Her parents welcomed them happily.
Simbi's sister asked if Tomiwa was going to stay the night but he said he couldn't. He had to go back home to his own family.
On the way home, all Tomiwa could think of was the last time he had spoken to Simbi before she travelled.
They had both been in his house that day, gisting and playing all day. Only for Tomiwa to suddenly kiss Simbi on the lips.
Simbi didn't say anything she just looked away and told him to stop it.
Tomiwa kissed her one more time and told her that he loved her and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
Simbi didn't reply. She simply left Tomiwa's house. They didn't speak to each other for two weeks and when Tomiwa went to visit Simbi in her house, her parents had told him she had travelled abroad to further her education.
Now, several years later she was back. Tomiwa didn't expect to feel the way he did upon seeing her. His lips couldn't even form the words. He didn't even know what to feel about her.
Tomiwa got home.
He didn't bother greeting anyone he just went straight to his bed.
The next morning, when Tomiwa woke up he didn't have and appetite.
Later in the afternoon, his sister was all over him asking him questions.
'You want to starve yourself because that thing is back in Nigeria' Tomi said.
'I'm not starving myself and she is not a thing. Her name is Simbi.' Tomiwa didn't even know why he shouted at his sister.
'So, it's because of her that you want to bring the whole house down? If you want to fall in love. It shouldn't have been that witch.' Tomi hissed and left her brother's room.
It was Tomiwa's mother's turn to insult him when he went to the dinning room to have brunch.
'I heard Simbi is back in the country.' His mother began.
'Yes, mum.' Tomiwa replied, happy that his mother wasn't reacting as his siter was.
'What are you going to do about her.' She asked. 'You once told me you had feelings for her.'
'I don't know yet, mum. I still have feelings for her but I don't seem to be able to express that feeling.' Tomiwa said. 'It's like since she came, i haven't been myself. I even skipped work today because i want to go see her.'
'It's okay if you just want to date her and leave her like you did with all the other girls. Just don't let me hear you say you want to marry her.'
'Ah!' Tomiwa explained. ' Why? I thought if you love someone and they madd you happy, you marry them.'
'Yes.' His mother said. 'But, you know she's had two divorces since she left nigeria. Her third husband to be didn't even get to the altar before he cancelled the wedding and ran away. She's not wife material and she definitely is not the right girl for you.'
Tomiwa angrily left his food unfinished and went outside where he saw his dad reading a newspaper in the veranda.
'Son you look troubled.' His dad said.
'Mom and Toni just got me annoyed. It's nothing.'
'I heard your quarrel with your mom' His dad said slowly.
'What do you think about it then, daddy.' Tomiwa asked his dad. It was a dad's job to be wise after all.
'I don't have anything against love but you know the situation about her marriages and other things. It's not good for our political image and you that i'm running for congress later this year. You going after her of even thinking of marriage will reduce my credibility.'
'so, you mean i should not think of marrying the woman i love because of your own selfish interests.' Tomiwa lashed out.
His father heaved a sigh. 'At this age, you ought to be wise. You should know what is important and what isn't' His father said calmly.
Tomiwa was infurited and immediately left his father's front.
He entered his jeep and when the gateman opened the gate he left the house furiously.
His parents were telling him not to marry the woman he loved. What even infuriated him was that he hadn't even told her about his plans yet. He had been trying to work up the courage and his whole family was against him. He was fed up.
Tomiwa drove as fast as he could and didn't stop until he was in Simbi's house.
He walked straight to her room where he knew he would meet her.
She sat on her dresser room, starring at her reflection in the mirror. Her expression was moody but when she saw Tomiwa, her countenance changed and she wore her best dimpled smile.
'Hi' she said.
He voice was beautiful and her dimpled smile made Tomiwa forget all his anger and sat on Simbi's bed.
'Do you have a minute.' He asked her.
'I have all day.' Simbi said. 'My Dad's burial is only next week.'
'I'm sorry it's coming now. But I just have to bare my heart. Everyone is making it hard. But I have to make my own decision.' Tomiwa started. 'Simbi. I've had a crush on you ever since i can remember.'
'I've always known.' Simbi said.
'You have?' Tomiwa.
'And you told me last time.' Simbi said and sat on the bed beside Tomiwa.
'Last time? What do you remember from last time.' Tomiwa asked.
'A lot.' Simbi said. 'I remember the kiss.'
'The kiss?' Tomiwa said and placed a kiss on Simbi's lip.
This time, she didn't resist and kissed him back.
'How was it' He asked.
'It was nice.' Simbi answered.
'Will you marry me.' Tomiwa said going on one knee.
'Yes. Yes. Yes.' Simbi replied with tears in her eyes.
'I don't have a ring with me but if you come with me now, we can go get one.' Tomiwa said.
They both stood up and rushed to Tomiwa's car, off to the mall in search of a ring.
Pixabay
