CHAPTER FIVE

Rachel POV

"What was that all about? I would have left if not for our friendship and because of Femi" she said angrily. We entered their compound after Femi alighted us at the gate. The ride home was silent with everyone having something on their mind, especially me. That meeting was something I will reminisce on for a long time.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, you know I couldn't leave him like that" I shrugged.

"Oh, he was a damsel in distress or should I say a mature man in distress and you were the shining knight, right? Anyways, I was mad at you but I don't know why I couldn't stay angry for long" she said looking straight into my eyes.

"You couldn't get angry at me because you saw my dream becoming reality" I smiled.

"Oh yes, I want to hear it all" This is the Mary I know. She's always interested in knowing about every issue and I'm too willing to share things with her.

I told her everything from the moment I met him till the moment I left him at the table except the fact that I initiated the marriage. I couldn't tell her that, could I? It's quite embarrassing to tell her that I helped him just to get closer to him. If I had told her, she wouldn't hesitate to tell my dad all about it and she would also think I'm crazy. In short, she wouldn't let me ruin my life by marrying someone I don't even know.

"Wait, are you mad? You agreed to marry him? You are just 21---"

"And I will be 22 soon" I interrupted, getting pissed off already.

"I know you like him and have a crush on him but you want to waste over 2million naira paid for your school fees on a guy who you don't know much about? That's crazy" she said almost angrily.

"Indeed, I may not know him, but we want to get to know each other and I'm even going to meet his parents soon" I told her.

"How's that possible? You guys just met" she must have found it hard to believe because I still find it hard myself.

"You will be going to California? What about school? What about your parents? We are friends and I won't let you fall into a pit if I see one" sometimes I just wonder why she sometimes talks like she's my mother.

"Come on Mary, it's just 6months marriage. If you are worried because of my wifey duties, you shouldn't because we are not going to have sex" I just want to clarify things because I didn't know what exactly she was bothered about.

"So you will get married to him without him asking for sex? Very funny. How many guys do that these days? You will stay with a guy for six good months and nothing will happen?" She looked at me like the answer was on my face.

"Well, nothing's going to happen. He's going to Russia for the FIFA world cup in 2weeks and God help my soul, if we reach the finals, he will be out for like 1 month..."

"And the remaining 5months?" Mary interrupted

"I will think of what to do and you will help me" I was getting frustrated already.

"Please Mary, I feel like my life depends on this, let me enjoy this for 6months and I will leave after that. you know if I back out now I will feel like a coward and regret that" I explained pitifully.

She looked at me like she understood me and I'm sure she does" I love you like a sister I never had and I know you have a reason for this but what will you tell your father?"

"I will find a way to go to Ekiti and let him know about my decision. he won't have a choice" no one could convince me at this point until I have achieved my aim.

"Okay, I'm always here for you but you are very lucky". what? Did I hear Mary right? She sounded convinced already.

"Yes, I am and I will make use of my lucky charm very well"

I was still trying to say something when my phone rang, it was an unknown number and I was surprised how a private number could be calling me around 11 pm.

"Hello, who is this?" I asked, irritated

"It's me, Femi"

"Oh, good evening, and thanks for tonight's ride, it was great" I told him

"It's nothing. I'm just calling to check up on you and ask if you guys are settled already".

"Yes, we have. Thanks"

"And another thing, can we meet tomorrow; I heard you will only be around for 2 weeks and I want to get to know you before you return to school".

what's wrong with this guy? I almost screamed out. I just wish he could see the handwriting on the wall that I'm not interested in him. Yes, truly, he's one handsome creature and I appreciated that, but I don't see us together as a couple at least not when I've got another who has captured my heart. I just wish he understood this.

"I won't be available but we can just meet in three days or what do you think?" I asked

"That's not a problem. We will meet in three days then. I will let you know where and time later, good night and sweet dreams" he said and ended the call

"You gave him my number?" I looked at the culprit "why?"

"I think he likes you and he looked serious, besides I didn't know you will be going for that dude in the first place" she said.  "Yeah, you didn't but what if I don't like him? I have Aderemi already".

"I know, but you need to be careful and you know what, Femi just came from Japan last week and he's a cool guy. I'm telling you this because if Aderemi doesn't work out before your so-called marriage, you can just tag along with Femi, at least he's someone your dad will approve of and not that oyinbo guy that you know nothing about apart from what the internet says"

I know she was trying to get to me or make me fall for Femi guy but my mind was made up already - it's either Aderemi or no one else.

We walked into the room, took off our clothes, and prepared to sleep. "thank you for tonight Mary, I'm grateful" she looked at me with those sisterly lovey-dovey eyes. "It's my pleasure, I hope you are making the right decision and you won't regret this but whatever happens I'm fully behind you.

"I know"

I moved closer to her on the bed, since we share the same bed, and hugged her. I thought about how to call or meet my dad later after I discuss it with my Oyinbo player. Even while I was drifting off, I couldn't help but hope that I'm not making the wrong decision as Mary said.