The obvious...

At home.

"I seriously don't know what reply to give to her. Isn't it wierd that a guy me like is a virgin, and if Iya Dare hears about it, Jesu ma sokale."

I said to Kola who was seated next to me on a wooden bench at the front of my FACE ME I SLAP YOU. This type of house is typical of buildings in trafficked places in my country. It's built thus; a long lone house which has several rooms facing each other and are divided by a passage. The Landlord (owner) might build twelves rooms, six on the right and six on the left, divided by a passage.

Everyone who lives in that house share the same toilet and bathroom and kitchen. And there are a whole of mess going on. Backbiting and treachery and witchery and hatred and jealousy. For the sake of fuck, how could you be jealous of someone living in such a place?

But don't be surprised, even my best friend, Kola, had wronged me many times but I've forgiven me. He had snatched a lot of my opportunities but as a good friend I didn't let that get to me. And my mother had always told me that only the brave at heart, and courageous ones can forgive and forget. Even when your best friend snatches your job opportunity behind your back?!

And now again, I've told him about the text I received from the unknown American woman. I don't know why I can't keep my mouth shut. But really, why should I have to hide things from my best friend? Isn't having someone to share your problem and wins with the reason best friends were created? Well, maybe I'm wrong. But there's little I could do now. I can't take back the words.

And on the other hand, I haven't been able to reply the message of the woman. The American woman from California. I seriously didn't know how to reply it. I haven't received any message as direct as that ever before. I'm always conservative with whatever I share online.

And that was why I have shared it with Kola. Probably he would have something to say. He always does. Plus there's nobody else I could had told. I don't trust any other person. And what? I can't possibly tell my mother.

"You know, Dare. You're not that kinda street guy. You're the Jesus freak who doesn't really want to stain his ways. Why don't you give me your login details to the app and I'll help you talk to the woman. I'll even send him pictures of my ... you get. And then when she pays or shows interest, then we can share the income."

Kola explained. My keen eyes traced his plain face down to his straight nose. He has this appealing aura, though I've been told countless times that I'm cuter than he is. Plus I'm one feet taller and quite stoic compared to him.

"I don't trust you to that extent, Kola. Given by all what you've done to me. The place you're working now, I should be there and enjoying the benefits and promotions."

He placed one of his hands on my shoulder,

"That's the devil's work na. We already talked about that. Let's not bring up the past. Plus, I always want to help you, you know, but you don't want my money."

I glared at him to read his reaction. I didn't care,

"Are you kidding me? I should take peanuts from what should had been mine? You should be glad that I still regard you as my best friend. I don't even know why I'm keeping you."

"Dare the likely loo..."

He patted me playfully on the shoulder.

"I can't keep a grudge against you. We've been taught and that's what we read in the Bible. Not to pay evil with evil. But one thing I want you to know is that I won't forgive you if you hurt me again."

He scoffed,

"Why would I, ehn, Dare. I don't know what to do to make you trust me again."

I side-looked him and looked away to the endless strughle of the day's activities going on in the street opposite the building.

"So, what would you tell this woman?"

He asked again. I sighed,

"I can't be talking about dick. It doesn't suit me."

"Don't tell me you will just let this opportunity slip away. You have no idea what she has in stock for you. Know that she lives in California, the richest state in the USA. And the fact that she to had chosen you, may be an answer to one of your prayers. Maybe it's God talking to you. After all, there are several hot men in the USA, why had she chosen, isn't it like a miracle?"

I was beginning to tap the back of my sole against the base of the bench.

"Or are you not tired of that your giant roommate?"

I chuckled and he did too. The thought of the rat was sickening. I nodded and turned to him finally,

"I'll give you the details and you'll talk to her. Though I wanted much to talk to her but I don't want to ruin it with my religiosity."

I paused and continued,

"But you will do as you've said. The benefits will be mine and I'll reward you. Take it as if I hired you."

"Now you're talking."

He tapped my shoulder and hugged me slightly.

"See who's here."

He pointed my attention at once. I looked and stood up at once.

"Not today."

I tried to hide and hurry inside but then the feminine voice caught up with me. She had seen me.

"Dare."

"Your babe."

Kola mocked and I shot at him,

"I've told you that I don't need a girl, I don't just know why she's so persistent. At least she should have some self respect. Ladies I know have ego, but I don't --"

"Hey, Dare."

She had gotten to us. She was standing by the stairs of the elevated pavement of the building.

"Lara."

I bit the words and offered,

"Join us."

She shook her head,

"I just want few moments with you alone."

I was moved but then... I turned to Kola,

"I'll be back."

I walked down the stairs as I heard Kola call,

"At least Lara, say hi to me."

She rolled her eyes instead and walked with me to the lips of the road.

"Why do you hate him that much?"

I asked, she wanted to dismiss it, I could read her reaction, but then she struggled,

"He's cunny. I still won't understand why a good person like you keeps such con artist, not even as friend, but best friend. Best friend kwa."

I smiled,

"The Pharisees an Sadducees also didn't understand why Jesus kept friends with the tax collectors."

She smirked and grunted. She's 5'4, thick, curvy and busty. She's beautiful, with straight nose and thick but portal lips. She was wearing a wig. A blouse and Jean with a pair of flip-flops.

"I had a dream about you. Be careful with the person you trust. Tell me, is there something that just came up like an opportunity?"

I wasn't surprised. If I wasn't a spiritual person, as inherited from my mother, I would had thought that Lara is a witch. But I don't know why she only dreams about me.

"Yes, but it's complicated. But I trust Kola, he would handle it."

"Did you just say you trust Kola?"

"Jesus chose the sinners, even Judas, though he knew he would rat him out."

She held one of my hands and place her other palm on it.

"Please don't, Dare. You'll regret it."

I turned in Kola's direction and saw him stood up. He began to walk down the stairs towards us. I sighed.

"It's complicated, Lara. Thanks for your concern."

"Bro, I'm on my way. Send the details through WhatsApp. Don't keep me waiting."

Kola got to us and tapped me on the back. He said to Lara,

"Take care of my friend, Lara."

Lara rolled her eyes and hissed. Then she shook her hand free from mine and glared at me. Then she walked off too.

I stood there wondering. Have I made a bad choice?