End of days

Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Rayford kept whispering into Jane's ear, and she kept smiling at whatever he was telling her. That moment as she stood watching them, she wished for a love as beautiful as theirs, a love that stays devoted, even when the going is tough.

"Beautiful sight to behold, aren't they?" Dele said from behind Amaka.

"Beautiful indeed, love they say; is truly a beautiful thing". Amaka looked at Jane and Rayford with a longing in her eyes.

"That could be us you know? But you have decided to be stubborn, and fight love from all sides"

"Bia, this yoruba boy, are you trying to provoke me or something?" Amaka turned to look at Dele.

"See what I'm saying? A guy is just trying to have a harmless conversation, and you have turned it around already"

"Oh really? Then please forgive me for not understanding that being called stubborn, and anti-love, is a compliment"

"I didn't mean it that way, and you know it"

"I don't know whatever it is you meant Dele, and I really don't want to. It's my best friend's wedding, and I just want to have fun" Amaka started to move her body to the music that was being played, ignoring Dele who stood there staring at her.

After the couple's dance, it was time for the best man to give his speech, Dele went upstage, not taking his eyes off Amaka, as he rendered his speech.

Amaka who was still standing where Dele had left her, listened as he told the guests, of how Rayford was more than a friend to him. As she watched him speak, the only question she kept asking herself was; why couldn't she give Dele a chance? He has been persistent about his feelings for her, and she clearly likes him too, then why wasn't she allowing herself the chance to love, or at least be loved? 'It's because you have a secret that would break whatever you think you can build with him' a silent voice said to her. Truly, there is no way she is ever going to be able find love, with the secret she carried with her.

By evening, the reception ceremony was over, and almost all the guests who came to celebrate with Rayford and Jane, had already left.

It was just Jane and Rayford's family, and a few other guests, who were left. Ming who was almost like a second wedding planner at the wedding, making sure everyone was served refreshments, and nothing went amiss, sat at a far end of the hall, tending to her baby, while her husband conversed with her.

Leah Rose who was looking so much better, and fully recovered, than the last time Jane had seen her, was carrying a sleeping Jonathan, as she came to say goodbye to the couple before leaving.

Rayford's mother who ended up almost inviting the half of Lagos for the wedding, was still moving around, making sure guests who came from a far distance, and couldn't go back that same day, were provided with adequate lodging accommodations, while her husband was busy sipping from a glass of wine, as he conversed with some old time associates of his, who attended the wedding.

"Amaka thank you so much, I owe you big time" Jane said to Amaka as they both stood to say their goodbyes, before she and Rayford left for their hotel, they were going for their honeymoon the next day, and Rayford had suggested they stayed in a hotel that night, to avoid being disturbed, by people who might want to come visit all in the name of coming to congratulate them.

"You owe me nothing, now go and enjoy your first night as a married woman" Amaka hugged her.

Finally, after they've said their goodbyes to everyone, the couples left for their hotel.

Amaka decided to take her tired self, back to the apartment she once shared with Jane. Now she was going to be sleeping in it alone, not just for this night, nor a week, but for a very long time, at least until she decides to move out of the apartment, into another one, which she is still going to be sleeping alone in.

Jane wasn't even gone for up to a day, and Amaka was already missing her. She felt like crying.

"I could drive you home if you want"

Amaka was startled as she heard Dele's voice behind her, "Can't you just speak to someone in their front? Must you come from behind?''

"What can I say? I like it from behind, I think you should already know that about me by now" Dele flashed Amaka his beautiful set of teeth, and his dimples which she loves so much.

"Then go, and look for someone else who is willing, to do it from behind with you" Amaka gathered her things and started to leave.

"Why do I need to do that, when I already have you?"

"Dele please leave me alone, I'm tired and need to rest"

"And here I am, offering my services, Let me drop you off, I could even give you a massage, if you want" he walked beside her, as she walked towards the parking lot. Rayford already instructed his driver to take her home.

"No thank you, but Rayford's driver would be taking me home, and I don't need your massage"

"I really want to drive you to your apartment, please"

"Why? So you can try to seduce me?"

"No, so I can be with you, even if it's just for the short period of the drive"

Amaka saw the look in Dele's eyes, she could tell he genuinely wanted her company. So she decided to tell Rayford's driver not to bother about driving her back to her apartment.

"Where is your car parked?" She asked Dele when she was done talking to Rayford's driver.

"Please come with me my lady" Dele flashed those his teeth at her again. If only he knew what his smile was doing to her, he wouldn't smile so often.