The Undecided Love

"LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE"

It had been a week since my grandmother's burial. It wasn't large, just Andrew, Junior, Grey, their parents and I.

I ain't got any other relatives, none that I know of, and the idea of strangers coming with fake condolences to offer so that they can just wait for the after-party was sickening so I decided to just have the small people I've gotten close to during the years.

We buried my grandmother beside my parents and seeing all three headstones made me break down again for the nth time that day.

The following week was pretty slow and uneventful with the guys coming to check up on me. I was always comfortable when Andrew and Junior visited but got very uncomfortable when Grey visited. It was always awkward and I think he realized it so he changed his plans; don't visit Adeola. I was grateful for that, I couldn't face him alone let alone have conversations with him.

I have also been looking for a new job but couldn't find any. I had gone back to my old workplace to actually explain to my boss about my grandmother's death and all but he didn't even look at me twice. Leaving his office, my coworkers surrounded me and gave me apologies and prayers and wishes.

"I'm so sorry Deola," Gbolabo hugged me last and whispered into my ear, "He should be punished for his lack of sympathy."

"It's okay, deed is done." I smiled a little and he chuckled.

"Look on the bright side, you're free from this hellhole."

"You're right though. It's a pity I couldn't push his head down the toilet before now."

We laughed and I thanked him and bade my goodbyes, promising him that I'll be visiting once in a while and hanging out when we're less busy.

Gbolabo had also offered to help me find a new job by giving me his aunt's contact. According to him, last time he spoke to her, she was looking for a waitress in her restaurant.

I went to the address he'd written down the next day but unfortunately, she apologized to me saying she already found someone. Of course I was disappointed but it wasn't her fault.

I was walking home after my 9th failed attempt of job search when my phone vibrated in my back pocket. I fished it out and smiled at my screen.

"Yo Dee, Andrew and I are at your place. Come home quickly."

I quickly typed a reply, telling him I'm only two streets away and asked what the special occasion was, and sent it. It wasn't up to a minute when he texted me back..

"Just get your butt home quick before Grey finishes it all."

I rolled my eyes on impulse because the right person I was avoiding was at my house.

"You're a great friend for bringing Grey."

It might sound harsh but I couldn't help it. It was my defense mechanism against all what happened. I couldn't understand why Junior and Andrew couldn't see it. I needed to kill whatever little feelings that's brewing in my heart and I don't mind if it eventually turns to hate.

The guys would be resuming their university life for another semester in two weeks and I have mixed feelings. I'm happy that they're trying to spend time with me before the semester starts but I'm going to miss them. It's not like they stay in the university hostels because of the close proximity of our houses to the campus grounds, but because they'll be busy and I'll rarely see them or hang out with them.

Before, I was used to it; I had a job that I was busy with while they were at school and we'd hangout weekends but now, I'm jobless and I would really need the company, especially at a time like this.

I was also slightly elated, Grey wouldn't be around much so I'll have time to clear my head and flush him out of my system.

I got to my front door and kicked off my shoes, stepped inside just to be tackled to the ground by 2 stupid guys.

"You guys weigh a lot, get your fat asses off me." I heaved and they got off me and Andrew stretched his hand out to help me up.

"Gee.. thanks guys." I said in mock gratitude and adjusted my shirt and hair then threw my knapsack on the couch.

"Are you ready?" Grey asked across me with a mischievous smile. I looked around and noticed that there were bottles of alcohol on the floor and a bowl filled with peppered meat on the centre table.

"Ready for what?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"To have fun," Andrew clapped his hands with excitement, "But with alcohol."

"I don't think so, buddy."

"Please, come on." He begged me, "when was the last time you got drunk with us?"

"Maybe two months ago but that's not the issue right now." I sat down and dipped my hand into the bowl of deliciousness, "I'm down for the meat though."

Junior slapped my hand as I was about to eat the meat and I watched it fly across the room, "No no no no. No alcohol, no meat."

"Ugh, you guys are mean." I whined while rubbing my sore hand.

"Soooo... You in?" Andrew gave me a cute face, one he does each time he wanted something. I always give in to that face, who doesn't. Even Junior falls for it every time, and he acts like a tough guy.

"Hope you guys brought more than enough?" I smiled at Andrew they cheered like little children. He then dashed into my kitchen to grab a bottle opener and a wine opener.

It was then a knock was heard and our heads snapped in that direction. I wondered who could be at the door at this time. Last time I checked, the friends I have are right here with me. I figured it wouldn't be for me so I gave the other two a questioning look but they shook her heads so I stood up to answer it.

When I opened the door, I immediately wished I hadn't.

At the door stood Alhaji with two hefty men behind him. His smile was sickening and I felt like emptying my stomach right there.

How could I forget about him?

"Won't you let me in? I thought your parents taught you manners." He spoke up and I voiced an apology and stepped aside for him.

He sat on the armchair and his bodyguards, I supposed, stood at either side. He glanced at the bottles and started laughing.

"You're having a party when you just recently buried your grandmother. So classic of you, very irresponsible." My fist clenched.

"She's not irresponsible," Junior stood beside me, "I don't know why a stranger would go to people's house and call them names."

"This isn't between you and me young man," He silenced him with a glare.

"I'm working on it." I turned his attention back to me.

"And how is that working out? I heard you got fired." I froze.

"How did you know that?"

"That's not the issue right now. The issue is how you're going to pay me back."

"I still have 6 months to pay you back. Why exactly are you here Alhaji?"

"Can't I come and check up on you? Especially when I didn't come for the burial."

"You weren't invited." I heard Junior mutter. From my peripheral vision, I saw Andrew leave the kitchen with a confused look.

"I'm fine, thank you. Anything else?"

"In case you can't pay me back, we can think of other means for you to settle your debt." He eyed me like I'm a bottle of chilled water in a desert.

"And what do you mean?"

"You know what I mean darling" he licked his lips, "Spend a night with me and I'll make it all disappear."

I had the urge to slap him and I knew Andrew and Junior wanted to too. "I will do no such thing, especially not to someone like you."

He only laughed, and snapped his fingers. One of the men stepped out and came back with a flower basket. He handed it to me and flew back to Alhaji's side.

"My deepest condolences about your grandmother but don't forget my offer." He stood up and headed for the door, "You have my phone number when you change your mind." And he left, leaving worry in my mind.

"Who was that? What was that about?" Andrew was at my side immediately the door shut close as I found my way back to the couch. I dropped the flowers on the table, making a mental note to burn it later.

"No one." I grabbed a bottle and started gulping.

"That isn't no one Dee, who the hell is that?" Junior pressed on and I groaned.

"Someone I'm owing money."

"When did you meet him for money?" Grey continued and I ignored him.

"Guys, not now. Let's get back to what we doing."

They looked at each other for a while and shrugged like they communicated with each other telepathically. They knew I wouldn't answer if they continued to ask. We each took a bottle and raised it up to make a toast.

"To a new dawn," Andrew said dramatically which made them laugh. Me, on the other hand, saw another side to that toast. I was screwed and I needed to act fast or Alhaji would eventually have his way with me.

I just hoped that tomorrow was going to have a positive impact on me, but for now, I'm dreading that new dawn.