WHO WILL BE HER MATES?

"Will you be my mate?" Desmond poised. After saying those words, he felt lighter than a feather, it was as if a whole lot of weight has been lifted off of him. He has always wanted to tell her these very words. It was not as if he was the shy type, but he didn't know how she would take in these words. At some point he somehow wished the Earth would just open up and swallow him. But alas! The deeds have been done. It was on a cold evening but it felt as if it was blazing hot. He could even feel a droplet of water running down from his armpits to his side. After saying those words he couldn't even meet her eyes , he only remained on his knees and hoped positive. Amy on the other hand was rather astonished than happy. This could be seen on her countenance that looked pale than joyous. This was not the normal look on her face. Her face was always so beautiful and bright, cheerful and comely. The same could also be said of her character. She was all round impeccable and flawless. This explains why Desmond was still on his knees with an outstretched arm holding on to something that looked like a ring. It wasn't the most expensive ring but at least it could be termed a ring; it was a circumscribing object with a hollow center, indeed it was a ring. Desmond was not wealthy, he couldn't boast of so many properties. He has been friends with Amy for so long. They knew each other right from their high school days. They were so close that people often thought they were dating. This assumptions spread round the school so fast like wildfire. It made everyone envious; Students and teachers, both alike. They got the nickname 'Romeo' and 'Juliet' from their alleged romantic relationship. Like a turtle to its shell they seemed so inseparable. Even though they were not into some form of romantic relationship, people didn't care. As far as they are close,they were dating. Only Desmond and Amy knew better, they were just platonic friends. Their platonic friendship often got them into trouble sometimes, especially with the Principal of the school, Mr Davidson. Who has made countless advances towards Amy but she resisted. Of course she wouldn't accept her principal's proposal, he was three or four times older than her. Not to talk of his pot belly that dangles as he walks. His students always made mockery of him, but all in secrecy. Still on his knees, Desmond tried to cajole her to accept his proposal. "Please Amy, make me the happiest man in the world" he said as he began to grow increasingly confident as if he saw a sign or something. "I'm sorry Desmond" she said as she began to weep slowly. She tried to hide her emotions but the weeping grew continuously. As soon as he heard the sound of her cry, he was bewildered. "What is the reason for her crying?Did I say or do something wrong?" The answers to this question he knew not, so he decided to ask her. But before he could do so, she was already running towards the door and out of it. She halted a taxi and in it, she left. But as she was leaving she kept on saying "Sorry Desmond! Sorry Desmond!!" He was so confused that he didn't know what to do. He didn't know whether to go after her or to think about what she was saying. "Why is she apologizing?" He wondered. He couldn't tell what she has done. When he tried to chase after her, it was too late. He just missed the rear of the taxi. She could only watch through the mirror of the Taxi how he ran to Chase after them. But he couldn't run for too long. Of course,he wasn't as fast as a cheetah. Perhaps he would have caught up with them. After running helplessly for a few minutes,he was already tired. With his hands akimbo, he gasped for air. It has been a long time since he ran at such a pace. "Sorry Desmond!" She kept on saying, this time in her mind. The taxi driver couldn't help himself as he watched the drama that unfolded before his very own eyes. It was as if he was watching a classical movie series. He couldn't even concentrate while driving as he kept on peeping on her through the mirror while simultaneously trying to look at the road. He tried to start up a conversation with her but he couldn't, her face was beginning to get swollen from the excessive crying. He didn't know where to even start from. Once he drove into a pothole. "Please drive easy," she said. The taxi driver was all smiles as he had gotten the opportunity he so wanted "Okay ma'am, but you must also stop crying" he answered. " The Holy Book says 'Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning'" he said as he tried to further cheer her up. "But ma'am what is the problem? I don't have money but I can help in any way I could" the taxi driver said. The man was probably in his 50's or so. The way and manner he spoke suggested that he was also literate. He was so good with his tenses for a man that drives an ordinary Taxi. The reason why he was in such a condition was probably because of the bad government and their policies. Amy was not the type that talked too much, so she was not interested in the conversation. And certainly she didn't need any of his money. "It's nothing sir, please don't forget to drop me off at the airport. That's my destination. " She spoke kindly and softly to the driver. By this time, she had already stopped crying. "Okay then, off to the airport we shall go" he responded as he noticed she was not in the mood for any more conversation. The journey lasted for about 20 minutes, the driver had a lot of questions to ask but he couldn't. So he had to keep mute throughout the journey. He wasn't the type that remained quiet for so long so he often whistled out loud at times or tuned in to the radio. He wasn't just going to keep quiet. At one point he thought of her and decided to play RnB music. He brought out his old dusty disc plate, he blew the dust off with the air that proceeded from his mouth and then inserted it. The song at first didn't play, then he touched one or two buttons. It worked, it began playing slowly and gently, he hoped it would help brighten her mood. And of course it did. They soon got to the airport. She alighted and paid the transport fare. The driver didn't want to collect the fare but she Insisted and even gave him tips. "Thank you ma'am, safe travels!" He said as he waved her goodbye." You're welcome good sir and thank you too" she responded