EPISODE 4: LENGTHY CHATS
1087 Words
The room grow quieter but in a kind of way that made Nia felt lonely. The ceiling fan spun lazily above her head moving the air but not quiet cooling the ache that has settled in her chest.
With her phone light growing dime in her palm, her thumb covered over Ethan's name. His profile picture hasn't changed. Still the last party picture he took when was with the boys in school.
She sighed, then locked the phone. Unlocked it again. It was silly how something small as starting a conversation could feel like jumping off a cliff
She wind her brain on what to say:"Hey ,I'm leaving soon". Does it sound casual? Does it sound mean ?
She wasn't comfortable with the tone of the text and she cleared to give another try.
Nia leaned back against the wall from where she sat while running her fingers through her hair. Her suit case by the Conner , still open , half filled with folded clothes she has properly packed. Everything she has packed inside felt like taking a piece of her lyce apart.
She turned the phone one more time and this time , did not hesitate to text.
"Hello, love. Are you awake ?"
Three minutes passed. Then five. She started to think she had fallen asleep and miraculously, the typing text appeared.
" Yeah, can't sleep. How are you doing, babe ?"
"I'm fine "
" What's on your mind ?"
Her fingers hesitated over the keyboard. For a moment she thought about not driving straight to the point but if she don't, what would she do ? She thought.
" I have been thinking about how everything could happen to fast, I'll be traveling next Friday"
"Wow!! Congratulations sweetheart. You should feel proud Nia "
She blinked, her chest tightened a little.
"You have worked so hard for this and I will say this is the best thing to happen. This is your life my princess, go and Excell"
Her lips curved into a small , trembling smile
" You always make it easy, Ethan"
"I love you"
Te typing dot appeared after we eyes are covered with silent tears.
"I love you too, Nia "
"You're not mad I am leaving, right "?
"Why will I be ? you're choosing something beautiful. I can only be mad if you give up on it ,Nia"
A slow warmth spread through her chest. That was Ethan , always calm. Always saying the right thing at the same time without even trying hard.
A typing dot appeared again. She felt calm without even knowing what is about to be sent. Then it came...
"I am super excited and proud of you, my girl. You're stepping into something bigger and all I can already see is you thriving there. Just promise me one thing "
"What's that ? " typing immediately and clicked on the send button without hesitation.
"Don't forget about ow Amazing you are. You've earn every room you walk into. Go and make home proud to send you there "
Se thought for a second how Ethan could be so sweet and was like... would have been better of it's the two of us walking into it.
"Thank you , Ethan. For everything".
The screen dimmed as the conversation ended and let our a shaky breath. She placed the phone beside her. She didn't realise when tears started streamed down, maybe halfway through reading his last message but she didn't wipe them away. They were not sad tears. Not exactly.
Those were the kind came when you realized someone truly believed in you and somehow, that made saying goodbye a little harder.
***
Nia's mood lifted from the last message she got from Ethan, her boyfriend. The sting between ER eye faded and replaced by something brighter. With enough strength gathered to spill t tea to her girls. She click on her favorite group chat: The Troi.
In seconds her hands were able to fiddle through the keyboard.
" Guess wo finally got her admissions confirmed"
A second passed. Then another.The messages came flooding.
"Don't play wit meeee, abeg which one " replied Vanessa
"Is it the one abroad?" came Amber
"Yes , the same one I told you guys about " replied Nia
"Go girllll, Congratulations Miss Americana. Proud of you!" replied Vanessa.
Now Nia could imagine what Nia is like through ee text. She laughed out loud that the sound echoed softly through her room. She could practically see Vanessa's dramatic face and Amber's calm face through her imaginary eyes .
"Thank you, girls. Though it feel kind of weird, honestly " replied Nia.
"You have always wanted this. You worked hard for it, mama". Came Amber.
"Still doesn't mean I'll forgive you for leaving us here with boring people" said Vanessa.
Vanessa's chat made Nia giggle more and she remember she was called the class clown in school.
"Now you're making me look like a bad person, Vanessa. I am not not leaving forever". Nia replied.
There come a typing dot by Amber. Nia was wondering what she would say. Will she add to the humour or say something soft and encouraging as she was known for? Nia Wondered it through her mind. Finally the message came.
"Vanessa relax! She will still text. Right, Nia ?"
"Of course ! I promise" replied Nia.
"Better you do. Do not forget to bring me chocolate, perfume and maybe fine Oyibo boyfriend" replied Vanessa.
Nia burst into laughter, cluttering her pillow.
Another typing dots came but this time from Vanessa again... and Nia was just wondering what bomb she would drop this time around. well, what will be , will be . Whispered Vanessa softly.
"So what about Ethan , who are you leaving him for? make arrangement wey you go carry am put for Ghana most go dey go oooo coz you guys can't stay without each other"
With a second blink , Nia was able to read through the message. She laughed to hard that her stomach hurts and she reach out for the water on her table.
Laugh Emojis flooded the group chat as the three girls was having so much fun.
Nia kept er phone aside , staring up at the ceiling with a soft smile. She wasn't sure when reality would finally sink it. The leaving, the distance, the change but with Amber and Vanessa by her side , even goodbye doesn't feel heavy anymore.
To be Continued....
- Writer
