Beyond Forcados High

CHAPTER 4:VOWS AND OLD WOUNDS

From the endless chatter coming from outside, Efua could tell the house was packed. She sat in her room, debating whether to go out or just sleep in; the preparation for the vow renewal had been exhausting. She felt as though she had cooked for a million people, and she had certainly cried enough tears to fill a gallon—those onions hadn't gone easy on her.

"Efua darling," her mother called, knocking on the door.

Efua rolled her eyes and turned toward the dresser.

"Come in, mother."

Her mother stepped inside, looking as radiant as ever. She wore a green mermaid gown that accentuated her hourglass figure perfectly—an elegant, sparkling choice for an older woman. Her black weave was braided and swept into a high bun, adorned with glitter, ribbons, and hairpins.

"Wow, you look gorgeous, Mum," Efua said genuinely.

Her mother giggled, checking her reflection in the mirror. "I know, right? Amaka did a wonderful job."

Efua smirked and shook her head affectionately at the sheer extra-ness of it all.

"Why aren't you dressed yet, honey?"

"Do I really have to come out? I mean—"

"Efua, I know you don't like your stepdad, and you aren't comfortable around him, but please do this for me. I'm your mother; I carried you for nine months."

Efua rolled her eyes, sighing at the cliché emotional blackmail. Yet, looking at her, she realized that despite the deep resentment she held—the lingering pain of her mother not believing her when she was sexually assaulted as a teenager—she still loved her. She couldn't deny that bond.

"I'll be down in thirty minutes," Efua promised.

"Thank you, dear... I love you," her mother said, heading to the door. She paused, looking back. "Oh, and you better look pretty, young lady. There are a lot of eligible young business executives outside I'd love for you to meet."

Efua frowned, amused and slightly annoyed that her mother was trying to play matchmaker at her own anniversary party. Once she left, Efua turned to her wardrobe, completely uninspired. Luckily, Talia was online. Who better to ask for fashion advice than the most stylish accountant at the hospital?

EFUA: Tally, dear...um i kind of need fashion advice

TALIA: pinch me is the o so serious Efua asking me for fashion advice?

EFUA: don't make me regret my decision😒

TALIA: fyn calm down...I guess its for the dinner right?

EFUA: yup

TALIA: you know that red cocktail dress you wore for my birthday gala ...the one I got u.

EFUA: The one with the scandalous slit. I'm not comfortable in that thing.

TALIA: well you were hot in it. Either that or the purple gown we got from Giselle's.

EFUA: k tanx dear

TALIA: UWLCM!! And Efua have fun.

EFUA: wateva mum.

TALIA: 😠

EFUA: 😘

Efua decided on the red dress. She actually liked it for a very specific reason, and it wasn't just because of the male attention it drew. Well, maybe a little.

It felt like it took ages, but she was finally ready. Smiling at her reflection, she had to admit she looked striking. Her long hair fell nearly to her waist, framing her curves perfectly. The dress was strapless, accentuating her neckline beautifully. She draped a sheer red veil around her shoulders, picked up her red Versace purse, and headed out.

Turning after closing her bedroom door, she ran straight into a broad, solid chest. She stumbled backward, but a strong hand caught her firmly by the waist.

"Be careful, sis," a voice said.

Efua looked up into Alade’s eyes. "Hah! Thank you, Alade. That was close."

"Very," he murmured. He didn't let go immediately, and their eyes locked a beat too long.

"Uh, you can let go of me now," Efua said, breaking the tension.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry." Alade released her and stepped back, clearing his throat. "You look... pretty tonight, sis."

"Why, thank you. You look quite sharp yourself."

"Yeah... but not nearly as good as you."

Efua blushed, rolling her eyes playfully. "Later, bro," she said, strutting past him.

The beautifully decorated garden was buzzing with guests. Men in dark suits and tuxedos mingled with women in an array of vibrant evening gowns. Efua moved through the crowd with a glass of brandy, making polite conversation. Within an hour, she had already ignored a dozen standard pickup lines without giving the men a second glance.

Then an older man, easily pushing seventy, approached her, bluntly offering to buy her whatever she wanted if she became his girl. Efua just laughed in his face and walked away. Who did he think he was dealing with? If she didn't care about ruining her mother's big night, she would have tossed her brandy in his face and shoved him into the pool.

Seeking an escape, she sat under the shade of a canopy, sipping her drink and focusing on a game of Candy Crush. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Amaka practically dragging a man through the crowd toward her.

"Sweetheart, come and meet my closest friend," Efua heard Amaka say faintly. She didn't bother looking up yet, keeping her eyes glued to her phone screen as they approached.

"Efua! Efua!"

Efua sighed, silently pitying the poor guy who had been cornered by Amaka. But as she finally lifted her gaze, her face drained of color. Her heart did a violent backflip as her eyes locked onto a pair of deeply familiar brown eyes.

"Efua?"

"J... Jimmi."