Texting and Tensions
655 Words
Texting and Tensions
The days after the picnic blurred into a pleasant haze of conference sessions, but Lola's phone buzzed often with Ade's messages – jokes about Lagos traffic "How do people survive this?" Ade asked with genuine curiosity"
, tech debates
"AI vs human creativity, your take her texted
" Guy, we are all used to it even though it drives us crazy sometimes, Lola texted back" and random checks on her day "Coffee or nap?" He replied
"I need a nap at this time, Lola replied". They met for lunch once, walking around Marina, dodging sudden rain that left the air steamy and fresh. The air was charged, but neither pushed beyond friendly, a dance of curiosity unfolding.
Ade: "Weekend plan?"
Lola: "Hmm?"
Ade: "Sundown picnic at Oluwole Park? No tech talk, just us "
Lola: "Sounds like a plan! What time?"
Ade: "6 p.m? I'll pick you up."
Lola: " No, make it 7 p.m please handsome, she begged"
She spent an hour picking an outfit: yellow sundress, casual, a hint of a smile. Ade arrived on time, in a tidy sedan, with a basket of food, grilled fish, fried plantains, fresh fruit, and a bottle of chilled ginger beer. Oluwole Park buzzed with families, the sky ablaze with sunset, streaks of orange and pink melting into the trees like a painting on Ibadan Road.
Ade: "Hey, you look lovely!"
Lola: "Thanks! Smells like food heaven "
Ade: "Haha, hope you're hungry!"
They found a quiet spot, spreading a mat under a sprawling acacia. As they ate, Ade told stories of growing up in Lagos – fixing broken toys as a kid, chasing crabs in the creeks of Eleko, the smell of his mom's cooking filling the air. Lola laughed, but a part of her wondered – is this too perfect?
Lola: "That's so cool! I was the opposite – always breaking things "
Ade: "Haha, I doubt that!"
Lola: "True story! Ask my siblings"
The sky darkened, stars peeking like scattered diamonds. Ade leaned back on his elbows, looking relaxed against the grass. "You’re different from what I expected," he said, eyes cr crling.
Lola: "How?"
Ade: "Quieter, but… deeper."
Lola: "Is that a good thing?"
Ade: "Definitely "
He shifted closer, voice dropping. "Want to walk?"
Lola hesitated for a beat. "I'd love to."
The path was dimly lit, laughter from other families fading as they strolled toward a grove of palms near the park's lake. Ade caught her hand, briefly, like testing, his fingers brushing hers before intertwering loosely. Lola didn’t pull away, but her mind sparked – what does he want?
Ade: "Stars are brighter here, no city haze."
Lola: "I love it."
Ade: "Want to grab ice cream?"
Lola: "Sure. But no more swaps?"
Ade: "Deal. I like this phone "
They grabbed cones at a street vendor on Park Road, mango for Lola, chocolate for Ade. As they lated, dripping sweetness, Ade caught her gaze.
Ade: "Thanks for tonight," he said, voice low.
Lola: "Thanks. Fun."
They lingered a moment, the space between them grinding with possibility… and doubt. Does he like me? Does he want more?
Ade: "Text you tomorrow?"
Lola: "Definitely "
He smiled, drove off. Lola watched him go, heart fluttering – and questions swirling.
The next day, Ade texted: "How's your day?"
Lola: "Busy. You?"
Ade: "Same. Missing picnic vibes "
Lola: "Me too."
Ade: "Want to grab coffee this week?"
Lola hesitated before typing: "When?"
Ade: "Wednesday? Central Cafe on Akin Adesola?"
Lola: "Okay "
Wednesday came, and Lola found herself at Central Cafe, sipping cappuccino, Ade talking about music – his passion. Lola laughed, feeling a spark, but also – tension. Where's this going?
Ade: "Want to play music with me this weekend?"
Lola: "I'd love that "
As they parted ways, Lola wondered – is this getting too serious? Am I really ready for something this serious? She wondered.
- Writer
