Simplethings

Chapter 1-1

Chapter 1

"I LOVE YOU."

Theodore drew in a breath, waiting for her reply, but she seemed transfixed on whatever it was that she was doing on her phone.

They were together in the rundown apartment he shared with two of his friends—­­­­sitting opposite each other on the large couch. The T.V. was functional but the volume was low, and all anyone could hear was the creaking of the fan above them and the background noise from the neighborhood.

The faded curtains were open to let in sunlight and what passed as the living room was sparsely furnished with two old couches and a small stool. But it was neat. It was always neat when she agreed to come over.

If the press ever found out that a persona like Nifemi Adebanjo was in such an apartment, it would be all over the news for days.

He groaned inwardly. Did she hear his earlier declaration? She remained unflinching—making no move to reply, causing his heart rate to escalate to the point that the possibility of it falling out of his ribcage became feasible. She was probably preparing a rejection speech. Her silence was beginning to scare him, thoughts bordering on the grounds that he could be friend-zone, surfaced.

Or worse, the brother zone.

"Were you even listening to me?" He asked, throwing a pillow at her. It hit her right in the face and she looked up at him with a scowl that marred her beautiful face.

"You were saying something?" She replied, throwing the pillow back at him. He caught it expertly.

"Did you even hear me?" He asked again.

"Nope. Didn't hear a thing." She smiled sheepishly, as she sat up and set her feet on the stool. She had removed her shoes, and her perfectly manicured toes were on display.

"What are you even doing on that phone sef?" He raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"I was reading a book. I got this app where you can read books for free." She explained, showing him the app on her smart phone.

"You were ignoring me because you were reading free stuff, like seriously." He feigned hurt.

"Don't say it like that jorh!" She laughed, throwing her head backwards. "When you say it like that, it sounds like a grievous crime." She added with a playful glint in her eyes.

"Well it is a crime. I mean, do you know who I am? Ladies are lining up outside just begging for my attention, and yet, you that has the opportunity to enjoy it here, you're taking advantage of it shay. Better start paying attention to me now." He joked, pouting.

"Oya sorry. What were you saying?" She asked, putting her phone aside and focusing on him.

"Nothing. Doesn't matter." He lied. "Let’s watch T.V." He added, inwardly berating himself for his cowardly act. He should've just told her, then it would all be over at once. He would know how she really felt, and if his feelings would ever be reciprocated.

He just wanted to be with her.

"Don't change that channel!" Nifemi exclaimed—instantly moving her body to the beat and snapping her fingers to the song, 'Distance' by Omarion. Theodore could only laugh at her and change the channel anyways. "That's not music." He said, standing up as Davido’s song started to play on the T.V. "This is music." And with that, he began to dance in front of her, causing her to laugh and clap for him.

"Thank you, thank you." He joked, curtsying before sitting down.

Theodore had always been a free-spirited person and that was one of the traits Nifemi envied when it came to him. He could dance anywhere, as long as he was having fun. He was a good dancer, and he wasn't afraid to show it to whomever that happened to be passing by. She could never forget the day he embarrassed her, while they were taking a stroll around his neighborhood. They went by a movies rental shop that had music blaring from two speakers. Unabashed, Theodore joined the group of children who had been distracted from the errands they were sent on by their parents, and for the older children, the goods they hawked were now abandoned. He danced freely, not caring about the amused looks he received from passersby.

Nifemi had never been so embarrassed.

Afterwards, she scolded him for 'making a fool of himself' but showing no remorse, he placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "Life is more beautiful when you have fun without caring about what others think."

She was touched at how philosophical he sounded sometimes, and had been disappointed when she later learned that he got that from a movie. "Why are you looking at me with that creepy smile abeg?" Theodore's voice brought her back to reality. She shrugged. "Just thinking about how weird you are." She replied with a cheeky smile.

"Look who's talking." He murmured under his breath.

"But seriously, give me the remote. I'm in charge here." She ordered.

"This is my house." Theodore rolled his eyes and changed the channel to one showing an Indian movie.

"But I'm a guest." She whined.

"No you're not."

"Yes I am!"

"Guests don't just walk into the host's house and put their feet on the table." Theodore pointed out. Unable to come up with a comeback, she stuck her tongue out at him, earning a loud laugh.

With Theodore, Nifemi always felt like a child again. She was away from the scrutinizing gaze of her parents and the press. She could be herself, and that was why she always looked forward to their meetings. Although after a little taste of freedom, she would have to step back into her life of pretence and fake smiles, she didn't mind.

It was worth it.

"So what are you doing tonight?" Theodore asked absentmindedly, surfing through the channels and finally deciding on a Yoruba movie.

"Tonight." She repeated hesitantly. "I'm uh..." She paused when her phone buzzed. As she read through the message, her lips formed into a grim line.

"Who is it?" Theodore asked curiously.

"My mum. She's reminding me of my date tonight." Nifemi grumbled.

"A date." Theodore repeated, clenching his fists. "Who's the guy?" He asked, pulling a straight face.

"He's the son of one of my dad's friends. My mum is trying to set me up with every of her friends children. Apparently, I'm supposed to start thinking about marriage." Nifemi rolled her eyes and frowned.

"Well, don't you want to get married?"

"I do, but not to any of those stuck up guys. They're so... ugh!" She stomped her feet in annoyance.

"Then who do you want to get married to?" He asked subtly embittered.

"When I see him, I'll know." She said quietly, not noticing the bitterness laced in his tone as he spoke.

"Well, good luck then." Theodore shrugged, feigning nonchalance—although within him, he was elated that she didn't feel anything for any of the men her mother set her up with.

"Honestly. I'll need it when I face my mother after rejecting the guy." She said with a dry laugh.

"Why do you do what they tell you to do all the time?" He asked silently.

"That's how I was raised. ‘Honour your parents', that's the rule. I love my parents, even if they can be pushy. So I do what they want, to make them happy." She replied, avoiding his gaze.

"What about your own happiness?"

"I'll find it later." She got up. "I have to go. It's already past five, I don't want to be late."

Silently, they walked out of the apartment and to her car—the only one parked on the street across his house. Placing his hands on her shoulder, he began. "I'll call you to know how your date went."

She moved his hand and pulled him into a hug.

"You're the best friend anyone can ever ask for. You've really changed me." She whispered.

"Oya oya it's okay. Better be going before your father sends the police to start looking for you up and down." He teased, releasing her.

"Na you sabi. I'll be expecting your call." She said and with that, she got into her car, revved up the engine and sped off—watching him through the side mirror as she drove off. Theodore smiled, waving at the car as it vanished into the distance with his free right hand that wasn’t tucked into his pocket like his left hand.

***