FRAGILE WALLS

Chapter Two- Strangers, Forever

“Leave us .” The guy said. He nodded and walked away.

“Want to sit with me?” He asked. Weird but she obliged.

It’s the most unconventional thing she’s done. Sitting with a stranger who displayed a very aggressive nature. What if she died? What would her parents say? They would probably be too focused on being disappointed that she lied to them and put herself in harm’s way.

“What are you doing back here when the show is back there?” He cleared his throat interrupting her overthinking brain from exploding. “Already disappointed?”

“I don’t know you to be disappointed about anything. Curiosity dragged me down here, that’s all.” She said feeling uneasy already. He had a perplexed look on his face.

“You don’t know me?” He asked amused.

“Am I supposed to?” Shocked but yet happy he relaxed a bit leaning against the wall. He smiled,

“So, why are you here then? By here I mean at this concert,”

“I was dragged down here by my sisters and brother. By sisters I mean, one is my soon to be sister in law, engaged to my brother. Apparently, they’re huge fans of Leo, a guy I know nothing about.”

“So, why are you back here and not with them?”

“Anxiety. I was getting anxious and didn’t want them to see so I dont ruin their night. I have never lied to my parents, I lied to them about coming here, I’m the perfect…” she sighed and shook her head. “I’m sorry I started rambling. It’s just, I’m here so they can be happy. They’re his biggest fans,”

“And you’re not?”

“I’ve never even heard the guy’s songs before.”

“Really? Like, never?”

“My sister may have blasted it on speaker at home but even if you play it now, I wouldn’t recognise it. Are you his biggest fan?”

“Nahh, his music sucks. He’s trying to be like the big guys but he can never be that good.”

“That’s not a nice thing to say. He’s probably trying his best.”

“Do you want to listen to his song so you can see what I’m talking about?” He asked and she nodded her head.

“I left my phone with them so I won’t be able to search the song up though.”

“Dont worry, I’ve got you.” He said pulling out his phone and playing the song. He shared his wired earphones with her as they sat listening to Leo singing. “This one’s called, Forever.” He said with his eyes fixed on Amaka who avoided looking at him. Something about him felt so familiar, like she had met him somewhere before.

As she listened to him sing, she felt at ease suddenly. He sang the kind of songs she enjoyed, calm, with a touch of nineties vibe, slow with wholesome lyrics.

The stranger sang along too, but softly, almost inaudible.

“This is my favourite part,” he said as they listened to the singer, Leo sing the bridge.

The first time I met you

In my heart I knew

That I was going to love you

Forever.

“I have never been told that before, or had someone sing this about me. The girl he’s singing for is so lucky,”

“Yeah, there’s no girl.” He said sheepishly and lowered his head.

“How do you know? I find it hard to believe that anyone would sing this without picturing someone .”

“The only woman in my life is … in Leo’s life is his aunt. That’s who he only talks about. No love life, so I just assume that he’s never been in love,” the stranger said but then looks at Amaka with intent, “he thinks he’d never be able to fall in love, until today.”

Amaka could testify to the weird vibes and connections she was experiencing with this stranger but she would be a fool to play around with him and entertain what could never be. She looked away from him and shut her eyes for a moment taking in the end of the song, Forever.

“To be in love forever. To love someone so deep that you could lay down your life for them. I wonder what it feels like to experience that kind of love. The love where no one else matters, but them. I’ve only seen it in movies, but I Dont think it exists in real life.” There was an awkward silence that followed as soon as the song ended, until Amaka decided to save herself from the misery.

“I should be getting back, they’d be worried if I dont show up immediately.” He got up to his feet and helped her up with a wide grin on his face.

“You seriously dont know who I am?”

“Am I supposed to?” She raised her brows. He shook his head while the smile never left his face. “What’s your name?” She asked. She didn’t understand why he was so shocked that she didn’t know who he was at all.

“Is it necessary? You might never meet me again.”

“I want to know your name, so at least if I die, I could die peacefully knowing the name of my murderer.” She didn’t have any type of expression in her face but what she said made him laugh.

“What’s funny?” She asked raising her brows.

“Nothing. You don’t need to know my name, don’t worry about it. What’s yours?”

“Nice try. I’m not telling you mine.” She said looking away from him. After a moment of awkward silence she spoke again. “I never got to ask you though, why were you yelling at the guy? I don’t care whoever you are, you shouldn’t be speaking rudely to people.”

“I wasn’t speaking rudely to him. I was expressing my anger, he’s my friend. I didn’t hit him if the sound of me hitting the wall makes you think I did. I don’t even know why I’m taking my time to explain this to you, but I was in pain.”

“You’re explaining because I asked, don’t make this weirder than it already is. So, are you still in pain?”

“I’m not in pain… anymore. Thank you.” He kissed the back of her hand and stood up, “it was nice chatting with you, stranger. Hope to see you soon.”

“I don’t hope to see you again.” She said and he just ran off.

“Wake up Amaka, now is not the time to be daydreaming about a boy.” She cautioned herself.

She noticed the crowd was grumbling and groaning in anger as she went around searching for her family.

“I thought you were kidn*pped. Where were you?” Ngozi asked.

“I- I just went out for some food.”

“Where’s the food?” Ngozi asked looking around her.

“I ate it now, dont stress me. Why is everyone grumbling? Your superstar ditched you guys?” There was a tap on the microphone drawing everyone’s attention back. A man dressed in brown plaid shirt and cream coloured large pants grinned widely.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began in a very fun tone, “the moment we have been waiting for, the man of the night, please welcome, Leonardo Thunders!” The crowd that was down and gloomy few seconds ago suddenly started yelling and screaming and drawing closer to the stage as though a light bulb had been switched on in their brains.

Black pants, white shirt, ruffled shoulder length hair, and a silver bracelet.

No. It couldn’t be happening.

“Hello everyone!!” He was definitely louder and more cheerful than when she last saw him which was few minutes ago.

“Before I begin guys, I remember getting asked a lot at interviews, the lady behind forever, and my usual answer was always a No, but tonight, I found her. The lady forever was written for. My forever. She’s in the crowd, the loveliest smile,” began strumming his guitar. “Her rose scented perfume, the dimple on her left cheek, and most especially, the pink scarf around her neck that complements her skin.” Immediately Amaka heard it, she dragged away the pink scarf and threw it on the ground.

Immediately he was done, they packed their bags and left immediately,

“Imagine he was speaking about you. I almost thought it was you when he said the pink scarf, the dimple… Ama, was it with you?” Ngozi asked.

“Dont be ridiculous.” Amaka snapped.

“It wouldn’t be bad to get a foreign brother in law.”

“Please, kill the dream.”

“Excuse me!” All heads turned towards the direction of the call.

“Is that Leo Thunders running towards us with his manager?” Ngozi whispered under her breath. “Somebody pinch me.” She cried out.

“Punch me too.” Teni said as she also oinched her.

“I never got your name,” he said immediately standing in front of Amaka who ignored him.

“Please, your name.”

“Her name is-“

“It’s not your business. Thank you for a splendid show but we have to leave.”

“Why’re you being rude all of a sudden?” The hurt in his eyes couldn’t be hidden but she couldn’t care any less as she got into the car while everyone else stood dumbfounded.

“She’s tensed.” Teni said giving him an apologetic look.

“Here’s my card, call me when you want to stop by my place. I live with my aunt; she’s a good cook. Your friends can come along too.”

“Thinking that you can just have anyone you want just because you’re a celebrity. I Dont want your invite or anything that has to do with you. Just leave me alone and move on with your life my goodness! Why are we still here? Can we go home now?” Once Amaka gets saucy, she never filters her voice or tone or words. “Go find another girl that’s ready to be embarrassed. You invite a girl over and it’s a whole other story in the internet. Find someone else sir cause I ain’t the one. Jerry let’s go!” She snapped again. She could feel her blood boil, the irritation rising. The good atmosphere was now gone, Amaka’s angry fumes spreading like wild fire. Why she was so pissed at him, she couldn’t specify. But she knew it was majorly to protect herself, her heart.