Near Miss

In true classic fashion the hall was decorated with drapes and glistering lights. Soft music set the mood and delicious aromas permeated the atmosphere from the array of rectangular silver wares put side by side on long tables manned by uniformed personnel. The large room had numerous tables. Each table has six chairs around it. We proceeded into the hall each man with his date for the night. Except for some; some like Seyi Gold. A truly eligible young graduate, who simply could not think of spending this special time with anyone short of Datare. This is the final graduating dinner for the graduating class of the 2006. This is the last time they will all be together in one room; the last time that some of the graduating students will ever see some of their colleges again. The atmosphere was no doubt beautiful, but more so thick with emotions. The periods in school that seemed to drag now looks like a flash. The few moments left feel like they have been put on fast forward. The very breath in the nostrils of the students reminiscent of the school atmosphere feels so precious; they savor it for as long as they can. Seyi was well settled in the far end of the hall when he noticed Datare walking in arm in arm with Kenny. Seyi really has no problem with Kenny. He is just a guy who perceives that Datare is a special girl and wants her for himself. What hurts him is that Datate seems to be falling for the idea of Kenny without considering the years that she has been friends with him. It must seem cliché that the friend wants in after it becomes apparent that the girl is falling for someone else; but to Seyi Datare has always been the one. He thought that there was time. In class, cafe, library and walking on the street never seemed to be the right time. Almost all night Seyi watched her across the room all giggly and smiles. All the activities and addresses given in the room were dulled out by the confused thoughts in Seyi’s head. Before long it was time to dance and Seyi got on his feet. Actually his feet did not consult with his brain before getting up. He was not sure what he was up to. He walked towards Datare at the time she got on her feet to dance. She waited a few minutes for Kenny to empty his glass. It turned out to be a moment too late as Seyi intercepted and asked Datare to dance.  ‘Dance with me’ He said. Really surprised and embarrassed Datare stuttered. That moment Kenny got on his feet looking threatening. Seyi kept his eyes fixed on Datare and asked again.  ‘Dance with me?’ This time everyone within earshot turned their attention to Datare to hear her response. ‘Seyi what are you doing. I am here with kenny’. Datare said sounding more confident.  ‘ I know but...’ He hesitated. He had no plan; did not know how to go on, especially as he did not anticipate such a large audience.  ‘Datare come with me i need to talk to you.’ He finally said.  ‘Let’s dance’. Kenny said finally. He took Datare’s hand not waiting for her response. Datare looked back apologetically at Seyi. ‘I will see you after the dance’ She said and went with Kenny. Seyi was left standing by her table with on lookers waiting to see how he will manage his embarrassment. He felt rooted to the ground but had to move eventually. Behind him he heard giggles and jeering but he kept on moving until he burst out into the cool night. The fresh breeze hit his face. He felt instantly better. He did not know that he had not been breathing. Seyi left the dinner behind and had his mind set to go back to his room. He thought over all that had happened.   Datare was the first person Seyi introduced himself to on resumption into this school. She had resumed a few days before him and was kind enough to show him around. They hit off their friendship and from that moment on they were there for each other and supported each other in academics, finances and even relationships. What’s funny is that they talked, laughed and even made fun of their individual relationships; most of which did not last for too long and they always had each other so they never got sad. Four years is a long time and in this period Seyi had grown to think of Datare as his. Now that they were leaving school , he is almost scared at the idea of facing life without Datare. Suddenly all became clear they were good friend in school, perhaps it is time to stop being friends. Seyi did a 180 and headed back to the dance venue. She is mine she has always been.  He picked up speed he might already be too late. As he approached the entrance of the room he slowed down to think about what to say and how to begin, but his mouth feel open and his brain felt blank as he saw Datare floating in her flowing gown out of the room alone.  ‘I thought you left.’ She said.  ‘...I did.... I mean I am back.’ With a sudden surge of courage he moved to her and took her hand; he moved her away from the entrance into the cool night.  ‘You are acting strange today ‘Sey’( thats what she calls him) are you alright.’  ‘I am alright now.’ He said still leading her away.  ‘Sey...’ He cut into her steps and words.  ‘Datare I am sorry for waiting till now to let you know how special you are to me. I am not sorry that we have been friends but there is more between us than that.  What i am trying to say is that Datare, Please be mine. We will always be friends but i want all of you to be mine. Datare was quiet, she looked down and for a while said nothing.  ‘Datare’ Seyi said ‘Say something. Am i too late?’  ‘So you wait until now to say something’ Datare retorted in a low voice.  ‘I have always liked you but you call us friends constantly. Last year i gave up the idea that we will ever become more.  ‘i am sorry.’ Seyi said. Seyi was shocked at her words, it never showed and he did not want to upset their relationship by asking her to be his girlfriend. He had been a fool, but not anymore.  ‘I did not know you felt the same way. It is not too late or is it?’  ‘I don’t like Kenny that much’. She knew exactly what he implied. Seyi’s heart launched with joy that Kenny is out of the picture. Seyi pulled her closer. ‘ I have always loved you’. ‘Me too. Datare said shyly. ‘Would you have me as your man and not just your friend?’  ‘Yes’. Datare said chuckling. Seyi then positioned himself back at her side and they continued to walk towards the halls of residence. They setup a date to meet up after everyone leaves school the next day. They walked slowly until they disappeared from view. By now the dance was in full swing and there was joy in the air of graduating, sorrow in the air of leaving friends, roommates, and faculty. There was also excitement for the world that is definitely unprepared for these fresh vibrant set of young adults about to be released.   Boundless joy Joy that threatens to burst open, When young love find each other, Nothing seems impossible, It gives wings for flight, To where nothing can hurt.