OPEN HEART SURGERY

TOP VIEW VILLA

Dara sat at the front seat of the not moving vehicle, a 2015 Lincoln MKC. Her hands were busy fiddling with a stethoscope while her face was busy, wearing a frown. The guy who had parked the car, in which she sat, was most likely responsible for the frown that sat on her face. But Zak seemed unperturbed as he offloaded the numerous encyclopedia size books off the back seat of the Lincoln into the back seat of a 2015 Jaguar XF, parked beside the first car.

Dara threw a glance in Zak's direction and her eyes quickly ran through the ribs of the stack of books he transported. They had titles that started, continued or ended with 'Cardio', 'Pulmonary', or 'Surgery'.

“Can anybody in heaven or elsewhere give me one reason why I have to do this?" Zak grumbled, closing the door of the second car as he walked back to the first. Dara continued to ignore him.

"And now, she's suddenly deaf and dumb." Zak continued at her, a little frustrated.

“Were you talking to me?" Dara asked, in annoyance.

“No, I was talking to the stethoscope." He replied, snatching the stethoscope from her, he threw it to the back seat and got behind the wheels.

Zak and Dara were more than friends, they were actually like family. Zak's parents had moved into Top View Villa when Zak was a toddler and Dara's parents had joined them on the same street, on Plot 137 with their two year old daughter, two years after.

“Can anybody on earth or elsewhere give me one reason why Zak would keep me waiting for so long?" Dara said, finally making her frustration known.

“I already told you, there was an emergency.”

“You should have called!”

“A phone call is the last thing on a doctor's mind during an emergency. At that point, he's the only 911." Zak said. Turning on the ignition, he got the car into motion, still wondering why she had to be like that.

Dara was an oxford graduate and she knew the meaning of an emergency, but she also knew how to make it hard for Zak, not because she hated him but probably because she loved him.

The Lincoln came to a temporary halt at General Ikenna's gate which had began to slide open, slowly. Zak wound down his window and passed a key to the soldier on the left, without an instruction the corporal understood he was to park, and lock the jaguar. "Thanks." Zak said, as he drove out of General compound.

General Ikenna's house was one of the finest in Top View Villa, Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, A country in western Africa, famous for her cultural diversity and population. With over three hundred and seventy tribes, and five hundred and twenty languages, it beats the imagination how English, still managed to remain her official language.

“I called you before I went into the theater and you didn't pick up. So where were you? Zak said.

“Are you interested in why I didn't pick up or where I was?" Dara replied.

“Both!”

“I didn't pick up because I was busy and where I was, is none of your business.”

“I guessed as much," Zak retorted. "You must have been with your ridiculous boyfriend."

Dara had initially ignored him, pretending to be deaf. But his words unclogged her ears and sent the current to her mouth. "Texy has to be ridiculous because he wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he never went to UC San Diego to become a stupid heart surgeon!”

“Dara, you're in my car, you have to talk to me with some respect!" Zak teased, knowing that would only spit more fuel into her fire.

. "If we're talking ridiculous, maybe we should start with your Albino girlfriend!" Dara yelled.

“Jane is not an Albino!”

“That proves you know who I'm talking about," Dara said, reducing the car's air conditioning. "And she's your girlfriend, right?”

“I like Jane because she's a good nurse, but she's not my girlfriend," Zak said, increasing the car's air conditioning as he slowed down at a checkpoint. "Besides, we don't have to argue, you can sleep with all the men in Abuja for all I care. After all, it's your life and it's your hole.”

“I didn't know you cared so much." Dara replied.

Zak chuckled. "I don't!"

They drove in silence for a few minutes, one of the hardest things they ever had to do since growing up together in Top View Villa.

Top View Villa was initially, only a residential area reserved for top ranking military officers within the capital city, Abuja. But as the years went by, the nation's intelligence headquarters was moved into Top View Villa. Offices, military schools, banks, hospitals, research institutes and the likes all found accommodation within her. Top View Villa became one of the most revered military cities in Nigeria, with four cardinal entrances and exits, the North, South, East and West gates, although a few other gates and checkpoints still existed within the fenced community.

Zak drove from the last checkpoint and headed for the North gate. "You really need to stop hating on Jane, she's a nice person.”

“Jane, not being your girlfriend is debatable, but what do you have to say about your indisputable w***e?”

“I have to say, that I don't have an indisputable whore.”

“I'm talking about the Staff Sergeant in command of the West gate!" Dara screamed.

“Diana?”

“I thought her name was Delilah?" Dara said, irritatedly.

Zak gently stepped on the brakes as the Lincoln approached the North gate. The North gate soldiers were the meanest in Top View Villa but they treated Zak and Dara like super stars because, unlike the other rich kids with influential parents, Zak and Dara remained humble and kind. They treated the soldiers with respect, thus the soldiers repaid them in kind.

Zak drove out of the Villa into the ever busy town, overtook a few cars and wheeled into airport road. “Diana has a job and a life, your boyfriend doesn't." Zak said, with his gaze still fixed on the road.

“Yes, my boyfriend doesn't have a job but I wonder how that connects with the definition of a life." She replied. "Whatever you want to say Zak, I still don't think it's wrong to be worried about a friend who's dating a whore.”

“What exactly is your fear for your friend?”

“I'm afraid he might contact scabies," Dara laughed quietly. "Or rabies." Her laughter heightened. She was beginning to enjoy the idea that she was getting the upper hand on the conversation.

“She's not a dog.”Zak muttered.

“Shut up! Everyone knows she's a b***h, who slept her way up to Staff Sergeant.”

Zak turned to her, fully ready to piss her off with his unexpected calmness. "I'm sorry, what's a b***h again?"

“A female dog," Dara said, truthfully. "Do you have any other question?”

“Yes! What's a male dog called?”

Dara looked at him and smiled. "Zak!" She replied, and laughed victoriously.

Zak smiled, "Two dogs doing their thing shouldn't give you sleepless nights." Zak said, making the car move faster.

“It should, when you stick your pipe into every hole in Abuja, there's no telling what you'll find in there, some holes can bite, you know?”

“I didn't know you cared so much.”

Dara chuckled, "I don't!" She looked out the window. "Even if I did about something, it certainly wouldn't be about your pipe."

They had always cared about each other. At home, they would fight with each other but at school they would fight for each other. Dara would never forget the days she cried for Zak, when he left for Nigerian Military School.

Whenever Dara, her mom and Zak's mom visited him at school on visiting days, Zak and Dara would sit in the car, playing and laughing like two long lost lovers. She would miss him, and mope for days after the visit, and it continued until she was done with primary school and left for Air force Secondary School. As a child she had dreams of becoming a pilot but the years have a way of restructuring dreams.

They drove into the airport and Zak wheeled the Lincoln into the space he and Dara referred to as 'Our parking space'.

“Thanks for the bumpy ride bro." Dara said, as she got out of the car. Zak ignored her and began scrolling through his phone. "Zak, are you coming, or not?" She scolded.

“Zak is not coming. He needs a break from you, even if it's just for a minute!" Zak said, stepping out and leaning on the car.

“If you think I'm a nag, you're a stupid fag!" Dara said, slamming the door and walking away.

“You know you've got rhymes but that mouth of yours is the reason you can't keep a responsible man." Zak's voice was raised high enough so she could hear his opinion.

Dara looked around in embarrassment, wondering how many people might have heard what he had said as she walked back to him, she got close enough, almost at a hugging distance. "I've managed to keep you all my life," She whispered. "Thanks for announcing how irresponsible you've been.”

“I don't mean me! You know what I mean." Zak said, looking into her face.

Dara was glamorous. Her compassionate eyes had a thin line of mischief that was only visible at a kissing distance. She was not the very black skin African because of a mix from her Indian Grandmother. "Your philandering nature is the reason you can't find and keep, even a bitch." She said quietly, with her face raised to his.

He was about five inches taller than her, even on the heels on which she stood. "Dara please, I've managed to keep you all my life." Zak stole his opportunity to strike back.

“I'm not a b***h!" She said, pounding his chest with her fist playfully as they both laughed.

Zak watched her walk away like a professional model on her high heeled shoes and tight jeans which hugged and traced her pretty figure. Zak thought about her beauty and love, it was in contrast with her razor sharp, ready to c**k military attitude. His eyes were still on her until she disappeared into the Abuja International Airport Building. He wanted to run after her, she was the most interesting person in his world and his life would have been medically boring without her.

He recalled growing up with her. His school bag was blue and hers was pink and how much she hated the colors their parents often picked for her. They traveled to 'Bekinta' and 'Mbiaso', his and her village respectively during Christmas seasons. Vacations to Europe and America were still a part of their story together.

He remembered how he missed her in school and how they would hug when they came back home on their short breaks, since military schools always had shorter breaks than non military ones due to the extra trainings added to their curriculum. After secondary school, they had both agreed not to join the military. He left for University of California San Diego while she left for Oxford University, England.

Dara's laughter was unmistakable and Zak would recognize it even in a comma, especially when it had that happy tone that made it so genuine. The lady that walked beside her wore the brightest smile he had ever seen, a white and red short gown whose length stopped half way between her waist and her knees. She also wore a pair of red strapped heeled shoes, and considering the fact that the red box Dara pulled along was the lady's, she was all red and white.

As they came closer, so did her beauty. She was flawless and fine, as fine as fire. Zak wandered into the kind of dream one finds himself alone with the crush of his life, seated under romantic colored lights, the silence getting louder and her gaze lighting the fire. She held him in her eyes, hearts opening, eyes closing and lips, only seconds away from touching. The kiss of lovers, the moment was finally here, just as her lips was about to take his prisoner in hers and his dreams come true, he wakes up only to find out it was just a dream.

“Hello Zak!" The voice belonged to the lady.

Zak wanted to marry her instantly and damn the consequences if she ever became a bad choice. In Africa, unlike America, divorce was not sold at a giveaway price, he told himself. But his mind still wanted the whole of her, just as she was.

Dara fired the four magical words, "Don't be stupid Zak!" And the words worked almost as expected, bringing him back from his dream world to a state of confusion in the real world.

Zak chuckled, in embarrassment, still unable to take his gaze off the maze of a lady that stood before him. "I'm so sorry" Zak said, as he managed to find words. "Please forgive my manners.”

“You're forgiven," The lady said, with her unfading smile. "But you're still staring at me.”

“Zak, please can you stop embarrassing yourself," Dara said. "She's not an Albino!”

“You might have to forgive me seventy times seven more times" Zak told the lady.

“I forgive you again." She laughed. Her forgiving nature and quiet laughter worked to ease the tension.

“It's a pleasure to finally get to meet you Nicole." Zak said, flashing his charming smile.

She stretched out a slender hand to him. "The pleasure is mine Zak!" Nicole said, as she continued to dish out her pretty smile extravagantly since she had noticed how easily it had worked on him.

Zak did not fail to notice her fine fingers but had chosen to save his complements for the best time. "Please, let me take you home." Zak said, holding the back door open.

Nicole smiled and stepped into the car. I would go home with him, I would go anywhere with him. She shook off the imagination. The heat must be getting into me. She thought, as Zak drove the Lincoln out of the airport.

“Did you bring the G-Strings I asked you to?" Dara's voice came from the back seat beside Nicole.

“Dara!" Nicole said, fully aware that with Zak in the car, such a conversation would be inappropriate.

“Give me that!" Dara said, pulling Nicole's hand bag to herself.

“Dara, even if I did, it wouldn't be in my hand bag." Nicole said quietly, feeling really embarrassed.”

“What do you mean by even if you did?" Dara barked. "If you didn't, be rest assured I'm going to be wearing yours.”

“Dara, stop it!" Nicole said firmly, hoping a different tone might work. The last she saw Dara was four years back in Texas at Tasha's sister's wedding. She must have forgotten that rebuking Dara firmly only escalated things.

“Niki, can you remember that pink one? It looked so good on you," Dara said. "And the green one was awesome. Zak you need to see this girl without clothes on, she's a mermaid." Dara continued, laughing. Zak looked into the rear view mirror and smiled politely as he caught Nicole's eyes.

"Dara, I can't believe you're doing this to me," Nicole said, slapping her on the arm. "I wonder who is crazier, you or Tasha?”

“Tasha definitely is!" Dara replied.

“Dara definitely is!" Nicole said. "That's what Tasha would have said." Both girls laughed and chatted on. Zak drove quietly, enjoying their conversation. It was like listening to an entertaining program on the radio.

“Nicole, do you think you're beautiful?" Zak interrupted, without looking back at her or into the mirror. His question came right out of nowhere.

Nicole let out a stiff smile as if she was obligated to, as she tried to understand the question or the motive behind it. Was it an insult or a complement? As a teacher she had never been asked such a question. She knew the probability of giving the right answer to such a question was 1:9, so she threw both hands in the air in surrender. "I don't know," She said, almost laughing or maybe crying. "Okay fine! I don't think I'm ugly.”

“She's trying to be modest," Dara said. "Everyone knows she's beautiful.”

“She's not!" Zak retorted.

Nicole felt insulted while Dara felt embarrassed. "What's your point Zak?" Dara said, in a harsh tone.

Zak moved the Lincoln to the side of the road and brought it to a stop. He turned to look at Nicole who for the first time that evening wasn't smiling. "Agreeing that she's beautiful, is agreeing to an understatement," Zak replied. "I think she is extremely and flawlessly beautiful." He turned and got the Lincoln back on the road.

Nicole's smile returned, although not visibly on her face but on her heart and she wanted to kiss him instantly. His words fell on her burning heart like soothing ice cream on a summer afternoon. He caused it and he fixed it, dismantled and mantled her.

"That was really sweet, it's been a long time I heard you talk like that, Zak." Dara said, nicely.

Nicole's mind began to question. Who was this guy that could switch her off and on again with so much ease and grace? She felt his intensity. He spoke her language, 'Intensity'.

No one spoke again for some time as Zak drove carefully through the town.

Zak threw a glance at Dara. "Dara are you okay?”

“I'm fine!" She muttered.

“You're not!”

“I talk, you call me a parrot. I don't, and you call me sick!" She sat up and nudged him on the shoulder. "What's your problem Zak?”

“I know what you want but-"

“I wanted quiet, then you became the noise in my life!" Dara yelled.

“Dara, I'm driving.”

“Then shut up and drive!" She fired.

He looked at Nicole in the mirror and she caught his eyes again. She looked tired, although she still tried to enjoy the short drama. "What's your specialization, Zak?" Nicole asked.

“He's a stupid heart surgeon!" Dara replied, and Nicole sat up, abruptly.

“There's nothing like a stupid heart surgeon in medicine, Nicole, I'm a heart surgeon." Zak told her.

Nicole's heart skipped a beat. What she actually heard was, 'Nicole, let me be your heart surgeon'. What game was the devil trying to play or what battle was God trying to win? She knew Zak could not be the anonymous guy. He had so much confidence and charisma. Although her beauty had enthralled him, it always had that effect on most guys on a first encounter. But no guy had ever handled her aftermath with the recovery speed and control with which he did. Maybe he was just good with women, a Casanova!

There was something military about him, yet he was romantic, handsome and even drove a Lincoln. I think I like him, do I love him? Of course not! Love at first sight? That's Hollywood. Could I love him? Niki, please say no. But his perfect guyness is just perfect, so why not? You cannot fall in love with a stranger in a strange land, Africa of all places! What if I did? Doctor Anderson would skin you alive and hang you to dry.

“Honey, wake up," Dara said, shaking her gently. "We're home Niki.”

Nicole opened her eyes. She was tired but when did she sleep off? The entire debate! At what point did she start dreaming?

She touched her phone, it was real. She looked up at Zak who stood holding the door open with a welcome home smile. She searched for Dara. "Mom she's here!" Dara screamed, running to the house with Nicole's handbag.

Nicole stepped out of the car, impressed by the beauty of the house. "This must be Dara's home?” Nicole said, hoping it wasn't Zak's.

“Yes it is," Zak replied. "And you're welcome home darling." Zak continued, teasingly. "Shall we?”

Nicole knew her strongest battle was not how she would survive in Africa for five months but how she would not to fall in love with Zak within five months. Nicole, please don't do anything stupid, it's only five months. I know you will be a good girl and you will survive it, she told herself.

As Zak and Nicole walked to the front door, her phone rang. It was Dr. Anderson.