An Unexpected Love

Episode4

Bassey’s gaze meets mine. I hold his gaze for a second, no more; we shake hands, both smiling slightly.

“Pleased to meet you, Seba,” he says simply. His voice is calm, steady, deep yet gentle at the same time.

“Pleased to meet you, Bassey. Welcome,” I reply simply!

He sits down and I bring him a glass of water, which he takes, thanking me with a wry smile. He certainly has a magnificent smile, but I remain focused nonetheless.

Then I look down at Dyma, still asleep on my parents’ bed. I feel her weight against me, her little hand still clinging to my dress. I focus on her. On her breathing, her face so pretty and so innocent, on everything that is safe and reassuring; I stroke her soft cheeks.

Mami and I are already starting to plan our outings for when they get back from Saint Louis. The first thing we’ll do is go to a spa to relax and spend some time just the girls together. She sent me the photos a month ago, and ever since then we’ve been looking forward to going – it’s so beautiful there. I’ll spare you the rest of the day.

Night has fallen over Dakar. The heat has eased off a bit, giving way to a pleasant breeze. My dad suggested we all go up to the terrace; that’s where we always gather when the weather’s nice, to gaze at the starry sky and enjoy the cool air, with a lovely view of the many trees and plants Dad has planted – he loves greenery so much.

Ablaye is making mint tea and I’ve brought out the little cakes and biscuits, as well as the peanuts.

The terrace is spacious, with a few green plants. The lights from the neighbouring houses twinkle in the distance; the neighbourhood is quiet as ever, with hardly a sound to be heard.

‘It’s so beautiful and peaceful here,’ sighs Mami as she settles down next to Loufa.

‘That’s why we should come back more often,’ says my father as he pours the tea.

Dyma, woken by the noise, sits on my lap, opens her wide eyes and looks around; she taps her little fingers on my phone screen.

Bassey is sitting in front of me, silent; he joins in the conversation now and then but seems very quiet and reserved. We chat and laugh; the atmosphere is great, and we don’t notice the time passing. A little while later, our parents say goodnight and go to bed; it’s just the two of us left.

Mami pulls out her phone with a mischievous smile; she’s such a tease lol. She logs in and teases Bassey by going to his page; she starts scrolling through the photos and holds her phone so that everyone can see.

— Her: Look at him, he acts all shy, yet he posts all these photos showing off how handsome he is; that’s why you’ve got so many girlfriends.

— Bassey: Oh Mami, you’re a fan of mine; it’s just because I’m the best-looking in the family that you’re giving me a hard time.

— Loufa: Actually, no, I don’t agree; my wife is the most beautiful!

They carry on talking, bickering, and joking around. As for me, I say nothing. I looked at the photos, yes, but discreetly. Out of the corner of my eye. Without looking too interested. Because I don’t want anyone to think I’m staring at him more than necessary.

Yet, with every photo, my eyes search for something. Not her face—well, yes, a little. But mostly, I look at her username.

I take note of it. I keep it in the back of my mind. Without knowing why. Without knowing what I’ll do with it. What on earth are you doing, Seba? Oh dear!

The evening goes on. We chat about this and that. News of the family, work, the dissertation I have to hand in. Bassey chimes in once or twice, always with short sentences, always in that calm voice.

The hours tick by. Dyma has fallen asleep in Loufa’s arms this time.

— Loufa: It’s time to go to bed. We’re leaving early for Saint-Louis tomorrow.

Everyone gets up. We go downstairs in almost complete silence. Everyone goes to their own room.

Before disappearing into their room, Mami gives me a quick hug and Loufa helps Dyma lie down on my bed. They give her a kiss and we say goodnight.

I’m about to close my door when I spot Bassey walking past, without a glance, without a word, and going into the guest room. I turn around, get changed, brush my teeth and climb into bed next to my niece, whom I love so much. I’m lying on my bed. The house is silent. The fan is turning slowly above my head.

My phone is in my hand. I shouldn’t. I know I shouldn’t.But I can’t help opening i********:. The search bar is there; I glance at it briefly and log out. I don’t know what’s happening to me; I need to keep a clear head. Anyway, I scroll through the other social media platforms, reply to a few messages, and put my phone down before falling asleep.

The next morning, I wake up with Dyma next to me. She’s crawled into my bed in the middle of the night, as always. I watch her sleep for a long while. Her little eyelashes, her round cheeks, her lips slightly parted.

That’s what love is. True love. Pure love; she makes me smile as she sleeps peacefully.

I get up quietly and already hear a knock at the door; I open it and see Mami.

—Her: Good morning, sweetie, how are you?

—Yes, my twin, I’m fine, and you? Did you sleep well?

—Yeah, but I’m always sleepy. Anyway, I hope she didn’t tire you out?

—Oh no! Not at all, she’s been very well-behaved, actually.

—You still don’t want to come with us to Saint Louis?

—I’d love to, I swear, but I’ve got classes, you know. While you’re there, I’m going to go and do a few classes, lol. By the time you get back, they won’t recognise me anymore.

—lol, I knew it

We have a bit of a laugh and she wakes Dyma, who’s still yawning. She looks at me and gives me a big smile, saying “Hi, Auntie”, and I smile back and reply, “Hi, sweetie”, giving her a big kiss, and she goes off with her mum to have a shower.

I have a shower myself and when I come out of my room I bump into Bassey; we exchange a quick smile and say hello. I ask him if he slept well; he says yes and we head for the living room. We say hello to the rest of the family; Mum and I sort out breakfast, we all eat together and it’s already time to leave.

I watch them load the car. Dyma is already settled in the back, her little feet wiggling. Mami gives me a hug.

— Are you sure you don’t want to come?

— Absolutely sure, Mami. I’ll be waiting for you; it’ll be great when you get back.

Loufa hugs me tight: See you in three days, little sister. And get some rest, eh.

“Okay, big brother, don’t worry about that.”

Bassey says goodbye to us all and gets into the car.

The car drives off. I stand in the doorway, watching the dust.

“Are you all right, my girl?” asks my mother.

“Yes, Mum.”

I go back to my room and start getting ready for today’s class. When I’m done, I realise I’ve still got some time left. So I pick up my phone again; I hesitate, but suddenly I finally make up my mind to type in his username. I scroll through his photos, his posts, his writings – and I’ve noticed he likes to write just like me. I take the time to read his posts. And suddenly I make a decision: to follow him. No message, nothing—I’ll just follow him and see what happens next. I hesitate a little before tapping, and then I do it. I lock my phone as if nothing had happened and go about my business. What will happen next? I don’t know yet…

I grab a quick bite to eat before going to say goodbye to my parents and head off to uni, headphones in, listening to some great music. On the way, Caroline calls me – I know her, she just wants to make sure I’m coming today – so I’m going to make her think I’m not coming.

—Her: So, gorgeous, how are you? I really hope you’re on your way, eh?

— Oh dear, I don’t think I’m coming—I’m too tired.

— You’re not daring to do this to me, are you? I was so bored yesterday.

— I’m going to start asking you to pay me, because you can’t live without me!

—You’re always so full of yourself, aren’t you? You’re not exactly humble!

—I don’t care. Anyway, I’m on my way now; I’ll be there in five minutes!

—Finally! You’re in luck—I don’t have any gossip to tell you, and I hope you don’t either.

—Oh yes, I swear. See you in a minute!

A few minutes later, I’m already there. I join Caroline, who smiles as soon as she spots me from a distance. The moment I sit down, she starts asking me what’s new. She doesn’t even let me catch my breath; honestly, that girl’s never going to change, I can assure you.

—Caroline, before you ask me anything, at least let me rest, catch my breath, oh

—Leave me alone, we need to get to the point

—You’ll never change, but it’s up to you to start!

—As usual, I’ve had another row with Moussa (that’s her boyfriend, she’s been with him for over five years)

—What’s going on now?

—I rang him so we could have a chat, he answered coldly, I asked him what was going on and he got angry, but we’ve had so many arguments. I didn’t let it go.

—Oh, you two, it’s always the same, always the same old stories. You know how men are, they’re so moody; you’ll make up very soon.

—Anyway, what’s new with you? Loufa and her family arriving?

—It was absolutely brilliant, honestly, I was so happy, but anyway, they’ve already gone to Saint Louis, even though they’ll be back in a few days.

—I’m so happy for you, sis. Oh, they’ve already gone? That was quick!

—And there’s something else

—Tell me, quick, quick

—They weren’t alone; Bassey was there too, Mami’s brother

—NO? So? IS HE HANDSOME?

—Oh, calm down; you’ll get your hopes up for nothing, don’t get too carried away.

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