An Unexpected Love

Episode9

I’ll skip the rest of the morning. I hear the doorbell ring, so I run straight to answer it. As soon as I open the door, I see Dyma running toward me with a smile on her face. I pick her up and hug her tight, I’m sooooo happy! Before I’ve even finished hugging her, Mami comes out carrying her too, lol. I love them so much. I can’t help but smile from ear to ear. I end up giving Loufa a hug, and we go back inside.

— Honestly, I missed you guys so much

— Mami: We missed you way more, I swear. I was so excited to see you again and finally go out together.

— Oh, honestly, you can’t even imagine. I was counting down the days.

— Loufa: Little sis, you should’ve come with us. I really think you would’ve loved it. The city is gorgeous. We’ll show you the photos later.

— I promise, I really wanted to be there. But next time.

— Loufa: So, where are the rest of the family?

— They went to work, but they said they’d be back early!

We hang out in the living room for a bit, chatting, and eventually they go to their room to shower, change, and get ready. I take the opportunity to check on the meal and whip up a delicious tiramisu, which I chill for dessert. I suddenly think of Bassey; I realize I haven’t checked my phone since then. Just as I thought, I see he’s sent me messages, which I reply to, telling him at the end that I’m sorry for the delay and that I was just welcoming my guests. And he immediately replies:

— Hmm? So you’ve already replaced me?

I look at that message and can’t help but let out a little smile; I love seeing him like this.

— No way, don’t say that. I’d never replace you; no one will ever take your place.

— Anyway, I’m irreplaceable.

— In any case, there’s one thing that will never change: your narcissism.

—Yeah, actually, can you send me some photos of yourself?

—Sure, of course

I select some photos from my gallery and send them to him; he opens my message right away without waiting.

—Honestly, I have to admit, you’re really beautiful!

—Ohhh, thank you so much, that really touches me. Please send me your photos too.

That compliment he gave me really touched me. Thank goodness I’m all alone in my room right now; otherwise, everyone would have seen my teeth. I love seeing him so sweet like this, without that tough exterior, without playing the mysterious one. I get photos from him; I look at them one by one. He’s so handsome, his smile could kill me, and his gaze is so magnificent it’s hard to forget. I reply to him, otherwise I could stay staring at these photos for minutes on end: You’re very handsome too; I love your smile so much!

—Hmm, is that true?

— I swear, you really are very handsome

— Oh, you’re making me blush, thank you, my little baby.

I was about to retort when I hear a knock at the door; I open it and see Mami throwing herself straight onto my bed, exclaiming, “Ohlalalaaaa, I’m so tired”

— Get up, get up, get up, we have a lot to do!

— Seriously, Seba, you’re exhausting me, ohrr, but you’re right! So, as planned, are we going to the spa today?

— Of course! That’s why I didn’t even go to teach my class.

— But don’t come telling me it’s because of us that you’re running away, okay!

— lol If it’s not because of you, then who’s it because of?

— You, of course! So, any gossip? What’s new? You have to tell me

(what’s new is that I’m talking to your little brother, but nobody knows! lol I really wanted to tell him that, but I’m holding back)

— Don’t worry, once we get to the spa we’ll have plenty of time to chat; you’ve got things to tell me too.

— Well, yeah, anyway, I’m starving.

— Let’s go eat; besides, it’s already ready.

We all gather in the dining room; in the meantime, Ablaye, Mom, and Dad have come home. We finish eating, clear the table, and decide to get ready to go to the spa.

— Mom: Okay, boys, we’re going to get ready; we girls are going out.

— Loufa: So seriously, you’re going without us?

— Me: Yeah, of course. We need to hang out just us girls. Plus, men aren’t allowed at the spa we’re going to.

— Ablaye: That’s mean, but go ahead, we’ve got our own guys’ night out too.

— Mami: Wait, what? Since when?

— Loufa: Since right now!

She pretends to pout and Loufa pulls her toward him; they’re playfully nudging each other, lol, those two are so cute. I go up to my room, get changed, and take the chance to text Bassey. He’s a little sulky because he’d have liked to be there, but I tell him I’ll take some photos to send him, and he’s happy right away. A few moments later, Mami joins me, and we head to the spa. We crank the music up in the car, sing, dance, and get in the mood. These are the kinds of crazy moments I’d been missing. We arrive thirty minutes later and head to the spa; even the entrance is very pretty, so when we got inside, you can’t imagine how magnificent it is. It feels like we’re in a fairy tale, it’s that beautiful, and so peaceful. I feel like we’re the only ones there with the staff; it’s amazing, it feels like we’ve rented it out exclusively. They lead us to a room where we have to change, put on our swimsuits, and pick up our robes. First, we head to the pool, it’s so big and gorgeous, and there’s a jacuzzi right next to it. As always, she and I do a few laps, and as always, I’m the one who wins. We’re really making the most of it, it’s so soothing. Right now, I’m forgetting everything that’s stressing me out and relaxing as much as possible. After several laps, we end up settling into the jacuzzi, which is so nice.

— Mami: So, we can finally talk. Where’s your boyfriend?

— What boyfriend?

— Why are you pretending? Don’t tell me there’s something going on?

— We’re not together anymore. I told you, though.

— But I thought you were joking, because you said it so calmly and without any explanation.

— I tried to take things very calmly, that’s why!

— What happened?

— The guy wasn’t serious at all; he was a liar. Can you believe it? He’s had a child for several years and was hiding it from me. Sometimes I’d call him in the middle of the night and he’d be on the line. He’d end up telling me he was talking to his mom, total nonsense at three in the morning.

— Is this guy crazy? I’m so shocked—he’s a total liar. Anyway, you deserve better; you’re beautiful, smart, and kind, you’ll find a man who’s your equal!

— Oh, thank you so much, my twin! You’re the best!

— I hope this doesn’t stop you from living your life, right?

— No, not at all; I’m living peacefully without stress

We keep chatting; she tells me about her coworkers, her neighbors, her few friends, we don’t even notice the time passing. An employee comes to get us; the pool and jacuzzi session is over. We head to the saunas; the heat feels so good, we’re sweating all over, and it feels like all the fatigue is melting away. After that, we take a nice shower and finish with a relaxing massage. I’m over the moon—I really needed that. They bring us cookies and tea; I show Mami a few photos on my phone, and then, disaster! I get a notification from Bassey. I quickly grab my phone before she has time to read anything. I don’t know if she saw anything or not, but I know I was stressed out. Luckily, just then they bring us glasses of juice and we change the subject. After all that, we’re done, we get back in the car, and we decide to go to a nearby restaurant to eat, we’re starving. I take the opportunity to check Bassey’s messages

—first message from Bassey: So? Are you on your way yet? I hope you don’t forget to send me my photos. Have fun.

—Bassey’s second message (sent an hour later): I can see you’re having a good time… I think I’m thinking about you… I think…

What I just read is so beautiful. I have butterflies in my stomach; I hope Mami doesn’t notice my emotions on my face. I’m trying to hold back as much as I can; I really think I’m starting to have feelings for him, even though I’m a little worried. I reply to him right away:

— Oh, that’s so cute! I’m thinking about you so much too; I took some pretty photos that I’ll send you right away. I’ve been meaning to reply to you for a while, but guess what? Mami was right in front of my phone and your notification popped up! I was so scared.

— That really touches me, what you’re saying, my little baby! But no? Did she see anything?

— No, I don’t think she had time to read anything; I grabbed the phone right away.

— Ah, thank goodness lol, but anyway, I miss you, go home soon so we can talk. What are you waiting for?

—I miss you too. We’re at a restaurant right now; we just want to eat really fast and then go home. We’re so hungry.

—Hmm, okay. I’ll let you eat. As soon as you get home, let me know. Kisses.

—Okay, my teddy bear. Don’t worry about it. Kisses

I put down the phone and see Mami staring at me with wide eyes. Oh no, what have I done now?

—Mami: Are you done??

— What did I do?

— I’ve been talking to you for a while and you haven’t answered. I see you smiling behind your phone while typing messages. Do you have a new suitor?

That’s my problem—as soon as I see a message I like, it shows on my face.

—No, I was just looking at our photos, and I was replying to Caroline, she’s driving me crazy.

—Hmm, I don’t believe you, but I’ll pretend I do. I know sooner or later you’ll tell me about it.

— I’m hungry; our food is taking forever.

— Yeah, right, change the subject.

Our food finally arrives; it was about time, this will let us change the subject. I’ll skip the rest; we get home after a good meal. We say hi to the family, give them a quick recap of our day, and I head to my room. I automatically grab my phone to send Bassey a message along with the photos and videos.

— I’m so blown away by all this beauty, you’re so gorgeous, I can’t help but smile at my phone

— Oh, you’re going to make me cry with all those words!

— Don’t let it go to your head, though.

— lol, let me enjoy these moments; I’m pleasantly surprised, you know?

— Oh, really? Compared to what?

— At first I thought you were cold, emotionless, but in reality you’re so kind, so cute, so thoughtful.

— It’s because I’m so comfortable with you; I don’t let people into my life easily, but with you, everything is different.

— I have to admit, it’s so different with you too. It’s been a long time since I let anyone into my life; I hardly spoke to anyone anymore, but with you, everything feels natural.

— It touches me that you’re letting me into your life; I really couldn’t have imagined we’d become so close.

— Me neither, I really didn’t think so either.

I stare at his last message for a long time. Me neither, I didn’t really think so either. That sentence resonates within me as if it were obvious. Yet, just a few weeks ago, I didn’t even know he existed. And now, here he is, occupying a part of my thoughts, my nights, my silences.

I lie down on my bed, the phone resting against my chest. The fan spins gently above me.

Bassey: Are you tired?

Me: Yes, but it’s a good kind of tired. The pool, the hot tub, the sauna… all that wore me out, but in a good way.

Bassey: You deserve to treat yourself. You work too hard.

Me: You work a lot too, don’t you?

Bassey: Yes, but you’re a warrior.

I smile. Warrior. He calls me that sometimes. Other times, it’s my little one, my baby, sweetie. Every nickname he gives me makes me happy. I think I like this one. Warrior. Because that’s what I am. Because I fight every day for my dreams, for my family, to stay strong despite the disappointments.

Me: So, are you happy with the photos I sent you?

Bassey: Yes. I keep looking at them over and over.

Me: Stop, you’re going to wear them out from looking at them so much—they’ll end up looking ugly.

Bassey: Impossible. You’re too beautiful for that.

I feel my cheeks getting hot. He’s sweet tonight. More than usual. Fewer jabs, less sarcasm; he’s opening up a lot more, he’s being attentive

Me: You should sleep. It’s late for you too.

Bassey: I can’t sleep a wink. I’m thinking of you.

I bite my lip. I don’t know how to respond to that. Because it’s too much. Because it’s exactly what I wanted to hear.

Me: What exactly are you thinking about?

Bassey: Your laugh. I barely heard it the other day, when we were all together. But I remember thinking it was beautiful.

Me: You’re weird.

Bassey: Why weird?

Me: Because usually, you’re colder, more distant, more mysterious. Right now, you’re...

Bassey: I’m what?

Me: I don’t know. Different.

Bassey: Maybe you make me change too, or maybe I’m so comfortable with you that I let my guard down.

I know I’m going to sleep so well tonight with all this attention from him. I feel like I’m on cloud nine.