An Unexpected Love

Episode7

I just woke up, and I’m in a really bad mood today. I have days like this sometimes, where as soon as I get out of bed, I already know I’m going to have a bad day. As usual, I’m lounging in bed, scrolling through social media, checking out the latest posts and funny videos, trying to entertain myself. Everything hurts, as if I’d been running for a long time or had been beaten up. I remember that it’s been days since I last worked out. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you about another one of my passions: sports. I really love it; I have a special connection with this activity. It makes me feel good when I do it, helps me escape, just like baking. It’s helped me a lot in my life; I’ll tell you more about that later. Even if I sometimes lack motivation (which happens to everyone), I try to get back into it very quickly. I think today is the perfect time to start again. I force myself to get up, put on my workout clothes, and play one of my favorite videos. It lets me get a cardio workout while dancing, it’s like exercising while having fun. I get into the groove very quickly, forget everything else for a moment, and focus solely on the physical activity I’m doing. Thirty minutes later, it’s already over. I’m sweating, but I don’t stop there, I take a break to drink some water and then move on to my ab exercises. I love working on my abs even though it’s really hard; as soon as I think about the results, I’m motivated. I finish with some stretches, even though most of the time I forget to do them. Man, that session felt so good, even though I got up on the wrong side of the bed, I feel like it gave me a boost. I head to the shower and let the hot water run; it feels so good. Today I’ve decided to pull myself together, because I think I’m playing a dangerous game. It’s been several months now since I’ve let anyone into my life, and here I am already starting to let another person into my thoughts. Even though I’m convinced nothing will ever happen between him and me, I don’t like it when my emotions depend on someone else. Anyway, I get out of the shower, get dressed, and leave my room. Mom has already gone to work, Dad and Ablaye too, and our housekeeper, who had taken a few days off because she was sick, is back. I chat with her for a bit in the kitchen and make myself a nice breakfast, which I eat while watching a YouTube video, as always. Caroline and I decided to go to a restaurant after class today, because we’re only having a two-hour class instead of three, according to the professor, who has a different schedule. It’ll do me good—it’s been a long time since I’ve gone out anywhere other than to go to college and come home. Today, I checked all my social media except i********:—I don’t want to know if he sent me a message or not, given how we spoke yesterday. I’m in a good mood today, so I don’t want anything to upset me.

◦ Bassey’s Perspective:

I’m Bassey, I’m 24 years old, and I’m a very reserved, very mysterious guy. I don’t like to show my emotions. Most of the time I keep everything to myself because I think everyone deals with things in their own way. People might think I’m cold or unsociable, but I’m just reserved with people I don’t know. Once we get to know each other and I feel comfortable with you, you’ll see I’m not like that. So, I’m very determined; whenever I want something, I do whatever it takes to get it. I don’t like to fail, which is why I’d rather work hard than have regrets. You know me through Seba, because, as she said, I’m her sister-in-law’s younger brother. I’d never met her before this summer; I’d just heard people talk about her. Her name came up often in conversations when I was with Mami and Loufa, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. It had been over three years since I’d been back to my home country. I’d always wanted to come back for vacation, but between school, my part-time job, and everything else I had to manage, I rarely found the time. But this year, I had to come—especially since Loufa, Mami, and Dyma were coming too. It was a chance for all of us to get together. I hadn’t planned on stopping in Dakar before heading to Saint Louis, but since we all wanted to go to Saint Louis together and we had different flights, that’s just how it had to be. But I’ll admit that in the end, I didn’t mind this detour at all. When I walked into their house and saw this beautiful girl—tall, but not too tall, with smooth, glowing skin and a cute, gorgeous smile, I was happy to be standing in front of her, even if I didn’t show it. I was finally putting a face to that name, but I didn’t want it to throw me off. I suppose she’s my sister even though she isn’t really, so I’m trying to focus on something else.The day went by really fast; it was already time to head to Saint Louis. We didn’t talk much—maybe she’s shy, or maybe she’s reserved like me; I don’t know. But deep down, I would have liked to get to know her a little better, without anything more. On the way to Saint Louis, I thought about her from time to time—maybe it was the effect of meeting her for the first time, or the fact that she seemed a little mysterious. I’m not really sure. At one point, I looked at my phone and saw a notification—a new contact. I was surprised when I went to her profile and saw it was Seba; I let out a little smile that Mami must have noticed. I don’t know how I feel right now, I don’t know if I’m happy or shocked. I never imagined she’d add me, especially since we’ve barely spoken. I immediately start asking myself questions. Does she want to get to know me better? After all, we’re family! Did she add me just like that, for no good reason? I don’t really know. All I know is that I have to admit it makes me happy. Right away, I add her back and send her a message. I hesitated a bit before sending the message, but I went for it in the end, after all, she was the one who made the first move by adding me.We started talking right away, and I immediately felt a connection between us, as if we’d known each other for a long time. I don’t know why, but it’s so nice to talk to her. Plus, she seems so interesting that I want to learn more about her. I’m just curious; I don’t want to get attached to her. I’m at a point in my life where I’ve decided to stay single for my own good. I don’t trust people as easily anymore, and besides, being single suits me just fine.So I know that even if we talk, it won’t go beyond the friendship stage. I know she’s mad at me; she asked me where I was going, and I told her it wasn’t her business, but the way she responded made me realize I’d hurt her feelings. And yet, I was going to see a childhood friend; I could have told her, but I wanted to play it cool like always. But then again, am I wrong when I say it’s none of her business? lol Anyway, I don’t want her to be mad at me. But I saw she hasn’t replied to any of my messages. Maybe she’ll get over it! At least, I hope so. Today I don’t really have any plans; I’m just going to tag along with the family. I don’t know what they have planned, but I trust them. Still, I’m thinking a little about Seba, I don’t know, that girl intrigues me. And I’m not even sure I’ll see her again, since I don’t think I’ll go back to Dakar before I return to France, well, I don’t know yet; we haven’t discussed it with Mami and Loufa yet. We’ll see later.

◦ Back to Seba’s perspective

After finishing my meal and reading a bit, I finally decide to head to the university. I’m a little tired from my workout this morning, but it’s the kind of tiredness I actually enjoy. About twenty minutes later, I arrived at the university. I took care of everything I needed to do as class representative before looking for Caroline, who always gets there before me. I found her at our usual spot, and we started gossiping as usual with the other classmates. I’ll skip the rest, nothing really interesting happened. I had a great class; I didn’t even notice the time passing. I did my best to focus without thinking about anything or anyone. It’s over. Caroline and I head toward the exit; we can’t wait to go to the restaurant, and we’re starving.

“Finally!” Caroline exclaims, stretching. “I thought this class would never end. I’m so hungry, you can’t even imagine.”

“You’re always hungry anyway, but you’re right—even I’m hungry.”

We hail a taxi and settle into the back seat. Caroline immediately pulls out her phone to show Moussa where we’re going. I look out the window. Dakar rolls by. People, cars, trees, dust. My city. Sometimes, I just want to move away, people never have time

My phone is vibrating in my bag. I don’t look. It might be Bassey, or maybe not—I don’t know. I just want to take my mind off things and stop getting attached so quickly.

Caroline snaps me out of my thoughts.

“Seba? Are you listening?”

“Sorry, I was daydreaming. What were you saying?”

“I was saying that Moussa dropped by unexpectedly last night, and guess what? He apologized!”

“Seriously? See, I knew it would work itself out anyway.”

“He said he’d been tired, stressed out from work, and that he didn’t want to lose me.” Anyway, we made up.

I smiled at her sincerely.

— That’s great, Caro. Really. I’m happy for you, you two love each other so much! That hasn’t changed!

— Thanks, sweetie. What about you? Any news from your sweetheart?

— He’s not my sweetheart, Caro.

I paused.

— Yeah. But I didn’t answer.

Caroline turns her head toward me, her eyes wide.

“Why didn’t you answer? What did he say?”

“Nothing important, last night. He just hurt my feelings a little, that’s all.”

“Hurt your feelings? You? Tell me everything.”

I quickly summarize the previous night’s conversation for her. The way he said, “Is that your problem?” Caroline listens, nods, and finally bursts out laughing.

“But Seba, you’re way too sensitive! He was just trying to be mysterious, that’s all. Guys are all like that. Plus, it’s obvious you’re starting to get attached; otherwise, it wouldn’t have bothered you.”

— It’s not about being thin-skinned, I retort. It’s about respect. You don’t talk to someone like that, and no, I’m not attached to him, I just didn’t expect it.

— Hmm, she says skeptically. I think you’re upset because you’re starting to have feelings for him.

Luckily, the taxi pulls up in front of the restaurant, and I can avoid answering.

The restaurant is quiet, with a subdued atmosphere and soft music. We sit on the terrace, order juices and pizzas. We love it here—it smells so good and it’s just great.

— Okay, tell me everything. Do you have feelings for him or not?

I sigh. I know she won’t let it go.

— I don’t have feelings for him, Caroline. I barely know him. But it’s true that… I don’t know… he intrigues me.

— He intrigues you, she repeats with a smirk. That’s the first step, sweetie.

— Stop it, you’re overreacting.

— Not at all. You’re coming out of a toxic relationship, you’ve built walls around yourself, refusing to let anyone into your life, and suddenly, a mysterious, handsome, intelligent guy—who also writes—shows up. And you add him on i********:, look at his photos, talk to him every night...

“We don’t talk every night,” I cut in.

“Oh, really? Last night, you talked to him until late, didn’t you?”

I don’t answer.

“Listen,” I finally say, “I’m not looking for anything. Really. I’m fine just the way I am. I want to finish my master’s degree, take care of my family, my niece. A man in my life? No thanks, I’ve been there, done that.”

“You say that, but your heart is telling a different story.” “My heart,” I say, putting down my fork, “needs to rest. So it will rest.”

Caroline looks at me for a long time, then shrugs.

“Whatever you say. But don’t wait too long to answer him. He’ll think you’re sulking.”

I laugh.

“I’m not sulking. I’m thinking. It’s different.”

Bassey’s Perspective

Saint-Louis is beautiful, as always. The colonial houses with their faded colors, the Faidherbe Bridge connecting the island to the mainland, the Senegal River glistening in the setting sun. It feels good to be here. It reminds me of who I am, where I come from.

But despite all that, my mind wanders.

She still hasn’t replied.

I’ve sent several messages. First to apologize, then to joke around, and finally to check in on her. Nothing. I won’t push it anymore.

“You seem distracted,” Mami says, sitting down next to me.

“No, I’m just thinking.”

“About what?”

“Nothing. Everything.”

Mami looks at me with that look she gets when she knows I’m hiding something.

“Is it because of a girl?”

I turn to her, surprised.

“Why do you say that? You think it’s always because of a girl when it comes to me.”

— Because I’ve seen you smiling at notifications since yesterday; ever since we got here, you’ve been checking your phone every five minutes.

— That’s not true, I say weakly.

— It is true, she retorts.

She walks away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I look up at the sky. The first stars are beginning to appear. Saint-Louis is calm, peaceful. Here, everything seems simpler. Yet nothing is.