Ring Ring…
"Hey baby, Mom, send the driver to come pick me up."
"Why? Are you not having fun?"
"I'm not having any fun. I need to come home."
"Okay, I'll send him right away."
The driver finally came to take my sisters and me home.
As we drove home, I pondered if I was being too irrational. It was Bella's party, and I shouldn't have ruined the fun. That was really selfish of me.
Why did Christy eavesdrop on my conversation with Joel? To crown it all, she stole my dress idea. Things were going on really well, and all of a sudden, our relationship was in shambles again.
I was caught out of my thoughts by my sisters, who were grumbling because they didn't stay back to enjoy the party like the rest of the students. I also felt sorry for them because I had ruined their fun too.
We got home to meet my dad standing excitedly at the door.
"Hey, come in, my princesses!" he exclaimed, with open arms waiting for an embrace.
"What's up, Dad?" I greeted casually.
"My new business is launching tonight. It will be streamed on so many TV channels by 8 PM, and my adverts will run across all social media platforms. This would attract more investors and stock buyers to my company," he said excitedly.
I didn't really care much about my dad's businesses. He was always doing one thing or the other, of which most had been successful, while a few were not. He had been working on this new business for a while now.
He needed a political position to fully utilize and push the business, but since he couldn't compete anymore because of me, he had to find a way to use the connections he made during his race and campaign to push the business.
My father wasn't trying politics anymore since it brought a major scar to the family. He had decided to focus on his numerous businesses and grow them evenly with the little connections he had built during his political journey, alongside the ones he already had before politics.
We were all proud of him for taking this bold step right after the chaos that befell us, and we were hoping that the business would bring immense returns.
I went to take my shower and came down for dinner before 8 PM, when the adverts would begin.
After the advert and the business launch were presented on so many news platforms, my dad's phones kept ringing non-stop. He was responding from one call to another. My mom had to assist in speaking to some of these people. A bunch of them were congratulating him and showing interest in investing in his business.
Feeling very full from dinner, I decided to retire early. It was already the weekend, and I needed to get all the rest I could before Monday so that I could have the strength to face Joel and Christy.
Monday finally came. I went to school, and Joel wouldn't talk to me. He would only hang out with Christy, and this continued for almost a week.
"I think you need to apologize to him," Rachelle suggested.
"I know I was wrong for hitting him, but then, I'm always the one apologizing, feeling sorry, being judged, and never enough for him. I want him to see the wrong in his relationship with Christy and accept that such friendship is only causing harm to our relationship. I don't think I should say anything yet. Maybe he would come around when he feels better," I explained.
"I'm not standing with you on this one. Valentine's Day is in four days. Get him something nice for Valentine's and apologize to him on that day. I'm rooting for both of you," Rachelle added as she cupped my face with her palm to wipe the tears trickling down my face.
I got home and got to work, trying to figure out the perfect gift that could appease Joel. I settled for a customized jewelry piece. I also booked a reservation at a fancy restaurant where we could have dinner at the end of the day.
I felt satisfied with my plan and decided to write apology notes coupled with *"100 Things I Like About You."*
I knew Joel would see my efforts and understand me.
*"What do you want for Valentine?"* Joel's voice echoed through the phone.
*"Well, you know me well. I like fancy things and also the latest. Get me something you know a lot of girls in our class want but haven't been able to get,"* Christy responded thoughtfully.
*"Wow, this is more like a puzzle, Christy. How about you just tell me exactly what you want so I can get it for you?"* he pleaded.
*"No, baby. I want you to put in good efforts and get me something I would appreciate. I want you to surprise me and blow my mind too. I'm already working on yours,"* she said with a grin.
*"Well, I intend to ask you out in front of everyone on Valentine's Day. Let's make it official,"* he said proudly, as if it was a marriage proposal.
*"But you haven't broken up with Maria. Should I be worried about that?"* she asked with concern.
*"Don't be worried about anything. I'm done with her already. We're not even talking at the moment,"* he assured.
Hearing this, Christy felt better, knowing she had finally won. She was ready to show Maria who she really was without being scared that Joel would get in the way.
Maria! We are running late for school, my sister announced.
"I'm almost there," I responded eagerly, adding some finishing touches to my hair and reapplying my lip gloss.
I grabbed my bag and all the gifts I got for Joel, then ran to the car.
"Hey girls, wait up!" I could hear my mum's voice from behind. She had gone for her early morning jog down the street.
"Hi Mum," I greeted, sticking my head out the car window to hear what she wanted to say.
"Maria, I need you girls to be home early today. The driver will be taking you to your aunt's house when you return from school. We're hosting a small dinner at home tonight with Joel's family and some other business associates of your dad's. So, we don't want you and your sisters at home tonight. The driver will pick you all up tomorrow morning from your aunt's place. I think that's all."
"Okay, Mummy. See you soon."
"Bye, Mummy!" my sisters waved her goodbye.
After the assembly, we all settled down in class. People were coming from different classes, exchanging Valentine's gifts and wishes. It was all red and white — a beautiful sight to behold.
I looked around for Joel but didn't see him. This was my only chance to get my relationship back.
"Hey guys! You all should come see. Joel is about to ask Christy out in the school garden!" Michael, my classmate, announced excitedly.
The entire class ran out, heading for the garden.
Instantly, I felt cold. My body vibrated as I struggled to process the information.
Bella held my hand and urged me to stand up so we could go confirm what Michael had said.
I stood up, still holding the gifts I got for Joel, and walked slowly to the school garden.
I was astonished at the sight before me. Joel had beautifully decorated the student garden with lots of roses and balloons. He had so many gifts set up on one table. Everyone had their phones out, capturing the insane moment. Students from other classes were there too, cheering them on and rooting for them.
I peeped through the crowd — and there he was — holding Christy by the hand as she blushed and smiled.
There was a huge backdrop in graffiti writing that said, "Would you be my girlfriend?"
Christy accepted, and he gave her a promise ring. They hugged, and she went to unbox her gifts, showing them off to the school.
He got her bags, gadgets, jewelry pieces, roses, cakes, and so many other things I couldn't even see properly.
My knees grew weak, and my hands wouldn't stop trembling. The box I was holding fell from my hands, and I ran away to the restroom.
I locked myself up in one of the toilet cubicles and cried bitterly. Bella stood outside, pleading with me to take it easy, but I couldn't control the tears.
I felt betrayed. How could he do this to me? He didn't even break up with me first before asking her out.
Joel had never done anything close to this for me. He went all out for her. I didn't even know him to be such a romantic. All the things he did for Christy were things I had begged him to do for me.
Joel forgot my birthdays sometimes. He only got me presents when I constantly reminded him, and even then, I usually had to tell him exactly what to get because he never got anything nice or thoughtful.
He barely made any effort. I was always the one giving in the relationship, always the one apologizing first, always the one feeling like I wasn't enough.
I didn't know where I went wrong or what I did wrong. I had loved Joel with all my heart.
How will I face my friends? My classmates? The entire school?
It was bad enough that people already looked at me with pity — and now? What would be my fate?
I couldn't face anyone looking like this, especially not Christy. I kept crying and couldn't be consoled.
Bella eventually left for class since I refused to leave the restroom.
When I was sure everyone was back in class, I quietly strolled off to the school clinic and told them I wasn't feeling too well. They asked me to get some rest there. I stayed until school was over and went home.
As soon as I got home, I cancelled the dinner reservations and packed my bags to leave for my aunt's house.
"Maria," my mum called from behind as she walked up to me and held my shoulders.
"Your sister told me what happened at school today. Sit down," she instructed.
I looked up at her and burst out in tears. She consoled me, gently patting my back.
When I felt a little better, I wiped my tears with the back of my palm.
"I like him so much, Mummy. I don't know how to live with this new reality — and it's Christy of all people!" I cried out.
"Maria, I am your mother. I would always appreciate it if you told me things earlier. But then, you're the type that likes to keep things to yourself. You always kept the details of your relationship with Joel from me, and I couldn't force you to update me about it. You would always tell me that you've got everything in control. I had to leave you to navigate it yourself."
"Are you saying this is my fault?" I asked softly, looking into her eyes.
No baby, I'm not here to blame either of you.
You have to acknowledge that you are very young and yet to experience life at its finest.
You will grow into an adult and in your journey, you will meet so many amazing people and the bad ones too, which may bring you bad experiences. But the beauty of all this is the lessons that you will learn.
"I don't want to meet any more people, Mum. I don't want to ever love anyone again," I cried.
"Listen, Maria, relationships, love, marriage – these are realities most humans get to live at least once in their lives. Some people get into numerous relationships before settling down, while some might date the same person for so many years, get married and get divorced later. So you—"
I interrupted her almost immediately.
"Mum, you and Daddy have been dating since your uni days. You guys have only loved each other all these years, and that's what I wanted for myself too. I thought Joel was the one, that's why I tried my best to make it work."
"There are no rules and regulations to a relationship, Maria. You must learn that it doesn't have to last forever. As long as it is no longer serving its purpose, you have to let it go.
"You were not happy with Joel's behavior and his friendship with Christy. You guys kept having so many issues about her, which you barely told me about — but your sisters do notice and tell me," she revealed.
"Arrgh! Those girls," I sighed.
"Joel never wanted to take corrections. That was when you lost your happiness in that relationship."
"You're right, Mum."
"You know I never really cared much because I knew it was a childish relationship and you might eventually outgrow it. But I didn't expect it to take a toll on you.
"I see how you treat that boy — buying gifts, organizing dates for him from your savings when he barely does the same in return. I didn't want to be the bearer of bad news, so I let it be and wanted you to see it yourself, then end things with him."
"You noticed it too?" I asked with a sob.
"Yes, Maria. It took you until now to realize that Joel fell out of love with you a long time ago. And it is fine to outgrow your feelings for people.
"Like I would always say, this is just teenage romance, and there is more to life after secondary school."
"I feel so tired of everything, Mummy. I couldn't even attend classes. I think I'm slacking in my studies too," I complained.
"I know you are hurt, but I want you to focus on the West African Certificate Exams coming up. That is the most important thing right now."
"Mummy, it's not that easy though. I want to forget him so bad, but I feel so hurt. I don't even know how to look at people when I go to school tomorrow."
"You don't have to be the one who is shy or ashamed. He was the one that left you, so it is his loss. He can't be flaunting his new girlfriend around proudly while you bend your head in shame.
"I trained you better, Maria. Be confident, bold, acknowledge your beauty and intelligence every now and then."
"Mum, can I take a break from school for a day or two?"
"Yes, Maria. But when you return, you must return strong, okay? I love you very much. Pack up now and get ready for your Aunt's house."
"Okay, Mum. Thank you very much. I love you so much," I replied and proceeded to pack up for my Aunt's house.
*Later that evening at Maria's house…*
"Mr. Taiwo!"
"Honorable Bello!"
(Laughter fills the air)
"Welcome to my humble abode, Sir. Others are inside," Mr. Taiwo (Maria's dad) ushered them in.
"You have such a beautiful home and a gorgeous wife too," Honorable Bello commented.
"Thank you, Sir. Make yourself comfortable," Mrs. Sonia (Maria's mum) appreciated as she left for the kitchen to usher the chef and her workers to the dining where dinner would be served.
The chefs had prepared so many meals ranging from appetizers to palate cleansers. It was a wholesome full-course dinner which really impressed Mr. Taiwo's associates.
They further discussed business and several investment plans, including Mr. Taiwo's new business.
Honorable Bello promised to invest hugely into his business, seeing its potentials.
Joel's father used his political affluence to pull some prominent people to the dinner.
The dinner finally ended, and everyone returned cheerfully to their various homes.
*The next morning at Aunt Lara's house…*
"Maria, wake up! Won't you be going to school today?" my sister questioned.
"No, Bisi. I won't be going to school today. You and Temi will be dropped off at home after school, but I would stay here at Aunt's house until tomorrow," I responded sluggishly.
"Is Mum aware that you will be missing school?" she pestered.
"Yes, Mum is aware. Now leave me alone!" I said as I urged her to leave.
I finally had some alone time. My mum had probably told my aunty to let me be. Aunt Lara is usually the chatty type, but she hasn't said much to me since I got here. She didn't even ask why I wouldn't be going to school today. I honestly prefer when she's quiet.
I eventually dragged my lazy self out of bed and went into the bathroom to brush and get ready for the day.
I looked at myself in the mirror while brushing and saw how swollen my eyes were and I immediately started crying again. I put on *Like I Want You* by the artist Giveon and allowed the sorrowful music, which told a story about love, to fill the air. It didn't make me feel any better, but at least it made me feel understood.
I cried as I showered.
I cried at breakfast.
I cried while trying to read.
The tears just wouldn't stop flowing. I was also rewarded with a banging headache, so I decided to force myself to sleep.
I was soon awakened from my deep slumber by a call on my phone. Cleaning my eyes, I picked up my phone and peeped at the name on my screen — it was Bella. I didn't want my sleep to be interrupted, so I declined the call and went back to sleep.
But my phone kept ringing and ringing.
Angrily, I picked up the phone, and this time it was Rachelle. I had also seen missed calls from a few other friends. I sluggishly picked the call, wondering what could be the issue.
"Hi Rachelle, I'm sorry, I've been sleeping," I said tiredly.
"Maria! A video of you is circulating online. It's all over Telegram channels, and the whole school is watching it and talking about it," she said with a stressed tone.
"What video? How can I access it?" I asked, panic rising in my voice.
"I will send you a link right away!" she said and hung up.