At 8 A.M on Wednesday, I got a call from one Mrs Obadofin. She owned an event center somewhere in ikeja and she was hosting an event. Her offer was one that I couldn't refuse. she wanted me to perform at her event and I was more than thrilled to hear the news. I mean, there were so many musicians in Lagos. I wondered how she even found me.
When I asked, she said her agents were in charge of sourcing. All she had to do was make contacts and confirm.
"Also, I prefer to hire musicians who are not so popular but have great potential. By so doing, I kill two birds with one stone, providing my guests with maximum entertainment and so much so, under negotiable terms. Popular singers already have fixed charges and are not ready to bargain since they have high demand on the market." She clarified.
Well, that made sense. It didn't stop me from feeling a little special though.
She offered to pay me twenty thousand and I was super excited. Someone had just offered to pay me for doing something I loved. Even though she didn't even pay me, I would have been glad to perform, but she didn't need to know that now, did she?
two months had passed since Mike and I started dating. Nobody had started loving anybody yet but we were definitely an item.
At first, it was quite strange to be in a relationship because I did not Know how to act, given the circumstances.
Mike was the first guy I had ever dated, he was however the second guy I kissed, and the third guy I had harboured feelings towards.
Okay, don't look at me like that. I'd explain when I feel like it but right now, there are more important things to think about, like my performance tonight.
I just got off the phone with Jenny and her wedding preparations are in full swing. She was so excited that I couldn't bring myself to tell her the real reason why I called in.
"You know, you really should be here, helping me in the preparation plans." She said from the other end of the line.
"I know, Jenny, I know, its just that i'm taking my final exams and I've been really busy."
"Oh Al, i'm so happy for you. In a months time, all your hardwork would have paid off. Trust me, I understand that you wouldn't not be here if you could help it." She assured.
"I'm happy too and i'll make it up to you, I promise." I assured her.
"Oh, i'm sure you will, and start from the part where you start getting used to wearing dresses and makeup because I can't have my maid of honor in jeans and a hood on my wedding." She joked and we all laughed.
"But seriously, Al" she continued, " have you already figured out what you want to do with your life after college?" Concern filled her voice as she spoke.
"No, not yet, I mean, the next thing should be youth service right? Then hopefully I get a job soon inspite of the economy and that is as far as my plan goes. Besides, Mike is a very nice guy, things might just turn out better for us." I said.
"Are you in anyway talking about marriage?" Jenny asked.
"Well, that's not what i'm saying but there might be a possibility that's all. Besides, I still have some money saved and my house rent is still valid for another 8 months so I guess i'm fine for now. " I finished.
Jenny sighed. "I just want you to be alright, you are my very best friend and I want the best for you."
"I know Jen, I know. And thanks, just make sure you don't buy my dress without me or I might just end up ripping it in half." I suggested in a pathetic attempt to change the subject. I couldn't have her worrying about my future, not with everything she had on her hands.
"Well, it's not my fault that you decided to become a fat pig." she replied jokingly.
"well, you're just jealous because you're very tiny." I said in return.
"Yeah yeah, whatever."
"Get out of my phone, fish" I said before hanging up. I knew jenny was laughing and I laughed too.
"phew" i said to my self "there went my first option of moral support."
Not that I had been exposed to many offers of this sort but every time I stepped on a stage, I usually needed someone I loved, someone I cared about to be around. They just made me feel at ease and it made me a lot more comfortable. Their presence was too much of an encouragement to go without.
But today's performance was different. It was a huge step for me and I couldn't risk ruining it. I had never been paid to perform before and I felt that this single act would go a long way in either jeopardizing my future music career or perfecting it.
Now, Jenny had bailed on me, well, not literally but still, she was no longer an option. Devon on the other hand had gone to spend the holiday with uncle mark. My last and only option now was Mike. I hoped he wasn't too busy.
The show was scheduled to begin at around seven and I wasn't expected to be there till six-thirty.
Picking up my phone, I tried calling Mike but he was not answering. I checked the clock. It was still 2P.M. I still had enough time. Grabbing my purse, and my phone, I stepped out and locked the doors. I needed to know if Mike would be accompanying me or not.
I also carried a tiny basket filled with the cupcakes I made. I planned to give them to Mike even though I knew that there was a high possibility that I'd end up eating them myself.
Personally, I find it very hard to take note of roads. Unless I had driven to and from a place at least five times, there was no way I was going to remember the road. That was the case with Mike's house. If it were a cab, I would have simply given them the address but now, I was driving.
Jenny and Fred had traveled for their wedding shopping so Fred left his car under my care. Although they had returned for days now, they were probably too busy planning for their wedding to even need it back. Good for me.
I was grateful now that uncle mark had taught me to drive when I was fifteen. I didn't know what the use was then and I wasn't really very interested. To me, it was simply a waste of valuable time. It's not like I even had a car to practice with. All those were the excuses I gave to my darling uncle to masquerade the fact that I was terrified to get behind those wheels. But as the case was, I didn't have a choice because my dear uncle would never tolerate cowardice so, here we are.
After missing the road a few times, I finally arrived at his apartment and when I saw his gate, I smiled, obviously proud of myself.
As I walked to the door, I knocked a few times but there was no answer. I was starting to get discouraged when I heard his voice.
"Is, that you, Seun? Come on in."
"No, its not Seun actually." I said while letting myself in.
As I stepped into the living room, I blushed for some reason I cannot still fathom. I wondered what he'd say when he saw me. Would he wrap me in a firm hug and kiss me real good or would he faint from utter shock and bewilderment. Would he agree to accompany me to my show or would he be too busy. Maybe he wasn't wearing any shirt and he was walking around the house with his pants hanging low in his waist, revealing the oh so famous v shape that led down to a forbidden kingdom. I smiled at my naughtiness and and advanced towards the living room.
And just like the amazing guesser that I am, Mike was indeed shirtless and his pants were hanging low on his waste revealing the famous v shape that led down into the forbidden kingdom. That should have been sexy as hell right, it should and it was indeed, it was for a few moments, that was until I discovered that he had gotten some help.
My mouth fell open as I just stared in shock, even if I wanted to speak, I couldn't. I was paralyzed.
"Are you going to come in or..." Mike started to say but
he swallowed whatever he was about to say as soon as he saw me. Our eyes locked and for a split second, the realisation of the situation hit the both of us.
"Alyssa, I... I... Wasn't... Did... Not, expect to see... You, here." He stammered. That's the best he could come up with? I actually thought he was going to tell me some lame excuse like, 'it's not what it looks like' or 'i can explain'
"Hello Mike." I said, totally ignoring his comment. "and who is the pretty lady?" I asked as I peeked to see the lady behind him.
"Oh i'm..." The glare Mike gave her was all she needed to make her shut up. I almost started laughing but the lump in my throat wouldn't let me.
"Awwn, mickey wouldn't let little miney introduce her self." I teased while taking a seat on the couch directly opposite the lovey doveys.
That single act seemed to surprise Mike because his eyes widened in shock. I don't know if he was expecting me to just throw a tantrum, create a scene and beat hell out of this girl. I just drove all the way across Lagos and though its crazy traffic. I was too exhausted and needed my rest, wasting valuable energy on a helpless girl wasn't going to do me any good. Besides, if I wanted to get violent, I'd have smashed his head with a rock.
"Here Mike, I made you cupcakes" I said, handing him the basket. And his eyes grew even wider which would have been thought scientifically impossible given how wide it already was. This time, I didn't resist, I chuckled softly.
"Thanks" he said, collecting the basket after a little hesitation and mental analysis. He kept studying me as if waiting for my next reaction. Maybe he thought I had poisoned the cakes. Ha I wish i did, it'd damn well serve him right.
"Don't you have any food in this house? I'm literally starving" I said as I walked over to the fridge. I picked up a bottle of orange juice and then I returned back to my seat and picked one of the cupcakes i brought for Mike. I ate in silence and they just stared at me.
Mikey was apparently on edge and he looked so tense. At a point, I actually wondered if he was still breathing. He just sat there as rigid as a Stuart wire, watching me like a hawk.
I took, my time to ravish each bite and made sure to enjoy every bit of my snack, clearly enjoying Mike's discomfort. If he expected me to show him how hurt I was then he apparently didn't know me well enough. I was never one to break down in front of a guy, not in front of anyone.
When I was done eating, I picked up my phone and created a playlist with only 10 songs.
1) love me like you do by Ellie Goulding
2) Maybe IDK by Jon Bellion
3) I'm upset by Drake
4) Guillotine by Jon Bellion
5) perfect by Ed Sheeran
6) Burn by Ellie Goulding
7) pretty Girl by Maggie Lindemann
8) Heart for takeaway by illenium and the chain smokers.
9) Treat you better by Shawn Mendes.
10) Helplessly by Tatiano Manaois
Then I inserted my ear plugs and lay back on the couch. With a sigh, I shut my eyes and allowed the peaceful sound of music to soothe my pain.
I'm not sure if all the songs finished Playing before I dozed off. The pain in my chest just willed me to sleep and I dreamt about a time when my happiness was permanent and when all the things that gave me joy weren't temporal. Only, there was really never such a time.
I awoke with a start. With a yawn, i checked my watch and discovered the time to be 5:00 PM. I looked around me nothing seemed familiar, then the events of earlier crawled back into my mind and I was hurt all over again.
I turned to the direction that Mike was sitting and he was still sitting there, with his head in his palms. As soon as I stood up, he looked at Me but he didn't say anything. His eyes were red. There is a slight possibility that he might have cried. But hey, that's really Not my issue. Crying keeps the eye healthy.
His side chick was sleeping on the other end of the couch. Interesting, he let her stay, clearly, they deserved each other. Now that I looked at her, I noticed that she was actually pretty with oval face, pouty lips, awesome eyes, rosy cheeks and basically all the qualities that got all the guys drooling. I could totally understand why he would pick her over me.
"She's pretty" I said to Mike in a tear filled voice.
"Baby, don't say that, I just..."
I couldn't hear what he was going to say because I had long since walked into his bathroom and shut the door behind me. He still had the guts to call me baby.
With a force, my back hit the wall and i slid down to the floor. Then I let the tears fall. Every drop containing a bit of all the emotions i was feeling. Hurt, betrayal, anger, sadness, dissapointment, insecurity, you just name it. My lips trembled and my whole body shook of it's own accord as I cried.
After about fifteen minutes of crying and feeling sorry for myself, I washed my face and did my makeup. I'm strong like that. I've never wanted anyone to think i was weak, especially not the people who has thought me inadequate.
There was no more time to go back home so since i had just collected my dress from the tailor on my way To Mike's place, i walked out to the car to get it. When I was properly dressed, I picked my old clothes and walked to the palour. Side chic had woken up and was stretching lazily. Poor thing. He must have worn her out with his testosterone overdrive.
"You look beautiful" Mike said as soon as he saw me.
"Thanks Mike" I replied. "I'm leaving now, thanks for letting me crash here."
"You know you are welcome here anytime." He replied.
Not anymore. I thought to myself. I wasn't telling him that though.
"Thanks Mike" was what I said instead. "And it was lovely meeting you, uhm..."
"Mabel" she chimed delightedly.
"Goodbye Mabel, I'm Alyssa by the way." I said before walking to my car.
"Do you ever shut up? You shouldn't even be here" I heard Mike screaming at poor Mabel after I had stepped out and in as much as I'd loved to be a part of their lovers quarrel, I had places to be.
I was about driving off when Mike beckoned me to stop.
"Look Alyssa, I am very sorry, I had no plans of cheating on you, its just that Seun was on my case and Mabel was all over me. I didn't mean to hurt you, I swear, I regret every bit of my actions, please allow me to make it up to you. If I could turn back the hands if time, I swear..." He let the words linger in the air meaningfully.
stretching my hands out to touch his face, I traced his perfect features with the pad of my thumb. That was probably the last time I was going to get this close to him.
" Listen to me Mike, I know you are a good guy, but you see, you have made your choice and this choice happened to be against me. I want to hate you right now, I really do, but I can't, I guess I just hate myself. Maybe if i was someone else, you would have picked me instead. I wish you the best in life Mike, besides, Mabel seems like a very nice girl. I just regret the fact that we can't be together."
"Please don't say that Alyssa, I... I love you. I want to be with you please, don't give up on us yet. We can still work, I know we can." The world stopped spinning as his words sank into my subconscious.
Mike just said he loved me.
There was a moment of silence, a moment during which I considered several options, many of which I can classify as irrational. In the end though, I followed my instincts and dragged my hands from his face very slowly, wishing I didn't have to let go.
"Goodbye Mike" I said before turning the ignition and reversing out of his parking lot. As I drove off, I saw Mike fall to his his knees and my heart broke. I really wanted to cry now but I willed myself not to. I could save all the tears for after my performance. I couldn't risk walking into the hall, looking Like a zombie.
"Great, just great." I thought to myself as I climbed the stage. No moral support and a lump in my chest.
When it was time, I took a deep breath, I let the music start to flow. This was not the song I intended to sing but it was what I had been singing throughout my drive here and I couldn't seem to get it out of my head.
"I present to you; Alyssa Benson's "This is that time."
By the time I was done singing, the tears were falling freely. I was quite surprised and thankful that I wasn't croaking on stage in the name of singing.
I dropped the mic and raced all the way to the car. Not even looking back to acknowledge the applauses or ovations. I just wanted to get the hell out of there and cry. I cried through out the drive home and when I got home, I cried some more.
It was a miracle that I got home safely because my eyes we're blurry and my head hurt as hell
When i had cried myself to breaking point and When I was exhausted and was ready to pass out, my phone bipped to inform me of an incoming message but I was to tired to move a limb.
My only companions right now were the balls of tissue papers that surrounded me on every side. I was a mess.
After about two days or so, around the time when I decided to take a bath, eat something and be a human being again, I found out that the text was from MRS. Obadofin. It was simple but precise;
"You did great today. I love the way you connected with your music. You're aimed for greater heights. I've forwarded the cash to your account.
Thank you.
Oh boy. Madam, you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Well, at least someone in the world cared