Melissa
Unexpected.
When I saw the twinkling in Bibi's eyes and the thrill all got me to think that he was the one who came to visit, but to my surprise, the one standing there made my jaw fall and shocked me.
"Surprise!" came the excited voice of the visitor with a huge grin plastered on her face. Dressed in simple don't touch blue faded jeans, black sneakers with a grey shirt imprinted 'Free hug'. Simple, yet she rocked with her catchy hourglass shape.
"Nicky!" I exclaimed. Surprise, shocked, dumbfounded. You name it. If there was someone never in a million years, I would have expected to visit me, that person would be Nicky.
"The one and only." came her cheery voice like she was the happiest being in my house. She looked happy.
"Wha...what...I mean...how...you...wait...here?" I could not even fathom a simple sentence! That is how much I was stupefied to receive her presence.
"Cat got you tongue?" she teased, shifting her weight on the other leg and rubbing her hand nervously. And then it hit me.
Oh, how terrible of a host was I?
Of course, she might be feeling awkward as I stood on my spot, showing surprise. I snapped out of my shocked state and reacted quickly.
"Sorry, but is it you? Nicky? Of course, it's you. I am just surprised and thought I was hallucinating for a moment." I stumbled on my words walking towards her in a hurried footstep, spreading my hands wide, I asked with a grin.
¨Free hugs?¨ she looked at me for a moment before she understood that I was teasing her with her t-shirt.
¨Just kidding, don't touch me! ¨ she joked, showing me the end of the writing at the back. It got me laughed. It was so like her.
¨Oh no, my heart is hurt. ¨
¨Aaaw looking at your cute little face, I can't help but make an exception, come here. ¨ We both laughed, hugging each other.
Strange as it may sound, but I missed her so much than I ever missed any of my friends - not that I had any - apart from Jessica.
I have never been this excited to see her, even after staying long without seeing each other. for Nicky, it was the second time meeting each other, but it felt like we've known each other for life.
¨You really are here, ¨ I still could not believe she was at my house.
"In the flesh, baby," she sassed, a huge grin plastered on her face.
"I am sorry to come un announce. I should have called, but I wanted to surprise you," Nicky explained, causing me to chuckle, showing her the seat.
"Well, you have succeeded in that,"
"I hope I am not intruding, coming uninvited, you know-"
"Please, no. Don't." I stopped her before she said more.
"I am happy that you are here, ¨ I continued. ¨But I still don't get it. How did you find my house?" After all, it wasn't like I had a permanent address that one could locate so easily.
"Oh, it was Max," and my heart that had calmed down a while ago skipped a beat again. It was more of a kick that a beat.
¨Hey, are you alright? You look pale over sudden, ¨ Nicky's voice brought me back to reality. My eyes darted at her, then at the door.
¨M... Max is here with you? ¨ I asked the silliest question of all time.
Of course, he had to be there, or how would Nicky find my place?
"Oh, look at that. She misses her darling boyfriend already. Oh wait, not boyfriend but lover." Bibi winked playfully at me. It was then I remembered the first time she met Max. I had told her that he hated the term boyfriend.
"Ohw, lover is then." Nicky teased.
I was already burning up, feeling bashful and embarrassed. Nicky knew the truth about our so-called relationship, but with Bibi running her mouth, I wondered if she would think that I liked Max.
Bibi was already carrying a cup of porridge. Sometimes I wondered how on earth she always has it ready for anyone.
Oh yes! She once told me that porridge is a nation's wife.
"Max was the one to bring me to you, but then we spotted Bibi. I decided to come with her as Max was busy. He has a meeting today." Nicky explained, taking the cup from Bibi, who went ahead and sat opposite Nicky, excitement twinkling in her mischievous eyes.
I could only pray that she was not planning on making things awkward for Nicky I.
¨Mmmh, I have only heard that you make the best porridge, but the praises paled in comparison to what I am testing now, ¨ Nicky hummed in delight, taking a sip from her cup.
Bibi's face brightened up upon Nicky's compliment. Sometimes I wondered how Bibi managed to be single all this while when she could easily win a man over. As they say, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Bibi clearly, had a talent when it came to cooking anything.
Maybe it had something to do with her Swahili blood. Despite being of old age, she was still capable and loved cooking every day.
¨Of course, I am the best cook. Why do you think that lad is still with Habibi? Habibi is so dense when it comes to the way of love or how to handle a man that I am afraid she will get dumbed the next second, so I have to win Max over with my cooking in case he thinks of leaving. ¨ Nicky, maybe not expecting those earthy humor from Bibi, choked on her drink which brought on a fit of coughing.
¨Easy, are you alright? ¨ I asked, concerned while rubbing her back.
¨I... I am... alright. ¨ she said in between the coughs. Turning to Bibi, I glared at her.
¨How can you say such crude words, Bibi. See, my friend even choked. ¨ I chided, not that she minded as she only scoffed like it was nothing.
¨I only stated the truth, and I am sure your friend had heard a lot far worse than what I said, ¨ came her nonchalantly answer.
Remind me who this woman is again? Did she even realize how old she was? But then again, when people grow up, they tend to talk without sugar coating their words.
¨ Definitely heard a lot worse, Bibi. ¨ Nicky said, laughing. ¨So your reputation proceeds you. ¨ She added, her face beaming with laughter.
¨It depends on what my Habibi has been feeding you, ¨ Bibi replied gloatingly.
¨And you are right, Bibi. Max keeps on praising you for the delicious porridge he had, and I was even starting to get jealous. Finally, I have tested it, and I think I am already addicted to it. If Melissa does not want to, you can teach me how to make it so that I can win a man's heart, ¨ She continued making me look at her in disbelief.
¨You don't need to cook for a man to keep him. I mean, have you met you? With that gorgeous body, any man would fall on your feet, ¨ I said, rolling my eyes.
¨I don't want them to be after my body but rather my heart. I want a man who would love me for who I am not, what I am, or have,¨ she answered swiftly, earning an exaggerated nod from Bibi.
¨Well said, my child. Young, beautiful lady with brains! ¨ she praised before turning towards me, eyes full of ridicule. ¨See what kind of friends you should have. She has senses unlike that... what's her name again? Fussucat!¨
¨Jessica Bibi, her name is Jessica, ¨ I corrected, earning another burst of laughter from Nicky.
¨Whatever, her name isn't worth remembering. What I am trying to say is that have a friend who uses their brain and can boost your knowledge. ¨
¨Exactly Bibi, tell her, ¨ Nicky chimed in, obviously enjoying themselves while taunting. As much as I was glad, she was comfortable, I could not help but feel wronged.
¨Hey, I am your Habibi remember? ¨ I tried reminding her, but she just swatted me like I was an annoying fly.
¨How can I not remember when I have to face you every day? I have to force you to wake up early. I have to push you into finding a boyfriend. I again have to plead with you to let me meet him, and now even to avoid that good-for-nothing excuse of a friend. ¨ All this while, Nicky was having a great time, enjoying the show while laughing that she almost shed tears.
¨Can you please not say all these things in front of my friend? ¨ It was really embarrassing having all your dirty laundry exposed in front of someone whom you barely know.
Bibi was like a child. Once her thoughts were entertained, she would only be fueled to continue.
¨What? Feeling ashamed now? You should. I love you, my Habibi, so much, but sometimes I feel like banging your head against the wall. ¨
See what I am talking about?
¨Bibi! ¨ I exclaimed in shock.
¨Nicky! ¨ I cried exasperatedly, seeing that they were not going to stop teasing me.
How did she become Bibi's favorite person?
¨No need to worry, Bibi. Melissa and I are already friends. ¨ Nicky said, a smile still playing on her lips.
¨Oh sweet child, every time you open your mouth, I can't help but love you more. How come you still have no boyfriend? ¨ Oh! Bibi!
¨And how would you know I don't? ¨ Nicky asked, clearly amused. I was glad that she did not find Bibi's behavior offensive.
Usually, Jess wouldn't stand Bibi and preferred to have as littlest contact as possible. She always says that Bibi was rude and insensitive to other people's feelings.
¨You asked for my help. You want to win someone's heart. It can only mean that you like someone, but it is an unrequited one." Oh boy. My eyes darted to Nicky gauging her reaction, but she gave out nothing.
Despite knowing her for a short time, I could tell she fancied Jake.
That night in her house, she kept rumbling about Jake. How annoying he was or how he kept flirting with girls.
¨Alright, grandma. And you wonder why I don't want to introduce you to my friends. You always find ways to embarrass me. Nicky did not ask for your help to woo a man. Instead, she asked tips on how to cook better! ¨
¨Who are you calling a grandma? ¨
¨...¨ Speechless. The whole sentence, did she just get the word, 'grandma'. Nicky could not help anymore and laughed again. Feeling frustrated, I raked my fingers in my hair and grumbled.
¨Aren't you getting late for your meeting!" And that is how I got to read of her presence.
Once she left, I sighed in relief. I turned to Nicky, who was skimming around the house. For the first time, I felt uneasy and ashamed somehow of what my house looked like.
She lived in an estate - in a mansion while I... sigh, I could not even continue thinking.
¨I apologize for Bibi's behavior. She was just being Bibi, ¨ I spoke, gaining her attention.
¨No need to apologize, I kind of like her. She is cheeky, fun, and straightforward to be around. For a moment, I wished that I was staying here with you, ¨ Came her answer that shocked me.
¨You must be kidding. Why would you even dream of leaving such a beautiful mansion to live in this? ¨ There was no even comparing my house to hers!
¨Your house is indeed small but has a homely vibe. I'd rather stay in a small house that has familial warmth than a huge cold ghosted mansion, ¨ she answered truthfully, and I understood what she meant.
When I was in her house the last time. It was indeed cold. Nothing familial.
"But why the dark hue. I mean, it's okay because they allow the floors and the couch to look more prominent, but you could have chosen beige or blue, you know," She suddenly asked, changing the topic, her eyes not leaving the walls.
"It's dark, right? I prefer brighter colors than this one, but they were the only ones available." I could not agree more.
"I am pretty sure if you scour the shops and surf the internet, you won't miss one."
"Oh, I don't doubt that one bit. The problem is the prices. I got these ones from my boss who worships color green. She got this as presents from one of her aunts, whom she despises." I chuckled, recalling how angry Mrs. Green was.
The series of curses insults that escaped her mouth with her face flushed from anger was indeed a sight to behold. She wanted to throw the wallpaper or, worse, burn them. Good thing I was there.
"You can still make them colorful by a bit of decoration." Suggested Nicky.
"I thought of that, but have you checked the quality of these wallpapers? They are of highest quality that I am afraid I might ruin them." Nicky chuckled at my statement.
"I can help you with it. I am pretty good when it comes to decorating." Nicky offered kindly.
"Really! I would love to. Wait. You are doing it for free, right?" I had no money to spare for decorations!
My thoughts were interrupted by Nicky's laughter. Again, I found myself burning in embarrassment. Why did I have to ask such a question?
"You've really taken after Bibi. I will do it for free." she said after a while.
But why would she help?
There was silence for a while before I decided to break it.
¨I don't mean to sound rude, but I am curious why you came to visit? ¨ I finally asked the question that had been bugging me for a long. Not that I minded her presence, but I needed to be realistic with her. It's not like we were friends.
¨Well, I got bored, didn't have class and Kim had not returned yet, then I remembered a beautiful girl with short blonde hair, and I knew just knew I had to come. ¨ she explained like it was a normal thing.
¨But why? Why come all the way here. We are not that close. ¨ it was the strangest thing that she would waste all her time to come to find me. She looked at me for a long time and released a breath.
¨Okay, so this is the deal. ¨ she started, and I raised my eyebrow at her.
¨I am really short of friends, ¨ okay, I was not expecting that.
¨The ones willing to hand around me do it for their own selfish needs apart from Kim who is not yet back, and I like you. ¨
¨What? ¨ I was thunderstruck.
I was expecting an explanation, not a confession. I thought she liked Jake!
But I was not into girls. What did she even see in me? Okay, I was flattered that I could attract a fellow woman, but...
¨Oh my goodness! ¨ her voice broke my train of thoughts.
¨Max was right! You do really have wild imaginations. I don't mean that I like you like that but as a friend. I would like to be your friend, ¨ She explained further, and I mentally facepalmed myself.
Why was I always overthinking?
¨But why? ¨ I asked again, and I could hear her letting a frustrating sigh.
¨Why do you have so many why's. Z obvious. You are a nice person but can be bitchy when you want to. You are you and unpretentious. ¨ My heartfelt warmth engulfed it like a blanket.
It felt so pleasant that she saw me that way and wanted to befriend me.
¨Wow! Still sounds like a confession, ¨ I joked, a light chuckle escaping my lips as Nicky flipped her hair aside with satisfaction.
¨You should feel honored, ¨ she sassed, drawing another chuckle from me.
¨Well, friends then?¨ I confirmed, extending my hands for her to shake.
¨I am Nick Rox, ¨ she shook my hand.
"I am Melissa Armani. ¨ I smiled gleefully
¨Nice to meet you, Melissa, ¨ she paused for a while before adding.
¨Now tell me about what happened between you and Max.¨
I was hoping she would ask.