The day of the Awards night arrived all too quickly for Raina. She had been dreaming of nothing else for the past 2 nights. She was anxious and excited as well. Her first major night out. Ghana had better prepare. Her dress had been delivered in the afternoon and fit her like a second skin. Somehow, she had managed to hide it from Leroy who was always snooping around her stuff.
Leroy was also coming along. He said Darryl was going to bring him a date. A relative of his, so he said. Raina was interested in finding out who this mystery lady was. She hardly knew any of Darryl's relatives. For someone who had spent half of his life in their home, she found it strange.
Her mother had gotten her accessories to complete her outfit. She also helped in styling her braids. The program was scheduled to begin at 8.00pm. By 7.30pm, Raina was dressed and ready. Darryl had called earlier to say he will arrive in the next 5 minutes. Leroy on the other hand, was now rushing around trying to put his outfit together. Raina ignored his cries for help. She knew her mother will have pity on him.
True to his word, the car arrived on time. Darryl had wanted to hire a driver for the evening but Leroy had offered to drive. Raina stood up and examined herself once more in the mirror, checking out all her angles.
'Raina, which one should I wear, the brown or black shoes? Wow! Little sis, you look amazing. I now understand why you have hidden yourself. But seriously which pair of shoes?'
'The brown one of course. Thank you, dear brother.'
'Darryl won't be able to take his eyes off you tonight. You look gorgeous. We have hidden you in this house for too long. Now I wish I was your escort.'
Raina blushed furiously. That was high praise indeed. She hoped Leroy was right. She wanted to knock Darryl off his feet. The dress was a long black shimmering gown with a minimal train at the back. The dress shimmered with the slightest touch or movement. Darryl had said he would be wearing an attire with kente. So, she had decided to use bits and pieces of the kente to adorn the dress. The resulting effect was classic. The dress fit her curves and was low cut at the back and had a high collar in front. All in all, she looked regal.
'The car has arrived. Let's hurry up and get going. Where are Mum and Dad?'
'They are waiting downstairs to film your descent. Hurry on out. You have to make a grand exit. I don't'.
Raina could not still the rapid beating of her heart as she headed out of her room to meet up with Darryl. She heard someone ring the bell and guessed someone must have answered, because the front door opened and closed. She held onto the railing and walked like she had been taught in school. 'A lady walks like this…', she mentally recited. She saw her parents waiting for her at the end of the staircase and smiled at them. She could not see Darryl though. Her dad looked so proud holding the camera and taking a video. A sudden wave of emotion shook her threatening to spill tears. She smiled even wider.
She had barely reached the landing when she heard and saw Darryl saying, 'Where is Raina though?'
He had turned his body to speak to Leroy at the time. Leroy nodded him in her direction.
As soon as Darryl turned to look at her, Raina could have sworn time stopped still. For a moment, no one said anything. They just looked at each other. It was like one of those Indian TV series where the camera slows down focusing on every character's reaction. Leroy coughed suddenly breaking the silence and Darryl recovered smoothly and smiled at Raina.
'You look beautiful Raina.'
Raina smiled back in return. She allowed her mother to fuss over her one last time and took one last picture with her father before saying goodbye to them.
'Shall we?', Darryl offered her his arm and together they left the house with her parents giving various words of advice. Leroy followed a few steps behind them. Raina took in Darryl's scent and breathed in deeply. She would have eaten it up if she could. He smelt like a man! It was a heady scent. His outfit fit superbly and was tailor-made to perfection. Together, they made a handsome pair. Anyone with eyes could see that. Darryl helped Raina to her seat and then got in beside her just as Leroy climbed into the driver's seat.
'Sorry I am late. Today has just been one of those days.' He then turned to acknowledge his other passenger and became uncharacteristically mute. Now Leroy had met a lot of beautiful women in his day, but he was completely taken in by the lady sitting next to him in the front seat. Her eyes were arresting, and the most beautiful he had ever had the pleasure to be mirrored in. They were framed by glasses. He looked behind and met Darryl's gaze in the rearview mirror.
'Quick introductions please. Meet Nadia, my cousin. Nadia this is my best friend, Leroy, and his little sister, Raina.'
'It's a pleasure meeting you, Nadia. Darryl hardly ever lets us meet any of his family so I guess you must be special then. You look wonderful.'
'Thank you. It's nice meeting you both. Darryl has told me so much about you both.'
'All good, I hope,' Leroy winked at her and said, finally regaining his composure
Nadia laughed, and Leroy watched her dimples come to life. Her teeth were even, straight and white. He ought to make her laugh more often. He started the car and soon they were on their way. There was not much traffic in town hence, in no time at all, they arrived at the International Conference Centre where the Awards ceremony was taking place. Leroy stopped at the entrance to allow Darryl and Raina to step out so they could walk the red carpet.
As soon as they stepped out, the cameras flashed wildly and Raina was blinded by the light. Darryl took her arm in his and whispered to her, 'Just smile.' Raina did the best she could posing together with Darryl in front of the cameras. He never once left her side and for that she was grateful. She was finally glad to be escorted into the main auditorium. Raina realized that being in the public eye was not an easy business after all. Darryl directed her to their table, greeting and introducing her to a few colleagues along the way.
The presenter came on stage and announced that the event would be starting in the next few minutes. Raina was surprised to see people craning to get a better look at them. Or was it Darryl? A lot of cameras were pointed their way taking shots of them.
'Hey, Darryl, it seems you have a lot of admirers. Everyone seems to be looking over here.'
Darryl turned to look around and sure enough, they were being stared at. They were not staring at him, but at her. There were more than a dozen pair of curious gazes on her. Raina looked stunning so he was not surprised she was drawing this much attention. Darryl felt proud and smug. Here he was with the belle of the night. His random invitation to Raina was yielding good fruits.
'Hey look, here comes Marian Davies. Leroy tells me she is your favourite Ghanaian actress. You will be glad to know she'll be sitting on our table. We couldn't have better table members. Too bad Nadia and Leroy aren't here yet. I wonder what is holding them up.'
Marian Davies was a great actress and a beautiful woman. Darryl had a number of movies with her and the two were up for grabbing awards for their lead roles in the movie 'Eternal Love'. Darryl introduced the two females and they started chatting merrily away.
'Are you and Darryl an item?', Marian asked in the course of their conversation.
'Oh no. He is my brother's best friend. I wanted to come to this event so bad so I asked him and he didn't object. Why do you ask though?'
'Hmmm? That's interesting. He seems overly protective of you. The two of you make a dashing couple. And I know a couple of girls who would have wanted to be here but are not here as his date, that's why.'
Raina blushed and was saved from replying by the commencement of the event. Marian picked up 2 awards with Darryl picking up 3 awards. He dedicated the 3rd award to his family and added Leroy and she to his list. Raina was very touched by his gesture and gave him a standing ovation as he walked back to his seat. She then proceeded to hug him.
Marian congratulated Darryl as well but he simply brushed it off and congratulated her once again. Marian then turned to Rita, 'He's a really nice guy, isn't he?'
'Of course, but wait till you meet my brother, he is the best.'
'By the way, I love your dress. Who designed it for you?'
'Thanks so much. I designed it but I received input and help from another designer. She sewed it as well.'
'Wow, then you have talent. Keep it up. Maybe one of these days, I might just contact you for a dress.'
Marian winked at her and smiled at Raina. She then exchanged contacts with her. Raina was pleasantly surprised.
Marian only smiled and said, 'Stars are just ordinary people who have been exposed to many people.'
There were a few performances after, and soon enough, the event came to an end. Darryl ushered her to another hall where an after-party was being held. Darryl introduced her to so many people that evening. And she had fun as well. Everyone present commented on how lovely her dress was. She couldn't wait to tell her best friend about the evening.