‘I did not expect the food to be that great. The banku and tilapia was excellent.’
‘I told you, didn’t I? Come on, let’s take a walk along the beach.’
They walked in companionable silence along the shore. Raina felt relaxed as she took in the scene around her. The setting sun cast an orange hue over the horizon. They found a spot to sit just to stare at it. Raina would have loved to take some pictures but she suddenly felt shy of Darryl.
‘This view would be great for pictures. Do you want me to take some pictures of you? Seeing as you have interest in modelling.’
‘No, not modelling. I just want to take part in the pageant that’s all.’ Raina hesitated, afraid to answer his other question.
‘Well, you can take some pictures of me. I thought you girls are always looking for the latest chance to be photographed. We men have accepted it as part of our responsibilities. I believe I am quite good, so don’t be afraid.’
Raina got up and handed her phone over to him.
‘These pictures had better be good.’ She posed for several shots while Darryl snapped away.
‘Let me take some of you as well. Maybe you can post some of the shots on your next public post for your fans.’
‘That’s not a bad idea. Maybe I will.’ And he winked at her.
Raina rolled her eyes and got good shots of him. She believed her pictures were great. They both looked at the pictures taken and deleted a few of them. By this time, the sun had set and it was dark. The lights from the restaurant cast a dim glow on the beach.
‘Let’s head back. We need to get going.’ He helped her get down from the rocks she was standing on and together they headed on back. It seemed only natural that they hold hands back. Raina was pleased about this development. She would have skipped along the beach if she could have. Her heart soared at being so close to him. His hand felt so solid and strong in hers. If only…
They made small talk on the way home. Raina was satisfied from the heavy meal and dozed off. Darryl looked over at her small frame briefly. She looked serene and beautiful. He wished he could muster up the courage to tell her that in person. Somehow, he had never been able to find the words.
He parked the car and realized she was still asleep. He got down and unlocked the front door. He then went back to pick Raina from the car. He carried her upstairs and lay her on her bed, taking off her footwear. Then he closed the door and made sure all the other doors were locked before leaving for his room. He quickly showered and went downstairs to turn on the television.
Raina woke up an hour later to find herself lying in bed fully clothed. The last thing she remembered was being in the car with Darryl on their way home. She decided to take a shower and then go downstairs. She could hear the sound of the television so she figured Darryl must be watching it.
She found him engrossed in a documentary a few minutes later as she descended the stairs.
‘Hey.’
‘Hello, hope you had some rest.’
‘Yes, I did. I feel refreshed. Anyways, how did I get to my room. Last thing I remember I was still sitting in the car.’
‘Yes. I had to carry you. You were out like a log and girl; you have the weight of one too.’
Raina gave him a sideways glance. ‘Oh, give me a break.’
Darryl broke out in laughter and Raina ignored him. She joined him in the chair and sat down.
‘What’s the plan for tonight or we are to watch this documentary?’
‘Here, have the remote. You can browse through the channels. Maybe you will find something better.’ He handed Raina the remote and leaned back and closed his eyes.
Raina found a station that was showing a comedy series and left it there.
‘How come we never knew you had a cousin like Nadia? Leroy is half in love with her already.’
‘He told you that?’
‘Of course not. I deduced that on my own.’
‘I had no idea they will hit it off else I would have introduced her to him sooner.’
‘Are you dating someone now?’ Raina felt her heart beating faster. She was afraid of the answer but she really needed to know.
Darryl sat up straighter and looked her straight in the eye. ‘No, I am not.’
Raina exhaled slowly and took in a deep breath.
‘I doubt the girl I like will be interested in me right now.’
She stared at him in shock.
‘You are interested in a girl on this planet who doesn’t like you? I find that hard to believe. Have you told her though?’
‘No, it is complicated.’
‘That seems like a good excuse. How would you know then? Maybe she likes you but is just afraid to let you know.’
‘Too bad for us then. Fear will kill our love before it even begins. Maybe I will tell her one of these days.’
‘Please do.’
‘Why are you so interested in my love life? Any boy in your life?’
‘No.’ She answered quickly and turned her head to face the television.
Darryl would have pushed the conversation but decided to leave it at that. There was no point. He was more afraid she will say she liked someone else.
Raina mulled over Darryl’s answers. Was she the one he was referring to? Did he like her? Or it was some other girl? She lacked the nerve and the courage to ask him outright.
‘Rain? Rain?’
She was drawn out of her thoughts by Darryl’s voice.
‘Hey, where did you go?’
‘Sorry.’
‘I was asking you if I should play a movie for us to watch.’
‘Oh sure. I don’t believe I am following this series anyways.’
‘Alright. There is some ice cream in the freezer. I am going to get it. You go on ahead and pick the movie.’
Raina selected an action movie for them to watch. Darryl was impressed with her selection. He had expected her to choose a chick flick. He sat down beside her and together they watched the movie.
Before they both realized they had dozed off, with Raina’s head on his shoulders. Darryl woke up sometime during the night and adjusted their positions so Raina’s head was on his chest. His last thought as he fell asleep was how it felt right to just be there at that very moment with her.
The loud toot of a car horn from the street outside jerked Raina awake. She realized there was a hand over her back and turned her head slightly to view Darryl’s face. He looked peaceful in his sleep and his lips were so close. The memory of her first kiss flashed suddenly behind her eyes and Raina quickly got up from her position. Her sudden movement had Darryl waking up as well. He stared up at her slightly confused, then greeted, ‘Good morning, Raina.’ He followed this up with a loud yawn.
‘Can you believe we fell asleep right here in the hall?’
‘Somehow I am not surprised. Eating banku is like taking a sleeping tablet. I guess you will be going back today.’
‘Yes, I will; right after church.’
‘Alright. Let’s get ready.’
In 45 minutes, Raina and Darryl had both finished preparing for church. Raina had packed her overnight stay bag and put it in the car. Darryl had called Leroy earlier to inform him so they will both attend the same service.
‘Before we leave, I just want you to know it was nice spending this weekend with you. I am often here alone so the change was refreshing.’
‘Yeah, it was nice. Maybe next time I am here you can prepare jollof rice for me.’
‘You bet I will and God help you if you don’t finish your plate!’