"It's good to see you, namesake! I've missed you!" Jimmy said as he gave James a brotherly handshake accustomed to the both of them.
It's been two weeks since Jimmy let the cat out of the bag and James' age-long love for Liliana was exposed, sending the girl running back to London.
"I hope you are good now?" He pried studying his friend critically.
"Sure!" James answered as he took a seat at Jimmy's private sitting where they usually hung out. He looked his normal jovial self and he smiled reassuringly at Jimmy. "I missed you too namesake! What have you been up to?"
"Same stuff, exploring, researching and relaxing!" Jimmy answered.
"Heard from your parents?"
"Yea! They're coming home in a week's time. Sarah will be resuming studies soon."
"Nice!"
An awkward silence settled in the sitting for minutes before Jimmy boldly broke it,
"Heard anything from Liliana?"
"No! I tried calling her several times but she won't take my calls." He frowned. "She called you?"
"Not even once! I think she hates me now!" Jimmy said as he furrowed his brows.
"She hates me too!"
"I'm so sorry, it's all my fault!" Jimmy muttered pathetically.
"No, don't be! It's good the truth came out and it was high time ... .I was such a chicken…"
"Don't be hard on yourself! I know you didn't want to lose her friendship!" Jimmy cut in.
"Dying in silence all these years was tough…I feel light weighted now! It was an unnecessary burden I should have done better without. What would be, would be, bro!"
"I agree, what would be would always be!"
With that, the two friends went out to play basketball and swim at the pool.
Jimmy invited James to join him on a tour he planned with Temi.
The morning sun painted the sky in hues of golden orange as Jimmy, Temi, and James embarked on their adventure to the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos. Excitement bubbled within them as they journeyed through the bustling streets, the rhythm of the city pulsating around them.
As they arrived at the entrance of the conservation centre, they were greeted by the sight of towering trees reaching towards the sky, their verdant leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The air was alive with the chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects, creating a symphony of nature's melodies.
They began their tour along the elevated walkway, a canopy walk that offered breathtaking views of the lush canopy below. With each step, they were enveloped in the embrace of the forest, the scent of earth and foliage filling their senses.
As they ventured deeper into the heart of the conservation centre, they encountered a dazzling array of flora and fauna. Vibrant flowers in every shade of the rainbow bloomed along the pathways, their petals kissed by the morning dew. Butterflies flitted gracefully from flower to flower, their delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight.
Their guide led them to the treehouse observatory, a towering structure nestled amidst the branches of a mighty baobab tree. From its vantage point, they marvelled at the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with glimpses of winding rivers and lush mangrove forests stretching to the horizon.
The highlight of their tour was the encounter with the resident wildlife, including playful monkeys swinging from tree to tree and majestic peacocks displaying their iridescent plumage. They observed in awe as a family of duikers, small antelope native to the region, grazed peacefully in a clearing nearby.
As Jimmy, Temi, and James went around on their tour of the Lekki Conservation Centre, the vibrant energy of their surroundings seemed to ignite a sense of wonder and excitement within them. Jimmy and Temi walked side by side, their hands occasionally brushing against each other as they exchanged eager whispers and shared observations about the flora and fauna they encountered.
Their laughter echoed through the forest as they playfully teased each other, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. Temi's eyes sparkled with delight as she pointed out colourful birds perched high in the trees, while Jimmy's smile widened at the sight of playful monkeys swinging from branch to branch.
At the treehouse observatory, Jimmy and Temi stood arm in arm, their gazes fixed on the breathtaking views unfolding before them. They whispered words of awe and admiration, their hearts swelling with gratitude for the chance to experience such natural beauty together.
Throughout the tour, Jimmy and Temi shared meaningful glances and exchanged knowing smiles, their connection deepening with each shared moment. They paused to take photos together, capturing memories they knew would last a lifetime.
As they made their way back to the entrance of the conservation centre, Jimmy wrapped his arm around Temi's shoulders, drawing her close as they walked. Their laughter mingled with the sounds of the forest, a symphony of joy that echoed through the trees.
In that moment, surrounded by the wonders of nature and the warmth of each other's company, Jimmy and Temi knew that their bond was as strong and enduring as the beauty that surrounded them. And as they continued on their journey, they did so hand in hand, knowing that together, they could conquer any adventure that lay ahead.
When Temi had returned safely to her home, that night Jimmy dreamt of her.
In Jimmy's dream, he found himself once again transported to the ancient terrain he had come to know so well—a land steeped in history and mystery, where the echoes of the past mingled with the whispers of the present. The air was thick with the scent of earth and vegetation, and the soft rustle of leaves seemed to carry a secret melody.
As Jimmy's gaze swept over the landscape, his heart quickened with anticipation, for he knew that within this dream realm, anything was possible. And sure enough, before long, he spotted Temi emerging from the lush foliage, her form illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun.
She appeared ethereal, dressed in flowing garments that billowed around her like the wings of a butterfly. On her head, she carried a clay pot of water, its cool surface glistening in the fading light. As their eyes met, a sense of recognition washed over Jimmy, for he knew instinctively that she was no stranger to him.
Without a word, Jimmy stepped forward to meet her, his hand outstretched to take the pot of water from her grasp. As their fingers brushed against each other, a spark ignited between them, igniting a connection that transcended time and space.
Together, they walked along the ancient path, their footsteps falling in sync with the rhythm of the earth beneath them. They laughed and conversed with an ease that spoke of a familiarity that defied explanation, their voices mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of flowing water.
With each step, Jimmy felt himself drawn closer to Temi, as if she held the key to unlocking the mysteries of his past and the secrets of their shared destiny. And as they journeyed together through the ancient terrain, he knew that whatever trials lay ahead, they would face them as one, bound by a bond that transcended the boundaries of time and space.