In the words of Anais Nin, each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.
In the case of Neil, Sophie and I, we had our world literally fused together since childhood; a bond so strong you’d think we’re biologically related. Especially since they lost their dad at their teens, my dad became a father to them. So you can guess how close we are.
I tried shoving off the idea that they were (or could actually be) manipulating me, but all indications says the opposite. Neil had never done anything without first seeking my opinion. Sophie, as sanguine as she is, is as delicate as a little rose bud; she always has my shoulder to cry on.
That, guys, is what confuses me the more; how come Neil knew Jane all the while and never told me, even after I showed him her Facebook profile and our messages, back and forth? How come Sophie had been friends with these girls to the point of taking a vacation together without ever letting me know?
For a second, I stopped my thoughts and tried to weigh if I’m being paranoid or not.
In a bid to break the unusual silence, I tried reaching out to them, but they won’t pick or return my calls. On a normal day, Neil should be in my house by now, if for nothing, to watch the games.
I knew I should have given them audience but I was so pissed.
While still lost in my guilt-filled thoughts, I heard a knock. It was Neil.
He dashed in with a carton of red wine. He was more alive than I’ve known him.
He was all up and acting as though nothing happened last night. Then, he was like “Duke, maga don pay!” he shouted as he jumped up and down the sitting room.
Now you bet I’d be more confused.
“You know that exportation deal I told you about 3 months ago? It just clicked” he continued with more excitement.
“You know the best news? The German company paid every penny upfront because they trusted my referee”.
I tried to fake a happy mood, but obviously I wasn’t in the best of moods before he came.
“Guy, chill. I dey bring more drinks” he concluded and dashed out.
I don’t understand. I thought they were both mad at me as much as I was at them, and that was why they’ve not returned my calls. Now, I’m seeing a totally different reaction against what I expected.
While still on that, Sophie’s call entered.
“How are you, Duke” she said in a subtle caring tone.
“I’m better, thank you”
“You don’t have to explain anything. I understand” she added and concluded she’d be in my house in a few minutes.
I can’t exactly figure out their plans, but I feel terrible. Yes, I shouldn’t have said that to them, but they make it even worse with their reaction to the whole thing.
I stood to arrange the room awaiting the proposed celebration of Neil’s breakthrough.
I guess I was being paranoid after all.
© 2014 Michael Agene
Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.