UNMARRIED... SO? Part 4

"Oluchi, you went too far, you should have come to me first--"

"Did she come to you first before downloading information about me to a total stranger? Eh-- mommy? Did she come to you before pitching me to eligible bachelors like I'm a hopeless debutante who cannot make her own decisions? 

" Lulu--"

"Aunty Ene went too far, mommy. She's meddling in my life and I want her nose out of my business. For all I know, this may not be the only thing she did. I'm sure there are more men who have my number and are on an invisible queue waiting to audition for my heart. I'm not interested."

Silence on the other end of the call. 

"Mommy, I'm not going to apologize to Aunty Ene for bearing the consequences of her actions. If she loves matchmaking so much, let her start an agency or a balloon-popping show. I'm not an experiment for her to test her skills, mommy please.. I have to go now."

I hung up without even waiting for her goodbye. Aunty Ene had called my mom to report me for calling her out and 'disrespecting' her. That's really rich coming from her, honestly. 

Before dropping my phone, I saw a few notifications indicating that Clinton had texted me -- again. It's been over a week, and I really wasn't interested in what he had to say. 

But I opened the message still. 

"Oluchi, I'm truly sorry for how the date went, for every thing I said. I had no right to do that. "

"It's understandable if you don't want to speak to me anymore, but please give me a chance to redeem myself."

"Hi..you'll probably not get this, but I thought to say hi, and to say I'm sorry again. Can we talk? Please"

I was still very upset. But-- why was I upset at Clinton? 

Was it really because he mentioned Daniel or because he had the boldness to speak publicly, what I was struggling to accept privately? 

And did I just use the information about Daniel as an excuse to walk away from the truth about myself, seated wearing linen?

"Afraid of not being enough, and filling up the vacuum with success until there is no room for anyone else"

Playing those words back again stung differently this time, because I could tell myself the truth. 

I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye, and stood up to separate myself from my phone as though it would automatically take me far away from the realities of what my life was. 

Clinton was a jerk. But it was the first time I heard my own thoughts spoken back to me. 

I whispered a prayer of comfort, and I felt a wash of peace, almost instantly. 

I texted Clinton back. 

"We can talk." 

THE DAY. 

I drove to the spot I had chosen. A simple pastry spot. No noise. No efforts. Floor to ceiling glass window. 

He was already there.

He looked good. 

That's not the point right now, Lulu! 

I took a deep breath and got out of the car, walking towards the entrance. 

"You look -- beautiful --" He said when I sat. 

"Thank you, Clinton."

Awkward silence. 

"I didn't think you'd actually come"

"Well, here I am"

"How are you?"

"Clinton --"

"I'm sorry. Oluchi.. I crossed the line, even if I heard the story, I should not have said anything. It was a jerk move."

"Yes, it was."

He chuckled. I glared at him. And then, chuckled too. 

I can't believe all my anger dissipated to quickly. Who's this guy? 

"I didn't mean to ruin the date. We were having such a good time and I opened my mouth and blurted out nonsense. It was unfair to you. And I truly apologize. "

I felt my features soften and I looked away from him. 

"You weren't totally wrong though."

He leaned into his chair. 

"What do you mean?"

I struggled to let the words out... But something about Clinton made me feel safe. 

Safe enough to speak a part of what I truly felt. 

"About me being afraid. It's not completely correct, but you weren't too far from the truth. I just want to be sure that whoever comes into my space, is there for the right reasons."

He tilted his head and looked straight at me, as if trying to read the parts of the stuff I didn't say. 

"You are a really--really beautiful woman, Oluchi."

Whyyyyyy.. I looked away smiling. 

"It's okay to be afraid. Just, keep a little crack open for some of us. Sometimes, that's all we need."

"I'll think about it."

We both laughed while the attendant brought the pastries and ice cream, laughing over his reaction after the first scoop. 

Brain freeze 🥶

"You know what, I think it's fair that I told you something about myself since I know something about you"

"You want to tell me? Or I should go find a meddling aunt of yours, I'm sure it'll be juicy gist"

He laughed so deeply. 

"Sadly, no. My aunts are out of the country, and the only person who has all the premium gist about me, cannot speak. Unfortunately."

"Your confidante is mute..?"

"My mirror and my walls cannot speak. Thank you very much"

I laughed effortlessly. 

"Hey.. " He held my hand. They were cold from the ice cream. 

"Do you forgive me...?"

I stared at him. His eyes were sincere and gentle, it drew me in. I blinked. 

"Yeah, I forgive you", almost in a whisper. 

" So you'll go on another date with me? Hopefully It'll go smooth from start to finish this time."

"Only if I choose the place this time."

He squinted.. 

"Alright. I'm curious to know what it would be."

"Good. It's a date then."

We spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing over chops and ice cream. 

He was easy to talk to. It felt good. 

Maybe it was time to actually let someone in. 

Or not... I guess we'll find out. 

... To be continued. 

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