CHAPTER 2: THE TURN DOWN.

#JUST_BEST_FRIENDS

Author: Sam Freddy

CHAPTER 2: THE TURN DOWN.

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While so many other students sat in pairs and in groups at different spots of the Lagoon Front, Idara sat all alone on the same low, stony pavement, thinking deeply.

Absently playing Anastasia's acoustic guitar with closed eyes, she thought about her childhood with Yomi. Yomi had always been a significant figure in Idara's life since she was six. He'd shaped her in so many unbelievable ways. He was like the brave Jack to her Rose, and she, in turn, was like the relentless Ann Darrow to his King Kong, but he never realized that. Sadly, the extra special love was one-sided.

Idara remembered once when she was sick and drenched in the rain, but Yomi carried her on his back regardless, all the way from their secondary school to the estate where they both used to live. She chuckled at the lovely memory.

Maybe their friendship would've blossomed into something serious if she and her father hadn't moved out of the estate when her elder brother died. Maybe she would've visited him once in a while if his family hadn't sold their house and moved out of Lagos a month after she left. Maybe they would've been more than just best friends if distance hadn't separated them for a long time. Maybe, just maybe things would've been way more different than they were right now, she wondered.

But all of that didn't matter now. All that really mattered now was that they had been reunited in school, and she was extremely glad about it.

“You are the worst guitarist I have ever seen in my life.” A familiar voice mocked behind her, laughing coolly. “No kidding.”

Idara opened her eyes and smiled without looking back. She didn't have to. His sonorous voice was more than enough to send rapid jolts of permanent bliss straight to her pure heart. “You finally made it. Took you long enough.”

Yomi huffed and sat down beside her with his right foot resting on a log of wood below. “You do know that the way you are sitting facing the lagoon is strictly prohibited, right?”

“Yeah. I know. I just don't care.”

Yomi smirked. “Always the stubborn one. I shouldn't be surprised,” he shook his head slowly. “Where's Asia, by the way?”

Idara finally looked at the gorgeous face of the fine gentleman sitting beside her, gracing the old pavement with his very presence. “She left some minutes ago. Her brother called. Said it was urgent. It has to do with the apartment issue that I told you about last week. I just hope she likes it, though, because if she does, she'll definitely rent it, and then I get to move in with her straight up.”

“Lucky you, I guess.” Yomi stifled a chuckle. “But what makes you think she needs company, though?”

“She said it herself.” Idara's eyes were now glued to the fancy nylons in Yomi's hands. “She told me not to worry about the rent since her wealthy uncle already has it covered. All she needs is someone to vibe with in the house, and a trustworthy person at that. Which, in this case, happens to be me, baby. So, yeah. Lucky me indeed.”

Yomi couldn't help but smile as he handed the nylons to Idara. “Well, good for you and bad for her, then,” he said. “Now you have all this to yourself.” He then took the guitar off her thighs and watched as she rummaged in the nylons like her life depended on it.

“Small chops. Potato chips. Sausage rolls. Fresh coconut bread. Chocolate biscuits. Soft drinks. Raw eggs, raw rice and abundant ingredients. Sweet Jesus!” Idara's eyes widened. “All these for us?”

“Pretty much.”

“Wow. Don't you think it's too much?” Idara's mouth was literally agape. “At least we could share some of 'em with you.”

“Nah. Don't bother. I'm not hungry.” Yomi declined with a wave of his hand. “Y'all should enjoy yourselves.”

Idara didn't know what exactly to say to that. “Thanks, Yomee,” she figured that would be the most appropriate thing to tell him.

“Anytime, dear.”

With that, a moment of silence ensued between both parties. All of a sudden, Idara started tapping on Yomi's shoulder frantically.

“See! Look at those crabs right there,” she broke the silence, munching on a spicy potato chip. “Aren't they adorable?”

Yomi couldn't hide his amusement when he saw them. “Wow. This life is so unfair. Even ordinary crabs have partners, and I'm still single.”

Idara almost choked on her snack because of intense laughter. “So am I.” She swallowed hard, calming down. “But I think our cases are way different sha. I can't even compare myself to you because you fine pass me wella, and guys hardly approach me because of my looks and whatnot. They always complain that I'm too tall or that my mature face, or my body or my sound intellect intimidates them back to back. But in your own case, you are, like, the golden star of our department. All the girls are just rushing you because sey you fresh and your papa get plenty money, yet you are still claiming single. Honestly, it baffles me big time. I no go lie.”

Yomi sighed. “I haven't found someone I really like yet, that's why.”

Idara rolled her eyes comically. “You know, sometimes I think you are just gay.”

“What the-” Yomi laughed out loud. “Hell fricking no! I'm too straight to be gay.”

Unknown to them, a slender guy who sat just a little bit far from them was eavesdropping on their conversation.

“I highly doubt that.” Idara opened one of the soft drinks and took a small gulp directly from the plastic bottle. “Admit it, Yomee. You're gay. I won't judge you.”

“Neither will I,” the slender guy chipped in from his side. “It's all cool. I'm actually gay, too.”

Instantly, Idara and Yomi turned their heads in his direction, both beyond surprised.

“No offense, bro, but count me out. I'm the most solid brother you'll probably ever find on Earth. And I like women a lot.” Yomi explained politely. “But don't get me wrong. Being straight doesn't mean that I detest or spite your kind. I hold absolutely nothing against y'all. We are all humans, after all. In the end, it all boils down to choice or preference. Plus, I'm all in for pure equality. This life is not too hard. We humans are just the ones who make it complicated. And it's quite sad because it shouldn't be that way at all.”

“Word!” The guy smiled, nodding in agreement. “You're very correct, bro. I gotta admit, I really like your philosophy of life, man. If we had more people like you, this world would be a better place.”

“Damn right.” Idara interjected, chewing happily. “His wisdom is just too much.”

“For real.” The guy's smile turned to a big, wide grin. “I'm Jordan, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, Jordan.” Yomi waved his hand at him. “I'm Yomi, but the ladies call me Daddy Yo.”

“And I'm Isabelle.” Idara waved too. “Or you could just call me Idara. It's what everyone calls me.”

“I think I'll go with the former.” Jordan blinked twice. “It's a pleasure to meet you both.”

Yomi and Idara simply nodded in response, both at a loss for words.

“So are you guys, like, a couple or something?”

“What?” Yomi glanced at Idara's face and grimaced in disgust. “Hell, no. We are just friends. Best friends.”

“Since childhood.” Idara added, whacking Yomi upside the head. “And I love him so much, even though he could be a jerk sometimes.”

Yomi laughed gracefully. “Yeah. I love me, too.”

__________

Later that same day, in the evening to be precise, all four students walked together along a wide sidewalk, discussing on their way to the main gate. Anyone who knew them would've thought that they were all just strolling around campus, but in actuality, the others were only seeing Yomi off to where his car was parked outside the gate.

Anastasia had returned at midday and she'd given Idara the gist about the apartment. According to her, she loved it at first sight, and she paid for it without hesitation.

Fortunately, both ladies now had a great crib to live in. All that was left was to kiss the uncomfortable hostel bunks goodbye and move into their brand new apartment as soon as possible.

“So, about that stuff that we talked about earlier.” Anastasia whispered to Idara, gesturing at Yomi who seemed to be engrossed in a conversation with Jordan. “Have you told him yet?”

Idara shook her head. “Nope. Not yet. I'm taking things slow, waiting for the perfect time to strike. No need to rush.”

“But at least you are making progress, right?”

Idara wagged her head again. “Not really.”

Clapping her hands, Anastasia laughed mockingly. “Dara, Lord knows that I pity you big time.”

As Idara wanted to respond, Yomi tapped her hand impatiently, pointing at a group of ladies ahead. 

Idara was confused. “Why are you pointing at those girls?”

“Mumu. Look at the one in the middle, wearing all black.” Yomi explained, his eyes fixated on the svelte girl in front. “She's too fine, and her outfit is beyond breathtaking.”

“So?” Idara raised an eyebrow. “What's my business with that?”

Yomi faced Idara, giving her a comical look. Then, with a silly, cheeky smile, he blinked thrice.

“I don't really like where this is going.” Idara frowned. “Please tell me it's not what I'm thinking.”

“It is exactly what you are thinking,” he said. “I want you to help me talk to her. You know how much I suck at approaching girls.”

Idara's eyes widened in disbelief. “Over my dead body! I can't do that!”

Anastasia and Jordan were already laughing, clearly enjoying the live drama in their presence.

“Isabelle, please. You know I'm too shy.” Yomi stared into her eyes, letting her know how serious he was about it. Idara knew that he rarely called her Isabelle unless he had wronged her or needed something badly. “Besides, my birthday is in three days time, and you know I've never asked you for anything like this before. Have I?”

Idara rolled her eyes. “No.”

“You see!” Yomi winked coolly. “So, in essence, this is the least you can do to make me happy. Consider it an early birthday present.”

Idara felt somewhat hurt by those words. She'd been seriously crushing on this guy for a long time, and here he was eyeing some random chick in a fancy outfit.

Quickly, she looked away to hide the pain. “It's okay. I've heard you.”

Even though every fiber of her being stood against the idea, Idara figured doing so would make Yomi happier, so she swallowed her pride and went ahead to meet the girls.

Somehow, she managed to squeeze into the group and gained their attention.

“Hi.” She faked a smile, waving her hand. “A pleasant evening to everyone.”

Only a few of them greeted her back. The others were confused and upset, but Idara didn't care. Their anger only motivated her to proceed with her mission.

So Idara simply toughened up with a confident grin on her face, as she said, “Sorry to interrupt. My name is Idara,” she touched her chest for emphasis, looking at the fairsome albino lady walking beside her. “Can I speak with you alone for a minute?”

“No!” The lady answered rudely. “These are my good friends. We're all like sisters. Whatever you have to tell me might as well be said right now in everyone's presence.”

“All right.” Idara nodded, even though she was quite offended. “I hope you don't mind; someone wants to speak with you.”

“Who is that?”

“A friend of mine. A guy.”

“So why couldn't he come by himself?”

“'Cause he's quite shy.”

“So he sent you to me?”

“Well, kinda. It's complicated.”

The lady grimaced and hissed. “So where is he?”

“Right behind us.” Idara balled her hands into fists, trying to stay calm. “The average, fair guy in red.”

Looking over her shoulder, the lady's eyes almost popped out of their sockets at the mere sight of Yomi. “Wait o, is it that small boy over there that is just fine for nothing without a beard? The one in a worn out polo, old-fashioned shorts and cheap slippers?”

On hearing that, Idara's eyes widened like never before, and with her mouth agape, she found it so hard to believe the next thing she heard.

“Sorry, fam. He's not my type. Tell him to go and find his level. Goodnight.”