Here is a link to part 1 if you haven't read it.
“Are you okay?” Haruna asked as her Camry skidded to a stop in front of the compound I shared with seven families.
“Yup. I just thank God I didn't actually shoot my shot. It would have been embarrassing.”
“Quit feeling sorry for yourself. Also, life happens abi did you think you would be single by this time of the year?”
I shook my head and she sighed.
“What are your plans for tomorrow?” Haruna asked as she tilted her watch.
“It's boxing day so I'll just stay at home and box my emotions.”
We both chuckled and she hugged me. I relaxed in her embrace as the tears welled in my eyes. She patted my back and the tears poured like rain. She held me tightly and I felt all the pain I had been holding back escape their hedge.
“You are so strong love. Very strong.” Haruna assured and I relaxed.
“Thank you,” I managed to say and broke away from her embrace.
“Let's Netflix and chill tomorrow. I can even sleep over because I really want to. My mom has been on my neck about the wedding arrangements, if my clothes are ready and all of the hula balo that comes with planning a wedding. I want escape and I know you are my safe space.”
“You don't even need to explain. I can imagine how overwhelmed you are feeling. Knowing mummy, she has extended the invite to all her women's society and her community. I envy how much she has going on for her at that age.”
“Beats me.”
“Won’t you call home and your man so they know where you are at?” I asked as I grabbed my purse from the back seat and opened the door.
“I just want to be away from everyone. I don't even want them to know where I'm at.”
“Haruna, your mom will be worried. At least, call her.”
Haruna shrugged as she came out of the car and locked it with her keys.
“Is there a problem, babe?”
Haruna shook her head and we walked into the compound. In less than seven minutes, we were seated in my living room, Haruna's gold heels lying carelessly on the floor.
“Is something the matter?” I asked as I handed her a bottle of vita milk.
“Magdalene,” she sighed, “I don't know if I want to marry Adrian anymore. I don't feel those butterflies anymore, instead, I'm just uneasy. I spoke to Gbemisola about it and she said it's normal. In her words, ‘they are wedding jitters and it'll pass'. But, I feel really weird. I can't explain it. Marrying this man is me saying bye to my freedom.” Haruna wiped her make-up with a wipe and miscellar water.
I searched her face and I saw frustration. It was then I noticed the eye bags hidden under her make up.
“Don't you like him anymore?”
“I do, it's just, the wedding, the planning, the whole activity. I'm exhausted and overwhelmed. I tried to discuss it with him and he was saying I'm overthinking and I'm just in my feels. The two times I brought it up with him, he shut me out and told me to wear my big girl pants.”
“I definitely cannot relate. But on Instagram he is always giving relationship tips and advice about communication and how important it is. I didn't expect him to shut out your feelings regarding the wedding subject.”
“Exactly my point.” Haruna sat up as she threw the used wipe into the waste bin like a professional basketball player. “When I brought it up, he said I needed space and I should read some books and try fun activities. He booked a spa appointment for me and got me books. After that, he never brought it up and I just kept quiet. That was three months ago. He even suggested we move in together so I can get used to the reality that awaits me after the wedding day.”
“Eiisssh, how is moving in going to solve the feeling?”
“Make una help me ask am.”
“Omooooo!”
“Make that omooooo times one thousand abeg!”
“Relationships aren't easy, you guys are trying.”
“Well, it's not bad my guy. That intimacy you share with your man without sex, the feeling of home, that assurance that you have your person and no matter how tumultuous the world is outside you can come home, that is the beauty of genuine relationships.”
“See the way your eyes lit up when you were talking about home. I guess I'll side with Gbemi. It's just wedding jitters.”
“Omooooo, are you people sure?”
“Definitely. You love your man that even your eyes can't hide it.”
Haruna scrunched her nose in mock disgust and I laughed. “I hope that during my wedding, you self will find man so you can experience what it feels like to go home.”
“Wahala be like too much Hollywood movies. Talking about movies, which one should we see?”
“Christmas in Lagos. I have been seeing trailers non-stop on TikTok and YouTube. After that one, we can watch Squid game, season two.”
“It's going to be a long night. Don't you have a wedding to plan?”
“Leave matter for event planner. I already delegated it to my assistant. I just want to unwind and have fun. I even started reading the book Gbemi recommended, Pre marriage maintenance. It's just twenty pages. Also, if not for you, we would have gone to a club."
"I won't let you go when Adrian is not here–”
“I heard that there is a Nasir like my cousin in this movie. May we never be stuck on our ex.”
“Talk to me directly,” I said and we burst into a fit of laughter.
Minutes later, I came out of the bathroom and we sat on the couch as the Metro Goldwyn Lion roared.
I woke up on the floor as the sun kissed my face. I heard Haruna fart and I smiled because her husband would get used to this. Just then, I heard my phone ring and I crawled towards the extension beneath the console where I retrieved my phone. I could not identify the caller so I ignored the call.
Haruna turned on her side and I admired how calm she was. I stood up and said a prayer to God, hoping that the day would be a good one. My phone rang again and I reluctantly picked it up.
“Hey, good morning. It's August, Silver's friend. Do you post your wares on Instagram or you have a website?” His raspy voice rang in my ears.
“I don't have a website but I have an Instagram page. If there's something you have in mind, you can send it via WhatsApp.”
“Alright. I'll send you a dm on Whatsapp now. But if I pay for the shoes, should you have it, when will I get it?”
“Tomorrow. Tomorrow is Friday so you'll get it in the morning. It depends on the shoe.”
“Thank you. Do you also sell for ladies?”
“Yes. We have varieties and I can show you so you make your choice.”
“Alright,” he said and the call ended.
Haruna stood up from the bed, groggy and disheveled. “Customer won buy goods?”
I nodded as I opened WhatsApp and saw a message from an unknown number. I opened the dm and there wre two pictures. Both were available so I replied in the affirmative.
“The thought of this wedding scares me.”
“I prefer the Haruna that was sleeping soundly and farting.”
“Na so I won embarrass myself for my husband house?” She said and laughed while I just smiled as I sent the price to August.
“What will we do today?” Haruna asked trying to ease her mind from the marriage.
“We are going to fit your gown and plan your bridal shower. You will marry o!”
“God damn adulthood!”
“But, we need to go and buy bread first. I'm very hungry. How about bread and akara?” I asked after the notification from my phone indicating August had sent the money.
“Bread and fried eggs.”
“Okay. Let's go and buy it.”
For your mindset empowerment, read this blog as you anticipate part 3.