Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Victoria's POV...

"Iyawo mi!" I shouted out when I saw Ife at the other side of the crowd of relatives and soon to be relatives. Finally shoving Ayo aside, I aimed to rush to her....

But as pa say I no get power,(but because I don't have enough strength,) he dragged me right back to him.

"But..." I began to argue but the death glare he had made me quiet.

"You're not gonna get out of my sight. There're a lot of strangers here okay? I don't want to take my chances." He said so only I could hear.

He pulled me easily so this time both of us could go meet my sister.

"Victoria. You made it." Ife and I hugged tightly.

I still haven't seen the fiancé yet. I only know is name's David. All I pray is that he treats her well. Cos if he doesn't, our family tree is big and ready to collapse on him.

Ife let me go and turned to look at Ayo , her eyes filled with suspicion.

"I know you..." She trailed and I stifled my laugh.

"Hi. My name's Ayo, I'm Victoria's boyfriend." He said proudly. "And for the fact that you know me, it's probably because you've seen a picture of Victoria and I in a post either on Instagram or any other place." He shot me a look which I recognized immediately.

He gives that look when he warns me about posting our pictures online.

"No....I'm serious I've seen you before I don't know where but.....oh my fucking god!" She squealed as her eyes widened in realization.

"He's that guy in the bus!" She almost shouted and I felt my face heat up in embarrassment.

"Well I'm not surprised I noticed the chemistry between you two." She shrugged

"What chemistry? We argued through out the drive." I raised a brow and she gave the most graceful laugh.

"My point exactly.....um, Honey, please, over here." Ife turned her attention to someone else.

"Hey darling." The very familiar voice said

I know that voice, why do I know that voice?

"I want to introduce you to my sister and her boyfriend." She said and I pretended a smile.

When I finally looked at the fiancé, my smile drops, so does my jaw.

Oh my God.

"D-David?" I choked and he smiled.

"Victoria, wow, I never thought I'd see you again." He smiled at me in surprise.

I scoffed a little when I noticed Ayo's grip around my waist tighten.

"Oh my gosh." I reached to hug but Ayo cleared his throat, pulling me back slightly.

"So do you want to tell us how you two know each other?" Ayo said nicely. A little too nice.

And he totally stopped us from hugging. See this nigga ooo, in his mind now he's possessive.

"Remember when I got drunk and you got upset. He was the guy with me that you absolutely shouted at." I crossed my arms

"Wait, Victoria drank and you were with her." Ife also crossed her arms.

Now we were both glaring daggers at the boys not minding if the others noticed.

"Okay can I explain?" David started and we urged him to continue.

"First of all, it happened like six to seven months ago and then, she and her boyfriend were in a disagreement. She wanted to feel less hurt....and so you'd know nothing happened between us, we only chatted till her boyfriend came to get her." He defended.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ife pouted

"I didn't know you two were related and at that time it didn't seem that important." He explained further and ended it with a "I'm sorry."

You could see the apologetic look on his face.

"Okay."

"Um...dude, I apologize for the wrong first impression that day. I was totally pissed off then. " Ayo apologized

"It's okay. No hard feeling." They both shrugged it off.

I still don't get boys. If I and Ife got into a fight, it would take a professional councilor to settle us.

"We have to go now. Mummy need us to seat over there where everyone can see us...it's just introduction and both mothers turned it to a wedding." Ife sighed and I laughed as they left.

A wedding introduction. I've never really been to one. Most people say it's usually crowed and most say it's usually quiet. But this one I'm in right now. It's loaded up with everything. Music booming out traditional songs, some people dancing to the beat, some sitting feeling nervous, some eating and other either working or dormant.

But it's still fun to see.

I turned to look at my sister and she had the smile of happiness on her face, making my heart flutter. We both don't agree a lot but I still love her, and considering the fact that David finally found someone to love makes me happier.

Now I want to do an introduction....

"What're you thinking?" Ayo drew me out of my thoughts as he handed me a glass of wine...oh wait.....grape juice.

He's been very serious about what I drink since he knew I was intolerant to alcohol.

"I want my own introduction." I pouted and he laughed...a mocking type of laughter.

Idiot.

"First are you supposed to be jealous of your sister?" He asked

"I'm not jealous. I'm just...envious." I mumbled.

"Secondly, shouldn't you at least wait till you finish school or something. You're still in first semester 300 level." He rolled his eyes.

"I know, but I just love joyous moments. Don't you?" I asked and he smiled

"Being with you alone is something joyous for me." He pecked my forehead.

"Okay, c'mon, I thought I saw the twins in the crowd." He pulled my hand again.

........

"Guys!" I shouted and hugged the twins.

"V.!" They shouted back in unison.

"I didn't know you guys would come."

"Your mum. She invited us." Nessa shrugged.

"Who invited him?" Debby raised her brow in disgust, pointing to Ayo

"My mum did." I replied.

"Hey." Ayo greeted, stretching his hand out for a shake. Nessa took it but Debby...

"I've told you before. Because you're dating my best friend and I'm dating yours doesn't mean you can talk or play nice with me." Debby said nonchalantly

"Why do you hate me?" He asked her and she shrugged.

"I don't."

"You'd be surprised that this is her playing nice." Vanessa said and he nodded.

"So are we going to...."

"Victoria?!" I turned abruptly to the sound of my name.

O M G!

"Ella." I called back when my eyes met with Ella from the hospital.

Wait, who didn't my mum invite?

"You look amazing." She said

"You too." I smiled at her dress

"Ah-hem." I heard Debby cough.

"Oh. Guys, this is Ella. Ella, meet Deborah, Vanessa and Ayomide." I introduced

"So you made a pretty new friend and you never told us?" Nessa pretended to be hurt.

"I'm sorry guys...Wait, my mum knows you. Cos she invited the people she knew." I asked Ella and she smiled more.

"No. She invited Ola and asked him to bring a number two." Ella blushed.

Wait, that means.

"So, that means you're..." I trailed off with wide eyes.

"Yes. She's my girlfriend." Ola out of...nowhere appeared behind Ella with his arms around her waist, making her blush more.

"Thank God. The romance love triangle cliché has ended." Debby sighed making me glare and Nessa to nudge her side.

"What love triangle?" Ella furrowed her brows

"Have I said too much? Sorry. I'm going to get myself a drink." Debby began to walk off.

"I'll follow her." Nessa followed her sister.

Leaving the rest of the four of us in an awkward situation.

Love triangle cliché? Really?

"So....when did you guys...get together."

I began nervously.

"Two weeks ago." Ella answered.

"Two weeks? Wow. And you never told me? Ola what friends do that?" I asked him.

"I thought you knew about it....I mean it was your idea." He said mostly to me than to anyone.

"I'll let it slide. Don't worry." I winked at him.

Okay now I'm out of conversation here again and nobody wants to say a word.

Now...

Silence(excluding the crowd)

Awkward silence.....

Okay this is disturbing.

I decided to make myself busy by moving my eyes about.

I noticed a guy talking to a girl at the corner and she had this look of i don't care written clearly on her face. I also saw the d.j on stage playing music and I also saw Ola ogling at me and I also saw......

Wait Ola is what?!

I met his gaze again and he was really staring at me. You know that kind of look Ayo would give when he sees his favorite food.

That look exactly.

It made me feel uncomfortable, I adjusted a little and I'm guessing Ayo also noticed and I saw his jaw tick as his grip around me tightened, drawing me closer to himself.

"Um...I...I don't...I need to...I need air." Ella rushed out of our midst.

Oh no she noticed.

I turned to look at Ola and you could see a flash of panic in his eyes.

"I'll..go meet her." He said and also left.

"You know forget the fact we're cousins and have been close since childhood, he's really giving me a reason to punch him." Ayo glared at the direction Ola just took.

"Why would you want to do that?" I asked

"Didn't you see how he was looking at you? In my presence. He has a girlfriend, let him stick with her." Ayo replied.

"Give him time na. Don't you understand what he's going through. I left him for you." I said

"Don't say that. It's making me look like a bad person." He argued

"But it's the truth."

"I just don't like how he looks at you." He mumbled and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Maybe you didn't notice but several population of girls are drooling over you here." I said and he smirked

"Really. Are you one of them?" He asked and I rolled my eyes.

"Just be dreaming." I said to him

"C'mon jhoor, I know you know I'm hot." He nudged me.

"No. You're not." I argued.

Even when I knew I was wrong.

"Not even facially?" He pouted

"Nope. I'm just managing you sef." I shrugged and he laughed.

"I don't believe you. You scream everytime I bang you. How's that management?" He asked and my eyes widened. I immediately clasped my palm over his mouth to shun him.

"What did I do?" His words were muffled under my palm.

"Shhh. What if my dad heard you?" I asked

"I didn't say anything bad." He removed my palm.

"Let me remind you that this is Nigeria. Where we are very religious." I spat and he shrugged.

"So it's wrong to say I normally have sex with you?" He gave an innocent

He's using me to play.

"Oh, don't worry. It's okay if my dad heard you say we fucked not once but like a billion times. I'm sure he'll over look it. It's not a big deal at all." I said between clenched teeth.

"So you're scared."

"God why are you acting dumb. In fact, don't say anything like that again please."

"Why not? It's the truth." He smirked

Why is he pushing my buttons.

"If you do. Then our relationship will be at stake. Cos my dad will make sure to wipe you out of existence." I glared and he laughed nervously.

"Okay. I've heard you. I won't tell your dad that we fucked....but I could tell your sister abi?" He asked and I grunted.

.........

Ella's POV.....

"Ella wait. " Ola said for the umpteenth time and this time, he pulled me back to face him.

"What?" I asked crossing my arms, trying to avoid eye contact so as not to loose focus.

"You're leaving." He said

"Why shouldn't I. You were openly checking her out." I admitted and he sighed.

"Look it's complicated."

"Oh and yes and us dating was all Victoria's idea? I heard what you told her and...What?! Now I'm just some type of distraction for you. All those times....do you know the worst part? I felt something inside me for you. I felt something strong. And you're just using me so as not to feel lonely because you love her. You know things were really better as at when we were friends. When you never asked me out. When we were just school buddies. Now you just make me sick. Everything I dreamed and wished for is just crashing down." I found tears pouring out of my eyes and immediately wiped it off.

He's not worth my tears.

"Please. I just want to go home right now."

"Ella..."

"Ola. Please. I called uber. They'll pick me up soon." I chewed on my lip to stay distracted from tears.

I turned on my heels to leave and just in time, the uber drive arrived.

By the time I entered the car, Ola was still standing there looking at me with something in his eyes I couldn't really comprehend.

Just forget it. He never liked you, he never will.

******

Ola's POV...

I've been knocking on her door, calling her name very loud, calling her phone and texting for the past one hour and she's not answering me.

After she left the party, I found myself driving after her. Now I'm trying to apologize to her and it's like I've lost all the chances I had with her.

"Ella please." I said for the umpteenth time.

"Ola go home. It wants to rain." She shouted from inside.

"I won't. I don't mind the rain." I shouted back as I ignored the stares of the amebo (gossiper) passerby's.

"What exactly do you want from me?" Ella shouted still inside the house.

"I want you to listen to me." I told her

"There's nothing to listen to. Okay, you like her and not me. So why bother waste your time with me?" She said and I sighed in frustration.

Just when I was about saying something, I heard the thunder clap and then rain began pouring down.

I scanned the area for shelter but to no avail.

Great, this is now like those stupid movies where the guy keeps begging the girl under the rain and she acts like she doesn't care. Just great.

"Ola you're going to catch cold. Be going home." She told me.

Well, it's a good thing she still cares.

"Ella. What I did back there was very wrong. I shouldn't have, it was very bad of me. And I'm sorry." I kept with my speech.

I could hear some muffled conversations between she and someone else, probably between she and her friend Favour.

"Just let him in na."

"I won't. He should be going home. If he doesn't that's his business." I managed to hear what they were saying.

"Emmanuella I'm sorry. Okay please just open the door maybe I can try to explain myself. It's  not a must that you forgive me immediately. I just want to set things straight. Please." I insisted.

After a long while of silence....I decided to give up. Maybe I'll try in school.

I turned on my heels but paused when I heard her house door squeak open. With hope and gladness I turned back to look...but that smile that grew on my face soon drops when I see who the person at the door is....

Favour.

"Hey." I greeted

"Come inside. Don't make noise. She's in her room...I'm sure she's going to bury me alive for what I'm doing but, it's wrong to see you in the rain and not do anything." She said and I muttered a thank you.

"So. You can just take off your shoes. Her room is that way. Try one more time and if you don't win her back, just know that we're both dead." She warned and I nodded like an agama lizard.

I watched Favour leave for another direction....

Wait, not even a towel?

With a sigh, I made my way towards her room. I stretched my arm out for a knock, but then I paused. I could hear sobs and sniffing coming from inside the room.

Oh God I made her cry.

With a sigh, I finally knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" I heard her say.

I opened my mouth to say something but closed it back when nothing came out. I only waited till she opened up. And when she did....

The most unbelievable thing happened.....

She shut the door as fast as she opened it.

"Ella?" I almost pouted

"Favour let you in didn't she?" She asked still without opening the door.

"Just let me in. I'm catching cold here."

"Shebi I warned you to go before the rain started," she opened the door and dragged me in, but didn't stop talking, "but did you listen to me? No. Go home, go home, Ola you will not hear word,"

I watched her grab a towel and as expected she was supposed to throw it at me, but instead, she helped me wipe the water off my face and hair. When I made a move to collect the towel from her, she just slapped my hand off.

"Now you have cold, it will now be like I'm to blame." She finished her talks and I chuckled.

"Don't laugh it not funny." She hit my face with the towel and made a move to walk away but I pulled her back to me by her waist.

Her face collided with my chest and she made a pouty sound.

Maybe Victoria was right. Maybe I did like her.

Who am I kidding of course I like her.

"Leave me alone." She struggled pathetically to get off my hold but it only made my grip on her tighten.

"Ola..." She trailed off as her big brown eyes met with mine.

But just for a split second before she looked away.

"Ella I'm sorry. For everything I did that was wrong....I'm sorry that I barely noticed how perfect you are, I'm sorry I didn't let the past go, I sorry for being ungrateful for everything you did for me, I'm sorry I let my past cloud the feelings I truly have for you...I really am sorry Ella. I swear. I can do anything to make it up to you." I told her.

"You don't have any feelings for me."

"I do. I just ignored it and I'm also sorry for that.... Victoria knew what I felt the moment she saw us together. That's why she made me go on a date with you....And about Victoria, I shouldn't have....looked at her that way....it's just....I've known her since we were kids, and getting over something you had for so long is hard. It's not going to be easy for me to just let her go. But I'm doing my best. Honestly. I want to start afresh in relationship aspect, and I want to start that new me with you. It's sounds cliché but that's how I want it....I seriously want to forget about any bad thoughts.....and when I look around, the only person that has made me smile in my cloudiest days since I entered this university, is you. I was just being too stupid to realise it.....lemme just hit the nail on the head. Ella I like you. I really like you alot....and now it feels like I've been talking for too long and you've not said anything since....please say something." I looked at her, desperate to hear what she has to say.

"T-take off your shirt."

That's it. That's all she has to say? After a speech I didn't prepare for, she tells me to take off my shirt.... It's like all I just said didn't mean anything to her.....

"Take off your shirt." She repeated and I complied.

She walked to her wardrobe and pulled out a grey coloured T-shirt.

"My dad's." She said as she threw it at me.

I wore the new shirt and watched her dump my wet shirt in a bucket.

"Now your trouser." She said and I raised my brow.

"You're dripping water everywhere. Take it off." She insisted.

"I'm sure your dad's trouser isn't in that wardrobe." I said flatly.

"No. You'll tie a towel till it's dry." She reassured but I still stood there looking at her.

"I could turn around if you're not....." She froze when I slid my trouser down my legs.

A smirk played in the corner of my lips when I realised what was happening.

And she was upset that I was checking Victoria out.

"Are you done?" I crossed arms and she whipped her head up to look back at me.

Makes me wonder what she was staring at down there.

"Oh..I'm..." She cleared her throat. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...."

"It's fine." I waved it off.

Our eyes met for a moment but she blinked away to collect my trouser and also dump it in the bucket.

"Ola...about what you said before...."

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Maybe I should just give you time..."

"No!" I shouted immediately.

"What?" She furrowed her brows

"Please. Don't give me time or space. The last time that happened, it didn't end well."

"Um....okay, but you need it. I don't want it to look like I'm pushing you..."

"You're not, I promise you that. You're not pushing me. Please....just one last chance...I promise to be better." I said and she paused, chewing on her lips.

That I all of a sudden want so bad.

"Ella?" I called her name.

"Okay. One chance, ruin it and that's the end." She warned and I shook my head.

"I won't ruin it." I reassured and she smiled.

"Thank you." I muttered.

"Okay...so let me find where to dry these clothes...." She picked up the bucket but I seized it from her.

"Hey..." She called out and I smirked.

"You're my girlfriend now, right?"

"Y-yeah, why?" She stammered

"That means I can kiss you?" I asked and she kept mute.

I took her silence as a yes and clashed my lips in hers....thank God she kissed me back.

I never imagined someone elses lips that's not Victoria's could give me shivers. I felt so relaxed to feel her lips in mine. Everything in me just....calmed down.

Now, I don't think I'll let her go the way I let Victoria go.