Arms crossed below his chest, Sarki leaned closer to Adedayo who sat beside him, "now that I see her again, there's nothing much to write about her beauty."

Adedayo drew his gaze to him. Sarki shrugged his shoulders and laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. Gently, he squeezed it. "Don't worry, with my help, you'll do better next time."

As usual, Sarki was being goofy and funny. Adedayo understood he was trying to somehow make him feel better. He appreciated it. Still, that didn't change how he felt. The first woman he'd fancied was with another man. How exactly did that make him feel? Well, that on its own, was another problem. He wasn't sure of his feelings. He felt something, alright, but he didn't understand if it was anger, sadness, hatred or perhaps jealousy. It was all wrong.

Dayo watched while Rose and her husband all decked up in native Igbo attires, danced on the dance floor with heavy smiles on their faces. The live band played and a few guests danced alongside the couple while showering them with two-hundred and five-hundred-naira notes. They looked happy and he was wealthy enough to make the rest of her life comfortable.

That could've been you. A voice in his head echoed. He lowered his gaze from the couple and shunned such a voice from his head. He wasn't here to bring bad luck upon them. In his own way, he was here to give himself a clear reminder that this is it. The end.

"So, Mr. Michael." One of his male colleagues started. His voice was a little louder due to the music. His head was a clean shave and when he smiled, the little gap between his front upper teeth were revealed. Two tables had been set aside for Rose's colleagues and Adedayo had taken his seat before one of the round tables. "When do we gather like this for your day?" He asked, causing the other heads at the table to turn in his direction, expecting a reply from him.

Sarki rolled his lips in and hung his head low as the amusement of the period etched on his face. He'd mentioned to Dayo in the past regarding his co-workers' grand poke nosing habit but he wouldn't listen. Dayo never listens.

Adedayo forced a smile. "When the time is right. Everyone will be informed."

They gave him doubtful looks and Sarki was living for every moment of this hilarious scene. Dayo looked in his direction and their eyes met. "We should leave." He told him before he got up on his feet.

"Already? Isn't it too early? Besides, we haven't eaten anything." Sarki complained.

"It's a buffet. If you wanted to eat something, you could've served yourself." Dayo replied, a bit of irritation laced in his voice. He wasted not a second more and walked away. Sarki was quick to get up on his feet and followed after him.

"Relax, dude." Sarki told him as he flung his arm around his neck. Dayo spared him a glance. "Don't you want to let her know we're leaving?" Sarki asked.

Adedayo looked at Rose again then shook his head. "I don't think that's necessary besides, now, she's busy so I'll congratulate her once more when I see her tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Sarki withdrew his hand and took a step away just as he stared at him in disbelief. "You plan to attend the white wedding? Why? For what reason? I mean... is something wrong with you? Don't you feel anything? She was supposed to be your bride."

"Lower your voice." Dayo cautioned him as he drew closer. He looked left and right, to be sure they haven't become the center of attention. Thankfully, the music was loud enough to overshadow their little conversation from others. "I'm fine. I don't know how many times I'll say this to you. I-AM-FINE." Dayo walked away and Sarki shook his head while he watched him go. He was more than convinced that his friend wasn't alright.

"You can drop me off here." Adedayo told his friend while they neared the next turn.

Sarki looked around and wondered if his friend was still upset. "Here? Come on Dayo, let me drop you home."

"No, no. It's fine. I need to buy a few things at the nearest market."

For a moment, Sarki narrowed his eyes at him whilst a frown wore on his face. "Okay. Fine. I'm sorry for earlier making a big deal out of everything. Let me drop you home."

Adedayo let out a light sigh, his eyes shutting in the process to suppress any further emotion. He opened his eyes. "Sarki, I'm not upset. Really, I understand you care about me as a friend. All I want to do is buy a few things in the market."

By this time, Sarki had driven to a stop by the side of the road. "A few things?" He looked in the direction of the market. "I know that the market is famous for selling okrika wears. Are you in need of clothes..."

Adedayo's sigh was louder than normal. "Guy, go home. Please. Thank you for the ride and for coming along." That being said, he pushed the door open, stepped down and shut it afterwards. He did feel guilty about not having told Sarki the entire truth and for whom he was visiting the market on behalf.

Sarki drove forward, maintaining a low speed enough to match Dayo's strides. He lowered the glass. "By the way, I forgot to ask. Is the strange woman in your house gone?"

Dayo stopped for a moment, his lips rolled in for a quick moment and he roughly scratched the side of his neck. He was unable to stop himself from glancing at his friend.

Sarki raised both brows. "W-what was that? That look. Dayo, she's not gone, is she?"

"Go home already." Dayo nagged in discomfort before increasing his pace in order to get away from him.

Sarki, who was a bit dumbfounded, watched while Dayo hurried away. He shook his head at his friend. "He doesn't even have enough money for himself." Sarki murmured before he gave up and drove away.

Her hands behind her back, Joy leaned on the wall outside the apartment that early evening and smiled while she watched the neighbours kids play in the compound. The fact that kids would come up with any game and make do with what they have for the sole purpose of entertainment was kind of innocent. She wondered if she ever played as much during her childhood days. Does she have any friends and how many might be worried about her absence?

"No! No, it's my turn to play police. You are the thief." The eight-year-old girl said to the others amidst heavy breath from running around.

"No nah, I don't want to play thief." The young boy whose height was slightly taller than the girl's replied. The disapproval was all over his face.

"Me too." The other two chorused.

The gate opened and Adedayo walked in.

"Uncle Dayo!" They called at once and ran to engulf him in a hug. He nearly lost his balance but that didn't stop him from spreading his arms onto them and wearing a genuine smile on his face.

Joy leaned away from the wall at the sight of him. She was happy he was back. Once again, the power was gone and the thought of staying in the house alone in the dark, terrified her.

"Uncle Dayo, is this for us?" The girl asked as she pointed to the polythene bags in his hands. He looked from the bags to the children.

"Sorry guys. I promise, next time, I'll get everyone of you an ice cream.'

Their faces were battered with disappointment.

"Promise?" The youngest asked and Dayo nodded. He walked towards where Joy was and they followed, somewhat reluctant to let go, yet.

"Hi." Joy said when he was in front of her and only stared. He repetitively flashed her a few simple smiles, somewhat lost for words.

"Uncle Dayo, is she your wife?"

Both adults looked at the little girl who had no idea the weight of her words.

"My mummy said you brought home your wife."

Adedayo steadily shifted his gaze to Joy who met it with hers. He felt embarrassed and apologetic towards her.

"Um..." He lightly scratched the side of his nose. The feeling of embarrassment and nervousness overtaking at once. "Her name is Joy and it's bad to repeat to others what you heard your mum or dad say... Go—Go on, everyone. Go and continue playing."

He watched the kids run off.

"I'm sorry about that. Jessica tends to talk too much. You've met her mum. Mrs. Aderigbe." Dayo explained as he walked into the apartment and she followed in.

"Oh." Joy replied while nodding. Somehow, it all made sense to her. "You didn't answer her question."

Dayo slightly raised his brows.

"She asked if we were married. You didn't answer."

His lips parted at intervals as he struggled to give her a reply in the best possible way. One that didn't make everything sound shabby. "It's... the truth is, if you give them a reply. It only makes them conjure up another story that seems way juicier for them to gossip about... Don't worry, after a while, they'll all give it a rest." Dayo addressed but what he also didn't mention was the little part in which he worried that this might just give everyone more reasons to judge him and paint a better picture of who he was. Not that he cared too much about what others have to say. It's just... Some of it does bother him. The looks, the words and that's why he'd always maintained a safe distance from letting anyone know too much about who he was.

He stretched the white polythene bags in his hands to her. "This is for you."

"Me?" She asked before collecting them. One after the other, she looked into the bags. Dayo watched attentively for the reaction on her face. When he saw a smile creeping onto her face, a smile of his appeared, faint but present.

She hurried to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him in a close hug. Adedayo, who was surprised by her action, stood stiff.

"Thank you." She spoke. "I'll check them out in the room." Joy added with a beaming smile before walking past him to the room.

After he'd heard the door shut, he regained his momentum and looked at the room door once. He gulped down and had to mentally caution himself to not allow his thoughts run off into several ideas as it was nothing but a casual and appreciative hug. Like a sister to a brother. Simple. He huffed a breath and rubbed his chest.

Some unfamiliar words

Okrika - second-grade wears

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