Femi's POV.

Amanda and I sat beside Chioma on the couch provided in her hospital room. I watched as the tube containing Drip trickled down from the tube and into her hand which it was connected to. She still hadn't woken up and I felt I needed to stay a bit longer, at least till she wakes up.

It'd been over an hour since we got here, on my request, Chioma was attended to immediately. According to the doctor, he said the sickness was caused by emotional stress and unrest which lead to the breakdown of her immune system's activeness as well her respiratory and musculoskeletal system. He also advised that she'd be allowed to rest properly and every condition that could possibly lead to stress be eliminated as quick as possible.

Checking the time on my watch, I sighed. My mom had already called me long ago and had asked about my whereabouts. I'd said that I was visiting a sick friend at the hospital and would be back in a few minutes. I groaned, knowing she was still expecting me to return soon.

"I have to leave. I'll probably drop by tomorrow to check on her" I said to Amanda, getting up to leave.

"Okay, sir. I'll let her know you were here" she replied and I nodded my head with a smile.

"Goodnight" I said, before heading for the door.

"Goodnight, sir" she replied, and with that, I finally left the hospital room.

* * *

"Femi, what happened between you and Kunmi yesterday? I went to her house to pay her mom a visit and she told me Kunmi has been upset ever since she returned from our house today. Oya, bere soro (oya, start talking)" she said to me the minute I walked into the house, with her hands on her hips.

I let out a loud sigh and groaned.
"Mama, Ekaale  (good evening, mom)" I greeted instead and sat down on a couch nearby.

"Evening. Oya, what happened? Did you guys fight?" She asked and I ran a hand through my face and shrugged.

"I'm not the reason behind the so-called fight. I even apologised severally but she didn't even listen. I don't know why she's even upset" I said and mom shook her head and sat down beside me on the couch.

"Did you try calling?" She asked and I nodded my head, affirmatively.

"I called her seven good times in the morning, I also called her once more in the afternoon but she ignored my calls. Kunmi...I don't know why, but she's just changing" I said and mom placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled at me.

"She's your friend, your very close friend. She's probably upset that you guys aren't hanging out much, like before. Remember? Then you'd always want to visit her and you'd even sleep over on some occasions" mom said, her smile still evident.

"Mom, we were kids then and very stupid. I'm not saying I don't want things to be that way again, I'm only saying that she's not helping me make things that way again. And it's beginning to really upset me" I replied and mom reached for my hand and sighed.

"Tomorrow, after work. Make sure you go see her. Just give her more of your time if that's what she wants. You guys can just catch up a little bit, see if that works" she said and I shook my head vehemently.

"I'm not sure that'll work. And besides, what's the point?" I replied, getting up from the couch to head to my room.

"Don't act stubborn, try it first. Okay?" She said, looking at me pleadingly. I huffed air out of my mouth and nodded my head affirmatively before heading upstairs.

Once in my room, I plopped on my bed, feeling exhausted. The cold air from the AC blasted at full speed and that was exactly what I needed. My mind went to Kunmi and I immediately brushed the thought out of my mind, I didn't want to get more upset and I decided to act like all that never happened.

I was about taking off my clothes when I heard my phone ring from the side table where I'd earlier placed it. Reaching for my phone, I retrieved it and checked for the caller's ID. It was Kunmi. I hesitated a bit before answering the call, hoping she didn't call to nag at me again.

"Hello?" Came her voice. Solemn and frail as ever.

"Kunmi, I'm not in the mood for any arguments, if that's why you've called" I replied, my voice calm yet a bit edgy.

"I didn't calm to argue with you. I called to apologise, I'm sorry. For the way I acted today, I didn't mean to act that way, I was only upset and I apologise for that" she said and a smile crept to my face.

"But why exactly were you upset?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.

"I was upset because you were mad at me for wanting to spend some time with you yesterday. It made me feel bad cause I felt you didn't want to hang out with me but only did cause you were forced. I didn't intend to force you to do anything, I genuinely wanted to spend time with you guys and that's why I didn't want you to go. And that's why I got angry, thinking you were forcefully just spending time with me and didn't want to spend more time with me. It's a complicated situation, you won't understand" she replied, her voice solemn, and I sighed.

"Actually, I understand. And I think I owe you an apology too. I'm sorry that you felt that way, I was only upset cause you had to make me choose between you guys and her. I didn't intend to make you feel that way at all, I'm sorry for that" I said, a small smile creeping to my face.

"No worries, we're cool now. Right?" She said, making me chuckle.

"Yeah. So, you resumed work today, yeah?" I asked, taking off my shoes and then my tie.

"I did. It was actually a bit stressful but not so much" she said and I grinned.

"You're still starting. You'll soon understand what's up; when you work for a week" I replied, placing my phone on my side table and putting it on speaker.

"You know? Sometimes, I wonder if you just love to scare people. You're supposed to try encouraging me, not make me dread work. What's your stress na?" She asked, her voice holding a hint of amusement.

"I don't like lying to people. It's not a good thing" I joked and I imagined her rolling her eyes at me.

"I don't have time to even argue with you, we'll talk tomorrow. I'm tried now" she replied.

"Sure. Goodnight" I said.

"Night" and then she hung up.

I ran a hand through my hair afterwards, once again, plopping on my bed whilst heaving a sigh. I was happy Kunmi finally came to her senses and finally called but one thing still bothered me. And that was what Damola had said to me at my office. The possibility of that being true appeared to be really slim, I presumed, but he did make a good point.

No...this shouldn't bother me.

Abruptly dismissing the thought, I finally got up from my bed and headed into the bathroom to have my bath.

* * *
Chioma's POV.

The continuous beeping sound at the background got me wondering it's source as I slowly opened my eyes. Amanda had her head on my bed as she slept and I immediately got really conscious of my whereabouts.

Looking around the room, I realized I was at a hospital. I tried getting up from my bed but decided against it the minute I felt a slight ache in my head. I tossed my head to the side and let out a yawn, a yawn which I hadn't noticed was so loud.

"Chioms!" Amanda beamed and finally hugged me. I offered her a half smile and tried once again to sit up, of which she offered to help. "How're you feeling now?" She asked and I nodded my head affirmatively.

"Better than yesterday, at least" I replied, placing a hand on my forehead and slowly massaging the area. "How and when did I get here? What happened?" I asked, not being able to suppress the question any further.

"Femi came over and he was the one who brought you here. Your condition began to worsen so he felt it'd be best to take you to a hospital" she replied, for some reason, smiling toothily at me.

"Femi was here?" I asked and Amanda rolled her eyes at me.

"No, his ancestors. I just said that" she replied, sarcastically and that goofy smile of hers returned. "Want to know what happened?" She wiggled her brows at me and I raised an inquisitive brow at her.

"With that look on your face; I think I'll pass" I replied dismissively, letting out a yawn.

"Meh! I'll tell you anyways" she said, grinning at me.

"Please don't" I begged but she completely ignored me. And fed me on the details of what had happened when Femi arrived. She couldn't stop smiling and occasionally smirking and I just heaved a tired sigh.

"Nice story, I see you've become so creative overnight" I replied and she gasped, dramatically.

"I didn't make that up! It actually happened" she argued and I laughed.

"Okay. So, what? I should now die?" I said and she groaned and facepalmed herself.

"Upgrade your inner romantic self, would ya?" She asked and I laughed. She was about saying something else when her phone rang from the couch in the room and she immediately reached for it and retrieved it. Checking the caller's ID, a smile crept to her face and she immediately answered, I smiled too with the thought that she was probably talking to her boyfriend, Ade.

"She's awake now..." I heard her say, occasionally sending funny looks my way. "Here, it's Femi. He wants to talk to you" she whispered to me, handing me the phone and I reluctantly took it from her.

"Hello?" I said.

"Chioma, how are you doing? You feeling better now?" He asked, his deep baritone filling my ears.

"I'm fine" was all I said.

"Okay..." and a slightly awkward silence followed. "I wanted to ask you something. Mind if I do?" He said and I lay back on the pillow and tilted my head to the side in thought.

"Go ahead"

"Really? I mean, thanks. Okay, I know it's not in my place to ask this, but I just wanted to know what happened yesterday. Amanda said you cried, what happened? Who upset you? Just gimme a name and I'll break the person's neck" he said and I fought the urge to smile at that.

He's being awfully nice...

"Really? You'd break the person's neck?" I asked, the amusement in my voice very evident.

"Yes" he replied almost immediately and I finally grinned. He said it so confidently, like he'd do it although I knew he couldn't do that. He wouldn't even hurt of fly even if he tried, from what I've gathered. And besides, I'm the person responsible for my own tears. He might as well break my neck.

"Chioma? You're not saying anything" he said and I immediately remembered that we were talking. My mood was now a bit gloomy as I remembered the conversation I had with my dad yesterday. I felt awful once more.

"I...um, what were you saying again?" I asked, lost.

"I asked what made you upset" he said.

"It's nothing. I didn't cry, I was just...sick. Homesick, you know? New environment and all" I replied.

"Mhmm. Your lie actually makes sense but I know you're lying so it doesn't entirely make sense to me. But I understand that you don't want to talk about it, I'll respect that" he said, his voice calm and reassuring and comforting; all at once. I smiled once more, grateful that he did stress any further on the issue. "I just wanted to know how you're doing. That's why I called. Do take care" he added, almost immediately, and I actually felt kind of sad. As much I'd hate to admit it, I actually wanted to talk to him. I haven't nagged at him for days and it's killing me. I guess I miss yelling at him and just being all up in his business.

Amanda nudged me over the minute she realized I was about to hang up.

"Say 'thank you' to him" she whispered and my eyes did a three-sixty. I shook my head, no, but she kept insisting. Pleading with her eyes.

"Remember, be nice to people. Now's the right time to actually do that" she whispered again and I finally shut my eyes, remembering what she'd said to me back then in the car. I was afraid she'd quit being friends with me if I didn't learn to be nice to people and truth be told, I didn't want that at all. It's already enough that I don't have my family by my side now, no thanks to my stupid ego, but I'd be way more lonely if I lose Amanda's friendship.

And that's why I fought an internal battle, with myself, to swallow my pride and actually thank Femi. For the first time in my life.

I tried forcing the words out of my mouth, I so wanted to say it, but it seemed to be stuck on my tongue.

"Femi... um, I... I just wanted to say," I looked at Amanda who kept urging me to say it, looking expectantly at me.

"Say it" she whispered to me and I shut my eyes and immediately let the words roll off my tongue.

"Thank you" I finally said, although it came out as a slightly audible whisper.

"Hello? Chioma, what did you say?" Came his voice.

He didn't hear me?!

"Say it again, louder this time" Amanda whispered once more and I sighed.

"I said; thank you. For helping me today, and you better appreciate me saying 'thank you' cause that's all you'll be getting out of me. There, I said it!" I heaved a sigh and Amanda gave me multiple thumbs ups and kept smiling widely at me.

"Did you just say 'thank you' to me?" He asked, surprise evident in his voice and I groaned. I'll never know peace from him.

"Don't be too excited. Get over it" I said and I heard him chuckle, a loud hearty chuckle that drew a smile to my face. I imagined him smiling, that alluring and infectious smile of his. Just imagining it, drew an even bigger smile to my face.

"I can't get over it!" He sounded excited. "I wish I'd gotten that on recording, I would've made it my ringtone. Wow! Who would've thought the almighty Chioma Aniobi would even say 'thank you' to someone. And I'm the first one to hear you say it, I'm bound to make a big deal out of this" he replied, the enthusiasm in his voice made me actually laugh against my will. "And now you're laughing? I'm too good! I got you to say 'thank you' and laugh? All in one day?!" He exclaimed and Amanda laughed silently, she could now listen to our conversation cause the phone was now on speaker.

"Calm down. I didn't kiss you, no need to get all dramatic about it" I replied, my smile still glued to my face.

"Hmm...you're right. But I'll get that kiss, one dat. You'll see, even if I have to steal it myself" he said and my eyes widened causing Amanda to chuckle.

"You see? And yet they say I'm too confident and proud. You're being too egotistical, Femi. Your taking your dreams too far, you sound so cocky right now" I replied and Amanda mouthed a "shut up" to me.

"I'm confident cause I know how to get what I want. I'll get it, it'll so shock you" he replied and I shook my head amusedly.

I just couldn't understand myself anymore, I wasn't acting all sassy and rude and overly brutal to him today. I didn't even want to do that. Nag at him? Yes, but not being rude to him. And with Amanda's threat, I wouldn't want to do that and lose my best friend. If being nice to Femi wouldn't kill me, then why not?

"Goodnight, Femi" I said, the conversation getting a little uncomfortable for me.

"Sure. Goodnight" he said and I finally hung up.

I took a moment or two to process all that had happened. I was aware of Amanda's creepy smile on me but I decided to ignore it. For once, I was actually happy talking to Femi. Someone I just couldn't stand, it scared me that I was actually happy about talking to Femi. It's so unusual and very confusing.

"Did you die?" Amanda asked and my eyes travelled to her direction.

"Huh?" I asked, confused.

"I'm asking. As you spoke nicely to him, did you die? He's a very nice person, Chioma. And the sooner you learn to be extremely nice to him, the better. That guy, the same Femi you've been so bitter to, rushed to help you the minute he heard you were sick. I wish I'd filmed all that'd happened. Despite all you've done to him, he still came. Not every guy can do that, even I can't do that. You never know the value of what you have till you lose it, so please don't get to that point of losing him before you finally understand his worth. One day, he'll stop caring and I promise you that when or if  that happens, you'll get down on those knees of yours and beg. That, I can guarantee" she said and I stared at her, speechless.

I didn't even know what to say to her. I've always hated her advices cause they're usually so...true. As much as it pains me to even admit it, they're always true. And it sickens me cause I feel like the bad guy when she begins to say them to me.

"I'll let the doctor know you're awake now. Rest" she said and immediately got up from the couch and headed out of the hospital room.

I groaned once more, running a hand through my face. Guilt. I felt guilty. I caused all these for myself and Amanda had always been right. I should've apologised to my father the minute I had the chance. He says he wants me to change.

Amanda wants me to change,
Dad does,
Mom does,
Amara does and...
I'm pretty sure Femi does too.

And I will change. I want my family back, I want my mom to love me again. I want Amara to respect and love me like she had been before, and I don't want to lose my closest and only friend cause of my attitude and stupid ego. I don't want to lose the people that I care so much about.

Not even Femi.

__________________________

So, here's another update. Didn't come as planned but I really hope it wasn't crappy.

Okay loves, please comment on your thoughts. I'd like to know your opinions on this chapter.

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Till my next update,
Bye...