Chioma's POV.

For a second there, I thought I'd died and probably wasn't on Earth anymore... But the minute I finally tore my eyes open - with great difficulty - I realized that I wasn't dead but actually alive.

The pain...

The pain was beyond my imagination, my head felt so sore and I felt trickles of blood roll down to my cheeks. Honestly, I wasn't sure I could even get up from what I presumed, was a gutter. My limbs were equally aching and terribly bruised and the stench coming from the gutter wasn't helping matters. I quickly covered my nose and made to get up, but fell down limply, in the pile of gunk and decomposing materials beneath me.

How long I'd been in the gutter? Well, I guess it's been a day or so... Cause I remember crashing in here, and finally passing out, everything else seems foggy and beyond my understanding. Again, I tried getting up - I was almost one hundred percent sure, that I'd broken something of mine... Maybe a rib? - and finally, I manged to get up, once again.

With shaky and yet, weak hands, I pulled the blindfold off my eyes and hurriedly scrunched my nose at the sight of the gunk and debris I'd possibly slept in. Litters of many kinds were filled in the gutter and a dirty greenish, moss-infected water swept past my feet, accompanying a horrible, throat-stabbing, nose-punching smell.

I shrieked as I climbed out of there, feeling as weak and limp as ever. From head to toe, arms to legs, I stank and urgently needed a bath - which, by the way, was out of question 'cause my escape was more important - and that only made me feel like throwing up at the amount of stench coming from me!

Suddenly, my eyes landed on a decomposing body and I screamed... I shouldn't have, but I did. His face was damaged beyond recognition and blood was everywhere. The smell coming from his decomposing body, made me gag as tears gathered in my eyes. Never had I seen something so traumatizing ever before, I was so terrified and shocked, that I couldn't move and literally stayed fixed at my position - staring at the dead body before me.

And I wondered why no one offered to help him, or at least take his body to the mortuary... But then again, looking around me, I noticed this place was entirely deserted. They weren't any form of human habitation here, neither were they anyone in sight. The place seemed secluded and I guessed it was 'cause it was - by far - underdeveloped. To my horror, I realized I didn't know my way back home from here. How could i? I've never to this part of the city before. I never even knew it was in existence, to begin with.

But I could at least try to get out of here... Couldn't I?

Fear was slowly getting tangled with my veins and swimming in my blood, but I just had to move. I couldn't stay here and risk getting caught, who knows what will become of me if I'm found standing here?

And with a racing heart and troubled mind, I found my legs racing - with the little amount of energy I could muster - down the dusty paths of the road. I wasn't sure where I was headed, but I had a feeling that if I continued heading downwards, I might get help. I was hoping I would get help. Running, has basically been something I despised and something I seriously hadn't been good at it, so it wasn't to my surprise that I hadn't gone quite far - although I felt I was running a hundred miles per hour - but the reality disagreed with my fantasy. And coupled with my overbearing weakness, I just knew I wouldn't get too far.

But then again, I hoped I would. I had just had to.

* * *

Femi's POV.

Despite all the continuous pleas from my mom, I still insisted on going over to meet Amanda. I knew this entire thing would be really tough on her and I wanted to know if she was okay. I was told she was there with Chioma, on the day of my accident, and to be honest, I didn't expect she'd care that much. I was grateful for that, and wanted to return the favor at this trying time.

On my mother's request, I agreed to be driven by the new driver that had been hired by my mother, in order to convey me to wherever I wanted to be. Strictly - she'd warned him with serious and soul piercing words - to drive slowly and carefully, in order to avoid yet another accident. She'd made sure she anointed me with a bottle of Anointing oil, which she'd said was blessed and was a miraculous oil that could protect me from harm and danger, although I found it funny; I couldn't refuse.

Now ringing the doorbell, I waited for the door to be opened and shortly after, a robust middle-aged woman, opened the door with an expressionless look on her face. I hadn't been over to Amanda's house before, but I had dug through her application files and had whipped her address and I came straight here. With an easy smile, I greeted her and she looked at me and slowly returned it.

"Ah! Na you?" she suddenly exclaimed and I creased my broad in confusion.
["Ah! It's you?"].

"Me... What happened to me?" the confusion in my voice was indeed evident.

"The one wey motor jamb na. Senator Tobi Omashola pikin na" she replied, and I slowly understood what she meant and smiled.
["The one that had an accident. Senator Tobi Omashola's son"].

"Yes, it's me. I'm here to see Amanda. Is she in? Please tell her Femi is here to see her, if she is" I replied and she nodded her head excitedly and stepped out of the way, letting me in.

"Sir eh, Amanda no too geh strength to come oh. But maybe she go gree if I tell 'im boyfriend" she said and I nodded my head in understanding.
["Sir, Amanda doesn't have enough strength to come. But maybe if I tell her boyfriend, she'll agree"].

"And her parents?" I asked.

"Dem don commot tey tey" she said, clicking her fingers in demonstration of how long they've been gone.
["They left a long time ago"].

"Okay" and with that, she left while I waited.

It didn't take long before I heard approaching footsteps from the stairs area, and I looked up, I was shocked to see Ade. Ade Bamidele, a friend of mine.

"Ade! Oh my God!" I exclaimed as I got up from my seat, surprise evident in my eyes, and in my voice.

"Jesus! Femi! What are you doing here?" he asked, a smile stretching through his face.

"No, what are you doing here?" I returned and he chuckled, as he finally got closer and we hugged each other. It'd been long since we last saw each other, or even spoken to each other.

"Longest time" he said, after we'd pulled from the hug.

"I swear!" I laughed and finally sat down again.

"Amanda and I are dating, so I've been coming here frequently 'cause of everything that had happened during the past week" he replied and I nodded my head in understanding.

"She's my secretary. I just came to check on her" I replied and he nodded too.
"Can I see here for a few minutes?" I added, shortly after.

"Of course, I'll tell her you're here" he said and got up.

"Thank you" I smiled and he shrugged.

"No qualms" he smiled back and went upstairs to call Amanda.

It took longer than I had expected, before Amanda finally arrived, with Ade's hand around her waist.

She looked drained, tired and worn out. Her eyes lacked that cheerful glint in them, they seemed dull and her eyes lost its shiny light brown color. She looked thinner and just looking at her, made my heart clench in pity.

"Amanda... You..." I didn't even know what to say. I could've asked how she was doing, but clearly seeing she's not doing okay, then what's the point?

Ade, had a sad look on his face too, he knew she wasn't doing okay either. I'm sure seeing Amanda this way has hurt him, a lot.

"Good morning, sir" she murmured in audibly, although I read her lips and knew that was what she meant.

"Good morning" I replied as Ade led her to the couch and she sat down, slowly hugging her feet to her chest and placing her head on Ade's chest - Ade, whom in return, drew her even closer... Probably afraid that she'd break or fall off, if he didn't.

"Amanda... I... I understand you're drained by all that has happened... I really do..." I trialed off, to be sure she was listening - and she was, they both were.

And with that, I went on, "... But, you need to take it easy on yourself. You're really hurting yourself, Amanda" I said. I tried as much as possible to sound very positive and not try to make things worse, but I guess she thought otherwise.

"My cousin is slowly dying in the hospital and my best friend is missing, no one knows her whereabouts... And... And you say I... Sir, I don't think you understand how I feel. If you did, you wouldn't have said that" she said, avoiding my gaze, while Ade tried to calm her down, noticing her rising anger.

I tried so hard to digest the fact that Agozie was in a hospital... And dying. And I tired SO hard to not ask what had happened. I didn't want to worry her any further. And I didn't want to make things worse, and that's why I decided I'd ask Ade later.

"I know... And I understand what's going on with you" I said and she shook her head, no.

"I don't know if I'm wrong or right. But you can't understand what I'm saying 'cause you're not as close to these two people as I am" she said, her tears brimming in her eyes.

I regretted saying anything at this point. I made her cry, which I hadn't and never had intended.

"I'm sorry, Amanda. I shouldn't have said that" I muttered and she reached for her tears and wiped them off, running both her hands through her hair in confusion.

"I just don't know again..." she cried out. "... I'm not even mad at you, I'm just... This whole thing is really taking a toll on me... I can't even explain" her tears were flowing freely at this point. So much that Ade had to reach for those tears and wipe them off. My heart became heavy as I watched her cry like that.

"... When you had your accident, Chioma was fine! She was with me! We were both there... And she was so worried about you and all... So much that she even took a cab - and you know she has NEVER done that before - but she did it for you! She even prayed, Femi... And that girl doesn't even remember to pray for herself... " Amanda began to cry all over again, while I listened in awe.

"... And then, next thing I know: she's gone. Missing! Kapish!" she yelled out in frustration and Ade helped her get up, feeling the need to get her to her room.
She really needed it, she looked miserable and looked like she was going mad. Like she was slowly loosing her sanity.

That sight, that sight, broke my heart. I didn't even know Chioma had done all that, and knowing the kind of person she is, that spoke volumes. So much volumes. I was shocked by it, speechless even and at the same time, sad. Mostly sad. Her whereabouts were still unknown and that troubled.

"I totally understand, Ade. I'll try checking up on her next time" I said, before Ade could say anything, as he returned from Amanda's room.

"Thanks" he said and we both shook hands and I left. Hoping and praying that Amanda would be able to stay strong. And at the same time, hoping and praying to God to bring Chioma back. Not only was I missing her, so much, a lot of people were too. And I'm sure her disappearance has hurt her family the most.

With a heavy sigh, I walked to the car, with the door already pulled open by the driver, and got in.

* * *

The minute I walked into the living room, I let out a shocked gasp, as my eyes landed on Kunmi's dark, sad ones.

What is she doing here?

Not to sound rude or offensive, but I hoped she'd stay away for sometime, after I'd found out that she had deep feelings for me. She's my friend, one of my closest friends and like a sister to me, so finding that out really ripped me apart.

I didn't want to see her now, I wasn't sure how to clear things up with her and I didn't want to hurt. I'd never forgive myself if I hurt her.

"Uh, Kunmi... I wasn't expecting to see you" I said, trying so hard to hide my nervousness... Although, I knew she wasn't buying it.

"Femi, talk to me... I know something's wrong and you of all people should've known that I know when you're lying. So please, be honest with me and tell me what has been making you avoid me like a plague" she said and I grunted secretly. I knew she'd get suspicious.

"I'm not hiding anything from you" I replied and she rolled her eyes in frustration and threw her hands up in the air, clearly irritated.

"Oh, cut me some slack, Femi! Jesus! You should've known that was a dumb thing to say" she grunted and I shrugged.

"It's the truth!" I protested.

"Then look me in the eye and say it again. This time: firmly, boldly, and without blinking or turning away... Then, I'll believe you" she said, her eyes, boring holes into my soul.

Dang it! Shoot!
She got me there.

"I'm waiting, Femi" she said and I struggled on what to say to get away from this.

"I'm not hiding anything from you, Kunmi" I replied, making sure to sound strong. I stared at her forehead while I said it, 'cause I knew staring into her eyes would break me and she'd know I was definitely lying.

"You lied. Stare into my eyes!" she argued and I fidgeted with my fingers.

"I didn't lie. I did as you said,Kunmi. All these interrogations aren't necessary. I just survived a fatal accident and the last thing I want: is to be questioned over something like this. Please... I didn't lie to you, so just let it be" I replied. I mentally patted my shoulder after that.

Good point.

"Oh... I know, Femi. I know 'cause I was there and donated my blood to you. So don't bring that up. Talk to me. If you have a problem with me, then be a man and face it and just tell me to my face!" she screamed.

"Keep you voice down!" I hushed, I didn't want my mom coming down here and neither did I want my parents getting worried.

"Why?" she threw at me.

"Because I said so!" my voice was way harsher than I'd expected, but I was glad it did the trick cause she calmed down.

"I'm calm, but not because you just yelled at me to" she said, her voice calmer, but her looks: murderous.

"I'm sorry for yelling. Just please come to my room instead, we'll talk there. I don't want my parents getting worried" I said, reading her facial expression which seemed really displeased. "Please..." I quickly added and she rolled her eyes and came along.

"Whatever" She muttered and finally followed me.

The minute we got into my room, I shut my eyes in thought. I really needed to tell her, but at the same time, I feared I'd hurt her and that was the last thing I'd want.

Think, Femi. Think!

"So... I'll tell you everything. But please don't get mad at me cause I had no intention of hurting you and I'm trying to__"

"Just get to the point, Femi. It's not the first time I've been hurt before, so this definitely won't be the first... Or the last" she said, and that statement tore me apart. How was I to tell her that I don't see her that way, after she's said this? I groaned and hoped I'd have to skip telling her anything. But I couldn't do that, doing that would be hurting both of us... And our friendship.

"Kunmi, um... Damola... He... He... He told me everything. He recorded your last conversation at the hospital hallway and, I found out everything" I said and I immediately saw a look - which I presumed, was a mixture of shock and nervousness - wash over her face.

"... And, I just wanted to clear things out with you" I tried reaching for her hand, but she took a step back and shut her eyes, hurt evident in those eyes. Like she already knew what I was going to say.

I was hurting her and I didn't want that.

Before saying anything else, I sucked in some air and continued.

"Kunmi, I feel we're better off as friends. I'm sorry that you caught feelings for me, and to be honest, I don't even want to see you hurt. But I need to be honest with you, and the truth is that I don't feel the same about you. You're like a sister to me and I'd really like to keep things that way... Please?" I said, making sure to maintain my gaze on her. Kunmi looked like she'd been stabbed, she was slowly gasping for air and kept walking backwards. I felt stupid, at this point, maybe I should've given her a chance?

But I just don't want to give her false hope. She's my friend and I feel my honesty will be the best thing to offer.

"Kunmi..." I started, trying to reach for her hand, but she stepped back - putting her hand up in warning.

"Don't touch me!" she warned.

"Kunmi, they're other guys out there that'll love you. Trust me, you're a really lovely girl and I'm sure any guy will be lucky to have you" I said to her, my voice solemn and gentle.

She looked me in the eye, her eyes searching mine: like she could just see through my head, it felt like she was trying to read my thoughts at just that one look. Then, she shook her head, no.

"And you? You don't even..." she blinked back tears, her throat getting clogged by her words. "Then, Femi, then... Why do you think you don't feel the same? I wish I could've killed this entire thing... It made me cry so much 'cause I was losing my mind" she sat down on my bed, and broke down.

I've never seen Kunmi this way, she looked like she was losing it, like she couldn't keep it together.

"How Femi? How?! Just tell me how to stop feeling this way...? How...? Just tell me, and I'll do it" she choked on her words and the tears spilled out of her eyes freely.

"I've tried all I can to kill these feelings. Believe me, I have. I really have. I... Just tell me what else I have to do... Please. I'm tried of feeling this way" the tears kept rolling off her cheeks, and my heart became heavy and I hated myself for being the reason behind her tears. Kunmi isn't the type that'd cry over anything... And for her to have cried over me, then that means her feelings are really genuine.

"Kunmi, I'm..." I tried sitting beside her, and tried hugging her or something; but she scooted far away from me. So far off, that she fell off the bed entirely, and landed on her butt - on the cold, hard floor.

"Just... Ow!" she groaned and I got up to help her, but she held her hand up in warning, once again.

"No... No, Femi. I... You're... In fact, I feel so stupid right now. And awkward... But, but I guess I need sometime away from you. Just don't call me, don't text me, don't even come to see me. And please... Please, don't... Don't try to touch me again" and with teary eyes and a shaky voice, she got up from the floor and made a beeline for the door.

I just couldn't describe my emotions right now, my heart was so heavy: that my words seemed so heavy too. I wasn't sure if I could handle any of this and I feared I wouldn't be able to contain my hurt anymore, and that's why I couldn't just stand there - and not doing anything - or let this happen.

Was that how she intended to end our friendship?
Friendship over?
Really?!

"Kunmi, please... Please, don't do this. We... We can work something out" the need in my voice was clear. It was crystal clear and I'm sure she could hear it too 'cause she stopped, right in front of the door.

"I... I... You won't understand, Femi. This... This entire thing has made me so... So... So..." she shut her eyes and pulled the door open.

"So that's it? You want to end everything? That's it?" I asked, the hurt in my voice: getting stronger and clearer.

She sucked in some air and let it out.

"I didn't say that. I just need a break" she muttered.

"From me? Or from our friendship?" I pressed on and she shook her head in hurt.

"Both..." she began, and I felt my heart become heavier than it already was.

"You know what? I guess I was right all along. You like light-skinned girls: that are skinny, sassy and - let's not forget - selfish. I should've known... Jade was like that too. It was stupid of me to even think... Ugh!" and with that being said, she left, slamming the door shut: hard.

And just like that, I watched my best friend walk out of my life. Whether for good, I wasn't sure. But I was sure of one thing: this... This broke me.

And yet I thought I needed some time away from her.

I caused this.

_________________________________

Guys, I don't know oh, but I'm really pitying Kunmi. I was just trying to put myself in her shoes sha. And my, those shoes are really tight... What am I saying? 🤦🏽‍♀️

Anyway, sorry that this took so long to finally get here.

*Cue the 'dun dun dunnnnn' sound effect*

Seriously oh, girls are no longer smiling, boys are boning. What's happening?? I don't even know😂 I'm just saying rubbish.

And please, please comment and vote, if you enjoyed this chapter. They really motivate me to keep writing.

I really hope you guys 're still feeling this book, I'm really hoping. So... Fingers, legs and arms crossed🤞🏽

Lemme exit abeg🙆🏽‍♀️

Till my next update,
Bye...