WHEN IT'S LOVE, YOU'D KNOW

The “Hi” and “Hello” in Beatrice’s in-box has been a constant from the year 2014 but she didn't pay attention. How would she pay attention when she gets like a thousand of that kind in a day and when she responds, most of them abandon the conversation? Some will start by abusing her for not replying their messages.

This guy…. let us call him Mr. P…..Mr. P was consistent. He would wish her a happy birthday annually, congratulate her on any feat she attained over time and she still wouldn't respond to his messages. She honestly didn't see these messages because she responds to messages whenever she can.

On this fateful day, in the year 2016, she noticed that Mr. P had changed his profile picture to a familiar face. She went through his wall and found out he just lost his mum and the profile picture was for the obsequies. His mum taught Physical Education in the Secondary school she attended. She went to his in-box to drop her condolences, there she saw his messages sent since 2014. She acknowledged the messages, apologized for not responding earlier, then consoled him on the death of his mother.

Beatrice had taken judicial notice of this young man but that was just it. They didn't talk again until October 2017. After she resigned from her job in Kano State, she came home to stay for a while. She had picked and processed the Post Graduate form at the University of Calabar, with the hope that she will work and study there. Subsequently she found the town to be boring so she decided she had to leave.

One Sunday afternoon, she was returning from church when she noticed two cars parked opposite each other. Both drivers were talking and laughing. She slowed down and sounded her horn so they could make way for her to drive through. One of the driver passed a plate of what looked like jollof rice to the other driver. That’s when she recognized the other driver…...Mr. P. She smiled as he drove off then she drove past.

October 2017, she decided to pack her bags and leave Calabar to FCT, Abuja. Her sister lived there so she hoped to continue her job hunt there. While in Abuja, boredom had the better part of Beatrice. Her sister and her fellow corp members (as they then were) would leave the house for their various business and she will just stay at home applying for jobs online. It wasn't a very interesting time for her.

On the 23rd of October, she started a conversation with Mr. P on Instagram. She told him she saw him on the road once in Calabar. He replied asking how she was so sure that the person she saw was him. That was the beginning of something really wonderful. They talked about everything, from her unemployed state to everything about themselves. They took the chat to its permanent site i.e. from Instagram to Whatsapp. They talked for most part of that day, from morning till night. When it was time to sleep, she asked him to pray before she drops the call. He prayed.

The calls from Mr. P’s end became more frequent but Beatrice’s end was epileptic and she wasn't ready to improve. She passes through that phase every time she meets new friends. She thinks it acts as a test for that friendship i.e. if she still speaks with you after that short break then she must really like you. Selfish Beatrice.

One day, she made an update on Facebook and Mr. P called her to register his disapproval of the post. She immediately told him never to tell her what to do ever again then she dropped the call. Mr. P sent her an SMS apologizing first then telling her that dropping calls on people is a very rude and impolite behavior. She told him that she didn't see anything wrong with her update on Facebook but she also apologized at the end. She was sure she still wanted to be friends with Mr. P but she knew her rude behavior would cause a crack in their friendship.

Mr. P’s calls reduced but Beatrice wasn't even paying attention. At some point, they totally stopped talking to each other. Not long after this happened, she secured a job in Rivers State and relocated.

Few days to the Christmas holiday, Mr. P sent a message to Beatrice. She told him well done, that he’s sending a message because she will be coming home soon. She told him not to bother, that she won’t see him when she returns to Calabar. He responded that he has played his part as a friend by reaching out to her, that she didn't even try to check on him. He said that friendship doesn't work that way and if she doesn't want to see him when she comes home then that’s fine. Beatrice didn't respond.

She travelled home for the Christmas holiday still determined not to call or see Mr. P. On the 27th of December, she lost her smart phone. She was left with her Nokia phone. The holiday automatically became so boring because she was too attached to her smart phone in a way even she cannot explain.

When she couldn't bear it anymore, she had to end the hide and seek game, pick up her phone and call Mr. P. The following conversation ensued…

Beatrice: Oga, compliments of the season.

Mr. P: Hahahahahahahahahaha. I hope I’m safe?

Beatrice: Go away joor. You don’t want to see me abi? Is this one ‘shakara’ or what?

Mr. P: You said you don’t want to see me when you come home so I had to respect myself.

Beatrice: Someone cannot play with you again? Can I see you tomorrow?

Mr. P: I’ll be greatly honoured.

They went on a date the following day and it was BEAUTIFUL. Beatrice saw a gentleman and loved what she saw. They talked about so many things and it didn't feel like they were meeting for the first time. She told him of her self-imposed curfew and he ensured he took her home early.

On their second date, he said,

“I hope you know that you cease to be a single lady from today. I’m your MAN now”

Beatrice took a long hard stare at him and said nothing. He leaned over from the driver’s seat and held her left hand. Beatrice couldn't say anything. Sweat broke out on her forehead and neck. The words refused to form in her head. She couldn't believe herself. Is this her witty self that almost always has a reply for everything? She was angry at herself for deserting her at a time she needed her most. She noticed Mr. P was staring at her, expecting a reply maybe. She couldn't even laugh…. She was excited, happy, felt like she should scream and fly out of the car but she stayed put before he’ll say “so you were dying to see me and you were forming rubbish”.

Beatrice travelled back to Abuja on the 2nd of January. Unfortunately, they couldn't go on another date before she travelled but the calls on both sides had increased though Mr. P’s calls still have the upper hand. She knows how she feels about Mr. P but she cannot describe it yet. He has been so caring, loving and patient with her excesses. She feels like he’s with her even when he is far away. She perceives the fragrance of his cologne every day. She can tell him about anything and she can make him laugh easily (she finds this very sexy).

Beatrice doesn't know where this will lead them to but if it doesn't lead them anywhere, she will be glad to have felt something really deep for someone so wonderful.

Hehehehehehehe…. are you people choosing “asoebi” colours already?