As my third year drew to a close, I knew I had to resolve the lingering drama with Charlotte; I was determined to start my final year with a clean slate, free from the emotional baggage of our complicated past.
Evelyn's academic journey was slightly delayed due to a complication during her course transfer, which meant she still had an additional year to complete after the current semester.
Following a two week period of introspection after my unexpected run in with Mirabel, I felt compelled to reach out to Charlotte and gain clarity on our situation.
I made the call on a Saturday, and we arranged to meet at a mutually convenient time, marking a crucial step towards resolving the uncertainty that had been lingering between us.
We settled on meeting at 3pm at the same charming café where our first date took place, a nostalgic setting that would reunite us in a familiar and intimate atmosphere.
I arrived at the café ahead of schedule and took a seat, patiently awaiting Charlotte's arrival. The minutes ticked by, and twenty minutes later, she walked in, her presence capturing my attention.
“Hey”........I raised my hand, signaling to Charlotte who was searching for me with her eyes.
“Look at the corner you are hiding”........she teased, as she got to my table.
“Yea, I like it here. It gives me a clear view of anybody coming in or going out”........I replied.
Charlotte took her seat, and we promptly ordered our drinks and refreshments, settling in for what promised to be a meaningful conversation..
“You are so beautiful”........I said to her.
“Thanks and you look good yourself”........she replied, smiling warmly.
“Thanks”........I replied.
With our orders now neatly arranged before us, I seized the opportunity to initiate a dialogue, my words carefully chosen to navigate the complex emotions and unresolved tensions that had been simmering between us.
“Actually Charlotte, there is nothing I will tell you now that you don’t know already.
You know we have not actually had time to talk since after our last date. I don’t want to beat around, I love you and would like us to build something serious like a relationship”.........I explained to her.
An uncomfortable stillness enveloped us, our eyes locked in a piercing gaze. I was desperate to decipher the thoughts racing through her mind, willing to sacrifice almost anything for a glimpse into her inner world.
The air was thick with tension as we sat there, until finally, she broke the silence with a gentle clearing of her throat.
“Pascal, I will be lying if I tell you that I have not been expecting this from you. I already have my reply for you.......but before I give it to you, you have to give me time. There is something I want to take care of before I give you my reply”..........She replied, her gaze fixated on mine.
“Come on, since you have already made up your mind on what to tell me, why not say it out and not keep me on the edge”..........I coerced.
“Pasca please don’t rush me........I will definitely give you a reply, but not now”..........she said politely.
“Are you seeing someone currently?”........I asked.
“Pascal please it’s kinda complicated and I wouldn’t want anything that will have to do with us meddling into it”.........she muttered coldly.
“Why not just open up, and tell me about this complicated thing and not play with my emotions”.........I said anxiously.
“I don't know how i can explain this to you Pascal......you have to trust me and give me a little time ok?”.........she replied.
“You know what, you don’t have to give me that lame excuse, I already know where I stand with you. I know you have a boyfriend. That’s the only explanation to it”...........I retorted.
“I wonder how you came up with this assumption”........she sneered.
“It’s no assumption baby girl. After we went out the last time, you left school for a whole week and you couldn’t be reached. Now you have moved out from the school hostel. In all this, you never cared to give me heads up as a friend. I saw you the day you came back from your boyfriend’s house”..........I blurted out.
“Pascal, you have to calm down and listen to me. Things aren't the way they are supposed to be now. That is why not minding how sincerely I want to be you, I still need a little time to take care of something”..........she explained.
“Charlotte tell me the truth, are you planning to use me as a fall back or something?”.........I asked.
“Come off it, why should I do that to you?”........she asked.
“You know what, you can take the whole time in the world. I’m not waiting for you one bit......I gotta move on while you take care of whatever it is you want to tidy up”........I concluded, with a frown on my face.
I swiftly rose from my seat, leaving crisp ₦5,000 naira notes on the table to cover her taxi fare.
Without giving her a chance to respond, I turned and made a deliberate exit, my eyes fixed ahead, refusing to glance back.
To Be Continued.............
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