Freshly Single Memoirs Episode 2

Freshly Single Memoirs Episode 2

Freshly Single Memoirs Episode II: There was a knock at my door. I wasn’t in a hurry to check, so I sat still – observing the figure scuffling his feet uneasily. I could see him through my curtain which was made somewhat transparent by the sunlight seeping through. The knock came again but I wasn’t moved.

“Who’s there?” I asked.

I didn’t get a reply. I know I didn’t hear one. Maybe his voice was too low. I asked for a second time and got a less-than-a-croak response. I got up, working up a mild irritation. I wasn’t expecting anyone but it had better be something reasonable. The weather was too hot for jokes.

I stepped out, closing my door behind me. I prefer to be careful not to let people peer into my room. That’s how you get robbed – after they take mental notes of your possessions. He was standing there, numb. I waited for a few seconds for him to say something. Maybe he was speechless but I couldn’t care less.

” Can I help you?” I asked, watching his movements intently. I prefer to be alert in situations like this.

He smiled nervously, trying to form the words and I knew in that instant what this was about. I sighed in disappointment. Another one would definitely bite this brown dust today.

“Sorry o but are you busy?” He finally asked. I nodded immediately and his countenance changed.

“Do you need something? I have to get back inside” I replied.

“I want to talk to you” he whispered.

“Now? Like right now?” I asked.

He nodded and I shook my head.

“I’m sorry. I’m really busy. Besides, I don’t even know you”

“I’m your next door neighbor. I live there…” He replied, pointing to a bend by the left.

“Listen, I can’t talk right now but if it’s something that won’t take long, then go ahead”.

As he started his Tedx talk, I zoned out. I was seated with God and we were sipping tea. I waited for him to drop his cup before asking him with the biggest fake smile I could muster up…

“Tell me something God, why do I attract men like this? Is there something wrong with me? I know I may not be the best child but really… this?”

I could wrap my head around it. It made zero sense. He wouldn’t stop rambling and I couldn’t stand another word. So, I stopped him.

“How do you people do it?” I asked him. He looked at me, obviously confused. He took a step back, trying to understand where I was headed and I took that step forward.

“How do you people see someone and suddenly fall helplessly in love? Help me understand it. You don’t even know me. You can’t be in love with me”.

“You may not believe it but since the first time I laid my eyes on you…”

I cut him short. I wasn’t going to have this conversation. Hell nah.

“I’m not interested in anything. Sorry”.

“I respect your decision but you have to understand me. Give me a chance, I promise to handle you with care”.

Omo. Handle with care?

“I don’t know how to help you…”

It was his turn to cut me off. He took a step forward and tried to hold my hand but I retracted. He cleared his throat uneasily.

“I dey your hand. Whatever you wish to, use me for that. I can’t let you go. Try to love me back. Forget whatever you might have passed through in your last relationship. I’m different.”

I stood there, unfazed, numb and wishing I hadn’t opened the door. Was this guy for real? This is another reason I barely talk to my neighbors. They always want something that isn’t salt.

“What don’t you understand from everything I’ve just said?” I needed to know where the comprehension problem was stemming from. He looked at me and shrugged.

“The ball is in your court. Just… think about it”.

Indeed.

Following Day

“Hi baby” his voice startled me. I looked back to see him leaning on the wall behind me. His eyes were mildly sunken and reddish. He reeked of marijuana and alcohol. I turned fully, holding my laptop bag tight. I needed to clarify a few things.

“Don’t call me baby again. Ever. There’s nothing between us and I don’t think anything can happen”.

Next Day

I find him seated with a friend, on a leaning bike, outside the compound. He sees me coming and whispers to his friend who looks right up at me. I ignore them and walk past but his voice draws me back.

“Welcome madam. As you no wan greet us, make we greet you”.

I turn to look at him, a response already forming in my mouth but he beat me to it.

“All these young girls of these days wey no get respect. I blame you?”

I swallow my reply and walk away. This wasn’t the day.

A few hours later, a knock comes at the door. I get up from the movie I’m seeing and open it to see Mr neighbor standing there.

“I want to apologize for…”

Door Slam. Keys lock.

Written by Pinklady Ohakah