The Moment I Met You (Chapter 345)

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 

Eight months later on a warm August evening of 2020, Chioma was in the backyard of their house with her mother, Andrew, Daniel, Chisom and neighbours, celebrating Andrew’s birthday. Chioma felt like a princess in the new apple green dress with matching shoes. She had no intention of serving food to the guest because she was afraid a stain from the food might spoil it.              

                   

It was Andrew’s birthday, and he had bought her the dress as well as Chisom’s. Andrew was happy that his loved ones were here, even the old friends from university and a few from secondary school who now resides in Abuja. It was the time to talk, laugh and eat.          

Although, the decorations looked cheap, it was still pleasing to the eyes. The foods and drinks served were not high-end food, ordered from restaurant, Louisa and a few neighbours had cooked the meal, it was worth eating with relish- the air was filled with happiness and love.                                                                                                                                          

From the open window of her bedroom, Chioma ate her salad as she watched Andrew and Chisom dancing. Everyone danced with their partner to the gentle and lovely music playing from the loudspeaker, but Chioma was alone because she hadn’t invited Michael. Daniel too, didn’t invite Audrey because she went to London for a friends wedding. She was going to return the following day, while the birthday was today. He felt a little bit like a loner. He missed her so much, and wished he was dancing with her.

                   

From time to time, Daniel took out his phone to look at the wedding picture Audrey had sent to him. She had worn a unique blush ball gown, featuring a backless, halter neckline and a full blush tulle ball gown skirt, diamond drop earrings, matching shoes and clutch. She also had a beautiful flower crown on her long flowing hair. Just by looking at her stunning picture, Daniel didn’t feel very lonely.

                     

Chisom blushed as everyone’s attention seemed focused on her and Andrew. They were good dancers, and undoubtedly, a good match. She looked pretty in her dark flowing hair loosed over her shoulders. The hair was an extension, but it looked fitting and perfect on her. Andrew had bought her a new dress for the celebration-a white floral dress. She looked like a princess.      Andrew’s main reason for this birthday celebration was to announce his engagement to Chisom. He was grateful to have met her.                                          

                   

‘Is Andrew going to marry Chisom?’                                                                          

Chioma looked round in surprise to find the unexpected question, though an obvious answer. The question had come from Jennifer Kanu, a young lady who was a year older than Chioma. Jennifer lived not far from here, her parents are civil servants. She was working in one of the big companies here in Abuja, as a secretary.                                               

‘Isn’t it obvious,’Chioma replied with a smile.                                                

‘Well, they look good together,’Jennifer said, looking at Andrew and Chisom dancing happily. She watched the romantic way Andrew swirled Chisom and her lips curled in scorn. ‘They look good together, but can your brother feed her? He is just a roadside mechanic.’    She was holding a glass of zobo drink in one hand and a meat pie in the other.                          

                    

Chioma gave her a scolding look. ‘I know you love my brother, but he will never love you. If you continue like this, you might end up alone. Stop being such a joy-killer.’                                                                           

‘I have never been a joy-killer. You know, I am a very beautiful girl…’                                                                                                                   

‘Of course I can testify to your beauty but your attitude has aged you prematurely, and if you don’t stop being a busy-body, you’ll shrink a couple of inches from your original 169 centimetre. Then, when you look in a mirror, your face will look ugly like a witch, and you will scream as if you have been murdered in a horror movie. No one will intervene to save you.’

                  

‘Pretty soon you will become fat, lazy old cow.’                                            

‘I sincerely wish you the same, Jennifer kanu. Congratulations in advance.’Chioma turned her gaze towards her brother and Chisom. They were dancing slowly, looking into each other’s eyes and smiling at one another. She knew they had fallen into the river of love. It would be very difficult to separate them. ‘My brother is gentle, sensitive towards women, so instead of being jealous for what isn’t yours, pray that your idea man would be like him…all women like my brother.’ She turned to look at Jennifer but she was gone from the room. ‘I hate women that are scheming…’Chioma muttered with a shrug.