Honest Illusions

Episode 2

Ilupeju street, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi was far from quiet, thanks to the noisy party going on in number twenty-six on the normally quiet neighborhood. The sitting room of a beautiful three bedroom detached house was the heart of the party. In all, there were about fifty boys and girls.
Most of the girls were dressed in tight fitting clothes that revealed virtually everything while most of the boys were in jeans and custom-made T-shirts that had the celebrant's smiling face.
  It was just getting dark outside, but the sitting room was well lit with multicoloured bulbs. Oprah looked around her. The smells and fumes coming from burning cigarettes and weed, which was in abundant supply, were almost unbearable. She was sitting alone in a corner waiting for Chris who had gone to get some drinks. They had only danced twice. The dancing floor was over crowded. Oprah could see bodies swaying to Wizkid's latest release. She tried to listen to the lyrics of the songs without much success. The rhythm was great anyhow.
  Oprah felt a gentle tap on her shoulder and turned around. Standing beside her was a tall, muscular boy, wearing one of the custom-made T-shirts that was so tight it was a wonder it contained his rippling muscles.
  "Hey, baby, wanna dance?"
  He had a nice smile too. Chris was nowhere in sight and the music was great.
  "Sure."
   They moved on to the crowded floor and the muscular boy got some space quickly. No one would want to bump into him accidentally. Soon, Oprah realized he was not a bad dancer. Infact he was good. He moved well for his size and she tried to keep up.
   Chris arrived with the drinks and wondered where Oprah had gone. He soon sighted her with King Kong. He knew he would have to wait patiently for the song to end. The song ended, but it was followed by a slow dancing number. Before you could say Robin Thicke, King Kong had his arms around Oprah! Oprah was stupefied. Weren't you supposed to ask before doing something like that? She thought. The young man had his eyes closed, oblivious of everything else. Oprah was most uncomfortable. She was not the only uncomfortable one. Chris was boiling with anger. He thought of shoving King Kong's possessive arms around Oprah somewhere that wasn't on her anatomy but the size of King Kong's biceps convinced him otherwise.
   Chris was tapping on King Kong's arm before he realized he had moved at all.
   "Excuse me, I'd like to have my girl back if you don't mind."
   King Kong opened his eyes and stared at Chris. Here goes nothing, Chris braced himself.
   Surprisingly, King Kong smiled and let go of Oprah.
   "Sorry. Didn't know she was taken."
    With that he walked off.
    Oprah was relieved.
    "Thanks," she said to Chris.
    Chris didn't say anything. He handed her the canned malt drink, took her free hand and headed towards the gate. He seemed angry.
    They got to where cars were parked, but Chris continued walking holding her in tow. Oprah was almost running to keep up with him. Suddenly Chris turned to face her.
    "What was that about?" He demanded.
    Oprah was surprised.
    "What do you mean?" She asked.
    "All that cuddling up with that fellow?"Chris was almost shouting.
    "I was just having some fun, that's all. There is no law against that, is there?"Oprah replied.
    She was becoming angry and Chris noticed. He didn't know what had taken hold of him when Oprah was dancing back there. When King Kong had held Oprah on her bum, Chris had trouble restraining himself. He had felt like giving him a good beating. He was now embarrassed. He and Oprah weren't even dating!
    "I am sorry. I don't know what came over me."
    Oprah sighed.
    "Its alright," she replied, but Chris could still see the dying embers of anger in her eyes. Just how pathetic could he get?
    He looked away and back. "Oprah, I don't know how to say this but I think I'm falling in love with you. I--I just couldn't help myself when I ___"
    "Will you always get like that with me anytime I'm with another guy?"
    "Yes, I mean no, of course not," he leaned close to the parked SUV at his side and drew her close to him. "The thing is I've never felt this way before with anyone. I don't want to make a fool of myself. Do you feel anything for me, Oprah?"
    Oprah sighed. "I don't know. I like you, but___"
    "Is there someone else?"
    "No."
    "I want you to be mine, Oprah. Just the two of us. You know what I'm saying."
    Oprah smiled softly. "You know what I'm saying?" She mimicked.
    Chris smiled too. "Well, is that a 'yes'?"
    "What do you think?" She asked holding the smile in place.
    Chris didn't bother giving a reply. He reached out for her and gave her a long kiss.


(To be contd)