LOVE WITH ERROR

Chapter 18

LOVE WITH ERROR!
FINAL CHAPTER!
Life becomes easier when we allow nature takes it course at everything. Sometimes, we don’t need to force relationships anymore, we don’t need to keep striving to make things work for us, we don’t have to always sail that ship. It will be better to accept what nature holds and allow the ship that will sail to sail and the ones meant to drown to be drowned. It won’t be a bad thing; It is just a means of respecting our decisions.
Omar slowly stepped out of the taxi he took as he arrived at Cleo’s house. He stood by the gate for a while trying to calm himself down before he entered. He slowly walked into the beautiful mansion as the security guard walked him to the garden where Cleo and the others were waiting already. Omar tip toed and walked into the garden looking tensed.
Everyone among them was also looking tensed as silence takes over the whole place. No one was able to say a word because they were all looking guilty. The expression on their faces shows how worried and depressed they were all looking. Cleo stared at them closely for a while before she sighed deeply and adjusted herself.
“I seriously don’t know how to start addressing this issue between us. I don’t know where to start amending things from. It is very unfortunate that we all have to witness this phase in the journey of our friendship. It is really disturbing that this happened to us, but I want you all to bear this in mind that friendship should come before everything.” Cleo said looking at them as she continued speaking.
“This few days has been the most traumatic days of my life. I must admit that I went through the greatest shock of my life within these days. But then, I must also admit that I learnt a lot from these days. I know we all have been through a lot and we are all free to admit how sad we are. To be very honest, I was very mad at both Nelson and Andrew at first, but when I took my time and put myself in their shoes, I realized how courageous they both are.”
“Especially you Andrew, I know it wasn’t easy for you to live a life of guilt. Having to see your friend whom you are guilty of cheating on everyday is a trauma that not everyone can take. I know the stupid things love can make us do and I always respect you Andrew, you were so brave to keep both your relationship and friendship all these while. I envy you for that Andrew.” Cleo said staring at Andrew who was shedding tears already.
He quickly stood up and hugged her as he continued crying. “I am sorry Cleo. I was such a beast and a traitor. I wished I could turn back the hands of time; I would have ended things with Nelson right from the beginning…” Andrew was still talking when Cleo holds his mouth.
“Don’t say that Andrew. I was the intruder in your relationship. I should have realized that you guys are more than friends. I shouldn’t have forced things with Nelson. You guys were already a thing before I appear in the picture and I will always respect that. I will accept and respect your decision Andrew and I will wish you an everlasting happiness.” Cleo said as she was also shedding tears.
James who was also shedding tears quickly fell in front of Andrew and Cleo. He was crying seriously as he faced them. “Can you guys forgive my insanity? I am deeply sorry for acting like a jerk. I thought I was helping Cleo when I picked a fight with Andrew, not realizing I was blinded by Jealousy. I had always been jealous of Andrew all these years. I just envy you for having all the best guys in the school and also for being Cleo’s best friend.” James said looking at them.
He sniffled a little and continued speaking. “I thought I could make Andrew look bad by dragging him into the mud, not realizing I am dragging myself instead. I forgot that karma is a bitch and it will surely bounce back at any moment. I never realized this will turn down with me instead. I am sorry guys.” James said with tears on his face.
Cleo smiled as she slowly wiped off the tears on his face. “It is fine James, the deed has already been done and I am grateful for how you show your care and concern towards my relationship. I just hope you will understand that jealousy will only lead you to destruction.” She said looking at him.
Andrew sighed deeply as he holds James’s hands. “I hold no grudge against you James. To be honest, I am happy that you made this easier for me. My only sadness was that I had to pull in your relationship also and I am honestly sorry about that. I just hope you guys find time make things right between you.” Andre said looking worried.
James sighed deeply as tears rolled on his face again. “It is already over between us Andrew. Justin never wants to see me again. I tried all the possible things I could do, I tried my best to apologize, and I visited him countless times but all in vain. He refuses seeing me. He ended things with me. Justin has broken up with me guys.” James said as he busted in tears again.
Cleo quickly stepped down and hugged him tightly. “It is fine James. Let’s cry all we want. We are in this together. This is not the end of the world and I am sure you will find a better guy than Justin.” Cleo said as she comforted him.
Andrew sighed deeply as he adjusted himself. He kept quiet for a while and closed his eyes. He slowly opened his eyes and faced Cleo. “I have also broken up with Nelson guys.” He said and they all stared at him surprisingly. “You can’t end a five years relationship just like that Andrew.” Cleo said looking worried.
Andrew sighed deeply again. “I can’t continue this relationship Cleo. It is full guilt and suspense. The pretence is also suffocating. I have decided to leave the country with my mom, may be in the future when we still have chance, we will meet again. But for now, I am prioritizing my happiness.” Andrew said with a straight face.
Everyone was quiet for a while as they were shocked with Andrew’s decision. No one expected that decision from him, not after all the struggles they faced in the relationship. Even though Andrew is also worried about it, he has to be firm and consider his inner peace.
Omar slowly moved closer to them as he also burst into tears. It seems they were not aware of his relationship status so he has to break it out to them. “What happened to you Omar?” James asked curiously looking at him. “Stephen has ended things with me.” He replied with tears rushing out of his eyes.
They all started confusedly at him as he narrates everything to them right from the beginning. He told them about his friendship with Kabir and how they hooked up later. “I swear to God it wasn’t intentional, I was just missing Stephen as he was not giving me enough attention. I never knew Kabir was a snitch. I never knew he would betray me this much.” Omar cried as he narrates the story.
They all hugged him tightly and comforted him. “This happens in almost every relationship Omar. The ex syndrome is always tragic. You shouldn’t feel bad about yourself. Stephen chooses to believe what he feels is right and you can’t change that while Kabir acted like a jerk because he feels he owns you first. You can only hope things to work out soon.” Andrew said looking at him.
Omar giggled a bit with a bitter smile on his face. “I don’t think I can hold on anymore Andrew, the torture is way too much for my heart, I can’t stay back here and watch Stephen ignore me all day. I can’t take it, my heart will probably explode.” Omar said looking sad. “What will you do then?” James asked looking worried.
Omar sighed deeply and adjusted himself. “I am travelling back to Kano state. I know it is not right but I just have to do it to protect myself. My flight will be tonight because I can’t hold on any longer. I have left a letter for Stephen, If he one day realized my worth, he would surely find me.” Omar said as he wiped off the drop of tears on his face.
Cleo slowly stood up and went into the house for a while, she came back later with a bottle of wine and glasses. “Let’s celebrate this our final hangout guys. Lets cheers to life, love and friendship. Let’s make this moment memorable and don’t allow our faulted relationships ruined it for us.” She said as she poured a drink to everyone.
“I can’t believe that our friendship has to end so soon. You guys are the best things that happened to me in Lagos and I had the best memories with you all. I promise to cherish them all and always remember the good old days. I will surely miss you guys a lot. Let’s raise a toast to friendship.” Omar said as he raised his glass and they all cheered.
They all drink and cheers to happy moments, remembering their happy days together, laughing and enjoying to the lovely moment. Even though they all have an inner grief eating them up, they all tried their possible best to enjoy their last meeting together. They snapped a lot of pictures together and promised each other to always keep in touch even when they are far away…
It is a beautiful morning, the atmosphere was very conducive in Stephen’s room and the weather is still chilly. Stephen was sitting on his bed as he was staring at a picture on his phone; tears were rolling down on his face. He was obviously staring at Omar’s picture. He still couldn’t believe that Omar cheated on him. It keeps ringing on his head like a nightmare. “Why Omar?” That is the only thing he was able to say.
He quickly hides the phone and wiped off the tears on his face as his mother opened the door. She slowly walked to the bed and sat beside him with a smile on her face. “How are you feeling son? Hope you aren’t tired from the flight?” She asked looking at him. Stephen nodded at her without saying a word.
Mrs. Sylvester giggled and adjusted herself a bit. “I know I shouldn’t interfere with your relationship Stephen, but I think I need to step in now. You already know that I want nothing but the best for you right? That is why I gave you the freedom to love who you like and do what your heart desires.” She said looking at him.
“I already knew you were having a problem with Omar the moment you choose to follow me to Dubai, but I had no right to interfere and I wanted you to make decisions for yourself. But then Stephen, it is high time you face the truth and address the issue like couples does. You shouldn’t be coward and hide behind doors just because you have problems in your relationship. Every love story has its own issues and it is left for us to settle it.”
“I don’t know what happened between you guys, but no matter what it is, you should know that neglecting it will never solve the problem. Talk to Omar and work things out between you before it is too late. You won’t know the value of what you had until you lost it Stephen and I don’t want you to lose Omar before realizing his value to your life.” She said as she slowly stood up and walked away.
Stephen kept quiet for a while as he watched his mother walked out of the room. This is the moment he realized how a jerk he was. This is the moment he realized his mistakes. He was so proud and angry that he didn’t listen to Omar’s side of the story. He judged everything base on a picture he saw and he couldn’t even make time to listen to Omar.
Even though Omar tried all his best to apologize and talk to him, he was adamant and refused listening to him. “You are such a fool Stephen.” He said to himself as he hits his head. “Better get up and retrieve what is yours before it is too late for you.” He said to himself as he jumped off his bed and head to Omar’s house.
He was shocked and worried when he saw the house with a huge lock. He kept on knocking hoping someone will answer him but unfortunately, no one does. He was still standing by the gate knocking and shouting Omar’s name when an estate security passed through him. “Young man, why are you banging on people’s gate? Can’t you see it is locked?” The security guard asked Stephen.
Stephen who was looking worried turned to the guard. “I want to talk to my friend, it is very urgent.” He said as he continued banging on the door again. The guard giggled a little. “Those people have travelled yesterday; they took the last flight to the north. I am currently looking around the house for them. But a boy named Omar left a letter to a friend, I don’t know if it is for you.” The guard said as he brought out the letter.
“Are you Stephen?” He asked looking at him. Stephen quickly nodded his head as he collected the letter. His hands were obviously shaking as he read the bold inscription “To Stephen.” He slowly walked home with tears on his face as he started reading the letter…
“Dear Stephen Sylvester.”
“It is with upmost sorrow and regrets I wrote this piece for you. I never imagined having to write such piece for you. I never imagined having to put down a pen and dictate how sorry I am to you. My life has been in shambles since the prom party and all I yarned for was your attention which you never granted me. Not for anything, but at least to show you how glad I am meeting you in my life.”
“I know it will be a hard decision for you to consider me back, but I just want to at least appreciate your honest and sincere love towards me. I must confess this is my best even though it is my first relationship. But I am sure the sincerity is heavenly and can’t be compared with many others.”
“Stephen, you are the best thing that happens to me in this life and I will always be grateful for having a moment with you. You taught me how to love myself when I am dwelling in confusion. You taught me how to accept myself when the whole society where preaching against me. You taught me a lot Stephen and I will forever be grateful.”
“As much as I wished to continue this journey with you Steph, I know life won’t grant us that opportunity and I accept it and will learn to face the truth. I will respect your decision and stay away from you. I will leave you Steph, not because I can endure the pain but because I can’t bear seeing you hating me.”
“I can’t continue living here with the fact that you won’t talk to me. The sweetest memories we shared always haunted my sanity and I have to find some peace for my mind. I just wished you didn’t hesitate to hear my own side of the story; I wished you waited and listen to me before judging me. I just wished you gave me a listening ear Stephen.”
“Never the less, I accept that it is already late for us and I can’t do this anymore. I have to stay away from you so I can grow in my own course. I know it is over for us and I accept that. I just hope that when you read this, you will forgive me and cherish the good moments we shared together Stephen.”
“You don’t have to look for me after wards, I will learn to live without you, and I will teach my heart to forget you and I will try finding happiness somewhere else. Just know that our love story is something I will never forget”…
“Bye forever Stephen. Yours love with error; Omar.”
Stephen shouted and hits his head on the wall as he reads the letter. This is the worst day of his life. He regretted what he did and hated himself for acting the way he did. He should have at least listened to Omar. He shouldn’t have acted stubborn and ignore him. He should have heard his side of the story.
He continued crying his heart out as he rolled on the ground. It is over for him. His love life has ended and everything is shattered for him. He has lost his love because of his negligence and insecurities. He wished he acted more matured. He wished he gave Omar more time. He wished he listened to Omar than letting him suffer alone. That is surely the end for him because Omar has left for good…
A MONTH LATER…
OMAR’S POV…
It has been a month since my traumatic experience at Lagos state. Life is becoming normal because I have accepted to live with what is not meant for me. Even though I struggle hard to move on, I still try my possible best to do that because it is the only option I have left.
These past few months have been the best and worst months of my entire life. I have found love within these few months and I watched that love slipped out of my hand. Not because I couldn’t hold it back, but because letting it go is the only thing I could do.
I don’t have anyone to blame for my relationship ending in such a tragic way. Kabir is only dwelling in his ignorance because he thinks he owns me right from the beginning which he never does. I only regretted playing to his tunes and trusting him as a friend. I shouldn’t have done that in the first place. I know karma will surely get back at him one day.
Stephen has all the right to act the way he did. He has all right to end the relationship after what I did to him. It is not easy for someone to realize that their partners have been lying to them and cheating on them throughout the relationship. It wasn’t easy for me moving on from Stephen but I have to if that is the only thing that will make him happy.
All my friends have moved on with their lives. Cleo and James are still studying in scared heart academy while Andrew has left for Europe with his mother. Justin has never reconciled with James because he felt betrayed while Nelson is nowhere to be found. He has left the country and decided to live his life somewhere else.
It is very disheartening how all our relationships ends in a tragedy. This is just the irony of life. Nothing is certain. It is all vanity. We all thought we had a better plan for our relationships not realizing that they were just LOVE WITH ERROR which surely get broken at the end of the line…
Life humble us in such a way that we will have to realize that the world doesn’t revolve around us alone, the journey of life, love and friendship has no certain destination. The people we meet in our lives, be it friends, enemies or lovers are just a part of our life story.
Every relationship has its obstacles which should be shared among partners instead of being hidden. If we love our selves dearly, value our friendships and respect our relationships, then we will provide a better balance to life itself…
THE END…
Dedicated to all the LGBTQIA+ family struggling in love with an error…
BY QUEERANONYMOUS!