Hearken

Chapter 14: Hurtful Feelings

“With who?” Somidah asked when I told her.

“Didn’t you hear what I’ve been saying?”

“I did. I just want you to repeat the words.” She clarified, as if my words were unfit for the ears. I nodded my head listlessly.

“I didn’t open up to you for you to judge me.”

“Oh, come on Evelyn.” She prompted softly. “I’m not judging you. You know I can never do that. I am just a little sceptical because I know you like nothing that is unfit and breeds disrespect.”

“I can’t even say how I ended up in this situation. This boy ticks the right boxes. My mind is always on him whenever he’s not around, and I’m unsettled in his presence. All he wants is to spend time with me. It might be too early to conclude, but he takes me as a priority. Most of all, he makes me laugh.”

Somidah raised an eyebrow as if struck by my words.

“Adam gives me listening ears. He’s made it so easy to love him.”

“It might be true but, calm down.” She cut into my words. “I want to ask you some questions and don’t dare lie to me.”

“Okay.” I replied, to her warning.

“When exactly did you guys first meet?” Somidah asked. Her eyes were dreamy, with a smile exposing her big front teeth.

“At Hazel’s Birthday party.”

“That was last week?”

“Yes, exactly last week. It was a brief meeting. We only exchanged contact and started chatting.”

“Then what happened? What changed?”

“I don’t know, Somidah. It’s unexplainable. I took it as a joke at first but my mind keeps going to him. Forgetting him seems impossible. I feel a connection, and when I’m with him, my mind is at rest.” I explained.

“Does he genuinely makes you happy?”

“Yes, genuinely.” There was a moment of silence between us, as if she was trying to get my point.

“Do you really love him?”

I replied without hesitation. “Yes, with all of me!”

“It’s fine.” Somidah smiled. “I support you in this relationship. We’re like sisters. As long as you’re happy, then fine. There’s nothing wrong with it. Age shouldn’t matter when you really love someone as long as you’re both consenting adults who care. Age is just a number, anyway. Why care what others think about it?” She rolled her eyes, and it settled at mine with seriousness. As if she was reading my worries.

“I know you’re bothered. Do what feels right to you. And I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you.” I gave her a tight hug, and she gently pulled away.

“Geez! You’re thrilled. I haven’t seen you like this in a long time!”

“I haven’t seen myself like this, ever!” I joked, and she blushed.

“Lucky you. You have a guy now.” Her faint smile mocked me, making me giggle at myself.

“You’re at fault. You didn’t want to try relationships.” I pointed out. “But one thing I’ve learned so far, arrange dates doesn’t work. For me at least.”

“That’s why I didn’t bother trying.” somidah intervened. "I promised Tate my love. Won’t I be betraying him loving another?"

“Love is not selfish, Somidah. To heal, let go.” I pressed, hoping she’d consider my words. Watching as tears fill up the space in her eye, I held her hand into mine and he stared at mine with a concealing smile.