BEING SKINNY IN NIGERIA

HOLIDAY BONUS

I run to the mirror to get my last touch-up with my make-up; I think I overdid it with the lip stick; I have to reapply it, and who told me to choose red for goodness' sake?

The school year was hectic with all the exams (JAMB, WAEC), and by next year I'll resume university. That's so crazy that at 19, I'll finally be in university. A family member of ours says it's a bit late, but mom says it's just right. Babcock, here I come next year!

I finish off my make-up and run downstairs to join mom and Aishat.

"Okay, are we good to go?" Mom says in her floral shiffon gown and her blue turban head wrap

"Sure, Aishat, is that what you're wearing?" I ask 

"Yes? "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" she asks, raising one of her eyebrows up.

"Nothing at all," I say, forcing a smile and heading to the door.

Three months ago, Aishat decided that she wanted to start wearing her scarf full time. I thought she was joking because Aishat is truly the last person you'll expect that from, but she was serious about it. She wore scarves all the time and didn't let men see her head. It came as a shock to both me and my parents, but it wasn't a problem; it was her choice, which my parents are really proud of.
  
But over the past week, she purchased really long hijabs and has been wearing them at home, saying she prefers them because she just has to put them on and it's less work. But right now we are on our way to Eno's house to celebrate New Year's Eve with them, and Aishat is wearing a full hijab. I don't think anything is wrong with wearing a full hijab; I just find it weird because it's her.
 
Yeah, I also forgot to mention that she's dating this guy who's dad is an imam; he's very spiritual, and I just hope he's not the one that influenced her change. If my sister wants to become very spiritual, I want it to be because she chose that path for herself and not because of one small boy.

She still slays in them anyway. She's making me want to go to the market to purchase one or two of those cute hijabs.

I'm seated in the car, chatting with Eno. She's complaining about being slaved since morning because we are coming over and that we better like the food she prepared, me especially. She also says Bayo will be attending. They've been together for eight months now, and it's crazy. Eno is crazy over Bayo, and I think the mom knows they are dating even if Eno still tells them we are all just friends.

I'm still laughing and chatting with Eno as a message pops in from Bayo.

Bayo: Hey A, Are you guys on your way already?

Me: Yup, bring me a new year's present o. And don't forget Eno's present too; you know her love language.

Bayo: lmaoooo definitely. I'm coming with my sister, Jemima.

Me: Ohhhh, I met her that time we visited now, shey?

Bayo: Yeah, she came back from school not too long ago.

Me: She's the one in Babcock, na?

Bayo: No, that's Bunmi; she's in Unilag.

Me: Ohhh, okay, then I can't wait to see y'all!

I drop my phone on my thighs and look out of the window. I'm glad Bayo is here; Eno has been so happy. He makes her so proud of herself. Nowadays she's literally obsessed with the way she looks; she's lost a few kg in the past few months, and my girl has been happier than ever. She also has a stable man. Isn't that a big win for her?

I'm still very skinny. I've learned to accept myself. Sometimes I have the meltdown where I self-loathe and just hate myself, but, you know, it lasts for a few hours and sometimes days, and I'm back to normal for the next month or two.

I talk to Remi once in a while, and we decided to take a break around April this year. It was really hectic doing long distance; trust me, one cannot imagine the amount of times I cried while we were together. I was so insecure all the time that each picture was just something to complain about. It was either this girl or you don't call me as frequently or just unreasonable stuff.

There was this girl who he got close to, Onyinye, who was Nigerian and really pretty. He said she's his friend and knows he has a girlfriend, but it still didn't sit well with me. I was so worried and jealous all the time. I even talked to her a few times on video call; she's so beautiful and sounded so smart; she painted too, so they had more in common.

The last fight we had was when I saw on her Instagram that she was putting on Remi's hoodie in one of her pictures. I cried so much that night and wished I hadn't fallen for Remi, only for him to leave me just a few months later. I decided we should go on a break for my mental health.

We talk once in a while, and I still get jealous and still like him. It just won't work; I think moving on is better here. I started talking to someone new, Frank. He's just a friend that I know likes me; he has said that a couple of times. I'm not so sure if I actually want to be with him; I don't think I feel exactly the same way he does. I like him, but there's a but.

We park in front of the Eno's as mom honks, and the gateman rushes to open the gate. We drive in, and I see Eno in a short black flare gown smiling; she looks all sweaty, and she's obviously still doing chores. 

I ran up to embrace her. Since Christmas, which was almost a week ago, we have not seen each other. I walk in, and I and Aishat join Eno in the kitchen while mom is seated in the living room talking to Eno's mom, who came out of the kitchen to keep her company for a little bit. Eno's dad is watching a football match on his tablet, and her brothers are of course nowhere to be seen.

It's been an hour now; we are all done, and everyone has freshened up—even Bayo and his sister are already all seated at the large dining table. Eno's family home screams wealth; who knew they have a room specifically for big family dinners? I've been here a couple of times, but I didn't even know that was what the door that was always closed led to. Our house was very basic compared to Eno's.

There was so much food that even I felt weak, and I've not even taken a bite. We talked about a lot—life, work, business, and even school. They talked about our admissions. Eno is also going to Babcock University with me. I'm so happy about that because ever since Drake and I separated, I've had separation anxiety and feared that if I and Eno went to separate schools, we might not be as close anymore and lose our friendship. Bayo is going to try out Unilag first; that's what he said; if it doesn't work out, he'll try Babcock. I know Eno is really praying hard. I hope not.

We finish the dinner, the bigger adults are indoors discussing politics, Bayo's sister is there too, while we are seated outside the compound gisting. Bayo walks out to pick up a call, and next thing, the gate to Eno's house is opened as someone walks in. It seems like a dream, because I did not expect this at all. I can see Eno smiling from my side view as Drake walks in. I'm confused on what to do—do I run to hug and kiss him, even if we are no longer together? It'll be so awkward. I stand frozen at a spot as he walks up to me with his very bright, charming smile and those eyes—those eyes I always dreamed of seeing close to me again. 

"Hey, buttercup, Happy holidays." "I missed you so much."

I couldn't say a word; the tears just kept flowing as he pulled me into a warm embrace.

Happy holidays Lovelies I hope your holiday is going great! I Hope You Enjoyed This Holiday Bonus Chapter. Have an amazing 2023!❤❤❤