The First Time (A Nigerian Love Story)

29. Jealous Melodies

Timini's POV

I watched how Kendrick's brows furrowed with a touch of confusion and curiosity. "Debbie? what are you doing here and away from the party? I.. I have been searching everywhere for you."

I exchanged a quick glance with Deborah and her eyes shifted between both of us as she searched for what to say. She drew in and bit on her pink, swollen lips and i almost groaned at the sight.

"Oh, Kendrick, i was just um.. catching up with Timini. You know, talking about stuff. Sorry the party got overwhelming and i needed to leave for a bit."

Kendrick's eyes narrowed slightly, he took a quick glance of her appearance and his eyebrows knitted together.

"I see. Well, I hope I wasn't interrupting anything important?" He asked suspiciously.

"No, not at all." Deborah took a step closer to him trying to reduce the tension. "We were simply catching up, nothing much and sorry i did not let you know before i left."

Kendrick's eyebrow knitted further and i saw something and a twinge of jealousy dancing in his eyes. "Well, it must have been quite a fascinating conversation to keep you both hidden away." He said, then directed his gaze at me.

Feeling a bit angry at how he kept
questioning her, I stepped forward to try to alleviate the tension and keep an end to his questions.

"We were so engrossed in our conversation that time flew by fast. We were about to head back to the party anyway but now you have found us." I said with a chuckle, giving him a pat on his arm reassuringly.

The fact i was making up excuses was making me boil with anger. He after all came to my party with her so i had to just respect that.

Before any of us could respond, Deborah moved closer to him much to my discomfort. "Actually, if you still want to introduce me to your friends, I'd be happy to meet them." I watched her say with a sweet smile on her face.

Something strange fluttered within me, but I hid it behind a warm smile. "You all should go have fun. I'll catch up with you guys later."

Kendrick glanced at me when my voice carried a bit of hesitation.

"Alright, bro," he replied. "We'll catch up with you later then. Just sure you don't take too long and get back to your party people are wondering where you are!" he said, reaching out to hold Deborah's hands.

With a forced smile, i nodded. My eyes shifted to their entwined hands a wave of jealousy washed over me but i had to swallow it down and they both walked out of the room.

*******************

As the night progressed, Kendrick continued to hold Deborah's hand, guiding her through the crowd to all his friends, introducing her as his date to them. Looking at both of them increased the pang in my chest and no matter how i tried to busy myself with the other guests surrounding me, my eyes kept following them and their intertwined hands.

But what i could not seem to take my eyes off most was her. Her hair slightly scattered on her head and how it made her look more alluring. Like she was just getting up from my bed in the morning. Her lips. Her radiance as she smiled while she was deeply involved in her conversation with Kendrick's friends. Every little detail of her seemed to engrave itself into my memory for when i do not get to see her.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned to see my cousin Deola grinning mischievously. My favorite cousin.

She clinked her glass of champagne filled to the brim with mine. "Careful oh so you don't walk home with your head." I said gesturing to her filled cup.