Over and Over

Linda

ABUJA,
NIGERIA.

IMAM'S POV

After returning home, I tossed my bags aside, the sound echoing through the quiet room.

My plans to leave felt like a distant memory, erased by a sudden, inexplicable change of heart.

Everything around me seemed different. My room, once cluttered with remnants of my restless soul, had undergone a transformation.

It now exuded a mature elegance, a reflection of my resolve to impress Layla. She wasn't just anyone—she was the one.

The reality of her agreeing to date me was surreal, almost dreamlike.

Could this really be happening? Without wasting another second, I called Yasmin. "Can you check if Layla would go out with me tonight?" I asked, my voice betraying my anticipation.

Yasmin made the call, and those few moments stretched into eternity.

When she returned with a "Yes," my heart soared.

But there was a condition: Layla didn't feel comfortable going out alone.

She suggested her cousins join us but sit at a different table.

"Done," I replied without hesitation. Anything to be with her.

I quickly made a reservation at BluCabana, a place that promised both charm and tranquility.

Before the evening began, I headed to the bathroom for a warm, calming bath. Every step, every detail, had to be perfect.

LAYLA'S POV

At home, I couldn't shake the mixture of excitement and disbelief that had taken hold of me. I had a boyfriend.

The thought felt strange, exhilarating, and nerve-wracking all at once.

I informed Mama about the outing, carefully mentioning that Yasmin and the girls would be joining us.

She nodded her approval, her expression unreadable.

By 5 PM, Yasmin called to let me know they were waiting at the gate.

My heart raced as I chose a black dress, its simple elegance mirroring my mood. I carried my veil in hand, draping it over my head as I descended the stairs.

Outside, two cars were parked, but my eyes were drawn to Imam.

He wasn't wearing his usual sweat pants. Instead, he looked effortlessly stylish, his outfit reminiscent of Ren from F4. For a moment, I forgot to breathe.

"Shall we?" he asked, opening the door of his car for me.

I slid into the passenger seat, my nerves swirling as the car pulled away.

Silence filled the first half of the journey, the air heavy with unspoken words.

"May I?" Imam asked suddenly, extending his hand toward mine.

I bit back a smile. "No," I replied, laughing softly.

"Alright," he said, slapping his lap lightly with a grin.

The tension eased, and we chatted softly for the remainder of the drive.

When we arrived at BluCabana, the atmosphere was serene.

Attendants in crisp black suits guided us to our table, their professionalism adding to the ambiance.

I ordered a beef dish, surprised when Imam chose the same, complete with a side of vegetables.