Yesterday was incredibly awkward. It's not that I'm oblivious to the fact that Folu might like me. He did ask me to be his date to the costume party last term, but to openly admit he has a crush on me in front of everyone, especially Janet? I feel terrible about it. Janet has deep feelings for Folu, and I’m the only one who knows. She must be devastated. I tried calling her yesterday but decided to give her some space.
I woke up this morning around 6 a.m. and couldn’t fall back asleep. I have never been out with a guy before, and I don't know what to expect.Jason is picking me up at 9 a.m., and we’re spending the day together. I started rummaging through my closet for something nice to wear.
"Tiara!" my aunt called. When did she enter my room? I didn't notice her come in.
"Sorry, I didn’t see you," I said.
"You are up early on a Saturday morning. Isn't your date with Jason 9am?" she asked, sitting on the bed.
"Aunty Valerie, stop calling it a date, I'm honouring a bet that's all, nothing to it and yes, it is set for 9, but I don't know what to wear," I answered as I continued looking through my clothes that were now scattered on the floor.
"You lost a bet and he asked you out as a punishment, isn't that a little odd to you?" she asked.
"Well, I don't know, maybe he's taking me somewhere I'd hate" I answered.
"I don't think so, I think he likes you but he's too shy to tell you," she said excitedly.
"Aunty, shouldn’t you be telling me to stay away from boys and to focus on my studies?" I asked, surprised at how cool she is with this.
"Yes, of course I'll tell you to stay away from bad boys and focus on your studies. But I won't tell you to stay away from Jason, he seems like a very decent boy, If you want to date him, I'll approve." she said.
"I think we are getting ahead of ourselves. Nobody is dating anybody!" I loudly
"If you say so" she raised her hands in surrender. "That red dress is cute by the way" she pointed at a red dress in my closet "I have an early shift so I'll be heading out now. I made pancakes for you, you should eat before going out" she said before leaving.
"And be home before 5pm!" she shouted on her way out. I smiled.
"Ok ma" I replied.
I picked up the red dress. "Hmm, not bad."
I headed to the kitchen and ate the pancakes my Aunty made for me, took a shower, and got dressed. I put on the red dress—simple yet perfect for the date. The dress was knee-length, fit-and-flare with a subtle V-neck, not too grand but elegant. I contemplated using makeup. Would it make it obvious that I put in too much effort in my looks? I settled on a strawberry-scented lip gloss and some powder, paired with slightly large hoop earrings and styled my long black hair. It was 8:39 a.m. I kept looking at myself over and over.
My phone rang. I quickly picked it up, hoping it was Jason, but it was Folu.
"Hi Tiara, happy weekend," he said.
"Yeah, you too," I answered.
"Hmm, I was thinking, there’s this movie showing at the mall. Do you want to see it together?" he asked.
"Oh, I have plans today already, sorry," I said.
"It’s fine. Enjoy your day. Bye," he said.
"Bye," and he cut the call.
Folu has been so nice to me, I would really feel bad turning him down, but that's the right thing to do, for Janet.
I heard a car horn. That must be Jason. I quickly checked the mirror again, applied some more powder, and spritzed on some perfume before heading out to open the door.
