Hard Man

49

"Mohammed, if you can hear me, that was a joke. The only thing that can stop this vacation is if you die."
— The MG.

"I'm probably the biggest cheerleader of your relationship with the General."
— Mohammed

"Chioma." Someone shook her awake. "I'm heading out. I have to be at the base."

Des's eyes fluttered open to see the General already dressed and ready to go to work. "You're leaving?" She clung to him, pulling him down beside her.

He laughed and held her for a few moments before slowly pulling away again. "I have to go now. Call me if you need anything." He kissed her.

"Okay. I love you," she called as he walked away. She heard him say he loved her, too, as she returned to sleep. She woke up hours later, revitalized and ready to start her day.

It was a few minutes to nine a.m., and as she stretched on the bed, the light caught the diamond on her finger again. She stared at it, a small smile on her face. She had no one to talk to about this, and it was the only thing that made her sad.

As she thought about this, her thoughts drifted to Winnie. That was the only friendship in her life that was true. Winnie was so meek; everyone thought she was fake; it hurt Des to believe she had lost someone like that.

She slid out of bed and left the room, heading to the General's office. She needed her old phone and knew that this was the only place she could find it. The desk was so organized it didn't take long for her to find the phone and the amethyst bracelet Winnie gifted to her. To her shock, the General had fixed the bracelet. Smiling, Des put the bracelet on and picked up her old phone.

Unlocking it felt like a time capsule to the past because there were several missed calls and messages. Some were from Mrs. Funsho, some from Ify, and some from George. She didn't bother to open these messages because it felt like prodding a sleeping lion. Like she said, it was the past. Her future was better, and she wanted to concentrate on it.

She opened her contacts, copied Winnie's number into the newest phone, and dialed. She couldn't believe she had let Ify separate her from Winnie. It was so unfair.

"Hello." Winnie picked up. "Who is this?"

Tears stung Des's throat, and she sniffed. "Hello, Winnie."

"Des?"

"Yes."

Winnie sighed. "How're you?"

She didn't sound as excited to hear from her as she usually did, but Des understood why. "I want to apologize, Winnie. I haven't been a great friend. I really miss you."

"Do you?" Winnie scoffed. "Des, I've never been lucky with friendships. I give people so many chances, but it's like no one really wants to be my friend. I'd be okay on my own, please."

"Winnie, please, I'm sorry. Let's see, even if it's for a few minutes."

"We can talk on the phone," Winnie said with another sigh. It was obvious she really didn't want to see Des.

"No. Winnie, we should have a long conversation."

"Okay. I'll text you an address to meet me. And don't come with Ify, or I'll walk away."

Des paused, deciding it would be best to leave Winnie in the dark about what Ify did. She planned to rekindle her friendship with Ify when she was out of jail, and it would be unfair if Winnie's perspective of her were tainted by what she did.

"I won't come with her."

"Good." Winnie hung up.

Des quickly showered and put on the only outfit she had —the one she wore on her way from Kogi. She really needed to shop. Maybe after she was able to convince Winnie to be friends with her again, they could go shopping together.