Paint Me (GXG) ✒️

34

Waking up in Fareedah's room was one of the strangest feelings. Maybe it was because of how sacred I had deemed her room, since I hadn't been in there, but it left a jolly feeling at the pit of my belly, realising I was there. I adjusted her pink duvet to cover my bosom as I sat up, looking around her room. Her room was a lot bigger than the one I stayed in. It had a pink aesthetic to it. It had different shades of pink here and there. The pink of her beddings was deeper than the pink of her duvet. Her walls were rose pink, which gave her room the kind of brightness that couldn't be explained. Being in there gave me some sort of serotonin rush; I felt so relaxed and at home. I turned to look at her, noticing that soft tunes were playing from a speaker that was in a corner of her room. She was still asleep, her back curled up to me. She looked really relaxed, which made me wish I could see her face. It was in that same moment that what had happened the night before began to dawn on me. We had crossed a stage I had feared so much of crossing, because I was sure we both weren't ready. We might have not completely gone all out, but going beyond kissing was something I feared the most. It was an ecstatic feeling, and in that moment, I could not deny that not once did the fear cross my mind. But now that I was staring at her, the undeniable feeling of doom lurked.

I quietly got out of her bed, got dressed and tiptoed out of her room. I stood at her door, taking in the beauty of her room one more time before I closed the door. I made her some egg sauce and toasted some bread before I packed my things and left. I didn't want her to wake up, and then the realisation dawned on her, only to be sent out. So, I decided to leave by myself, so she could have space to think things through and hopefully reach out to me when she was ready.

My trip home was supposed to calm my mind, but instead it overshadowed my entire thought. I got down from the keke that dropped me at the Pako bus stop, walking home. Since it was still in the morning, most shops were closed, and the burnt charcoal used by the people selling roasted goods was left at a corner. I kicked at the bright clay floor as I put my earphones in, trying to silence the world, but it was loud enough to still slip through. 'What if? What if? What if?' clouded my mind.

It didn't take me long to get home as I sat on the bed, staring into nothing as Inoma asked, "Did you guys have a disagreement again?"

I looked at her, and then at Christopher, who was sitting on the single white plastic chair in our apartment. They both had their gaze fixed on me. "No, we did not," I replied as I shook my head, letting it fall.

"Then?" Christopher asked.

I let out a deep sigh, looking up at them as I responded, "So... long story." They both nodded. "We went to the movies yesterday and bumped into Olumide, one of our classmates. And, I didn't know how to introduce her, so I introduced her as my 'girlfriend to be', and there it was like something went off. I tried to get what was wrong from her, but then we ended up going beyond kissing and getting physical."

"Shouldn't that be good news?" Inoma looked confused.

I nodded. "But I panicked," I told them. "I was scared that she was going to wake up and have an episode, so I decided it was best I left before she woke up, because it was a bold step we made."

"Who initiated it?" Christopher asked.

"She did."

"Then I do not think there is anything to worry about," Inoma responded, getting up from bed as she stretched.

I lay down, stretching on the bed. I ran my hands across my face as I let out a deep sigh. "I don't know mehn." I sighed again, shutting my eyes. "I don't know."

"Let's give you some time, okay?" Christopher said as he stood up. "I am going back to my hostel, but see you tomorrow. Honestly, don't worry too much about it, I am sure it will go well, okay?"

I nodded as he and Inoma left, after she told me 'see you soon'.

I didn't get the time to process my thoughts fully alone, before I got a text from Olumide. I frowned a bit as I read the text. 'Can I call?' I was confused but still proceeded to respond, 'Sure'. The message hadn't even fully delivered before his call came in.

"Hello." His voice was calm and low.

I still had a frown of uncertainty on my face when I responded, "Hi?"

He chuckled softly. "I really hope this doesn't come off as weird, but I just got really ahead of myself when I found out you were a part of the community, and kind of told my group of friends about you." He paused, then continued, "So, we have a group where we basically plan hangouts and party together. I would genuinely love it if you could join the group and be part of us. Please? Pretty please?"

I felt myself physically relax, as I smiled. "I genuinely do not do well in groups," I told him. "But I also do not mind being a part of it. I might not talk in the group chats, but I will try to show up for whichever event I can. If that is fine by you."

I could hear the smile in his voice as he responded, "Absolutely. I will send the link to you now."

I nodded with a smile as I ended the call. He sent me the link, and I joined the group chat. Inoma walked in with a smile on her face, but quickly put it away when she saw me. I smiled as I said, "What happened?"

She shook her head.

"Better talk."

She shook her head again, as she sat beside me on the bed.

"I will throw you stone, honestly."

She smiled as she said, "Glad to see you are feeling better."

I nodded. "I will just let things play out how they will. Because at the end of the day, que sera sera." We both chuckled as I diverted the conversation elsewhere. "So, how are things with you and Topher?"

She smiled sheepishly as she looked away. "Going well."

I playfully nudged her with my shoulder, earning a happy grin from her. I felt my heart warm up at how happy she looked, and the undeniable glow she seemed to have. "I am happy for you," I said with a smile.

She turned to look at me, before she responded with a smile, "Thank you, dearie, I am sure you are." With that, she got busy with her phone, while I took a nap to put my mind at rest. 

A/N

Hi guys, I am genuinely happy about the last update. I didn't expect any turnout at all, so the turnout really shocked me. I am truly grateful and will do well to respond to all the comments as soon as possible. 

Also, it definitely is a bummer that this chapter is short. But, I won't lie, I was more prepared for the next chapter than this, and I didn't want to combine them. Hilarious, I know.  I really hope you enjoyed it still. 

Much love,

AuthorEbun.