COME WHAT MAY

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Lolita waited anxiously for her mysterious friend and was getting hungrier with each passing minute. Rachael was refusing to share her dinner of roasted chicken, plain rice and coleslaw salad accompanied with two litre Spar Apple juice.

"I love this guy." She said in between mouthfuls. Lolita swallowed and then yelled,

"How can you eat alone? I'm starving!"

"Call Ryan to bring yours." Was Rachael's reply.

"Why is he refusing to reply my message? I feel so embarrassed right now." She buried her head in her hands.

"It will be okay." Rachael said and stood up from the dining table and walked towards Lolita who sat on a sofa in the living room. She hugged her and said,

"Okay Lolita...you can get yourself a spoon and dig in."

"Really?" Lolita's eyes lit up happily.

"Yeah but not too much."

Lolita became suspicious.

"Was it Chidi that called?"

"I'm not saying anything."

Rachael replied flatly and folded her arms across her chest. Lolita did not dare to probe further instead she removed her winter jacket, went to the kitchen, and got a spoon and an apron to protect her dress. She dug in as soon as she said her prayers.

"Slow down Lol. Haven't you eaten anything today?"

Lolita stopped stuffing herself, swallowed and said,

"I didn't have appetite plus Ryan's silence was getting on my nerves. I expected him to call back as soon as he got the message but I guess it's nothing to him anymore."

"Will you go if Chidi comes to pick you for the date?" Rachael asked in a serious tone.

"No Rachael. I said my last goodbye already. I really do not want to deal with Lorato's drama and life right now." She dropped the spoon by the plate and added with a dreamy smile,

"I think I have found someone I can spend the rest of my life with...if he would have me."

"Are you serious?" Rachael was shocked. This is good news!!!

"He has all the qualities I prayed for in a husband." Rachael sat down and listened attentively.

"He is a true child of God, he is gentle, and kind, loving, patient, and hard-working and most importantly he will get along with Dad and Mum."

"He wants to marry you but knowing you, everything must go according to your plans and your desire to be courted properly."

Lolita silently thanked God for bringing Rachael to her life when all those who she called friends deserted her.

Rachael suddenly became sad. "What is wrong?"

"It's my family Lolly...they will be moving here this weekend to prepare for the wedding. We want to cut cost on hotel accommodation and save where we can." Lolita stood up and gave a megawatt smile.

"I understand Rachael. You are truly something. I have a home now...I can go back home. Just admit you will miss me already."

Rachael hugged her and thanked her for understanding. Just then the sound of a car being parked outside alerted them.

"That should be your date."

"Who is it Rachael? Is it Lorato?" When her friend did not give a reply but smiled coyly, Lolita breathed deeply and shouted playfully,

"I can't believe I allowed you to do this to me. I don't want to go anymore." She stood up and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. She hoped it was Ryan or maybe her brother but definitely not Chidi.

******
Ryan pressed the door bell and few seconds later, the gate opened and he walked in. As the gate closed behind him, thoughts of Lolita filled his mind. She would be shocked when she sees him and he hopes she will agree to go out with him. Rachael smiled and gave him a high-five.

"I think I succeeded."

"Thanks." He entered the house. "Where is she?" He asked in a whisper.

"Hiding." Was Rachael's short reply.

"What exactly did you tell her?"

"Trust me." She said in a firm tone. "Lolly! Come out of your hiding." Lolita had removed the apron and came out grudgingly. Upon seeing her, Ryan was completely blown away by her simply choice of style and colour. She rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest.

"I had a hunch it was you. But you are one terrible person!"

"I'm sorry. Surprise!!!"

"Totally fooled by the both of you." She made a dash for Rachael who moved behind Ryan for protection.

"Thank you Lolita. Thank you for giving me the chance to know you." She unfolded her arms and calmed down. She walked up to him and patted him at the back gently.

"Hey! When you are writing your autobiography, don't forget the part I played in all this." The two laughed at Rachael in a friendly manner. Quickly Lolita put on her jacket, grabbed her hand bag and waved to her friend. As they walked in to the evening. As the gate closed behind them, Lolita smiled and said to Ryan,

"I'm glad it was you. I am truly glad."