Broken Foundations

chapter 8~ Trouble acquaintances

In the name of Allah the beneficent, the merciful

~

Ope don't forget our appointment later this evening oh, Lydia said.

I was currently in school and it was break time but I remained in class trying to enjoy the peace and quiet until Lydia ruined it.
Can't a girl enjoy a little time to herself?

No not really because its important to know if you are still in?

Yeah I said I was going to go right? The only problem is that I don't know what  excuse to give her.

I told you punishment, project, assignment, note something be creative.

Exactly i want to be creative everything you mentioned has been used before I want something different.

We both pondered for a little while.
Yes I have got something!

What? Lydia asked eagerly.

Marking for teachers, I said almost as eagerly.

Lydia hissed, I thought you were going to say something sensible, You! Marking for teachers your aunt will find you out almost immediately.

What do you mean I asked clearly offended, do you think I cannot mark for teachers unlike you I am not known for anything bad apart from being your friend.

Oh so now being my friend is an embarrassment right? Clap for yourself she said clapping sarcastically.
This is what I get for being your friend and trying to help you good, very good.

Yeah good, someone once told me that a friend that puts you down is no friend of yours if only I actually believed that and listened to that person.
Excuse me I have better  things to do than wait and listen to someone bash me before walking away I made sure to knock her shoulders with mine.

*******
Later that afternoon..............

Ope,Opeyemi, Faith Lydia called softly.

What! I snapped I wasn't really mad I was just scared of doing something different and I was trying to stall for as long as possible.

She visibly flinched and I felt a little guilty but I enjoyed torturing her she always has the upper hand in most of our affairs and it felt good for me to be in that position right now. If she wants me to do something she has to up her convincing skills.

Sorry

Huuun what did you say, I didn't hear you.

I am sorry, she said loudly almost shouting.

Oh you are sorry.... For?

Insulting you, being an embarrassment.

You know the list goes on but I will not get into it today or now because I have things to do, so make it fast.

I came to apologize and also to ask if you would still like to.... Uhm go.

I stared at her trying hard to guess what her intentions were but sadly I wasn't gifted with such skills.
What's in it for you? I finally questioned.

Uhm nothing she said quickly.

Tell me the truth, I gave her my meanest glare.

He promised to give me five k If I could get you to date him., she looked down shamefully.

See what I told you, Lydia isn't tough she just acts like she is all it took was a glare to make her crack when we don't give her the power to manipulate us she won't be able to.

I will good with you.

What?

I said I will do it or do you want me to change my mind?

No no no, thank you thank you she chanted while hugging me.

One minute increase the amount he's going to give you I am not a commodity and so he can't give you five k, increase it to ten k and we will share the money 60: 40.

Her head snapped up immediately, ten I where do you expect him to get ten k he's a mechanic not a banker!

He will find a way don't speak for him

She pondered for a minute, I am not sharing the money 60:40 I found the guy, I connected you guys. This will be the last time I will collect anything from him. You will be the one dating him so you can collect as much as you like, she snapped.

So the mean Lydia Is back I am sure she got tired if playing meek after getting Me to agree.
So which ratio do you suggest?

80:20 eighty for me, 20 for you.

You can't be serious!

But I am after this I am not going to collect anything from him again.

Okay.

Okay? That wasn't so hard was it? She smiled  mischievously before walking away.

I conceded because she was eight and also because I was a little scared of Lydia.

*****

Jide, Jide Lydia called out when we got to the mechanic's shop. I felt really uncomfortable with the stares from the worker's there.

He's at the back a man finally answered.

Thanks.

Jide, Lydia called startling Jide.

Lydia, he smiled what are you doing here?

Look who I brought, she pointed at me.

Hi, I  slightly waved.

Who is she? If it is someone else.... please I told you that I want ope.

This is ope.

Oh.... Hi he looked down, I didn't know it was you you look much more beautiful in person.

Thank you, soooo Lydia has filled me in.
I have some conditions, I can only come three days a week, don't call me I will call you, don't introduce me as anything  to your colleagues,  don't touch me unnecessarily, each time I come you have to give me transport  fare of at least five hundred Naira.
Are we clear?

Yes he smiled.

I will add more as I go but for now this is what I  can think of.

Can I at least hug you, he asked.

Just for today I allowed him to hug me.