HEAR ME TOO!

PART ELEVEN

"This shirt doesn't look nice," Ben said, holding up a blue, short sleeve shirt against his body and looking at the mirror.
"I thought you said this wasn't a date?" Uche, who was lounging on the bed, asked.
"It's not a date," Ben said in a strained voice.
"So why are you worried about how you'll look? You used to love that shirt and all of a sudden it doesn't look good?"
"Well.... I just have to make a good impression so I'm looking for something nice to wear. Come on man, help me out!"
Uche rolled his eyes and said "Do you realize I canceled plans just because you said this was an emergency?"
"What plans? Did you get a new girlfriend? By the way, this is an emergency."
"Ha ha! Very funny," Uche said and then stood up. He looked through Ben's wardrobe for a while and then picked up a white patterned shirt. Holding it up against Ben, he nodded.
"This is it. Wear this one with your dark blue jeans and white sneakers."
"This, my friend, is why I called you. Knew you'd find something nice for me eventually," Ben said happily and laid the clothes out on the bed.
"For the love of all things holy, make sure you get her to be your girlfriend so you'll stop torturing me," Uche said.
"Torture? You hurt my feelings man," Ben said, feigning pain by putting his hands on his chest and scrunching up his face. Then he said in a more serious voice,
"I'm not ready for a girlfriend Uche. I'm just meeting up with her for a movie and then we'd just sit somewhere and talk afterwards."
"I see. And that doesn't count as a date?"
"No it doesn't. Just two friends hanging out."
"You, my friend, are worse than Jon Snow. Anyway, enjoy your date," Uche said, heading to the door.
"Wait. Where are you going?"
"To meet up with my girlfriend. You don't expect me to come with you on your date do you?" Uche asked, his brows raised.
"Stop calling it a date. And no I don't expect you to come, I just wanted to know."
"Alright then, goodnight my clueless friend," Uche said with a laugh and before Ben could retort, he closed the door.
After Uche left, Ben looked at the clothes he laid on the bed and sighed. He had called Isabel two days ago and asked if she'd be free on Friday night. She replied that she had the weekend off and Ben had been elated. Then she asked him why and he had suggested they hang out. A part of him had expected her to put up some resistance but she had agreed to meet up almost immediately. Unlike his friend thought, it wasn't a date. It was just two friends meeting up and that was it. Yes! That's what it is, he thought. He wouldn't let Uche get in his head. Smiling to himself, he hurried into the bathroom to start getting ready.
******
"Do you think this gown looks nice enough?" Isabel asked Winnie, her best friend and housemate. Winnie looked up from the magazine she was reading and shook her head at Isabel.
"Isa, this is the hundredth outfit you've picked. Can you please choose one already and get it done with?"
"I just don't want to be overdressed for the occasion. I'm looking for something simple yet elegant."
"Then choose that black dress over there," Winnie said, pointing to a strapless black dress on Isabel's bed. "It's simple yet beautiful and accentuates your curves. Throw on simple jewelry and instead of heels, wear white sneakers. How's that for simple?"
Isabel deliberated for a few minutes and then nodded in agreement.
"Perfect! You're a gem Winnie! I love you."
"Yeah, you can't live without me. Besides, I'm the only one who can help you when you're having a wardrobe malfunction."
"Yes you are!" Isabel agreed with a laugh and then she started folding her clothes and putting them back in the wardrobe.
"Shouldn't you leave that for when you're back from your date? You might be late," Winnie said.
"He's coming to pick me up at 8 and it's currently 5:30. And it's not a date," Isabel said.
"Ummm, he's coming to pick you up. You both are going to the movies and then somewhere else where you can talk. What is all that called?"
"It's called hanging out with a friend Winnie."
Winnie scoffed in disbelief and went back to reading her magazine.
"Come help me put these things back in place please," Isabel said, looking pleadingly at her.
Winnie groaned and keeping her magazine aside, she stood up to help Isabel.
"A girl who doesn't have a date on a Friday night can't even read her magazine in peace. This life no balance o."
Isabel laughed and continued arranging her clothes. Contrary to what Winnie might believe, this wasn't a date. She was sure of it.