The Odds Are Against Me - Episode 12

 

It was evening. Ms Awoyemi and Lola's cake were still left untouched. I checked time and it was 7:00PM. I went to the bathroom took my bath and and got dressed. After I was done, it was 7:36PM. My phone rang, and Funmi was clearly written on it. I answered

"Hello", I said.

"Hi", a strange voice replied.

"Who is this please? Where is Funmi?", I asked.

"It's her friend Bella", she said.

"Oh, Bella, I have heard about you. How are you?", I asked.

"I am not fine . I'm currently in Funmi's house", she said.

"What happened. I'm about coming over anyway", I said.

"Please, do come as quick as possible. She had a minor accident but she wasn't hurt. She needs some massage", she said.

"Really?", I said, and laughed in my mind. She hung the call, I picked up my phone and every other things I needed, bolted my door and ran outside to my car. I told my gateman to open the gate for me. He did, I entered the car and drove off.
Bella and Sheila were two of her friends she always told me about, same as Lola whom I have met. I got to her house, and the gateman opened the gate

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/the-odds-are-against-me

. I came down from my car and checked my wristwatch and it was 7:58PM. I smiled.

I waltzed to her door, and knocked, someone opened. I couldn't see her face because everywhere was dark but shiny like it was decorated for a special event.

"Hello, can I come in? How about Funmi?", I asked.

"Err, you are Afamefuna?", she asked. Yes, I replied in affirmation.

"You are so good looking", she said and looked at me from head to toe. 

"You can come in. I am Bella by name", she said.

"Okay", I said and walked in. She put on the light immediately. I saw Lola and another girl sitting on the sofa. Lola gave me a look filled with scorn and smile. I ignored her.

"So, where is Funmi?", I asked.

"You didn't even greet us before asking that quickly question", the lady sitting with Lola said.

"I am sorry. I was just being tensed. You all called that Funmi was involved in a not so serious accident", I said.

"Okay, I am Sheila", she said, stood up and extended her hand in greeting.

"Nice name. This is Lola and Bella, if I'm right", I said pointed at both of them. They both laughed except Lola. Bella moved close to the dining area, and put on the light. I looked yonder, Funmi was standing and smiling. There was a big cake that depicted a proposal ring on the table. The table had drinks, covered plate of foods, a little box that had a gold ring on it and an inscription that says, "Yes, I have accepted to be your girlfriend. You can go ahead with other things".

"Wow!", I screamed, moved to the table and grabbed the box of ring; I admired it for some seconds. I stared at her, removed my eyes. I stared at Bella, Sheila and Lola, and smiled. They both had a genuine smile except Lola own that was mixed in both scorn and happiness. I could read her feelings. I moved close to Funmi, bent on my knees and popped the question.

"Will you marry me?"

She smiled and folded her hands. She gazed at her friends and I saw them gesturing. 

"Yes, I will", she said jubilantly and stretched her hands so I'd insert the ring. I inserted the ring and she dragged me up. We kissed, while her friends had emotional remarks.

Read " A Tale of Five Bandits " by the same author ( Obinna Tony )

. They clapped and all jumped in celebration.

"I am so happy for both of you", they all chorused. I watched as Lola's mouth stuttered while she said it. We all moved to the dining table and sat down.

"You are the newest couple in town, you know?", Sheila said.

"At least, I'll be joining you soon", Funmi replied. We all laughed.

"Oh, Sheila is married?", I asked rhetorically.

"With two kids at that, and she is still looking like a sweet sixteen", Bella said. We laughed. Funmi requested we all opened our plates and start eating. We all did and started eating. Throughout our conversations, Lola never interfered. She got choked by food at a point, that she excused herself to the restroom. Funmi told me that Sheila and Bella were her university friends while Lola was her childhood friend. After we were done eating, we cut the cake, ate and drank to satisfaction.