Unfulfilled promises 48

Unfulfilled Promises

Episode 48

Over the years, she had always been on his mind even though he had had girlfriends. He wondered what she would say if he told her of his feelings. Probably pick her hand bag and run away, never to speak to him again. It was just too soon to do that.

“Why’re you looking at me like that?” she asked uneasily.

“I was just reminiscing good times. Remember ‘Eric’s not just my bestfriend, he’s my life’?” Dave threw at her but regretted doing so when her eyes moisten.

“I’m sorry.” he quickly said.

She shook her head. “It’s okay. Yes, I admit it. He was my life but not anymore.”

“So, someone else is your life right now?” he innocently asked but was amazed when she smiled.

“Is that a subtle way of asking me if I have a boyfriend?”

He had to smile at that.

“No, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“Why?”

“Well, I haven’t seen anyone who has appealed to me yet.”

“In the whole of Calabar?”

“Yes, in the whole of Calabar. What about you? I know girls would have fought themselves naked because of you.”

He laughed heartily. “Me? The introvert?”

“Girls are attracted to gentlemen.”

He shook his head. “Not this one.”

“Really?” she asked in disbelief.

“Alright. I’ve been in one or two relationships but they didn’t work out. I’m free now.”

She laughed. “Still searching for that missing rib, huh?”

He laughed also. “Something like that…what about you? Don’t tell me you’re also searching for your Mr. Right.”

She shrugged nonchalantly and smiled.

“Or is it that you’re still in love with Eric?” he chipped making her frown.

“You know, if you continue bringing up that guy, this might very well be the last time you’ll set eyes on me.” she firmly told him.

He raised his hands up in mock surrender.

“I’m sorry. It’s just that it’s quite hard to come to terms with the fact that you guys are no longer together.”

“Well, you just have to accept it…I really have to get going. I have to check out some other banks to find out if I can get any help.’

“You didn’t get any from that bank?”

“Let’s just say the manager was more interested in giving me help in a hotel room.”

Dave chuckled. “Well, can’t say I blame him. You’re a very beautiful girl.’

“Thanks but if my so-called beauty can’t get me help except via a hotel room, then I preferbeing ugly.”

He chuckled again. “Come off it. Girls are dying to be in your shoes…anyway, I have an uncle who is a bank manger here. Why don’t we go and find out if he can help you?”

“Really?” Oleng was all smiles.

“Really.” he replied smiling.

He paid for their drinks and they left the restaurant. Dave took her to his uncle who was of immense help to her. She smiled shyly when his uncle seemed to think she and Dave were going out and told Dave that he hoped she was the one. She had been surprised when instead of Dave to answer in the negative, he smiled and said time would tell.

She had never envisaged going out with Dave. He was a nice guy and a handsome one at that but he was more like a brother to her. She waved the thought aside. He’d probably been joking.

Dave and Oleng continued seeing each other at weekends. Oleng never knew Dave was so much fun to be with. Growing up had changed him. They went to fun places and tourist centers. They got to know each other better. They missed some weekends when he would be called out to the field; off shore and would be unable to make it. They missed weekends also when she was preparing for her final exams.

Dave was waiting for her when she finished her last paper and took her out. They stayed out very late that day and for the second time in her life, she was not only tipsy but drunk also. She woke up with a hangover the following day but smiled through it when she remembered all the fun she had had the previous day.

It was a sad day when Dave actually completed his youth service and had to leave Calabar. It was also a joyful day when he told her that the company had retained him due to his uncle’s strong connections. She was very happy for him and they went out to celebrate. She finally took him home to meet her aunt who was ecstatic.

“You’re welcome, my dear.” she said beaming from ear to ear. “You said you’re from Bayelsa, right?”

“Yes ma.” Dave politely answered.

“I’ve never been there before. I heard it’s a nice place. I can just imagine. Bayelsa and Cross River. It would be a Niger Delta wedding.”

“Aunty Vien!” Oleng nearly died of embarrassment.

“What?” she sweetly asked. “This is the first guy you’ve brought home. Shouldn’t I think he’s special and he’s the one?”

“Aunty Vien! He was my school mate back in Port Harcourt. He was a close friend.” she explained.

“And an even closer one now.” She winked at her niece who looked at her in exasperation while Dave couldn’t stop smiling. She hit him.

“What?” he feigned innocence.

“Quit that smug look on your face.”

“Alright princess.”

She had to smile at the pet name he had suddenly developed for her. She wondered why guys seemed to think she needed a pet name. She shrugged and tried not to remember the one Eric used to call her.

It had been very hard for her not to remember Eric every time she was with Dave, after all they had been not only classmates but friends as well but Dave’s cheerful nature always made her push the thought of Eric aside. He was really fun to be with.

To be continued