I was betrayed
As we stepped out to go for our usual long evening walk, I felt Zara’s hand tug my collar gently to make sure I looked good. How I love when she does that.
Though it had drizzled a bit earlier, it was a warm evening. We walked down the road leading to the estate gate. On our way, we saw her friend at his house: he was a fine but bad-tempered guy.
I didn’t like to see her with this guy probably because he once did some things that hurt her.
It was as though the guy knew she usually passed that road daily because he was outside. I walked ahead as she waved.
While we walked, we talked at length as she told me how her day went — everything that made the day great, good, or just there. Zara also told me about this new business she was looking to start even though I didn’t really understand it.
I listened to her.
On days when we didn’t go on long walks or play in the neighbourhood, we would sit in the compound. Oftentimes she did the talking while I listened; I’m a good listener.
I’ve been friends with Zara since she was in college. We spend most of our free time together during the week, and even at weekends too. I always looked forward to our times together.
Most times, we stay up in her bed talking while eating pizza and watching TV. When she sleeps off I go to my room. She’s literally the best thing that has happened to me since Agege bread and ewa agoyin.
How wrong was I?
Things became rough as she rarely talked to me. I couldn’t call her attention to it or nag because I was scared I might ruin what we already had.
We didn’t go for long walks anymore. She came home late and spent time talking on her phone, or smiling as she typed away. She was barely present to me.
I remember walking into her room one night but she didn’t notice I was there seated on her couch: she was too busy on her phone.
Can’t you see I’m here, you silly girl! I screamed in my head.
At first, I thought it was work but I soon figured out there was someone else; I should have known.
One night, she came home with that silly friend of hers. Zara didn’t ask if that was fine with me.
“It’s fine if she doesn’t,” I told myself, “I mean she can do anything she wants with her life, whatever makes her happy. She doesn’t need my opinion,” I continued even though I felt she should have considered how I would feel.
I was heartbroken.
I’d been a good listener and friend. I’d always listened to her rants, given her my shoulder to cry on, and let her hug me tightly even though that hurts my ribs. Yet, she betrayed me.
How couldn’t she have noticed that I cared about her? Couldn’t she feel it? I asked myself.
It’s just sad that she chose the guy over me.
I was standing on the porch as she came into the compound with him. They held hands as they walked toward the front door, and I could see the guilt written all over her face.
I couldn’t hide the sense of betrayal that swept over me. I’m always angry whenever we walked past his house and Zara waved at him.
But now he had the nerve to walk right into our compound. “He’s not getting away with it,” I thought, “this is the time to hit him back for making my girl cry in the first place.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. Before Zara could say a word, I charged at him pinning him to the ground, and pulled at his trousers.
Yes! I’d always wanted to do this!
“Get down, boy! Get down!” she shouted.
I got off him and ran into the house.
“Seems I will have to convince your dog that I’m a good person after all,” he said as he got to his feet. She smiled as they both came inside.
Once they got in, Zara kicked me out and locked the door.
I was betrayed.
Copyright ©2020 by Omolara Oseni
