VULNERABLE

 You, my man, you are the best. Thank you for fixing that thingy, I said pointing to the jewelry lock. I grinned as I rubbed his head slowly. 

Thanks baby, he smiled and winked at me. 

And you are welcome, he completed. 

Oh please, I whispered to him. 

What do you want for lunch? I am not staying till forever, I stood akimbo.

I saw as he looked away and smiled again. 

I chuckled too. What’s funny? He asked me. I don’t know, that came out because I saw you smiling, I responded as I smacked my lips.

Should we lick some ice cream? He asked and smiled. You keep smiling and that’s very creepy, I laughed as I glanced at him. I actually just want some ice cream, babe. He held my wrist as he spoke. 

I know this touch, baby. You want to talk to mummy about something? I asked as I laid beside him on the brown carpet in the middle of the tiles.

I am fine, boo boo, he said and stroked my cheeks several times. I am not falling for that, I said as I sat up. Come here, I said as I pulled him closer and sunk my palm into his. I won’t fall for that, I know you are not fine, and I won’t get up until you are. Rest your head, I said as I allowed his head rest on my bosom. I stroked his beards and stayed quiet for while. 

 I was just wondering, baby. Was I too hard with Greg? He asked me. Greg?, I asked. Your friend? Babe, you are beating up yourself for that? You are upset with yourself?  I asked repeatedly. He has been a friend for so long and he wouldn’t just get better with himself, it wasn’t decent, I had to say something, he said to me with a confused look. You just answered everything, baby, you were right to have been honest with him. No, you were not too hard, I consoled him as I continuously stroked his beards. You were just good and straight, that’s why you need a bowl of ice cream because you are tensed, I said to him. I don’t know, I’ve been thinking about it. He is my old time buddy,  I was feeling guilt, he responded. Or I still feel guilty, he interrupted my about to land speech. I think that’s normal, conscience thingy, but I am telling you as your woman, that you have no faults, I said as I took his head off my bosom and pecked him. You see that my woman part? I like it, he said as he touched my cheeks. 

I’ve told you stop touching my cheeks like that, goofy head, I called and tapped his head lightly. Is that everything? Uh? I asked him again. Yes, mummy. Thank you, he whispered in my ears. I like that I can always talk to you, he said. And I am glad I can always help out. Just like I can talk to you and you still help out, I reverted. I love you, he mouthed. Love you too, babe. I still want the ice cream, he said quietly. Why are you looking cute? I said to him and smiled. Because I’ve got you, he responded. That’s a tease, but I love it. I would get the ice cream in the refrigerator and sit with you, I told him as I stood up. Like you don’t want some, he grinned. I do, actually. I don’t want to run late, I have to pick my car from the mechanic and pick a file from Keji, I said sharply. 

     With his grin, he looked up and tapped my legs, let me know if you need help, he said to me. Yes, daddy, I would, I responded sharply. And yes, ice cream is good for lunch, he concluded. Well, I was going to make lunch, but ice cream works for you and I am in a hurry, I said as I began walking towards the refrigerator.

  Your phone is ringing, madam, he said to me. Who is it? I asked him. Ugo, he responded sharply. Uh, I’d call him back, I said as I brought the ice cream closer. Is that the same Ugo? Ugo, your friend who wants to be with you? He asked. Yes, that’s him, I responded. I thought we spoke about this? He questioned me. Yes, we did, I confirmed as I took my first lick. And? He asked. And what? He is a friend, an old friend, I already addressed that with him. I am not saying anything, but I am a man and I just don’t think a man would run after you and let it go like that. Be careful, he stated as he continued with the ice cream. Don’t give me that look, I said as I tapped him. I don’t have a look, he denied.  You do, I corrected him. You just be careful, that’s it, he said firmly. And stop knowing my looks and touches, he added. I would be careful, I chuckled, trust me. I trust you, he said as he kissed my forehead. “I trust you”, the words rang and hit the same way the ice cream. 

   

There is a lot to love. 

4/2022. 

Oluwafunke Ajoba

Articledepth.blogspot.com