Her Baby’s Secret

Arike’s POV

ONE WEEK LATER

So I am going on a date with Bamidele. Hey! I know what you are thinking! Hanging out with an Ex-Gay! Come of it! Bamidele is normal now! Lol! And we’ve been going out for a while now. We aren’t dating yet. No! Let me rephrase it. I am not in a relationship with Bamidele. We are still trying to figure if things can work out between us.

My phone beeped as I apply make up to my face. I was kinda excited to see Bamidele. Honestly I enjoy Bamidele’s company. And guess what? We have decided to attend Dayo’s wedding together. Thank God I won’t be alone at the party, just watching my best friend get married.

“Hello.”

“Are you ready?” Bamidele asked.

“Yes… I am ready.”

“Okay… I am waiting outside your home.”

“Oh really?!”

Then I heard a horn. “Okay… I’ll be out soon.”

We didn’t agree for him to come pick me up. The initial plan was to meet up at the restaurant.

“I am almost done.”

“Take your time.” He said before hanging up the call.

I finished up my make up in a rush and motioned out of my room. I couldn’t understand why I was in a hurry to meet Bamidele.

He was out of the car when I came out of the gate. His eyes was busying checking me out with as he smiled at me.

“Hi.. sorry I kept you waiting.” I said shyly as I was towards him.

“No.. it was worth thr wait. You… look beautiful.” He commented and I blushed.

“Thanks. You don’t look bad yourself.” I complimented his looks too.

“Ahmmm you sure?”

“Of course!”

“Okay.. thanks. let’s get going.”

“Wait… it’s my turn to drive.” I reminded him.

Yeah! We always take turns to drive whenever we are going out together.

“You can have the keys.” He dropped it into my open palm.

“Thanks.” I said. We entered the car.

“So now… I have to relax while you drive.” He adjusted the seat and relaxed.

“That’s not fair.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t sleep the last time you were in my position.”

“Oh really?” He said and I hummed a response.

“I am changing style today.” We both laughed.

I started the car and the engine roared back to life.

“I like it when you drive.” He said.

“Does it surprise you?!”

“No.. not at all.” He responded.

“So what?” I looked at him.

“You look more beautiful.. whenever you drive.” He said after some seconds of silence.

“Are you trying to flatter me?”

“No… I am not flattering you.” He stuttered and avoided a glance with me.

“Maybe… I should make a video of you driving.” He brought out his phone.

“It is necessary.”

“Says who?” I asked

“Say me… Barrister Bamidele.”

“Sounds like you are indeed proud of yourself.” I laughed.

“Of course! And you’re Barrister Arike, the best criminal attorney working in the best law firm in Nigeria.”

“One of the best.” I corrected.

“Great! I am going to post this.”

“What’s that?” I looked at him.

“I just made a short clip of you.” He waved his phone.

“Are you serious?” I tried to snatch his phone but he hid it away from me.

“Oh please concerntrate on the road or else we’re going to crash.” He winked.

I returned my focus back on the road. A ring from my phone stopped me from saying my next words to Bamidele.

I checked the caller’s ID – Adedayo.

“Won’t you pick up?” He asked.

“I am driving.”

“Why don’t you park somewhere and pick up the groom’s call.” Bamidele suggested.

“No.”

“I can help you pick up.. who knows.. he might need your help with something.”

“Like what?”

“Wedding preparation.” He answered.

“No, his best man is there to help him out. I’ll talk to him later.”

“Okay.”

None of us said anything until we arrived at our destination.

*****

*****************

“Bamidele, thanks for bringing me out for dinner today.” I smiled.

“You’re welcome. But… let’s do it again.”

“Definitely not next weekend.”

“Why not?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh! Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten -” I waited for him to remember but no response.

“My best friend is getting married!” I snapped him out of reverie

“Oh! That’s true! How did I forget that?!” He hit his head on the wheel.

“If you don’t stop hitting your head on that wheel, you’ll have headache.”

He stopped. “How can such big event skip my mind?”

“Too much on your mind.”

“So what’s the plan?”

“I will be handling a new case from Monday but I will try to wrap things up quickly before Friday.”

“Easier said than done.” He said.

I laughed. “Exactly.”

“Will you be sleeping over at Dayo’s home on Friday night?” He asked.

“No!” My reply was sharp.

His forehead creased at my response. Okay! I went a bit overboard.

Why should I sleep over at his home on the night before his wedding?!

“Sorry.. I forgot you are a woman. But what about his family home?”

“I am not going there either. Busayomi is coming over to my place on Friday, so we’ll all go together.”

“Okay… good… I will come pick you ladies up on Saturday morning.”

“Thank you.” I smiled. “You should get going…. it’s late.” I tried to open the door but a hold on my wrist stopped me. I glanced up at Bamidele.

“Sorry…. Just wanted to say… something.” He stuttered.

“Okay…” I mumbled. Somehow my heartbeat accelerated as I waited for Bamidele to man up and talk to me.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

I heard him release a sigh.

“I like you.” He said finally.

Our eyes met. I didn’t look away neither did I utter a word. It was as if my tongue was tied. Of course I should have expected this day because Bamidele and I has been spending more time together.

“Arike, I know… you already made it clear from the start that you want just friendship… with me.. but -” he paused.

“I can’t just control this feelings. This is me to me being that -”

I cut him off. “I am the first woman you choose to like.”

“Yes.. you’re right. And I would like it if you give me a chance, Arike.”

We stared at each other for some time. “We can start from somewhere.”

I swallowed hard. “Can you give me some time to think about it?” I asked.

“Yes… you can have all the time you want. And I hope to get a positive response.” He said.

I managed to smile. “I should get going now.” I said

He unlocked the car. “Drive safely.”

“Good Night.”

I waved at him before entering my gate.