Revolt

2. Love Bay

“Of course, what are best friends for if they don’t hang out a lot?” Anjola’s brows furrowed, and Tiolu intercepted her reply before she could tighten the tension in the air.

“Um, it was great seeing you again—Samson.” She touched him affectionately on his right bicep, and flashed him a farewell smile. “I’d definitely see you around.” Tiolu then dragged Anjola away, before Samson could get in a word edgewise. When they were in a secluded corner, away from the crowd of people, huddled in groups—chatting and making merry, over the sonorous melody of live jazz playing, she started her much anticipated admonition with a scowl on her face. “What the hell are you doing, Anjola?”

“And what the hell do you think you’re doing, also?” Anjola returned the query—folding her arms and matching her friend’s intense gaze. Tiolu had changed from her native, bridal attire she wore during the reception to a white jumpsuit, with glass gleamed straps and silver wedges. Her corn row braids had been released to fall in seamless curls over her face. Anjola knew she was beautiful, but Tiolu had that magazine-esque beauty that always intimidated.

“I am concerned about your love life, A.J.” Tiolu frowned. “Why are you not concerned? You are twenty-six, soon to turn twenty-seven. That’s young for a bachelor, but you’re technically approaching your nineties as far as the spinster life is concerned.”

“Nineties? Don’t be ridiculous.” Anjola scoffed. “I still have plenty of time. And you introducing me to multiple men, as if I’m raising money for stem cell research, and they’re sponsors—is beyond me. I can find men on my own, and I don’t need interference from you or anyone. And see the guys, that you’ve been introducing to human being sef. They look like advanced prototypes of robots, who only know the basics of socializing. No one of them has said something that’s not cliché or formulaic.”

“Oh really? You want wild ones?” Tiolu’s right brow furrowed. “Because I intentionally brought all the men that I know, have the potential to be your type—”

“So you just assume that I like boring men?”

“No, I assume that you like prim and proper men that would be polite, and not let loose until the tenth date, at least.” Tiolu retorted, and burst into a laugh when Anjola leveled her a threatening look. “Fine, sorry but trust me you do not want someone that’d charm the pants off you on the first meeting. People like that are mostly about sex.”

“I don’t necessarily want a charmer, just someone who is fun, lively and that can engage me in a fun conversation and crack me up once in a while. I mean, look at the Samson dude. I can’t imagine him being fun and witty, when he’s named after a Bible character. I imagine as he talks, he supports his words with scriptures from the Bible.”

“My God, Anjola. Since when did your faith become appalling.” Tiolu’s shoulders rocked in laughter, and she covered her mouth with the back of her right palm.

“My faith isn’t appalling, dumbass. It’s stronger than ever.” She rolled her eyes, a movement behind Tiolu drawing her attention. A petite, gorgeous young adult clad in a black corduroy jacket, over a black turtle neck and ripped jeans was approaching. It was Dolapo of course, Tiolu’s sister-in-law and Dayo’s twenty year old sibling who had a radical, refreshing personality. They had met once, and Anjola had been taken by her immediately, alongside everyone else. The girl was one of those classy, intellectuals full of grit everyone couldn’t help but like. She then started to wonder what news Dolapo was bringing to Tiolu.

“I just want someone fun for a partner, okay?” Anjola rounded up, with her earlier speech. “And not someone whose idea for fun is doing volunteer work for the community.”