It had been two days since I came to stay with Iyanu and her family. She had invited me to her house, saying she wanted to help me prepare for my prom night which was in a few hours and my mother had agreed I spent a week there.
I had been scared to go stay with them at first, thinking Mrs Adeyemi would hold a grudge against me after grandma's treatment that day at the wedding ceremony but she had been treating me well like I was her daughter and I was very glad.
It was a pity I couldn't spend the entire year with them even when they had been nothing but nice to me. My mum didn't want that and I also didn't want to overstay my welcome. My mum had asked I come to stay with her till I left for college but I still hadn't made a decision.
I couldn't bring myself to, not when I would be living with my stepfather whose presence held some strange aura like he was plotting some evil plan or something. I kept getting the thought that I would be smothered in my sleep each time I went to spend the weekend there. It was sickening.
Though Grandma's house was wide open for me, I wasn't comfortable with grandma either. It was true that she had changed and no longer monitored my movement - she had given me my space the last time I spent a day with her - however, I didn't know how long it would take for her to spark and return to her old self.
So there I was, in a dilemma of where to stay till I left for college. I wished I could just live with Peter, would that be so bad?
As I sat on the bed staring at my reflection in the mirror, I smiled cheekily. Iyanu was quite good and she had successfully transformed me to a beauty. I could feel excitement bubbling in me as I imagined the look on Peter's face when he sees me.
He was my date to the prom and he had insisted to pick us up - Iyanu had asked to come along even when she clearly had no business there. I was grateful she was anyway. Her presence would be such a comfort.
"Iyanu, be fast. Peter will be here soon. I don't want him waiting." I spoke out, checking out my silver earring dangling on both my ears. I stared at the plump glossy lips of mine that Iyanu had tagged kissable. Did she really mean that?
"I'm almost done. Lover girl." She said and I shook my head. Ever since she saw Peter, she had resulted to calling me lover girl for reasons best known to her. I loved it though.
"You aren't. You're still on your brows and I have told you countless times it is perfect. You don't even know anyone so why are you overdressing?"
"Overdressing?" Iyanu yelled dramatically. "Is wearing a dress overdressing? Besides, don't you know you should look good at all times even when you don't know where you're going? You never can tell. You might meet your husband." She smiled smugly, obviously proud of herself.
"Indeed." I huffed. "Just hurry - "
The knock on the door interrupted me and we both stared at Doyin's head which was popped into the room.
"Peter is here!" She announced and I gasped, shooting Iyanu a glare. She smiled sheepishly in return.
"Thank you, Doyin," I said and she nodded before shutting the door.
Peter had come visiting once and I had taken the opportunity to introduce him to everyone. It was not strange to see Iyanu's mother asking about him ever since then. Peter was such a charmer who left a lasting effect on people.
"Peter should know he is dealing with girls. What did he expect?" I heard Iyanu say despite my racing heart. I was suddenly nervous to see Peter. I wasn't sure I looked great anymore.
My sky blue off-shoulder chiffon dress now looked hideous and irritating; I couldn't believe I had chosen to wear it. Besides, it showed too much of my cleavage and made my breast look bigger than usual.
My eyes darted to the wardrobe where I had hung some of my dresses and I headed to it without a second thought, running my fingers through the dresses.
"What are you doing?" Iyanu questioned.
"I don't want to wear this anymore," I replied as I scanned the wardrobe for something suitable but nothing seemed to fit. I sighed in defeat.
"Why?! You chose this yourself."
"Yeah, but I don't want to wear it anymore." I pouted.
"But you look good. You don't know how much I wish to switch dress with you."
I turned to look at her, inspecting her as she ran her fingers through her black silky dress. She looked so good in it unlike me.
"I wouldn't mind," I stated truthfully and she rolled her eyes.
"You were really happy to wear this dress earlier. What changed?" She picked her matching purse and gestured to the door but my feet were frozen at the spot.
"You look beautiful, Beatrice. Honestly." She smoothened my hair, running her fingers through my edges which she had stylishly curled in place.
I glanced at the mirror once more, inhaling and exhaling before we finally left the room.
Peter was sitting on the couch, listening attentively to whatever Mrs Adeyemi was saying. My heart skipped a bit as I stared at Peter who hadn't noticed me yet. He was on a white suit with a red tie knotted to his neck.
His dyed hair was blown up and his full brows were shaped, complimenting his already perfect looks. For a moment, I couldn't move as all I could do was drink in his exquisiteness.
"Oh my God! Peter looks hot!" Iyanu muttered under her breath and I nodded weakly; my gaze fixated squarely at him. I wanted to hold him. I wanted to touch him. I. . .
"Ever since my Uncle Afolabi called to inform he was in the country and will be visiting with his family soon, my mum has been super excited. She keeps telling everyone about his visit." Iyanu's voice brought me out of my daze.
"Mmm?" I asked.
"Let's save your bf from my mum's endless talk." She held my hand and dragged me forward.
"He's not my bf," I muttered quietly, fixing my gaze on the floor to hide my flushed cheeks.
Peter's eyes darkened the moment he saw me and I held my breath for reasons I couldn't comprehend. His eyes riveted around my body, starting from my feet to my face and back down. His lips parted and he seemed to be having difficulty in breathing. Was he okay?
Iyanu's fake cough broke the silence as she tried to stifle a laugh. "Let's get going."
"Oh -- yeah." Peter stuttered and stood up to his feet; his red pocket-square fully in the display. "Thank you, ma for having me." He bowed and Mrs Adeyemi smiled brightly at him.
I bit my lips as I watched them, not being able to control the jealousy that was eating me up. Sometimes, I get the feeling Mrs Adeyemi was in love with Peter. She smiled so brightly each time she saw him. I knew it was stupid to think so but I couldn't help such foolish thoughts from filling my head.
There was this possessive feeling that overwhelmed me when it came to Peter. I didn't want to share him with anyone. It was senseless because he wasn't even mine, to begin with.
He had not said anything about being in a relationship and I wasn't even sure I wanted to be in one. But for Peter, I was willing to give it a try. I didn't want whatever we had to end.
Immediately we were out of the house, Peter's hand gripped mine like he had been dying to do so since. He entwined our fingers, holding me close with a crook smile on his face.
"You look breathtaking." He whispered into my ear and I shivered; my cheeks heating up from his warm breath breathing down my neck.
"You too." I managed to say and he grinned.
Iyanu glanced at us as she shook her head in feigned anger. She got into the back seat while I sat at the front with Peter.
"This wasn't the car you brought along the last time you came," Iyanu observed and Peter nodded.
"Stole this." He smirked at her and she chuckled.
"Hope you won't get into trouble?" I asked softly.
"Nah. Dad's out of town. Mum permitted me." His hand found mine and he held it firmly.
Though our entwined fingers were on the blue fabric of my dress, I could feel his touch on my skin. I gulped.
The drive was quiet, save for the cool blues oozing from the music player. It was a comfortable silence and it helped calm my racing heart. Peter's hands held mine throughout our journey and I kept running my hand over his unconsciously.
We pulled up in the school's parking lot with the help of the guards who directed him. I sat still on the chair while the rest prepared to get out.
"Aren't you coming out?" Iyanu asked and Peter turned to look at me.