I love you, even though you will never love me back.
Wish #10: Fall completely in love.
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Dave's POV.
I couldn't help but notice Sandra and Kath have been really close for the past few days. They've been meeting each other without including me and it made me suspicious. What are they up to?
I also wondered if Kath knew my birthday was tomorrow. She didn't mention anything, I tried to tell her but she was always busy. What could she possibly be busy with? I'm her only friend. I woke up this morning, it was finally my birthday.
"Happy birthday My son" Mom smiled, "may you live a long life, you will prosper in all you do, you are blessed and protected, in Jesus name, amen".
"Amen" I answered with a nod. I went to the living room and saw Sam dressed up. "Happy birthday bro" Sam smiled.
"Thanks" I smiled. I looked around for Kath and when I didn't see her, I turned to Sam. "Where is Kath? She should be up by now" I asked curiously.
"Oh, she left early this morning" Sam answered nonchalantly.
"what?! Since when is she allowed to leave the house?! What if she gets into trouble?!" I exclaimed in shock. How could they let Kath just leave like that?! I am sure I looked a bit horrified.
"Calm down bro, she left with Ayo. It seems they had some plan" Sam told me calmly. He looked at me like I was crazy for reacting that way. He patted my back as he walked past me, "chillax dude".
I stared at space in surprise. I couldn't help but feel disappointed when I heard that. It was my birthday and she couldn't even be here for me. I don't know when next I might see her after she leaves and she chooses to not be with me on my birthday.
I clenched my fist upset. "Hey, don't you have work?" Sam yelled from the kitchen, "you better hurry". I released my fist and went inside to change. I got to work and everyone there wished me a happy birthday. I have not known them for long yet they wished me unlike Kath. Toyosi and the others from Lagos called to wish me a happy birthday but nothing from Kath. How come no one told her it was my birthday?
I couldn't help but feel a bit bitter. All the things she said, is this how little I mean to her? I sighed and shook those thoughts out of my head. Sandra had sent me a message a long time ago and called me later. She asked me to wait for her outside my work place. I didn't want to but since she asked nicely, I decided to wait.
"Hey Dave" Sandra grinned as she ran up to me. "Happy birthday" She said and kissed me on the cheek. I smiled and hugged her, "thanks".
"Come with me, I have a surprise to you" Sandra said and pulled me with her, "come on".
"where are we going?" I asked not really thrilled.
"You'll see" Sandra said with a mysterious smile. I narrowed my eyes but let her lead me. We entered a taxi and arrived at a club. I raised an eyebrow, "a club?".
"Come on, let's go" Sandra said excitedly and I followed her. I opened the door and walked to the second door that led to the main hall. Darkness suddenly filled my sight. I furrowed my brows in confusion, "what the...Sandra? What's going on?".
I got an answer in torches. Series of them lit up the room and I saw people holding them. "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday" everyone sang happily, "happy birthday to you".
I stood in front of everyone speechless. Mom was there, Sam, Ayo, a few of my old course mates and friends. Sandra joined them holding a cake in her hands. Everyone stopped singing and Sandra stood in front of me with a smile. "Happy Birthday" she said softly.
"W-wow, this is amazing" I said overwhelmed with shock, "thank you so much for all this. Thanks a lot". Everyone clapped and Sandra took my hand, "let's cut the cake everyone". Everyone cheered and we gathered round a table. I was in front with mom, Sandra, Sam, Ayo and the cake.
I cut it and we shared it. Despite my happiness over what everyone did for me, I felt bad. Why wasn't Kath here? Is she in trouble? I know she would have never let this happen without here. We have already taken pictures and shared the cake, where is she?
"Why do you have that sad look on your face? It's your birthday, you should be happy!" Ayo grinned, slapping me playfully on the back. I forced myself to laugh and met up with my old friends.
"Congratulations to you bro" a friend of mine, Kevin grinned, "you and Sandra are together now, that's great".
"thanks" I smiled.
"I got to admit, this place is fancy" another of my old friends, Kyle said, "your girlfriend and brother did good planning it. This must have taken quite some cash".
My brows furrowed hearing that. It's true. Where would they get that kind of cash from?. "Excuse me" I smiled politely and went to meet Sam and Sandra. I smiled, "hey guys".
"Dave" Sandra grinned, "do you like the party?".
"Yeah, thanks, it's great" I said looking around, "but how did you afford all this stuff? It must have been crazy expensive". I noticed Sandra and Sam exchange a look at the corner of my eyes and they smiled nervously.
"don't bother about that. It's a party, let's celebrate" Sam said avoiding the topic. I stared at them suspiciously but seeing neither of them admitting anything. I sighed, "yeah, by the way, have you seen Kath?".
They shook their heads. "No, I don't think she is coming to the party" Sandra said.
I gripped the drink in my hand and asked, with a deep frown "Kath knows about my birthday? And she refused to come?".
"uh, yeah but-" I didn't let Sandra finish because I walked away feeling deeply hurt. Kath knew it was my birthday but she chose to go off to nowhere. I returned to my friends. "Hey, why do you look angry?" Ike asked.
I ignored him. "Ayo? I heard you and Kath were out today, where is she?" I asked in a slow manner. The guys seemed to have quiet down as they noticed I was angry.
Ayo looked uncomfortable, "she left as soon as I was done getting your gift". I slumped my shoulders unable to feel anymore anger. That...Katherine?! How could she have left me like this?! She...I thought we were friends.
My friends noticed my disappointed and angry expression and Kevin asked, "is everything alright? You don't look too happy".
"I'm fine" I answered stiffly.
"And who is Kath?" Kyle asked curiously.
"None of your business" I snapped. No one said anything after that. Ayo decided to speak after the pause but he was cut by Sandra's voice over the loudspeaker. "Hey everyone, move to the stage because the entertainment is here" Sandra grinned, "this is another surprise Dave".
I furrowed my brows wondering what sort of entertainment and surprise. The guys looked curious, and eager too. We moved to the stage and waited. An electronic hip hop beat began playing and I raised an eyebrow. What is this?
"Happy birthday David" a familiar voice said through the speakers and I froze in shock.
"Kath?" I gulped and the curtains drew. Katherine stood on the stage with a huge smile on her face. She wore a black leggings and shiny blue-black long sleeved crop top. I stared at her in shock as her gaze was on me. She winked and the song began playing in full.
Kath began dancing and her moves caught everyone's attention. I could see all the men's attention on her. My attention was on her too, I couldn't believe this was happening. Some ladies joined her on the stage and soon, the dance ended.
Sandra joined Kath on the stage and Kath took the microphone. "I hope you liked that performance Dave, I spent two weeks to get it right".
My friends looked at me while I said nothing. I was at a loss for words. "I want to say a few-, no sorry" Kath laughed apologetically, "a lot of words about Dave. Dave is a...very special person to me. He is my first real friend, my confidante, my...everything. I owe him a lot, so much that no amount of gifts or words will ever suffice. He has been with me through my bad and good times and he has never complained. For this, I wish him a happy birthday and I thank...destiny," Kath laughed at her words, "for permitting me to meet you. Thank you Dave".
She looked down then looked at me with a smile, "I guess what I am trying to say is, I love you".
I saw Sandra turn sharply to Kath and an ominous feeling came over me. I hope Sandra doesn't really take that seriously. Kath doesn't love me like that, she meant as a friend Sandy. Oh God...
"...you are the bestest friend I could ever ask for," Kath grinned, "Oh boy, Liz is gonna be mad to hear that but it's the truth. I love you best friend!". Kath smiled at me as she ended. Everyone clapped and I went up to the stage.
"So this was your plan?" I asked calmly.
"yep, did you like it?" Kath grinned excitedly. I gestured for her to come to me. She walked to me and I flicked her forehead hard, "ow! What the heck Dave?!".
I smiled smugly, "thanks for the surprise". Everyone laughed and we went off the stage. I listened to others speak about me but my eyes truly couldn't leave Kath. I have so many questions to ask her and Sandra.
After everyone talked, I was with my friends so I couldn't a chance to talk to Kath or Sandra. "so that is the Kath you were talking about?" Kyle said taking a sip of his liquor, "she is hot". The others mumbled in agreement and I clenched my jaw.
"I'll be right back, I have to talk to someone" I said. I looked at Ayo, "come with me too, I know you are involved in it". Ayo's grin scared me and I found myself faltering. Nevertheless, the both of us went to Sam, Sandra and Kath. I pulled them into a private room.
"Okay, start talking" I said with folded hands.
"Who will go first?" Kath asked Sandra nervously.
"Obviously me" Sandra rolled her eyes, "okay, Dave, Sam and I were planning a surprise party for you when Kath found out and begged to help. I agreed and she came up with the idea to surprise you by dancing at your birthday," she gestured to Kath, "Kath made us lie to you that she wasn't coming so she could truly surprise you".
"I have to say, you got me" I admitted, "I truly thought Kath wasn't coming and I was so close to hating her".
Kath gasped dramatically, "seriously?!".
"Yeah, but all is forgiven now" I said shrugging it off. Kath narrowed her eyes at me and Ayo chuckled. I turned to Sandra, "so I am guessing the renting of this club was Kath's contribution?".
"Yes" Sam answered instead, "she is loaded. Sandra took care of the decorations and I invited everyone". I smiled subconsciously and turned to Ayo. I raised an eyebrow, "what did you do?".
"I got you a gift duh, and I also came up with this super surprise party idea" Ayo said in a 'it's so obvious' tone and I laughed.
"Thank you guys a lot. This really means a lot to me" I said earnestly. I looked at the faces of my friend, my brother, my girlfriend and Kath. I know you think, why didn't I call her my friend? That is because she is more special than a friend to me. I just don't know what it is.
"You're welcome" Sandra smiled and pecked me on the lips, bringing me out of my thoughts. Everyone laughed and we left the private room. "Give me a sec" I told Sandra and went to Kath, "You look beautiful Kath".
Kath widened her eyes and looked at herself. She had one a jacket over her top. "really?" she asked.
I nodded amused, "yeah, you look beautiful. Didn't you know?".
"I don't know, thanks" Kath smiled shyly.
"Kath, let's stop this".
"huh? What?".
"Stop trying to thank me. We have done so much for each other so can't we call things bygones?" I said smiling, "we don't need to keep repaying each other, just knowing we appreciate each other is enough".
"Okay" Kath said breathlessly. She had a soft smile on her lips.
"oh, and sorry we haven't done the rest of your wish left" I apologized feeling bad, "we can start on the rest tomorrow. Like that 'build a time capsule' thing". I chuckled at the idea.
Kath looked down shyly and I raised an eyebrow inquisitively. This is new. I was about to ask what was up when Kath spoke up, "you don't have to worry too much, I have already crossed off one wish from the list".
"What? Really?! Without me?" I said a bit disappointed, "which was it? Don't tell me you did it with Ayo? We made a pact".
Kath laughed silently, shaking her head. "no I didn't do it with Ayo and this, was the wish" she leaned in and whispered, "to fall completely in love".
I don't know why but hearing that made my stomach sink. In love? Kath is in love? With who? I stared at her shocked, "since when? With who? How?".
Kath smiled at me teasingly and pointed behind me. "Your girlfriend is getting impatient, I don't want to keep her waiting" Kath smiled and turned around.
"Kath wait! Tell me who you are in love with!" I yelled but she didn't come back. Sandra came to me and pulled my arm, "come on Dave, we haven't played any games. Come with me".
I could only let Sandra drag me with her and there was no way Kath was turning back. Is she really in love?
The rest of the party was fun. We drank and we danced. Sandra and I had a great dance. Mom had left after the cake, this sort of parties weren't her thing. "Hey everyone, let's take a selfie" Kath said, holding up her phone excitedly. Me, Sam, Sandra, Ayo gathered along with some people and took the picture.
Kath was just all over the place. I wasn't able to get her alone so I could find out who she is in love with. It was time for another dance and I noticed Kyle approaching Katherine. He talked to her and after a while, she laughed at something he was saying.
"What is Kyle doing?" I asked stiffly.
"oh, he is interested in Kath so he went over to talk to her" Ayo answered simply.
"What's the point?" I said somewhat bitterly that Ayo looked at me. I continued, "I mean, it's not like Kath is going to date him. She will be leaving soon so that is just pointless".
Ayo looked at me with furrowed brows. "Is everything alright?" he asked seriously.
"I'm fine" I nodded and continued drinking. I watched Kyle dance with Kath and I don't know why, it made me feel bitter. Why am I feeling so protective over her? I stopped watching them and made my way to Kath when she was done dancing.
"Dave...".
"I think it's time we talk" I said sternly and dragged her with me. We went upstairs where It was less crowded and where we could see everyone. I leant on the railing, "you can't just tell me you are in love with someone and not tell me who. I mean, I didn't even help and we made a pact to fulfill your wishes together".
I frowned at Kath and she gave me a knowing smile. She walked over to me. "You did help me fulfill this wish Dave, just like you have helped me fulfill every other wish" she placed her hand on mine and I felt it burn. Why did her skin always feel like that on mine?
"I helped you?" I frowned, "how? Does this mean it is someone I know? But how? Tell me who he is? Maybe I can help you get together". I ignored the pain I felt on saying the last part.
Kath smiled bitterly and sighed, "listen Dave, I told you I am in love right? Yes, I am but I can't tell you who he is".
"Why not?" I flared.
"Because I don't want to get together with him. I may have fallen in love with him but there is no way he can fall in love with me" Kath said sadly. I felt bad, who on earth wouldn't love Kath? She is...amazing.
"then tell me who he is so I can help" I urged.
Kath shook her head, "you don't need to know".
"Is it Ayo?" I asked with clenched fists.
Kath laughed, "no, I don't feel that way for Ayo. He is my friend. He may be a flirt and charming but no, not my type".
"Sam?".
"Dave please".
"then tell me who?".
"No".
I grunted frustrated and pinched the bridge of my nose. "Okay, at least tell me what is he like?".
An involuntary smile made it's way to Kath's lips and I found myself feeling...jealous. "He is kind, a bit serious, he is a loyal person" Kath blinked with a look of pure admiration on his face, "he trusts me a lot and he is very supportive".
When did she meet this guy?! She thinks the whole world of him. "where did you meet him?" I asked.
"Doesn't matter".
"when?".
Kath paused in thought, "not too long ago".
"Why don't you want to try and get together with him?" I asked bitterly.
Kath smiled sadly, "I come from a different life Dave. I am the daughter of a Don, he will only get into danger if I come into his life to stay besides, he doesn't love me. I know that for sure" Katherine looked so sad and I felt so bad, "I am not even going to stay for long, I will have to return to my father....it will never work. I also don't wanna get married anyways". Kath looked at me amused on saying the last part.
"who said dating someone means marriage?" I asked.
"that's what it leads to" Kath sang and turned away, "plus I am glad I fell in love with him. Even if I don't end up with him in the end, I am glad that I got to experience what love is. I was beginning to think that wish was an impossibility". She looked at peace despite how bad this looked.
"How did you know it was love?" I asked her skeptically. It could be an infatuation for all i know.
"Because he makes me feel different, my heart would beat faster whenever he was around, he made me cry, he made me laugh" Kath smiled wistfully, "he tries to make me happy and that got me falling in love with him. Despite the fact that he doesn't love me, I always want him happy". I saw Kath sniff and subtly wipe a tear. "if that's not love, what is it?" She completed. I instantly felt bad and without warning, enveloped her in a hug.
She didn't fight it. All she did was hug me back and cry a bit. "I hope this guy you are crying for is worth all this tears" I said annoyed at the fact that Kath fell in love with someone without expecting love in return.
"He is" Kath answered softly and I sighed, knowing she truly meant it.
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