DIARIES (ENTRY #10)

RETROSPECTION

After the episode with Emeka, I became a shadow of myself. I was withdrawn and my relationship with Afolabi, My Aunt, Banke and my other friends suffered greatly. It was at that point I realized my life had revolved around him. I promised myself I would never let this happen again, yet I find myself repeating the same mistake with TK…hmmm sometimes it’s so hard being your own person as a woman!

I focused all my energy on my final exams and project. I graduated with very good grades more for Afolabi’s sake than mine; he had been so caring and supportive throughout my battle with getting over Emeka and the loss of our baby. Banke was held back a year in school so I was forced to go and serve without her. We had planned we would both get posted to Lagos so we could still be together. Afolabi tried to influence my posting so I could stay in Lagos where he could monitor me, unfortunately it did not work out and I was posted to Delta state. I was happy,the change of environment was just what I needed.

I got a job as a marketer in one of the commercial banks in Asaba and I made many good friends especially Wale. Wale was a supervisor in my branch and he was very fond of me. He was in his early 30s and single.  He picked me up from my house and dropped me off every day after work. We became quite close but he was constantly pushing me to move the relationship to the next level, but I never felt the kind of chemistry I felt with Emeka with him. He eventually settled for being like an older brother to me.

There was also Ralph, a fellow corp member I had met in camp. He was very good looking and popular amongst the corp members and so many girls were vying for his attention yet he remained adamant on dating me. I admit I was attracted to his larger than life personality and we went on a couple of dates and kissed a few times but I wasn’t ready to move things forward. I think part of me was still secretly waiting for Emeka to admit he had made a mistake and come begging. At the time, I knew I would have taken him back. Ralph eventually started dating someone else and we remained friends. All my other admirers did not even come close enough for consideration. I was an ice queen and quickly gained a reputation for being that.

Eventually service ended and I decided to go back to Lagos. Wale bought me a flight ticket and took me to the airport himself. While we were waiting for the flight he tried to convince me to stay.

Wale:  Anjola, I still don’t understand why you want to go back to Lagos even after the Bank offered to retain you. Jobs are hard to come by these days o.

Me: Wale this is not about the unemployment situation in the country. It is about you hoping I would change my mind about us and I have told you I won’t.

Wale: Ok but if you change your mind you know I’m here right?

Me: I am not going to change my mind Wale but thank you. Your friendship has brought me so much peace.

I could tell Wale was heartbroken but we remained friends.

I returned to Lagos just as Banke was preparing for her convocation. I had barely seen her during my service year. A week after I got back, I decided to go and spend the weekend with her at her parent’s house in Ikoyi.

Banke’s parents are very wealthy. She is from a very popular Lagos family with 3 generations of Business moguls. Her father Otunba Bode Bello is on the board of so many companies I have a hard time keeping track with what he does for a living even till now. Her mum I remember was the third of four wives and Banke has about 13 siblings. Although only 2 of her siblings are also from her mum.

Her dad gave her a flat of her own in their mansion and a brand new car as her graduation present and was also throwing her a party that weekend. The night before the party we stayed up all night catching up and trying on clothes for the party the next day. Her boyfriend who was the son of a billionaire, was coming with his friends and Banke was determined to dress to impress.

The party was a jamboree and no cost was spared. It was the talk of the town for weeks and a lot of socialites were present. It was at that party I met TK.