NOT IN THAT WAY(3)

'You look like you're going to fall any minute. Let me hold your hand,' he offered. The heels of my shoes were slightly higher than what I was comfortable with and it was embarrassing how obvious it was. At least, Josh had noticed it.
'Gosh. I'm so embarrassed,' I said as I placed my hand in his. I was embarrassed yet glad. Glad that we were holding hands like a couple. It felt like making a statement, like saying, 'keep off. He's mine!' to what pretty girls we'd find at the bash.
'Come on, sweetie. Don't be so shy,' he replied after a while.

The compound was so large it took a few minutes to reach the house itself. The building was stunning. It was so big it almost looked like a five-star hotel. The hue of the painting gave the structure a cool, serene ambience. I couldn't wait to see how the insides of this mansion would look. Standing at the entrance door was a man in uniform so well-ironed that the lines on it looked sharp enough to serve as razor. As we approached the door, Josh leaned closer and whispered in my ear, 'You look beautiful. Captivating.' My heart leapt. I had been waiting to hear him compliment me but he seemed to have forgotten all the while. I did feel beautiful in my ivory dress and near-flawless makeup. My natural hair was beautiful on its own and the fastidious attention I gave to dressing it completed the picture-perfect look I wanted.

As soon as we were seated in this very large yet overly decorated living room, Josh busied himself with his phone, chatting on WhatsApp and smiling to himself. My eyes wandered to and fro, observing the chubby, well-fed faces around, the sophisticated clothing many had on and the aesthetics of the room. The air reeked of the fragrance from a mix of diverse perfume brands. I couldn't wait to meet the celebrant. Josh told me she was his friend who recently returned from the US with a Masters' degree in International Studies to show for it. This was a welcome-back party in her honour. I imagined she'd be tiny, very light-skinned, that she'd sound like she spoke through her nose and have a peevish, supercilious expression etched on her heavily madeup face.

'Oh my!’ Josh said in a half-scream, looking ahead and grinning too much. I swiftly looked to see who or what it was. 'Kara,' Josh called and sprang on his feet to hug the young woman before she could get to us. They walked to me, arms locked together.
'Is she the one?' Her voice was clear and she was absolutely beautiful. She didn't have a snarl on her face like I thought she would. It was a disarming smile instead.
'Yes, my love. This is Dami... Damilola.' Josh was smiling and winking at me at the same time.
'Oh darling. I've heard a lot about you,' she chirped as she drew me into a warm embrace. 'I'm elated to finally meet you, beautiful soul.'
'The pleasure is mine, Kara,' I said as she released me. 'Welcome back to Nigeria.'
'You see, Josh told me all about how you've been there for him in my absence. In his words, you are the sister he never had. He also told me about how he had given up on relationships because of numerous heartbreaks but you ignited the fire of hope in him.' I was enjoying her speech and was eager to see how it'll end. After all, the surprise Josh promised was slated for today. She continued, 'You told him he'd find the person meant for him in just a little while.'
'Darling Dami, you were right with your words.' It was Josh this time.
I was getting nervous. Is this the part where I get to say 'I do'? I wondered to myself.
'This would surprise you, Kara.' He paused for a moment, seconds that seemed to run into eternity. 'Dami, I did find my soulmate. Kara is the one for me. I did find my soulmate like you said I would. 3 months ago when she was in Nigeria on vacation. Thank you for helping me get through my despair, sweetheart. I'll love you forever.'

I was shattered beyond words, and it took much effort to restrain the tears that threatened to flow.
'You must be very happy for me, I'm sure,' Josh said, hugging me.
'I am. I love you too, Josh.'

Josh sure loved me, only not in that way.