Honey's NOTEBOOK......... 8

Continued...

For me, it was an opportunity to break new grounds so I decided to give it a shot. I bought the form for this beauty pageant at state level. I got to the audition venue with about 3 girls and the coordinator said the audition was the previous day and we had missed it already. I did not feel too good about it because I had been misinformed. This coordinator broke into my thoughts, saying it was ok and we could still join the competition as other girls had been camped .I became excited. I thought he would ask us some questions and screen us thoroughly but all he did was ask for our names and the institution we represented. Before I could figure why exactly he did that, I was already in the hotel the other contestants were lodged.

Honey's NOTEBOOK......... 7

I enrolled for a diploma course which was supposed to last 2years but with my own hands of inadequate concentration, i extended it to almost 3years.
I had an extra semester, this was a really sad phase of my life but I took it in good stride because it was what I deserved. It became 'victory at last' when I was finally given my admission letter into the University as an undergraduate. My mates were already ahead of me but I refused to be bothered and took solace in the saying "God's time is the best".

 

It was a new beginning for me and I decided to give it a fresh start. I had a fantastic result in my first semester and was determined to toe that line. In second semester, there was a Beauty contest/Awards event to take place in the school hostel. I was a resident and that afforded me the opportunity to participate. The form was brought to me and I was convinced to give it a try. 8 of us started out but 4 stepped down due to various reasons. Thankfully, I was one of the last 4 standing. Winning was my target but trying something new was my aim. After series of rehearsals and grooming lessons of about 2weeks, the day finally came.

 

Unfortunately, I fell ill and I had to be at the school clinic. The doctor administered some drugs and I went back to my room in the hostel to rest. I asked a friend to help call my designer to bring my gown for the evening and she told this friend of mine I had to come pick it up myself. In my ill state of health, I went with my friend to pick up the gown. Time was no longer on our side and it was 3hours to the event. We got to her house which was about a 20-minute drive from school and it began to rain.So many unpleasant thoughts began to run through my mind. With no further delay, I paid her the balance and demanded the gown. At this point, my designer who had been loyal all along began to speak in tongues I did not understand. She said the price of the gown was contrary to our agreement. She began to narrate to me how expensive the extra touch she had to put on it was. Her conclusion was she was not going to release my gown until I paid what she demanded.

 

Here I was with no extra cash or plan B. I became angry and asked her why she had to wait till that very night before she told me all of this. I was talking beyond my strength and I became very weak. My friend took it up and started pleading. We were obviously heading nowhere and to crown it all she was so rude. I felt like giving it all up at this point because I was ill, it was raining, the event was to start in less than 2hours and here I was with my designer having an unfruitful conversation. And so I asked her to keep the gown. I was about walking out when my friend grabbed me by the hand, looked me in the face and said "I believe in you, please don't let this designer ruin your day of glory". Two things ran through my mind, 'who says I'd be crowned Queen and just what if I won the contest'?

 

I decided to think positively. It was still raining but we had to leave. I asked this designer to come to the venue with my gown and then she would have her money. We left her house hurriedly, walked to the bus-stop  and tried to flag a cab, under the rain. I was not going to the hostel to prepare but the nearest ATM, to withdraw some money so I could have a gown. We found a cab and I was able to use the ATM. 30minutes to the event, I was back in my hostel to battle for the crown. I had dinner and took my medication. I needed to stay strong and not exhibit any sign of weakness because the other girls were in it for the same reason.

 

I finally got my gown and paid the balance. The event kicked off and I put all the stress of the day behind me. Our first appearance was a choreography display of about 5minutes. The audience cheered and made us feel like we did a good job. We were back in the dressing room and I said to myself, "3 more appearances to be the Queen or a one-time contestant". Well, more importantly, I was hungry at the moment. The dance must have sapped some energy! My friend brought me snacks and a drink and kept encouraging me to believe in myself.

 

We came out again in our traditional costume. I am a yoruba lady but I appeared as a fulani maiden that night. It was time for the casuals and this time, we were getting closer to the real deal. Finally, our last appearance was the evening gown. I was about to wear the gown when I remembered the episode that was not so pleasant. Quickly again, I forgot about it because this was my last chance to impress the judges and I had to be in my best of moods. How come I forgot to include that I was contestant number 4. Oh yes! I was, of the 4 contestants.

 

We were called out again for the final judgement. And as we walked out, there was power outage. I wasn't sure how to feel about it because it was the least thing I expected. We managed to walk to our positions in the dark. The smiles on our faces, precisely our teeth, I believe, were the only visible things at the event. The generator coming on was taking longer than expected so the organizers had to improvise. All thanks to God, the event took place in an open space, we might have lit candles to complete it. Some guys who came in their cars, volunteered to save the day. They packed their cars on the left and right sides of the stage and switched on the full lights. Now we could continue after about 15minutes of smiling to a faceless audience.

 

I was a bit nervous but no one could notice because my smile was perfect and my body language was just in sync. The 3rd runner-up was called and it was not me *sigh*. I was amongst the top 3. The 2nd runner-up was called and the crowd had their eyes on me. I was a bit confused because that wasn't my number. The 2nd runner-up stepped aside and now I knew why they stared. We were just 2 left and maximum concentration was on us. Contestants number 1 and 4 were the last 2 standing. And so contestant number 1 was announced the Queen of the hostel. 

 

There I was with my smile and pose, it did not sink that the show was over. I just kept telling myself "better luck next time". Just about 15seconds after contestant number 1 was announced winner, one of the judges announced again that they were sorry and meant to say contestant number 1 was the 1st runner-up. In no time, contestant number 4, in person of my humble self was officially the Queen of my hostel. I still maintained my position just in case they were going to change their minds again. Not until my crazy friends came to jump on me did I realize I had become the Queen of  the entire female hostel in my school.

 

This gave me great joy and satisfaction. I sat on the ***Royal chair*** and the outgoing Queen placed the **crown** on my head. Lots of pictures were taken and I felt favored among all. I was about to leave the stage when I was called to receive the award for the Most Beautiful Girl the hostel. That was a plus to me after a rewarding night. Just 2weeks after, I was also given the award for the Most Beautiful Girl in my department. I got all of these not because I'm a goddess or I am exceptionally beautiful but because I am a proof of God's existence *smiles*. It was a stepping stone for me, it gave me awesome exposure and I decided to take good advantage of it.

 

Few months after, there was another competition, a bigger one this time, at state level. It was a competition in one of the South-West states. I took up the challenge because I was confident I would make a headway. To my utmost dismay, I had an UNPLEASANT experience........................

 

 

Honey Jar

Chapter 6

Honey's NOTEBOOK......... 6

I went for lectures in the morning and anticipated what the day had in store for me. I was thankful I was done with school by 12noon. My friends and I took lots of pictures and headed home. We talked on how to spend the rest of the day and all sounded productive. My boyfriend at the time came in from Lagos and brought me gifts. Now that was a good start to the celebration. 

It was Valentine’s Day! 

We spent some time together, he left and I was back with my friends again. We had a church program for 5pm. It was a Youth Forum on sex and the issues that came along with Valentine’s day celebrations. We were very interested and so we went. It lasted about 2 hours and the plans we made in the afternoon began to unfold smoothly.


We planned to go out separately and converge at an eatery by 10pm. And so I went out with this guy, we had pepper soup and drinks. Oh! He must have thought I really liked him for me to hang-out with him on Valentine’s evening. How wrong! I was only there for the pepper soup, drinks, some sight-seeing and fun, basically. I started to think of my friends when this guy began to bore me with some cheap and repeated lines. When I was done with my meal, I told him I had to go because it was getting really dark.


He tried to talk me into staying a little longer and I reminded him I had a boyfriend who wouldn't be happy if I was with a guy this late. He respected that and decided to drop me off. He said he wanted to make sure I got home safe. I agreed but quickly I remembered my friends and I still had a meeting for 10pm and so I told him I'd be fine, that he didn’t need to drop me off.


I beckoned on a bike rider and asked him to take me home because this guy was standing right beside me. Along the way, the naughty me instructed him to change routes so I could be with my friends. He did and they were waiting for me as planned. We had some snacks, talked and laughed so loud everyone could notice. 

The whole place was beginning to get rowdy and so we decided to leave. Just before we got up, Red Roses were given to all the ladies in the eatery; that was really sweet. We left determined to catch some more fun. The time was already 11pm. Now, we had no guy with us that time! Sometimes, I look back and I'm grateful to God for seeing me through my rugged ways. Still in though. *smiles*


There was a free party going on outside the next eatery and in a few minutes, we were a part of it. I studied the faces at the party and they were sincerely razz and not just it. Yes, we were supposed to leave but the music pinned us down. We always made a statement at every party we attended and this was not an exception. We did not allow any of them dance with us and that got them angry. Trouble was looming but we kept acting like we had some mobile police men around to keep watch on us. The music kept getting us high and we just went with the flow.


Suddenly, a fight broke out and there was smashing of bottles. Till date, I don't know the color of the bottles that were smashed or the people involved in the fight. I ran like a mad dog was coming after me and there was safety right in front of me. I didn't even remember I came with friends. 

The only place that appeared safe was with the DJ and so I ran and hid behind him. It was then I gathered my thoughts and decided to look for my friends. I found them in the middle of the road looking so clueless. Quickly we got a cab and told ourselves we had had enough but we also remembered we were invited for a party by a close friend. The time was almost 12am and these girls (WE) were still out!


The party venue was empty and all we could see were litters. Now this was just enough for a day. God had done so much for us and the least way we could appreciate him was GO HOME! 

Yes we did, and slept peacefully..........

Honey Jar

Honey's NOTEBOOK......... 5

Dear future husband,

I love you so much, I'm moved to tears. I pray for you almost everyday because we'll be spending forever together. I really do not know if you are Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ghanaian, American or French. All I know is, I'm not tribalistic. We can always put our differences aside because the only language we would be speaking is LOVE.

It doesn't matter who you're with right now. I'm not even bothered if they're in their numbers, because when our paths finally cross and we seal it in Holy Matrimony, you would wish you met me earlier. I'm so double-sure I'm ALL you want in your woman *smiles* ........

I'm a mixture of razz and cream. I love to be on top of my game and still be accountable to someone. I love to dance because it's my own way of keeping fit and in that, my greatest asset is my waist *winks*. I'm a size8 and I only want to be a size10 when I'm carrying our babies, or what do you think?

Hmmmmmmm..... I have a feeling you are quite tall because I would want to jump on you whenever I want. I love to play and could get silly atimes. Just if you're not so tall, I'd still jump on you anyway.

I sincerely do not want a boring marriage. I want our marriage to tell the world that it's greater fun being married than being single. So we would go on dates even if I'm 7months gone in my pregnancy. Trust me, I would still look as sexy as a supermodel. We would exchange gifts regardless of the size during occasions and when there's really nothing popping. You would give me a kiss on my forehead before I set out each day because I believe it's a good luck charm. Even when we have kids and we just want to have fun around our house, we would go drop them at a family member's place. *No Disturbance Please* Our sex life is going to be super awesome till our hairs are in grey! *grin*.

I'm regular in my mother's kitchen because I want you to eat my meals and say I'm the best cook ever and mean it. I imagine everyday that "what if I'm not able to cook your favorite meal" *sigh*. Whatever the case, trust me, I'll go all out to learn how to.... Have I told you how much I love you? Oh yeah I said that in the beginning but I'm saying it again I LOVE YOU with the whole of me. I love to wear really short stuff around the house because I feel so good about my legs yeeeeah! This is funny, I think I'm hardworking but I don't like stress.

Pumpkin, I know you would help me around the house because of your selfless, mature and extremely loving nature. We would train our kids together and by the grace of God, they shall be exceedingly greater than our imaginations. The only third party we would allow in our marriage is GOD ALMIGHTY. We won't keep secrets from each other NO MATTER WHAT. Every of our disputes will be settled within the four walls of our matrimonial room. And yeah, I would love to make-up that way *wink wink*

Somehow, I hope you are reading this and even if you are not, I'm keeping the hardcopy for you to read through when we eventually find each other.

We would hold hands in public and act like newly weds at all times. Your joy would be my joy and your pain, mine. You would be my best friend and I would be yours too. I would always give you a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on..... Who says men don't cry too? I'm going to be with you through it all, and these promises, I promise to stick to.

I'm not sure how many kids I want because when people ask me, I always say "my husband and I would decide that", but honeybun, I really do not want a football team. I'm a MANCHESTER UNITED HOTTIE. I'm hoping you are too and even if you are not *sigh* we'll talk about that when we see. I have my weaknesses and I'm sure you have yours too. We are going to work on them and appreciate our areas of strength. Booboo! *pause* I LOVE YOU so deep! We would be rainbows in each other's skies. Your family will be my family and mine would be yours too.

I pray that God keeps you and blesses all things in your favour. I'm sure I'll be meeting you soon and I'm getting all set. But where? I don't know.

Once again, Mo feran re! Afurumginanya! Ina sonka! I LOVE YOU! Kisses!

Honey Jar 

Read Chapter 4

Honey's NOTEBOOK......... 4

My head went blank even though I almost laughed. My heart began to beat fast, it obviously was pumping more than enough blood. My tongue went dry. I knew I was in a mess. Quickly I remembered my creator, God and my mother who always tells me to be very careful but I knew I was in this alone.

I got up and tried to run out of the living room but he held my hand an pushed me to the floor. I almost hit my head on the wall, "Narrow Escape" I thought. I was shaking all over, sweating profusely but determined not to cry. The mad dog of last night suddenly turned into a new-born puppy. *not funny*. This guy looked at me with so much rage, then it dawned on me that it was time for revenge.

The erection was still there, almost ripping off his pyjamas. I was at his mercy and so I had to plead. I pleaded with him but that wasn't working. So I decided to scream because the other two didn't know what was happening. I later got to know that my friend heard me scream but the other guy told her we were playing and it was nothing to worry about.

He threatened that if I screamed again, he would kill me and no one would know. For some seconds, I thought about it and really it would have been difficult to trace my body because only the friend I came with knew where I was. He became a bit distracted and so I ran into the room to pick up my bag. He followed me and locked the door. *stupid*

Suddenly, I felt this heat on my face. I was so nervous and confused. I felt as though my end had come, more like the whole world came crashing down on me. Then he began to chase me around the room. As I continued the 'race', I kept praying to God to save me from this mess. Too bad, he finally caught up with me and threw me to the bed. He began to struggle with my jeans but I determined not to give up the fight. This went on for some minutes because the jeans was really skinny. I was very afraid and did not stop pleading but I told myself I wasn't going to cry so he wouldn't know how weak and destabilized I was.

When the jeans wasn't working out, I was glad he would let me go but I became sad when I peeped and saw that the 'electrocuted pole' would still not take a break. Before I could gather my thoughts together, he pounced on my lips and began to kiss me like a hungry lion. Now, this was just a confirmation that he wasn't my kind of man. It was really disgusting and all I could think of were the warnings of my mother. He let me go after a little while.

This was and still is the most horrible and terrifying day of my life. I wanted to spit in his face but I changed my mind. The 'pole' was finally saved from the deadly 'electrocution' and I did not want a repetition. So I thanked him like he just wrote me a cheque of 1million naira.

I searched for my friend and eventually found her. I told her we had to leave immediately. She asked if I was alright and of course I said yes because the beast in human form was standing right behind me. He insisted he dropped us off. I did not argue and was mute throughout the journey.

It has taken me almost four years to put myself together and let this out. What is painful isn't that he kissed my adorable lips but that he forced himself on me. I shouldn't have trusted him enough to sleep at his place. I know I was gullible but I'm wiser and stronger now. I've seen him twice after the incident. First, it was at a filling station but he didn't notice me and second, at a bar where me and my boyfriend came to hang out. He saw me this time and I felt like giving him a hot slap but I did not want to cause a scene. I really do not want to see him ever again.

To all ladies who have at one time been raped, I understand your pain even though mine isn't as severe but I tell you, it is really traumatic. It is a huge dent on my emotions. Little wonder, Rihanna's 'Man Down' appeals to me.... Rape is a very serious offense and is punishable by the law. One of the ways of getting over it is SPEAKING OUT! 

Honey Jar

Read Chapters 1, 2 and 3  

Honey's NOTEBOOK......... 3

This is one chapter in my life I will never ever forget till I drop dead, gorgeous. It is all I need to think about whenever I want a mood swing. We all have been stupid at a point in our lives but this act of stupidity of mine has brought me nothing but pain, regret and trauma. Notwithstanding, there's a lesson to be learnt in every experience, only that I learnt mine the hard way.

I'm a great lover of adventure. I love to discover new things and have maximum fun.

I met this guy who's an architect through a friend. We exchanged numbers though he wasn't my kind of person. We got talking one day and I got to know his birthday. I do not forget my friends' birthdays and I always cherish them like they are mine. Too bad I cherished the wrong one this time and it still wouldn't erase from my memory as I write this.

I picked up my phone that morning which happened to be this guy's birthday and sent a very harmless, straight-from-the-heart, beautiful text message, wishing him a good celebration. He was very surprised I did not forget because it had been 2months since we spoke. He said he was so grateful and wanted to say thank you by hosting me at his place. I was initially skeptical about it but decided to loosen up a bit. He asked me to let him know whenever I was free. I did.

My friend and I were very bored this evening. We just wanted to hang out. After a very long while, I remembered this guy and gave him a call. He asked us to come meet him where he was and so I told him to forget about seeing me if he couldn't come pick us from our house.

He did come and with a friend too. We had some food to eat at a restaurant. Time was far spent and my friend and I had a landlord who allowed no one in after 11pm. We knew this but still asked him to take us home. When we got home, it was just as expected and no amount of plea would make the landlord open the gate. This guy now suggested we slept at his place. I was cool with it because we had no place to go and it was an opportunity for him to 'host' me. Right now, I feel it would have been better if we slept at our gate.

We got back into the car and headed to his place. On our way, he got some suya and drinks. It was gospel music throughout the 30-minute drive and that made me feel a bit secure. Finally, we arrived at his place, a well-furnished 2-bedroom apartment. I was exhausted and all I could think of, was a good sleep. He took me to one of the rooms and I landed safely on the bed when he closed the door as he left. I left my friend in the living room who kept chatting with his friend and didn't see her until the following morning.

I slept like I was awake because I felt something was wrong. This was the second time I was seeing this guy and he wasn't even an inch close to my kind of man. Fifteen minutes after he left, he came back into the room. I wondered what he was looking for and pretended to be fast asleep. He came close to my side of the bed and touched me. What???!!! I could no longer pretend to be asleep and so I sat up and yelled at him like a mad dog. He quietly left and slept in the living room. I thought I had everything under control.

I got up that morning, did some bathroom rituals and was ready to leave. I walked into the living room and met this guy watching TV. He looked like he didn't have a goodnight but that was really none of my business. So I asked him where my friend was and with his response, my friend and his, were obviously getting along. I was about to stand up from the chair to go check my friend who was somewhere around the house when he walked up to me. I looked up only to see an erection that seemed like an electrocuted pole. I was lost for words....

To be continued....

Read Chapters 1 and 2

Honey Jar

Honey's NOTEBOOK......... 2

I'm that girl you call pretty, sexy, beautiful or all of the three. Believe me, twice is not enough time to take a glance. Some people have the notion that I've got a silver spoon stuck in my throat. (iLaugh). Well yeah, I was born with it, lost it at some point and I'm working on getting it back. I look like that girl who goes for summer in the UK, Easter celebrations in the US and Christmas in Paris but in actual fact, I really don't know how to get to the Muritala Mohammed International Airport.

All that being said, I had my first boyfriend few weeks to my birthday. He was (still) humble, sweet and cute too. All he needed to do was give me a hug whenever we had a quarrel. He had (still) a great body *sigh*. Our relationship wasn't an all-time smooth ride because we had our differences. He is Igbo and I am Yoruba. I'm not tribalistic though. Aside the fact that he always had a listening ear, he had enough money for dates, some gifts and a car to support.

Even though we were miles apart, I never cheated on him for one day in the course of our 3-year relationship. I really can't speak for him but I had no cause to doubt his fidelity plus, he gave me some good loving and made me the envy of my friends.

There was an episode, one of many, that rocked our relationship. I used to have a roommate in my 1st year in school that had a body shape admired by so many including me. She was very caring and did most of the cooking. She was really nice, and, don't get it twisted, bad girls are the nicest. I knew what she was capable of doing but I never thought I'll be her victim. We ate from the same plate, slept on the same bed and watched each other's backs. I couldn't have suspected anything, though, I naturally don't expect so much from people.

In a nutshell, she wanted a piece of him, my boyfriend. She said all sorts of things to him about me that he refused to tell me till date. I wasn't disappointed in her, I only felt stupid that I suspected nothing all along. We needed to have a break to recover from the drama, which we did, and got back bigger, better and stronger. I put 'my friend' aside and decided to focus on my relationship which was about a year gone.

Oh My! (thanks Sammy).

How could I have forgotten?! Our first kiss!!!!!!

Just before I share this, a friend of mine had this to say about hers, "I was at his place and it was time for me to leave. I got up and he pulled me back. He kissed me for about 30secs but I was too nervous to reciprocate. When I could finally feel my lips, I walked back into the house in total confusion. I did not realize what I was doing until he held my hand and walked me through the door" #hahahaha.

Do I have your attention now? Thank you.

We laid on the bed, laughed and talked about some issues. Then at some point, we became quiet. I saw this coming but I wasn't ready. I tried to bring up a topic because the silence was becoming deafening but I couldn't think of anything.

Voila!

I remembered an un-related issue and spat it out but his reply was more un-related because he went, "Are you not going to kiss me?" Jesus Christ! I really wanted to be vapor at the moment. I felt this sudden heat on my face in a room that was fully air-conditioned. I became quiet. He said again, "Come let me teach you how to kiss" and I went all defensive, rolling my eyes, "Oh please! I've been there, done that!", which was a blatant lie. And before I could utter another word, he sealed my lips with an intense kiss. I kissed back and prayed silently in my heart that I was doing a good job...........

He was not perfect but he fitted into my imperfection at THE MOMENT. He was a gentleman but that is not all that makes a relationship work. At some point, I just felt this need to define what I really wanted and it turned out not to be him. What I loved at 18years didn't appeal to me anymore at 21years. I became withdrawn, he tried to make it work but my mind was made up and there was no looking back.

It's been 8months since I closed his chapter of my life in my NOTEBOOK. I would be lying to myself if I said I didn't miss him or I do not still flip through his pages. He was a part of my life for 3 whole years, and for those years, I was dedicated and committed to him, hoping it would last forever. I wasn't even an inch right. I still think about him because I see him on twitter, look out for the number plate of his car, which happens to be in my favorite color, RED!

Well, I can boldly say that I'm no longer in love with him. He's hooked now and I'm happy for him. The reason and manner in which you break-up determines how often you smile whenever you think about your ex.

He was my first love but the first is not necessarily the best. I've moved on and I'm on to the next one.

Still single though, without wrinkle and not in a hurry to mingle. *wink*.

NB:
I am sure y'all are wondering who the Sammy I mentioned is. Well, he is a guy I love so much. A very good friend, a musician and his mix-tape is available for DL here: A MIXTAPE & THEN SOME
Support a brother. Thanks. 


Honey Jar

  

Read Chapter 1 here.



 

Honey's NOTEBOOK......... 1

 

 As an introvert, it was difficult to mingle. The new faces looked so unfriendly and that made it even worse. All the girls had on, the same style of hair and their uniforms, neat and well ironed. I came to school that cold, beautiful morning in my mufti; a sleeveless top and a fitted skirt with my bag that looked like what soldiers took to war. It was a camouflage print. I still wonder why my mum bought me that kind of bag.

It was my first day in my new school as a senior student. I stood out in my class not because I was slim and pretty, but, because I had a funny hairstyle on. The "puff puff". I had just started growing my hair because I just left the boarding house.

In all of the new faces, one of them caught my eyes. She was slim like me, pretty, confident and seemed to have a good rapport with the boys. That was not all, 70% of her hair was grey and shiny. It did not make her look old but unique and beautiful. I stared at her and wondered about the versatility of God in the creation of we humans. Though my eyes were still fixed on her, she looked approachable and kind, unlike the other girls who looked at me and made fun of me deep down in them because of my hairstyle. I stayed glued to my seat throughout the day for no other reason but shyness. I just couldn't wait for the day to be over so I could feel free again.

She finally walked up to me the following day and asked that we have lunch together. She not only paid the bills but insisted that we ate in the same plate. I was amazed because she was about the most sophisticated girl in the class at the time. I determined to return the kind and unusual gesture the following day, which I did. Our friendship blossomed, though we had our differences.

Two years after, she broke the news of her traveling to Spain to study cosmetology. I sincerely was happy for her and at the same time, sad, because I would miss her so dearly. She was a true friend. She was funny, sociable and in all honesty, sophisticated. We both were fashion-conscious but she always took the lead. We planned to exchange gifts and promised not to forget each other. I hugged her so tight and hoped to see her soon. We said our 'goodbyes' in a really sober mood. Little did I know..........................

We kept to our promise as she did most of the calling because international calls were very expensive at the time. Notwithstanding, I called her when I could and we chatted on yahoo messenger whenever I was online. Three years later, she came back to Nigeria on a visit, to return in two months. She called me immediately she got home and I was so excited. Our friendship never sank for one day. It was as good as when it started. I couldn't wait to give her a download of what had been happening in my life and I was also itching to hear hers.

There was a party at my crib that day and I invited her. She couldn't make it because she had other engagements, besides, the invitation was impromptu. I had no problems with that, more so, she was going to be around for quite some time. The following week, I told my parents I was going to see her. I lied! I actually went out with my boyfriend. I wish I had taken to heart the saying "procrastination is the killer of time". I went back to school without seeing her but had in mind to do so once or twice before she returned to Spain.

One particular night, I was about to lay my head when my phone rang. It was from a secondary school classmate. We exchanged pleasantries and I questioned his call at that odd hour. He said my friend was lying critically ill in the hospital. I asked what was wrong but he had 'no idea'. I told him I would be in Lagos the following day. It was at that point he came out with the devastating, heart-breaking, system-disrupting and shocking news that my friend had left for Spain without telling me. At that moment, I wished  that was all of it. She had not only left for Spain but also, the great beyond.

I hung up immediately and ran into the toilet. I was nervous, sad, angry with myself and wondering why she had to be gone so soon. I purged all night, cried my eyes out and was weak by morning.

I regret the lie I told because I could have seen my boyfriend another day. I regret the lie I told because I took our friendship for granted. I also regret the lie I told because she's gone forever.

In sadness of heart, I write this page in my notebook, but with joy in my soul, that I came across such a unique, kind, beautiful and sophisticated girl like you.

Rest In Peace, Dear FRIEND. You are unforgettable. I miss your grey hair *giggles*.

P.S. - The gift you gave me before you left for Spain is still in my room.


Honey Jar

Chapter 2