WALKING ON WATERS CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

 “So with this we have come to the end of today's meeting, let's do well to enjoy the rest of our day”I uttered, as I ended the virtual meeting for my fellow group of househusbands…Just kidding, let me rephrase that; I had just concluded a virtual meeting with my team from the comfort of my home like any other day where there is a need to do that, am part of those few Nigerian guys who works from the comfort of their home to make their daily breads and pennies.

“I no be yahoo Boy oh” A nostalgic smile played on my lips, echoing the day I met my wife's octogenarian grandmother.Amidst discussions with her parents about marrying their beloved daughter, her grandmother humorously questioned my role as an online embedded software engineer, Her eyes squinted curiously as she questioned my profession, a playful skepticism dancing in her gaze. 

"Omone! She spoke, her voice carrying a touch of timeless authority in her Epie Dialect which means Child.“Hope say, you no be one of those boys wey dey always press that thing wey get lots of buttons and television together to do wayo with those obodo oyinbo people?” she teased, misconstruing my Job as online fraudster unaware of the technical intricacies of my work. 

Laughter bubbled within me, remembering her endearing misconception, as I assured her of the legitimate nature of my role as an online embedded software engineer. 

As My laughter quietened within me, I found my gaze tracing the intricate details of the picture frames adorning my work desk—capturing moments with Yadah from the blissful snapshots of our wedding to the carefully framed photoshoot memories. Among them, my fingers instinctively reached for the one that held my favorite memory, a silent testament to our journey

   My fingers lingered on the edges of the photo frame, a gateway to the captured moment from Jire and Oyinkan's wedding. As I traced the contours, the room dissolved, and I found myself seamlessly transported back to that very moment, reliving the joy and laughter frozen in the photograph.

 "Jesus, thank you once again," Yadah had whispered, as tears of joy shimmered in her eyes over the nuptials of our mutual friends. From the moment Jire and Oyinkan exchanged vows, Yadah's eyes remained teary. She expressed continuous gratitude to God, with me being the tissue-boy diligently offering tissues to preserve her makeup. Even as the couple enjoyed their first dance, her eyes were still teary, a silent symphony of overwhelming emotions. Her reasons for those emotions struck a chord with me.

 Shortly before the wedding celebration, Jire's diagnosis of uveal melanoma had  brought a wave of concern. Yadah and I, curious about the sudden hesitation towards the marriage ceremony, decided to reach out to him, seeking to understand the source of his apprehension towards the impending marriage ceremony.  

 Under a moonlit sky, nestled in the comforting confines of my car, Jire, my friend,had unravelled the internal struggles consuming him. He shared why he had to cancel the wedding, viewing it as a rational course of action in the face of the relentless challenges besieging him.

“I think they both have to sit down and talk about this”

“Talk about what, Did you even listen to anything I just told you? ”I interjected, finding her last words unwarranted. In my perspective, my friend's choice to halt the wedding was justified. To anyone paying attention, it's evident that this was the logical course of action. It appeared to me that Jire, with foresight, was trying to spare his bride-to-be from potential burdens and risks. I wholeheartedly appreciate his consideration, deeming it a wise and thoughtful decision.

“I heard you, but I think it's not his call alone to halt the wedding, it should both be their call, and also is it really what he want, I know we can't force them to be together but at least should they want to end it, let there be closure.”As she uttered those words, I realized there was wisdom in her words. 

I found myself aligning with her perspective, acknowledging the validity I hadn't seen before.So witnessing the two lovers unite in holy matrimony is a heartwarming sight, made even more poignant by the revelation that Jire's diagnosis was incorrect. His ailment was a simple eye infection, easily treatable with basic eye drops and antibiotics, adding a layer of serendipity to the celebration.

At the wedding reception later that day, Yadah danced with sheer joy, coaxing me into attempting dance steps I never knew I had in me. By the day's end, our happiness was immortalized in the captured moments, framed by the flashes of the camera.

  Post-wedding, life resumed its normal course for everyone. I couldn't help but miss the messages from her, discussing the whirlwind of wedding preparations and seeking my input as the best man."A whole Idan like me, missing someone like Yadah. 

She wasn't an enemy nor a close friend. I never used to care about female attention, yet here I was, replaying our conversations and her laughter in my mind.” Back in university, while others chased after fleeting romances, I remained indifferent. My friends often remarked on the trail of disappointed women I left behind, unable to understand why I didn't share their sentiments. My heart never raced for anyone; it simply did its job, pumping blood through my veins. But now, thoughts of Yadah crept into my mind, her laughter and the way she carried herself during the wedding preparations. This feeling was foreign, and I wasn't sure whether to welcome it or guard myself against it.

 Back then, I often found myself gazing at our photo on my phone, a small smile unconsciously always  curled  my lips. If my younger brother or Jire had caught me in those moments, they might have teasingly suggested I see a Shrink. It puzzled me then, why the image stirred such feelings when others didn't.

Above all, the absence of our prayer walk over the couple, at a time when it seemed the wedding might not take place, left a void I hadn't anticipated. 

  Then One day, Opening my door, I was met by a delivery man holding a bouquet, a box, and a card. "For who?" I questioned, curious about the sender of such unusual gifts. "For you, sir. If I'm correct, you are Mr. Yele Cardoso?" the delivery man confirmed. "Yes, but from who?" I pressed. 

 "It's from Miss Yadah." He replied,

As I heard her name, my eyebrows knitted together in confusion before morphing into a bemused expression. My surprise, evident in the lingering smile that forms as I examine the uniqueness of the presents.

Intrigued by the eccentric gifts bestowed upon me by this enigmatic girl, I find myself lost in contemplation, wondering about the hidden significance behind each peculiar item and the unspoken message they carry as, I scrawled my signature on the delivery form, a hurried yet distinct mark confirming the receipt of the unconventional gifts.

  "Thank you," I expressed, receiving the eccentric offerings. Placing the bouquet and chocolate box at the center of my living room table, my eagerness got the better of me,leading me to swiftly delve into the card's intricately written words, unraveling the mystery behind this assortment of distinct and unconventional presents.

“I do not know whether you are a flower guy or a chocolate guy.All I know is that I really want to say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for permitting me to disturb you whether it's a reasonable time to do so or not.

Thanks for seeing reasons with me even when logic defers such reasons

Thanks for joining me in prayers, for the fastings even when it seems odd to do such 

 Thanks for pulling out those your weird dancing shoes on the dance floor 

All I just want to say is thank you for everything you did, in making Jire and Oyinkan's day a memorable one"

A wide grin spread across my lips as I absorbed the heartfelt words in the card. The gratitude expressed for shared moments, odd dances, and the camaraderie in making Jire and Oyinkan day memorable resonated deeply, leaving me touched by the sincerity of the sentiment.

“This Babe is not serious' ' I playfully remarked as my smile deepened finally recalling reasons for the eccentric gifts;On the wedding day, I had found myself repeatedly praising the exquisite floral arrangements that adorned the reception hall. Also , Amidst the wedding rehearsals, the couple thoughtfully had a tempting array of Ferrero Rocher chocolate candies ready for the bridal party, a delightful detail that added to the joyous anticipation. On both occasions that warranted this non- traditional gift of hers she had been within my reach.

 Taking hold of my phone, I initiated a call to her by dialing her number.

"Hey Mr. YC," she chimed in warmly as she promptly answered my call on the first ring, casually abbreviating my names with a friendly flair.

"I bet you've received your gifts by now," she remarked, stifling her laugh

"Indeed, I've received your eccentric offerings," I replied, nodding 

 "Wow! Your gifts are truly eccentric," she said, breaking into a giggle.

"But I do love them, as they are mementos of fond memories that I'm beginning to cherish," I said warmly. 

As I spoke, a sudden realization hit me. Was I actually flirting with Yadah on the phone? My inner voice groaned, and I could almost feel my hand instinctively moving to my forehead in disbelief.

"Hmmm, really?" she responded softly, a hint of intrigue in her voice.

"Back to your question now," I interjected, quickly realizing how awkward my words must have sounded to her.

 “You mentioned not knowing if I'm a flower boy or a chocolate boy. How about we find out this weekend, if you're not busy though." Yele, what is this you are doing? "I chided myself inwardly but simultaneously dismissed the thoughts.  After all, there's no crime in testing new waters.

"I would have liked that, but why do I sense you might be trying to reciprocate for the eccentric offerings?" she questioned directly.

"Not at all. I'm not repaying you for anything. I just want us to hang out together, catch up on the reminiscence of the event and its aftermath," I clarified, my voice steady, even as I took a deep breath to calm my racing thoughts.

"Okay, if you say so," she replied coyly, a hint of bashfulness in her tone.

"So, do you have any place in mind that you'd like to visit this weekend?" I asked with a subtle charm.

"Not at all. Any place you decide is totally fine by me, Yele," she replied innocently.

"Alright, I've got a plan. I'll research some exciting places to visit, and then you can choose the one you think would be cool. How does that sound to you?" I asked?

"That sounds pretty cool," she responded.

“So Saturday , it is then”

“Yeah, noted,”she replied.

Finally that Weekend , we went out together , visiting Ikeja City Mall, where we explored different recreational facilities, saw a movie and thereafter went to one of those plush restaurants sitting in the heart of Ikeja. We found ourselves reminiscing about the wedding and its aftermath, sharing laughter as we unwound.

"I don't think I can ever get over those teary moments of yours at the wedding," I teased, a playful grin spreading across my face as we sat in the plush restaurant, the aroma of the delicious dishes mingling with the soft hum of conversation around us.

"Na you know, Mr. Y.C.," she quipped, a grin dancing on her lips. "You can tease me all you want, but I'll never regret letting my emotions show at the wedding." Her laughter filled the plush restaurant,punctuated by the clink of cutlery and distant chatter.

"But I found it absurd," she said, shaking her head incredulously. "To think someone could witness all the highs and lows of the wedding and not be moved to tears as the lovebirds exchanged the most touching marital vows I've heard in years." Her eyes held a mixture of surprise and contemplation as she glanced across the table at me, the restaurant's ambiance lending a quiet intimacy to our conversation.

"But I didn't cry. Does that make me awkward or what?" I asked.

"I think you're the exception," she replied, dipping a chip into the ketchup in front of her as she gave me a sideways glance. "You always seem composed, no matter what. Happy or sad, no one can tell with you. you always look the same."

"And what is my normal composure?" I asked, shifting uncomfortably as I tried to change the topic, unsettled by how easily she read me.

"What a one-billion-dollar question," she said with a quiet laugh.

"Anyway, don't mind me. You're like this mix of stoic and calm, cool, collected guy. It's like you're a gift box, reluctant to be opened but full of surprises inside. You might not have cried that day, but I saw the way your eyes softened, even if you kept up the cool guy facade." She held my gaze, her eyes searching mine as if trying to unwrap the layers I kept hidden.

"Wow! You should consider mind reading as a profession. Who knows, you might be the solution our country needs," I teased, giving a small clap to break the tension. Her eyes seemed to see right through me, dissecting every layer of my personality with an intensity that made me feel exposed.

"I would gladly accept it as a profession if it would make me the solution to the issues of this nation," she said with a playful glint in her eyes, exaggerating a bow as if accepting an imaginary award.

As we conversed that evening, we delved into personal details, uncovering the serendipity of sharing the same alma mater—University of Lagos, to be precise. Interestingly, I had been just two years ahead of her in class pursuing a different discipline. It was a delightful revelation ; we shared a connection through her acquaintance with people I knew from the same Christian Fellowship I attended during my time at the university. 

"So you were the Fellowship Guy who broke my dear Cynthia's heart back then?" she teased, her lips curling into a playful pout. She gave me a knowing look, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she brought up her friend who attended the same Christian Fellowship as me back in uni. 

"Point of correction, I can't recall breaking any lady's heart directly," I countered, giving her a wry smile. 

Cynthia and I were both part of the fellowship unit and later served together on the academic committee, where our main focus was mentoring students within our fellowship to excel in their studies.

 Our roles brought us closer as friends over time. One day, Cynthia asked me about my love interest within the fellowship, and I responded with a straightforward no. She persisted, wondering if I had feelings for any girl there, and again, I answered in the negative.

It was during this conversation that Cynthia confessed her feelings for me. In response, I gently clarified that I did not reciprocate those feelings, hoping to avoid any misunderstanding or false hopes. From that day onward, Cynthia distanced herself from me. While I understood and respected her decision to move on from her feelings, I never fully grasped the depth of her heartbreak until Yadah mentioned it .

Reflecting on Yadah's words now, I realize that the impact of our conversation went beyond what I initially perceived. It's clear that Cynthia's emotions were more intense than I had understood at the time, despite my efforts to handle the situation delicately.

"But you did break hearts indirectly," she shot back as her eyebrow arched knowingly.

"If my feelings not being mutual is enough to count me as a heartbreaker, then maybe, just maybe, I'll have to accept the title," I said, a hint of rueful amusement in my tone. "But it's not fair to blame me for their broken hearts. They should have been more cautious before getting too invested.”

"Really, Mr. Y.C.?"

"No, don't get me wrong," I said, shaking my head. " I just believe If a guy doesn't outrightly ask you out, it's a mistake to assume he has feelings for you or that he's your soulmate.”

"You see, one problem I have with some ladies," I said, leaning forward and clasping my hands together, "is that they start imagining their future with a guy before he's even asked them out. They're planning their first child's naming ceremony in their heads, and then, when it turns out he doesn't feel the same way, they're heartbroken. Suddenly, he's the bad guy. It's unfair. They should enjoy the friendship without dreaming about him being 'Mr. Right' until he actually says something. That way, no one gets hurt or painted as the villain.”

"What you said is true, though," she nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "But what about those guys who lead ladies on, making them believe there's something more, only to turn around and say they're not interested?" As she spoke, she absentmindedly touched her left ear, a subtle gesture of contemplation.

"You want to hear the truth?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and grinning.

"The truth?" she echoed, tilting her head with curiosity.

"Yeah, the truth," I said, leaning in slightly.

"What truth?" she asked, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair, her eyes narrowing in playful suspicion.

"Come closer," I urged, glancing around the restaurant as if I were about to share a secret. She leaned in, her curiosity piqued by my conspiratorial look.

"To be sincere, Brotherhood is not proud of such men, especially Brotherhood in Christ," I whispered, raising my hand to my lips as if sharing a clandestine piece of gossip. She laughed, the tension breaking as she took in my playful demeanor.

"Such men are deemed 'immature boys,' not even men," I remarked, my fingers forming air quotes around the words 'immature boys' for emphasis.

"And if Christ permits, such boys should be publicly thrashed on their bottoms," I continued, lowering my voice conspiratorially. "No one should toy with someone's emotions as if they don't matter, especially when they know the consequences of their actions." She nodded in amused understanding, her eyes twinkling with agreement.

"Anyway, I'm glad Cynthia made it through the heartbreak," Yadah said softly, mentioning our mutual acquaintance. "She's now happily married to her heartthrob in California."

"So I've heard," I replied warmly, genuinely pleased for her. "Thank God for her and her new family.”

I got to know more about her Job as a Journalist in one of the renowned Mediahouse in the country and she got to know more about my means of livelihood.

 Learning that we both harbor a deep passion for the gaming world, particularly sharing a fondness for titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and the FIFA series, was an unexpected highlight of my day.

 It felt surreal to connect with someone who shares such genuine enthusiasm for these games.As the day drew to a close, it became clear that we had forged a beautiful bond, solidifying our friendship. 

Our connection deepened, leading us to seek each other out more often, indulging in lengthy phone conversations, exploring potential Gaming Houses to visit, and exchanging thoughts on our mutual faith. Our shared commitment to spiritual growth also found expression in attending Christian gatherings that proved beneficial to both of us.

  By this time, our close friends were subtly hinting at the possibility of our warm friendship evolving into a beautiful love story. Despite these suggestions, we intentionally overlooked them. 

 "Where's your woman?" Phil, one of my friends,asked with a playful grin, scanning the room for Yadah. We were at Jire and Oyinkan's child's naming ceremony, barely a year after their wedding.

"My woman? What do you mean by my woman?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and putting on an innocent expression, though I knew exactly who he meant.

"I mean, your girlfriend, Yadah," Phil stated, his gaze fixed on me expectantly, clearly fishing for information about our relationship.

"Oh, so now Yadah is my woman and girlfriend?" I replied casually, raising an eyebrow and meeting his gaze with a hint of amusement.

"What was she before, your sand playmate?" Phil retorted, his voice laced with sarcasm as he raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his own quip.

"I'm not going down that path," I asserted, my tone firm yet composed. "Let's clarify: Yadah is simply my friend. She's not my woman, not my girlfriend, and certainly not my sand playmate." Despite my words, an ache lingered in my chest, unable to reveal my true feelings for Yadah.

While I knew my deep feelings for her, I appreciated the woman she had become—someone I cherish, who with her warm and inviting personality, had gently nudged me out of my Zen Zephyr shell, and whose passion for God and people I deeply admired—I remained uncertain about her sentiments. Yadah, with her penchant for delightful surprises, was someone I couldn't predict. Moreover, I hesitated to risk our friendship if she didn't share the same feelings.

"What's up with you and Yadah?" Jire asked casually as we worked together to clean up after the naming ceremony.

"Nothing," I replied tersely, avoiding eye contact.

"Don't give me that," Jire insisted, his tone light but persistent. "I saw the way you two couldn't keep your eyes off each other during the ceremony. Even a blind man could see something's going on between you two. You can't keep brushing it off as 'just friends' forever."

As Jire spoke, a shy grin crept onto my lips. I felt a bit embarrassed that my feelings for Yadah were becoming so evident, even though I was still unsure how to define exactly what I felt for her.

"You see, Jire, I don't really know how to qualify or define what's going on in my heart for her," I began, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

 "I'm skeptical about whether what people say and what I feel are true. Does she feel the same? This is the first time my heart feels like it's not just pumping blood but actually thumping whenever I hear her name or see her face. I really want to be sure it's not just some form of infatuation that will wear off soon. I need to know if she feels the same. But one thing is certain—my heart isn't mute to her, unlike with the other ladies in the past.”

"Hmmm," Jire sighed deeply. "This one is deep." He shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "But you know what? I'm glad to finally hear you say your heart isn't mute to her, unlike with all those other ladies in the past. Man, I felt their pain back then. I should frame your words tonight," he added playfully, reminiscing about the women who had feelings for me that I never returned.

"But seriously," he continued, his tone turning more earnest, "you'll never know if she feels the same unless you tell her. Trust me, plenty of guys are lining up to court her. If they realize you're just playing the darling, innocent brother and friend, they'll swoop in and sweep her off her feet." His last words left a knot in my stomach, the thought of losing her more unsettling than I cared to admit.

"There you are," Oyinkan's voice rang out as she approached, hand in hand with Yadah.

"Aww, you guys have really outdone yourselves with this supervision. Thank you, I'm so proud of you, babe," she said, giving Jire a quick kiss. 

"Thank you also, Yele," she added, turning to me with a smile.

"You're welcome," I replied, my eyes lingering on Yadah, who was smiling approvingly.

"Anyway, I'm still angry with you, oh," Oyinkan said, her tone suddenly playful but with an edge, catching me off guard.

"Why? What did I do wrong?" I asked, puzzled.

"During my pregnancy, you barely visited. Especially when my stomach got big, close to my due date. The only one showing up was your emissary here," she said, pointing at Yadah with a mischievous smile.

 "She brought your goodwill in cash and kind, but you? Nowhere to be found. You wouldn't even come by for your usual hangouts with Jire. It was like you were avoiding me,Even at events, you avoided me. I started thinking maybe pregnancy was contagious!"she said with a mock pout.

Everyone chuckled, but beneath the humor, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had some explaining to do.

"I'm so sorry if I made you feel that way," I apologized sincerely, meeting Oyinkan's eyes with genuine regret. "I had a lot going on at that time." My voice conveyed earnestness, focusing on expressing my remorse rather than delving into whatever triggered my actions during those moments she had mentioned.

"Okay, but the only way I can completely forgive you is if you two make me the distributors of your aso ebi very soon," Oyinkan teased, looking mischievously between Yadah and me.

"Aso ebi?" Yadah interrupted, clearly surprised, while Jire chuckled knowingly.

"Yes, definitely! It's about time to pick an Aso ebi from the friendship of you two," Oyinkan insisted with a playful grin.

"Oyinkan!" Yadah exclaimed, a mix of surprise and embarrassment crossing her face.

"Don't 'Oyinkan' me. I said what I said, and I mean it, I boldly chest it" Oyinkan declared, puffing out her chest for emphasis.

We all burst into laughter, but beneath the jovial atmosphere, I felt a pang of realization. If I didn't act soon, I might lose Yadah to someone else.

 Then came, the day I laid my heart bare. She, selected by her workplace to stand for them at a conference in America and deliver a vital presentation, faced a sudden change of plans when her flight was abruptly canceled. 

In the midst of airport uncertainties disrupting her travel arrangements, my background as an embedded software engineer for an aircraft company came to the forefront. Capitalizing on my past professional ties, I swiftly organized a private jet charter to rescue her journey. This unplanned move not only circumvented the travel hiccup but also added a touch of opulence to her trip, a testament to the perks of leveraging industry connections for extraordinary solutions.

"I hate to say this, Guy, but I don't think you should have done it; it was quite expensive," she blurted out during our first conversation after returning from the trip.

"I want you to understand, for you, nothing is too costly. I recall how eagerly you wanted to attend that conference, and when your workplace suddenly chose you as their representative, it felt like an answered prayer. I was just making sure nothing hindered this significant opportunity for you, especially since canceling the flight would mean an abrupt end to your presentation at the conference," I expressed firmly, seated at my workstation while she rested on my desk with her legs crossed. The room held a delicate stillness after I spoke, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. Instead of words, her fingers traced absent patterns on the table, a silent response that conveyed the depth of her feelings in a way mere words couldn't capture.

"I'm honestly lost for words. While I know I should be incredibly grateful, it's just challenging to fathom why you went to such extremes," she confessed, her surprise evident in the thoughtful pause that followed.

"I went to those lengths because your happiness matters to me. What holds significance in your world is in mine because I genuinely care about you," I explained, underscoring the depth of my concern for her well-being and in that moment there was a quiet exchange of glances, a warmth passed between us—a silent understanding that transcended words. 

"I know you care about me as your friend."

"No, Yadah, I care for you way more than you being my friend," I interjected into her conversation, surprised by the sudden boldness to confess my feelings. At that moment, I was simply ready to lay bare my emotions for her.

"I may not have the perfect words, but I need to express this. Yadah, over this past year, you've become more than just any other woman. I paused trying to gather my thoughts that seem not to be collected in the order I would prefer it to be.

”Beyond our playful banter, I see you as someone I want in my life. I want to navigate this journey with you, whether on the right or left side of the world. I want you to choose to have me in your world, just as I choose to have you in mine," I voiced out, my words resonating with a rhythm that mirrored the cadence of my beating heart;as I took Yadah's hand, a subtle yet firm connection that transcended words.

"I do not know what to say to this" She uttered as her hand slipped away from my grasp, leaving a void that mirrored the disappointment sinking in my chest. Silently, She retrieved her bag, a gesture laden with unspoken acceptance of what seemed inevitable.

As she neared the door, a sudden pause mid-stride signaled a shift. She turned, and her eyes met mine, a moment pregnant with anticipation. "Yele," her voice, a mix of emotions, cut through the air.

Caught in the whirlwind of emotions, I responded with a desperate, "Yes," my eyes lifting to meet hers.

"I feel the same way," her words, hurried and excited, hung in the space between us. It was a revelation that sprinted out of her, unexpected and genuine. With that, she dashed out the door, leaving my heart racing.

"Wait!" I couldn't contain my excitement, and as if chasing the echoes of our shared feelings, I shouted after her, hastily following the path she had taken.