OBlIVION

 Oblivion

How often do you dream?

Funmbi was a dreamer, she has a perfect picture of how she wants her life to be all in her head, you could say she was a perfectionist or a perfectly driven person....well, it's easier for her being born into wealth but still she wanted more and strive harder to get the best of everything, clothes, cars, shoes, bags, food, skin, house and even her man.

Everything had to be perfect.

Tolani on the other hand just wanted something simple, not that she wouldn't prefer an extravagant lifestyle but she knows she couldn't afford it, between her mom's hospital bills to college funds for her two siblings, house rent,utility bills and all..... even the three hundred thousand naira she earns monthly barely covers it all, so she settles for reality.

It's funny how this two met and became best friends with how different they were in lifestyle, ambition, background and attitude....but they have one thing in common "A good heart "

But that's a story for another day.

I don't know why you don't like this dress Funmbi said looking herself in the mirror in the bedroom of the two bedroom apartment she shared with Tolani.

It's a see through at both sides, revealing the fact that you're not wearing panties Tolani exclaimed!!!!

And what's so bad about that, it'll be dark outside soon besides that's what is in vogue right now....this is the third dress I'm trying and you still haven't picked one funmbi said,this time sounding frustrated.

That's because all the dresses you've tried is either net,see through or too short Tolani pointed out.

I'm wearing this Funmbi finally stated after looking at herself in the mirror for sometime.

I wonder why you even bother asking me if you already know what to wear replied Tolani.

It's a big night for me, and I want you to feel included na...said Funmbi smiling to herself.

Oh please!!!! Not like it's the first time you and Gbenga are going out.

I know but it's the first time he's going to introduce me to his friends.

Really? replied Tolani sarcastically

Let's go together na...she begged, you know I'll be nervous all by myself.

No oh!!!...am not going anywhere with you tonight.

Tee, please now this time sounding more appealing.

( she's the only one that calls Tolani "Tee" and that's whenever she needs a favour)

Ok fine, Tolani agreed giving up,it's hard to resist when you make that face.

Thanks she said rushing to give her a hug and peck, you're the best Tee...

Now don't get all mushy on me ya.

Like you don't like it when I do she said turning away, we leave by 8

I thought you said the birthday dinner starts by 7?

Yea but nobi us they do birthday na....besides I'd like us to make an entrance...

On another person's birthday? Haba! Funmbi,don't you think that's unreasonable?

Sometimes you have to do unreasonable things to get attention...and with that statement she went into the bathroom.

Funmbi made and entrance as she planned, all eyes were on her when she entered, Gbenga couldn't hide his smile and proudly introduced her to everyone, Tolani on the other hand didn't do much as usual. She was oblivious to all.

It started in early January 2013, they were both freshers in the famous University of Lagos.

Funmb had her own group of friends who didn't even relate with the likes of Tolani, they were all spoilt brats.

Tolani was on her way to the hostel from the library when Funmbi ran into her allowing her books to fly helter skelter,

Watch where you are going Funmbi snapped and left

Who's supposed to be mad thought Tolani but said nothing as she bent to pick the rest of her books scattered around, then she realized she left her phone charging in the library and rushed back to get it.

She noticed the same girl who ran into her minutes ago sitting in an empty classroom with her head buried in her palms, Tolani stopped then out of curiosity she went closer and heard her sniff, are you ok? She asked

What do you want ?Funmbi said flaring up

I'm sorry, I thought I heard you cry

Well I wasn't so just leave

She went ahead to get her phone and on her way back noticed Funmbi still hasn't left and it would be dark soon

Look the Security guards would be here soon and it'll be better they don't find you here Tolani stated

With that Funmbi stood up and left

Tolani watched from a distance as she sluggishly went into the hostel and wondered

what was so bad that could make her cry so much ....

It was until the next morning before she heard Funmbi caught her famous boyfriend Charles in bed with another girl in her finals

She felt sad for her

It was later on Funmbi noticed she was in the same class as Tolani and they became friends since then

Tolani was able to secure a job immediately after NYSC with the help of Funmbi's mom but Funmbi decided to go into Makeup instead of joining the corporate world claiming she doesn't like to be told what to do or having someone dictate when to sleep and wake all the time.

***

Gbenga and I are going out tonight, you should come Funmbi said as she layed back in bed taking selfies to send to Gbenga of course.

No thanks replied Tolani.

Why not? It's not like you have anything better to do now.

I'm tired of being a third wheel to you guys date, and I know you'd try to hook me up with one of his friends again which is very embarrassing

I wouldn't have to if you made an effort

Excuses you! It's not my fault they don't find me fun or interesting like you. Then whose fault is it o abeg? It's not like it'll kill you to try

Are we really going to do this again?

Do what?

We've had this discussion a thousand times Funmbi, I don't want a one night stand or a fling, I want to fall in love with someone that has eyes for only me, someone we have chemistry

together

Oh God! Fumbi said rolling her eyes same time getting up to face her, Nobi only chemistry, na biology you go see.....Look I get where you are coming from but this isn't a movie or one of the romance novels you read, you better wake up and face reality, as long as he's rich,good looking, can hold conversations and also good in bed....babe wetin else you they find?

I know you won't understand replied Tolani

That reminds me, Gbenga's sister is getting married next month and you are going, you better get a date before then because am not babysitting you at the party.

The doorbell rang before Tolani could reply

Don't wait up Funmbi said as she grabbed her purse and left.

It was almost 2pm the following day when Funmbi woke up, she didnt get back until around 4am in the morning.

She found Tolani in the kitchen making smoothies, Good morning she said yawning

More like Good afternoon Tolani replied, your phone has been buzzing since, your mom even called saying it's important you call her back immediately you wake up.

She was just about to say something when her phone rang again, it was her mom. Hi mom

Olafunmbi, what happened my dear? Have been trying to reach you since morning, Tolani said you were sleeping, Iru orun wo wa niyen?

Ema binu ma, I wasn't able to get some sleep till this morning.

Ok ooo,anyway I called to remind you of your uncle's birthday party next week, hope you've sowed your cloth?

" She has forgotten about the cloth totally " Is it a must I go?

I don't have time for this type of discussion, you are coming with me and that's final, and with that she ended the call.

Here Tolani said handing her a glass of the smoothies she was making.

My head is banging mehn! Funmbi said as she ran her hand through her hair.

It's hangover my dear, like they say shayo na bastard replied Tolani laughing as she left the kitchen.

Funmbi spent the rest of the day in bed.

It was obvious to all how the couple were so in love, they shared smiles and kisses at every given chance,they looked so happy Tolani thought as she watched them from the table she shared with Funmbi, Gbenga and few others

Funmbi was part of the bridal train and so was Gbenga on the groom's side so they both had roles to play that day and Tolani was left to herself most of the time.

I told you to get a date but you refused now see how lost you look at the table Funmbi said when she came to retrieve something from her purse and left before Tolani could even think of a come back

Her phone vibrates.. "it was her mom"

She wondered what was wrong and she rushed outside to receive it because of the noise in the hall

Hello ma?

Omotolani mi, how are you?

I'm fine ma, hope there's no problem? She sounded worried

No ooo not at all, i just wanted to remind you of the money for foodstuffs you promised to send tomorrow

Oh ok ,I won't forget ma

Alright dear, take care of yourself, ba mi ki Funmbi ooo?

I will, bye ma.

"I believe this is yours " she heard a voice say and turned towards the sound....there he was looking like a whole meal, she has never seen someone look so good in agbada like this...

This he said bringing her back to reality and she looked at his outstretched hand only to find a bracelet that looked exactly like hers, checked her wrist for confirmation and said yes it is...she reached into his palm for it and felt electrifying and he must have felt it too because he looked right at her and they stared at one another.

There you are said a female as she approached him taking his hands into hers, I was wondering where you went, she gave Tolani a look that said get lost so she left without a word but could still feel his gaze on her as she went back into the hall.

It took a while before Tolani could find their table, her head was spinning "what's wrong with me "

There she is Funmbi said as she approached, I was beginning to think you've been kidnapped, came here twice and didn't find you, where do you go?

I went to receive a call outside replied Tolani.

Oh ok....have you eaten?

Yes I'm good

Are you sure? You are looking like you've just seen a ghost said Funmbi laughing and I'm sure you didn't drink so wassup?

Nothing really, am fine Tolani said adding a smile to reassure her

Let me introduce you to the bride Funmbi said pulling Tolani along before she could protest

Meet my best friend Tolani she said to wunmi the bride.

Congratulations, I wish you guys the best in your marriage Tolani said hugging her

Thanks dear,hope you are having a nice time because I don't trust Funmbi to look after someone besides herself wunmi asked?

Yes I am....

Dapo joor wa... she beckoned to someone behind her.

This is my brother Dapo she said and he turned out to be the guy she met few minutes ago in the parking lot, she's Funmbi's guest pls take care of her well and make sure she gets all the souvenir

No problem sis he replied.

I didn't get your name the other time he said to Tolani

That's because I didn't give it she replied and turned to leave

Excuse me,did I say something wrong earlier?

Ofcourse not, but I'd prefer we don't get too familiar with eachother.

And you telling me your name is being too familiar ?

Something like that, with this she walked further and prayed he didn't come after her again....he didn't.

***

The wedding was the talk of the town for weeks, it was trending on all social medias and blogs #themakinde's

Tolani flipped through some of the pictures and read some comments as she sat in her office on a Friday afternoon.

She remembered how she almost married Tokunbo her Ex, he was a boy in a man's body

She tried everything humanly possible to make him man up and make decisions of his own

and stop being indecisive all the time, stop trying to be what he wasn't, he even went as far as discussing their private matters with people that wasn't even supposed to know and that was the height of it, they even tried going for therapy and it worked for a while before he went back to default...

Five years relationship was over in a minute

It was really hard for her to let go and move on,not just because she was so used to him or the love they shared but because of the time and energy invested in that relationship

And everyone knows time is money

She sighed heavily as she closed the page of the wedding pictures on her system and went back to work.

She hoped Funmbi hasn't forgotten about their plans to visit her family at ogun state this weekend, she knows this isn't the type of getaway trip Funmbi is opened to but she has no choice

She was surprised to not meet Funmbi at home when she got back

She called but Funmbi didn't pick so she went to start packing for their trip, Tolani noticed that Funmbi left her phone in the room which indicated she didn't go far

It wasn't long before Funmbi entered

So you are back ....this early? Funmbi said as she picked up her phone

Yea,have you packed Tolani asked?

Packed for what?

We are going to see my mom this weekend remember....

Yea I do but you said on the 15th now

News flash! Today's 15th

Shit! It skipped my mind totally, you didn't even remind me sef.

I did two days ago

I mean like yesterday or better still, this morning.

Oh really! I didn't know am supposed to remind you every day that you are supposed to follow me home this weekend Tolani snapped which she didn't intend to

Funmbi was quiet for a while before she said....what happened at work today? Are you good? I'm alright, just a little bit stressed that's all, sorry for snapping at you

Come here, sit Funmbi said as she patted the space on the bed beside her, you know am here for you don't you? You can tell me anything that's bothering you...

I know dear, I just thought about my life, things I wished I have ,where I'm supposed to be, I'm just so tired of working so hard and having little or nothing to show for it....I couldn't even make a five years relationship work Tolani said angrily.

Now look that wasn't your fault, everyone knows how much effort you put into that relationship and you guys parted on mutual grounds, a broken relationship is way better than a broken marriage Funmbi said

I'd rather have a broken marriage than none at all Tolani said *sigh*

You don't know your worth Omotolani, you are one of the best people I know and trust me I know just few, you are selfless, humble, considerate,well mannered and also very beautiful, anyman would be so lucky to have you, believe that....I'm so lucky and grateful to have you as

not just a friend but also a sister to me, so stop beating yourself up about things that aren't worth it and let's get going before it's too late. Funmbi said

A tear dropped from Tolani's eye as she said thanks so much darling, don't know what I would have done without you as they hugged eachother.

***

The journey to ogun state wasn't an easy one, the traffic was so hectic, Funmbi kept complaining till she felt asleep but Tolani on the other hand wasn't feeling as tired as Funmbi was and thought she was exaggerating but what do you expect from a rich man's child she thought.

It wasn't until 10pm before they arrived that night....wake up she said tapping Funmbi who was asleep on her laps,we are here.

Her siblings Shola and Bayo came out to receive them and take their bags in

Omotolani mi owon said Tolani's mother on siting her and started chanting her praise in her native language.

Maami Tolani said giving her a hug with a beaming smile

E kaale ma Funmbi greeted kneeling down like a typical African woman which came as a surprise to Tolani

Kaale my dear replied Tolani's mother with outstretched arms to hug her too

How was your journey? Hope there was no problem on your way? Hope you aren't too tired? Will you eat now? Tolani's mother said without allowing them answer one before asking another

Easy mom, we are fine and our journey was alright and it's way past our dinner time so we are just going to drink something cold and sleep

Are you sure? Tolani's mother asked looking questionly at Funmbi, don't be shy my dear.

I'm fine ma, I'll just take something cold before I sleep Funmbi replied with a reassuring smile

If you insist, I'll leave you to get some rest then she said as she went to her room

The weekend went by faster than they expected and Funmbi had to admit that places like this wasn't that bad to visit, they visited alot of places and interacted with few people around

A part of her felt sad as sunday morning came because they had to leave soon

We will be back soon she told Tolani's mother as they bid them farewell when the cab came around, she didn't even sleep on their way back and didnt complain either.

It's so good to be home Tolani said out loud as they entered their apartment. Yea it is Funmbi replied sounding a bit sad.

Are you ok? Tolani asked

Yea,its just that I wonder how certain set of people that have so little are so happy and contented with what they have while others that have more than they do aren't as happy as they are and still crave for much more ....it's confusing Funmbi replied looking as confused as she sounded.

I get where you are coming from but look people want different things in life and we can't blame them, the world is evolving you know, new innovation and all, you can't blame anyone for wanting more from life except if its for the wrong reasons

I know what you saw at my mom's place might be messing with your brain a bit but you've got to put yourself together ok? Just do you.

Yea it is but I get you, we going to be just fine she said with a reassuring smile

Funmbi spent the better part of the night talking to Gbenga while Tolani had to get things ready for work the next day.

It's monday morning, few minutes past 10am and Funmbi is still in bed, Tolani on the other hand has been at work since 830am crunching numbers and all,

Funmbi got out of bed yawning and stretching as she went into the bathroom to freshen up,She had to be in her makeup studio by 12pm because she has an appointment with a client she met on Instagram.

He phone rang and soon as she came out of the bathroom.... it was Tolani How far babe?

I'm good, are you just waking up?

Yea something like that.

Oh! So you haven't seen it then?

Seen what?

Check your Instagram page

Talk joor, what's all this one now?

Ok fine, it's a video of Gbenga kissing another girl last night What?!!! You must be joking

It's one of those bloggers that posted it this morning and it's been trending ever since Funmbi was quiet.

Are you there?...

Yea

I'm so sorry dear...

It's fine Funmbi replied then hung up before Tolani could say more,

Funmbi was quiet, she didn't even realise how much she cared until now.

"Should I call him? Go to his house?" She thought, so many things were going through her head at a time. After a while she summed up courage to check the post.

The headline alone wasn't comforting at all.

"Trouble in paradise as billionaire boyfriend Gbenga Ajibade was caught kissing a woman who

isn't his high class babe Funmbi Babalola".

Oh my God! She had so many tags and dm's, even the post had thousands of views,likes and comments,

She didn't even know what to do so the closed the page,

Calls kept coming in but she only received that of her apprentice who wanted to know if she'd still make it for the makeup session and she insisted that she'd be there soon.

She has to get her head right, this is a new client and first impression do matter so she couldn't cancel on short notice not even because of something trivial as this.

***

Tolani came home earlier than usual and found Funmbi sitting by herself in dark, she felt so sorry for her knowing Funmbi liked Gbenga more than she'd want to admit,

She sat quietly beside her on the floor, after some time Funmbi rested her head on Tolani's lap Tolani knows how exactly she feels, she's been there before....

This is dumb Tolani blurted out, I know what you need to do she said getting up and pulling Funmbi along

She took out her phone and dialled Gbenga's number,

He picked almost immediately saying Funmbi?

Tolani placed the phone on Funmbi's ear and said speak with a straight face that she couldn't

  

argue with,

Taking a deep breath Funmbi said hi

I know what must have been going through your head but I swear nothing happened between us, I can explain he said .....I'm coming over

Alright Funmbi replied then hung up

He's coming over right? Tolani guessed

Yes

Good, you guys need to talk about it then move from there babe I guess so

You need to take a shower tho

Funmbi didnt even realise how messy she was until Tolani pointed it out.

The doorbell rang in almost an hour and Tolani answered it.....it was Gbenga

Hi he said to Tolani

Hi she replied coldly than she intended to, come in

Should I get you a drink or something?

Not at all, I'm fine thanks Gbenga replied

Alright then, I'll let Funmbi know you are here

Few minutes later Funmbi showed up

Hey he said standing up as soon as he saw her approaching

Hey she replied

Can we talk?

That's why you're here isn't it? So let's talk

Alright.....I know how you must be feeling and I'm so sorry you had to see that,he paused to see her reaction

Ok.....you didn't come all the way to say just that did you?

Yea, I'm going to be honest with you,the thing is she's my ex, we dated way back when I was doing my first degree in London ,

She moved to another state with her family later on and we lost touch,

I was so surprised to see her here in Nigeria at a club last month, we exchanged numbers and chatted for a while but nothing intimate.

Then she asked us to meet for a drink to catch up and since we are both mature enough to handle our drinks so i agreed and somewhere along the line she started talking about old times and she kissed me, that was it.....it ended there I swear.

So what you are trying to tell me now is that this is the first time you guys would meet since when you last saw eachother in the states yea? Funmbi asked

Ye...yes Gbenga replied stuttering

Really? Can you just admit it, do you think I'm a fool Funmbi said furiously

Ok fine she came to my house once and we had sex, just once Funmbi and it meant nothing to me seriously....I'm very sorry I cheated on you, it was never my intention Gbenga pleaded.

I don't know what to say right now, I'll need time to think about the whole thing Funmbi replied

I'll let you know when I decide she said standing up and walking towards the door and he realized that means its time for him to leave.

I'll wait, no matter how long it takes....I'm not going anywhere Gbenga said before leaving Are you alright? Tolani asked Funmbi few minutes after Gbenga left

Not really, it hurts you know...right here she said pointing at her chest

I know Tolani said softly giving her a hug , I know what can make you feel better.....come with

me she said pulling Funmbi before she could argue

I stopped to get groceries at the supermarket and look what I got you, "tada!!!" She said showing Funmbi the bowl of ice cream she got and a pack of donuts knowing Funmbi loves donuts especially the ones with jam in it.

Funmbi smiled as Tolani turned their living room to a mini movie theater, curtains drawn, lights off and Kevin hart's movie called "Night School" was playing.

Weeks went by and everyone forgot all about the whole Gbenga&Funmbi's drama,

Looks like the bloggers have seen someone else or something new and trending to focus on, it felt like a weight lifted off Funmbi's chest,

She still insists that she and Gbenga be just friends because she hasn't moved past it just yet and wasn't sure if she could continue without acting on it.

Gbenga on the other had didn't take it well and it was obvious he regretted his actions and was willing to do anything to make them come together once more.

Tolani came back from work one day and was all excited about her being one of the few selected to go to their head office in Abuja for an evaluation and eligibility for promotion scheme.

It was going to last two weeks, Funmbi was happy for her and all but was sad she'd have to spend most of her time alone and with Gbenga gone again...

Let's go together now Tolani said reading her mind.

I don't think that's a good idea, its work related and you need to be untop of your game plus I'll only be a distraction to you and you know it,

Yea maybe but I think it would be equally good for you to have a chang of environment for a while, maybe meet someone new.

Wow...look how the tables turn, you are now the one trying to hook me up this time Funmbi said laughing

No no no that's not what is happening right now, you don't need me to hook you up, you just need to be the you I know, the you everyone knows Tolani pointed out

Funmbi paused like she was considering it for a while then later said No....I'm not going

Tolani's phone rang as soon as she got to the hotel booked for her by the company she works for in Abuja.....it was Funmbi

Were you timing me or what she said when she picked up.

So you didn't know Funmbi replied laughing, I wanted to make sure you didnt branch

You aren't serious, how are are you doing?

I'm okay....how was your flight?

It was alright, just a bit tiring

Eyah....pele dear, try to get something to eat and rest

You too darling, be good alright?

Sure thing babes

Talk to your later

Alright bye

The doorbell to her room rang few minutes after she placed an order

"I really hope I get this promotion" she thought as she sipped out of a glass of wine she ordered with the food.

Good thing the room has a veranda as Tolani went to the balcony to take a look.....the view was nice and quiet, she liked it.

It was a bit past 7 before Tolani realised time has gone because she's been so engrossed preparing for the first meeting tomorrow.

She decided to go relax a bit by going to the bar in the hotel.

She felt so lonely without Funmbi, taking a sip of her vodka drink at the bar, she decided to do a video call with Funmbi.

Hey babe Funmbi picked up almost instantly

Hey darling

Oh my God!!! You look so fine, are you at a bar or something?

Yea something like that, just decided to relax a bit

Go girl!!! That's what I'm talking about, turn up yaaay Funmbi screamed happily

Can you just calm down, it's not like I haven't been to a bar before

I know but not alone na....or are you there with someone Funmbi asked giving her a funny look

No joor, who do I know here, I'm alone but I wish you came

Me too babe ....don't mind me jare

How are you? Have you had dinner?

I'm doing alright and I ordered a pizza, you know I don't really like cooking especially just for myself

Lol...good to know you are fine

Oya leave me and go have fun darling

Alright dear

Later babes....Muaaah!!!!

Can I have a glass of scotch with ice a male voice said to the bartender Hi he said to her

Hey she replied slowly looking up from her phone, I think I know you... Well you could have but you refused to tell me your name remember? Oh right...from the party

Good memory he replied smiling

Daniel? David? ...Tolani asked guessing

Now this is so sad he said laughing a bit....are you serious right now? I'm so sorry I just know it starts with D that's all

Anyways its Dapo he said stretching out his hands

Tolani she replied taking his hand

Nice to meet you formally Tolani, you look nice

Thanks Dapo

So what's a beautiful girl like you doing at the bar all by yourself?

Is that supposed to be a pick up line or something?

No just a question

Right she said and scoffed

Are you always like this? Dapo asked Like what?

Always defensive

How am I being defensive right now

He sighed...you know what, let's have a do over....can I take you out for dinner tomorrow evening?

I don't think I can, I'm here for work and it's best I focus

Same here but all work and no play makes Tolani a dull girl he said smiling

Very funny Tolani replied smiling

That's it...that smile, that's what I wanted to see, I want to get to know the girl behind the mask, please let me get to know you....he said sounding genuine and serious

Alright then, Tolani agreed....just dinner

Cool I'll pick you up by 6? I assume you are staying in this hotel yea?

Yes I am and 6 is fine by me....bye

Wait....i still don't have your number he said bringing out his phone

Oh okay she replied as she punched her number on his cell before leaving.

***

Tolani tossed in bed most of the night thinking about Dapo, she barely had enough sleep. At exactly 9am the following morning

Tolani was sitted at the table amongst others in the conference room being allocated to them for the program in the hotel.

She made notes as the presentation/lecture began and concentrated fully on it, they were allowed to go for an hour break at exactly 12pm....she isn't big on breakfast and skipped it that morning so she grabbed a quick lunch before they were called back in, the program ended by 3pm that day.

At exactly 6pm her phone rang, it was Dapo Hello

Hi how are you doing?

I'm good and you?

Great....so I'm waiting for you at the lobby, you ready?

Oh right, I'll be there in 10 min

Alright cool

The funniest thing is that she actually prayed he didn't call or called to cancel, she was so nervous ....she hasn't gone on a date for long

Taking a deep breath, she summoned courage and grabbed her purse and phone from the bed.

She didn't want to go all out with her dressing so she chose a pink off shoulder bodycon dress, black strapped heels and put on light makeup

Dapo couldn't stop staring at Tolani from time to time since she approached him till they got to the restaurant.

Can you stop doing that? Tolani asked Doing what?

Staring....its rude you know

I'm so sorry, you just look so beautiful Thank you Tolani replied smiling

They had dinner and shared small talks while eating

For some reason the connection they felt was so strong, Tolani melted at just one look of his and Dapo came undone at the sound of her voice

I have to head back Tolani said when she realized it saw almost 9

So soon? Can we atleast finish the wine, I hate to waste this awesome drink Dapo replied smiling

Alright fine, it's actually really nice

Few minutes later they walked out to his car and they drove in silence, both lost in thought only sharing occasionally looks and smiles.....

Watch out for PART 2

Parked at the parking lot in the hotel

Last modified: 24 Aug 2020