by Seun Odukoya
She was unusual quiet, not saying much but reaching for my hand and hanging onto it. I don’t think I mentioned the softness that is her before…but she is soft. She is soft.
As we walked that night, I found myself wondering what it would be like to hug her. I eyed the gentle swelling on her chest – and guiltily turned my head away.
I shouldn’t be thinking such things.
Too soon, I saw the lights that indicated we had arrived her hostel. Confidently she walked the path, leading me by the hand almost without looking and then we were at her door. She stopped, pulling me up beside her till we were both underneath the security lights and then stood there looking at me.
“Goodnight,” I croaked.
She didn’t say anything – she just stood there and looked at me – pinning me there with that something that was stirring in the depths of her eyes.
My father’s words floated down – as though from the bulb;
“Run away when you see any of these two things…”
Guy, I couldn’t move.
Suddenly her eyes loomed closer – but it wasn’t until they receded did I realize what she just did.
She had stood on tiptoes and tried to kiss me.
Did I mention how tall I am?
She fell back – and then smiled, gleaming white teeth swimming in a sea of pink. She whispered ‘don’t move’ in a conspiratorial tone and disappeared, opening and closing the door.
I was blinking, trying to get the sparks out of my eyes when she returned bearing something. She set it down in front of me – I realized it was a stool – and maintaining eye contact, she climbed it, slowly put her arms around my neck –
My brain started buzzing, turning a particular code over and over but I couldn’t get it at the time –
And then the coolest lips in the world touched mine.
Oh boy.
Seyi’s Sharwarma sweet o. No lie.
But it was ashes compared to what I had in my mouth that night. In fact, if she agrees to kiss me like that once a week I wouldn’t touch that shawarma – or any other one for that matter – ever again.
I think NEPA took power and restored it like fifteen times in the whole thirty seconds we kissed.
Finally she let go of my mouth. Finally I could breath again.
And finally, I got the code my brain had been turning over since.
One word:
RUN.
acknowledgement
Belief in God is a reminder that I don’t have to be alone anymore; I have a father who gives a fuck about me actually; a brother who always has time for me and a comforter who it’s never too late to call.
Seriously; what could be better?
Thank you, dear daddy and family.
Block 20 Media, thank you for the opportunity to work with you guys. It was an experience all the way; one I am eager to repeat. Thank you.
To The Psalmurai; your passion for what you do is infectious. I like the way energy bounces back and forth between us; I like the synergy. Let’s do this again – and soon.
All the guys who worked with me on this – the in-your-face guys and the behind-the scenes guys; thank you. The Underline team; God bless you plenty!
Now let’s make this money.
Ogechi; PA of substance, thank you. I’m sure you’ll find this blush-worthy, but you must know; you have no idea how much you’re teaching me. Thank you so much and much.
Ayo, thank you. For always coming through, for always taking my calls and for the willingness to work with me on stuff – no matter how inconvenient. Let me know when it’s time for that Oscar movie.
I got you.
Oxygen; God bless you always. I would have loved for you to be more involved in this – but things being what they are; I understand. Thank you for your part.
Happy Wedded Life by the way.
Ife; for always making time for me. For believing so much you invest your time, money, prayers and what nots. Thank you bro. My love to your beautiful family.
Now fly. It’s about that time.
Lexain the boss; thank you plenty! Your support and encouragement – not to mention the contribution – are all invaluable. Ose; broda!!!
Hustle On!
Ope; you’re like a striker – I’ve become so comfortable in your abilities that I miss deadlines – just because I know you’ll cover me; not to mention your patience with my one-hundred-and five corrections. I’ll never take that for granted. Thank you.
To the companies/agencies who partnered with me on this; Fuel Communications, Noah’s Ark, The Hustle League, Apesobey, RurfGear – thank you.
Special holla to Abolaji Alausa. Thank you for the faith! Love to Olori 1.
My Fuel fam too – thank you for the love. You guys are awesome.
Nneka. My sister. Times being what they are, we haven’t had much space to talk like we used to – it doesn’t make any difference however. You’re still and will always be, blood.
Love to you. Your family.
All the women. The ladies. The girls. The madams.
For the love. Pain. Hurt. Warmth. What would life be without you?
Thank you for it all.
Tomi Adesina. Timayin. Rich & Lynn. Maskuraid. Mainland Book Club. Topaz. Girlspice. For everything. And a bit more.
Thank you.
I have a friend named Scott…
Burning is not the only thing fire does o. I’m sure you know.
Thank you.
My dance partner – here we go again. Still dancing.
Still believe?
You know I cannot talk about love without talking about my mum. I just want to say – thank you to her; for raising me the best way possible. For the example of love she was. For making me feel so special. And awesome. And giving me the confidence to do whatever.
My mother. Love always.
If I didn’t mention you, blame my head not my heart. I still got you.
www.seunodukoya.com
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