It was finally Friday. After finishing my chores, I went to shower and got dressed a big black shirt and loose knickers. I came online on WhatsApp and saw Ray's message. He asked, "What time are you coming?" and I replied, "By eleven." Almost immediately, Celeste texted too. She said her brother told her I was coming over, and that when I started heading there, I should text her. I said okay and dropped a message in the group chat to tell Jovi and Daphne. We all laughed and chatted a bit before I started getting ready.
Around noon, Ray asked for my account details and sent me ₦10,000 for cab fare. I was surprised and a little nervous. As I got in the cab, Celeste helped direct me. On the way, I realized her house was just two streets away from Jovi's. When I reached the junction, I called Celeste. She told me to turn, and that's when I saw her a short girl with sideways black braids, wearing a black crop top and red shorts. She was smiling as she walked toward me.
"You're tall… and prettier in person," she said, still smiling.
I blushed and thanked her. As we walked, I noticed she kept glancing at me, like she was studying me. When we got to her house, she introduced me to her elder sister, Silvia, who also said I looked prettier in real life. I thanked her again, feeling shy but flattered.
Celeste led me to her brother's room. I sat on the bed, and she sat next to me. Ray smiled when he saw me and said, "You look beautiful," and I thanked him politely. He asked if I wanted anything, but I said no. Then, while we were talking, he held my hand gently.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Celeste staring at me nonstop. Then she said softly, "Elaria, you're too beautiful." She stood up, blushing, and left the room.
I told Ray that I had lectures by 2 PM even though it wasn't true. I just wanted to leave and go to Jovi's lesson center. He nodded and asked what I had planned for my birthday. I said maybe a pool party, and he smiled, saying he'd send me money for it. I thanked him again. When Celeste came back, we all talked and laughed a bit. I really liked her vibe she was playful and kind. Around half past two, I decided to leave. But just as I was about to go, Ray leaned forward and kissed my lips.
I froze. I hated it. I felt so uncomfortable, but I didn't want to make a scene. So I just forced a small smile and left. When I got to Jovi's lesson center, I was smiling again half relieved, half excited. I told Jovi, Daphne, and Small Daphne what had happened, and Jovi screamed, laughing. I could see how happy and amused they were. Then Jovi said, "You better be careful o, don't raise any suspicions." We all laughed again, and I left later to head to school to submit my project to my course rep. When I was done, I finally went home tired, confused, but somehow still smiling.