Short Story Series: A Letter To Alice Series 002.

Hey Timi,
     Thanks for always writing me. I’m truly very sorry for replying late. I’m doing okay here. Believe me dear, I miss you like crazy! I’ve missed seeing your fake dimples, lolz. I know you’re not too fine, but please be. I desperately need you to survive, okay? And, that’s not a demand; it’s a command, you hear?
     The sad part is that I want to believe you were joking when you said that you hope to find an alternative friend. Nonsense! Arrant rubbish! May God never bring a better friend your way! May you not find o! Do you think I want a rival? Don’t get this wrongly. I just want to remain in your heart. Sharing that comfy space in your heart with someone else would surely give me a heart attack. Do you want me to die?
     Darling, I still and will always love you dearly. I’m sorry about the unexpected change of things. I remember you always feared that a time would come when life may take me away from you, and it seems like that time has come. No. Never will it happen. When you’re down, close your eyes and remember the good days we had. Funnily, I still remember the day you tried to fry beans as an experiment. What a bad chef you are. Ah! I’m laughing right now. I’m even sitting on the carpet in my room. LWKMD
     You remember the day I forgot my earrings with you at the hospital? I remember we sat next to each other like statues. You were the statue of liberty –holding Chris, your teddy. And I was what? I was more like another piece of furniture in the ward. My neck was stiff, my breath was hot, my eyes were sad. Remember I never got to collect my earrings? Now, they’re all yours in the meantime. Cherish them like you would do me. Keep them for me till the day we’ll meet again in person.
     Guess what? I went on a date with one guy yesterday! Valentine’s was lovely and sweet like a cup of Stonecold ice-cream. His name is Tolu. Tolu is my next-door neighbor, one of the handsome young men in my compound. I first ran into him early one morning while he was having his workout at the backyard. Sweaty but cute, believe me. He’s my secret crush but he doesn’t have the slightest clue. So, he asked me to go out with him on Valentine’s morning. The heavens must have played us a soundtrack, my favorite song: ‘I can’t help falling in love with you…’ but, I was too excited to hear the rhythms at all. I just stared at him as if I was deaf and dumb. I didn’t know whether to say I was going to think about it or not. It even crossed my mind that perhaps he had planned a date that wasn’t turning out well, so he sought a plan B. Or, who asks a girl out on a date, the morning of a Valentine’s Day?
     Well, after considering the two voices in my head, I concluded that the violent voice yelling, ‘say yes!’ was the charming voice of an angel, while the: ‘no, you should not be so quick’ was definitely the devil in his gentlest voice, trying to imitate God. We both know that God may not always speak gently, at least in Yoruba movies, he sounds like a thunder most times. So, we went to the movies… Oh my goodness! He was so sweet. Moreover, we’re just friends o, nothing more! We can now take it slow after Valentine’s Day, lol. You never know how you find purpose these days. Ha… my God! See me… How was Valentine’s for you? Write me. Let me reserve the embarrassing story of how we boarded a cab to the movies and didn’t pay a dime. Tolu is an actor.
     Ife is not bad. It’s just that my schedule has been tight. I get to eat ‘garri’ and ‘akara’ every other night. How about that your goat of a roommate? Sola is always a goat. Shall I leave you now? Ah, my bed calls me o! I have to go to sleep right about now. Write me o! I’ll read it once I’m chanced, you hear? Be a good boy. Alice will always love you, too.

Your best friend,
Alice.

Hello Alice,
     Why am I still upset with you? Well, I’m surprised you replied my last email. Seriously, you make my efforts seem futile! I can’t believe you are still alive and happy without me. I feel like a bad companion already. My request is simple, just stop breathing! Stop it! Stop darling, but you wouldn’t. Anyway, how are you doing tonight? How’s mom? Have you been resting well now? I know I’m asking too many questions, true. If I were around I could devote myself to taking care of you well.
     Forget about Valentine’s. My day was not too good, and I hope you understand that I’m not just always complaining. It’s Sola, my roommate. Can you believe that the coconut-headed guy used my white mug to brush his teeth again this morning? You know how mad I can be. Sorry, no ‘m-word’. You know how upset it can make me. Who on earth drinks water with a straw? Or bathes with their pants on? It’s like that. I know it’s just a cup; it could break anytime; I should be tolerant, blah blah blah… What do you have to say about me having to stress myself out worrying uncontrollably?
I cried about it. Thank God you understand me. Most people think I’m being silly. I could not stop worry over it. I could not read well, I could not write, I could not successfully distract myself. You know I can’t always help it. There’s another complaint Alice…
     Sola keeps disarranging my own pile of books. He would say he wants to use my dictionary, and he’ll scatter everything. I told him to either arrange it back my way or ask me to select it out for him. You know what? He says I’m always grumbling and complaining. You don’t think I’m cantankerous, do you? I’m just stressed, but I’ll be fine.
     So, be quick to reply this mail. I need to know that everything is still fine with you. The other time I called, I remember you mentioned a nasty looking neighbour who snores so loudly at night, so much that you can’t sleep soundly in your own room. I’m sorry about that. And really, I think you should find a way to cook more other than enjoying your unwholesome, all-night 'garri' and 'akara' dinner. You should cook. Take care of yourself love. I still love you.

Your abandoned friend,
Timi.