There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life, and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I'm going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life-whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts. -Elizabeth Gilbert

Dora jumped in fright as a throat suddenly cleared beside her.

She whirled to the direction of the sound and her eyes landed on Kemi.

A sheepish grin formed on Kemi's lips. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay," Dora murmured and she willed her racing heart to calm down.

Kemi's next words claimed her attention and she turned back to her.

"I believe Chidi is requesting my presence." Kemi's eyes traveled to something behind Jide. "So, I would need to leave you guys for a few minutes." Her eyes darted between Dora and Jide and she sent them an apologetic smile.

"Of course, no problem! I will keep your friend company until you return," Jide said with a grin.

Dora's breath caught and her heart sped up.

The implications of Kemi's absence weighed down on her and a rock slammed into the pit of her stomach.

"Thank you." Kemi sent Jide a smile. She turned to Dora and said, "I will be back soon."

A frown marred Dora's face and she threw a glare at her.

Their eyes communicated the words their mouths were unable to speak.

Remorse shimmered in Kemi's eyes as she gazed at Dora.

However, as Dora stared at Kemi, she found another glimmer in her eyes.

Behind Kemi's remorseful expression lay a glint of pleasure.

Dora swallowed hard but remained silent as Kemi turned on her heels and ambled off.

Her back remained rigid and her eyes plastered on the music band and her ears absorbed the music they produced. However, the soft melodies couldn't relax her tense muscles.

The figure beside her was a glaring remembrance of her predicament.

A fist clenched around her glass of juice as she struggled to keep her breathing steady.

The clearing of a throat snatched her attention and her eyes darted to the side.

Her eyes connected with the sparkling eyes of Jide and she squirmed as his lips broke into a charming smile, a smile she couldn't reciprocate.

He tucked his hands in his pockets. "So, what profession are you into?" He stared at her with a softness in his caramel eyes.

"I am in the teaching profession!" A proud smile hovered on her lips.

"That's nice!" His eyes lit up. "My mom was a teacher." His eyes filled with a glint of fondness. "She was a high school teacher. What level do you specialize in?"

"Elementary level. I am a grade two teacher." A full smile bloomed on her lips.

"Ahh, you deal with the young ones. That's admirable." His smile grew wider. "What inspired you to become a teacher?"

"Well..." Her eyes flickered away as she struggled to form her words. She realized no one had asked her that question.

Her eyes flickered back to him. "Well, I wanted to positively impact the lives of the young ones and prepare them for a bright future."

Images of the countless children that passed through her class filled her memory.

"That's a nice mission." His lips curled into a soft smile. "I had a similar vision, hence, I decided to become a doctor." He laughed. "But believe it or not, I can't stand the sight of blood." Mirth shimmered in his eyes.

Dora's shoulders shook as her laughter bubbled out. "Me neither. I can't stand the sight of blood and injections."

"Well, I am glad I am not the only one." He smirked with mischief gleaming in his eyes.

Dora couldn't stop the giggle that escaped her lips. "I can assure you there are many in the gang."

"I don't doubt it." His eyes shimmered with laughter.

Dora hid her grin behind the sip of juice she took. She darted her eyes away to hide the amusement twinkling in them.

However, her blood ran cold as her eyes landed on the figure at the entrance of the hall.

Her hand trembled and her throat burned as she choked out a cough.

"Are you okay?" Jide asked with concern in his voice.

She managed a nod as she struggled to steady her breathing.

What is he doing here?

Confusion clouded her eyes and they skirted to Kemi, whose attention was also on the new arrival.

Dora's face morphed into a frown and agitation engulfed her. She willed Kemi to face her.

Finally, her wish came true and their eyes connected.

Bewilderment shimmered in Kemi's eyes.

Dora watched Kemi excuse herself and head towards her.

"What's going on?" Dora sputtered after pulling Kemi away from the hearing of Jide.

"I don't know. I am surprised myself."

Dora narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure you have no hand in his sudden appearance?"

"Not at all!" Honesty shimmered in Kemi's eyes. "Remember I promised there won't be any funny business on my part. So..." She trailed off and her lips formed into a smile.

Dora nodded but the unsettling feeling welled within her. Her eyes trailed to the figure and her face morphed into a deep scowl.

A chuckle drew her attention and she turned to her friend who wore an amused expression.

Dora's scowl deepened. "It's not funny!"

Kemi giggled. "I know it's not. But forgive me, I just find it ironic. It seems as though destiny has some plans up its sleeves." A mixture of glee and laughter gleamed in her eyes.

Dora rolled her eyes and her lips thinned. "I don't like what it has in store." She shook her head.

"Nah, you can't control fate. As I have told you many times before, just let things flow by themselves." She placed a hand on Dora's arms.

Dora shook her head with vigor. "No! Fate has made my story an almost tragedy. I can't allow that to happen again. I must take destiny into my own hands." Her jaw hardened as her conviction increased.

Kemi shook her head. "Don't do that. The consequences might be far greater than the previous ones."

Dora huffed and turned away. Kemi was given no chance when a voice butted in.

"Ladies, it's a pleasure to see you today!"

Dora stiffened as the familiar voice blared in her ears.

"Likewise, G. M; it is a pleasant surprise to see you here."

Dora spied Kemi and Gerald exchange a hug.

"Yeah, a friend of mine forced me to tag along."

That puts us in the same boat.

Don't think of that, Dora! She chided herself and dismissed her thoughts.

Her stomach churned as the feeling of being watched coursed through her.

Painful seconds passed and she slowly raised her head and turned to the side.

Soft chestnut eyes stared back at her.

"Nice to see you again, Adaora!" A smile played on his lips.

Dora forced out a smile and jerked her head in acknowledgment. She ducked her head and stared at the floor and the various shoes of the guests.

She drained out the voices around and struggled to focus on the soothing tunes of the music floating around the room.

So lost in thought, she didn't notice when Kemi and Gerald drifted away

Suddenly, the space beside her was filled by another person. Her brows furrowed and her eyes shot up.

"Sorry for startling you." An apologetic look crossed Jide's face.

"No worries!" She produced a slight smile.

He nodded and smiled. His eyes darted around and he produced a nervous smile. "So... I came to inform you the meal will soon be served and I would like to escort you to your seat." An anxious glint gleamed in his eyes.

"Oh?" Dora stared at him in surprise as she battled to form coherent words.

She swallowed to clear the lump in her throat. "Thank you for informing me." She sent him a small smile.

"You are welcome!" He said and fell in step beside her.

She forced her feet to move in the direction of the tables set for eating.
However, as she turned, her eyes connected with Kemi's smiling face.

A frown marred her face as Kemi threw her a wink. She tossed Kemi a glare and darted her eyes away.

Uneasiness crept up her spine as she and Jide ambled to their seats.

She watched as the other guests wandered to their spots around the huge round tables.

Finally, they reached their table and Jide pulled out a chair for her.

"Thank you," she whispered and slipped into the chair.

He smiled in response and took the seat beside her.

Her breath caught as their arms brushed as they reached out for the menus placed in front of them.

A thick lump formed in her throat and she swallowed hard to erase it. However, it didn't budge and a tightness lodged in her throat.

She refused to make eye contact with him even though she felt his eyes on her.

A tantalizing aroma filled her senses as a waiter placed a steaming bowl of corn soup in front of her.

Her stomach rumbled and her mouth watered. Chunks of chickens swam in the cream-colored broth.

She withheld a moan as the creamy flavor collided with her tongue and awakened her tastebuds. It erased the lump that resided in her throat.

"It's delicious, isn't it?" Jide leaned over and whispered in her ear.

She tilted her head."Yes, it's the best I have had in ages." Her eyes lit up and a grin formed on her lips.

He chuckled and said, "I agree; but I must confess though that I have eaten a more exotic one."

"Oh really? Tell me about it." Curiosity and excitement gleamed in her eyes.

"Nah, that would ruin the fun." Mirth shimmered in his eyes. "I should just take you there." His lips curled into a smirk.

Dora ducked her head as heat climbed up her cheeks. She looked to the side and her eyes clashed with the dark eyes of Gerald.

She watched his knuckles turn white as he clenched his spoon and glared daggers at Jide.

"Ooh, someone is jealous!" Kemi said from beside her.

Dora grimaced and turned away from Gerald's scathing expression.

The unnerving feeling pricked at her more than before.

She looked down at her bowl of soup which no longer looked relishing.

Her eyes stole a look at Jide who she couldn't converse with anymore.

The music gliding around the room no longer felt melodious.

It was a mistake coming here. She concluded as hot tears stung her eyes.

★★★★★

Ooh, that was quite intense, wasn't it? 😂

What do you think Jide is up to? 🤔

Are you scared or are you happy 🤷‍♀️😂

I itch to know your thoughts so don't leave the comments section desolate😂

Anyway, we are still on a roll with the restaurant questions😂

So Our Question of the chapter is: What is one of your favorite appetizers?

Well, I don't need to think too much. Corn soup just happens to be one of my favorite appetizers 😂

Anyway, don't forget to 👇

Until next time, enjoy some appetizers😂