#JUST_BEST_FRIENDS

Author: Sam Freddy

CHAPTER 10: ALL THE BEST.

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Yomi's smile faded at once. “What? Fifty thousand Naira? Jeez, that's one helluva huge amount of money, Candy.”

“I know, babe.” Candice whispered, toying with Yomi's nipple with her thumb and index finger. “Trust me, I do. But I need it urgently, baby.”

“What for?”

“For my handouts and toiletries and blah blah blah.” Candice lied, feigning sadness. “I mean, I'm owing some people in my department who need their money back before this month ends. And that is the most worrisome part about this entire thing. I remember asking my older sister for help, like, three weeks ago or something, but she hasn't gotten back to me till date. In fact, she doesn't pick my calls anymore.”

Yomi shook his head pitifully. “That is so bad of her.”

“Tell me about it.” Candice sighed, acting as if she was about to cry. “Honestly, baby, I don't even know what else to do or who to run to for help. You are my only hope, Yomi.”

Yomi was touched by Candice's speech. He hated to see her sad and dispirited. If gifting her the money would put a nice smile on her face, then so be it.

“You know what?” Yomi sat up and cupped Candice's cheeks carefully in his hands. “Worry no more, darling. I've got you covered.”

Candice's eyes widened automatically. “Oh my gosh! Are you saying you will give me the cash?”

“Of course, honey.” Yomi confirmed, offering her a genuine smile. “Believe me, I will.”

“Aww, sweetie!” Candice embraced Yomi excitedly. “I really, really, really, really love you like crazy. I swear down!”

Yomi grinned proudly, patting her on the back lovingly. “I love you, too, Candice. Way more than you could ever imagine.”

“Oh, baby.” Candice drew back and chuckled, then she kissed Yomi's luscious lips like a dauntless actress from a movie scene. She wasn't even concerned about the fact that he hadn't brushed his teeth. Her excitement clearly overshadowed her self-consciousness.

After twenty-one seconds, however, Yomi broke the kiss and said, “Let's save this for later, babe. I have to prepare for church.”

With an evil grin on her face, Candice pushed Yomi on the bed and stayed on top of him seductively. “Uh-uh. No church for you today, sweetie.” She licked her lips and grabbed his erected instrument firmly. “I'm gonna go lock the door now, and then we are gonna have some wild, nasty fun together, darlin'.”

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11:02 AM.

At the conclusion of the church service, Idara walked out of the auditorium feeling wholly fulfilled of grace. She wore a long, red dress that flowed around her body and a maroon scarf to match. Her sandals, however, were pure black, and they were the exact type which most people fondly called the Jesus Boots. Her long coconut-colored hair was pulled up into a smooth bun under the scarf over her head, making her look like a highly devoted deaconess.

Meanwhile, Tayo and Anastasia were following behind Idara. Tayo wore a colored polo shirt and dark blue pants. Anastasia, on the other hand, had on a white, loose, knee-length gown and a purple round hat that beautified her immensely. Even though her pink sandals were nothing compared to Idara's own, Anastasia flaunted them with poise. After all, they weren't that bad.

“Idara, where are you rushing to?” Tayo called out, quickening his pace. “Come on, wait for us.”

Idara halted and turned around. “Argh! You guys walk like snails.”

Anastasia laughed. “That's because we are hungry, ode.”

Tayo laughed too, swaggering toward Idara. “Fact!”

When they finally stood before her, Idara put her hands on her hips and sighed. “Took you both long enough.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Anastasia whined. “I don't blame you sha.”

Idara simply scoffed at that.

“Elle, you look so good, by the way.” Tayo complimented Idara, looking her up and down. “I mean, hell, you always slay in dresses like this. It's a no-brainer.”

Idara smiled coyly, giving herself a quick survey, as though to confirm Tayo's words. “Thanks, T. You look splendid yourself.”

“What about me?” Anastasia inquired, doing the puppy dog eyes. “Don't I look good enough?”

“Of course, you do.” Idara assured her friend nicely, touching the tip of her lovely, sleek hat. “To be truthful, you look better than me, Asia.”

“No way,” said Tayo. “I don't agree with you.”

Anastasia shrugged. “You don't have to. It's her opinion, anyway.”

“Yes, I'm aware.” Tayo scoffed. “But that doesn't make it legit. We all know who the prettiest girl is between you both.”

Idara clucked her tongue playfully. “That's Asia, for sure.”

“No, fool. It's you.” Anastasia argued seriously. “You fine pass me wella. No be lie.”

“No. Seriously, you're finer than me, Ana.” Idara disagreed strongly. “I mean, damn, look at you, babe. You look way more womanly than I am. My face alone scares men off all the time.”

“That is so not true.” Tayo frowned at that. “Stop exaggerating, please. You are not ugly.”

Idara sighed. “All right. Agreed. But I still stand on my word that your sister looks much better.”

“No, I don't.” Anastasia groaned in frustration. “You're more beautiful than I could ever be, Dara. Admit it.”

Tayo grinned, crossing his arms over his chest. “Tell you what? I have an idea that'd most definitely settle this whole thing.”

“Oya, talk. We are listening,” said Idara.

“Okay. Now, why don't we take some pictures, ladies?” Tayo suggested. “Whoever's photo looks better takes the win. Easy peasy.”

Anastasia and Idara briefly made eye contact before nodding their heads in agreement. Smiling, they both went to pose behind a yellow hummer limo while Tayo prepared his smartphone's camera for the mini photoshoot.

Tayo was about to tap on the capture icon when somebody patted his shoulder from behind.

Looking back, Tayo realized that it was none other than Jordan, his super cool acquaintance. But he wasn't alone.

Standing beside Jordan was Isioma, the lean, dark-skinned lady who Tayo recognized from Yomi's birthday party, and she looked absolutely stunning in her decent, fitted suit and her spotless black shoes.

Everyone exchanged pleasantries after Idara and Anastasia had joined them right there, and then Anastasia complimented Isioma for her chic outfit while Jordan did the same to Idara.

“We were just debating over who the cutest chick is between them—” Tayo announced, referring to Isioma in particular, “—until you came.”

“Phew, thank God.” Idara sighed with relief. “Now we have a worthy contender.”

Isioma giggled shyly. “Are you guys telling me that I'm exceptionally hot?”

“Abso-freaking-lutely, girl. Yes!” said Anastasia. “Any sane babe would kill to have your smooth face and your killing shape.”

“Damn right.” Idara nodded affirmatively.

Isioma blushed cutely. “I swear, I don't even know what to say. I've never been flattered like this before.”

Jordan and Tayo looked at each other and started laughing calmly.

“But, thank you, guys.” Isioma added sweetly. “You're both pretty, as well. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.”

“Oshey, motivational speaker!” Anastasia teased coolly, making her friends laugh out loud like circus monkeys.

When his laughter had subsided, Tayo said, “I never knew that you both were members of Harvesters, though. How come we never met each other before now?”

“That's because we just started worshipping here today.” Jordan replied, speaking for himself and Isioma. “We are fresh members.”

“Oh, wow.” Anastasia smiled, clapping her hands. “In that case, welcome to the family, folks.”

Isioma curtsied jokingly. “Thank you, brethren. We so much delight in thy graceful welcoming. It's an honour.”

Idara facepalmed, chuckling. “She's behaving like Alice. But Alice is far better at that stuff, like, big time.”

Tayo chuckled too. “Yeah, true. Anyway, did you two come to church together?”

“Nope. Separately.” Jordan answered, smiling at Isioma. “But, somehow, we happened to sit next to each other throughout the service, and it was wonderful.”

“Spectacular!” Isioma cooed, twirling like a ballet dancer. “Marvellous!”

Jordan arched a brow at Isioma's antics. “This girl, somebody really needs to take you to Yabaleft hospital, like, ASAP!”

“Why? You think I'm crazy?”

“Yes. Straight up.”

Isioma snapped her teeth at Jordan. “Don't blame me, boo. I'm just crazy for you.”

Idara was instantly taken aback by Isioma's speech. Her facial expression alone revealed exactly what she had in mind to everyone else.

“Oh, no, no. No! Chill out, Isabelle. Chill out!” Jordan exclaimed, wagging a finger at Idara for emphasis. “Trust me, it's not what you're thinking. She was only kidding. Right, Isioma?” He looked at Isioma with hopeful eyes, expecting a positive answer from her.

“Meh. I don't think so.” Isioma shrugged, gawking at Jordan. “I most definitely mean it.”

“Wow. Would you look at that nice and clean shot!” Anastasia said, pinching Idara's elbow. “This lass is the true definition of a go-getter. She's just like me. People like us always go for what we want, instead of chickening out and wasting time until somebody else takes it from us.”

“Hmm. I see.” Idara took her roommate's indirect jab lightly, resisting the urge to whack her upside the head. “Very interesting.”

“Come to think of it, what's up with Yomi?” Jordan leaned against the wall with his eyes on Idara. “I called him, like, five times last night but he never picked up.”

“Same here.” Idara testified. “And he never even returned my calls nor dropped a text for me, at least. This morning, I tried again but his phone was switched off. I had a bad feeling about it, but I managed to chill and stayed positive, thinking I'd see him in church today, but he never came. Honestly, I'm really worried, because this is so unlike him. But I'm thinking of-” Idara paused midsentence.

Tayo blinked. “Thinking of what?”

“You know, paying him a visit.” Idara breathed, nervously glancing at everybody else's face while she spoke. “I don't know why I have this strong feeling that he's at home, as we speak. What do you all think?”

“I think that's great.” Tayo agreed. “And, um, I would've loved to give you a ride with my car, but, unfortunately, Ana and I have to meet our mom at our uncle's place before twelve-thirty. I'm so sorry I can't help, Dara.”

“Don't stress about it, T. It's all good.”

Tayo smiled slightly. “Glad you understand, dear.”

“So what about you folks?” Anastasia asked, referring to Jordan and Isioma. “Where are you both heading to?”

“School, for sure.”

“Likewise.” Isioma agreed with Jordan. “Campus, all the way!”

“Oops. All right, then.” Anastasia said. “Too bad we aren't going the same direction. We could've given you sissies a ride, though.”

Isioma tucked her hands in her trouser pockets with a wide grin in place. “Thank you, Asia, but don't worry. Jordan and I will sort ourselves out. Right, JD Boo?”

Jordan cringed at the silly pet name she called him. “Yup . . . right. I guess.”

With that, everyone said their farewells before departing in different directions. Luckily for Tayo, Idara hadn't gone too far when he looked back at her.

“Idara!” Tayo called out. “Wait!”

Idara halted and looked over her shoulder at Tayo. “Yes, TY?” She hollered back at him, surprised. “What's up?”

Tayo winked and waved at her before saying, “All the best, dear.”

Is anybody enjoying this story so far? 'Cause I'm not really motivated to go on due to the low support I've been getting so far! 😩