#JUST_BEST_FRIENDS

Author: Sam Freddy

CHAPTER 13: A BIG MISTAKE.

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On his entry into the well-known Shop 39, Yomi looked around for a few seconds before spotting his girlfriend at a table with a very handsome guy. Yomi was instantly baffled, because Idara was the actual person he expected to see, not his super-duper hot partner chilling with another gorgeous man.

A strong feeling of betrayal tore through him as he stood still, watching Candice making merry with the man unlike she'd ever done with him. In fact, she looked so happy and full of life in the man's presence that Yomi began to wonder who exactly he was to her.

Maybe a secret lover? Maybe an ex-boyfriend? Perhaps, just a friend?

Yomi couldn't tell, but he certainly needed answers real soon, and he wasn't going to get them while standing there idly. He had to confront them, come what may.

Meanwhile, Idara and Isioma were both glad to see Yomi in the building. Funnily enough, they'd been hiding outside when he arrived with his car, but the moment he stepped into the restaurant, they both showed up like ghosts from nowhere in order to witness the incoming, live drama between Yomi, Candice and her romantic loverboy.

Actually, Yomi saw Idara and Isioma when they surfaced through the back door, but he was more interested in confronting Candice and Mr. Gorgeous than acknowledging their presence right then.

Frowning, Yomi halted before Candice's table, pulled up a chair, sat down bossily, crossed his legs, and then finally removed his earphones with his eyes fixated on Candice's face.

Truly, Candice was beyond shocked to see him sitting right across from her. The look on her face was priceless! And, judging from that same bewildered look on her face, Yomi figured that she obviously wasn't expecting to see him in there at all.

For some reason, Yomi's presence seemed to petrify Candice, and he wondered why it did so. Was she hiding something from him? He doubted it so much. The Candice he knew was the sweetest woman to ever walk the Earth. She'd never two-time him. Would she?

In all honesty, Yomi trusted Candice a lot. To him, the chances of Candice cheating on him were very slim. Very, very slim. But then again, he'd only known her for a week and a couple of days, so it wouldn't be wise of him to have so much faith in her loyalty. It was best Yomi maintained his suspicion about Candice while frowning, so that she would know that he meant serious business this time.

In the heat of the moment, Isioma and Idara arrived at the table, and then stood behind Yomi with a triumphant look on their respective faces.

“You see your life?” Isioma jested, sticking her tongue out at Candice. “I told you one day you'd get busted, didn't I?”

Candice frowned. “Uh, I beg your pardon?”

“Shut your mouth jor!” Isioma hissed out loud. “And don't even act like you don't know what I'm talking about, 'cause you'll only make things worse.”

The cute guy sitting beside Candice grimaced, confused. “Candice, who are these people?”

“We are the people you don't wanna mess with!” Isioma snapped at Mr. Gorgeous with annoyance. “So you better stay out of this, oga.”

Yomi instantly glanced at Isioma and waved his hand above his head, indicating that she should be quiet.

“Okay o.” Isioma said with respect. “My lips are temporarily sealed, Daddy Yo. Go ahead, sir.”

“Good.” Yomi nodded, sighed, and then focused on Candice. “Candice, what're you doing here?”

“Excuse me?” Candice's frown thickened. “What type of silly question is that?”

“The type that shouldn't be a big deal for you to answer!” said Yomi.

Unknown to Yomi, he was already creating a scene in the restaurant. Somehow, Idara was the one who noticed that almost everybody was looking at them with curious eyes, and she hated it so much. In fact, if there was one thing Idara despised more than excessive make-up, it was being in the spotlight, especially for the wrong reasons.

“Well, what did it look like I was doing before you all came here?” Candice raised an eyebrow, glancing between Yomi and Isioma. “Huh?”

“Of course, you were vibing with God-knows-who right here,” Yomi's frown thickened as well, as he pointed a finger at Mr. Gorgeous. “Who is he, if I may ask?”

Candice chuckled in disbelief. “Seriously, Yomi?” She shook her head, wide-eyed. “Is that what this is all about?”

“Answer the damn question already. Ugh!”

“Hmph! Fine,” replied Candice. “This is Mike, my step-brother.”

Yomi and Idara were both shocked to hear that. Isioma, however, was not. She refused to buy it, especially if it was coming from Candice of all people.

“Liar!” Isioma accused flatly. “I know you, Candice. I knew you'd think of an excuse to give us, but trust me, that's not convincing enough. You can't fool me, I swear.”

“Oh, really?” Mike wagged his head, annoyed. “So what are you insinuating, lady?”

“All I'm saying is that there's something fishy going on between you two,” Isioma argued. “In case you don't know, Idara and I saw you both when y'all came in here; the way y'all were holding each other and gallivanting around like newlyweds was too absurd, biko. There's no way you are her sibling, oga.”

“All right. You know what?” Candice said, glaring at Isioma. “Why don't you show them your ID card, Mike?”

“Why?” Mike frowned. “I don't owe these scumbags any explanation, Candice.”

“Mike, language, please.” Candice cautioned Mike. “That guy over there is my boyfriend, you know?”

“Yeah? So what?” Mike shrugged. “Still doesn't mean I owe him shit.”

“I know, Mike. But just do it to clear the air,” Candice persuaded Mr. Gorgeous. “Please, dear. People are watching.”

“Argh!” Mike growled like a wolf. “Okay na. I'll show them.”

That said, Mike took out his ID card and raised it up for his accusers to see. Flabbergasted, Yomi, Idara and Isioma glanced at one another, realizing they'd just made the biggest mistake of all time.

“Oh, my God.” Idara gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. “It's true. They share the same surname.”

“Oh man.” Isioma facepalmed, disappointed in herself. “Heck! I don mess up big time.”

“Yes. You should be ashamed of yourselves.” Candice spat angrily, glaring at Yomi. “Especially you. I can't believe you stooped so low to do this. And you call yourself my lover. Gosh!”

Yomi's heart melted at that. “Darling, I'm sorry.”

“Save it.” Candice stood up and grabbed her handbag. “Come on, Mike, let's bounce outta here.”

“Right away, ma'am.” Mike stood up too, and then brushed past Isioma as he walked away with his step-sister.

The moment they were out of sight, Yomi got up gently, wondering what the hell just happened. The fact that some people were still staring at him made him feel even worse than shame.

‘Oh, God. What have I done?’

Guilt-ridden, Idara touched Yomi's shoulder. “Yomee.”

“Leave me alone,” he said, shaking her hand off. “Don't touch me.”

“Yomee, I'm so sorry.”

“Go home, Isabelle.” Yomi said bluntly without sparing Idara a glance. “You've outdone yourself today. I hope you are happy now.”

Honestly, Idara felt really bad to see Yomi walking out on her like that. She didn't know how to explain herself at that particular moment. Sadly, all she could do was watch him leave the restaurant, knowing full-well that he was super-duper mad at both herself and Isioma for everything that just transpired.

Inwardly, Idara wished she hadn't texted Yomi to come, but wishes were not horses, so . . . Damn!

Isioma sighed. “I am sorry, Dara. I caused this.”

“No. We.” Idara corrected almost immediately. “We caused this.”

Isioma hesitated for a brief moment before nodding her head in agreement. “Yeah, I guess so. At least we gave it a shot.”

“Yeah. We sure did.” Idara said, trying to mask her sadness by smirking forcefully. “C'mon, cheer up, Isioma. Let us go home.”

__________

Luckily for Yomi, Candice and Mike were just flagging a taxi down when he sighted them from the restaurant's outdoor staircase. Quickly, he descended and started running towards them like Barry Allen.

Fortunately, Yomi made it to Candice and Mike's presence before they could board the vehicle.

“Ah, thank God I spotted you both on time.” Yomi said, catching his breath. “I'm very lucky.”

“Whatever, man.” Candice crossed her arms. “What do you want?”

“One or two minutes of your time,” Yomi requested, joining his hands together for emphasis. “Please, babe.”

“Sorry, we can't afford that,” said Mike. “Not after how you embarrassed us back there, jackass.”

Candice instantly shot Mike a mean look. “For crap's sake, stop calling my boyfriend names, Mike. Sure, we are mad at him, but I won't tolerate that from you, bro. Be guided.”

“Oh, really, Candice?” Mike exclaimed, surprised. “So you are on this nitwit's side now, is that it?”

“Guy, I'm on nobody's side. Stop being childish nau.”

“Oh, wow!” Mike's eyes widened. “So I'm acting childish now, hmm?”

“Unfortunately, you are, and it's tiring, for real!”

“Okay. I see what is going on here.” Mike muttered, wagging his head slowly. “You've clearly chosen this so-called boyfriend of yours over family. Hmph! Shame on you.”

“Shame on you, too, for disobeying your elder sister's instruction.” Candice fired back at Mike. “Jeez, Mike! Grow up!”

“Hmm. I'm done here. Goodbye, Candice.” Mike angrily hopped in the taxi, and then said to the driver, “Driver, move this car, please. Don't waste my time.”

With that, the taxi driver drove away, leaving Candice behind.

“Goodness!” Candice slapped her forehead, frustrated. “Mike is so freakin' impossible!”

“I'm sorry about that,” Yomi said, feeling bad. “I really am.”

“You better be!” said Candice. “Because of you, Mike is now angry with me. Crap! I don't even know why I'm still here, talking to you.”

“Babe.” Yomi tried to hold Candice's hand, but she stepped aside sharply.

“Don't!” She warned. “I haven't forgiven you yet. Be careful.”

“Right.” Yomi nodded. “Um, can we at least talk it over in my car?”

“Boy, you sure do have a lotta explaining to do.” Candice pulled a face. “Let's go.”

__________

10:40 PM.

For a very good reason, Idara couldn't sleep. How could she? Definitely not after what happened at the restaurant during the day.

She was restless. Why? Because Yomi was still mad at her, and he wasn't picking her calls nor replying her messages—both on social media and on normal SMSes.

For a fact, Idara knew that Yomi was super pissed at her, but not to the point of snubbing her completely as if she was a complete stranger to him. Idara didn't know exactly why he was doing that, but truthfully, it wasn't fair of him, considering the fact that she had pretty good intentions for what she did.

In fact, even the Heavens could testify that Idara was only looking out for Yomi as a true friend that she was, but, unfortunately, he didn't see it that way.

Anastasia, on the other hand, who could've given Idara some sort of advice and comfort, was not around. She'd gone to spend the night at her mother's place, and she wouldn't return until tomorrow afternoon.

The most logical thing for Idara to do right now was to call Anastasia's number, but Idara knew her friend like the back of her hand. She knew that Anastasia and sleep were inseparable buddies. She'd never trade her sleep for anything, even if it were a life and death situation. So, frankly, Idara knew better than to call her at such time of the night.

Thinking of Tayo, Idara debated on calling him for company or not. As far as she knew, he might be sleeping, or busy with something important, or might even have no interest in her long story if she eventually called him, so she finally decided not to.

In truth, Idara had never felt so alone. She was so lonely and worried that she took Anastasia's guitar from the shelf, intending to keep herself company with it, but then she realized that she couldn't really play the instrument and had to keep it back where it belonged.

‘God, I really need to talk to someone before I lose my sanity.’

Extremely disturbed, Idara grabbed her phone and logged on to WhatsApp in search of a like-minded chat buddy. Surprisingly, Isioma's message popped in barely ten seconds after she logged in.

ISIOMA: Hi. You ain't sleeping?

IDARA: Yea. Can't.

ISIOMA: Likewise. Still feeling guilty about that incident, I suppose?

IDARA: You bet. :(

ISIOMA: Same here. :( But hey, you know we did the right thing, yeah? ;)

IDARA: Yep, but it flopped, and now I'm in trouble. Big trouble.

ISIOMA: Wadduyu mean? :/

IDARA: Yomi iz nt pickin my calls… He's snubbing me :(

ISIOMA: Heck. He's avoiding me too… I mean I've been texting him back to back, apologizing for everything, but he's not responding. I hate it when people leave me on "read." I'm tired o. Is this how he behaves when he's vexing?

IDARA: Nt really; this iz unlike him. I really need 2 hear his voice 2nite :’(

ISIOMA: Ehya, I feel your pain. :( I can relate, baby girl.

IDARA: Yea, indeed. Anyway, how's Alice and Betty?

ISIOMA: They should be fine. They're both Candice's minions, after all. I'm sure they would've feasted on me if I were in school right now. Haha.

Idara giggled at that.

IDARA: Wait, u mean u ar nt in d hostel rite nw?

ISIOMA: Absolutely, dear. :)

IDARA: Oh my God. Whyyy? [shocked face emoji] Look at d time na. They won't allow u enter again o.

ISIOMA: [laughing face sticker]

IDARA: What's funny? U should be crying :D

ISIOMA: [recording voice note…]

Seventeen seconds later, a voice message from Isioma popped up on Idara's screen. Curiously, Idara clicked on it.

ISIOMA: (laughs) Relax jor. I'm fine. I'm at a friend's place. Did you really think I'd sleep in that same room with Candice tonight? God forbid bad thing! She would've strangled me or stabbed me to death in my sleep, and I'm not ready to die, biko. This life is too sweet walahi! (chuckles)

Idara laughed at the end of the voice message. Without a doubt, Isioma was the true definition of a born clown. Compared to Jonathan, she was livelier, and less annoying.

Personally, Idara would choose Isioma over any popular stand-up comedian any day, any time.

IDARA: Fear fear somebody. Were u not d same person who was acting like Mufasa in her presence during d day? Now look at u :D

ISIOMA: LOL. Remember, she who runs away from a fight lives to fight another day. ;)

Idara burst into laughter on reading Isioma's message. What a joker she was! Geez!

IDARA: ROTFLMAO! I swear u have issues, Isioma :D

ISIOMA: I know. Why do you think I don't have a boyfriend in the first place? :)

IDARA: Lwkmd. Dat's funny, and sad, too. :( This time around, I can relate like mad :’(

ISIOMA: *hugs her tightly* Cheer up, buddy. Our God will not forsake us. :(

IDARA: God wheeennn???

ISIOMA: *strokes her hair nicely* In due time, babe. No reason am too much. It'll be fine.

IDARA: lol. I believe so. But, jokes apart, why ar u single sef? You are very pretty :)

ISIOMA: Haha. Thank you, but that's a story for another day, baby girl. Gotta go now. ;) Got a job to do by 6am.

IDARA: Oh no. Please stay a little longer. I'm really enjoying your company.

ISIOMA: Aww, same here. But I'm drowsy. I'm sorry. :(

IDARA: Alright. It's ok, I understand. Tnks 4 making my nite tho

ISIOMA: You're welcome. And, remember, don't worry yourself about Yomi again o. I think he just needs some time to cool off, okay?

IDARA: Ok. Tnks 4 ur concern <3

ISIOMA: Anytime, baby girl. Goodnight. ^_^

IDARA: Goodnight ;)

With that, Idara logged out, feeling quite better than before. Now, all she had to do was take a shower, pray, and then head straight to Dreamsville: a world of peace, joy, love, and countless possibilities.

But, for some reason, Idara decided to call Yomi one more time before showering, and, to her wildest surprise, her call went through just like that!

“Yo, Yomee!” Idara spoke without hesitation. “Thank God you finally picked up. I was so worried about you!”

No response.

Idara sighed. “Look, Yomee, I know you are mad at me, but can you stop giving me this silent treatment, please? It's unfair.”

Still, Idara got no reply.

“Oh, for God's sake, say something, Yomee. You're killing me!”

“You know, killing you would be my utmost pleasure, Idara.”

Idara shuddered at the hoarse voice she heard from Yomi's end of the line. That was definitely not Yomi's voice.

“Candice?”

“Yes, it's your worst nightmare!” Candice bellowed. “You have stepped on a tigress' tail, Idara, and you shall pay dearly for it! I assure you!”