#JUST_BEST_FRIENDS

Author: Sam Freddy

CHAPTER 6: THE PROMISE.

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Tayo had always had a soft spot for Idara ever since they met in school. Right from the very first day his sister introduced him to her, he knew she was so different from the other regular girls he'd seen in the Faculty of Social Sciences. To him, Idara was one of a kind: beautiful, rare, smart, lively, meek, simple and sweet. And he'd often tried to express his feelings for her through special gifts and lengthy phone calls, but sadly, she never read between the lines.

The closest to a green light that Tayo had ever gotten from Idara were the usual friendly smiles and the funny pet names. Sometimes, he wondered if his age was what scared her away from him. He was just twenty-eight years old, and she was twenty-five. There wasn't too much gap between them, after all.

Or could it be because of the fact that he was in his third year and she was just a freshman? Tayo couldn't figure the exact reason why, but tonight, he hoped to hear from the horse's mouth, come rain or shine.

Presently, Tayo was worried-sick as he searched the surrounding for Idara. Strangely, she had left the group when Isioma dared her to kiss Yomi. She'd been gone for almost five minutes without an excuse, so Tayo thought it was best if he looked for her.

Fortunately, it didn't take too long for him to locate Idara under the shade of a palm tree where she sat, all by herself.

Highly relieved, Tayo joined her on the rough, sandy ground, resting his back against the tree too. “Here you are. I've looked almost everywhere for you. Whew.”

With glazed eyes, Idara responded absently, “Yeah.”

Tayo noticed she was staring into thin air, partially lost in thought. “What are you thinking about, Isabelle?”

Idara sighed. “Nothing serious.”

“I don't think so.” Tayo shrugged a shoulder. “I guess it's about what happened back there, isn't it?”

Idara drew her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. “Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know.”

Tayo stretched his legs out for comfort. “I thought as much,” he muttered, having gotten his answer from her complicated reply. “Was that why you left us?”

Idara swallowed hard. “Yup. Same reason.”

“Why couldn't you do it, though?” Tayo raised his eyebrows inquisitively. “After all, he's your best friend. Shouldn't be too hard for you.”

Idara decided not to respond to that.

Sensing that she wasn't in the right mood to engage in that particular discussion, Tayo said, “You have a very nice skin, Dara.” He wagged his feet nervously. “A perfect caramel skin and an athletic build. Do you workout?”

“Rarely.” Idara shook her head slowly, relieved about the clever change of topics. “It's natural. I'm just blessed with it.”

“Whoa, God is good. But what about your skin tone? How's it so smooth as silk?” Tayo was tempted to hold her hand, but he fought the urge and behaved gentlemanly instead. “What cream do you use?”

Idara puffed as she finally set her eyes on Tayo's mature face. “With all due respect, TY, you talk too much.” She smiled sweetly. “But I like it, though.”

Tayo smirked. “Glad you do, 'cause I only act this way around you.”

“Why? Do I intimidate you?”

“No. Not really.”

“Are you sure? Because a lot of guys have said it to my face that I'm very intimidating.”

Tayo found that somewhat amusing. “That's new. What made them say so?”

“Well, you know, simply because of my personality. Sometimes my height and my smart mode of dressing and the medicated glasses I wear deters them from coming close. They always think that I'm some sort of Queen Elizabeth the third or something, and it's really annoying, because I'm probably the nicest person on Earth. I'm not that hard to deal with.”

“Says who?” Tayo voiced humorously. “No. I strongly disagree with you on that part.”

Raising an eyebrow, Idara asked, “Pardon? What're you telling me?”

“Come on, Dara. You know exactly what I mean.” Tayo grumbled, steadfastly holding her gaze. “We've known each other for a while now. The way I relate with other ladies is way different from the way I vibe with you. By now, you should've known that I really like you, Dara. There's no way you could possibly tell me that you haven't noticed my attempts so far.”

Slowly, Idara looked away, sighing. “To tell you the truth, Tayo, I actually have, and I appreciate all the love and care you've shown me so far. But you have to consider my feelings.”

“Your feelings?” Tayo was mildly taken aback. “I don't get it. Don't you like me?”

“I do. I really, really do like you, TY.”

But only as a friend.

Those were the words she wanted to add when Tayo sighed and spoke sharply, saying, “But you hardly show it, Dara, and I don't understand why. And it's driving me crazy. I mean, don't you find me attractive enough, Isabelle?”

“What! No. Of course, I do.”

“Or is it because I'm the brother of your roomie?”

“No. It has nothing to do with that.”

Tayo picked a pebble from under a broken branch lying next to him as he said, “Then it's surely because of the age difference between us, right? Am I too old for you?”

“Hell, no!” Idara shook her head emphatically. “You're not too old for me, T.”

Tayo snorted. “Perhaps I'm way below your league.” He tossed the small stone into the mighty water with all the strength he could muster. “Right?”

“That is so not true.” Idara sniffed as she placed her sparkling eyes back on Tayo's features. “You of all people should know that I am not like that. I totally have no reason to belittle or underestimate people, especially someone who has been remarkably good to me. Come on, TY, you know I'm far better than that.”

Tayo smirked. “True. I couldn't agree more.”

Idara faked a smile at that. She was quite impressed by Tayo's comment, which proved that he had indeed made some major observations about her personality.

Holding his gaze, Idara realized something fascinating about Tayo's mindset. Unlike every other regular guy she'd met, Tayo seemed to be the only one who wasn't threatened by her aura. In fact, the confidence he always exhibited whenever they both discussed showed his high level of admiration for her lifestyle, looks and intelligence the most. He'd never, for once, failed to maintain eye contact during all of their real life conversations, which she found so cool, because the everyday males she knew (apart from Yomi) totally sucked at it.

Plus, Tayo had never felt less manly when talking or walking with her in public, all because of her God-given athletic figure.

But even with all the outstanding qualities he possessed, Idara knew that Tayo was only wasting his time going after her love. She considered herself a lost cause to him, because deep inside, her delicate heart belonged to someone else.

As a matter of fact, Idara loved Tayo very much, but only as a platonic friend. She dreaded the possibility of being in a romantic relationship with him. Frankly, she'd never thought of him that way. To her, Tayo was more like a loyal guardian angel . . . more like a wise adopted older brother. But how exactly would she tell him that? How would she express her lack of interest in his soulful proposals without hurting his pride? How would she explain that her pure affection which he so desired was already bestowed on another man who absolutely had no idea about it? Just how was she supposed to be plain and honest without breaking his heart miserably?

Pathetic. Everything was so complicated. Everything entirely.

Sighing, Idara said, “Look, Tayo, just give me some time to put my head straight, okay?”

Disheartened, Tayo replied with, “Okay. I hear you, Elle.”

“"Elle"?” Idara pointed out, somewhat surprised. “Where did you get that from?”

“From your name, Isabelle.” Tayo nudged her strong arm, smiling. “You like it?”

“Yeah, sure.” Idara confirmed with a nod. “Thanks, T.”

“Pleasure's all mine, Elle.” Tayo rubbed the back of his hand gently, feeling the effect of the cold night air on his sensitive dark skin. “So, um, I don't suppose I could talk you into going to see a movie with me sometime, could I?”

Idara's heart skipped a beat at once. “To be truthful, I'm not sure for now, but I'll think about it.”

“Promise me you will.” Tayo gave her a pleading look. “Please.”

“I will.” Idara assured him sweetly, placing her hands on her chest for emphasis. “I cross my heart. I will.”

__________

Five minutes later, Tayo and Idara went back to meet their friends because there were too many mosquitoes buzzing about in the open area. Malaria was something neither of them liked to experience, so to be on a safe side, they both returned to the group to continue the interesting game of Truth or Dare. But something was wrong.

Looking around, Idara noted that Yomi and Candice were absent from the group. When she demanded for their whereabouts, everyone said that they didn't know anything at all, since Yomi and Candice never informed anyone about their movement.

Extremely alarmed, Idara left the group in search of her glorious heartthrob, dreading the possibility of he and Candice together, alone, chilling.

Lo and behold, as she approached a short stairway which served as the major entrance to the Lagoon Front, Idara saw Yomi and Candice standing barefooted on a wide, grassy ground, kissing each other like two sex-starved barbarians from the stone age.

What the hell?