I know many of you are excited for the date scene, some people actually begged me, the crazy thing is that i am also excited for the date scene, i can't wait to see what will happen 😁😁.

Enjoy...

I sat by the table i had reserved for the date, looking out through the large windows occupying the largest part of the walls making you see what was happening outside.

Checking my wrist watch again, two minutes. She is late by two minutes, i sighed looking at the closed door, watching people go in and out of the restaurant.

What if she doesn't show up?

No, she will never do that.

I take a quick glance around the quaint restaurant. The exterior was warm and woody, the wall were wood panelled, several mini chandeliers hung low from the ceiling. Different scents filled the air.

Two tables away, three girls sat by it and they were boldly staring at me, bluntly checking me out.

I maintain my dead stare making them uncomfortable as they look away. I look away too, suddenly getting bored and at the same time anxious. My anxiety level was running on a very high scale which is alarming.

I fixed the date at a fancy restaurant that i had heard a lot of great recommendations about. And with what i am seeing, i am so happy i choose this place, i just hope she would love it too, this is the first time i am doing something like this so i couldn't help but feel jittery.

I tap my index finger on the dark mahogany table, looking back at the entrance, i took a quick glance at my watch again.

What will i say when she appears?

'Act normal, play it cool. You got this bro. Always remember to smile'

Bankole words played like a record in my head. I told the guys i was going to ask her out and make it official. Bankole was giving me points as if he had been in a serious relationship before.

I look up at the entrance the same time i saw the door man open the door while flashing the person a smile. It was the toned legs that first caught my attention before the whole body came into view.

My heart stopped functioning for a second, no two seconds. I stared and stared and stared.

My God... She is beautiful!

No. It is the dress. It is definitely that yellow dress.

She walked into the restaurant, her eyes was everywhere, probably overwhelmed by the decorations and designs put into the place.

The yellow dress she was wearing made her skin glow in a different way. It suits her complexion. Her curves were clearly visible in the dress, she looked timid and nervous, she held a purse in a tight grip with her two hands to her front.

She was definitely looking for me but instead of standing up to meet her, i sat glued to my seat staring bashfully at her.

I stood up when i saw a guy walking towards her direction with a funny look on his face. She saw me as soon as i stepped into her view and i watch in satisfaction as a smile grew on her face.

A single look from me made the guy step back. Better.

"Hey" came her soft voice. I swell with pride as her eyes ran through my figure in appreciation.

"Hello... You look... " i was lost of words as soon as i concentrated on her face. She did something to it that made it look enhanced and more prettier.

She raised an eyebrow at my lack of words. A coy smile playing on her lips.

"You look dashing too" she teased. I shook my head just to snap me out of it, guiding her towards our table by placing my hand at the small of her back.

I pulled a chair open for her to sit on at our table just like how i see my father always do for my mum whenever we go out on a family date. The simple gesture always worked wonders and i felt accomplished when Shetemi gave me a sweet smile before saying thank you.

I pulled out my chair opposite hers before taking a seat, i made reservations for a couple table, they had a lot of reservations and since it wasn't a double date or hangout, i had to do with it and i'm happy i did due to the close proximity.

"Hope it wasn't hard for you to locate this place?" i asked striking the first conversation.

She shook her head, placing her hands on the table while interlocking her fingers. Her nails were painted in a creme shade hue making it look classy.

I am happy she really went all the way for this date.

"It was actually quite easy, this place is very popular with the islanders"

Quintessence is well known for leaving a long lasting effect on you. From local food to international and great customer service, they got you covered.

I try so hard not to take a peek at the little swell of her breast, but her necklace was like a neon sign, urging me to stare. I stared at her face instead, she did something to it and it kind of enhanced her natural beauty.

"You look pretty" i said, stating the first thing i saw when she walked in. Colour rose to her cheeks.

The waiter came over, handing the two of us a menu each, a rose shade embossed glossy cardboard, which gold designs, the name of the restaurant boldly written in italics at the front.

I gestured to her on what she would like to have first.

"Can i have a glass of water?" she asked the waiter who was dressed in a simple black and white outfit, politely.

"Of course ma'am, sparkling or still?"

A confused look appeared on her face, she gave me a quick glance before looking at the waiter with an alarmed expression. I try really hard not to smile.

"Just give me water, thank you" she said as politely as possible.

The waiter nodded before turning to me.

"I will have the same"

The waiter excused himself to get our order.

"Seriously?" she deadpanned. I chuckled at her expression.

"He meant sparkling water or stilled water"

"Abegi... Water na water" she waved me off.

I chuckled again shaking my head, watching her pick up the menu. This is definitely going to be a date to remember.

-----

Opening the menu, i take a quick glance through it frowning here and there at strange words.

Do they have French delicacies?

Gateaux?

Almond Marzipan...

Bavarian Torte!

"What is the meaning of petit fours?" the french rolled out freely from my tongue.

"You speak French?" Korede asked sounding surprised.

"A little... Picked it from some of my Ivorian pals back home" back in the ghetto, some kids whose parents migrated from Cote D'ivoire and Dahomey always spoke to us in French while we speak our native language or English.

We teach ourselves some of our languages so it was easy to learn from each other.

"So you speak French?" he asked still sounding amazed.

"Mais oui!"

He laughed at my outburst causing me to smile, i look up from the menu, peering at him. He was staring at the menu with a smile on his face.

God. He looked so delicious!

He looked like a chocolate cookie wrapped in designer clothes.

The army green letterman jacket he was wearing had the letter A at the left side of the chest.

It was made by Louis Vuitton!

Under the jacket, he had on a white tee. The black leather like baseball cap he had on got me annoyed a bit. He should do away with it.

Back to the menu!!

Okay...

Scones... Shortbread... Chicken vol-au-vents.

No chicken pepper soup?

I frowned. The price is equally outrageous.

"You can check the next page for Nigerian delicacies" he advised.

I followed his instruction and i almost sang hallelujah when i saw pounded yam and egusi soup.

Now you are talking!

The prize was also painstakingly exorbitant.

Imagine... Amala, ewedu, gbegiri with meat stew, thirteen thousand naira! On top wetin?

"This looks expensive" i mused.

"Just order whatever you like, i would take care of it"

"Pepsi drink" i said turning to the place where different drinks were written and labeled on, pointing it out to him "0ne thousand five hundred naira"

He stared at me with an amused expression on his face.

"So?"

I gaped at his question. What does he mean by 'so'?

"Ordinary Pepsi that is sold one fifty naira for my area. I'm talking about Pepsi o, the one that looks like Coca Cola"

"Of course... "

"Then why is this one expensive? Shey it has alcohol ni?"

He bursts into a fit of laughter at my question which made me pout. What is so funny?!

"God... I swear Shetemi, you crack me up every time"

I settled for fried rice and salad with beef while Korede ordered for yam porridge. Not ordinary yam porridge o, i am talking about yam porridge that has all the ero ija, that has alubarika. You will be lifting assorted fishes and chicken in your mouth with just one scoop of porridge.

"Do you like it?" he asked me in the middle of the meal.

"It is very delicious" i am eating seven thousand naira so i might as well appreciate it.

We talked about school, the student body, and the craziness of SJC students. We had a good laugh on my pregnancy scandal that rocked the school first week after mid term break.

"You know? I actually thought i was pregnant, i was doubting myself"

"Why will you think of such?" he asked curiously, i stared at his half filled plate which was a big contrast to my empty one.

"I don't know. I mean...  People kept saying it to my face, it was reoccurring in my brain and for a while, i was asking myself.. 'Tolani? Are you really pregnant?'"

He watched me intensely, hanging on to my every word. I love the fact he was listening to me, he listened to what i had to say.

"Let's forget about that. Are you okay?" i nodded "i want to take you to somewhere else"

"Wait! There is more?... " i asked excitedly.

"This is just a tip of the iceberg love"

                      😆👗💐

"Ice cream!" i cheered loudly before letting go of his hand, i rushed into the ice cream shop.

Yes... I still have a lot of space for ice cream in my stomach. Who could say no to ice cream?

I stopped in front of the counter, looking at the varieties of flavors in front of me. I don't know which one to pick!

Mango flavor...

Vanilla

Banana

Strawberry!!!!!

I was gawking at everything. This is so much for me to take!

"I guess you have made your choice?" i hear Korede say from beside me. When did he get here? I could remember leaving him behind at the sight of the ice cream shop.

"No!" he raised an eyebrow at my outburst "i mean there is so much to choose from..." i said with googly eyes, holding my cheeks in my hands.

I hear him chuckle at my behavior. I know i was acting like a child but i couldn't help it. Looking up at the dude behind the counter who had a warm smile on his face, a cute red and white apron sat at his waist.

"Good afternoon Miss... What can i help you with?" he asked in a friendly and polite manner.

"Everything... "

The boy laughed shaking his head at me.

"I can see you are a bit confused on what to get" he said leaning against the platform, his voice dropping a bit. His voice and stance almost sounded flirty. "I can help you with that-"

"She is capable of making a choice herself!" I hear Akorede snap at the boy but i was too occupied to care. I finally made my decision.

"I will like chocolate, strawberry and mango flavor with sprinkles. Please?..."

I came out of the ice cream shop with a big smile on my face and a my cup of ice cream in my hand.

This date just keeps getting better and better.

Korede didn't get any ice cream. He said he was alright as long as i was okay with mine. We walked towards the park which was a bit deserted. Just two and three people here and there.

Today is a working day so i guess that was the reason why there was no much people around. We settled down on one of the empty bench placed at strategic spots in the park.

I can't believe Akorede cajoled me into having a walk with him by bribing with ice cream and we ended up at a small environmental friendly park. The greenery was like a breath of fresh air.

"So... " i look up from eating my ice cream as he cleared his throat "how do you find this date? Did i do good? On a scale of one to ten"

He was asking me if he did well. I am not an expert in stuffs like this but i would say he aced it. From the date at Quintessence, his chivalry act, how he was ready to listen and cling onto every word i was saying. How he made me feel i can be myself with him even though i was acting like a village idiot in the restaurant...

"Do i have to give a number? I will say you aced it at every point of the way"

"Really?!" he asked sounding surprised, i nodded "you are not trying to make me feel good about myself or are you?"

"I am not"

"For a while, i thought i was messing everything up... " he said looking doubtful of himself. I place my fingers on his chin  turning his face to me.

"I have never been on a date but this..." I motioned between us with my finger"we shared today made it one of the best day in my life. I love it and i wouldn't change what we had today for anything else"

A smile stayed on his lips as he take in my words. He puts his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer.

"You have no idea what those words mean to me" i giggled before burying my face into his chest, his cologne doing wonders to my brain. "tell me, apart from speaking French, what other exciting thing can you do?"

"Well... I love watching movies, as strange as it sound because people think that a nerd like me doesn't have time for such frivolities"

"What type?

"I love adventure movies, sci-fi, a little bit of horror and oh oh oh! I love Marvel movies! Like i always scream mentally whenever i see Captain America in his suit"

"Captain America? Good taste... Should i be worried?" he teased.

"You should be. I mean, why did God decided to bless us with people like Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Henry Cavill, you know that is Superman from DC?"

"I feel like i should change my middle name to Chris"

I sat up looking him straight in the eyes because he reminded me of something.

------
"Are you sure you are not bearing Chris because if you check the Hollywood Chris's like Chris Evans, Chris Pine, Chris Hemsworth, Chris-"

"Alright. Enough of the Chris's" i said having a whiplash on hearing the name Chris again and again.

She hummed, a gasp fall from her lips. I looked down at her to see her staring down at the cup in her hand which now held a watery ice cream, with a sad face.

She shrugged before putting the edge of the cup to her lips, tipping the whole content into her mouth in one go. I watched her with an amused expression. She noticed the look on my face.

"What?" she asked sounding defensive.

"If it were other girls, they would throw the cup away with its content"

"I am not other girls and i am not wasteful" she said with a shrug wearing a cute look on her face.

"Agreed" I pulled her closer to me and i was surprised when she snuggled in to me. My heart beat faster against my chest and i got worried on whether she heard it or not.

We sat like that for a while, enjoying each others warmth and company. Then it came to my thought, i had always wanted to ask her this question.

"You know?" licking my bottom lip, taking a quick sniff of her hair, loving the smell. "i have always wanted to ask you about your schooling in the junior year,  what was it like?"

She lifts her head a bit before resting it back against my chest.

"It was actually very bearable"

"Bearable?"

"Yeah. There was no social segregation like that of SJC, if you haven't noticed, i went to a public school through out my junior year"

"How was it?"

"It was great... Friendly and noisy students, we were over two thousand or there about, overly strict teachers who would flog you if you in as much as bat an eye lid"

I frowned at her statement. Flogging of students? That isn't condoned in SJC.

"Teachers flog students?"

"Yes. I mean there is always this particular teacher that once he stands in silence with his hands on his back,  just staring at everyone , you run for the hills... "

"Seriously?!"

"Yes. That silence means danger ahead, he is definitely holding a cane he will whip you with. Like our computer teacher" she said sitting up "he flogged the whole school that day-"

"The whole school?" i asked in shock, wondering the type of strength a teacher would possess in other to flog over a thousand of students.

"The whole school... Just get him a bottle of coke and Gala sausage. He would do it at a go. I chop cane wella ehn... "

I laughed, picturing an image of Omotolani small frame being at the receiving end of a cane. Not a pretty sight.

"Do you miss it?"

"Miss what? I didn't miss the cane o. In fact i am glad it's over"

"I am talking about the school dufus" she slapped me by my arm but i just chuckle. I saw the longing on her face when she was talking about her ex school, i want to know whether if given the opportunity, she would go back.

"I actually miss the school..." my face falls "yeah i do"

No you don't...

"So you would give up your scholarship to go back there?"

And leave me in SJC? God forbid!

"Of course not! I just miss the school for his ability to accept everyone no matter who or what you are. Not like we have rich kids among us. We were all children from average homes"

"SJC is also a great school with equally friendly students" she raised an eyebrow at me "okay.. Maybe not all students are friendly" she let out a big sigh.

"Korede... That school was my bedrock. It made me who i am today cause trust me... The competition was tough"

"Education... That is a good thing to reminisce on. As long as it is not a crush on a boy" i don't know when i opened my mouth waah to say that.

"You think i have a crush on someone back in my junior year?"

"Didn't you?"

"I don't"

"What of now?" i asked softly staring deep into her chocolate orbs. She bit her lower lip. I followed the movement with my eyes.

"Maybe... Maybe not?"

"Well do you?"

"Yes i do" she said boldly into my face that was when i realized the close proximity we shared.

"Should i be angry or scared?" she giggled, playing with my heartstrings.

"I don't know if you could knowing it would be a weird thing to be angry at or scared of oneself"

Oneself?

I try hard to control the smile from forming. I got bold.

"Well then... Will you like to be that person's girlfriend?"

Her eyes widens in surprise at my words.

"Akorede Okikiola Wellington... Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"

"That's what i said"

She burst into a fit of laughter before burying her face into my chest for the third time this evening. I smiled wrapping my arms around her.

Yes!

Translation:
Abegi: please

Water na water: water is water

Mais oui: yeah!

ero ija: ingredients

Shey it has alcohol ni?: does it have alcohol in its content

alubarika: blessings and joy

*Cough*

He finally popped the question 😆😆

What do you think was her reply?

I love the scene at the restaurant!!😁😁

Sparkling or still water kwa? Who else has had this type of encounter before? Well, i have...