𝓛𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝓼

My muscles, which were previously full of vigor and motivation, are now heavy and weary. Each step becomes a massive struggle, and the continuous beating of my heart in my chest serves as a constant reminder of the physical exertion.

My respiration, which was once regular and controlled, has now become more rapid, leaving me panting for oxygen. Sweat beads shimmer on her brow and slide down my hot cheeks. As I strain to keep moving, the world around me blurs, and my desire to continue the jog contends with her body's call for rest.
 

With a small escape of air, I urge Omoh to halt. “Please, I can’t go any further.” I manage to say.
 

My legs feel like lead weights with each stride, and I endure aches and pains in my calves and thighs. The exhaustion extends beyond the body, with cerebral fatigue setting in, making even simple thoughts appear elusive.
 

Jogging has never been my thing; in fact, I don’t think any kind of exercise has ever been my hobby. Being a mom and working in between jobs and schooling is enough exercise for me to handle.

Omoh is always educating me on the benefits of exercise, but do I listen? Today, she made sure I joined her in her morning run, and it is exhausting. I might faint if I keep going.
 

“We are almost home.” She points towards our street, which seems like a forever journey from the point we are standing on.
 

“Can’t we just walk?” I say, with no iota of strength left in me.
 

“Are you tired already? There is still more to be done.” She shoots, laughing at me and, at the same time, jogging ahead of me.
 

“More of this?” I feel my dry throat hurt when the words escape from my mouth. Almost crying, I take to my heel as I try my best to meet up with her.
 

“Huh, huh.” Omoh gives me a thumbs up. “You need it!” She yells.
 

“Why? I mean, God created me well. I don’t need any exercise to prove anything.” I yell back.

 
“True, but you need the exercise to maintain that God-given body of yours," she adds, smiling.

 
Grumbling at her comment “But my chest is burning, and my legs are hurting.” I whine.
 

She pause, turning in my direction and smiling. "Ok, we can rest a bit.”
 

Finally, “Oh, thank you.” I bless her wholeheartedly before dropping my butt on the floor at the side of the road.
 

“What are you doing?” Her question comes flying with her eyes wide open when she turns around to see if anyone is approaching.
 

“You say we can rest a bit.” I reply. Did I embarrass her by sitting on the floor? I see nothing wrong with it. Besides, I'm really too exhausted to care.

"Yes, but not sitting on the road; people could see you.” My prediction was correct because she can barely disguise her embarrassment on her face. She gives me a disappointed look, extends her hands, and tells me to get up. I accept her hands without protest and do what I am ordered.
 

“You are very lazy, Eno. I hope you know that." She mocks.

 
“Now I know.” I reply, “But saying it doesn’t make it any true.” I walk at a slow pace, still doing my best to control my breathing.
 

We walk past two blocks before arriving at the bend that leads to our building. Omoh abruptly comes to a halt, nearly colliding with me.
 

“Isn’t that—” We pause as I trace her outstretch hand, pointing to a car parked outside our compound gate.
 

“What is he doing here?” I ask a deaf ear while withholding my bewilderment.
 

“You didn’t invite him?” Omoh asks, also surprised.

 
“No, we haven’t spoken for over a month now, I guess. I’m as shocked as you are, Omoh.” Whoa, I thought I had offended him with my lack of response to his last text that he had given up on pursuing me.
 

“Girl, this dude is tripping, and you aren’t making it easier for him.” Omoh adds shamelessly while we continue our slow walk.
 

I may have mentioned the text to Omoh while I updated her about my meeting with Ubong. She had advised me to respond to the text, but I didn't want to encourage something I wasn't strong enough to finish. So, I ignored it.
 

“Wale is a playboy, and I’m not going down that road with him.” I hear myself tell Omoh. But why is my heart threatening to break its walls as I walk closer to him?
 

“At least he’s not denying it, unlike the past men in your life. He is willing to drop it and be with you, if only you will let him.” She says.
 

I scoff at her comment, “How will you know that?” I asked curiously.
 

“You said so yourself.” She responds.
 

“I did? really?” confused, I ramble shyly, knowing I am guilty as charged. “Oh no, he can’t see me like this.” I come to a halt, instantly aware of my sweaty physique in tight joggers and the most hideous shade of orange polo. My hair is typically woven to the back, and my face is unadorned with any embellishment save for dried sweat. My most unattractive self is awaiting the gaze of the most handsome Greek god of a man.
 

“Why? What’s wrong?” Omoh asks innocently, unaware of what I've noticed.
 

“I’m in workout clothes that are sweaty and unattractive. He can’t see me like this.” I complain, bulging my eyes at her.
 

Her laughter echoes loudly. “I’ve never seen you worry about your appearance before; you must really like him. Besides, you are hot, raw, and very attractive. And to add to that, the entire street has seen you like this while you were jogging. You weren't ashamed then; why now?” Her question makes sense, but her laughter drives me to coyness.
 

It surprises me too; I never worry about how I look. And for a guy I claim to have no feelings for, I shouldn’t care. Right?
 

“Omoh—”

 
“Too late; he has already seen you. And stop fidgeting; he is noticing that too.” She advise.
 

I look ahead and find Wale already out of his expensive car. He smiles at me as we approach him.
 

“Good morning, ladies," he greets with that charm in his voice and a smile I always remember.
 

“Morning Wale.” I replied after Omoh had replied, “I wasn’t expecting you.” I tell him frankly.

 
“Seeing how you ignore my calls and text messages, I was left with no other option. My eyes were longing to see you and more.” He replies, looking undeniably handsome as he rests on his glistening silver Bentley, radiating an air of effortless style and luxury.
 

He is dressed in exquisitely fitted, premium casual clothes that emphasize his appealing demeanor. His midnight blue designer jeans, tailored to perfection, cling to his long, sculpted legs, and a well-fitting, pristine white shirt with casually rolled-up sleeves complements his toned physique, while a sleek black leather belt holds everything together.
 

The shoes on his feet are a deep shade of charcoal gray, perfectly accentuating the dark tones of his outfit. They feature a sleek and modern design with a faint gloss that caught the light as he moved.
 

He finishes off his look with a pair of stylish, dark sunglasses that safeguard his enigmatic eyes from the sun's rays and add an element of mystery to his look. His flawlessly maintained jet-black hair lends a hint of defiance to his otherwise elegant appearance.
 

He radiates supreme confidence, with one hand casually tucked into the pocket of his expensive trousers and the other resting on the shiny hood of the Bentley.

 
Wait, is he trying to enthuse me? Well, he is succeeding. I smile as my gaze travels from Wale to my friend, who I almost forgot is standing beside me.
 

I catch her giving me that ‘I thought you said you haven’t heard from him’ stare. But I didn’t lie; I only omitted the part where I ignored his calls and other text messages. So technically, I didn't hear from him, and I thought he would stop. I didn't expect that he would eventually find me at my house.

 
“I’ll leave you two." Omoh suggests, “Nice to see you again, Wale." She puts on her best smile and flashes it to me before walking into the house.

1421 𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉𝖘