The Conniving Universe
The first time I saw you, I was convinced that you were the most handsome man I’ve ever met. Your eyes were tiny, almost as if they never really wanted to exist, your skin darker than dark chocolates, your teeth white and shiny, you were a definition of perfection. I could spend hours and hours analyzing your physique because I was intrigued by them.
What intrigued me the most about you was your confidence, It stirred up in me a feeling that I have never experienced before. When you walked into the room, the small four-cornered space we call an office, it was as if I forgot to breathe. My heart would pound, almost as though it wants its way out from me through my mouth, and I would keep my mouth shut so it would not leap out. And when you greet me I would respond with "hmm".
I guessed that you knew what you were stirring in me, you knew your impact and intended to torture me. So you would try to strike up a conversation with me about the weather, the news, or the dissatisfaction with the way our superior dismisses your work and you seemed satisfied when I answered with a nod, or "hmm?" Or "hmm." because you knew that I agreed with whatever you said, if you said the weather was beautiful then it is the most beautiful weather I have ever experienced. If you said Nigeria was stagnant or thriving, I agreed, and if you said our boss is unintelligent who was I not to agree?
You seemed to have the same effect on every lady in the office because they were like nurse bees bringing royal jelly to their precious queen bee. They were around often, leaving their workspaces during lunch break to crack silly jokes which you laughed at and finger their stiff (bone straight) wigs. You enjoyed royal jelly.
I did not know if you were disturbed that I did not join them or if you were genuinely interested in me because right after the lunch break, you would strut to my workspace and ask for help analyzing the files our superior gave you to work on and I’d gladly give you a detailed explanation. Oh! I adored you and would have blessed the lord if you did too, because then my search was over. Something in me told me not to take you seriously and I wish I’d listened.
The voice that warned me was determined to discourage me from committing a self-crime, so it connived with the universe to provide evidence of why it said to not take you seriously. It was getting late, everyone from the office had gone home including you. But I decided to stay and finish up the work on my table because I didn’t want any incomplete work left on my desk till the next time I will come to the office which was Monday. However, I was feeling so pressed and I needed to use the ladies room. Abandoning whatever I was doing , I walked into the white-tiled ladies room in the office only to hear a soft sigh. I did not think too much of it, but then I heard It again, This time I mentally that something was not right.
I started investigating where this sound was from, it was obviously from the lady’s room but who could it have been? I didn’t want to make it obvious that I knew someone was there to avoid an awkward confrontation, so I tiptoed to the last toilet stall, peeped and I saw the stiff wig young girl on her knees and you leaning against the wall with your eyes closed.….
Oh hell no! I did not. I did not see that. I better leave before you and your friend discover me.
The next time we will see face to face, eye to eye, was on Monday with your tiny eyes, dark dark chocolate skin, and confident catwalk,no longer impressed me, I’d seen enough. So when you made your way to my table I was undoubtedly sure you were startled when I hastily left saying "Excuse me please I’m heading to the superior’s office."
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Thank you.
Nelly-Portia
