Kemi, my girlfriend from school, sent me an invitation to her brother's wedding, which was supposed to take place in a few weeks.
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In her words, she said, "Since I've known you, you never agreed to attend any of my parties. If you don't attend this one, consider our friendship null and void" Kemi is a lawyer so she always tries to tease me with their terminologies.
I smiled and told her that it has never been my intention not to come, but circumstances beyond my control sometimes stopped me from attending them. And most times she always suggests I don't worry because there will always be more parties to attend.
As a typical Nigerian Yoruba wedding, I knew the feast would be an amazing experience, rich in culture and filled with entertainment, dance, delicious food, and warm reception. So I eagerly awaited the day of the celebration.
Kemi sent me the location and the recommended route to take. This made the journey more convenient and less stressful. All I needed to do was to explain the route to the driver and he would take me there.
On the day of the wedding, I dressed up looking all gorgeous in my beautiful outfit and did as planned. But, instead of going alone, I called up one of my girlfriends who I knew would be excessively bored at home to join me. She excitedly agreed to tag along and we went together.
It took us several hours to reach the venue, but our excitement was over the top. And the inconvenience caused by the long drive disappeared immediately after we got there. Upon our arrival, Kemi was happy to see us and introduced us to her parents.
They welcomed us warmly, and I couldn't help but admire and appreciate their rich culture. Kemi also introduced us to some of her cousins, who greeted us with warmth and kindness.
The party had already started when we arrived, with guests steadily streaming in. But as my friend turned around, her eyes caught the sight of something that shattered her to the core.
Her best friend, Damilola, was standing there with her supposed boyfriend Daniel whom they've been dating for 3yrs, wearing matching outfits reminiscent of an intending couple.
At that moment, she must have tried hard to convince herself that her eyes were deceiving her, but as she looked closer, the painful truth stared at her in the face. It was really Dami and Daniel she said aloud.
Consumed with anger and heartbreak, she walked up to their table, where they were taken by surprise at her sudden appearance. She gazed into her best friend's face, who pleaded with her eyes for her to calm down.
But her emotions got the better of her, and she angrily slapped her across the face. Instead of explaining the situation, her supposed boyfriend chastised her for causing a scene.
The humiliation and heartbreak were beyond words, and all eyes were on us as I rushed over to pull her back. I regretted inviting her to an event that broke her and her world apart.
I held her tightly and reassured her as she cried uncontrollably. She must have struggled to comprehend how her best friend, Damilola, could be so heartless.
But in a few seconds, Femi, Kemi's cousin, who witnessed the entire scene from afar quickly made his way to us. Sensing the need for privacy, he took her to a private corner to calm her down.
I don't know what it was he said to her but in half an hour he managed to turn her tears into a smile. They returned to the event and joined everyone. But my friend was quiet throughout while Femi held her hands to reassure her every step of the way.
The wedding took place with the guest leaving low whispers about what transpired here and there. And Damilola looked all ashamed even though she danced away in disguise.
I think from the moment my friend met Femi, there was an instant connection because before saying goodbye, they exchanged contact information.
The last time we spoke she told me their friendship flourished but that they chose to remain friends without any romantic attachments until she's fully healed.