Chapter 5: Angela’s outing with Michael.

Angela who had been waiting for her friend for a while was becoming worried. Minutes after, her friend came in. Her friend was Michael. He apologised for coming late and explained that he had to drop off a friend who was in problem.

“Thanks for the dress you bought for me the other day, I appreciate it” Angela said

“You are welcomed, I’m glad you like it” Michael answered

“So can we get to know each other better?” Angela asked

“Of course yes, no problem” Michael answered.

She introduced herself as Angela, a marketer for three firms- Orion entertainment, Zenith bank and Creative beauty products. She explained that she's in Portharcourt on business seminar for three days which elapse tomorrow and then will return to my base in Awka town in Anambara State.

“That’s great, Michael said as he also introduced himself as a O

ffice Assistant with Zion dry cleaning Services. He does the laundry and deliver clothes to the clients.

“That’s a lucrative job. Nice to meet you” Angels said.

Angela was shocked at the job Michael was doing. He expected him to be someone richer but she wasn’t too disappointed in him as it was his own way of survival and not everyone is presented with equal opportunities in life.

“What did you study in school? Angela asked

“I studied Banking and Finance from Federal University of Technology (FUTA). Michael answered noticing the look of slight disappointment on Angela’s face.

“Are you surprised I work as dry cleaning Agent? Michael asked

“Yes but no. yes, I didn’t expect it and no because I’m aware of Nigeria’s unemployment condition and I know people pick up jobs for survival as there are very few jobs for graduates” Angela answered.

They continued with their discussions, ordered drinks and fresh fish to flow along. They both discussed on general issues about life but Angela was concerned about knowing Michael’s relationship status. That is, if he was married, engaged, in an affair etc.

“Are you married or single? Angela asked

“I’m not married, I’m still single and not in any relationship. Michael answered.

“What about you? Michael asked too

Angela was happy to hear that Michael is single. It was hope for her.

“Same here, no relationship. I have had a lot of heart breaks and this time, I’m being very careful” Angela said

“I’m sorry to hear of the heartbreaks. I know how hurtful it is because I have experienced it before. That’s why I’m also taking my time” Michael said

He looked into Angela’s eyes and saw some sort of excitement; he knew that Angela liked him to have asked him such a question. He also liked Angela but as a friend. He was already in Love with Jane but just taking his time to get to know her better. He wouldn’t want to give Angela hope.

“I hope you find someone you love and loves you back as I have someone I’m crushing on but yet to profess it to her” Michael said

Angela’s look changed, she felt disappointed. But refused to show her depression.

“Amen. I pray I find too” Angela replied.

They both spent some few time together and departed with promises that will always chat and see each other whenever Angela is around. Michael and Angela became good friends.

On getting home, Michael gave Angela a call to know if she got home safely. She answered that she got home safely and she had great time. After the call, Michael deduced disappointment in Angela’s voice. He too felt bad for throwing off Angela’s feelings but he said it to himself that it was best to have her as friend. He wasn’t attracted to Angela for an affair.

Jane noticed Angela’s mood when she returned home. Jane on the other hand was feeling quite good as she too was beginning to like Michael as a friend but couldn’t express her happiness to Angela as she noticed a declined mood in her.

“What happened, why is your mood bad? didn’t you meet him again?” Jane asked in concern

“I met him but I realised he has someone he is crushing on and the worst of all is that he told me to my face, which shows that he doesn’t see me the way I see him.” Angela said

“A crush or an affair? Jane asked

“Didn’t you hear me? A crush. That’s what he said” Angela answered angrily.

Jane encouraged Angela that the statement of having a crush shouldn’t put heroff. A crush isn’t same as an affair. It’s just a feeling and it’s nothing serious yet. What if the person he crushes on doesn’t feel same for him? She emphasied that she shouldn't give up hope. She said she still believes he can love her.Angela loving him first it’s not a guarantee that he can’t love her later. She encouraged her to Just keep him as friends, when he gets to know her better, he could fall deeply in love with her.

Angela thought about what Jane said and realised that Jane made a hood point. A crush is neither and affair nor a marriage. She could still hang on as friend and Michael can love her later as they get to know each other better with time.

Angela was grateful to Jane and her mood became lightened up. They both had dinner that night and watched films together. Angela then invited Jane to her company’s dinner night which was the next day. Jane was surprised because it was a very long time Angela took Jane out for occasion. They stopped being seen together as siblings since an incidence occurred between them which was bitter and made them both conclude that their outside dealings with people, work, friends etc should be done alone and discreet.

Jane rejected the offer, reminding Angela of their conclusion and decision as regards the incidence and begged her to allow it remain like that. Angela understood with her and accepted to go alone.

Angela was tempted to wear the dress Michael bought for her but changed her mind as she already had another that she prepared to wear. She prepared all that she needed to prepare and they both went to sleep.