A Beautiful Thing

 

Andrea loved heights, unlike most people she knew. It didn’t matter how high up she was. She felt like she was floating with the clouds. Those fluffy beautiful creatures that looked like cotton balls on the surface of a very large ocean. She felt like she was gliding alongside them. It didn’t matter if it was sunny and the clouds were white. It didn’t matter if it those clouds opened up their bellies and emptied gallons of water on the face of the Earth. She loved the sky.

She worked as an accountant in one of the top auditing firms in the country. One would think that her job didn’t leave room for her pleasures of the sky, but it did. She worked in the head office, which was a skyscraper. Well, what anyone could take as a skyscraper in Nigeria. Anyway, going up in the elevator, the view was always marvelous, because of the open glass setting of the elevator.

She nursed a fantasy of skydiving some day. Definitely not in Nigeria.

Andrea loved heights, which meant she loved roof tops. And penthouses. She had a dream of owning a penthouse one day too. Andrea loved rooftops, and that was all her best friend and housemate needed to know to trap her. On a Wednesday evening, after the day’s hustle, Ifeoma decided to lay her trap, subtly.

“Let’s go out on the 14th,” Ifeoma announced nonchalantly, not taking her eyes off her nails she was filling. They were in their small living room, enjoying the tranquility. The TV was on, but neither of them was watching Mayorkun sing about his “geng” on Soundcity.

Andrea stopped scrolling through her Instagram and looked at her friend. It was as though the details of the Instagram posts had come alive in her friend.

“I don’t understand. Why?”

Ifeoma sneered at her, “what do you mean you don’t understand?”

“I thought we planned to watch Netflix and chill after church on Sunday, or did the memory card in your brain fry?” Andrea shot back.

“Well, I changed my mind. We should go out. Have fun.”

Andrea glared at her. She dropped her phone on the table. She made enough rustling sounds so that Ifeoma had no option but to look at her.

 “What is it? I know you want to say something. Spit it out.” Ifeoma finally said.

“Ify, weren’t you the one that said Valentine’s day is for couples?”

“Well—”

“Weren’t you the one that said it’s not for singles even when I argued with you and told you that my mom normally took my siblings and I out when we were kids on Val’s day?”

“I said that cos you’re so unromantic and—”

“Weren’t you the one that said we should stay at home and rest. That Val wasn’t by force. That we’re single, we didn’t kill anybody?”

“Well, I was just—”

“Weren’t you the one that suggested Netflix and chill since all your boyfriends joined stingy men association?”

“Andrea!” Ifeoma raised her voice. “ I have heard you. It’s enough.”

Andrea smirked and picked up her phone.

Ifeoma would not give up. “I said all those things, but maybe I was wrong. We could do something different this year. Visit the motherless babies' home after Mass, give them gifts. Then come home, cook something special or just buy take out. Then we—”

“All these things you’re saying aren’t bad,” Andrea interrupted, “we’ll go to the motherless. We agreed on it already. I don’t understand the something different you’re talking about.”

“Oh, but I’m not done with my suggestion,” Ifeoma grinned, getting ready for the big thing.

“What else?” Andrea wasn’t impressed.

“We have dinner in the evening!” Ifeoma clapped her hands together.

“Yes na, we’ll cook food and eat dinner at home.”

Ifeoma's excitement went from hundred to zero, “Andrea Nwachukwu, what is even your problem?”

Andrea responded by laughing out loud.

“We’ll have dinner outside. We’ll take ourselves out. We will go out. To a restaurant. To eat, outside.” Ifeoma made sure she repeated outside over and over again so it could sink into her friend’s head.

“Ify, there’ll be work the next day. Monday of all days. I don’t want to go out.”

“Andrea, please don’t be boring this year.” Ifeoma gesticulated with her palms. “Every year you give a reason to stay at home on Val’s day while I go out. This year, I’m single too and we are going out together.”

“But Ify, you agreed to Netflix and chill last week,” Andrea wrinkled her nose.

“I’ve changed my mind na.”

Andrea stared at her for five long seconds, then she answered, “I’m not going anywhere.” She got tired of scrolling through Instagram and dropped her phone. All she saw were memes about Valentine and gift vendors doing discounts for Valentine. In other words, love was in the air. 

And it was choking her.

She decided to watch TV. Now, Cuppy was telling Stonebwoy that she was his karma on Soundcity. It sounded nice, she’d download the song later.

Ify, who was still holding her file, rested her back on the sofa and continued her task. “Ok, suit yourself, Andrea. I’ll just go to the Three6ixty Rooftop lounge on my own. I’ll get someone else to go with me since I’ve already made reservations.” Ify laid her trap.

“Did you say the Three6ixty Rooftop lounge?” Andrea sprang up, totally forgetting Cuppy.

Ifeoma grinned inside, but feigned nonchalance on the outside. “Yes, I did.”

“The same Three6ixty Rooftop lounge at Lekki, with the ocean below. The water always glistens under the moonlight. The air around there is so fresh.” Andrea was lost in her fantasy. “I’ve never been there.”

Ifeoma raised one eyebrow at her, “How do you know all this if you’ve never been there?”

“I’ve seen pictures and videos of the place,” Andrea responded. “I’ve imagined myself there a million times. I’ve thought of going there, but work and time have been delaying me.”

“You know, for a lover of nature as yourself and a dreamer, you really don’t go out often. I keep wondering why you aren’t a romantic too.”

Andrea snickered. “Don’t make this about romance.” Then she added quickly, “I go out. My fantasies aren’t just possible in Nigeria.”

Ifeoma laughed at her, her hand on her belly.

Andrea sulked for a moment, then offered a shy smile, “you were saying we had reservations somewhere nice.”

Ifeoma couldn’t stop laughing. “Did you say we? Please Andrea, don’t make me laugh my ass out. You’re not going anywhere that day na. You don’t have a reservation, sweetheart.”

“Ifeoma, stop this thing,” Andrea protested. “You can’t just tell me you’re going to Three6ixty Rooftop and I will stay at home.”

“But, Rooftop is a romantic place oh. What, with the ocean below, the stars above. The food and wine. The music and the soft chatter.”

“I still want to go,” Andrea sounded like a petulant child. 

“I thought Monday would be hectic?”

“Well—”

“I thought Netflix and chill was the ultimate goal?”

“The ultimate goal is the visitation to the motherless babies’ home and—”

“I thought you wanted to cook and eat at home?”

“Damn it, Ify!” Andrea exclaimed. “You’ve made your point.” She tried again, with a calmer tone. “For heaven’s sake, you’re taking me out. I wouldn’t say no to that, most especially when it’s a place I love.”

Ifeoma tasted her victory and savored it. Nothing like knowing your best friend’s weakness.

“Ok, we’re going to Rooftop,” Ifeoma giggled and Andrea joined her. 

They talked about what they’d get for the children at the motherless babies’ home, before they decided to call it a day and went to bed.

The rest of the week ran like a cheetah and February the 14th arrived gallantly. Andrea and Ifeoma went to church to praise God, then visited the motherless babies' home with their gifts. They bought toys and a few clothes for the children. They also got provisions. Andrea felt very fulfilled seeing the smiles on the children’s faces. The Reverend Sisters prayed for her and Ifeoma and her Amen was the loudest. When they got home, she placed a call to her parents and younger siblings at Onitsha to tell them how much she loved them. She and Ifeoma then had yam and stew as lunch. They enjoyed a movie on Netflix, with popcorn and coke before they started preparing for their dinner at the Three6ixty Rooftop.

“I still think you should wear the burgundy gown, Andy,” Ifeoma said, applying mascara. They were in Ifeoma’s room.

Andrea sulked. Ifeoma only called her Andy when she wanted to get on her nerves. She had been cajoling her into wearing the burgundy dress, now she was bullying her. 

Was it bullying? 

Whatever, it felt like bullying to her.

“I said I wanted to wear the black,” she said in her underwear and stud earrings. Her make up already perfect. On her head, rested a black shoulder length wig. It was curly.

“It’s Valentine’s day, Andy. Not a burial.”

“What the hell is wrong with black? And stop calling me Andy,” Andrea put her hands on her waist.

“Then wear the burgundy gown,” Ifeoma reiterated. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s a bit slutty,” Andrea rolled her eyes. The burgundy gown stopped just slightly above her knee. It had an asymmetrical neckline too. It wasn’t slutty, she just wanted to get on Ifeoma’s nerves too.

Ifeoma ignored her. 

Seeing that her plan didn’t work, she sulked to her room to dig up the burgundy gown from her wardrobe. She found it and caressed the fabric. It was satin and very soft. The gown was beautiful. She hated that Ifeoma was right at the moment. 

Sulking again, she extricated the gown from the hanger and wore it, from her legs. She checked herself out in her mirror and instantly fell in love with her reflection. She went back to her wardrobe, pulled out a pair of black heels and sauntered back to Ifeoma’s room. Ifeoma was already dressed in a white playsuit, with an off-shoulder neckline. Her black braids were left to fall freely.

“Damn!” Andrea exclaimed, despite herself. “You look good, girl.”

Ifeoma turned around and smiled, “You don’t look bad yourself. I told you that gown was perfect.”

Andrea admitted, “yeah yeah. You’re right. I hate that you’ve been right for a while now.” She grumbled.

Ifeoma laughed at that. She picked a pair of gold hoop earrings and wore them. Taking out a pair of red heels, she complemented her dressing.

“Now we’re good to go,” Ifeoma announced.

They locked up their apartment at Gbagada and left in the Uber they had ordered.

Three6ixty Rooftop lounge was magical at night. It was exactly what Andrea had imagined it to be. There were tiny lights adorning the restaurant, all the way from the staircase till the rooftop itself. The walls were decorated with lampshades and artworks of different designs and colors. At a corner, a snooker table was set. A few men enjoyed themselves, talking, drinking and playing.

Couches and single seats were arranged around tables. A few people were already seated. Some alone, some in twos, some in threes and so on. Flower pots also adorned the floors. The railings that protected the open space were silver. Andrea took in everything and was in awe of the place. She had walked to the railing to admire the ocean below. Blue and calm. In the distance, she could see the Ikoyi link bridge. The sky too was greying, easing into the darkness called the night. Three6ixty had a cozy ambience.

“Ify,” she said, the ocean breeze caressing her face, “this place is the bomb.”

“I know right,” Ifeoma said smugly. “Now, let’s go sit.” She willed Andrea away from the railing and took her to a table for two. The table was covered with a white cloth and had a bottle of wine already on it, with two glasses. They both sat and picked up the menu placed at their sides of the table.

“And the menu is another thing,” Andrea perused it. “ See the prices of the food.”

Ifeoma laughed, “did you think it’ll be 50Naira before?”

“Nope,” Andrea said truthfully. “I was expecting this. Now, we’re going to have a dent in our bank account.”

“It’s a once in a while thing jare,” Ifeoma offered. “We’ll fill the dent again.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Andrea said and began to uncork the wine. A waiter came and took their orders of chips and sea food platter, as the wine popped. She poured a generous amount of wine for herself and Ifeoma.

“Happy Valentine’s, Best friend,” she raised her glass.

“Happy Valentine’s, Baby,” Ifeoma responded and they clicked their glasses. “Oh my,” Ify sipped her wine, swallowed, “this wine is good.”

“I agree,” Andrea concurred. 

Photo from Google: The Ikoyi Link Bridge from Three6ixty Rooftop lounge

Their food arrived and they enjoyed it, talking about anything and everything. Enjoying the ambiance of the place. A live band played soft music, ushering in the night. The headlights of vehicles on the Ikoyi link bridge glowed in the dark sky. It was beautiful.

 Halfway through their meal, they ordered grilled fish. As Andrea was about to taste her fish, they were distracted by a shriek of a lady. Andrea had to turn around to see what the fuss was about. She followed Ifeoma’s eyes, who was facing the source of the shriek. Her eyes rested on a lady, sitting down on one of the white couches, and a guy on one knee, a jewelry box in his hand, with a ring definitely resting majestically in it. 

“Will you marry me, Damilola?” he asked.

She heard Ifeoma gasp, “Oh my gosh!” 

She spun to look at Ifeoma, who had taken out her phone to capture the moment. Her best friend was already in awe of the scene. She rolled her eyes and turned back to face the couple.

The lady, Damilola, obviously took her time to shed a few tears before she screamed the resounding response, “Yes!”

Everyone around 'awwed' and 'ohhed'. Andrea had to clap too. It was beautiful. The guy put the ring on Damilola's finger and she pulled him to herself for a kiss.

“Well, this is definitely the height of my day,” Ifeoma exclaimed, “I got to witness a proposal.”

The congratulations came from all the different people on the rooftop. Ifeoma had dragged Andrea to congratulate the couple in  person. Andrea had protested that she didn’t want to leave her food. Of course it fell on deaf ears. They congratulated the latest soon to be Mrs. who even hugged them and continued shrieking, flaunting her diamond ring. It was a gorgeous ring.

Andrea could imagine some couples there who weren’t married or engaged, taking tips from this proposal. She could imagine the female species aka girlfriends smirking at their boyfriends. That made her laugh.

When they had finally settled back in their seats, Ifeoma said, “it’s such a beautiful thing. I’m so happy for them.”

Andrea sipped her wine, “I am happy for them, but you gotta admit, it’s a bit cliché.”

Ifeoma frowned, “what are you talking about?”

“Oh, Ify. Proposing on Valentine’s day? It is possible Damilola might have had a hint that lover boy would propose.”

Ifeoma smacked her hand on her forehead, probably giving herself a little headache, “are you serious right now, Andrea? That’s what you’re thinking about. The cliché?”

“Hey, relax,” Andrea almost pushed her seat backwards, “it’s just an observation.”

“Yen yen yen, it’s just an observation,” Ifeoma mimicked her, “at least they’re happy. And Damilola was very much surprised to lover boy's satisfaction.”

“Ok,” Andrea forked some chips and popped it into her mouth, “like I said, I am happy for them.”

“You need romance in your life, Andrea.”

“What now?” Andrea dropped her fork in exasperation. “Don’t make this about me. We're having a nice dinner and that’s how it’s going to end. Nicely.”

“Of course, it would end nicely,” Ifeoma agreed. “The only thing left is for a guy to notice how hot you are.” Ifeoma grinned.

“Ifeoma Ngene!” Andrea gasped.

Ifeoma allowed herself the pleasure of a rich laughter. Their dinner was going nicely. Thanks to her, her friend looked happy and pleased. 

Well, almost pleased because she was still sulking at her statement.

“Don’t scream my name before people will think I just proposed to you.”

“Very funny, Ify,” Andrea picked her glass of wine and downed the rest of the contents.

But Ify was right, she did look hot too. And the night was nice. It was great even. Most eventful Valentine’s day. Before they left, they ordered Fritos variados as take out.

Unknown to either of the women, someone had noticed the beautiful lady in the burgundy dress.

***

Two weeks later, a Saturday, it was Andrea’s birthday and trust Ifeoma to make a big deal out of it again.

“You deserve a treat,” she had said to Andrea.

“But I gave myself a treat two weeks ago,” Andrea had argued.

“That was Valentine’s day treat,” Ifeoma had said gently, “this is birthday treat.”

“I’m still basking in the euphoria of Three6ixty Rooftop.”

“You’ll bask in your birthday’s euphoria too. My treat, I’m the one taking you out.” Ifeoma had added quickly. “This girl, learn to see enjoyment as normal oh.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Andrea had finally yielded.

And now, they were at Rufus and bee. Playing games.

One of Ifeoma’s treat was to take Andrea bowling. Andrea had never bowled before, so it was a wonderful experience. She hit at least three pins when she rolled the heavy ball the fifth time, after the ball didn’t roll off the long narrow lane. It wasn’t so bad for a newbie. Andrea thought to herself. She tried again and hit five pins. She was  getting there.

After bowling, they decided to play the dancing game. She won Ifeoma, she was a better dancer. After that, they car raced and became exhausted. They went to the Metex restaurant and Ifeoma ordered tall glasses milkshakes for them. Her birthday was going great.

***

Gerard felt as lucky as a four leave clover. And why wouldn’t he feel lucky, God had just brought the lady in the burgundy dress to him again. The first time he saw her, it was at the Three6ixty Rooftop lounge. She had been with another lady, the same lady she was with now. He remembered that day vividly. 

He had noticed when she had arrived and walked to the railing to gaze at the ocean. The soft breeze had ruffled her curly hair and she had smiled wholeheartedly. That was when he got enamored. Her companion had dragged her to their table and that scene had ended abruptly, much to his disappointment. He had been awed by her cuteness, although he sensed she was feisty. He could see the fire in her eyes.

 The proposal had happened and she and her companion had stood to congratulate the couple. He hadn't stood to do that, but it was a cute thing. He had been alone. That was the point. He wanted to treat himself. That was why he didn’t speak to her. He had wanted to be alone. So, he hadn’t broken the rule for the lady in the burgundy dress. He also dismissed the thought that her companion was her romantic partner. They didn’t act it.

And so, he had watched them leave and felt a bit forlorn. The weeks had gone by and he had tried to get her out of his mind.

Now, here he was hanging out with some of his friends at the Rufus and bee. And so was she. 

Fate definitely wanted them to meet. Such a beautiful thing.

She was dressed in a purple colored crop top and a pair of jean trousers the ladies called high waist. Her sneakers were also purple. So were her lips. Her eyes had the same fire he had seen the evening he first saw her. Her hair was long and black today. Bone straight? She was taking a milkshake with her friend. The other lady had to be her friend. She wore a playsuit again today, this time, it was peach. She must really like playsuits. They were seated on high stools.

“Guy, you’ve been staring at them for a while now,” Obiora said.

Gerard hadn’t realized how badly he had been staring until his friend’s sharp voice pierced his perusal.

“Have I?” he feigned ignorance and looked at his friend. They were both seated with the other guys, a few feet away from the ladies. At least the others were oblivious of his entrancement.

“Yes,” Obiora said dryly, “you have. Tell me though, which one of them are you looking at exactly?”

“The lady in purple,” Gerard said mildly.

“Hmm,” Obiora looked at the two ladies again, then brought his eyes back to his friend. “She’s cute. So is her friend.”

Gerard hadn’t paid much attention to the friend, but he did then. Oh well, they were both cute.

“Yeah, they are,” he said at last.

“What’s pulling you to the lady in purple?” Obiora asked.

“I don’t know. Her eyes maybe. Or the way she had smiled the first day I saw her.”

“Wait,” Obiora leaned forward, “you’ve seen her before today?”

“Yes,” Gerard said and told Obiora about Valentine’s day.

“Go talk to her bro,” Obiora grinned.

“I plan to,” Gerard took a deep breath. “It’s just been a while I did this.”

“Ogbeni, no fall my hand o.”

Gerard laughed. He stole a glance at her again. Ok, it was definitely time to meet the mystery lady. “Wish me luck,” he took a swig from the glass of beer on his table.

“You got this, bro,” Obiora slapped him on the back as he stood. 

Gerard sauntered to the ladies. When he got there, they were giggling about something.

“Hello ladies,” he tried not to sound desperate.

The laugh halted, but a smile was still on their faces.

“Hello,” her friend said. She didn’t say anything, just stared at him with those intense brown eyes.

“I’m sorry to intrude,” he began, “but I just had to say this.” He faced her, “I’ve been noticing you and I know that I won’t be comfortable if I didn’t tell you how beautiful you are.” He heard her friend gasp and he turned to address her, adding quickly, “not that you’re not beautiful too.” Oh shit, he was embarrassing himself.

“I understand,” the friend said, grinning. That put him at ease.

He turned back to face her and she looked shy. Pleased, but shy.

I’m Ifeoma,” her friend offered her palm, he shook it. “I’m the best friend.” 

Yes, they were just best friends. He thought he saw Ifeoma hit her under the table.

“I’m Andrea,” she finally said, with a sweet smile.

“Andrea,” Gerard said, “it’s a beautiful name.”

“Thank you,” she said.

“What does it mean?” Gerard couldn’t contain his curiosity.

“It means strong,” she answered. “I guess I’m compelled to ask what Gerard means too.”

He laughed, “Fair enough. Gerard means spear brave. Or just plainly brave.”

“I believe there’s a bit of connection to our names,” Andrea offered. “Strong and brave.”

“Yeah,” he let that linger for a while. His eyes on her.

“And Ifeoma means beautiful thing,” Ifeoma broke the silence.

They all laughed at that.

“Anyway, it’s her birthday today,” Ifeoma said. He noticed Andrea turn to glare at her friend.

“Wow, that’s really great. Happy birthday Andrea.”

She turned back to face him, and she was grinning. “Thank you, Gerard.”

“I believe I have to get you a gift.” Gerard offered genuinely.

“Oh no,” Andrea laughed, “you don’t have to. Really. Ifeoma has taken good care of me today.”

“That’s what best friends do,” Ifeoma said, “but others can still give gifts if they want.”

“Ifeoma!” Andrea said through gritted teeth.

Gerard was definitely enjoying this. He fell in love with their friendship.

Andrea looked at him again, tilted her head to the left side and asked, “would you like to sit?”

“I thought you’d never ask,” Ifeoma said, standing from her stool.

“Ifeoma!” This was Andrea again, through gritted teeth, “stop embarrassing me.”

Gerard laughed and Andrea shot daggers at him with her eyes. He stopped laughing and responded, “yes, I’d love to sit.”

“You guys have fun,” Ifeoma offered her stool to him, “I need to play another game anyway.” She disappeared. Gerard knew she just wanted to leave them alone.

God bless Ifeoma.

Andrea didn’t know why she felt drawn to the cute guy who was currently sitting with her. He looked simple, with his slightly tousled hair, black chinos trousers and a Ralph Lauren polo. Normally, she wouldn’t have said anything to him. But, after he had said she was beautiful, she sensed that that wasn’t just a pick up line. He had meant it. And she had been thrown off guard. Ifeoma was also a living nightmare, embarrassing her. She had left her alone with Gerard, definitely on purpose. She and Gerard had talked for a while. She wasn’t sure how long. And she did enjoy the conversation.

“I have to be honest with you,” he brought her out of her thoughts, “I have seen you before today.”

She was stunned, “really?”

“Yeah. I saw you at Three6ixty Rooftop lounge. On the 14th. I called you the lady in the burgundy dress.”

“Wow,” she was more stunned, “just wow.” She thought about her identity of being the lady in the burgundy dress. It pleased her.

“I know right. I guess fate wanted me to finally meet you, Andrea. I guess it is a beautiful thing.”

She gave a lopsided grin, “I guess it is.” Then her eyes lit up. “You saw the proposal, didn’t you?”

He laughed, “yes I did. A bit cliché, but it was nice. I was happy for them.”

“Right,” she spread her arms. “Thank you for saying this. Ifeoma almost had my head when I said it was cliché.”

“Really?” He asked.

“Yes,” she paused and looked him in the eyes, “I believe we’ll get along pretty fine, Gerard.”

“I’m so glad you said that.”

Andrea took out her phone from her purse on the table. She unlocked it and gave it to him, “your number, please.”

“I definitely like you, Andrea,” Gerard grinned and took the phone. He inputted his number and dialed it. His phone rang and he took it out of his pocket to save her number. 

“Look who I met,” Ifeoma’s voice made them turn around to face her, “he said he’s your friend,” she was saying to Gerard, “Obiora.”

Gerard grinned at Obiora who was smiling sheepishly. “Yes, he is.”

“Well, hi Gerard's friend. I’m Andrea.”

“Nice to meet you, lady in purple,” Obiora took Andrea’s palm and kissed the back of it.

That made Andrea laugh. She was the lady in purple too. She got down from her stool and said to the guys, “well, it was nice meeting y'all, but my friend and I here have to leave. I believe she has something else planned for me today.”

“No problem,” Gerard said, “and Andrea, I’ll give you a call later so we can talk about that gift of yours.”

Andrea bit her lower lip unconsciously, “I’ll be expecting the call.” With that, she and Ifeoma turned to leave.

Outside, Ifeoma demanded details.

“So, how is he like?”

And Andrea provided the details. “He’s ok. He’s cute and he can hold a conversation. Points for me.” She also told Ifeoma about how Gerard had noticed her on Valentine’s day.

“Aha!” Ifeoma clapped her hands together, “I knew you were definitely hot in that dress.”

Andrea rolled her eyes at Ifeoma. “Yeah, whatever.”

“I think I’ll see Obiora again since you and Gerard exchanged contacts.” Ifeoma smiled mischievously. 

“Ifeoma! You like man.”

“Definitely,” Ifeoma said, laughing.  She put her hand into the crook of her friend’s elbow and they walked to thr Uber that would take them home. She nursed the idea that it was because she had convinced Andrea to go out on Valentine’s day and even today, which was her birthday that she had met Gerard. Andrea needed to be thankful to God everyday that she had her in her life.

Such a beautiful thing indeed.