I found him again
1060 Words
At that moment, she forgot the presence of Bally. She could hardly believe this was real. That was the guy she had dreamt of, wondered where he was. She now understood why he was so crazy over the game. It was his calling.
Bally noticed the blank stare she gave the basket baller.
“What is wrong?” He asked.
His voice seemed to have brought her back to her senses.
“What?”
“What is wrong with you? You seemed zonked.”
She shook her head.
“Come on, let us get out here.”
“She shook her head again.
“I want to watch this game.”
Bally was surprised. He could see that her interest was not just on the game but the player. What the hell was going on?
“But we got….”
“I am sorry, Bally. I need to watch this game.”
He shrugged. She prided herself for making money. Zina called it independence. She had pride and respect for herself and made sure her man respected that too. It could not just be his way. She wanted to stay here and it had to be like that.
A player threw the ball; Devon jumped and blocked the ball, caught it, bounced it, and made a three pointer. People clapped but this time, Bally did not clap. Instead, he frowned.
Twenty minutes later, the game ended. Devon went and carried his sports bad, removed a bottle of water ,took a sip and sprinkled some on his head before using a towel to wipe his face.
“May we leave now?” Bally asked.
Layla smiled.
“Yes.” She said. “After I talk to that guy.”
Bally felt a wave of anger and fear inside him. He knew it! He was her old time boyfriend. Now what? A happy reunion? He followed her as she walked towards him.
“Hello.” She said as she got t.o him.
He turned slowly and then stared at her for a few seconds before he recognized her.
“Damn! Neighbor’s friend.” He said . “ I am sorry, I never knew your name back then. It’s been over six months. What’s up?”
He offered his hand and shook her before shaking Bally. Bally relaxed. It was obvious there was nothing between them. He did not even know her name. That was a relief.
“Layla. “ She said. “Meet Bally.
Meet Bally? Just Bally? Bally wondered. She ought to have introduced him as her boyfriend.
“Bally, this is Devon. I can’t forget the name because you told us like eighty times.”
Devon grinned.
“You exaggerate. It was not up to seventy-five times.”
They laughed.
“Are you serving too?”
He nodded.
“That is cool. Which course?” She asked.
“MBBS.” He said.
“So you are a doctor, that’s great.”
“I have been trying to sink that into my head.”
“Architecture.” Bally said. “My girlfriend studied Chemical.”
“I see a great couple here.” Devon said. “So, how has the camping been? It’s coming to an end.”
“Not bad.” She said.
“It is the best thing in my life because I met her here.” Bally said and gave her a smile.
Devon realized that he was trying so hard to make him know that they were dating. What was that for? Layla cursed under her breath. What was wrong with Bally? Devon was the guy whom she craved for. The one who tickled her fancy and made her yearn for love.
“It’s nice seeing you guys.” Devon said. “I hope to see you gusy again. If you will excuse me, I need to run. I need a wash.”
He shook their hands one more time and left. Layla noticed the sudden dismissal. She had wanted to talk more with him. But he did not seem glad to see her. He did not even ask of Zina. He did not try to exchange phone numbers with her. It was a we-will-always-meet-again-by-chance. She felt smugly embarrassed and hurt. She did not look at Bally’s face. He may have noticed. It was all Zina’s fault. She did not blame Devon. He was nice to them, risked his life for them only to be rewarded with an attempted murder.
“Let’s go.” Bally said. He was glad there seemed to be nothing between them. As they walked away, she dialed her phone.
“Guess what?” She said.” I just saw your neighbor, Devon…..He is here…..MBBS.”
With a flat cold voice from the other end, Layla heard, “leave him to me. Did she asked after me?”
“No.”
“I will handle him. Just leave him to me.”
Layla moved away from Bally. She did not want him to hear the conversation.
“Do you have plans?”
“Just leave him to me. If he is in this camp, I will get him and this time, I will not fail.”
“Get him? What do you mean?”
Zina ended the call. Layla regretted telling her at once. What was wrong with Zina?
“I hope it’s all good?” Bally said as he moved closer to her, showing a concerned face.
“Yeah.” Layla managed to reply. She was disturbed.
“Ok, shall we?”
“Please, Bally I need to be by myself now.”
“What? I thought we were going to your house.”
“There is a change of plan. I just want to be alone now.”
“I know there is something going on. Let me pacify you….”
“If you really want to pacify me, please let me go home. I am sorry about this. Goodnight, Bally.”
She left him gaping after her. What the hell was going on? Just the night he thought he was going to make out with her and maybe it could lead to love making. Damn! That Devon must be cursed!
- Writer
