I slowly turned my head in the direction of the voice. I choked. Tears threatened to come down but I had make-up on. I couldn’t ruin all that effort I put into designing my face for the bad luck before me.
I exhaled and forced a smile. I had to show him what he had lost. Winston looked at me from head to toe with a hungry look. He had a mixed expression written all over. He didn’t know whether he should come forward to me or move back. He looked to be in a dilemma as he gazed. I didn’t run from that piercing gaze. I looked on.
He gulped. Scratching the sides of his trousers nervously while trying to avoid mum’s angry look.
“What brings you to this lovely place tonight? I didn’t know you knew a place such as this”, I questioned, giving him an unsatisfied look.
“I… actually I… Well … I…”
“Bah-bah-bah”, I hushed him. I don’t want to know. I was just asking away. I don’t need any replies that would mess up my night.
“But Vee we need to…”
“It’s Velma, respectfully. You’ve lost the right to call me that.” I cut in sharply and looked away. Opeibea winked at me with an amused look. I snorted and lifted my middle finger at her. This left her mouth open and her husband with an impressed look. I walked ahead and asked if they were going to just stare at me for dinner that night or actually get into the nostril-teasing restaurant and have an actual dinner. That got them moving.
I walked graciously to our assigned seats, placed my bag down and asked to use the bathroom. Mum insisted on going with me. She looked on disturbed. As though her baby girl will break down any moment. I nudged her to let her know I was good, then, followed the waitress to the washroom.
I felt hot on the inside. I looked in the mirror and adjusted my facial expression. Repeatedly, to myself I recited, “This is life, enjoy it Velma”. After a few seconds, I felt better and smiled in the mirror once again. I stood there practising sweet expressions to compliment the sweet looks.
I came out only after I was satisfied with how I felt inwardly. I approached our table. Mum had her eyes on me the whole time. Well, others also did. But I enjoyed someone’s gaze more.
Akua Karle Okyere
Akua Karle Okyere is a lifestyle blogger at The Vocal Ghanaian and also a PR technician. She enjoys researching on travels and tours and writing fictional stories in her leisure time.
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