XII

Segun had not changed one bit in the past three years. He'd understood that she didn't want any emotional distractions during the last few months and had remained supportive, giving her the extra push she needed and being her shoulder to lean on when she felt down.

Now she was free to love Segun, she was positive now that she did. He'd gained alot of maturity in the last two years. Bimbo admired him alot for of his quiet gentleness.

She was aware that his characteristic good looks made him an obvious target for the droves of girls that populated his department at Uni but was confident that he would be able to handle himself in any situation.

Bimbo had to wait an extra year because her JAMB results were not released. She resat the exams and gained admission to study her desired course, Architecture in the same university as Segun was. This meant that they were always seen together, by now he was in his final year.

They had their fair share of fights and arguments sometimes over the silliest things in retrospect if she had to admit it. They had been bugged*(featured by the campus reporters in the campus magazine) a couple of times, but that hadn't deterred their relationship.

Bimbo was now a shapely woman. She'd lost all her 'baby fat'. Her cocoa brown skin tone and her dazzling smile endeared her to many. She was just the right height at 5 ft 8 inches and her slender form was the envy and hope of many girls. She got appreciative looks wherever she went, this she handled graciously. 'Bims' as she was fondly called was envied for both her physique and the fact that she was dating one of the sexiest guys on campus. Theirs was the ideal match.

She was 18 years old now, which put Segun at 20 years. She was a bit apprehensive because it seemed that was the unspoken age when they would finally do 'it'. Now that the time had come she wasn't sure she wanted to. She loved Segun dearly, she wanted to wait for marriage but what if this wasn't his expectation? Surely she'd lose him?

Thinking these thoughts, she was startled by a kiss in her ear. Snapping out of her thoughts she looked up and saw him. He looked so handsome. She could get lost in his gaze, those eyes held so many truths and that perfect mouth, the sweetness of his kisses. She shifted on the bench so he could slip in beside her.

"Bimby darling." Segun refused to call her anything else. "How's your day going? Are you through with your last paper?" It was the end of her first year, "I hope you knocked them dead. I have just been to see my project advisor and he's approved the final chapter of my project. I can't believe it's time already. So I'm free to celebrate this weekend. Have you any plans for how you want to spend the weekend? I was thinking maybe we could chill at my place."

'Uh oh.. here it is, I'm going to have to either come up with the goods or have the talk this weekend', Bimbo thought. "I'm sorry I can't. I promised I'll be home. Dad and mom planned a weekend away and I said I'd look after the twins. George and Gia miss their big sister."

"Cool, I could spend the weekend at yours then. We could play 'daddy & mommy' it'll be fun!" Segun joked.

"You know that's not happening, right. You know no boys over when the parents are away. Still full of mischief. I thought I'd beaten that out of you. Well you could visit if you liked. No sleepovers unfortunately. You know the twins and their mouths, 'Daddy.. do you know Segun and Bimbo...' I don't want wahala."

"So are you ready to go? I could drop you off home."

XI

Bimbo dropped her exam answer script on the invigilator's desk and walked out of the hall. That was her last paper for the SSCE and she sure was glad to be free at last!.

The last two years had been pretty eventful, she was made acting prefect just returning from holidays the previous year and at the same time she had been representing the school at different events from the Lagos State 'Eko Day' essay writing competition held at Igbobi College, to the Inter-School Conference held at the National Theatre, Iganmu. She'd also had to organise the Open Week for her school which was still being talked about a year later.

Her private life had been just as eventful, her dad had a health scare and for a while there, they all feared the worst. Chris had graduated from Uni, and had proceeded to the United Kingdom to do his Masters. Deola was studying in the London College of Fashion. She was studying Fashion Photography and had big dreams of working freelance with the 'Big-Time' fashion magazines like Elle, Voque, Vanity Fair, Bazaar and on International catwalks.

Bimbo was lonely, Deola was the only one she could confide in, calling was expensive enough and Deola always seemed to be in the middle of something whenever they spoke.

This year also she had been hitting the books hard, she had written JAMB earlier that year and was hoping she would score high enough to be admitted to study Architecture. Her relationship with Segun was going steady, no drama there.

Just outside, she spotted a group of her friends chatting under the shade of the Almond tree. This tree had been the centrepiece of most of their meetings in the last year or so, many study sessions, lunch breaks and gossip/story exchanges. It was referred to as the '3A tree.' They'd even carved their initials into the bark for posterity.

Bimbo walked up to them, "Am I glad to be through with exams," Kemi chimed. "My dear girl, not as happy as I am," Lanre seconded. "This is just the beginning for me oh! Serious jacking if I get in for archi, I don't know why I'm doing this to myself," Bimbo laughed. "Well it's in the bag for all of us!" "Amen!" they all chorused.

After the last bell was rung, it was like a funfare. Signing uniforms, taking pictures, making promises of calls, exchanging numbers and addresses. Teachers imparting their wisdom, speeches and finally a notice that the date for the all important valedictory service had been chosen and could all outgoing students report to school in 5 weeks to pick up their graduation gowns and pay up for the dinner afterwards.

She saw the car, it was his Toyota Celica. "I'll see you later guys, I've got to run." Amid hoots, cheers, kisses and promises of visits, she flew into his open arms.

"How's my favourite girl doing?" He was grinning from ear to ear. "Before you say a word, here's something for you! It was a custom 15" by 25" card with the words 'Conquer the World' right across it. "I got this made for you by one of my friends in the Graphic Arts Department. In anticipation of your good grades when your results are released." "Thanks, that's very thoughtful of you, I appreciate it." Bimbo replied.

X

She could still recall that first kiss, it tasted like lemons. It had been at the end of exams, the final day of school. Segun had written his SSCE (Senior School Certificate Examinations) a few weeks earlier but they were still obliged to turn up in the last week of term for some preparatory course for University, also it marked the beginning of holidays for Bimbo. They had sat for a meal in the 'Food Court' during lunch break and when no one was looking he grabbed her and planted a sloppy kiss on her lips.

Apparently flustered, she hit out at him. "Stop it you devil, what the hell was that?" Glaring at him and rubbing vigorously at her lips. Apologetic he said, "I'm sorry I was caught up in the excitement of it all."

"Well there's nothing exciting about that kiss or the fact that we're in the full view of everyone, what if a teacher chose to pass by at that paricular moment or even my elder sister? Are you trying to get me in trouble?" "Okay, point taken, I'm sorry. Jeez, someone who think I had leprosy that way you jumped away." Segun said, a hurt note in his voice. Bimbo sighed, "Look, I just didn't imagine my first kiss to be that way, maybe after school you could walk me home and maybe try again?." She smiled and he smiled back.

She wasn't disappointed, it was the most beautiful kiss ever. It must have gone on forever, she couldn't remember being that out of breath before, even after running the 400m at the last athletics meet her school had been invited to two months ago.

The 'sticking in the tongue' was quite a shock to her but after a few false starts she was confident enough to allow him and when she did, he tasted like lemons. She thought to herself, so this is what kissing about, wow! Segun's such a fantastic kisser...snap out of it and stop thinking, enjoy the moment. Hmmmn...

Needless to say that whenever they were alone after that first encounter, it became her favourite pastime.

They had such great times together and that holiday was the best by Bimbo's standards. They were inseperable, he was ever so thoughtful and caring towards her. They'd never had sex and he didn't pressure her either.

Bimbo was happy, when Segun's JAMB(Joint Admissions and Matriculation Exams) results were released he got enough points to be admitted into his 1st choice University to study Banking & Finance. On the plus side it was the same State University that Chris and Toto attended so she wouldn't need any excuse to visit whenever she wanted to.

To celebrate his success, Bimbo bought him a monogrammed palm pilot in his favorite colour. On the inside cover a note scribbled in her distinct writing 'I'm so proud of your achievements, go and do what you were born to do! Succeed. I love you always, my forever friend. Bimbo'.

IX

"The thing is I really like Segun but what if our relationship goes the same way as his previous ones? That means the death of our friendship too, because there's no way I'll remain friendly with an ex." She was having this discussion with her sister Deola, Segun's sister Tope and her friends Kemi and Bola in the bedroom on Sunday. "How am I going to act when I see him tomorrow at school? He might be wanting an answer and I don't have one for him yet."

"I know my brother, and can I just say that he didn't take this decision lightly. He must have weighed the pros and cons and must have concluded that this was going to be the only possible outcome. I promise you that he loves you alot and he's always talking about you - 'Bimbo said..' that's the nickname we tease him with. I'm not just saying this." Tope said.

"He's just going to have to be patient and give you some space, till you decide. Personally, I knew this was going to happen one way or the other. Have any of you girls noticed the way he beams whenever anyone mentions her name or how he behaves around Bimbo? At least he's not missing a brain cell or two. My sister has been more than a girlfriend to him, she only getting the 'title' now. Deola joked.

"Ah Ah, very funny! Why does he have to complicate things?" Bimbo groaned. "The decision is up to you. You have to be sure if you want the extra 'aggro' that comes with being a girlfriend or remain as you are. It wouldn't hurt to ask him to wait till after exams. Remember he's off to university next year and that comes with a whole new experience. And we know for one thing that you wouldn't want to be his 'secondary school' girlfriend. Kemi said.


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"Segun I would say yes to you now, but if you hurt me or deceive me in any way, I will make you pay. I will not be a doormat of any kind. I say yes because I choose to and the same honesty that made our friendship last all these years is what I still expect from you. If at any point this relationship isn't working then we'll come to a mutual agreement to end it before it turns ugly. I don't know if it's too early to say 'I love you' yet, but I trust you enough to share my heart. Please don't let me down."

Segun replied with a wide grin, "I promise, I won't." and proceeded to envelope her in a big bear hug.

VIII

After having a rather delicious plate of BBQ chicken and some fried rice. Deola left to order them ice cream, leaving Segun and Bimbo a chance to talk. "Oh thanks for this, I really enjoyed hanging with you, tell me, why haven't we done this before?."

"Err.. because you have girlfriends, and no one wants to see their boyfriend having a good time with another girl if she's not his sister! Idiot boy." Bimbo teased him.

"Which brings me to why we're here. Titi and I broke up because she couldn't understand the nature of our friendship and when I tried explaining she mocked me and said that I was hiding behind the cloak of friendship because I was too scared to make it more. It has taken me some time to process what she said and now here we are. You know things about me that would put even my mother off but still you don't judge me. You've always been there for me and the times we spend together are always the best. Everytime I see or experience something new, I think to call you first and when I see something on the telly, I want the night to pass quickly so I can tell you about it in the morning. The point is Bimbo, I think I've loved you for a while now, will you be my girlfriend? I promise I'll never hurt you." He finished with a rush.

Taken aback she laughed nervously and joked, "Wow, that was quite a speech there. I never knew you had that many words in you. As for being loved... what's not to loved about me? I'm great!" Smiling, baring all her teeth and raising her hands. Well, this has come as a surprise, I was thinking it was something more serious. I will think about everything you said and will let you know my decision soon."

"But Bimbo... " just then Deola returned with ice cream for them and the discussion couldn't be continued.

VII

Bimbo sighed.. "I've only just fallen asleep and it's morning already" She shifted off the bed and headed into the adjoining bathroom. She brushed her teeth, took a shower and dressed in a loose-fitting dress and headed downstairs. She took a detour on her way and popped her head in the doorway to her parents' bedroom.. "Knock, knock are you two kids decent?" (It was a recurring joke that their parents were kids because of their antics).

"Goodmorning daddy, goodmorning mommy" Bimbo said kneeling down in greeting. "Hello darling ", they replied in singsong. "Did you sleep well?" Bimbo leapt into the bed and cuddled them saying " Yeah, eventually I did. What's for breakfast? Any requests? You know it's my turn today". For the last month, the older kids had been taking it in turns to cook weekends and this was her first.

"Surprise us with something fabulous, nothing too complicated.. We don't want any kitchen practicals!". The two years prior, Bimbo had taken Home Economics and the results hadn't always been edible. Ever since, she watched like a hawk whenever there was any cooking and made notes. Deola received high praise last weekend so this was going to be her time to shine.

"Okay, I'll call up when it's ready." She kissed them both and headed downstairs to start on the cooking. "Now that's what I call good cooking!" Said Chris, imitating one of the popular ads on the telly. Bimbo couldn't have been prouder, she had made some tasty omelette, boiled yam, and sausages (Satis Beef) then some fruit salad to go with it. Next, the world! she thought to herself.

"Dad, Mom would it be okay if I go out for a few hours later in the afternoon, Segun's taking me somewhere, I don't know where exactly but when he comes by later you can ask him?"

"Ooohh... her elder brothers teased, she's got a date at last. We were starting to get worried about you. Alleluia! Don't worry dad, we'll give him the third degree when he comes. We'll put the fear of God in him."

" Boys, behave! I don't think we have anything planned for the day, but make sure you check in with us and take Deola with you, she'll keep an eye out for you. But you have to be back by half six." Her mom answered before her dad could say anything. Bimbo was regarded as his favourite so chances that he would have agreed to let her go out were slim if he had anything to do with it.

"Thanks dad,mom. I'll just make a start of the dishes and then I have another surprise for you all."

VI

Bimbo couldn't sleep, all kinds of thoughts were passing through her mind that she eventually gave up on sleeping and dragged herself to the den. She put on the stereo and grabbed the headphones so she wouldn't wake the rest of the household. She browsed through the audio CDs that were neatly arranged in folders on the shelf and picked the self titled album by Toni Braxton. She absolutely loved the vocals on this album and her favourite track was #10 'You mean the World to Me'.

Bimbo settled into the sofa with a Mug of Horlicks and listened to the music playing till she finally drifted off into sleep. She woke with a start when her dad who had wandered into the den noticed her sleeping awkwardly and nudged her gently to go lie down in the bedroom.

Saturday Brilliance shone through the window and fell softly around Bimbo's sleeping form. TY bounded onto the bed and licked her face where it was exposed on the pillow.

"Eeeuw.... get off me you crazy dog!" Bimbo exclaimed and Deola stood by the door laughing. "Wake up sleepyhead, it's your turn to do the breakfast this morning, the boys are stirring so you know very soon they'll cry murder if there's no aromas coming from the direction of the kitchen." They always had big family breakfasts at the weekends since it was the only time her whole family were together and didn't have to rush off to work or school.

She had six siblings, her two elder brothers, Chris and Toto were in the State University and always came home on the weekends, her elder sister Deola was in the same year as Segun and her twin younger siblings George and Gia were in elementary school.

Bimbo's parents were just the coolest ever. Lyn her mom, was one of the most sought after fashion designers in town and had clients from various walks of life and different countries, but always made it a point of duty to spend the entire weekend with the family. She made the best outfits for them and they were always the capture of everyone's eyes at parties, church or any other social functions they attended. She baked the loveliest snacks and had fun things planned always.

Dad, Bimbo thought to herself was the best! Tunde was the most charismatic figure she knew, all her friends loved coming to visit because he told the most amazing stories of adventures he'd had from his youth. He was a very busy man, with business portfolios which spanned the length and breadth of the country. This meant he travelled alot, though he never stayed away for more than two nights at a time. He always came back with gifts for everyone. Bimbo wondered how he did it all, he was always available for everyone no matter how busy he got. His phone never stopped ringing long enough during the time he was home. But on weekends, the rules were - No calls, no emails, no business Just Family Time.