MORE THAN A CARVINGCHAPTER 2
MORE THAN A CARVING
CHAPTER 2
Flash Back
Back home, when the two were still teenagers everyone especially their peers as at that time believed that the two were into each other but Iwalade always tell them that they were just friends, that they like each other but not romantically. The two were besties, they can’t do without each other and they tell each other everything. Even in those hussling days, Kayode stood by her. Wherever you see one, know that the other is not far from there as the two were always seen together. Even in both families they thought the two will grow up to become couple in the future. The truth is that both of them actually liked each other but they still lied to themselves that it’s just friendship. Everyone around them pointed it out but they kept on denying it. When they gained admission into the university, Iwalade was expecting Kayode to express his feelings for her but he never did. She knew deep down in her heart that Kayode wanted her as much as she wanted him but he never said a word. Fine, his actions speak volume, so loud that everyone could hear it but Iwalade was the conservative type who will not go out of her way to be the one expressing love to a guy first. Kayode on the other hand was scared to declare his feelings so he won’t lose the friendship between them, though he knew how much she cared about him but what if all she wants is just friendship, reason why he hid his feelings. On the long run, since the two attended different universities, Iwalade had to grow up and move on from all those fantasies that she used to have about them. To her, it was obvious Kayode wants to stay just as friends, maybe he never sees her as a woman. While in school, Kayode also tried all he could to get Iwalade out of his mind but he couldn’t, he even tried dating other girls in school but it didn’t work out. All his heart wants is Iwalade. Some of his close friends in school had pushed him to talk to her but he was just scared to come out clean, they even offered to help but he said no way ‘If I’ll be speaking at all then I have to do it myself.’ He had said to them. Kayode and Iwalade would talk all night till day break and tell each other everything that is going on in their lives, they will laugh, joke, and even share problems together. Kayode’s room mates back then wondered how the two were so close and still, they find it hard to move it on to the next level. Along the line, Iwalade met someone when she was in 300 level, the guy, Martins is cute and brilliant just the way she wanted her guy but she had to keep on posting the guy all because she was waiting for Kayode to profess his love to her. By the end of that very semester, she had to say yes to Martins. Then the relationship started, but it was already end of semester and they had to go home for break. Holidays is what Kayode and Iwalade doesn’t joke with, they would have missed each other so much that when they finally return home for the break, they will try all their possible best to make good use of the time. Enough gists to share because conversation on phone can’t be anything compared to real conversation. And good for them, both schools run same calendar so, they are always home at the same period. Immediately Iwalade returned home, she took her bath, changed into a clean cloth and off she went to Kayode’s house who arrived a day before her. Kayode’s parents lived in a bungalow built by his parents as at then. She got to Kayode’s place and the two were so happy to see each other. And they have this tradition of exchanging gifts once they returned from school. After a long hug, the two settled down, Iwalade brought out the customized shirt she made for him, that time customizing shirt was not that popular like it is today but she always think out of the box. She got the gift from her savings. She sells essential commodities in school and students do patronize her. Kayode opened the package and he loved it. “Hold on, while I get mine.” He said and stood up; he went into his room and returned with his own gift. She opened it and it was a pair of a beautiful sandal, gold colour. Iwalade was happy as she held the sandals because she loved it. Talking about sizes, Kayode knew the sizes of everything she uses. The two knew virtually everything about each other. “How’s your mum and siblings doing?” Kayode asked. “They are all fine o. We thank God, Mummy’s business is doing well and things her getting better gradually.” She informed. “What about you, I really wish I had enough money to cater for both of us.” He said. “I’ve told you times without number not to bother about me. I’m fine. My business is going on well in school and with it I can take care of myself.” “What about Aunty Funke, you know she’s not as agile as you are. Hope she’s coping well sha?” “Yes, she’s coping well, I use to send her money though, just to add to what mummy sends to her but as for me, I told Mum not to bother about me. The only thing I can’t do is illegal jobs or even prostitute myself but any means of making money, see, I am good to go.” “That’s why I like you, that resilient spirit. I really envy it. You even got an accommodation for yourself and left the hostel. You are a woman like a man, strong and always positive.” Kayode stated. “Abi….we got to be positive.” “Our tomorrow will be great that I’m sure of.” Kayode assured. “Amen” She said putting her palms together. Then the two got talking and as they were talking, Iwalade’s phone started ringing, in those days they were still using small phones. She checked it; it was her new boyfriend, Martins. “Pick your call; I can’t remember us making rules not to pick calls when we are together.” He joked. He is actually one of the funny guys she has ever met in her life. When it comes to Kayode, It’s ‘never a dull moment’ with him. The phone kept on ringing but she didn’t pick still. “Iwalade….” “You don’t pick your calls too when we are together.” She said trying to defend
her action. “Well…that’s me, I don’t just want anything that will distract me when I’m with you and I don’t expect you to do the same, so pick your call.” He said but she refused, she never told Kayode about the new guy, she was scared of telling him. It may hurt him but what was she suppose to do, she had waited all years for him to come out clean but he didn’t. She knew once she picked that call, he may find out because, she was sure Martins was going to end the call with I love you and she is not ready to reply him in the presence of Kayode. “Who is calling?” Kayode had to ask her. “A friend.” She said. “See; let’s just go back to our gist. Where are we sef?” She said and they returned to their gists. Kayode kept starring into her eyes, he started touching her, not inappropriately but his hands were just on her all along. At some point, he held her hands, afterwards, his hands were on her shoulders and then he held her face and brought it close to his and before Iwalade could figure out what he was up to, he had already taken her lips in his. She wanted to stop him but she couldn’t she had always fantasized about that moment and it was happening for real, so she just allowed him though she didn’t kiss him back, she waited for him to have his fill until he stopped on his own. Kayode looked at her and he didn’t like the face she put up. “Iwalade, I’m sorry.” He genuinely apologized. “Kay, friends don’t kiss! I hope you know that.” She pointed out. “Iwalade, do you still see us as friends?” He asked calmly with sadness written all over his face. “Yes, is that not what we are?” She said bluntly because she was already boiling inside. “Why is he just saying all these now?” She lamented within her. “Iwalade, everyone except us see us as couple but…. but….” “But what.” She cut in. “But what kay? Talk to me, defend yourself!” “You know I’ve always loved you right from when we were not even supposed to know what love is.”He confessed. “So, what do you expect me to do with that information?” “Iwalade, you love me too….” “So!” “Iwala……” “I’m sorry, it’s too late.” “What!”He jumped out of his seat. “Don’t tell me you are seeing someone.” “Yes, barely a month though.” She opened up. Kayode quickly went back to seat with her and held her hands. “Then end it, the relationship is still fresh.” That was what Kayode said and spoilt everything because the statement infuriated Iwalade.
“Did you just say end it. Do you know how long I’ve been posting that guy just because I was trying to buy you time?” She said and stood up angrily. He stood up too and held her right hand but she pulled away. “I’m sorry I was a coward.” “You are sorry! After all these years! Do you know how long I’ve waited for you and wasted that poor guy’s time and now that I gave him a yes, you now want me to go end the relationship!” Iwalade poured out. “What do you expect me to say? I’m sorry it took me like forever to speak up. Reason why I summoned courage to do the needful and now I get this! Do you rather want me to congratulate you?” “At some point, I even thought maybe you only love me as a friend and maybe you didn’t love as a woman.” “That’s not true, I’ve always wanted you to be my woman, right from when we were young, and I see you as the mother of my unborn children.” “And you kept quiet! Sometimes I even thought maybe I was the one that was assuming things in my head.” “Iwa……” “You know what, I’m done talking.” She stood up. “I think I need to leave now. It’s over, everything is over between us.” “No, Iwalade, you will not do this to me. You can’t say that, after all we’ve shared from childhood!” He held her hands, holding her back. “Kayode, let go of me!!” She said repeatedly but rather than leaving her he pulled her into his arms and then the tears she was trying not to shed in his presence started flowing. Kayode shed tears too. The two felt bad for doing that to themselves, one of them should have taken a bold step before now. Kayode cried for allowing fear get the better part of him, if only he had come out straight but instead he had been a coward and now the only woman he loved all his life now belongs to someone else. Minutes later, they both calmed down, he led her to the bathroom to wash her face and then he saw her off. That night both of them couldn’t sleep, Martins called but Iwalade still couldn’t pick the call, he also sent text asking if she was fine, she replied the text and told him they will talk the next day. The next day, Iwalade couldn’t go to Kayode’s house, she went to her girlfriend’s house instead. Temidun is one of the closest friends to both Iwalade and Kayode. She got to her house and met her mum in the sitting room weaving a muffler and watching the TV at the same time, she knelt down and greeted her, Temidun’s Mum asked after her parents. “They are fine ma, thank you.” “Good. When did you return from school?” She asked Iwalade. “Yesterday ma.” “Oh! You and your friend returned the same day. Anyway, she’s in her room.” She informed. “Thank you ma.” Iwalade said and left the sitting room. “What a surprise, you came visiting alone?” Temidun challenged Iwalade immediately she stepped into her room. She knew Iwalade doesn’t come to her house first, she will first of all go see Kayode and the two will now later come to visit her. “I don’t feel like going to his place today, so I decided to come visit you instead.” “Really! That’s strange. Hope you guys are fine?” “We are fine.” She said. Iwalade did not disclose anything to her friend, in fact; she didn’t tell her she was seeing someone in school. “Home alone; hope you are not too bored?” Iwalade asked. Temidun is the first child, two of her siblings are still in secondary, and one of them is out of secondary school but she had gone for Jamb lessons. “See, I like it like that jare, once they come back from school now, noise will start.” She said. “That’s true, especially that your last born. He is so stubborn.” Iwalade said and they both laughed. “Ehm….Iwalade, thank God you are here alone. There’s actually something I want to discuss with you.” “Ehn ehn, what is it, this one that your face has change to seriousness itself.” “Yes, you are right, it’s something serious to me.” “Okay! Let’s hear it.” Iwalade said. “I will tell you, you know what, this thing I want to share with you is something I should have told you since; it’s just that I don’t know how to say it.” “Stop keeping me in suspense Temidun, just say it.” Iwalade said anxiously. “Before I tell you, I need to ask you something.” “Go ahead and ask.” “Ehm…. It’s about you and Kayode.” “Not again, you still don’t believe that we are not dating!” She queried. “I believe. I only want to clarify things.” “Okay, I’m listening.” “Iwalade, I know the two of you have feelings for each other but you two kept denying it. Are you sure, you don’t want to be with him?” “See, it can’t happen. Maybe we will just remain as friends for life.” Iwalade pointed out. “Are you sure about this?” Temidun asked.
CHAPTER 2
Flash Back
Back home, when the two were still teenagers everyone especially their peers as at that time believed that the two were into each other but Iwalade always tell them that they were just friends, that they like each other but not romantically. The two were besties, they can’t do without each other and they tell each other everything. Even in those hussling days, Kayode stood by her. Wherever you see one, know that the other is not far from there as the two were always seen together. Even in both families they thought the two will grow up to become couple in the future. The truth is that both of them actually liked each other but they still lied to themselves that it’s just friendship. Everyone around them pointed it out but they kept on denying it. When they gained admission into the university, Iwalade was expecting Kayode to express his feelings for her but he never did. She knew deep down in her heart that Kayode wanted her as much as she wanted him but he never said a word. Fine, his actions speak volume, so loud that everyone could hear it but Iwalade was the conservative type who will not go out of her way to be the one expressing love to a guy first. Kayode on the other hand was scared to declare his feelings so he won’t lose the friendship between them, though he knew how much she cared about him but what if all she wants is just friendship, reason why he hid his feelings. On the long run, since the two attended different universities, Iwalade had to grow up and move on from all those fantasies that she used to have about them. To her, it was obvious Kayode wants to stay just as friends, maybe he never sees her as a woman. While in school, Kayode also tried all he could to get Iwalade out of his mind but he couldn’t, he even tried dating other girls in school but it didn’t work out. All his heart wants is Iwalade. Some of his close friends in school had pushed him to talk to her but he was just scared to come out clean, they even offered to help but he said no way ‘If I’ll be speaking at all then I have to do it myself.’ He had said to them. Kayode and Iwalade would talk all night till day break and tell each other everything that is going on in their lives, they will laugh, joke, and even share problems together. Kayode’s room mates back then wondered how the two were so close and still, they find it hard to move it on to the next level. Along the line, Iwalade met someone when she was in 300 level, the guy, Martins is cute and brilliant just the way she wanted her guy but she had to keep on posting the guy all because she was waiting for Kayode to profess his love to her. By the end of that very semester, she had to say yes to Martins. Then the relationship started, but it was already end of semester and they had to go home for break. Holidays is what Kayode and Iwalade doesn’t joke with, they would have missed each other so much that when they finally return home for the break, they will try all their possible best to make good use of the time. Enough gists to share because conversation on phone can’t be anything compared to real conversation. And good for them, both schools run same calendar so, they are always home at the same period. Immediately Iwalade returned home, she took her bath, changed into a clean cloth and off she went to Kayode’s house who arrived a day before her. Kayode’s parents lived in a bungalow built by his parents as at then. She got to Kayode’s place and the two were so happy to see each other. And they have this tradition of exchanging gifts once they returned from school. After a long hug, the two settled down, Iwalade brought out the customized shirt she made for him, that time customizing shirt was not that popular like it is today but she always think out of the box. She got the gift from her savings. She sells essential commodities in school and students do patronize her. Kayode opened the package and he loved it. “Hold on, while I get mine.” He said and stood up; he went into his room and returned with his own gift. She opened it and it was a pair of a beautiful sandal, gold colour. Iwalade was happy as she held the sandals because she loved it. Talking about sizes, Kayode knew the sizes of everything she uses. The two knew virtually everything about each other. “How’s your mum and siblings doing?” Kayode asked. “They are all fine o. We thank God, Mummy’s business is doing well and things her getting better gradually.” She informed. “What about you, I really wish I had enough money to cater for both of us.” He said. “I’ve told you times without number not to bother about me. I’m fine. My business is going on well in school and with it I can take care of myself.” “What about Aunty Funke, you know she’s not as agile as you are. Hope she’s coping well sha?” “Yes, she’s coping well, I use to send her money though, just to add to what mummy sends to her but as for me, I told Mum not to bother about me. The only thing I can’t do is illegal jobs or even prostitute myself but any means of making money, see, I am good to go.” “That’s why I like you, that resilient spirit. I really envy it. You even got an accommodation for yourself and left the hostel. You are a woman like a man, strong and always positive.” Kayode stated. “Abi….we got to be positive.” “Our tomorrow will be great that I’m sure of.” Kayode assured. “Amen” She said putting her palms together. Then the two got talking and as they were talking, Iwalade’s phone started ringing, in those days they were still using small phones. She checked it; it was her new boyfriend, Martins. “Pick your call; I can’t remember us making rules not to pick calls when we are together.” He joked. He is actually one of the funny guys she has ever met in her life. When it comes to Kayode, It’s ‘never a dull moment’ with him. The phone kept on ringing but she didn’t pick still. “Iwalade….” “You don’t pick your calls too when we are together.” She said trying to defend
her action. “Well…that’s me, I don’t just want anything that will distract me when I’m with you and I don’t expect you to do the same, so pick your call.” He said but she refused, she never told Kayode about the new guy, she was scared of telling him. It may hurt him but what was she suppose to do, she had waited all years for him to come out clean but he didn’t. She knew once she picked that call, he may find out because, she was sure Martins was going to end the call with I love you and she is not ready to reply him in the presence of Kayode. “Who is calling?” Kayode had to ask her. “A friend.” She said. “See; let’s just go back to our gist. Where are we sef?” She said and they returned to their gists. Kayode kept starring into her eyes, he started touching her, not inappropriately
“Did you just say end it. Do you know how long I’ve been posting that guy just because I was trying to buy you time?” She said and stood up angrily. He stood up too and held her right hand but she pulled away. “I’m sorry I was a coward.” “You are sorry! After all these years! Do you know how long I’ve waited for you and wasted that poor guy’s time and now that I gave him a yes, you now want me to go end the relationship!” Iwalade poured out. “What do you expect me to say? I’m sorry it took me like forever to speak up. Reason why I summoned courage to do the needful and now I get this! Do you rather want me to congratulate you?” “At some point, I even thought maybe you only love me as a friend and maybe you didn’t love as a woman.” “That’s not true, I’ve always wanted you to be my woman, right from when we were young, and I see you as the mother of my unborn children.” “And you kept quiet! Sometimes I even thought maybe I was the one that was assuming things in my head.” “Iwa……” “You know what, I’m done talking.” She stood up. “I think I need to leave now. It’s over, everything is over between us.” “No, Iwalade, you will not do this to me. You can’t say that, after all we’ve shared from childhood!” He held her hands, holding her back. “Kayode, let go of me!!” She said repeatedly but rather than leaving her he pulled her into his arms and then the tears she was trying not to shed in his presence started flowing. Kayode shed tears too. The two felt bad for doing that to themselves, one of them should have taken a bold step before now. Kayode cried for allowing fear get the better part of him, if only he had come out straight but instead he had been a coward and now the only woman he loved all his life now belongs to someone else. Minutes later, they both calmed down, he led her to the bathroom to wash her face and then he saw her off. That night both of them couldn’t sleep, Martins called but Iwalade still couldn’t pick the call, he also sent text asking if she was fine, she replied the text and told him they will talk the next day. The next day, Iwalade couldn’t go to Kayode’s house, she went to her girlfriend’s house instead. Temidun is one of the closest friends to both Iwalade and Kayode. She got to her house and met her mum in the sitting room weaving a muffler and watching the TV at the same time, she knelt down and greeted her, Temidun’s Mum asked after her parents. “They are fine ma, thank you.” “Good. When did you return from school?” She asked Iwalade. “Yesterday ma.” “Oh! You and your friend returned the same day. Anyway, she’s in her room.” She informed. “Thank you ma.” Iwalade said and left the sitting room. “What a surprise, you came visiting alone?” Temidun challenged Iwalade immediately she stepped into her room. She knew Iwalade doesn’t come to her house first, she will first of all go see Kayode and the two will now later come to visit her. “I don’t feel like going to his place today, so I decided to come visit you instead.” “Really! That’s strange. Hope you guys are fine?” “We are fine.” She said. Iwalade did not disclose anything to her friend, in fact; she didn’t tell her she was seeing someone in school. “Home alone; hope you are not too bored?” Iwalade asked. Temidun is the first child, two of her siblings are still in secondary, and one of them is out of secondary school but she had gone for Jamb lessons. “See, I like it like that jare, once they come back from school now, noise will start.” She said. “That’s true, especially that your last born. He is so stubborn.” Iwalade said and they both laughed. “Ehm….Iwalade, thank God you are here alone. There’s actually something I want to discuss with you.” “Ehn ehn, what is it, this one that your face has change to seriousness itself.” “Yes, you are right, it’s something serious to me.” “Okay! Let’s hear it.” Iwalade said. “I will tell you, you know what, this thing I want to share with you is something I should have told you since; it’s just that I don’t know how to say it.” “Stop keeping me in suspense Temidun, just say it.” Iwalade said anxiously. “Before I tell you, I need to ask you something.” “Go ahead and ask.” “Ehm…. It’s about you and Kayode.” “Not again, you still don’t believe that we are not dating!” She queried. “I believe. I only want to clarify things.” “Okay, I’m listening.” “Iwalade, I know the two of you have feelings for each other but you two kept denying it. Are you sure, you don’t want to be with him?” “See, it can’t happen. Maybe we will just remain as friends for life.” Iwalade pointed out. “Are you sure about this?” Temidun asked.
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