08/12/2023
My best friend hurt me. My friendship with Nene was bound by shared laughter and countless secrets. Our friendship was the kind that seemed unbreakable, weathering the storms of life together. The one bedroom apartment we shared was filled with love and peace.
One cool afternoon, as I sat lazily outside, enjoying the breeze, a message popped up on my phone screen. It was from one of the companies I had applied to, for a job. An interview had been scheduled for me, the following week. I jumped to my feet. I read the message all over and dashed into the bedroom.
"Nene! Wake up! Nene! E don show o!" My voice was filled with excitement as I pulled Nene's right leg.
"Allow me to sleep na. Eh, you know how tired I am. Please, let me breath," Nene responded, her voice low and eyes closed.
"I know you're tired but this news can't wait o. It's what we prayed for," I pressed further.
"What we prayed for?" She opened her eyes slightly.
So, I showed her the message. She was genuinely happy for me, or so I thought. She held my phone in her hands, dancing energetically around me. She congratulated me, hugging me tight. Her warm embrace was soothing. The pleasant smell of her body spray tickled my nostrils.
*****
Two nights later, my boyfriend of two years proposed to me. It will always remain an unforgettable night. He proposed to me in a cosy restaurant, in the presence of family and friends.
"Mrs Dimeji to-be," Nene teased as we laid in bed that night. We both chuckled and delved into some conversations. My eyes were still wide open after Nene had slept. I was overjoyed.
*****
On the day of the interview, I had woken up very early to prepare. I took one last glance at the mirror. Looking at my engagement ring, I smiled to myself, letting out a sigh. As I was about stepping out, Nene urged me to drink a cup of tea which she had prepared for me. I bluntly refused. I didn't feel like taking anything.
"You need something to hold your stomach o. It's just tea. It's nothing heavy," she pressed further.
Reluctantly, I drank it, an experience that would forever cast a shadow over our bond. I began to feel a stabbing pain in my abdominal region. I asked Nene to take me to the hospital as the pain was getting so intense but she told me the pain was caused by my nervousness. I partially believed that because truly, I was very nervous. So, I sat on the couch, trying to relax. That didn't work. I began to feel as though my internal organs were at war with one another.
"Ok. Ok. I will tell Frank to take you to the hospital. I will check up on you after signing in at work," Nene said reassuringly. Frank was our nextdoor neighbour, a charming young man who was exceptionally caring.
At the hospital, I underwent a thorough examination. It was food poisoning. The pain of missing my interview was indescribable, as I spent two days at the hospital. I was shocked to later discover that Nene, driven by envy, had poisoned the tea she offered me. She didn't deny her action when I confronted her.
Nene had poisoned me because she is four years older than I am and couldn't stand me getting married before her or getting a job better than hers.
As the truth unfolded, I was left in disbelief, grappling with the betrayal of someone once considered a confidant. The pain ran deep, like a river of broken promises. I wondered how the friendship that seemed so sturdy could crumble so easily. The hurt lingered but I found strength to move forward.
Life has taught me the invaluable lesson that even the closest bonds can sometimes be fragile.
©Mosun Grace
