“Valentine is evil. Two unfortunate lovers took their precious lives in the name of love. If I catch any of you celebrating or talking about it, I'll personally deal with you.” I can still remember these lines from my principal's speech back then in secondary school anytime Valentine's Day is around the corner.
So, it crystallized in me that Valentine's Day is evil, and only terrible things are done on it.
I grew up with that mindset till I got to college. Each time I see people talking about Valentine's day or sharing gifts, I quietly lament for them in my heart.
In my second year of college, I had a friend, Minat. A tall, dark-skinned lady with sexy eyes. We met at the cafeteria one afternoon when I went to get something to eat.
I was walking very fast and operating my phone at the same time when I heard, “Hey, watch it.”
I raised my head, and behold, a lady was standing before me holding a takeaway loaded with food. I almost pushed
The food, but thank God, she narrowly dodged me.
My body went cold instantly. “Sorry, dear, I didn't notice you were at my front,” I apologized.
“Better watch where you are going next time,” she shouted.
“Thanks, dear,” I smiled.
“Your face looks familiar,” she added when I was about to leave.
“Me?” I touched my chest.
“Yes, you. Are you from Lafia?” She asked.
“No, I am from Akwanga, but I do visit Lafia occasionally.”
“Oh, okay, but you look like someone I know,” she responded.
“Em, what's the name of the person you think I am?” I asked.
“Never mind, I don't think it's you,” she answered.
“Okay, dear. By the way, I am Emreal, and you?”
“Amina, but you can call me Minat,” she replied.
“Wow, I love Minat; it sounds nice,” I replied.
“Why were you in such a hurry earlier on?” She asked.
“My dear, I was famished, I wanted to get something to eat.”
“Eya, sorry about that. Well, we can share mine if you don't mind,” she suggested.
“Emm, thanks a lot, but I mind. However, if you can walk me to get mine, I'll be grateful.”
She adjusted her Google and looked at me, “Okay, I'll do just that, but it will come with a price?”
I smiled, “How much are we talking about here?” I inserted my hand in my pocket as though I was trying to bring out some money.
“Calm down, jare,” she laughed. We spoke at length as though we knew each other before. I bought food, and we sat at one of the huts and ate.
We became very cool, and always hung out together during our free time. Minat became a very precious part of my life. She was a friend who stuck like family; always coming through for me whenever I was in need.
I can still remember vividly on 14th February 2018, I was seated under a mango tree popularly called “Amebo junction” that Wednesday morning when someone came from behind and covered my eyes, holding them firmly.
To be frank, I was startled at first. It was unexpected. But when I managed to put myself together, I remained calm and tried to ascertain who it was by touching the person's hand.
The perfume and the softness of the palm looks familiar, but I was skeptical about the name. “Who is it, please?” I asked.
The person remained quiet until I began to drag the hand forcefully.
“Fear, fear,” Minat burst into laughter as she walked to the front, holding a package in a nylon bag.
“You enn,” I gave her a weird look, then smiled. “How far?”
“Fine, this is for you,” she handed the nylon to me.
Ah, ah, "What's it?” I asked as I hasten to bring it out.
“Hey, hey, don't,” she held my hand. “Not here,” it's a Valentine's gift.
“Valentine gi…ft?” I stuttered.
“Yes, dear,” she replied.
A flash of what my principal used to say about Valentine passed through my mind but I quickly suppressed it.
“Thanks, dear,” I held her hand firmly. “Can I open it now?” My heart was just racing.
“Nooo, wait till you get home,” she responded.
Okay, I replied, in my heart, I wished I had magical eyes.
That Wednesday was one of the best days of my life; I didn't go to my lecture. I followed Minat to hers. I was just so happy that I was special to her to the extent that she could get me gifts even as a friend.
When I got home that day, I untied the nylon, in it was a box wrapped, I carefully unveiled it and behold, a nice red polo and a three set of white men's vest.
I was so happy, I called her and appreciated the love. That was the first gift I got from a friend in my life.
That one act changed my perception about Valentine day. People might do crazy things on Valentine's Day, but it doesn't mean that the day is evil. It's a day of love; the definition you give to it is strictly up to you.
After we graduated from school, Minat and I parted ways. Communications stopped, and I tried many times to reach her to no avail. I later heard that she got married.
Although our friendship was shattered, I can never forget the act of love she showed me.
N.B: All Images Were Generated By Gemini AI