The sun was burning so hot on that Saturday afternoon, and the streets were quiet except for the occasional sound of children playing down the road , inside a small house, Ada was lying on her bed, and scrolling through her phone, she was half asleep from the heavy jollof rice aroma still lingering in the air.
Just then, there was a big knock on the door.
Who is that? Ada shouted, not even bothering to get up.
Silence...... Then another knock, it was firmer this time around and with a frown, she dragged herself up and shuffled to the door, she pulled it open and froze.
Standing there was Chidinma, her old school friend, someone she had not seen in almost five years.
Ada’s mouth fell open, Wait… what are you doing here?
Chidinma burst into laughter, - Ah ah, is that how you welcome people? You no go even say hi first?
Hi ke? Ada asked, still shocked, No, like seriously, how did you even find me? You just show up out of nowhere?
Without waiting for permission, Chidinma slipped inside, glancing around the living room like she was inspecting it , Relax, jare. I got your address from Ifeoma, I was nearby and thought, let me branch.
Ada folded her arms, narrowing her eyes, it's been five years, Chidinma like no call, no text, nothing, and then suddenly you appear at my door? Hmm.
Chidinma's smile softened , I know, I know. I messed up, omo life just carried me away, but I did missed you, honestly.
Ada sighed and sat down on the chair, still half suspicious, half amused, you did not even think of calling me first? What if I was not home?
Then I would have just left, Chidinma replied, shrugging , but look at God now ,you are around, so no vex ehn .
For a moment, silence filled the room, then Chidinma sniffed the air, her eyes lighting up, Wait… is that rice I am smelling? Did you cook?
Ada rolled her eyes, So your nose still works sharp sharp, abi? You just landed, and already you want food.
Chidinma laughed, the same loud laugh that used to get them both in trouble back in school, that laugh alone cracked Ada’s tough front.
Okay, Ada said finally, sit down properly, I will get you food since it looks like fate brought you here with your big appetite.
God bless you o, Chidinma said, sinking herself more into the couch with a grin on her face.
Ada returned with a plate of steaming jollof rice and chicken, Chidinma clapped her hands in excitement, Chai! Omo Ada, this looks like party rice o, You don improve!
Shey you will not eat first before you start hyping me, Ada said, chuckling.
As Chidinma dug into the food, the two of them started talking , they were catching up on the lost years, almost laughing about old memories, they shared their struggles and the surprises that life had thrown at them, like that the awkwardness that hung in the air at first slowly went away, it was now replaced by the warmth of friendship they thought was long gone.
And by the time evening sky crept in, it then no longer felt like five years had passed, It felt like they had just picked up from where they left off.
That day had started with confusion, with Ada asking, What are you doing here? but by the end, it turned into laughter, food, and a friendship rekindled , proof that sometimes, fate brings people back into your life exactly when you least expect it.
Image Is Generated With Meta AI
