Nessa and I were close friends in college but with a lot of differences. She lived an opulent life while I embraced a simple and modest existence. Many people wondered how I managed to cope with her extravagances, and I concluded that our friendship was rooted in acceptance and understanding.
Then there was Roy, the only male I had my eyes on. He had a nicely built body physique, captivating eyes, a chiseled jawline, and a charismatic smile whose presence drew so much attention and admiration. He was my only Spec. Not being able to hide my feelings anymore, I confidently let them out to Vanessa.
"Nessa, I have a mad crush on Roy. He's been the only guy here in college that has ignited the flutter of butterflies within me, and I wish he would look my way." I said.
"Emmy! If he doesn't look at you, go to him, tell him how you feel about him. Believe me, it's not a big deal." She replied.
That was totally absurd. I had my pride intact, and I just couldn't muster the courage to initiate a connection.
"Come on, Nessa! That sounds so ridiculous and you know it. I can't approach him." I continued.
"Alright then. I guess I'd do it my way, and please don't ask how," she giggled.
That sounded silly and I'd taken a moment to stare at her while I remained utterly speechless. I may not have liked the idea, but I'd found myself embroiled in the fantasy of the outcome.
The next day, I saw Nessa with Roy. Instantly, a shiver ran down my spine igniting goosebumps that spread like wildfire. "Really? That's too sudden, but it's fine." I muttered as I kept my gaze fixed on them.
For some reason, I noticed the mutual connection between them as the days rolled by. They became inseparable and got so fond of each other.
I was left dumbstruck and incredulous trying to figure out if it was a dream. Not my Nessa, not the friend I've been with all this time.
Amidst my perplexity, I decided to approach her directly. "Nessa! What's going on? You opted to help establish a connection between Roy and me, and here, I see you frolicking with him at every moment. Is there something that I need to know?" I asked.
"Well, I tried my very best. I didn't mean to end up with him, but his confession of how deeply he's been in love with me claimed a special place in my heart. I'm sorry that hurts, it wasn't intentional." she replied.
I felt a venomous anger, one I couldn't shake off seeping into my every thought, resulting from the deep betrayal that had left me emotionally wounded. I felt my whole world crumbling, and a deep ache in my heart like I was pierced with a dagger.
But I decided never to let that hold me down and was determined not to give up on the very first guy I've ever felt that way for without giving myself a fighting chance at happiness. I knew I could not just depend on what Nessa told me, and was decisive not to exhaust my options before giving up on my first love.
A few days later as Nessa got prepared to go meet Roy, I offered to tag along pretending like I had nothing to do at home, to which she agreed. I got prepared and we left for the date. On getting there, I noticed that it was a picnic date and Roy's friend, Pete was also present.
I got close to Pete and we started talking while Nessa got totally engrossed with Roy that he began to look a little bit uncomfortable, breaking in between hushed giggles and laughter to try and start a conversation with Pete.
It wasn't long before we began to hang out more and more as a group of couples, and throughout the semester, sharing almost everything. Pete could barely take his eyes off me, while Roy seemed a bit complicated with his behavior as time went on.
On the night of our graduation, I got an invitation card from Nessa to an exclusive dinner she organized. Taking another glance at Nessa's invitation card, I was confused about the purpose of the dinner. We're about to graduate and still have not been able to ascertain the truth about her affair with Roy. I knew something was not right due to Roy's intermittent body language switches whenever we hung out, but could not place my hand on it.
So I got myself adorned in a shimmering and breathtaking gown, a masterpiece of design that embraced my figure with beauty and elegance. The vibrant color of the dress accentuated my complexion, giving a radiant glow to my appearance.
With a pair of glittering earrings and a slender bracelet that graced my wrist, I slipped into my stylish heels that elevated my stature as I confidently headed out to the beach where the party was set to take place.
Bewilderment gripped me as the enchanting aura of the beach, consumed by the glow of the moonlight and twinkling stars enhanced the radiance on my face. The rhythmic sound of the wave crashing against the shore and the gentle breeze filling the atmosphere provided a refreshing feeling that serenaded the surroundings.
Dinner had been beautifully arranged, and fresh flowers illuminated the tables infusing the air with a gentle floral fragrance. The sound of laughter and gentle conversations filled the air as I walked stunningly to the table. As I grabbed a seat, whispers of admiration filled the air.
Sitting by my left was Kayla, and next to her was Nessa. I briefly brimmed at her, and as I continued combing my eyes over, I caught a glimpse of Roy. He looked so charming as always.
"Emmy! I'm so grateful you honored my invitation," she thanked.
"I'm so honored to be here. I'm glad to see these faces for probably the last time before society scatters us on the face of the earth." I said jokingly, which elicited mild giggles from all around the table, except Roy.
"Alright, guys. I'm glad you all showed up. But before we go into the main reason why we're here, I'd like us to first have our dinner as the night is still young." Nessa continued.
While enjoying my meal, I was startled to find a ring nestled among the food. I was puzzled as to how it ended up in my food.
"Sorry guys, I found this ring in my food, and I'm wondering how it got here," I said.
At that moment, Nessa struck a bottle with a spoon, creating an audible signal to capture everyone's attention.
"Attention everyone! I feel this is the right time to say that this is the very moment I'd long envisaged. The moment to share my joy and happiness. You all know that Roy had been my college sweetheart and he's here to put a ring on my finger. So this isn't just a party, it's an engagement party." She said.
Everyone cheered and clapped, I did the same too without holding back. Then I wondered, could this be the ring? Why was it inside my food?
"Emmy! That's my ring and not yours. Finding it in your food is a significant blunder and a big mistake. So please, pass me my ring. I'm sorry if that hurt you in any way."
In an effort to shield my emotions, I calmly passed the ring to Nessa who then gestured towards Roy.
"Okay guys, so I and Roy are getting engaged" Nessa announced happily, handing the ring over to Roy.
Caressing the ring and smiling wryly, Roy scanned the table seemingly locking eyes with me, but I swiftly averted my gaze. Then he stooped but paused midway.
"I'm sorry Nessa, but I can't do this," he said, staring deeply into her eyes. Nessa was aghast and dumbstruck, unable to utter a word in reply.
"I only got close to you because I needed an avenue to your friend Emmy" he continued.
At this point, all the attention turned to me. I raised my head sharply in his direction as I heard the shocking confession. Our eyes locked, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes as he strolled towards me.
His jawline was jerking in different directions, but I could barely hear what he was saying. My heart melted at the sight of his artistically crafted and manly frame. His eyes seemed to be reflecting my emotions, and the texture of his lips reminded me of my favorite ice cream.
But I was brought back to reality by a touch from his hands. I quickly looked around the table and noticed Nessa storming angrily away. I tried to chase after her, but he held me back and gave me the sweetest kiss I'd ever had, sending shivers down my spine.
At that moment, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach taking leaps of joy, and that was when I knew that I'd give anything to feel that again.
I felt proud of myself that I never gave up on my first love, and though it turned out to be a marathon race instead of a sprint, I was glad that I embarked on the adventure, and above all, that I came out successful.