The First Encounter
It was the school holiday, and Annabella had traveled with her parents to Dubai for the break.
Gabby and Fola, however, spent their holiday in Abuja with their families.
"Mom, why don't you tell Dad to take us on vacation?" Gabby suggested one afternoon.
Her mother smiled gently. "Gabby, your dad would love to take us on vacation, but you know how busy he has been with work lately."
"That's true," Gabby sighed. "But I really wish we could go somewhere."
"Don't worry, dear," her mother said reassuringly. "If we can't go now, we'll go some other time. I'll talk to your dad about it."
Gabby's face brightened. "Thanks, Mom. You're the best!"
She hugged her mother warmly before heading to her room, leaving her mom in the sitting room.
Gabby had three older siblings. The first child, Elizabeth, lived in London and only visited Nigeria when their parents practically begged her to come home. Her two brothers, Gabriel and Maxwell, studied in Port Harcourt. They usually came home during holidays or when they were broke.
Gabby was the youngest child in the family. Most of the time, she stayed at home to keep her mother company since her father was always busy with work.
As soon as she entered her room, her phone started ringing.
It was Fola.
"Hey, Fola baby," Gabby greeted.
"How are you?" Fola asked.
"I'm good. You?"
"I'm fine. Where are you?"
"I'm at home. What's up?"
"Nothing much. I'll be at your place shortly."
"Okay, I'll be expecting you."
The call ended.
Less than an hour later, the doorbell rang. Gabby rushed to the door and opened it.
It was Fola.
"Where are you coming from, dressed so elegantly like you're going on a date?" Gabby teased.
"You talk too much," Fola replied, rolling her eyes. "Where's your mom?"
"She just stepped out. I thought you would have seen her. But hey, don't change the topic. Where are you coming from dressed like this?" Gabby winked.
"Madam, nowhere. I'm coming from home. I just decided to dress up. Is that a problem?" Fola asked.
"Fola, my love, don't be upset. I was just surprised. It's been a long time since you dressed up like this. Hope I'm forgiven?" Gabby made a puppy face.
"You're not forgiven. You talk too much," Fola said.
"What do I have to do for you to forgive me?" Gabby asked dramatically.
"Good girl. Just follow me. Let's go get some ice cream and maybe I'll forgive you."
"Aww, no problem. Let me quickly change my clothes," Gabby said.
"Alright."
They both headed to Gabby's room.
Soon after, they left the house and went out for ice cream and cake.
However, as they were leaving the café, someone accidentally spilled juice on Gabby's white gown.
Gabby froze in shock.
She was about to shout at the careless stranger when she looked up—and suddenly forgot every word she had prepared.
Standing in front of her was a tall, handsome young man.
For a moment, she couldn't say a single word.
"I'm really sorry," the young man said sincerely. "It wasn't intentional."
Gabby quickly composed herself.
"It's okay. I'll just wash it off," she replied.
"Alright… if you'll excuse me."
"Okay… bye," she murmured.
Her eyes followed him until he disappeared from sight.
Fola stared at her.
"Gabby, what's wrong with you today? You didn't even shout at him. You were just standing there looking like a statue."
Gabby smiled dreamily.
"You wouldn't understand."
"I knew you were going to say that," Fola sighed.
"But seriously… that guy is so handsome," Gabby said. "He's mine."
Fola's eyes widened.
"What the heck? Are you okay? You don't even know him and you're already claiming him?"
Gabby giggled.
"Love at first sight."
"Love at first sight? You can't be serious."
"Let fate decide," Gabby said with a laugh. "But I really wish he becomes the first guy I ever date."
Fola shook her head.
"Why are you behaving like this? What about Andrew? That guy has been chasing you since SS1."
Gabby sighed.
"I need to make it clear to him that I can't date him. I've told him not to waste his time waiting for me."
"Hmmm… okay," Fola said. "Let's go. I'm exhausted."
"Give me a few minutes. Let me wash this stain off in the bathroom."
"Alright, I'll wait for you in the car."
A few minutes later, Gabby joined her, and they headed to Fola's house.
When they arrived, Fola rang the doorbell.
Her younger sister Anna opened the door.
"Big sis! Welcome back! I missed you!" Anna exclaimed happily.
Fola smiled warmly.
"Little sis, I missed you too. Guess what I brought for you?"
"Ice cream!" Anna guessed excitedly.
"Correct. Enjoy it."
"Thank you! Aunt Gabby, how are you?" Anna greeted.
"I'm good, little Ann. How are you doing?" Gabby asked.
"I'm fine. Let me go enjoy my ice cream!" Anna said before running inside.
Gabby chuckled.
"She's so sweet… unlike her mom."
Fola laughed quietly.
"She's not home. If she were, you would have seen her already."
"Good. Let's go to your room before she comes back."
"But I'm hungry," Gabby said.
"Don't worry. I'll make noodles and fried eggs quickly before she returns."
Gabby smiled like a child.
"I've missed eating your noodles."
"Go to my room and wait for me."
"Okay."
Fola headed to the kitchen and prepared noodles and fried eggs. Within minutes, the meal was ready.
When she entered the room, she found Gabby fast asleep.
"Gabby, wake up. Let's eat," Fola said, tapping her gently.
Gabby stretched.
"When did I fall asleep?"
"I have no idea, sleeping beauty. Come eat before it gets cold."
Gabby began eating.
"Yummy! This is so good. Thank you."
"You don't need to thank me."
Gabby suddenly looked around.
"Where's my phone?"
"It's in your bag."
Gabby quickly checked it.
"Whoa… three missed calls."
Fola looked curious.
"Who called you?"
Gabby frowned slightly.
"Let me check…"