AT THE RESTAURANT:-
Angel headed straight to the restaurant. Not just any restaurant, but her restaurant—Chioma's.
That was where she always went whenever life felt too loud or too lonely.
Chioma had been her friend since their days as JAMBITES, back when everything about adulthood still looked shiny and far away. Though they ended up in different universities, the connection never broke. Chioma's restaurant was close to UNIZIK, where Angel studied, so they often met there instead of anywhere else.
The scent hit her even before she reached the door. Rich, warm, and unmistakably home—soups spiced with ogiri, crayfish, palm oil, and all the magic that Igbo kitchens were known for. The small window in front of the restaurant let the aroma waft out lazily, as if inviting her in with open arms.
Angel paused at the door, letting herself breathe it in. It was comforting. It was memory.
Inside, Chioma's voice rang out as she peeked from behind the curtain separating the kitchen from the dining area.
"Well, well. Look who finally decided to show up."
Angel chuckled sheepishly. "Hi," was all she could say.
Chioma walked into the main dining area, wiping her hands on her apron. She wore that same no-nonsense look she always had when she was concerned, but trying not to be too obvious about it.
"Look, Chichi," Angel began. "I'm sorry, okay? You wouldn't understand, but I've been... babysitting."
Chioma raised a brow. "Babysitting? Who?"
"A teenage boy. But it pays," she said with a shrug. "And honestly, I couldn't just leave him there. He's going through a lot. But I'm here now, aren't I?"
Chioma's face softened. "I'm not angry, Angel. I was just worried. You know I get it. You don't like being around people much, and I understand that. Just don't disappear next time, eh?"
Angel gave her a small grateful smile. Chioma always knew how to reach her without being overbearing.
A few minutes later, Chioma returned from the kitchen, balancing a steaming plate of noodles topped with vegetables and tiny peppered meat chunks.
"Best seller," she said with a wink, setting the plate before Angel.
"Thanks," Angel murmured.
But just as she picked up her fork, the bell above the restaurant door jingled.
Three people stepped in.
Angel's hand froze mid-air. The fork, heavy with noodles, hovered inches from her mouth. Her lips were slightly parted, the motion of eating interrupted by the sight standing in front of her.
Chioma's eyes lit up. "Ah, you guys are here? You didn't say you'd be coming today. What a pleasant surprise!"
"We came to collect the paperwork for the group project," said a familiar voice—too familiar. "And, of course, to eat your famous noodles."
Angel's eyes narrowed slightly. That voice...
She turned slowly to get a better look.
It was Stella.
Her former roommate.
Her fingers clenched slightly around the fork, but she forced her hand to move. She dropped her gaze and twirled the noodles, pretending not to have noticed. Pretending she wasn't holding her breath.
Chioma, oblivious to the thick tension building in the air, smiled. "You all know each other?"
"I'm in their project group," Chioma explained brightly. "We just clicked. They're cool."
She looked at Angel. "You know her?"
"Angel?" Chioma laughed. "Long-time friend. It's a long story though—too long for this moment."
There was a pause.
Angel looked up just in time to catch Stella's shocked expression.
"She?" they both blurted out at the same time.
Chioma blinked, finally sensing the oddity between them. "Wait, wait—hold on. What's this? Do you two already know each other?"
Stella shook her head, forcing a laugh. "I don't," she said too quickly.
Angel didn't say a word. She just returned her attention to the plate and shoved a forkful of noodles into her mouth like it was the only thing anchoring her.
Chioma frowned slightly at Angel, but didn't push.
Turning to the group, she said, "About the textbooks, they're at home—my lodge. Would you guys want to follow me there or wait here?"
Stella spoke up, her smile polished and sharp. "No, I'll stay here and help myself to more of your delicious noodles."
Chioma nodded and turned back to Angel.
"Stay here till I get back," she said softly. "Don't ditch me this time, Angel. You promised."
Angel didn't reply. She just nodded slowly, chewing, chewing, chewing—hoping the food would keep her emotions from rising.
She wasn't ready for this.
Not yet.