Wild West of the Heart
THIRTY-EIGHT

"Hey" Fiyin didn't need to turn around to recognize Debby's voice. She turned around the table with a box of cookies in her hands and the book they were to read. The classic- AMEBO by Reginald Ojo.

"Sorry i came late" She mumbled, beads of swear crowding around her forehead. "The park is sort of far from my house" She said. "And i wouldn't let you come by because it's in such a mess" Fiyin nodded, reaching for the cookies. "Yes, my house is far from here too" It was just thirty five minutes away, but still it was far.

"Then why don't we meet there next time" Fiyin paused with a cookie in her hand. Her cheeks were flustered. "Hell no" She blurted out, before clearing her throat. Deborah arched her brows. "It's also a mess" She lied, somewhat of a metaphor for her father being around. No one ever saw him, not even Obi or Ola. And he never came for pta meetings and all that bullshit.

She had to make a life for herself, without him.

And that, she did.

"Or we could just "

"You know what Debby. Let's just stick to the park for now" She interrupted before finally biting into the cookie. Deborah rested back, guessing the reason why she was like this, was perhaps because she was trying to hide her life after school hours.

She just hummed, flipping to the dedication page.

Dedicated to my lover, Jazzlyn Pius.

Her eyes fell on that name, and Fiyin looked up at Deborah. "No way" She whispered, pulling out her phone to take a picture for Obi. "No way-"

-

"You can fill in the heading with your name, and then this part-" Officer Dare handed him the form, and Ola reached out for it. "This part you write truthfully your account from that night"

"I don't want to hear what you think you saw. Or what you think you heard, i want what you saw" Ola felt a shiver go up his neck as he collected the piece of paper. Mira was ahead, and she waited back with Dare while Ola was led into a room. He believed these were the types of interrogation rooms he saw on television, with a large mirror through which the people in the other room could see. The door closed behind him, leaving him in abrupt silence and the officer pulled away. There was not a pin drop to be heard, just a large table and chairs around it. He slowly moved towards it.

And the pen danced in his hands. Heaving a deep breath, he recounted what Mira had said.

"You're doing the right thing"

He sat in one of the chairs as Mira watched from the other room. "He's a little bit nervous" She said to Dare who shrugged his shoulders. Sincerely, he was the one person who actually wanted to help.

With the whole Jazzlyn scandal. He was the one person that actually tried to help. And he looked to Mira for a second. She was in a cap, and the usual large tshirt and shorts. Her shaved legs glistened from underneath the cargo as she walked forward. "It's understandable" He replied.

"Does he know that he cannot for whatever reason, tell a lie?" Dare turned to Mira. "He won't" She shook her head, having more than a little faith in Ola. "To be honest, we were just about to close the case because of how futile it'd turned out "He walked closer to her.

"Then what happened?"

"I personally thought you were not coming back" He replied, not exactly answering her question but then Mira maintained a piercing glare.

"Someone came by last week" He whispered as Mira arched her brows. "And he reported the same thing" "Who?" Mira asked the obvious and Dare let out a stoic chuckle. "I can't say, Michael"

"But i can tell you, you're not the only one fighting for Jazz" He was alot calmer that day, and Mira pushed a lump down her sore throat. "She was- She was good" She replied, looking back at Ola.

And that might have been how he started.

Jazzlyn was good.

On the 9th of September 2001, i witnessed a murder that changed my life. The murder of Jazzlyn Pius-

-

The talking drums beat into the mike, as the camera centered from the stage to the entrance. A latest song from newcomer Wizkid graced the speakers as guests danced in their seats.

There was color in the whole reception hall, lights that flashed across like laser. The dresses were elaborate and now everyone awaited the bride to come out. Even Saheed was already seated close to the stage, on an extravagant gold couch, it was coated of course. But still, obvious enough that the budget was endless. It was a hall large enough for about three hundred people and it had already been filled, only a few left. Abdul then walked with Obi, meeting Khadijat at the door. "Where have you been?" She anxiously asked, some muslim accent in her words. Abdul stuttered before she pushed him aside.

"You know what, i don't care. Your sister's about to walk in now" She crazed, clearing the door and straightening the red carpet. This was just a tip of the iceberg of her manic acts.

"Everything has to be perfect, you hear me?" She turned to Abdul. "Just be on your best behavior" The strobing lights lit up the entire room as the MC grabbed the microphone. "DJ, hold up" He stretched his arms and the music lowered. "Listen up people. We're all hear to see the bride, in the name of Aaliyah Abdullah. Mrs Aaliyah Abdullah" He turned to Abdul. "I'm sorry boss" He teased, being energetic and all. "And we're here to celebrate with this new couple as they make the decision till death do them part" He later turned to the rest of the guests.

"And now, for the highlight of the day. Coming in now, it's who we've all been waiting for" Khadijat stood at the door, adjusting her native attire and once the door opened, there was a flare of confetti that hit her right in the face. She gasped, moving to the corner as Aaliyah stepped into the spotlight.

It was an ethereal moment for all, and even if Saheed hadn't felt anything all day, the moment he sighted her from afar, he sure did.

"The latest bride in town. Mrs Abdullah" Aal paused, in a way leaving the guests wanting more. There was a standing ovation as she walked in.

Now of course, her bridesmaids led the train into the halls, in the custom color of fuscia pink, and a gold scarf. They were ostentatiously dressed, but not in a way that outshined Aal. Of course, she wasn't in the lavender gown anymore and she was free of the corset. She was in a traditional lace now. White, with a hint of caramel brown-

-the same color Obi wore. His lips dropped as she headed behind the bridesmaids, waiting for the grand reveal. The music shut up at once, booming in the hearts of the guests that pulled out their phones to video the ethereal moment. This wedding was about to be the talk of the town and literally everyone knew that.

Aaliyah danced towards her husband as the train of maids dispersed to the side, leaving the floor open to her. She had a scarf around her shoulders as she glided her hips to the song. The spotlight moved to every inch as she danced underneath it.

The ovation went on, as Saheed moved stiffly to the song as well. This was a moment of pride for Khadijat as she trailed behind. She collected the bouquet of flowers as Aal readily danced across the floor without a care in the world. All she could do was hope her sweat wouldn't ruin her makeup.

She tried to dance off the thousand thoughts that flooded in her mind. She looked around the room through shaky eyes and she realized this was the dream. Except one thing was missing, Jamie.

Jamie was missing, her eighteen year old ex boyfriend that was about to leave for Ekiti the next day. Of course, she ended it once high school was over. They always knew they didn't have much time but still, it didn't reduce the heart. Maybe in another life, she promised. Maybe they'd get it right then if the world and religion was in their favor. If traditions were nice enough.

Maybe, that was a thought of course. This was the only life she had, and she couldn't help but feel she was throwing it all away, for what? Saheed?

The moment she began to think of Jamie, she slowed down to take a breath. She was as enthusiastic as she was before and she adjusted her scarf, moving capriciously to her seat.

"Well, well. Well" The MC let out an exhale.

"That was amazing. We see firsthand what love truly is" He turned to Saheed as he sat beside his wife. That was a big lie, and she wanted to object.

But, no.

Her love wasn't here. Her love probably had his bags packed for the University of Ekiti. And he was leaving the next day, she knew because they talked a few days ago. When he brought up the spontaneous idea that she just left. That she should flee. The thing is, he didn't have much for both of them but he promised to figure it out. If she ran, there was no way they'd find her.

Because maybe then, they could start a new life in Ekiti. A better life, void of everything that was against them. But alas, she had said no. Because, what would become of them?

Two young lovers, still finding their footing in the world. What would become of them, if anything happened? It was risk, and Aaliyah didn't like it.

It was why she wanted to settle, settle for Saheed.

Because maybe then she knew what would become of them. Her future was certain, and real. Not some oblivion and plan in their heads.

It wasn't young love. It was real.

And she did all of that, and still managed to make her mother's dreams come true. She'd like to think of it as a win-win.

She shook her head, desperately trying to focus on the MC who pointed to her. She looked around with arched brows as she stood. He smiled, pointing to Saheed. "Let's start this off with a fun how well do you know each other, game" He said.

And Aal scoffed, knowing they'd fail this woefully.

Abdul's eyes darted to his father, seated beside Khadijat. Saheed and Aal walked to the center, holding up cards like it was a charades game.

"She looks happy" Obi nudged his shoulders and he smirked. "Yeah, she is" He replied. "You know you can see how bad she wants all of this to come together well. And then you think, she actually just wants the best for you" He turned to Obi. "For all of us"

"And she deserves this" Khadijat grinned at how they had failed the first favorite food. It was that bad. And Abdul too, chuckled for a second. The game went on for a few more minutes and Obi got to spend each moment from a restricted for family angle, and he also got to be with Abdul.

Laugh with him, joke with him. As Obi. And as Abdul. They didn't have a monitor, or some screen between them. It was a pure, real connection.

You could tell by the side glances each took at each other. And Abdul tried all day to take his mind off the fact that in a few year's time, all of this would be his turn. And by then, it wouldn't be this. It would never be Obi.

-

"Are you done?" Mira asked as Ola handed the papers to Dare. He walked into her and she held him close for a lasting hug. DaSilva stood at the corner, sending an encouraging nod to his way. He nodded with a side smile.

Now, he could finally breathe. Now, he could be free, and he was proud of himself. He held tight to Mira who placed her head on his. Dare just watched through empathetic eyes. "You, Ola" He said. "Are one brave man" He roughened his hair. And then he and Mira made eye contact.

"Thanks, Michael" He said, calling her actual name. It was what Mira had told initially. She cleared her throat, and he turned to her.

"It's Mira, actually" She didn't know when she responded, but she knew she felt a sharp pain go through her at that name, Michael. It wasn't who she was, not anymore.

That person was dead to her. And for once, she actually corrected someone. Dare wasn't wildly shocked, he just raised an eyebrow and then nodded. She couldn't tell what went through his head or the impression she had given off. But honestly she didn't care.

It felt good, for once, it felt good to be respected. It was the moment, this was that moment for her.

Dare walked away and she drew Ola close. "You want to get ice cream?" She asked. He nodded, feeling somewhat weak in his joints. Even though, he wanted to be with Obi, he couldn't. Because Obi was off, having the time of his life with Ab. "Sure, why not" He pushed a lump down his sore throat, realizing he hadn't had anything to eat all day. DaSilva walked ahead of them, to the vehicle.

-

"I pledge, in honesty and sincerity, to be for you a faithful and helpful husband." Saheed took Aaliyah's hands and though, she tried to pull away, his grip was tighter than hers. He stared deeply into her eyes as the MC came behind them. Traditionally, this was done in the nikah, and it was. But at the request of Khadijat, there was another segment of the reception for the vows.

She wanted a heartfelt epistle from her daughter, just like how she did in those days. And alas, it was all it took to show Aal she was making the wrong decision. The MC looked to her, indicating that it was her turn and she held up the letter which her mother had given her.

She read the lines.

I promise to laugh with you, cry with you and grow with you. And then she looked to Saheed. It was a lie, she didn't want to vow what was a lie.

She scrunched up the paper and looked to him.

But she had to.

"I promise to laugh with you, cry with you and grow with you-" She whispered and his face suddenly morphed into Jamie's, who she was supposed to be telling all these. It was him, who deserved that promise. As she looked to Saheed, all she could see was Jamie and she carried on.

There was a smile on her face.

"I will love you when we are together and when we are apart. I promise to support you and respect our differences. And most of all-" She heaved a sigh, turning back at Abdul. And she nodded. He knew and she knew, like an inside code. She turned back to Saheed, who in retrospect was Jamie in her eyes and she smiled. "I will love you for as long as i can" She finally said, and then she backed away. There were tears in her eyes, but they were happy tears alas. And even Saheed was unsure about how she truly felt.

Aal reached for the hem of her gown in her hands.

"Today's going to be good" Abdul had said as something glinted in Aaliyah's eyes.

He let it go however. "Yeah it is" She nodded with a smirk.

And with that thought, she turned back to Khadijat and shook her head. The tears proceeded to fall as she slipped on her flats.

"I'm sorry, mum" She whispered. "I can't do this" She shut off her seat. "Aaliyah Faruq" Khadijat called as she walked up to Saheed.

"I'm sorry for wasting your time. I'm not your ideal wife, and quite frankly, you aren't the one for me" Obi gasped as Aal tapped his arms. Abdul looked to him and smirked, like he always knew.

Always knew she was going to do this. Maybe he did, because deep down, he knew his sister. She wasn't the kind that thought she had to settle. She was the brave one, that fought what she wanted. She was who he wanted to be.

"You're not the one i should be with" And with that, she raced towards the door with her wrapper in her hands, letting go of her gele and heels. And she pushed through with the murmurs of the guests. I did say, this wedding was about to be the most talked about. Partly because of the wealth.

But also because, Aal had thrown her ring at the door. There was no wedding with that, just a party. And in her mind, she was headed to Jamie, praying within her that he hadn't left.

Khadijat succumbed to her tears as she fell to the ground. And Saheed just stood there with a smirk to shield how embarrassed he felt. Abdul on the other hand, turned to Obi. He didn't need to be here, he didn't need to be the perfect son, today.

"You want to get out of here?" He asked.

"But, Ab-" Obi said, as he placed a finger on his lips. "Right now, i can do whatever i want" He said. "And i'll still be the favorite" He joked as he stood amidst the chaotic halls.

"What now?" His father turned to Khadijat as the music still raved the halls. Abdul and Obi passed through the bodies and headed towards the door, just behind Aaliyah. But alas, she would have gone far by now. Probably in a cab to Jamie's. She needed to tell him how she truly felt. She needed him to know that though their futures were uncertain, she was willing to see where it went. Because as long as she was with him—

she had enough. She needed to tell him that.

Abdul and Obi ran out of the doors in each other's arms as well before they paused. Abdul was the one that paused in the serene compound.

And he made sure he didn't let go of his arms.

"Ayo wasn't my sexual awakening" He whispered and Obi arched his brows. "You were. You are" He needed to get that off his chest.

"Ever since i met you, on the app and in person" His breathes were short and he panted. "I've come to fall in love with you" He inched closer to Obi as a gasp escaped his lips. "I love you, Obi" He said, biting his lower lip before Obi pulled away.

"I" Obi stuttered too, tongue tied. He didn't know what to say. Actually he did, but he didn't know how to say it.

He didn't know why he didn't say it.

Instead he finally let go of his arms and Abdul fell back. It was the adrenaline that pumped through his veins that made him blurt it out, it was true, however he instantly began to regret it.

"I'm sorry" Obi finally said, color draining from his face as Abdul shook his head. "Don't be, please" He whispered, before turning around. He ran towards the horizons, leaving Obi there. And tears fell down both their eyes. "Fuck" He cussed. Obi. "Fuck me" He hit himself across the face as Abdul drifted further from him. "Fuck my life" He began to regret why he hadn't said those words.

Everything was finally going good, but like how he always did, he found a way to fuck it up. It was sad, to be honest. But then it was real. The reality and tragedy of life.

Not everyone got to have their happy endings but at least, Aaliyah did. She stuck her head out of the windows of the cab and she let out a wild scream.

She finally felt free. And that's more than what most of us get. Headed to Jamie's, it just felt right, unlike how she was the entire day. It's the thing with freedom, it's always right. And it's poetical.

And it's always fought for. Never free, ironical.

But you see, once you have it, you have everything and the possibilities remain endless.

To be continued...