Chapter Five – Never Throw a Party. Seriously, Those Things Never End Well. Part 1

I was excited to be going to the party today. Sure, I wasn’t excited to see Boateng and things had been weird with Kwame. He didn’t know how to talk to me since I knew about him and Lara; not that I cared.

There was no way I was going to blow off Carl. Today was his day and no matter how angry I was with Boateng there was no way I wasn’t going to show. Plus, why should Boateng go and have fun when he’s the one at fault?

I put on my favorite pair of jeans; a wide leg ripped jeans. I paired it with a white tank top and tied my braids up in a high ponytail. Even though I knew it wasn’t a very large-scale party, I threw on some eyeliner and lined my lips before putting an ungodly amount of gloss on. I was very satisfied with the results. Lara wanted us to twin for the party so she also wore a pair of jeans with a white crop top.

By the time we got to Carl’s room, the party was well underway. He had shifted the bed into a tiny corner of the room. Drinks had been set up on the table and snacks were next to that. There was a big jug of Kool Aid, then there was Sprite, Fanta and Coke. Of course, it wouldn’t be a uni party if there was no alcohol.

I was relieved to find that Boateng was not yet in. Lara on the other hand was not so fortunate. Kwame was there with Nana Yaa. We said hi to them and Nana Yaa being the sweet girl that she was gave us hugs. She even told Lara she loved her top. Ugh! The shame!

Carl brought out some card games and the music was set so high you could feel the beat in your heart. He was wearing a pale loose shirt and had just got a fresh cut. I walked up to him and he engulfed me in a hug. I’m of the shorter inclination while he’s not less than six feet so that’s the only way I could describe our hug.

“Happy Birthday, Carl” I said, handing him his gift.

“Thanks” he replied, taking the gift and placing it next to the others he’d received. “What’s going on? I haven’t seen you at group study in a very long time. You don’t even ride with us to class. Are you okay?”

“Oh, yes. I’m fine. I just had some personal issues to sort through.”

We were still in a half embrace so he hugged me again, squeezing me tight. I hadn’t realized how much I needed that hug. “I hope you’re fine now. Thank you for coming.”

I went over to sit with Mara as other guests came up to greet the birthday boy. We were talking when Boateng walked in. Behind him was Farida. I was immediately angry. I turned away and focused my attention on Mara. She said something, I didn’t hear what but I laughed anyway.

Boateng had this presence about him. He possessed the ability to easily take over a room. I quickly noticed that he had got a fresh cut. He liked to do a little style at the side of his head and I noticed he had changed it up a bit.

I guess this was the new fashion amongst men because he was also wearing a loose shirt with a gold chain underneath. He greeted Carl with that violent transaction that men call a handshake. He was gentler with the ladies around. He walked over to Lara and reached for a hug but she put her hand up and quickly walked away. He walked away in silent acceptance. My heart was joyful. That didn’t last long because he had finished greeting everyone so he was now approaching Mara and me.

“Hi guys” he said. Mara stood for a hug but I remained seated. I was thankful that he didn’t try to hug me. “Hi Araba” he said. I didn’t respond and from the corner of my eye I saw Mara looking at me confused.

As he and Farida walked away, I could tell she was asking what was wrong with me. I wonder what lie he would tell her.

The night advanced on. There was a lot of dancing and singing and the room was extremely hot. After watching Farida and Boateng dancing for what must have been the hundredth time, I walked out to get some air.

Mara had tried asking what was wrong but I promised her it was nothing and begged her to drop it. I guess that’s why she didn’t try following me outside. She could tell that I needed to be alone.

I was surprised to find Kwame also at the balcony getting some air. He looked immediately uncomfortable to see me.

“Hi” I said.

“Hi” he said back. I could tell he wanted to leave but felt at the same time that if he did, I might know it was because he didn’t want to be around me.

“Kwame, you’ve been acting so weird. Relax. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

“Yes. It’s just that I know how prim and proper you are and I’m sure you know about Lara and me.”

“I do. Why are you out here though?”

“Because I needed some air. I even want to leave but Carl’s my boy. Why are you out here?”.

“This isn’t really my scene. I also wanted some air. It’s so hot inside.”

Kwame laughed a little and turned to leave.

“Kwame. What you do is none of my business but the little advice I’ll give you is to stop. If you need things that Nana Yaa cannot give you, for both your sakes, end it.”

He didn’t say anything and went inside. I sighed.

I was still enjoying fresh air when the balcony door opened and Boateng came out. I was cornered but at least a little more prepared for this encounter.

“Hi. I’m glad I was able to see you today.”

“You see me in class, Boateng” I replied as I tried to walk past him. he stepped backwards to block my path. His move brought him so close to me that I could smell his cologne so strongly. “What do you want me to do to show you how very sorry I am? I really am sorry, Araba. Please talk to me” he said.

“I don’t want you to do anything. I just want you to leave me alone.”

His next actions shocked me and it was hard for me to stay angry. I was hurt, yes. But I wasn’t angry. I couldn’t be. Reader, you might think me soft and weak, but if your friend of 4 years is kneeling on the filthy balcony floor with tears in his eyes, apologizing for a terrible mistake that he made when he was not in control of his emotions, you cannot stay mad.

The tears flowed from my eyes before I knew that they did.

We were both consumed by emotions that we didn’t see Farida standing not too far off watching.

That wasn’t the only trouble brewing. Mara was having a hard time sitting with her conscience regarding the whole Kwame-Lara scandal. Nana Yaa was a friend of a friend and so they had spent some time together. They had even gone out on occasion.

She was so uncomfortable watching her hover over Kwame. First, she brought him a drink and then packed some snacks for him. She was clearly desperately in love with her boyfriend and it was so embarrassing. She barely even spoke or interacted with anyone. She was constantly by his side.

Kwame excused himself to go talk to some of the boys and this was her cue. She walked over to Nana Yaa and began with some small talk.

Reader, I’m sure you can tell that things were about to get messy – I mean, telenovela kind of messy. *Giggles in drama*.