Aborted Romeos — One

[ThatYorùbáGuy]

Aborted Romeos

Fine Boy Dilemma

I stood there, my body swaying to the haunting melody that filled the air, a sombre symphony of brokenness that resonated with my pain and exhaustion. It had all unravelled the previous night, a memory that now haunted me like a relentless ghost. My thoughts wandered to the biblical virgins who, given another chance, would have refilled their lamps. As poets gracefully wielded their pens to convey messages and lessons, I, too, yearned for the impossible: a chance to turn back the relentless hands of time.

And then, there she was.

"It was never meant to last," she said softly.

"What?" I stammered, my heart heavy with confusion.

"This. Us," she replied with a distant gaze.

Silence hung in the air, pregnant with unspoken questions. Why did beautiful moments always seem to end in sorrowful farewells? Why did roses fall from these trembling hands, and why was she walking away? But the words remained trapped within me, unsaid.

"So, what now, Rene?" I finally managed to ask.

" I would be out there doing what I need to do, you know. Life goes on," she said matter-of-factly.

"Who's he?" I inquired, my voice trembling with a hint of vulnerability.

She sighed, her eyes locking onto mine. "You're asking me this now?"

It was more of a statement than a question. With a heavy heart, I watched her walk away, and at that moment, I couldn't help but wonder if all goodbyes were destined to be painful. Were they ever truly "good"?

I sought solace by the lagoon, the gentle breeze offering a soothing balm to my wounded soul. This place, with its tranquil beauty, had become my refuge, a sanctuary where the world's cruelty seemed to recede, if only temporarily. I often fancied that an angel dwelled here, ready to ease the pain of lost souls like mine.

Late into the night, I returned home to Adeolu's curious inquiry. He chuckled, taunting me for my absence, but my desire for sleep overshadowed any need for conversation. Yet, as I sank into the embrace of my bed, my phone rang, disrupting my brief respite. Irritation welled up within me, and I made a mental note to change that annoying ringtone. I reluctantly answered the call.

"Hello," I muttered.

"She keeps calling you, Hot boy" Adeolu teased.

"You guys are impossible," I retorted with a chuckle.

Ejiro had invited me to her church service at the Christ International Center the next day, and her sweet voice warmed my heart. My uncle once mentioned something about women being the salt that made life sweet. I agree with him.

I longed for love, even in its complexities, but for Adeolu, every day is Christmas. While Adeolu revelled in his many encounters with beautiful women, I pondered ways to win over the hearts of Rene, Abike, or Mope, all of whom had bid me farewell. Sometimes, I contemplated seeking Adeolu's advice, hoping he held the key to unlocking the affections of alluring women, even though he never shows commitment to any of them.

"Boy, I can't tie myself down to one girl. I just want to enjoy life," he'd say, effortlessly entering and exiting their hearts, a feat I could only replicate with my poetry, storytelling, and culinary creations.

My good looks had never gone unnoticed, drawing the attention of many ladies. Yet, like ephemeral flowers, their affection for me always withered away. At first, Cupid's arrows pierced Tomiwa's heart and united it with mine, but eventually, they were plucked out, leaving behind bleeding wounds, often mine.

We had shared cherished moments until, without warning, she blocked me.
"This is why I ended it with Lola. I can't do long-distance relationships," one of the boys chipped in.

"Guy, this wasn't even a relationship. It was blind dating for almost a year! Move on!" he advised.

I sat there, feeling daft and inadequate. Inadequate because I feared I couldn't retain hearts like Adeolu did, and perhaps Rene's departure is an uncomfortable reminder of the fine boy who struggled to keep women.