That One Look - Creative Nonfiction

Jenny and I met at Emeka's wedding reception. She was quite a beauty to behold. I was so fortunate to have sat next to her on a table of five guests. We were just two guys and three beautiful ladies. Of all the ladies, Jenny catches my fancy the most. I am not a guy who likes to frolic around ladies. At that time, I was pure and single and very inexperienced.

Hi ladies.

I greeted as I sat on the seat facing the stage where my friend who had just got married to his wife was hosted.

Hi

All three ladies greeted me as I shook hands with Victor, the only guy who was seated among the ladies. Soon after I had a seat than the waiters served small chops around the tables. The Merry had begun when my eyes crossed with Jenny who was smiling towards me. I was so shy that I could not look at her face. She kept staring at me with a deep smile. The staring got to me so badly that I started to feel uncomfortable.

When it was time for the bride to throw the bouquet, all the ladies rushed out to try their luck. Again, Jenny prevailed. She caught the bouquet and returned with it to our seat. While I was still trying to manage her deep concentrated smile on me, she dropped the bouquet directly opposite me. I didn't want to cause any stir, so I acted like there was nothing seriously happening.

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With all this body language that I had gotten from beautiful Jenny, my body system began to swift towards her. I wanted to give it a try asking her out on a date. So, I planned to engage her immediately as she was about to leave the venue. After the party, as soon as she stepped out of the hall, I made my move. Following her in the thick crowd. Before I could get her attention, she entered her car and zoomed off.

That night, I could not sleep. The image of the nasty things Jenny did to me haunted my imagination. There were no pictures of her anywhere that I could use to trace her, not even on my phone.

Weeks passed and months and Jenny's feelings did not leave. I was so eager to find out who this mystery lady was. I knew I had fallen in love with Jenny. I needed no soothsayer to tell me.

After four months, I went to visit Emeka for the first time after he wedded his heartthrob, Amaka. I received a very warm welcome.

Dude, finally you came.

Emeka sounded like I had parted ways with him.

You know what it is. Single guys like me do not have much to do with married men like you.

I spooned a joke at Emeka and we all laughed, including Amaka. Next thing, Amaka opened the cupboard and she brought a huge photobook.

Photobook is a modern way of documenting your ceremonies or events. As I started to have a view of the first part of their wedding ceremonies, the traditional engagement, I saw different rites that one had to pay just to get married to an Igbo lady. But believe me, they were beautiful and memorable sights.

After about half an hour of perusing the photobook, I found Jenny. For a moment, I stared at her image. Her long eyelashes like brooms caught my attention again.

Why are you staring so long at her?

Amaka woke my consciousness with that heavy question.

Who is this lady?

I asked Amaka. Emeka looked perturbed as to why I would answer a question for a question.

My friend, tell her what she you asked.

Emeka said as we laughed. Then, I became serious again.

We sat at the same table at your wedding reception. I have been longing to see her again, all to no avail.

Amaka stood and left for the kitchen. I perceived the smell of boiling rice, that was what she probably went to attend to.

She is our neighbor.

I stood up without knowing how my legs carried my body towards Emeka.

Please, don't joke with this. Is she your neighbor?

I demanded again from Emeka. A knock at the door made us shelve the conversation. In my head, I was so bothered that someone came to stop the conversation at that crucial time. When Emeka opened the door, talk of the devil and she appeared.

Jenny!!

My scream made Amaka emerge from the kitchen. She thought something had happened.

As if it was planned, Amaka and Emeka left the living room to Jenny and I. She sat close to me and squeezed her sweaty hands while I stared at her not knowing what to say.

Hi, Jenny!

Calling on Jenny to see if she would react unfriendly.

Hi.

She responded. I was so happy. It was getting better and I couldn't wait to hear her speak more. I cleared my oesophagus to begin to speak when Amaka called on both of us to join the dining table.

We stared at each other as we munched the plate of rice. My sleepless nights we're over merely seeing Jenny. We spoke about many things that day. It was like we have known each other for a long time.

I am glad I found Jenny. Today, we are happily married with two wonderful kids.