At Fresh Green Cafeteria, Atonye was seated opposite Judith. She had agreed to his invitation yesterday. Atonye had chosen Fresh Green Cafeteria because of its ambience and setting, as well as because their food was delicious. As they sat down, Atonye couldn’t help but notice the warm and inviting atmosphere of the cafeteria. The soft music playing in the background added to the overall pleasant experience. He had been here a few times with Koko and Archibong, his friends, where they all came to eat afang and fufu. He recalled what Koko would always say about the afang soup each time they visited: “I fit spend all my school fees for this afang and fufu” and Archibong would respond by telling him, “Na afang go kill you”. They would all burst into laughter and order extra if they had more money. They would go about bragging to the others — their colleagues — about how Fresh Green Cafeteria sold the best afang around UNICAL. Atonye’s love for afang soup was airtight and solid. He fell in love with the soup after he arrived in Calabar in year 1 and met Koko. Atonye settled for Fresh Green Cafeteria after much internal deliberation within himself. He was certain that Judith would be impressed with the place.
However, that evening was not the day for afang soup. It was an evening for Atonye to face his demons. He knew this fact well, so he did not go for his usual when he ordered; he felt that afang might not aid his cause for the night. So he ordered the same thing Judith ordered: jollof rice with chicken. He felt a bit tense when the food arrived. Judith, on the other hand, was freer and about to eat. Atonye thought of his speech, which he had rehearsed repeatedly, and his appetite diminished. He skipped the rice and went for the chicken. He became more nervous as he noticed Judith staring at him. She had noticed how uneasy Atonye had been since they began eating. Atonye tried to maintain a composed facade, but the intensity of Judith’s gaze made it difficult for him to concentrate on his food. He wondered if she could sense his unease and if it would affect their conversation later in the evening.
“Are you okay?” she asked him with a little patch of concern on her face.
“I am okay.” He replied. He continued devouring the chicken while trying to avert her gaze. Judith smiled at him — the type of smile that warmed his heart. Her smile worked. It calmed him a bit. They continued eating in awkward silence. While eating, Atonye began to speculate about the perfect time to let the cat out of the bag. His mind was occupied with the thoughts of how he was going to begin. He remembered his speech again. He gathered some confidence when he noticed Judith’s smile at him again. They were done eating now. He decided to deflect a little and bring up a topic to discuss before the main one. He told her about the first time he came here.
“Koko was the one who brought Archibong and me here,” he said. “He bragged about this place to us and how the afang soup here was the best.” He chuckled as he reminisced about Koko’s enthusiasm for the restaurant. Judith chuckled too, nodding in agreement.
“Hmm, interesting. So, how come you didn’t order afang soup?” she asked.
“I was not sure how I would eat it in your presence.” He said it with an awkward smile, hoping that he hadn’t screwed up the moment with his answer.
“So, you are indirectly saying that you would be shy to eat afang soup in my presence, abi?” She said, “As per say I am not a Nigerian, or I no dey eat afang soup too?” She erupted into laughter, shaking her head in amusement. Atonye was glad. He smiled too at her sarcasm and took it as a good omen. He felt a nudging in his heart, urging him to blurt out the words. Now was the perfect time he had been waiting for.
“I have been meaning to tell you this, but I don’t think it will make any difference.” Atonye said to Judith: He paused for a while, trying to assess her reaction. She became curious while still maintaining her jovial gaze. After what seemed like forever, Judith broke the silence; her curiosity had been stirred by Atonye’s comment.
“Go ahead, Atonye. I’m all ears,” she said, her smile fading slightly as she leaned in closer, eager to hear what he had to say.
“In the short spell of time I have known you, I have grown fonder of you,” Atonye said. “I tried to dispel the feelings that I was developing toward you, but they kept popping up.” Atonye paused again, but it seemed like an invisible force compelled him to continue. “I like you, Judith, and I have been meaning to tell you this since, but I was afraid… I will be traveling back to Yenagoa tomorrow.” This was not part of his script — the one he had rehearsed several times. He was stunned at how seamlessly the words flowed out of his mouth. He felt as though a huge rock had been lifted off his chest. He continued speaking: “This was why I was holding back and dispelling the feeling.”
Judith smiled and gazed at him for a while. “Why didn’t you tell me before now?” Judith asked.
“I was confused and afraid that you might reject me, and also because I would be traveling soon.” Atonye responded.
Judith nodded understandingly. “I can see why you were hesitant,” she said. “But I want you to know that I would never reject you, and distance doesn’t change how I feel about you.” Atonye’s heart swelled with relief. “I will miss you. Telling me this at this moment does not make sense sha, but I understand.” Judith said, in a now subdued tone. She tried to cover up her disappointment with her smile, but her displeasure was subtly glaring at Atonye, who was now apologizing and pleading.
“It’s okay. What time are you leaving?” she asked him.
“I will be leaving in the morning by 10 a.m.”
“Okay. Maybe I would come around and accompany you to the terminal.”
“That would be great, Judy. Thank you!” Atonye replied gratefully. They continued their conversation, discussing the logistics of the next day’s departure and making plans for their final moments together. Judith’s heart sank as she realized that this would be their last goodbye for a while.
****
