As at most memorable weddings, the choristers’ voices rose in beautiful cadences, the priest bellowed his sermon, and everyone else – bride, groom, bridal party and guests – sat quietly in the pews.
Kambi couldn’t trust herself to behave until the time for the exchanging of the vows. But she managed to stay calm and collected throughout.
Bouquet and veil in hands, she watched Kaycee and her groom make those everlasting promises of love to each other. And she realised that such a promise as this to Victor would have been lies in the long run. Good thing he didn’t show up. The marriage would certainly have been a very lonely one. She imagined herself, living in his big house, constantly filled with a sense of dread.
Miles away from here, Kambi had experienced true joy and love with the most unlikely person. She stood at the altar watching the couple exchange rings. I had the time of my life at Obudu. Smiles played across her lips as memories of Beba’s kiss came flooding into her mind. It was magical. But why did she let pride stop her from expressing her emotions? How long will you deprive yourself of joy?
“You may now kiss the bride,” the priest said gently.
The groom bent his knee, pulled his bride closer and kissed her. A round of applause erupted from the congregation. Catcalls filled the air. The wedding march emanated from the organ. And Kambi thought of Beba’s guitar strings. His soulful melodies. She looked back, into the crowd. Her eyes caught a man with a mop of dark curly hair, neatly parted at the side. Am I imagining things? She had seen his blue eyes, unmistakably Beba’s lovely blue eyes. Likely his mother’s eyes – given that Kambi had seen his father’s bold black eyes. Kambi looked back again. Just to be sure.
Sure enough, it was him. He winked at her and laughed. Mouth agape, she watched him run his finger through his hair, and she had to look away to keep from running into his arms.
Everything has gone well, so far. Kambi, if you create a scene and steal the bride’s thunder, she will never forgive you.
But why did her heart pound with anticipation? Only Beba had that power over her. Her anger seemed to have eluded her.
Oh, I mustn’t be distracted from the task at hand, I have travelled all the way to Calabar for one thing – to be maid of honour; and I have to do my best not to dishonour the bride.
“Go in peace …” the priest began to say. Kambi tuned him out and began to gather the frills of the bride’s gown. The newly wedded couple held hands and danced down the aisle behind the procession of priests.
Kambi peeked at Beba from the corner of her eye. His cream-coloured suit made him stand out. She felt strange stirrings … it was everything: his smile, his composure, the glint in his eyes.
Kambi chided herself. Just as she took the next step, she lost her balance and stumbled. But she was quick to smile and strut forward to recover her posture; she hoped no-one had noticed.
Kaycee turned, flashing a wide smile. “Oh my God, there are so many people here,” she said, holding Kambi’s hand.
They were standing in front of the certificates. Tonye was appending his signature to the documents.
“Yes, and they’re as excited as you are,” Kambi replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Kaycee smiled.
“I saw one oyinbo guy who resembles your Obudu boyfriend. The mixed-race guy – what’s his name again? – who took us to Tinapa?”
Kambi blinked at her and smiled, “Sign your documents jor. Join the procession; dance with your new husband. It’s your day,” she said.
Kaycee grinned and wagged her finger as though she suspected Kambi of something. The crowd cheered as she signed the documents. Kambi leaned over, spreading the veil over Kaycee’s shoulder.
Kambi heaved a sigh of relief as soon as the bride stood, slung her arm through the groom’s and danced out of the church.
***
Beba Sambe felt it again: the uncontrollable urge to hold Kambi, to kiss her. Desperately, passionately – to swoop her off to the back seat of his car for five minutes, at least.
She had bowled him over. From the moment he saw her behind the bride, his heart did an uncontrollable triple somersault. He had to admit it: she looked drop-dead gorgeous in her pink, fitted, ankle-length gown. And her hair had been pulled in an onion-like bun to one side of her head. Her face was radiant, dark and beautiful; her glistening light pink lips made him shiver. Little wonder, he had to clamp down the urge to kiss her.
Elbowing his way through the throng of guests, he apologised when he stepped on the foot of an irate guest. He decided that he had to get to her, whatever it took. It hurt to watch her helping the bride into the car.
Beba prayed, even though he hadn’t prayed in a long time. Dear Lord, let Kambi love me in return.
He walked, waving his hands in the air. Kambi was climbing into the decorated Jeep, alongside the bride and the little girl in white. Beba’s heart sank with grief. So much hopelessness rose within him that he screamed her name, as a drowning man would cry for help.
“Kambi! Please wait!”
He hurried towards the bridal group. His eyes met Kambi’s. It was as magical and profound as it had been on the plateau. This was another sign. He couldn’t possibly live without her.
Kambi alighted from the Jeep and shut the door. He held her hands, as she stared into his face.
“You came,” she said, in a desperate rush to break the deafening silence between them.
“Yes,” he replied, wondering how best to phrase his new proposition.
“Hi, Beba!” Kaycee yelled from the back seat of the car, swiping away the make-up artist’s powder brush so she could wave.
“Congratulations!” Beba replied waving both hands. He walked towards the car and shook her outstretched hand.
“Thank you for coming. Kambi will be happier now,” she said, “I’m sure of that.”
Beba grinned when he caught the bride winking at Kambi, before she motioned the make-up artist to continue her task.
“I missed you so much it hurt,” he said. Kambi frowned and turned away. “Believe me. I called several times, but you didn’t answer. I thought you were still angry so I hid my number and called with a different number.”
“So it was you,” Kambi said.
“Yes.” He paused and breathed deeply. “I found my mother but …”
“You did? That’s nice. But now’s not a good time, Bee. I have to go back into the car. The bride is waiting.”
“Life is short. I couldn’t bear not to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed your company and …”
Her jaw dropped. He saw her eyes filling with tears and knew that she felt something too. But what did she feel – fear or love, or both?
“We’re already late for the reception. It’d be rude to keep the bride waiting,” Kambi said, as she turned towards the car. “Let’s talk later.”
In a swift movement, Beba swung her around and kissed her. Then, he released her. Gasping, she climbed in the car, whipped out one of the souvenir notepads and said, “Take this. See you at the Marina Resort for the reception.”
Beba nodded. He watched as the car went through the church gates. Would she give an open-ended answer? His heart beat faster as his driver pulled up beside him. Beba climbed into his car and handed the driver the notepad.
Marina Resort?” the driver asked, peering into the rear-view mirror.
“Yes.”
While the car drove past the U.J. Esuene Stadium and turned into more tree-lined streets, Beba remembered the first time he’d driven through similar roads, arguing about African print material. He replayed their arguments in his mind and got so carried away with his dreaming, he didn’t notice when they arrived at the venue. He snapped out of his daydream, just as some young men gave instructions on how and where the driver could park his car. The men waved and saluted when they had finished explaining and went to help other guests.
Beba jumped down from the car and said, “You might not need to wait for me. Watch me. I’ll give you a thumbs up if I want you to give me the keys and leave.”
“Otherwise?” the driver asked.
Beba sighed. “I hope to God I give you a thumbs up.”
The couple were already having their photographs taken. Veil in hand, Kambi stood on the side, cheering them on with words like ‘smile’ and ‘say cheese’. He stared long and hard at her until she turned and their eyes locked.
They sneaked out of view, behind the flowers, in the middle of another garden near the Slave History Museum. They stopped and stared, as though their eyes had said it all. A breeze from the lake cooled their faces. Beba took her hand.
“My mother has Alzheimer’s, she’s lost most of her memory. Occasionally, she becomes conscious and half-aware of her surroundings,” he said, peering into her eyes.
She nodded. “Did you speak to her? Did she know who you were?”
“She doesn’t even remember the children she raised. So I couldn’t pour out my heart as I’d planned,” he said. “But she kept staring and calling me Beba, also my father’s name. She remembers my father, I think.”
“That’s sad,” said Kambi. “So what do you do now?”
“What can I do? Pray? Live and love as though each day is my last?”
“It’s surprising to hear a rich, handsome man talk about misery and the ephemeral nature of life.”
“Money isn’t everything. And you know, when my mother wasn’t calling me Beba, the Nigerian student, she was telling me other truths. Once, while her son went to call a nurse, she said something shocking: ‘Don’t just exist: live.’ Then she gave my hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled.” Beba seemed rather excited.
“That’s profound. So, how do you intend to live?”
“First, I shall tell the most beautiful woman I ever met that I have fallen for her,” he said.
Beba’s heart pounded faster. Will she give us a chance? Will I go home aching inside?
Kambi tilted her head to the left and said, “Is there someone new, Beba? How nice of you to tell me – out of respect for our friendship – about your new relationship.”
“Oh, please let me finish,” Beba said. Kambi’s interjections were making him stutter.
“Bravo,” she added, clearing her throat, as though she was bracing herself for the news. “You met someone new? A real fiancée, right?”
“Candy … sorry, Kambi. Can I call you Candy, please?” She nodded, waved him on. He saw that she was anxious to hear about the unannounced object of his affection.
“Candy,” he started and they heard the master of ceremonies call for the maid of honour.
“The couple needs toast glasses,” a woman called. “Kambi, remember you have to make a toast. The bride said you owe her a poem!”
Kambi touched Beba’s arm and ran off. “I am dying to hear about her … but duty calls. Sorry.”
“But, before you go, I have to tell you this: I cannot imagine a future without you. Since you left, you’ve stayed in my mind. I’m in love, Candy. With you.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. She leaped into his arms and pushed her nose into his cheek. Beba felt her shiver as though every fibre in her body had awakened with sparks. Her breathing spoke of her longing for him. Beba realised this and heard her body and soul calling out to him. He kissed her gently. His tenderness brought a smile to her lips. She sighed, rubbed her nose against his.
“Kambi, maid of honour! Toast time!” the master of ceremonies called, again.
“I have to go,” she said, as he released his grip. Smoothing her dress, she stepped back and blew him a kiss before disappearing behind a hibiscus and ixora bush.
Pumping his fist in the air, Beba mouthed a triumphant “Yes!”
“She loves me too,” he said, looking up to the heavens. “Can you believe my good fortune?”
He turned and saw his driver sitting among the other guests with his arms folded across his chest. And Beba gave him a thumbs up.
Kambi was standing behind the microphone, smiling. Bending slightly, she spoke into the microphone: “A toast to Tonye and Kaycee, because you understand the machinations of love.” She paused, closed her eyes and spoke softly to the rhythm of the jazz melody.
Don’t ask me how I know.
My heart never lies.
Even though it sleeps safely in your care,
In trust.
Love knows how itself to show,
Even in the dark, it glows,
And when we’re apart, it grows,
In trust.
A round of applause interrupted her recital. She smiled, spotted Beba in the crowd, and blew him a kiss.
And with every ounce of energy in him he blew her a kiss back.
Once they’d popped open the bottles of champagne, Kambi walked up to Beba with two glasses.
“Cheers!” she cooed. Beba nodded, clinking glasses.
“To love and happiness!”
“To love and happiness!” Kambi said. She finished her champagne in one gulp and pulled Beba onto the dance floor.
While they swayed and dipped and glided, Kambi put her hands around his neck.
“Today has been great for me. Extraordinary, in fact.” Kambi heart’s swelled with joy. She wished her sister had been here to meet him. If only Diana hadn’t had to travel for that training at her office …
“Of course, you should be happy. You’re maid of honour. Second-in-command after the bride.”
Kambi threw her head back and laughed, “Not just that. My agent phoned this morning to tell me she’d got another offer for my poetry collection.”
“That’s wonderful news. Congratulations!”
“But that’s not the best. The man who makes me feel high has just told me he’s in love with me.”
Beba pulled back while she twirled around to the music.
“I’ll never leave your side,” he said. He did a moonwalk around her. “Say you’ll spend the rest of your life with me.”
“For real?”
“Yes. This time I’m for real.”
***
Kambi danced with her hands up in the air, even though every muscle in her body ached. Beba was too excited to remember his half-burned vineyard or the other setbacks Kems Industries was facing. They had cast all their troubles behind and were celebrating their love. Making the most of their time together was more important than anything else.
Kaycee walked up to them. She had changed into a halter-neck red evening gown and was holding a glass of champagne. “You’ve both been dancing since noon,” she said, laughing. “Too bad Diana missed all this fun.” She had to scream above the din of the music for Kambi to hear her.
“Yes. How sad. She called this morning and asked me to send her pictures. She was almost in tears,” Kambi said, smiling. “And there’s so much to celebrate.”
Beba nodded. He was doing a rumba.
Kambi looked at him and felt her heart fill with pride. “We’re leaving, Tonye and I are leaving,” Kaycee said, waving her hands in the direction of the car park.
Kambi held her hand and said, “Have a beautiful honeymoon.”
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch,” she replied. Then she turned to Beba and said, “Take care of my friend.”
Beba laughed and said, “I will do my best to care for Miss I-prefer-to-do-things-myself. I love her the way she is, though.”
Kambi playfully punched him in the shoulder. He winced and hugged her. Kambi laughed so hard her ribs ached. She hoped too much happiness didn’t have side-effects. Her cheeks were already aching.
“Kaycee,” Tonye hugged her from behind and said, “Time to go.”
He was tall and dark-skinned; a contrast to Kaycee who was light-skinned and short.
He exchanged friendly handshakes with Beba and hugged Kambi. “Thank you for coming,” Tonye said. “We really appreciate your presence and your presents.”
Kambi nodded her acceptance. Beba said, “You’re welcome.”
Kambi leaned on Beba’s chest and stared as the couple left. Beba guided her as they meandered through the dancing crowd to the car park. The night sky was void of any moon and there was a scattering of stars.
All around the dimly lit park, young people stood in pairs locked in passionate embraces.
Kambi sat in the car, buckled her seatbelt, and sighed. Beba got into the driver’s seat and started the car.
“Wait,” Kambi said, hurriedly unbuckling her seatbelt. With his foot on the brake, Beba turned to her. And Kambi launched herself at him and kissed him full on the lips. He moaned and released his legs from the brakes. The car rolled forward. He gasped and pulled up the handbrake.
By now, Kambi was sitting on top of him, her nose sniffing his hair. He grabbed her to him and pushed his nose into her chest. He kissed her neck slowly until she cried. Then their lips met again, and they savoured each other hungrily. Their hands caressed and clung to each other.
“Not here,” Kambi whispered.
Beba sighed, “You don’t want us to be sued for a public display of affection?”
“Is that even an offence?” Kambi asked as she adjusted her gown and sat back in her seat.
“I think that will depend on where you are,” he replied.
She grinned at him and shut her eyes. She was definitely high on something she had found on the plateau. It felt good to finally be his real fiancée.