Getting cold feet....CNF #125.

Teni and I were close pals in school. We were usually almost seen together around campus. If not for the fact that we were comfortable with just being friends, we would have probably fulfilled the wishes of so many people by becoming a couple.

Teni and I complimented each other, especially in our studies. He was a mathematics guru while I was good with theoretical school work. As long as that assignment doesn't contain X,Y & Z variables then I'm good.

We each helped the other out when one of us encountered challenges in academic work and it went on for quite a while with no one complaining. But a time came when I had to snap at his lackadaisical attitude towards essential things.

A time came in school when a new students union body would be elected. Teni already hinted to me once that he would like to compete for student union president. I was happy with that desire of his because that meant I got to have a spot in the executive body seamlessly.

I quickly called him to share the news with him concerning the upcoming election and he was delighted. We began to put plans in place for the campaign and other electoral propaganda. I thought we were on the same page but something Teni did opened my eyes to his lazy attitude.

”Teni, you were not available at the rally and your phone was not going through. What happened?” I asked when I saw him two days later after the day of the rally.

”I'm sorry Becky, I got cold feet. I just couldn't bring myself to face all those students counting on me to win. I feel like I'm under so much pressure and I'm thinking of giving up this lofty idea of becoming president”, he replied.

”What ! What was that you just said Teni. I'm certain that it was your tummy that rumbled and not your mouth that spoke”.

”For goodness sake Teni, we've been planning and organizing things for several weeks now. There's only two more weeks remaining and those students need to know that they would be casting their vote for the right leader. Giving up is not an option here. We have come too far to quit”. I replied sharply like a mother hen in defense mode.

”But….but I don't really think I can do this anymore Becky” Teni continued.

”What is the but in this matter. This was your dream and if there is any concrete reason why you want to pull out aside having cold feet then I'm all ears but if this is all because you fear the workload ahead when you become president, then bro I'm not buying it. You really need to pull up your own socks. I'm your friend and I'm willing to assist you in every possible way but I need to know that my efforts won't be in vain” I retorted and walked away before I said something I'd regret later.

Teni didn't bother to call me back nor did I want him to. I wanted him to reflect on his attitude and be up and doing. So much has been invested into this campaign that it would be quite a pity if it should go down the drain. I also knew that this election meant something to him, his laziness was stopping him in his tracks.

The next rally day, I decided to show up hoping that my words had sunk deep into Teni's skull. I arrived at the meeting point only to see Teni addressing his comrades and supporters. He was not with any manifesto but he was laying out things he would help all the students achieve while he would be in office if elected.

Standing beside a mango tree not too close to the stage but close enough for me to hear him speak, I felt my heart soar in pride. This was my friend. The ambitious and kind fellow that I knew. There was no doubt that he would be an outstanding leader.

”All this I promise to accomplish if you would trust me enough with your votes. Thank you all and God bless the great Akokites!” He finally rounded up his speech.

And the round of applause came after a unanimous shout of ”greatest Akokites”.

I couldn't be more proud of Teni's success. It was apparent that he would win the election. We all put in a lot of effort but at the end of the elections, Teni came out as the vice president. We were all still happy for him because he played fair and square and never lobbied for the position. I automatically became his right hand man and appointed financial secretary.

Teni was thrilled at having been able to accomplish his dream. He called me over with some key executive members to celebrate at an eatery. I was glad he could improve himself and overcome his laid back attitude.

Ten years down the line now and we are still friends but no longer as close as we were but anytime we converse I still get the pleasure of teasing him with his cold feet😁.

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Thanks for reading.

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Images used were imagined with Meta Ai.