The Stranger Within

Friends are supposed to be there for each other, to look out, and protect each others interests. I met Eny two years before my marriage. She got admission to a catering school and had to relocate to Surulere where her school is located. I got drawn to her because of her intelligence and outspokeness. She was fun to be with and definitely knows how to cheer me up with good stories.

The friendship progressed so quickly that my sisters weren't happy about it because they felt they didn't trust her because she talked too much. Eny was a chatter and can talk all day without getting tired. Being alone in a new environment is something I had experienced, and it wasn't a nice one. I wanted her to know she has family and friends, people she could also rely on for advice and support. I even introduced her to my aunt because her school was close to her apartment.

Eny would go there and use free wifi for assignments, download movies, cook, and eat whatever she likes. She became comfortable that she could visit anytime she liked, and then she started sleeping over. I didn't have any problem with it as long as everyone was cool.

I got married, left, and focused on my own family. We kept in touch, and she was the first friend to visit my apartment after we got settled in. A few months later, my name was on everyone's lip that Eny said, "I spoke harshly about my aunt to her."

She revealed confidential information I had told her and said I was ungrateful and a whole lot I couldn't mention. The most painful part was that she still kept cool with me while trying her best to damage my reputation and take my spot in the heart of my aunt. I realized she envied the trust and love my aunt and her family have for me, and she thought that since I had gotten married and left, it was a good opportunity to steal the spotlight.

It was my aunt's cook that called to inform me about the matter. I got very angry that I blocked her so she wouldn't be able to contact me. I also visited my aunt to clear the misunderstanding, and the whole thing was resolved. Eny wasn't comfortable anymore, nobody told her anything, but she read the handwriting on the wall and stopped visiting my aunts place.

When I think about it, I just wonder what happened to the sweet Eny I was initially drawn to. She could have still created a spot for herself in the family without trying to tarnish my own image. This was someone I assisted in school financially, I took her as my younger sister and wanted her to feel safe and loved.

I realized that I didn't see beyond the fake sweetness to know about her real personality. She became a stranger to me, and I left her in the stranger zone, which she created for herself to date.

This is my entry to this week @therealtalkk #prompt. I invite @ozibaby and @iquo to come and share their experiences.

Post by yours truly @kachy2022 ✨️ 💖 💓 💕 💗