Romantic Medal

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Henry walked slowly to a black-tinted Corolla car that was parked adjacent to the departmental building. He leaned on the car as he brought out a piece of paper from his back pocket flipped open and scanned through the write-up. He tries to memorize what is written on it but it seems he couldn’t. After several attempts, he folded the paper back into his pocket. Not long after his phone rang, “hello Frank” he said as he slowly walked away toward the cafeteria.
“Where are you”? The voice from the other end asked.
“I am heading to the cafeteria now” he responded.
“Let’s meet there”
“Okay, no problem”, Henry said as he returned the phone to his jean trouser.

At the cafeteria, Frank had already ordered food and was eating as if he’d been starving for days. Frank has been the only real friend among a group of three. He says his mind all the time not minding who is involved. Among the three, Frank happens to be the outspoken one and does not have a problem with socialization. Most times, in their discussion, while others might lack what to say, Frank will always have enough to say and to defend himself. Hardly, do you defeat him with words. They know their ability and weakness.

Not long after Henry walked into the cafeteria, took out his phone and was about to dial Frank’s number when he suddenly spotted where Frank was seated ravenously eating his food.
“How far” Henry said interrupting Frank from taking the last ball of garri from his hand
“I dey fine” Frank responded with much alacrity.
“Where is William”? Henry asked, “I thought he was with you”?
“That big-headed boy told me he’ll be coming late to school today” Frank interjected
“It's alright,” Henry said as he took a seat to sit.
“Order for food, I will pay” Frank said as he used the serviette to clean his mouth.
“When did you start being generous”? Henry mused as Frank looked at him waiting for him to land so he could give him the response of his life. “You think I am as poor as you are, money you no get, to talk to a woman you no sabi, wetin you dey good at self if I may ask”? Frank let loose in pidgin. “The other day if no bi say, I dey with you, Gloria for don beat you scatter bodi” Frank vented the more. At this point, Henry was speechless, he knew that he could not match speech power with Frank.
“I am not hungry” Henry interrupted.
“It’s okay if you say so” Frank responded politely. One thing about Frank is his ability to switch sides in conversation. If you want it hot or cold, English or pidgin, all can be found in him.
“Concerning the other matter” Henry began a new conversation. “I have decided to take the bull by the horns”
“Which matter”? Frank asked, looking lost.
“Florence matter na”
“Oh, you mean asking Florence out!” Frank exclaimed
“Yes,” Henry answered looking sheepish. “You know, Williams wrote some of the things I could say to her when met her” he said handing over the piece of paper to Frank. After staring through the writeup on the paper, Frank laughed uncontrollably, wondering how a grown-up could not man up to talk to a girl whom he claimed he loved but resorted to memorizing some words to use.

“Henry”, Frank called as he walked closer to him, “you have to man up and say your mind to the girl, she won’t beat you the least she would say is no. so shoot your shot and don’t let anything stop you from doing so”
Frank spent about ten minutes motivating Henry on how to go about it talking to Florence and at this point, Henry has been sensitized and equipped with words to say and how to say it without looking fearful.
“Understand that a girl will not take you seriously if you’re timid”. As Frank said those words Henry suddenly flashed back to what happens when he tries to talk to Gloria. She almost beat him up because of how he was shaking.

After all had been said by Frank Henry stood up, stretched his muscles and cracked his knuckles, breathed out and took a walk out of Frank. Frank was lost by Henry’s reaction. He watched as he walked toward a table that was adjacent to theirs and sat opposite a girl who was sipping from a bottle of Malt. Behold it was Florence. Florence was a girl that Henry had dreamt of talking to but several attempts had been unfruitful so this time, he was fully prepared for her.
After some minutes, Henry was holding hands with Florence walking toward Frank who sat with William. As he got closer, he smiled like someone who just won a medal from a wrestling competition. Truly, he won, but for love.

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