NotSoWickedIgboWoman

We sprinted through the rain, the cool droplets cascading around us. Oddly, the wetness didn't register. It was as if the sheer exhilaration of the moment shielded us from the discomfort of the downpour until we found a building popularly known as the Hub. Its official name, "the Center for Something," eludes my memory, but it was a space where tech enthusiasts lived and worked. It had a section fitted with work tables, ergonomic chairs, and the latest laptops. It also had a relaxation area as well, with colorful cushions in various shades. I remember seeing orange and green bean bags, board games, and some well-watered plants. When we entered the hub, a group of young men paused mid-argument and looked at us like humans stumbling upon a group of aliens. One of the older-looking guys stood and walked toward a group of closets, pulling out two huge blankets. By the time he approached us with the blankets, the group seemed to have moved on, getting back into their interrupt

I stood there, captivated by the part-smile, part-grin that adorned your face. "You're late, you know," I remarked. "I don't think so, I believe I got here right on time," you replied. I chuckled, "You think? Next time you keep me waiting even for a minute, I'm walking away," I said, pseudo-angrily walking ahead of you while harboring a secret smile on my face. After walking a few extra paces, you called out loudly, "It's not that way, Bren." Dear readers, "Bren is short for Brenda," I guess it's time for an introduction. I'm Brenda Parker, a tall, dark-skinned beauty with brown eyes or at least that's how people described me 15 years ago. Now, I'm just a 32-year-old woman with flaky ashy skin, and a face that screams grief. I am the last of five children born to a professor and a veterinary doctor. Michael always called me Bren, a name that brings back equal parts happiness and grief. I halted, rolled my

Like you, dear readers, I'm still in disbelief about how I ended up here. At the time, it all felt like a dream, a joke, and even a massive misunderstanding. Lying in this dimly lit cell, I open my eyes, reflecting on the day I got arrested. As I was dragged out of Michael's apartment building wearing his big gray hoodie and my purple shorts, I held onto one thought: he would come, clear this mess, and I'd be set free. Going down the stairs, the halls were filled with neighbors pointing, speaking in low tones, and shuddering in disbelief. I frantically searched for his familiar face all the way down, knowing he was supposed to return soon with our breakfast. As I got downstairs with the hefty men, one of them entered the front passenger seat of the unmarked black car, another went to the other side of the back seat, while the last one was shoving my head through the other side. I was to sit in the midst of two men who treated me like vermin.  In the midst of all the chaos,

Alas, i'm getting ahead of story, that's not quite how it happened. It's no surprise though, considering that my memory isn't what it used to be, especially after 15 years and in these conditions? Its laughable. The mix-up however can be explained as our typical mornings spent together all seemed quite similar. They were all filled with endless banter, romance, and a hearty breakfast. Whenever I was within the pristine white walls of your apartment, you made sure I was well-fed. These were usually either store bought or your own delicious effort.  Getting back to what actually happened. I remember standing at your rust brown wooden door, beaming with smiles when I heard your key turn in the lock. As you walk in through the door, your eyes lit up with interest as you looked at me, your hands laden with even more food than I had initially asked for. You had a smile on your face that was undeniably attractive and quite flirtatious. I momentarily lost my composure and b

After the kiss, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The tension that had built up between us seemed to hang in the air, charged with anticipation. As our lips parted, you looked into my eyes, and the desire was thick as a fog. You said, "I always wondered what that would feel like; I'm still not so sure I got it." Then you leaned in closer, and we shared another passionate kiss. After the second kiss, I had to take a moment to catch my breath as it all took me by surprise. You took me by surprise. We talked and laughed some more but the entire time, the only thing that was going through my mind was, "What's next? I kissed him, so what is he expecting next?" After we spent some time talking on the couch, you asked me if I wanted to get more comfortable, lie down, or something, you said. Well, I wasn't going to say no and look like I was overthinking things or being a child, so I agreed. We moved to the bedroom and laid down on the bed. I remember laying