Here Comes The Sun.
What is the most romantic season of the year?
You are sure many people would answer that question with “valentine of course!” because honestly, there’s enough evidence to back that up—flowers, chocolates, dinner dates, surprises; sometimes good, sometimes bad. But for you, it’s whenever Segun is in Nigeria.
You met Segun in church through his mother, Deaconess Adeyimika, who thought it was a bright idea to introduce you to her son from the UK. Although you weren’t too keen on the idea because you had just been recovering from a bad relationship yourself, you decided to play along; see where it goes, maybe you could even be friends.
Segun was perfect for you. You could see something there but you weren’t sure you wanted to pursue it; he was based in the UK and you had no business there; Lagos was your home, you weren’t sure you wanted to do long distance. Your last relationship wasn’t even long distance but it wrecked you, who knew if getting into a relationship with Segun was you tempting fate? So when Segun proposed that you two start seeing each other proper, you refused. You lied that you didn’t see him that way, he was just like a brother to you. You expected Segun to cut you off and move on but he actually stayed put and started behaving like he was really a brother to you.
And you were cool with that, for real. You had Segun by your side, you both had fun and nobody was getting hurt. This seemed like the perfect arrangement until Segun returned to the UK; then it was clear how much you had lied to yourself. You began to just go through the motions: go to work, eat, sleep, and repeat. The only thing that kept you grounded was speaking to Segun every evening. You couldn’t deny how your heart squeezed when he video called you to ask about your day; how you felt warm whenever his voice started to sound heavy with sleep but he just wouldn’t cut the call because he wanted to hear the end of whatever story you were telling. You had had enough; you confessed your feelings to him during one of your video calls and almost started doing a cartwheel right in your living room when he said he had never stopped liking you. Finally, you were off the streets.
Then you subconsciously divided your calendar into “before Segun comes to Nigeria” and “after Segun comes to Nigeria.” Whenever Segun wasn’t in Nigeria, it was as though everything was wrong. The sun did not shine as it ought to, the days went by slowly, even the birds were not left out; they sang out of tune. Some days you woke up and debated going back to bed because there was nothing on your planner to excite you. Sometimes, you actually got engrossed in a particular activity but it was only a matter of seeing a couple walking hand in hand before the thought of Segun enveloped you. You even started doing countdowns for Segun’s arrival to keep your head above water.
The moment Segun touched down in Nigeria, you began to see the world in vibrant colours. You laughed as Segun teased you about your new hairstyle; you had long dreads on as an inside joke you both had about Nigerian-British women. You could feel the electricity in the air as Segun grabbed your waist as you were about to enter the taxi and kissed you like you were air and he was out of breath. You heart sang Segun, Segun, Segun.
You were acutely aware of the sun’s warmth on the small of your back, where Segun’s hand was, as he guided you into your two bedroom apartment. Although you were more of a hip pop fan, you swayed with content to Lionel Richie’s Endless Love, Segun’s favourite, in your living room with the lights down without a care in the world. You both fit perfectly as you snuggled on the couch to watch your comfort series, How To Get Away With Murder; a morbid choice but Segun was down for it.
Whenever Segun was in Nigeria, you laughed more; you sang more; you joked with the bus conductor that would normally piss you off. Segun was the sun your world needed to shine and shine it did! You went on crazy adventures together— who knew rock climbing was such a fun thing to do with someone you love? You finally felt complete, the missing puzzle piece finally in place.
Tomorrow, Segun would be leaving again for the UK and you could already see your perfect romantic season coming to a temporary end. His head was on your laps as you both watched The Fault In Our Stars because you were in the perfect mood to cry. You had been quiet for a while; both of you coming to terms with your imminent separation. Augustus Waters was telling Hazel Grace how the world could go into oblivion and he’d still be in love with her when Segun said, “marry me Lola.”
Segun might be leaving for the UK tomorrow, and yes, that’s sad but you have video calls, texts, and now, an engagement ring to keep you company.
Thank you for reading, please do well to give this 50 clap offerings, comment and share. Do check out The Beatles' “Here Comes The Sun"— it’s a blast!
