2. DAMIAN

She finally agreed to meet with me today. 

After weeks of marinating in the friendzone, she agreed to go on a date with me. 

I met Anita for the first time at my brother’s wedding reception.

This was three years ago.

She came as a plus one with Anabelle, my brother's long time friend.

There was something about her that instantly drew me in. I walked up to their table to exchange pleasantries but my goal was to get to know beautiful girl in the olive green dress.

I was familiar with Anabelle so I made small talk before asking who her plus one was.

She introduced her as Anita Odeh, a cousin from her mother’s side.

Anita gave a brief smile and shook my hands. I held on a bit longer and gave her my best smile. 

“Nice to meet you, Anita. I’m Damian", I said.

My smile seemed to work its charm.

She held my gaze and replied,

“I’m Anita, nice to meet you too”. 

As I walked away from their table, I made a mental note to ask Anabelle for her phone number. 

They left before the reception was over and I lost my chance. I was able to reach Annabelle a week later and asked for Anita’s number.

She replied two days later that Anita had kindly declined. 

I travelled back to Abuja a week later, disappointed and wondering why Anita had said no. 

One year later, what would seem like a coincidence to many would be the story that changed my life forever.

Anita would move to Abuja to resume a new job in another city branch of the company I work in. 

Our company would organize a general training and we would both be in attendance.

Coincidence? I didn't think so at the time. I believed that God was weaving together a perfect love story.

I was wrong. I was dead wrong.