The line at the mall that day was so unusual. It was so long that one could easily reconsider his choices. I was with Micheal, we had just finished our grocery shopping, a few drinks and more drinks for the game night we were having at Michael's place.
Micheal was so engrossed in his phone. He paid little attention to what I was telling him, so I didn't bother wasting my saliva on him anymore. I took my eyes off him to the long queue ahead of us, hoping that miraculously or somehow, the long queue would just vanish. That was when my eyes caught on the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in a while.
Standing a few feet away from me, just in the next queue. She had a basket filled with groceries and invested all her attention in whatever discussion she was having with her friends. She smiled the cutest smile I've ever seen at intervals. I could hear her voice when she replied to her friends; it was so soft and melodious, floating through the air. And her face had this beauty that steals your attention even without trying.
Her brown skin shone like polished mahogany, and you could tell how soft they were just by looking. Her eyes sparkle under the fluorescent light. It felt like everyone and every other thing moved in slow motion as she flipped her long braid to her shoulders.
A beauty that left me drooling. Wishing the world would just sink, and I'd be left just with her so that I could walk up to her confidently and tell her how she's got the cutest smile in the world, just like they do it in Hollywood. Then I'll watch her smile again as I ask her out on a date. Maybe dinner at the finest restaurant in Uyo or a walk at Unity Park. Then she'll nod her head with a soft response of
"I'll love that".
And we'll exchange numbers. Then for the rest of the night, I'll brag to Micheal how I've got a date with the most beautiful girl in Uyo.
I was still lost in my make-believe world when I heard Micheal poke me a little.
"Baba move na" Michael's voice barely registered.
I jolted back to reality and turned to see I was standing at the cash register, holding the line.
"Sorry," I looked at the cashier and smiled apologetically at her. But she returned my smile with an annoyed stare.
I put my items on the counter and folded my arms. I could see Michael stifling with laughter. Then he leaned towards my ear and asked
"Guy, were you lost staring at that girl?" He asked mockingly.
I feigned ignorance of what he was talking about. Trying my best not to stare at the beautiful lady again. But somehow, my gaze still caught hers, and this time, she was already leaving the mall, completely unaware of the chaos she had caused in my head. She must have finished paying for her groceries.
I quickly pushed Micheal to the line "I will be right back". I said.
Something in me just couldn't let me allow her to go without knowing her name.
"Where are you going?" Michael yelled.
Again I ignored him. My mission at that point was to talk to the lady whose beauty had left me mesmerized. I ran outside and saw her walking towards the parking lot. My heart pounded and my palms were sweating.
"Hi," I said as I caught up with her. I paused and tried to catch my breath as she looked more stunning standing closer to her. For a moment, I forgot what to say next.
"Hi," she returned my greeting. Her eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity.
"I'm Marriott and I just wanted to say you've got a cute smile". Immediately I felt myself regretting that. I cussed myself within me.
"Uhm, Cindy and thank you for the compliment." She replied, still being polite. But her friends were already chuckling.
There was a long silence as I forgot what to say next.
"Is that all?" She asked.
"No.. no." I felt stupid. "I uh,.. I was wondering if we could grab a drink sometime. Unless you don't drink, which is fine. Maybe we could grab a snack, anything just to get to know you," I prayed silently to stop talking.
Then she smiled more. Not the mocking type, but a sweet kind of smile. She raised her left hand, and on her finger, I saw her engagement ring. "Sorry, but I've got a fiancé" she replied, letting me down gently.
I took a step back. "Oh, I see. Such a lucky guy" I said.
"Thank you" she smiled gently again.
"Have a nice day" I added and walked off. Ashamed of myself but glad I got to talk to her.
I met Michael at the entrance of the mall. He was done paying for our items and was making his way out of the mall.
"Bad boy" he hailed me. "Did you get her number?" he teased, laughing.
I laughed back at him. "Nah, I was crushing on an engaged lady".
"Oops. That's bad luck, bro. Don't worry you'll be lucky next time. Don't cry," Micheal teased again; I shoved him playfully, and then we walked out of the mall.
