“Happy New Year y’all!” Like a group of dedicated sots, Daniel could recall how he and his friends raised their cups of beer at the beginning of the year, rejoicing and enjoying like men who has no business with tomorrow. “Tomorrow will sort itself,” this has always been their slogan.
Like nature is always in their favour, all things seem to work out for them. These group of seven friends know no limits when it comes to enjoyment. However, like a road sign signalling a speed limit, Daniel had always been the one with caution.
“Days like these are incomplete without the ladies, let us call them in!” Like every sanguine, Ola is one of the most outspoken among Daniel’s friends and also the life of the party.
“This was what we did last year, although we never slept with any of the ladies because they were old friends and married at that, don’t you guys think we should excuse them this time? Things might go wrong and also for the sake of our wives.”
As Daniel countered Ola’s suggestion about the ladies, the rest of the group gave Daniel a look, which he interpreted as “you are so boring.”
“Why are you always afraid of your wife? Do you know whether she’s got a boyfriend too? It was you who stopped us from having all the fun last year. Just so you know, we had our ways behind your back. Loosen up man, don’t be like that Dan.”
As Tunde completed his statement, Daniel couldn’t believe his ears.
“You did what? Guys! These ladies are married, come on!”
“This is a normal thing and you can’t keep living your life like you do, you’ve gotta join the men boy!” The whole group giggled as, Ayo, another friend of Daniel gave his thoughts.
Like a man tormented by his allies, Daniel felt uncomfortable at what his friends had said. Although they had been friends since his college days, he couldn’t believe they could do all they had just confessed.
“Abike will never forgive me,” Daniel said to himself. “I need to understand something, are your wives aware of these moves you guys just confessed?” Daniel asked.
“Every woman is aware Daniel, you are just so backward about all of these.” Ola quickly replied. “Really? I am sorry Abike isn’t one of such women and she even allowed me to drink as long as I don’t come home drunk. I believe you guys won’t mind knowing that your wives also have men then. Am I right?”
As Daniel concluded his statement, the whole place went silent
Like a stranger in the midst of hostile town folks, Daniel’s friends frowned at him.
“You don’t have to insult us, if you are not interested in what we are doing, you can just leave. What is the essence of celebration if one can’t enjoy something new and different? We have all spent the bigger part of the 365 days in a year with our family, spending a day or two with someone else shouldn’t be a crime.”
As Tunde made his remark, the rest of the friends nodded in agreement but Daniel kept feeling the bite of his conscience.
“Guys, what are your aspirations for this year? We have spent years drinking and enjoying but have we really set goals or any achievement list for ourselves?” Daniel asked.
“Where is this coming from, it’s either you haven’t taken enough spirit or you have taken too much and with the way you are sounding, I think we should all go for another round of shots.” Tunde replied. “We all know our slogan, tomorrow will always sort itself!” He added.
“New year, New Me!” Daniel shouted. “You say what now? New what?” Before Ola could complete his words, Daniel angrily dropped his glass of beer and repeated “New Year! New Me!” It was like a revelation that was suddenly revealed, Daniel knew he had to leave the group unless he is ready to live the life they had earlier suggested.
As he walked away from his friends, the six guys couldn’t believe he had just bailed out over a short discussion. Like Daniel could read their thoughts, he wasn’t sure the matter was big enough to make him leave the crew but he knew he had always wanted to have a new year resolution.
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he drove home to his wife, he kept reminiscing on the good moments they've shared and was also thinking about what he had done and what his wife’s reaction would be.
“Welcome darling, you are home so early, hope all is well?” As Abike welcomed Daniel, she noticed his teary eyes and was a bit worried.
“Babe what happened?”
Like any loving spouse concerned about their partners, Abike hugged Daniel and started searching his face for answers. “Sweetheart, it’s new year and it’s new me, I chose you over my friends. I don’t want to live that kind of life anymore. Enough of drinking.”
Abike heaved a sigh of relief. “Baby, I am glad you made that decision. I know exactly what is going on because some of your friend’s wife are my friends. Did you know that two of your friends are about to get their divorce letters? Don’t ask me how I got to know. But I am glad you are all mine now,” Abike said.
Daniel could only smile as he couldn’t even imagine what could have happened if he were to be without his wife.
