Kwesi and I practically grew up together. Our friendship was one of those unavoidable things that happen in life. This is because our families run in the same circle. His parents see me as part of their family, just as much as my parents see him as part of ours. With this kind of arrangement, we were bound to be best friends. And we were such an envious duo. As we grew older, people who didn’t know our back story assumed we were dating. Sometimes we corrected them, but sometimes we didn’t. We were fine with whatever people thought of us, as long as we knew what we truly meant to each other.
One day, while I was nursing a very nasty heartbreak, Kwesi asked me to accompany him to Joy FM’s Bridal Fair at the International Conference Center. I didn’t want to go out that day, especially to a bridal fair, but I put my feelings aside and showed up for him. As we went through the stands, I realized it was a good thing I went out. We ran into some of our friends and had fun hanging out with them. There were lots of teasing, reminiscing, and laughter that somehow calmed my aching heart. A few hours later, we were exhausted and ready to retire to our homes. Kwesi and I said goodbye to our friends and took a taxi heading in the direction of my house.
On our way, he took my hands in his and kissed me tenderly on the lips. I didn’t see it coming. I never even dreamt of a time when he would kiss me. “What was that for?” I asked, expecting him to apologize and tell me that he got carried away by the moment. Instead, he smiled and said, “I have been wanting to do that for a very long time.” “Why?” I asked confused. “Isn’t it obvious? I love you.” I felt uneasy, but I couldn’t say much because we were in a taxi and I didn’t want the taxi driver to listen to whatever I was going to say to him. When we got to my stop, I dashed out of the taxi in an attempt to get away from him but he followed me to my gate. He said he wanted a word with me so I took the items we bought from the fair inside, and came out to meet him.
“I didn’t mean to ambush you with my feelings, I’m sorry. I understand that you are still recovering from your breakup, so I’m not pushing for us to be together. I just wanted you to know how I feel about you.” He said. I responded, “Okay then, I’m glad I know. Now can we call it a night? It’s been a long day.” He held up his hand, “Wait, there’s something else I haven’t told you. I applied for a job in the USA and I got it. So I’m making preparations to leave the country in a few months.” Before I could congratulate him and share in his happiness, he added; “My parents have decided that I have to get married before my departure. They arranged a match between me and one of my church members, and preparations are underway for our marriage for that one too.”
My only response was, “Wow! All the cats are coming out of the bag tonight. Is there anything else you are yet to tell me?” He shook his head. We stood watching each other for a moment before I gathered my thoughts and hugged him, “Well congratulations on your employment, and congratulations on your engagement.” We spoke about his plans and I offered to help him in whatever capacity I could. Although I felt ambushed by the news, I was happy for him. Whatever plan I had cooked up in the taxi to push him away, I tossed it into the trash. “The guy is getting married and leaving the country. There is no point in distancing myself from him now. Let me just support him until everything is done. Married life, coupled with his stay abroad will take its toll on our friendship and we’ll naturally drift apart.” I thought.
As promised, I helped him with the preparations for his wedding. We shopped for all the items on his fiancée’s marriage list together. After buying the items, we wrapped and packaged them nicely. His traditional marriage was on Friday, while his white wedding was on Saturday. Members of his family travelled from far for the event. Most of them arrived on Thursday and lodged at Kwesi’s house. As a result, Kwesi stayed at a hotel with his groomsmen. At around 7:00 PM, he called to tell me his friends had planned a Bachelor’s party for him and he’d like for me to be present. I was quite exhausted after going through the day making sure everything was ready for the wedding, but I agreed to attend the bachelor’s party anyway.
The party ran late into the night and I had no intention of sleeping over at the hotel with Kwesi but before I realized it, we were alone in his room drinking red wine and talking deep into the night. One thing led to the other and we ended up making love. After the act, I was filled with regret and remorse. I kept asking myself, “What have I done? How am I supposed to face the bride in the morning after what I have done with the groom? How am I even supposed to look at his family without feeling guilty?” I stayed up all night while he snored peacefully. At daybreak, I told him I had to oversee some last-minute activities before the wedding. Upon reaching home, I told myself that I would not attend the wedding. But that wasn’t possible because I had a role to play at the reception.
So I dressed up and showed up at the wedding and played the supportive best friend. Honestly, I do not know how I sailed through the whole ceremony. I felt broken throughout the event and I vowed that I would no longer see Kwesi after the wedding was over. On Sunday afternoon I was home when Kwesi showed up on my doorstep. It was a few hours before his dinner party and I had planned not to attend. “What are you doing here, Kwesi? Where is your wife?” I asked him the moment I set my eyes on him. He said, “My wife is in my hotel room resting, in preparation for the dinner party. I am tired too so I want to rest at your place.” At first, I said I wouldn’t let him stay. And he also refused to leave, so we argued for a few minutes until I gave in. Oh no! I didn’t agree to another shuperu. I just left him to sleep till his best man came to pick him up.
While Kwesi was on his honeymoon he called me trying to chat but I didn’t encourage him. After the honeymoon too he continued calling and trying to see him. When I realized he was getting out of hand, I threatened to report him to his pastor. I cut him off, even though it meant I lost my best friend. I did it to save his marriage. I was not going to be the reason another woman would cry.
—Akosua
