A TWO-PART SHORT STORY
POISON
Part One
Adunni was a beautiful lady, with fair skin, tall, and slim. Her graceful manner made her an alluring figure. Wherever she went, heads would turn, and she would captivate every man in the room. Arinola, her childhood friend, was the complete opposite. Chubby, petite, and dark-skinned, but when she smiled, it was as if the whole world came alive.
Adunni and Arinola maintained their friendship even though they went to different schools. After completing their schooling, they were working and living together in a flat. Living in Adunni’s shadow Arinola resents Adunni’s popularity. Arinola always seemed to fade into obscurity whenever Adunni made an appearance. Men who had expressed interest in Arinola multiple times found themselves pulled to Adunni the instant they laid eyes on her.
Arinola had a boyfriend, Bolatito, whom she had met through Adunni. Arinola was certain that Bola had a thing for Adunni, her doubts kept her from giving the relationship her wholehearted commitment. She thought the only reason he hadn’t abandoned her for her more glamorous friend was because he didn’t have money. Adunni only dated rich men, adding to Arinola’s inferiority.
As Arinola dealt with her insecurity, Bola landed a job at an oil and gas company. Six months later, he joined the ranks of the affluent. This intensified Arinola’s fears. She was now certain that Bola would leave her for Adunni. Desperate and anxious, Arinola decided to take matters into her own hands.
One day, while policing their interactions, Arinola made a discovery. Adunni’s phone which she had left on the couch next to Arinola, appeared on the screen with Bola’s text message, “Reiz Hotel, 4 pm.” Overcame with jealousy and betrayal, Arinola couldn’t believe that Adunni would betray her like this. She had never fully trusted Bola, but Adunni was like a sister to her.
Arinola confided in a mutual friend, who advised her to confront both Adunni and Bola. She decided to follow her friend’s counsel.
Persuaded that Adunni was going to meet Bola at the hotel, Arinola observed and waited until Adunni emerged from her room at 3:45 p.m., exuding an irresistible allure. Arinola then secretly followed Adunni to the hotel.
When she arrived, they were both lost in conversation and had not noticed her. Overcome by a surge of emotions, Arinola couldn’t contain herself any longer.
“How long has this been going on behind my back?” Arinola accused, her voice trembling with anger and hurt.
Bola, taken aback, asked, “Arinola, what are you doing here?”
Adunni, with a pained expression, added, “It’s not what you think, Arin.”
The truth was about to unravel, and the shadows of envy and insecurity were about to be exposed.
Thanks for reading,
watch out for part two.
Jumie Naths Stories
