TRACY
The day was quiet, sunlight spreading lazily across the edges of my room. I lay tangled in my sheets, my body turning restlessly as though caught between sleep and memory. In my dream, his face appeared lingering close enough to touch, but always slipping away. My breath became unevenly, my lips parting with soft murmurs, as if I was speaking to someone who wasn't there, but there he stood. Too sexy to resist, to masculine and strong, abs revealing, tempting to touch, with a smile on his face, he lingered towards me. I gasped in pleasure, throwing by body at him as he caressed me and lit my soul on fire. Every touch was electrifying, every breath sent signals to my body and I longed for more.
Outside my room, Sonia knocked gently, then again, waiting.
When no answer came, she hesitated before trying the door. As usual, it was unlocked. She pushed it open just enough to step inside. What she found made her pause.
I was asleep, but not peacefully, because I was caught in the intensity of a dream that had me rolling across the bed, clutching at the empty space beside me. A faint smile, tingled with longing, curved my lips.
Sonia's first instinct was to retreat, to give me some privacy, but concern kept her rooted. Slowly, she crossed the room and crouched beside my bed. "Tracy," she said softly, reaching out to touch my shoulder.
The dream began to dissolve. I stirred, lashes fluttering open, eyes hazy and still filled with whatever I had just been living in my mind.
When I realized Sonia was there, my cheeks warmed. A sheepish smile crept over my face carrying both amusement and embarrassment.
"You... saw that, didn't you?" I asked, my voice light, though my expression betrayed my shyness.
She only smiled gently, squeezing my hands. "I saw you dreaming, moaning and grabbing your sheets. Girl, whoever that man was must be worth it, damn!" She exclaimed leaving me more embarrassed.
I sat there, a bit relaxed, though my flush remained.
"Who was that, you have to spill the tea, c'mon don't be shy". Her voice crept back again.
I gazed at her, her face beaming with smiles, longing to share my fantasy dream with her.
"Okay, okay... oh my gosh, this is actually not the first time I've had this erotic dream, Sonia."
Seeming to like the conversation with my best friend, I readjusted and blushed like a baby.
She covered her mouth in awe, and snapped her fingers.
"So you mean that this guy has been making love to you, in your dreams, and I'm just finding out? Oh you're a selfish best friend..."
I chucked a bit and waved at her statement. "It's embarrassing to have this kind of conversation, and I didn't know how you'd take it. So, I kept it to myself."
She rolled her eyes and said; "oh please, I like this kind of conversation, it turns me on."
Shaking my head, I tried to get out of the bed, but she dragged me down. "Where do you think you're going to? You still haven't told me who this man is. Abeg, you must spill this hot tea or else I'll lock ourselves inside this room."
"Can you at least let me use the restroom?" I asked.
"Be like say you no sabi me o... I'll chain you on this bed o..." she replied pointing her tiny finger with a protruding nail at me.
I grunted softly and then Sat back, feeling even more embarrassed to talk about it, but then again, I understood why she wanted me to hold the conversation. If I really wanted a change to evolve, then there're certain things I needed to let go, like intimidation, shyness and self embarrassment. I've had enough of all that, and it was time to be a better version of me.
"I just had the best wet dream ever Sonia, I won't lie. This kind of dream doesn't come all the time but any day I find myself drowning in it, I don't need saving." I glanced at her to tell her expression but her face was expressionless, so I continued."
"It's Romeo. He's been appearing in my dreams lately."
Her Eyebrows raised, and her lashes flicked. "What? The same guy you've never met, touched or kissed? You don't even know his name...."
"Yeah, I know right? Is it a bad experience to dream of someone you love, but hadn't touched before?"
"Well, none of that I know of, I'm just flabbergasted..." she said scoffing.
"Oh don't mock me Sonia, it's love!" I tried to be defensive, waving my finger in the air.
"Hmm... you must really love this man too much to even fantasize about him. Where is he at?" She asked pretending not to know the answer.
"I don't know Sonia. I wish I could really tell." I responded, burying my face down.
"Oh c'mon, you don't need to be sad, Tracy. Honestly, it would have been easier if you knew his name. At least we could have looked him up on social media or the internet. Nevertheless, just like I told you before, if it's meant to be, then he will find you."
I threw my face away from her gaze for some moment, thinking about the whole issue.
"What if he doesn't find me? What if he doesn't want me so much like I do? What if..."
She snapped the word out of my lips.
"That is why you shouldn't dwell on this matter too long. Girl, you're young, beautiful, sexy and breathtaking. Any man would die to be with you. Allow yourself breathe. Enjoy your youth while it lasts because tomorrow is not promised okay?"
"Yeah.. I mean, I have you by my side now, so I'm really going to enjoy my youth while it lasts."
We laughed but not loudly.
"Thank you best friend, I feel a lot better." I hugged her tightly and then rushed into the bathroom, fumbling with the door.
"Sorry Sonia, I couldn't hold it any longer."
And all she did was laugh at me.
A moment later, I flushed the toilet, ran water in the sink and washed my hands. Emerging from the bathroom looking sheepish but amused, I dried my hands on a towel.
"Crisis averted. You're lucky I made it in time."
I stepped into my bedroom where Sonia was waiting on my bed, hugging a pillow. She tried to smile at my playful energy, but her face betrayed a heaviness.
I plopped down on the edge of the bed, still catching my breath, my playful tone softening as I noticed her expression.
"What's wrong baby girl? You seem bothered."
She stared at me as emotions ran through her eyes.
"Talk to me... what's wrong." I asked again, worried.
Eyes glistening, forcing the words out; "I... I miss him, Tracy. My ex. He's been texting me, asking for a makeover, saying he wants to start over. And the truth is..." she paused, swallowing hard, almost whispering. "I really want to forgive him. Part of me just wants to take him back even after what he did to me."
I leaned forward, gently placing a hand over her's.
"Oh Sonia..." I muttered softly with concern.
We sat quietly, the weight of her confession haggling In the air. I squeezed her arm gently. "Hey... I hear you. Missing him doesn't make you weak, okay? It just means you still care."
Her eyes flicked up, searching my face.
"But I need you to really think about why you broke up in the first place. People don't change overnight. A few sweet texts and promises can feel good, but they're not the same as actions." I measured carefully.
She blinked back tears, hugging her pillow tighter.
Leaning closer softly, I continued. "If you forgive him, it has to be because he's truly earned it, not just because you miss him in the quiet moments. You deserve someone who makes you feel safe, not someone who keeps you guessing."
Her lips trembled into the faintest smile, comforted by my steady tone.
Warmly, with a small smile I continued. "Whatever you decide, I've got your back. Always."
She nodded, exhaling shakily, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little.
Taking a deep breath, voice soft but determined, she said; "I know you're right, Tracy. I know I should be careful... but I can't help how I feel."
She wiped her eyes, then looking down at her hands twisting nervously in her lap. "I want to accept him back. Even if it's just a trial... I need to see if he really means what he's saying."
I watched her closely, concern written all over her face. She Hesited, almost whispering "And... I was thinking of inviting him here. To our house. It feels more comfortable, safer... than meeting him somewhere else for now."
She looked up at me, searching for my reaction, her eyes pleading for understanding.
Gently, almost childlike. "Would you be okay with that?" She asked
I paused, taking in her words then I smiled softly. "This is your apartment baby girl, you're permitted to do whatsoever makes you happy."
"I know Tracy, but we live together now and I respect your opinion. Besides, I shouldn't tamper with your privacy also."
I smiled at her, rubbing her tender face. "Thank you for looking out for me. But If that's what you feel in your heart, then okay. We'll do it your way. After all, I have my own privacy here in my bedroom. I do not mind at all. Moreover, if inviting him here makes you feel comfortable, then I'm with you. I'll be around, and you won't have to face him alone unless you want to."
She exhaled a shaky breath of relief, a small smile breaking through her sadness.
"Honestly Sonia, you're not crazy for wanting to try again. Love is complicated. What matters is that you're safe, and that you know I've got your back no matter what happens." I reassured her.
She nodded, her eyes glistening, finally feeling a little lighter.
"Thank you, Tracy. That means everything to me. You're the bestest!" She screamed hugging me tightly, and I patted her back softly.
"You're welcome, sweetheart. Anytime." I replied disengaging from the hug.
"Oya dress up, I'm taking you shopping. I don't mind emptying my bank account for your sake best friend". She concluded, dragging me out of my bedroom to hers to pick an outfit for us, since we wear the same size.