John arrived at the event late, when everything had already kicked off. The place was well organized and decorated. A colorful balloon hangs on the wall. A sound system at a strategic corner with a DJ already booked for the event. When he looked at the far end, a table with all kinds of alcoholic content already in place.
The table and executive chairs were decorated with orange flowers. Blinking colourful lights filled the room. According to John, it was the best party he had ever attended. A stream of excitement overpowered him as he took his place.
All the big boys had paired. A movement was in a pair. But John had just arrived. He found one lady around who was desperately looking, and John just knew that she must be the one he had booked. But he had to confirm.
John called his friend Kevo, the one who had been given the role to book the ladies on behalf of everyone, to give him a girl.
John was given his girl, whom he picked, and led her to a high table. They had to eat first before they could drink alcohol.
An introductory part of it was amazing. "Hello, cutie, I'm John, a military commandant at Bosco barracks," he softly spoke to the lady.
The lady introduced herself as Praxedis. The name was too hard for John to pronounce due to the effect of his mother tongue. Also, his education level was limited, having only completed basic education.
Praxedis was a local girl, but too beautiful. John kept staring at her. Her lips were well applied with lipstick, looking pink in color. The hairstyle, earrings, dress fashion, and everything were marvelous.
John served himself potatoes, rice, and roasted meat. For the lady, she preferred just a yogurt drink.
Then, they started drinking alcohol. As if in a drinking competition, John was surprised at the rate his lady was drinking. But then, they were there to enjoy themselves.
The DJ understood his role well. The local music filled the air. Almost all the people were on the dance floor. Every pair was showing their dancing styles. John was motivated, taking his girl to the dance floor.
It was now approaching midnight. The party was at its peak.
John and his partner were already drunk, and the best they could do was stagger. They could not accept being left behind. They two struggled to make a dance.
John's judgment had already been compromised by that particular time. He later fell down and was immediately taken to a specific corner of that particular room, where he was to stay until he regained consciousness.
No sooner had John slept than Kevo, his close friend, took away his girl. Kevo and Praxedis formed a new pair, dancing closely and perfectly bonding.
Kevo's girlfriend had walked away after a disagreement arose between them. This left him alone, bored, and looking disappointed for a while.
Kevo saw an opportunity that he thought he could utilize. He first quickly went and confirmed the status of his friend John. He found John in a deep sleep. He then went and seduced Praxedis. Kevo was a sweet-tongued man and had a high level of convincing power.
In a spur of the moment, they were dancing together. Kevo knew very well that he had betrayed his close friend. He knew very well that even if John didn't realize anything at that particular time, he was very sure that other friends would betray him. But thought to deny any allegations that would be raised afterward. Alternatively, he alleges that his judgment had been compromised by the alcoholic beverages taken.
Praxedis showcased deadly dancing styles, attracting the attention of other occupants. She danced vigorously. Maybe she wanted to utilize the chance that had presented itself.
At the cock crow, John woke up confused. He had to take a considerable amount of time to come back to his senses. The music was so loud, and people were responding to it. He first confirmed his pistol. John was a military man, and according to military laws, he was supposed to have his pistol with him all the time. He woke up and slowly walked to the seat. He took quite some time trying to locate Praxedis. His eyes were unable to trace the girl very easily. Eventually, Praxedis was spotted dancing with Kevo.
"What! Am I dreaming?" John wondered. He had to pinch himself to confirm that he was not dreaming. The pinch came along with extreme pain, but at least he had confirmed that her mind was Okay. Not just a friend but a close one. The person they had grown up with since childhood, Kevo! But why? Friends had to maintain boundaries to respect each other. And there were things that even best friends cannot share, a girlfriend. John's jealousy was on another level, and they vowed not to forgive.
John felt angry and betrayed at the same time. He had a lot but could not express it. It took him time to accept the reality. It was very clear that Kevo had snatched that girl from him. But who could be blamed? Was it worthy of blaming Kevo for what had happened? No, John was to carry the blame. It was clear that he portrayed a careless image and could not safeguard the girl.
John left the place annoyed. He could not persevere anymore. Kevo, realizing John had spotted them, felt guilty. He felt like apologizing, but restrained himself. According to him, it was totally wrong for a man to apologize to his fellow. This created a bridge between the two friends. It was absurd to own someone's girlfriend when he was around. It was considered a coup.
In some circumstances, other people took it as disrespect. But now it had already happened. Nothing could reverse it. John remembered how his friend Kevo had earlier tried to snatch girlfriends from him. If we could categorize Kevo, he must have been a greedy person. Although they had grown up together, the situation forced them to part ways.
Close associates realized something weird and were keen to intervene. As they watched John leave the party in such an unusual way, they realized he was very angry. They had been to several parties together, mostly every weekend, and knew each other well. They had to talk to Kevo in an attempt to solve the problem and for peace to prevail.
The conversation did not go as well as expected. Kevo felt offended being asked to look for his friend John to apologize. Also, Kevo knew that being humble before his friend would portray him as weak, something that he really hated.
Kevo later left with the lady, Praxedis. In his mind, he thought that he was to escort her to the bus stage and bid her farewell as she left. This was not the case at all as the lady had no such intention.
Maybe she had a different thought in her mind. A thought to act glued to the boy and leave together as husband and wife. But how could that happen, considering that they had never met before, and that was the first time they had been together?
At the bus stop, Praxedis was not taking any steps. At first, Kevo thought that maybe she had no fare back home. He picked up his wallet and opened it carefully, took a five-hundred-shilling note, and gave it to her. She gladly took the money and appreciated it.
But Praxedis was reluctant and maintained a bold stand. That was how it dawned on him that things were turning into a mess. He had already found a wife. But Kevo was not ready for an early marriage.