LOVE AND LIES

 

AUTHOR:   NAMINA KAMARA

In a world where love meets doubt, two best friends find themselves tangled in a web of fear and lies. Becca, scarred by past heartbreaks, avoids love at all costs, while Marvellous clings to a distant boyfriend whose promises are as fragile as glass. But when secrets start to unravel and unexpected messages cross the lines of friendship, nothing is as it seems. This is a story about trust, betrayal, and whether love can survive when everything is on the line.

*LOVE AND LIES*  

*Chapter One: Thirty Missed Calls and a Lie Waiting to Happen*

“Jesus, Jesus, Marvellous!” Becca shouted, nearly spilling her Fanta as she dropped dramatically onto the couch.

Marvellous, calm in her oversized t-shirt and headwrap, didn’t even flinch. “Becca, I honestly don’t have the strength for you today. Just go straight to the point. You’ve been shouting like a faulty generator.”

Becca sat up, her eyes wide like she had seen something terrifying. “That guy I told you about… the one who’s been bothering me with messages?”

“Yes?”

“Can you imagine? He left me *thirty* missed calls this morning. *Thirty*, Marv!”

Marvellous dropped her plantain chips. “What? Is he your husband or something?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out!” Becca threw her hands up. “Is he the uncle everyone in my family is afraid of? I don’t understand. This man is disturbing my peace like I committed a crime.”

Marvellous burst into laughter. “Becca, I swear your ancestors must be responsible for this one!”

Becca rolled her eyes. “And I haven’t even said yes to him yet. That’s what makes it worse. I’m skeptical. How can a man apply this much pressure so early? That’s exactly how they start. All in at the beginning, then once you fall for them *bam!* they switch and start treating you anyhow.”

“You and your love drama,” Marvellous shook her head. “Maybe you should give him a chance. Who knows? He might not end up like Franklin.”

Becca hissed. “Please stop that. That’s the main reason I won’t even consider him. All men are the same. This one? He’s already acting worse than Franklin. At least Franklin didn’t harass my phone like this. This one is behaving worse than the devil himself.”

Marvellous couldn’t stop laughing. “Becca, please! You’re going to kill me one day. You and these trust issues.”

“I’m just protecting my heart,” Becca replied, crossing her arms.

“Well, I thank God,” Marvellous said proudly. “Desmond is not like that. That man treats me like I’m royalty. Last week, he sent me three million leones — just like that. And yesterday, he called me just to ask if I needed anything. I said no, but I’ll still call him today so we can finalize things for my 20th birthday. You know we have to look good. We’re classy girls, after all.”

Becca raised a brow. “You and this Desmond… I don’t trust him.”

“You don’t trust anyone, Becca.”

“I’m being serious. Don’t you think you need a backup plan? Just in case Desmond disappoints you. Long-distance relationships are never that secure. You need someone close to rely on.”

Marvellous scoffed. “A backup plan? For what? Desmond is more than enough. That man adores me, Becca. He loves me so much. He supports me, checks up on me, provides everything I need. He would never cheat on me. I’m sure of that.”

“Until he does.”

Marvellous glared. “He won’t. Desmond knows exactly what he has. I’m the full package  beauty, brains, and a little attitude on top.”

Becca smirked. “I’m just saying, maybe keep someone on standby. I don’t trust these men. Especially long-distance ones. They’ll tell you all the sweet things, but behind your back  hmm.”

Marvellous waved it off. “That’s your issue. Maybe if you actually believed in love, you’d be enjoying soft life too. Your heart is so guarded, nothing can get in.”

Becca gasped. “Wow.”

Just then, Marvellous’ phone vibrated loudly on the table.

She looked at the screen and smiled. “Speaking of the man himself… look who’s calling.”

Becca rolled her eyes. “Please go and answer your call. But don’t let me hear any ‘baby this, honey that’ in your voice. Just talk calmly and come back.”

Marvellous giggled, already walking to the kitchen. “You’re just jealous. This is love, bestie. I’m going to talk to him about the birthday plans. I’ll be back soon.”

Becca leaned back and whispered to herself, “If only she knew…” it will end in Tears.

Marvellous leaned against the kitchen counter, phone pressed to her ear. Her voice softened into that sweet tone she reserved only for Desmond.

“Hey baby… how are you?” she began gently. “I called you so many times yesterday. You were online and still didn’t return any of them. Come on, babe.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she listened to his voice on the other end.

“What do you mean I called too much? Desmond, you know if I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t have called you that many times. I know you’re busy with work and everything, but I called during the time *you* told me you’d be free.”

She paused, then softened her voice even more.

“Anyway… I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I didn’t mean to. I just miss you, that’s all.”

Her hand gripped the edge of the sink now. “Babe… about my 20th birthday. You know I’ve been looking forward to it. I told you I want it to be unforgettable. I know all my friends will be there with their boyfriends and girlfriends, and… I want you there too. Please, just come home. Even for a short while. Just this once. For me.”

Her voice cracked slightly.

“You’ve spent years over there. And every year, you’ve promised to come for my birthday. You never did. This time is different. It’s a big celebration. Please, Desmond… just show up.”

She listened for a moment, and her brows furrowed deeply.

“What do you mean *I should find someone else to replace you* that day?” she whispered, her throat tightening. “Desmond… you know no one can replace you. It’s either you or no one. You know that.”

A heavy silence fell.

“What do you mean I should cancel the birthday?”

Her voice rose now, desperate. “Desmond—Des! Don’t do this”

The call dropped.

Marvellous stared at the screen. Her reflection in the microwave showed the tears she wouldn’t let fall.

She took a deep breath, wiped her face quickly, and forced a bright smile as she walked back into the living room.

Becca looked up immediately. “So? What did he say?”

Marvellous laughed — too loudly. “My darling boyfriend said he won’t be able to make it for the birthday because of work. But guess what? He promised to send me twenty million leones to cover the entire celebration.”

Becca’s mouth dropped open. “It’s a lie. Are you serious?”

Marvellous smirked. “You think I’m joking? I don’t joke with things like this, baby. Desmond doesn’t play when it comes to me.”

Becca shook her head in disbelief. “Wow. I’m happy for you, honestly. Twenty million? That’s not even a head start  that’s the beginning *and* the end of everything. The party’s basically done already!”

Marvellous flipped her hair confidently. “Exactly. Everything is settled.”

marvellous smiled, then added dryly, “Well, I hope you find your own man.”

Becca rolled her eyes playfully. “Don’t pray for me like that. I don’t want.”

“Are you serious?”  Marvellous ughed.

“Very serious,” Becca said.

Becca leaned in. “So that means we’re going shopping next week, right?”

Marvellous grinned. “Of course! And I’m dragging you with me. You know you’re not escaping this one.”

Becca laughed. “I’m right behind you Ma!.

As hearts drift and secrets stir, the next chapter will change everything

 ("when lies becomes love's language, storms never wait")

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