From as far back as we could both remember, we had each other in our lives. Tony and I were inseparable. Our friendship had lasted through the ages and through the seasons.
Tony and I had grown up together in the same estate, attended the same nursery school, same primary school, same high school and even the same college. We had no secrets between us. We knew whoever the other was dating, flirting with or simply fancying. A couple of times we had even hooked each other up with mutual friends and most often, we’d be mistaken to be the perfect couple but such wasn’t the case. We were just good friends or family friends as Tony liked to say.
Our mothers were also best friends. As government officials, they had worked together in the same office throughout their careers and had been friends even before they had us.
I, however, was unlucky with love. Except for my high school love, the other men I dated after never stuck around to celebrate a first year anniversary. Now in my late twenties I was yet to find a serious mate. Tony on the other side was quite the playboy. Ever reluctant to commit, he’d get in and out of relationships at will stating it wasn’t time for him to get tied down.
Through my several heartbreaks and ever sharing with Tony, I secretly developed feelings for Tony. For numerous months, I battled with the thought of facing Tony and proposing the idea of us coupling up. But the fear of Tony turning me down and the possibility of our friendship getting awkward or falling apart overwhelmed me.
Countless signs I’d given him but Tony never responded in the positive. To him, I was always the family friend and sister.
I knew I understood him best. I knew he was a good man. I knew it wasn’t his fault not settling down with the other ladies. They just didn’t get him as I did. In my mind I knew it was smooth sailing when it came to both families accepting it for their mothers and siblings had also suggested it a couple of times. And didn’t our pastor also say we look good together? Of course, he did.
So I made a resolution. When Tony breaks up with his new girlfriend Ann, for I knew it was only a matter of time, I will take her spot. Always acting happy and supportive of the relationship, I began to wait. To make sure the opportunity does not slip through my fingers when the time comes, I started turning down all dating proposals that came my way during the wait.
As predicted, Tony broke up with Ann five months later. Like a good friend and a supportive girlfriend to be, I was there to offer company and a shoulder for Tony to lean on as he gets through his heartbreak. However, knowing how fast Tony is likely to move on, I conjured up enough courage a week after the break up and opened up to him about my feelings.
What I feared most came to be. Tony turned down my proposal saying that us dating felt weird, and suggested its best we take a break from each for a while. To make it easier for me, he requested to be transferred to a different town.
Yet again, I found myself unlucky with love. Only this time I also lost my best friend.