I had muted the class WhatsApp group after the disappointing reunion party we had two years ago. I tried to be among the organizers but it seems our class rep and his assistant had a plan already.
Attending the reunion was everything I could think of back then because it was an opportunity for me to see some of my classmates again. We do chat, but it wasn't like having a physical conversation, which I enjoy more.
I paid close attention to the preparation and knew that the whole thing wouldn't make sense. I told my best friend from school about it, and she insisted that I don't interfere since the organizers weren't taking advice.
If I had known the whole thing would be as boring as I thought, I would have just sat at home. There was food and drinks but no other fun activities or games; everyone just sat around to chat, and merriment came later.
I wasn't impressed and everything was a waste of time and money. I vowed not to attend the reunion ever again but Simbiat persuaded me not to make such a decision since it was our first time, and I just kept quiet, knowing well that the event would be my first and last.
The next reunion didn't hold as many people expressed their displeasure with how the first one went. I thought it was over and was surprised to see Simbiat asking if I would attend the upcoming reunion for the third year.
"I thought it was scrapped," I replied to Simbiat's Whatsapp message.
"No, it wasn't. It just didn't hold last year," her response was accompanied by a bird dancing sticker.
I was about to type when I saw the notification that Simbiat was typing, so I paused.
"Don't tell me you haven't been seeing the preparation on the class Whatsapp group?" She asked.
"I muted the group a long time ago," I replied.
"You can't be serious," She replied.
"I am and wouldn't attend because I can't be fooled twice," I replied and just put my phone away because Simbiat can be very persuasive.
Like I predicted, Simbiat started persuading me but I didn't say a word. She flashed me and it was then I lied about running errands for mom.
For almost a week, I kept playing the busy game with Simbiat until she finally showed up at my place.
"What a surprise! You didn't mention that you were coming?" I stuttered upon seeing her.
"Really? Like you would have allowed me," She replied as we both went into the house.
We exchanged pleasantries and my parents were happy to see her after a long time.
"So about the reunion, I hope you have changed your mind?" Simbiat said to me immediately after we retired to my room.
"Can we just not talk about this? I already told you my decision," My mood changed immediately.
"I am sorry and won't talk about it anymore," She apologized.
"This is your stubborn attitude, I expected you to have changed after all this while. Your mates are already mothers, and here you are still acting stubborn," Simbiat teased.
"I don't care," I muttered, still frowning.
"Forget about the reunion. I have a nice birthday party and don't want to attend alone," Simbiat replied, smiling like a little kid who was given sweets.
"Birthday? Who's the celebrant?" I asked turning back to her because I love birthday parties.
"My crush, but you don't know him," She replied, and right there, I was already planning on what to wear.
"So are you attending?" Simbiat asked and I just burst into laughter.
"That's a yes," She said and we both laughed again.
Simbiat left my place the next day and would always remind me of the birthday party.
Out of curiosity, I decided to check out the class Whatsapp group because something didn't feel right. Simbiat doesn't quit when it comes to persuading people.
I was very suspicious and found out that Simbiat birthday event was on the same day as the reunion. I immediately knew she was trying to make me attend the reunion and I played along with her after thinking about it carefully.
On the reunion day, she came to my place and we both prepared for the reunion disguised as a birthday party.
I allowed Simbiat to pick my outfit and even shoes; she preferred a native attire that wouldn't fit for a birthday party and I couldn't continue the pretense.
"So you think I didn't know your plans?" I asked Simbiat after helping her with makeup.
"Plans as how? I don't understand you," Simbiat pretended not to understand me.
"Where exactly are we going?" I asked.
"A birthday party," She stuttered and started laughing.
"You caught me. I didn't want to attend the reunion alone," She added.
"I know there was never a birthday party, and you just wanted to follow you to the reunion, which I will, but with a condition that this would be the last reunion if they fail to impress again," I replied.
"I promise it would be the best reunion ever and I already paid for you," Simbiat replied.
"I will refund you and don't be too confident about the whole thing," I muttered, reaching for my phone so that we can take pictures.
We took pictures and ordered a ride online. Our ride arrived shortly after booking.
I had mixed feelings as we went in the vehicle and just hoped that the event would make some sense. We arrived at the school and I was impressed even by the decorations.
My classmates were excited to see me and I had to lie about not engaging in the class Whatsapp group all this while. After settling down, the event started and I got a small pamphlet containing the reunion program.
Upon spotting fun and games on the list, I started smiling.
"I told you," Simbiat said immediately she noticed my reaction.
We went from one game to another and I would have hated myself if I had missed so much fun. It was lively and full of energy.
As the sun was setting, I knew it was time to go home but I started looking forward to the next reunion party. I didn't hesitate to pay Simbiat back my reunion fee and unmuted the class Whatsapp group.
