Tough love

“So have you spoken to Tunji about going back to work”? Onyeka my best friend asked, as she took a sip of her fruit juice.

We were at the spa having a girl’s day. Onyeka was in her final trimester and badly in need of a foot rub, so we ended up at the spa.

“Nope”. I said rolling my eyes.
She let out a long hiss that had me confused.

“What was that for”? I asked.

“You have to grow up Sewa! Just grow up”! Onyeka exclaimed.

“I don’t get it, I have to grow up because I haven’t spoken to my husband about going back to work?” I was hurt by her outburst.

“No! You need to grow up because you are the most passive aggressive person I have ever met! You will not address this issue, you will bottle it up and start acting out until one day you will conclude Tunji has ruined your life and then infuse drama into your marriage”. Onyeka retorted raising her voice.

“May we please have the room”? I said to the spa personnel who had been massaging Onyeka’s feet.
She looked relieved at the request and scurried out of the room.

“Onyeka, first of all this is not the time and place for this discussion. I will attribute it to hormones and let it slide but next time, I will not tolerate you speaking to me about a private matter in front of strangers”. I said in a stern voice.
Onyeka rolled her eyes at me.

“Since you can be assertive with me, why don’t you extend the courtesy to your husband and let him know what you want”.
I had been expecting an apology in response to my warning, but instead Onyeka had chosen to emphasize her point.

“What is this about Onyeka”?

“I am being a good friend and giving you what you need’’. She responded with a wide smile on her face.

“A headache”? I asked. My tone heavily laced with sarcasm.

“Tough love baby” She said.
This time it was my turn to let out a long hiss as I packed up my things to leave. Just as I shut the door behind me, I heard the sound of Onyeka’s laughter.