Your true character is one that can stand the test of time.

I got back from Cleveland yesterday afternoon. The trip was a bitter-sweet experience for me, but it was still fun for the most part. The 3 reasons i embarked on this trip were to visit my childhood friends i haven't seen in 5 years, to attend a wedding and to have a mini-vacation. The wedding was excellent, the couple were Naijas, igbo and yoruba. I lied to my grandparents and uncle, that the bride was my senior in QC and many ex-QC gals are attending so it'll be a mini-reunion sort of. 5 friends i knew were on the bridal train, so in a way, i didn't lie. Even though the bride 'n groom didn't know me, i felt compelled to attend their wedding 'cos my friends invited me, since according to 'em, "their boy was the one getting married." The wedding rehearsal was scheduled for 7 p.m., but trust we Naijas, the rehearsal didn't start until almost 9. Throughout the rehearsal, I sat in one corner of the sanctuary, reading my novel and enjoying my company.

As I glanced up to look at the orisirisi they were doing, i started seeing familiar faces. One of the QCOG, came up to me to say hi, 'cos she spotted me 1st. We hugged and chatted for a few minutes, even though we were not in the same arm and we weren't buddies in QC, we still chatted. I decided to close my book, so i could follow the rehearsal, na so i come see anoda face. The chics face looked so familiar, i could've sworn she was Tessy, my classmate in QC. Her face looked distorted, and she had her hair packed in one way like that. Anyway, i walked up to her later, and asked if she was the person i thot she was, she answered in the affirmative and started pretending like she didn't know me. C'mon now, we were in the same class for about 4 or was it 5 yrs, how can ur memory be that bad? This chic, was one of the "bubblers" in school, and any QC gal, knows what that's all about. I jogged her memory a little bit, until her silly self said "oh, i remember u now" Imagine, such nonsense, i was disgusted. I thot all that QC rubbish would've ended there, but apparently not. She asked what school i was, i told her i was finishing up my undergrad. Apparently, she got her Bachelors last year, and is working Godknowswhere, so maybe that's why she was forming levels or so. Those who know me, know i'm shy, but i went out of my comfort zone, to talk to u, and now u're acting all superior and what not. Trust me, i fashied her. The other chic, who wasn't even in my arm in school was so jovial and all. I made another attempt to talk to Tessy again whilst we were getting our grub on and mingling, thinking maybe 'cos she was "rehearsing" she couldn't chat. The gal ignored me o, that was when i ignored her completely.

While i was reading my novel in the sanctuary, this bobo walked to me, asking me what book i was reading and orisirisi. Later on, during the mingling session, i took a good look at him and was 95% sure i knew him. When the opportunity arose, i introduced myself to him, and he did the same. The name was just so familiar, he then asked if i went to St. Savior's, i said yes, and that was how i met my primary school mate i hadn't seen since '93/'94. What a reunion! The silly boy, even remembered how i got him in trouble with Mrs. Ottah. Since then, he said he had been "beefing" me in school. He then started yarning dust,"just last week, i saw X and asked where u were, how to locate u." He honestly thought i was going to chop for his cheesy line. Anyway, we exchanged numbers.

My friends were good hosts. At least they tried to be, just that their own kind of fun, was different from mine. Friday nite, we (my 2 friends, their roomate and his girl) all went to the club, my 2nd time ever. Clubbing is really not my thing, but i went anyway. I don't drink, so let's just say i was a spectator at the club. I've purposed in my heart, never to go to the club again in my life, 'cos it's just a waste of my good time. We left early. Again, i don't know if it's my conservative side speaking, but i don't think there's anything cool, in using profanities in every sentence one makes. To say the least, i find it downright disgusting.

I enjoyed my trip, but i realized we've all changed. Our personalties, views, the way we live our lives and so many other things. One thing i'll say using Shakespeare's words is, "To thine own self, be true." Know yourself and do what u're most comfortable with. Don't be a hypocrite and start acting in a way u know isn't right, or in a way u wouldn't dare act if ur parents were around. Let ur stand be known, and don't waiver, come what may. I find this saying to be particularly true, "If u stand for nothing, u'll fall for anything." In conclusion, the ancient words that are ever so true, add that, "There is a way that seems right unto a man, but in the end leads to destruction."