https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/freewritehouse/2432YsTPWYQdDRPdVSUREq9Nenk4ZRMwGcjq8VnNMVRDxYtLyYoDpbqEUz6c8N1MFds41.jpg

I see the 01 and April boldly written on the image.

April is the beginning of the 2nd quarter of the year, and springtime. 1st of April is marked as April Fools' day, a day when everyone often play pranks on each other. Some go out of their ways to stage make-believe scenes for the fun of the day.

As I gazed on the date, I began to feel nostalgic, and couldn't help but reminisce on the event that played out on this date some years ago. 

**The Tale**

I've never been one for April Fools' shenanigans, like it's not really my thing. I can't even remember indulging in it before. To be frank, I suck when it comes to playing pranks or tricks. I always end up being caught even before I can finish executing it, lol. But on this April Fools' day, I decided to prank a friend and I was determined to pull it off to the latter, hehehe. 

My plan was to bring up a make-believe news of me being with a baby. I must confess that I was a skeptical about this plan as I didn't know what to expect from him. But I was ready for the worse. If I perish, I perish. Hehehe. 

That morning, I called his phone and when he picked up. With a quivering voice, I told him I was coming over to his place and needed to see him urgently. Noting the nervousness in my tone, he asked "Is everything okay?". My reply of "not really" sent a note of alarm and he became worried, wanting to know what's going on. 

Having gotten him where I wanted, I decided to throw in the punchline. I started with, "I don't know how to say this", I paused, took a deep breath and continued, "I went to the doctor and the result came out p....." Letting out a gasp, I hung up.

He called back several times but I didn't pick up. After few minutes, a message popped up on my phone's screen. It was was from him. and it read, "Stay home, I'll be coming over in 30 minutes so we can sort things out. I love you".

I gasped, "he took the bait" I exclaimed, brimming with excitement. I could imagine him in a state of frenzy and worry. But after a while, I realized I might've gone too far. "Oh no!. What would be his reaction if he finally finds out that it was all a prank?", I thought. "Well, I've sent the ball rolling already so it's better I wait and see where it'll land", I concluded. 

Twenty-five minutes later, I heard him call out from the door. I slowly made my way to get the door, while pretending to be distraught and sniffling out a tear. Immediately the door opened, he wrapped me in his arms, and began to stroke my hair. Afterwards, that he pecked me on the forehead, looked into my eyes and said; "You're forever mine and the baby is mine too. I'll take full responsibility so you don't have to worry your pretty little head, my Angel" "Everything will be fine", he reassured me. 

Crushed by his kindness, I was thorn between maintaining the prank and letting the cat out of the bag. "But I can't back down now that I'm enjoying the show", I resolved. So I pulled back from his hug, went to the table and picked up an envelope which I handed out to him. 

He opened it and pulled the paper out. With a side eye, I saw his expression change from concern to confusion. The paper was blank, except for a single message penned across it: "I love you dearly, Jamil" He was taken aback by the unexpected message and with eyes widened in shock he looked up at me, questioningly.

"Yes, I love you dearly, Jamil" I said, repeating the exact words I had written on the paper, in a slightly shaky voice. His gaze softened and he opened his arms, beckoning me to come. I shook my head and continued, "About the baby, it's a.. ", He was about cutting me off when I blurted out, "It was a prank." A what? He shouted, disbelief on his face. "A prank, Jamil, I'm not pregnant!", I said, my eyes shining with amusement.

 "Damm it, you got me this time, you nymph". He said teasingly, and reached out to grab me. "I just wanted to see how you'd react, " I cut in, succumbing to the warmth of his embrace. "I should have known better," he said, chuckling at his own gullibility. 

Locked in his embrace, I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, like a child who had received her favorite chocolate. I was especially happy that the prank proved that Jamil loves me genuinely and would stand by me, no matter what happened. 

However, while still basking in the euphoria of having pulled off a successful prank, he dropped a bombshell,  "It would have really made my day if you were actually going to have a baby", he said, his voice laden with a tone of regret. "Huh?", I said, throwing him a quick glance. It was my turn to be shocked.

His emphatic "Yes, I wish for that" sent a flutter through my chest, and I felt a rush of emotions. "I didn't expect you to say that," I said, my voice soft and uncertain. "Well, I've said it", he replied, his face etched with mischievousness. Taking the cue and with a grin, I responded, "In that case, let's make it happen" "You're something else",  he said chuckling. I joined in and we burst out, laughing. 😅


Thank you for reading. 


***
***
https://img.leopedia.io/DQmZuavB1TQ4H4UZnrridAehLxZjNowSUYK7oFXXXdCBNmQ/2goeQDi.png
***

Posted Using [INLEO](https://inleo.io/@luchyl/a-test-of-love--h51)