Chapter Eleven

   "Good day sir" Grey greeted dad prostrating. There was a plastered smile on his face, I could tell it was because of the lady by his side. He isn't exactly cold as Travis but he's not very jovial, in fact, none of us were jovial when it came to Dad. 

Sad... Isn't it? 

    "My son, how are you?" 

Seriously though, he has to call him "my son"? 

Does he have to do everything to spite Travis? 

God epp us o... 

"I'm fine Dad" 

Mum came in just before Dad could say anything else, with a small smile playing on her lips. 

"Mummy good afternoon" Grey said still with that plastered smile

What's doing this one? all because of woman, mtcheww

"Femi..." Mum called languidly, she looked tired. Who wouldn't? Planning a party ain't easy, and we the Yorubas are owambe specialists. 

"How are you?" She asked absentmindedly 

She was busy staring at the lady beside him. 

"I'm fine mum" He answered following her gaze, his eyes twinkled briefly like he had remembered something and we all gazed expectantly as he ushered her forward. 

"Mum, Dad and everyone present" He wiggled his eyebrows which made me laugh softly

"Meet Igho, she's... a very good friend of mine" 

Okay, I was disappointed at his last statement, I actually anticipated him introducing her as his fiance or something, a serious girlfriend.

Hope this one has stopped his play boy lifestyle o

Igho genuflected whilst greeting my parents and she was welcomed, somewhat coldly by my mum. 

Na wa o,shey he said she's a good friend of his. 

But when I thought about it, she couldn't be just a friend, he's never brought a girl home before. I wanted to ask him but I wasn't one to pry in other people's business' especially not a man's. In this part of the world a woman's relationship status is everyone's business but that's not the same for the male counterparts. 

   So those two new "housemates"

Shey this one is BB naija? Tatafo

I wonder why my conscience is always against me

This life no balance

As I was saying before the interruption, Miss Igho was against sleeping in the same room with my brother. 

Talk about a good girl like me, awww.... 

The rest of us couldn't believe our ears, a girl that blatantly refused to sleep in the same room with my melanin popping, dazzling eyed, pink lipped, muscular brother. Bottom line, my bro is hot! 

and he knows it, in fact, he's always used it to his advantage. 

Fine boy with cash, who no go fall? 

He didn't want her to be in the guest room so she wouldn't feel left out on anything, and it was possible that some relatives would join us later that week. The bride said she didn't like sleeping alone so Igho should join her, 

Laila sha.. 

I knew her too well, she obviously wanted to get gist from the gal... 

The girl kukuma agreed and the matter was settled, she moved her stuff to Laila's room.  Just next to mine. 

That gist she's trying to get, I must get it too 

Dinner time came before we knew it. My sister in law did justice to the food.

Fufu and vegetable soup

One of my numerous favourites, as the foodie I am. 

Grey wanted to act posh in front of his girlfriend and use cutlery. 

We weren't at a restaurant or party so we all are our meal the traditional way, our hands. 

I laughed out loud when I saw the look on his face immediately Igho dug in with her hands. It was priceless! And before I knew it everyone else at the table joined in the laughter, including Dad. 

Igho was clueless and it was visible from the way she furrowed her brows until she saw Grey clutching his cutlery uneasily, like he was contemplating using it or not. 

Las las, my guy dropped it with a carefree shrug sending us into another bout of laughter as he dug into his meal moaning and licking his fingers. No doubt Ima had outdone herself once again. 

We had our meals in silence afterwards, savouring every bit of it. 

Mum was still acting weird, I noticed for reasons I didn't even understand. It felt like she was bothered about something bigger than the wedding. I wasn't exactly attached to her, any of my parents in fact. But I had a strong inkling to ask her what was wrong. 

**********

Ding dong.... 

That was the door bell, it was Wednesday morning, the traditional wedding was the next day. 

I wondered who was at the door, 

I opened it immediately, it seemed like the maids were still asleep. 

I opened it and saw aunty Jojo holding something similar to a knapsack with a zipper in the middle. She was smiling. I felt a smile similar to hers settle on my lips. 

"Good morning ma" I greeted taking the bag from her immediately she stepped in. My guess was right, it was my sister's wedding dress. I quickly wondered what took her so long to bring it, but then again it was on short notice.

She brought her tools to make amendments where they were issues. 

I wanted to see the dress because I designed it but I had to leave that privilege for the bride. 

"Josephine" Mum called softly while walking down the stairs, she was beaming with smiles. 

Na wa o, she's na being more excited than the bride sef

"Felicia" Aunty Jojo called smiling as always and pulling her into a warm hug. 

I greeted my mum immediately as I hadn't seen her that morning. She answered and her gaze fell on the bag in my hand. 

"Oh you brought the dress, I was beginning to panic" She said turning to our guest

"Ah! Felicia, don't you trust me? I've never let you down and I certainly won't do that at your daughter's wedding, it's a big deal"

Mum laughed softly

"Indeed, I always trust you my friend. So what can I offer you?" Mum asked sitting opposite aunty Jojo

"Oh nothing, I just need the bride, so we could try on the dress"

"Of course, Lola go and get your sister, in fact all the ladies in the house should move to Laila's room, right now" Mum instructed

I was scurrying up the stairs before she could finish. 

Good thing they had all woken up, and even had their baths

What entered these ones? 

Ima was busy with her kids when I was at their room, she quickly handed them over to their father who groaned in frustration. 

Tana was seated at Laila's room already, tapping on her phone as usual. Laila was in the bathroom. Thankfully I had had my bath as soon as I woke up so I didn't have to fuss like she did. 

Igho had gone to say hello to her "very good friend" 

And a few minutes later we were all gathered at my sister's room. 

Mum had given the cook the duty to make breakfast for the men and children cause it looked like we would not be coming out anytime soon. 

When aunty Jojo opened the knapsack, I gasped just like the other ladies in the room. To say I was awed, was an understatement. It was exactly how I wanted it to be for my sister. Elegant, not too flamboyant, it was perfect... 

The mumu was about to cry and it wasn't even the wedding day yet. Mum removed her glasses to stare at it properly. 

"Josephine, you don't ever disappoint" Mum said with a wide smile. I could see the joy radiating in her smile, a genuine one. 

"Thank you" 

"So let's get on with the fitting but first I must commend the designer of this beautiful piece"

"Ah you didn't design it?"  Ima asked in her language

They were both from Akwa Ibom state so they always communicated in their dialect

"No o" She answered

"Then who did?" Igho asked, curiosity getting the better part of her, 

"Tell me her Instagram handle lemme follow her abeg" Ima said quickly bringing her phone out

"You don't have to worry about that cause she's in this room" 

"Ehn?" Igho and Ima said at the same time

I almost laughed

"Well it's Lola here" Aunty Jojo giggled giving me a side hug which I accepted shyly

"It's a lie" Ima said wide eyed

I laughed softly

"It's true o" 

"Awww Lola baby I'm so proud of you" Ima said pouting and giving me a bear hug. 

"Which one is baby nau, I'm not Ayo biko" I pouted

"My friend keep quiet, you're still the last born. You sef do and marry" She teased

"You people should leave me na, in fact we're supposed to be checking the dress out, not talking about my relationship status" I quickly changed the topic before they start planning hook ups and blind dates

The other two musketeers were just snickering

Yeye people

Laila tried the dress on and it was a perfect fit, there wasn't too much amendments to be made, Aunty Jojo left soon afterwards. I kept the dress back in the sack, and we kept gushing over how beautiful it was. Mum was still quiet, I could tell she loved the dress but didn't want to support my dreams because of her husband. 

She left us in the middle of conversation, probably to join the others for breakfast. 

By the time we were alone, Laila called me to a corner

"I love the dress sis and I'm so proud of you, I think I'm going to announce it at the wedding sef"

I was astonished

Shey this girl wants to kill me

"Tolani, do not try it o, Dad will kill me"

"Don't tell me you've forgotten your plans?" She questioned with a scrutinizing gaze 

"No I haven't but I think it's too soon" I was nervous

"There's no time for dilly dallying but if you don't want me to, it's fine" She said with an air of finality

"Thank you" I heaved a sigh of relief

She looked at me skeptically before nodding and turning away. 

*******************************************

The house was buzzing as a bee hive. We were all busy with one thing or the other. I was busy with souvenirs ranging from ceramic plates, chopping boards, trays, dust pans, baskets etc they were numerous. My mum went out of her way to get those souvenirs and they were expensive. Then there were little jotters specifically for the traditional wedding, filled with the couple's pre wedding photos. 

They looked adorable

I wondered what the jotters for the white wedding would look like. The pictures were in traditional attire, so I guessed the other one would be in Western wears. 

I was almost drifting into daydreams of my own wedding when mum came up to me with a grin.

"Mummy is there something you need?" I asked innocently

"No my dear, someone's here to see you"

I wasn't expecting anyone, I had very few people in my circle so I couldn't think of anyone who would visit me at that point in time

I was shocked,when I saw Mr and Mrs Wole sitting and making small talk with my father who was grinning. That wasn't the cause of my astonishment, it was the fact that Tunji was sitting at one end of the couch typing furiously on his phone. 

Don't tell he's the one who's here to see me? 

I quickly said hello to his parents, his mom answered warmly with an unwavering smile. His father, my former boss, just replied with a smirk 

Weird right? 

Tunji looked up from his phone acknowledging my greeting with a court nod and a small smile on his face. 

I was about going back to continue what I was doing, when my mum called me back. 

"Aren't you going to offer something to your friend?".

Tunji? My friend? God warris happening

His parents already had wine in their hands so why was Tunji not having anything. 

" No ma'am, I'm fine really" Tunji turned down the offer politely. Candidly, I was relieved. 

And once again I was about to leave when I was called, by my dad this time

"Yes daddy" I answered 

"Sit down" He ordered

I sat down immediately at the chair nearest to me. 

What's happening now? 

Tana came in, just as I sat down. She greeted the visitors including Tunji and I saw his eyes twinkle the moment he saw her. Or maybe I was imagining thing... 

She smiled shyly and turned to me, asking me what was going on with my eyes, I shrugged, I had no clue. 

"So... I heard you and Tunji are quite close" My dad said to me smiling

"Uhmm not exactly but yes sir" I answered not knowing what he was heading at

"Well I'm not one to beat about the bush unlike your father Lola" Mr Wole butted in quickly making me give him my full attention

"We'd love for you and my son here to get married, in this case you do have a choice. You can court for a while before marriage and if you find out you're not compatible we can let you be"

I was bewildered by the news. I mean who does that in the twenty first century. I wanted to stand up and walk out of there but that would have been disrespectful. 

I wasn't sure I wanted a relationship but even if I did, I didn't want my first relationship to be in such a manner. There were so many odds to it. 

One look from my father and I couldn't reject, I looked at Tunji, he was my only hope, if he turned it down, no one would force him. 

"Tunji what do you say?" My dad asked eagerly

"As long as we aren't being compelled to get married compulsorily and we can decide whether we're compatible or not, then I'm fine with it"

Guy nau!!! 

"It's settled then" Mum said showing off her beautiful dentition. 

Great, just great

I'm in a relationship I didn't even bargain for. 

"Hmmm" I hummed, shooting death glares at Tunji, he shrugged subtly. 

"Please I have to go inside to sort some things out, please excuse me" I said scurrying off before anyone could reply

"Follow her" I heard a voice that sounded just like Tunji's mum

I actually thought she wasn't in support as she was quiet all through. 

You said you'll kick against any arranged relationship, see your life now

My conscience was right, I couldn't say anything, again. 

"Lola" I heard his voice and halted for a second before moving on, briskly. He was the last person I wanted to talk to at the moment. 

"Lola please wait, let's talk" He said more like pleading

I was already in front of the storage room

"What is it?" I said coldly folding my arms across my chest

"Listen I was in a tight corner, I couldn't refuse" He explained

Tight corner kó, box corner ní

"I'm sorry if it happened this way, but I want to get to know you. It seems like you're avoiding me. We could be friends, like real friends and maybe, just maybe it'll get us somewhere" He was pleading with his eyes

"Listen I know I'm single but I don't want to be taken off the market in this manner"

"Technically, you're not single any longer" He said with a smirk

"Oh God help me" I muttered in prayer

I was overwhelmed by the happenings around me

"So I'll see you at the ceremony tomorrow?" I asked changing the topic

"Of course, congrats to your sister" He smiled

"Thank you" I said smiling back

"I'll call you later tonight" He said with a wink, walking off right afterwards

Lola don't fall just yet 

I told myself, something just felt off about the whole arrangement. 

I arranged the souvenirs quickly and moved on to the next task, fixing my hair for the next day. 

The stylists were at the back of the house, they were done with Laila and Tana just started hers at the time I got there. 

They were fixing Laila's nails too, I looked down at my fingers and realized I needed a manicure too, it was long overdue. Ima was supervising the outdoor kitchen, Igho was with her

Even when we hired caterers 

The stylists were going to stay overnight to fix herself and mum. 

The men were busy slaughtering and butchering meat. 

"Madam which style would you like?" The stylist asked as soon as I sat down. 

I asked for a long human hair weave on, at least I could straighten or curl it into any bridal style of my choice. 

Bottom line is I did something similar to Laila's, just the difference in colour. She preferred black as she was the bride but I went for a dark brown color. Tana went for something curly, it had an ombre look to it, her artificial lashes were looking like feathers. I laughed with the way she reacted to my comment. 

"Local champion" She said

"I like it like that" I stuck my tongue out and laughed

I preferred shorter lashes that wouldn't make me look blind. My nails too had to be of medium length not like those of Falcons which a certain best friend of mine had on

She will so kill me for this

I couldn't bring myself to tell her about my sudden relationship with Tunji just yet. It still felt awkward whenever I thought about it. 

*****

"Confuse me, tell me why you dey confuse me o baby"

My phone started ringing out if the blue, I was outside with Ima and the kids. I had just had dinner and I came out to join her as the stylist worked on her hair. Mum had finished hers and was probably picking out her jewelry for the next day. 

I picked up. 

Tunji?of course. 

"Hello" 

"Hey how are you?" 

"I'm fine, what about you?"

"I'm good, I'm sure you're looking more beautiful than the last time I saw you" He teased

I giggled

"Why would you think so?" 

"Well you must have fixed your hair up for the party, probably your nails and then those umbrellas you people fix called lashes"

His statement had me laughing so hard

"Well you're right though" I said after recovering

"Of course I am, so you've given them the gist abi?" He asked

I was perplexed

"What gist and to whom sef?"

"The relationship gist and of course to your partners in crime, the ones you gossip with about me"

This one is just feeling himself

"Well I haven't exactly told anyone but why would I gossip about you, we only talk about hot guys"

Lemme crush his ego small

"Touché, ouch Lola, that's hurtful" He said feigning hurt

"I talk anything?" I laughed

"Well lemme leave you to rest for the night before you savage me again?" I could imagine him pouting

I chuckled

"Good night then"

"Yeah good night" 

I hung up before he could say anything else. How was I supposed to tell them? 

Abeg when we get to that bridge we cross it

I soon retired for the night, carrying my niece and nephews with me.

The kicking Tana and I received from them that night is a story for another day. 

Remind me  to not ever sleep on the same bed with hyper active kids. Their energy cannot even sleep at night.