C H A P T E R N I N E T E E N

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Normani woke up in an empty bed for the fourth morning in a row. Again, she had received another text full of apologies and promises to 'make it up' from Keith. With a sigh, she got out of bed and got ready for the day.

For the past four days, Normani had kept herself busy with whatever was on TV during the day. The Ikandes had Netflix, but the titles weren't as diverse as back home but she was able to entertain herself by re-watching old episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

She kept Ayoola company in the kitchens in the late afternoons while she prepared food for the family. Although Ayoola wouldn't let Normani touch, cut, peel, mash, pound, stir or spice anything, she fell into conversations with her easily while she slaved over the pots.

Lunch and dinner were very particular rituals in the Ikande household. Family dinner was observed once a week, where everyone would sit at the table and enjoy a meal together. On every other day, Ayoola would cook Mr and Mrs Ikande's dinner first.

She had strict orders on what to cook every day in the form of a daily menu that was written on a small chalk board mounted to the wall next to the switch that powered the stoves. She'd then make lunch for the Ikande children and with them, she adhered only to a weekly menu.

Most times, the lunch she'd cooked would only be consumed in the evenings as Matilda, Joseph and even Keith preferred to have snacks in the afternoons.

Ayoola and Kalu ate the same thing every single day - fufu and egusi soup. They were allowed to eat rice only on Sundays and special holidays.

Ayoola would make their food last and Kalu would come and fetch his plate around 18:00 with a small grateful smile before slinking off to his quarters.

Normani was uncomfortable with the way the servants of the house were treated like second-class citizens but she kept it to herself, knowing that if she mentioned it to Keith, he'd dismiss it and chalk it all up to cultural differences.

In the evenings, Normani had taken to reading Chimamanda Ngozi Achidie's 'Purple Hibiscus'. She'd found the copy on a bookshelf in the Big Parlour.

For four nights straight, Keith had promised to be home before 21:00 and every night, Normani had read the book while propped up on the large pillows to keep herself awake. Each time, she'd fallen asleep after midnight without Keith having returned yet.

It took Normani less than a minute to realise that today wasn't going to be like the past days. Ayoola was kneeling near the staircase, furiously scrubbing polish into the floor.

Normani could hear Mrs Ikande's voice from the kitchen, "and you will scrub those floors until they shine! Our guests must be able to see their reflections in the tiles!"

Ayoola was dressed in clothing that was even more ragged than her usual tired ensemble of an old long skirt and a red tee shirt that had holes in the back.

"Good morning Ayoola," Normani said, as she usually did.

"Good morning Miss Normani," Ayoola replied, although her voice was so low and so tired that it came as a rushed whisper.

"What's happening?"

"Miss Normani please - go into the kitchen, I've left your breakfast for today - don't make conversation with me now," Ayoola replied hurriedly, not daring to look up into Normani's direction but instead on the brush in her hand.

Normani felt stung by her words and she wordlessly walked passed her and trotted into the kitchen. It was 12:00. Normani had woken up late and had spent a few minutes texting her best friend.

That small comfort made her feel less upset about Keith. She found a plate of freshly-made French toast and orange juice tacked with a piece of paper with her name on it tacked onto the plastic cover that covered her food.

Mrs Ikande was in the kitchen, sitting on one of the stools and with her eyes trained on the pot of whatever was cooking on the stove.

"Good afternoon," Normani said. She barely saw Mrs Ikande - she always left in the afternoons and returned in the evenings.

She ate her dinner alone in the Little Parlour before she'd head to bed. The woman still intimidated Normani as she felt that she hadn't warmed up to her at all.

Mrs Ikande greeted her back but her eyes trailed over Normani's outfit for a few seconds longer than necessary. Normani sat in the TV, bewildered from all that had happened in the past half hour.

She was only able to focus for four full episodes of Fresh Prince and then after she could no longer concentrate because Mrs Ikande was calling orders to Ayoola non-stop.

In the past two hours alone, she'd been ordered to dust the bookcases, wipe down the dinner chairs, polish the clear glass table and sweep the carpet that rested beneath it.

Normani finally crawled out of the TV room around 15:00. She found Ayoola in the kitchen preparing snacks on a single platter with pink plates - those were Matilda's.

She'd placed some celery sticks into bowl, along with a few cubes of feta cheese and baby carrots. She was currently chopping a cucumber - with the sharp knife posed over the vegetable with lazer-sharp focus.

She'd only cut three slices before Mrs Ikande started shouting something in Yoruba. Normani didn't understand but she knew it had something to do with the cucumber because she kept on pointing at it until Ayoola started to cut thinner slices.

A few seconds passed and Mrs Ikande took out a wad of Naira bills and threw them near Ayoola so carelessly - like she was a filthy prostitute of some sort that needed to be compensated for their services by an obnoxious customer. She murmured something in Yoruba again and left the kitchen for the first time since the day had begun.

Ayoola finished with the cucumber and wrapped Matilda's platter with a clear plastic wrap before she picked up the wad of bills, folded them and stuffed them into her bra. The life had all but drained from her face and she seemed subdued and tired.

"Where are you going?" Normani asked.

"Madam wants me to run over to the market to get flowers but I haven't started with dinner. I won't finish by the time the guests arrive and she knows this," Ayoola muttered to herself.

"Let me help you with dinner."

Ayoola looked at Normani like she'd been slapped hard across the face.

"No, you can't do that. You are a guest, guests do not do house work."

"But you're clearly overwhelmed and it will do no one any good if the guests arrive and dinner's not done."

Ayoola seemed to mull it over in her thoughts for a while until, "you'll help me when I return, I won't be long."

It took Ayoola half an hour to return from the market with two bouquets of various multi-coloured wild flowers. After she'd cut the stems and placed them in a glass vase, she started with dinner.

It seemed that really important people were coming over, because Ayoola used large, shiny pots. She and Normani chopped and sliced the vegetables in silence.

Ayoola wouldn't let Normani cook anything herself and seemed far too jittery to make light conversation. Normani was concerned for her, because she looked as if she was seconds from collapsing with all the tension that was present in her thin body.

It was then that she noticed that Ayoola's shoulder blades jutted out in an almost unnatural manner and that her legs were stick thin and ashy, her back looked barely able to support her ribcage and her spine.

"Ayoola, have you eaten today?" Normani asked from where she sat on a leather stool while Ayoola stirred the large pot of Miyan Kuka soup.

"I don't eat in mornings when we have big people coming over," she replied. She'd turned around to face Normani's direction and kept her head bowed while she spoke, with the wooden spoon in her one hand.

"Ayoola, look up please," Normani said. "You've been running up and down cleaning and stuff this whole day on an empty stomach?" she asked.

"I can't stomach food so early when I'm working ehn, it makes my stomach upset, I'm fine Miss Normani," Ayoola replied and pressed a hand to her temple.

"Have you at least gotten a chance to make dishes for you and Kalu?"

"Today, we'll eat whatever's left after the guests have left after their dinner."

"Ayoola," Normani said and she was aware of the reprimand in her tone.

"It's fine Miss, it's a fine treat for us. I am sure Kalu is tired of fufu and egusi, every day its fufu and egusi for us. He really likes jollof rice and I love ankara and okra, we'll be fine. Miss, you must go and get ready, the guests will be coming here with Master Ikande and Madam Ikande. Madam Ikande said that they should be here at five. Go and get ready."

Ayoola turned her attention back to the pots as soon as Normani slid off of her chair.

While she let the lukewarm water run down her body - Normani wondered who was coming that was so important that Mrs Ikande had had poor Ayoola running around.

In all honesty, Normani was very uneasy with the way Ayoola had acted or the entire day, the girl looked so tired and hungry. Mrs Ikande had no qualms about overworking her, was it always like this for her?

After a quick shower, Normani changed into a white sweetheart neckline dress with a slight-flared skirt and delicate lilac coloured flower prints. With it, she wore black short heels and combed her hair into a neat bun at the nape of her neck.

Keith entered the bedroom a mere a five minutes after she'd finished dressing.

"Wow, you look gorgeous," he said as he came to stand in front of her from where she sat on the bed.

Normani was fiddling with the clasp of her pendant - a gold plaited ornament of a dove with its wings prepared for flight. Anika had gotten it for her on her nineteenth birthday.

"Thanks," Normani said with a smile, "and thanks for informing me about this very important dinner, babe."

"I'm sorry, I got held up at the office, plus I assumed my mother or even Matilda or Ayoola would've told you. It's hard to not know about these things in this house, my mother insists on making a show."

Keith took the pendant and unclipped it for her.

"It would've been nice to hear it from you," Normani said as he fasted the clip and it settled on her collarbones.

"I will keep that in mind for future reference," and kissed the top of her head.

He walked over to his closet and emerged with a navy blue blazer and exchanged it for the black one he'd worn to work.

It occurred to Normani that it was the first time she was seeing him early in a week. He looked handsome as always, although a little worn.

"Who's over for dinner?"

"The Ladipos. They're very close family friends of ours. They were supposed to come over for dinner a few days back but it got postponed until today."

"Wow, it really would've been nice to know all of this beforehand," Normani said calmly. Her tone was light but the words themselves revealed how she truly felt.

"Awelewa," Keith said gently, coming to sit next to her once more, "I know you're upset with me because we haven't seen each other much and this isn't how you envisioned this visit would be. I didn't either but I promise I will make it up to you, ehn. For tonight, let's just get through this very formal and pretentious dinner, then I'll be all yours for the rest of the weekend, I promise, ehe?"

Keith cupped her chin and he spoke gently, with his deep voice vibrating somewhere down Normani's spine.

She knew he knew exactly how to placate her and although she wanted to be upset at how easily he could diffuse her she was secretly glad for it. Especially since he'd promised to make up for all the time they'd missed out on.

"Okay," Normani said with sigh.

"Thank you. I love you," he murmured against her ear and placed a tender kiss against her cheek.

"Now smile for me, smile for me Awelewa, where's that gorgeous smile that I love so much?" he said teasingly and Normani's lips finally wobbled into a smile and he kissed her lips.

"That's better. Come, let's go downstairs."

×

As soon as Keith and Normani made it downstairs, they went to the Big Parlour where they found everyone seated. Inside, Normani saw Mr and Mrs Ikande seated on a two seater - the patriarch of the family dressed in a neat plain black suit, his wife in an elegant gold wrapper and blouse with puffed sleeves. A couple their age sat across from them, dressed in similar ensembles.

Matilda was dressed in a long deep purple skirt and a black tank top tucked into the hem. Her explosive hair had been gelled into a neat ponytail.

She sat next to a girl about Normani's age, dressed in a black and red sleek-fit dress and black heels. Joseph wore white slacks and a light blue button up and he occupied the first of two arm chairs. He was the only one not engaging with anyone and had his eyes glued to his iPhone screen.

"E ku ale," Keith and Normani said.

Everyone greeted back. Keith and Normani then realised that there was no room for the two of them but before Normani could suggest squeezing in with the girls, Keith led her to the last armchair in the room and placed her on his lap.

Everyone seemed amused by this, save for Mrs Ikande that narrowed her eyes at her son and his girlfriend and the girl that was sitting next to Matilda eyed them curiously.

"Keith, you sly rascal," Mr Ikande said with a deep chuckle, "Eugene, this young lady is my son's partner, Normani. She's from The United States."

Mr Ladipo looked at Normani and nodded courteously at her.

Normani felt awkward under all the attention she'd been put under and shifted uncomfortably on Keith's lap. There were snacks and drinks on the table but Normani didn't have the heart to eat anything at the moment.

She was glad when Ayoola came into the parlour to announce that the table was ready for them. They vacated the room and soon, all nine members were seated at the table.

Ayoola had set it up meticulously - with all of the various available dishes placed in containers and a matching coaster and mat set was placed at all the seats. The flowers seemed to sparkle under the lights.

Mrs Ikande said grace and then Ayoola brought the washbowls and towels. They all started eating. Normani had taken a generous portion of vegetable jollof rice, chicken and the Miyan Kuka soup Ayoola had made.

She loved the way all the spices melted in her mouth, accompanied with the contrasting sweet taste of some of the vegetables thrown into the mix and the saltiness of the cray fish that was in the soup.

Five minutes into the meal, Ayoola came again to pour their drinks. She approached Keith and Normani's side of the table after she'd served the Master, Madam and the guests. Matilda and Joseph would be last to be served because they were the youngest.

Normani noticed that Ayoola would bow her head and dip down into an almost-curtsey before asking, 'what will you have to drink?' to each person at the table.

She'd pour whatever they'd ask and move on without receiving a thank you from anyone.

"I'd like some wine," Normani said to her before she could do her little servant dance. Ayoola poured the sweet red into a glass for her.

"Thank you, Ayoola," Normani said meaningfully, "oh and this food is really great."

Ayoola seemed to shrink under her praise and an awkward silence filled the room.

The girl about her age said something in Yoruba with a displeased look on her face. Keith glared at her and Joseph sighed, evidently bored with the entire table of people.

"So, Miss Normany-" Mr Ladipo started, "From where in the United States are you from?"

Normani didn't have the heart to correct him.

"Houston, Texas."

"Ah, yes, I see," Mr Ladipo said. "I visited there a few years back for an entrepreneurs seminar. It was quite nice."

"Thank you," Normani replied.

"I've been meaning to have this conversation with an actual American since the 2016 elections," Mr Ladipo began and Normani felt Keith stiffen beside her.

"Are you a Republican or a Democrat?"

"The latter," Normani replied.

"Ah so you would've voted for Clinton?" Mr Ladipo's facial expression made her feel a bit uneasy.

"Well, yes."

Why did Normani feel as though she'd given the wrong answer?

"Why?" Mr Ladipo asked.
"Well, I believe that since America is called the land of freedom then all who inhabit it must have equal opportunities. The freedom to express their own religion, non discrimination of immigrants and equal pay for all amongst many other things."

"Ah, so you are what they call a social justice warrior?" Mr Ladipo asked.

"Well-"

"I for one believe that every good economy needs patriotism, conservative Christian values and a people who are willing to work to earn their keep," Mr Ikande said.

"That Trump has some fine policies," Mr Ladipo said, "if only Nigeria could adopt the attitude the Republican party has, we wouldn't have half of the problems we do."

"I also think it was quite absurd for the Democrats to think that they could convince their nation to be run by a woman. Everyone knows how unsuitable for rule they are. They are far too emotional," the girl said.

"Josephine my princess, you took the words right out of my mouth!" Her father replied.

"It's only the truth. I remember Keith and I once discussed how ridiculous these man-want-to-bes sound, like that woman with the many books? Achidie! It's awful seeing Nigerian women trying to bring all of that Western ideology here," Josephine said.

Normani felt a rush of heat creep up to her neck.

All of the adults looked at Josephine adoringly.

Keith cleared his throat.

Josephine turned her attention to Normani. The girl had stunning facial features - an oval shaped face accompanied by a long, thin nose, a rounded chin, almond-shaped eyes and thick, neat eyebrows and the most wonderful shade of dark brown she'd ever seen on anyone.

"You wouldn't happen to be a feminist would you?" Josephine asked Normani.

"I am," Normani replied, although her voice was weak.

Josephine harrumphed.

Keith shot her another glare but said nothing.

"And you are a... humanities student I presume?" the girl asked.

"Ah, she does dancing!" Mrs Ikande replied almost distastefully.

Mrs Ladipo said something in Yoruba and Mrs Ikande laughed. It was a high-pitched cackle that made Normani squirm in her seat.

"My daughter does accounting," she said and Josephine smiled.

"Remember how she and Keith used to be so competitive in high school? They were always one behind the other. I remember Josephine always excelled in commerce and Keith took her to the cleaners with all of those computers," Mrs Ikande said.

"Now Mother, it was just some clean and healthy competition," Keith said with a chuckle.

"Lies! You once refused to talk to me for an entire week when I came first place out of the entire grade that one term," Josephine said with a teasing glint in her eyes.

"Now our children are both helping their loving daddies in the business, it's quite blissful," Mr Ladipo said with a satisfied and Josephine's smile was so bright Normani was sure it would sparkle.

"Joseph is following closely behind. After he gets his engineering degree then he's off to work for Chikwe's company in Lagos," Mr Ikande said.

"Ah yes, Joseph, how are the studies going?"

"They're fine," Joseph mumbled back and picked up his phone.

"Joseph, you know what I've said about phones at the dinner table."

×

Normani couldn't shake the feeling of unpleasantness that had settled in her stomach after dinner, even now when she and Keith were in the bedroom and she lay in bed.

It was the first time she'd fall asleep beside him in a week and although she'd normally want to stay up and talk to him or engage in any sort of intimacy, she felt an unexplainable pain at how she'd been treated at dinner that night. And she was upset with Keith.

She thought back to how Mrs Ikande had treated Josephine once the guests had prepared to leave - she'd hugged the girl's ridiculously perfect body really tightly and had smiled and laughed with her.

It was these thoughts that forced her to close her eyes and feign deep breathing once Keith emerged from the bathroom. With a sigh, Keith settled into bed and drew the sheets over their bodies and kissed her cheek softly before turning off the lights.

what are your thoughts on the Ladipos, Mrs Ikande & Ayoola in this chapter?

btw the political opinions expressed in this chapter are not my own and belong solely to the characters.

as usual, if you liked this chapter give me your stars and thank you so much for your continued support 💛

-dzangie.