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ᝯׁhׁׅ֮ɑׁׅ֮℘tׁׅꫀׁׅܻꭈׁׅ 55

υׁׅꪀׁׅꫀׁׅܻժׁׅ݊ꪱׁׅtׁׅꫀׁׅܻժׁׅ݊

Buchi knelt before Faith, a cigarette dangling between his fingers. He took a long drag, blowing smoke directly onto her face. Faith's hand trembled as she gazed up at Alonso, Ray, and Okwudili, who watched her with a mixture of curiosity and fascination.

Their minds raced with questions. How had the hypnosis spell worn off? She had been under its control, and now, suddenly, she was free to think and act for herself.

"Please don't hurt me," She begged, her voice shaking. "I haven't done anything wrong. Please let me go."

Buchi raised an eyebrow, his expression mocking. "You say?" he repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Please let me go." She continued to plead, her words tumbling out in a desperate rush. " My parents must be worried sick about me. Brother Ire must be searching for me. I was supposed to see him, but..."

"Shut up!" Buchi cut her off, his voice rising in anger.

"This is super story," he sneered In a singsong manner. Her words were nothing more than a ridiculous fairy tale to him. He scoffed and hissed, his face twisted in contempt. "No be only go, na Gorilla you go see," he snapped.

Dhe burst into tears, her body shaking with fear. "Please, sir," she begged.

Buchi's expression turned cold and hard. "No please me, you never hear?" he growled, his voice menacing. "I no dey lose him investment, instead i dey protect am. Very soon you go forget all these rubbish way you dey talk, and you beta forget am for good this time, or else?" He lifted a finger to his neck, the gesture threatening and sinister. Then he ran his fingers through her arm seductively, "You go serve another purpose."

"Jesus!" She screamed, the threat was clear: if she remembers again, she would face a terrible fate and Buchi would stop at nothing to ensure his "investment" was protected.

She was his Investment in this case.

"Well Jesus no fit help you now, abi I resemble demon for your eyes?"

"Jesus saves."

"Why all of una just be the same, when una dey do una do, una no dey remember this Jesus but when trouble come, na that time you go remember am." He teased looking up at Alonso, "Them turn am to emergency number, 911 Jesus " He joked laughing hard.

ALonso forced a laughter out of his mouth. Ray only wished he had the power to help the poor girl. He wanted nothing more than bringing Buchi and his accomplices down.

"When you go knack, you no remember Jesus."

"Are you trying to portray me as a fornicator?"

"You be virgin? As you dey so, man never knack you? You think say I never do my diggings? You think say I no know say you don sleep with man. Small girl way dey open yansh for man. All of una na the same thing."

"I was raped!" She confessed sobbing quietly, "Na who carry your leg go man place? As I see you, you go make sense for sex factory." He ran his fingers across her legs then she pulled the leg backwards.

"Please Sir, I've only had sex once."

"And so? After me and all my boys don't teach you lesson. I go start with myself then Lonso go enter and this one.." He pointed at Ray.

Ray cleared his throat, "Boss, the baby no go spoil so? This one way be like butti so, if i just manhandle her small, the belle fit just spoil." "We go give her another belle now." He joked and Okwudili laughed.

"Sure thing!"

Nurse Perpetual cleared her throat, "Boss, I fit see you for corner?" She requested and they both walked a bit away from Alonso, Ray and Okwudili. "Wetin you suggest? Make we leave her here or sex factory?"

"Make she go."

Buchi paused then he dragged the cigarette in his hands then he scoffed shaking his head. "Wetin you talk again?" "I think we should let her go." "E be like say your brain don dey touch." He placed his palm on her neck to feel her temperature.

"Ah, na now I see am! You no well. Your village people don dey attack you. "

"Boss I know wetin I dey talk. This girl na trouble, I no just dey comfortable again. How she take remember? After Dibia don work on top her. " "Maybe Dibia make mistake." "He never makes a mistake. I feel this is just a warning to let her go before she go spoil things for you."

"Buchi no dey fear anybody, Buchi no dey lose investment."

"Remember the last one? Now she don carry your news go Internet."

"That one na collateral damage. She fit locate where I dey?"

"For person way we no fit even trace how she escape, who help her escape or how she hide from the guards. Collateral damage shey? Collateral damage way almost burn your hand commot, no be even physical. Power dey and Power dey." She placed emphasis on the second 'Power'. She scoffed looking back at Faith. "When we see power way pass power or people like this, the best to do na to allow them go."

Buchi sniggered, "You say what? Allow who go?" "I must talk my mind. I don't think it's a good idea.  As she take look like all these deep Christian sister."

"Dibia go treat her fuck up."

"What if e no work?" She asked in doubt.

"E must work."

"

As the car pulled up, Mr. George gazed at his wife, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Why are you staring at me like I'm sixty?" she asked, her voice laced with a playful tone.

"Wait, you are?" He chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "You look sixteen, my dear."

Mrs. George playfully rolled her eyes. "You should have said six!"

Her husband's smile broadened as he reached out, his hands cradling her cheeks. "It's your birthday, my love. Don't worry your silly head about anything."

But Mrs. George's mind was already racing ahead. "I need to call Fapson to confirm if the hall has been set." "It's her job, dear. I'm sure everything is taken care of," Mr. George reassured her, his fingers gently lifting her chin.

Her expression turned wistful. "I wish our children were here right now. Gbadamosi said he has things to attend to, and I know they have their churches to attend, but they should have left early to be with me on my special day."

Her husband's voice was soothing. "You don't sound selfish, my love. You sound like a mother."

Mrs. George's face lit up with a smile. "I guess Mothering Sunday is getting to me."

As they stepped out of the car, a chorus of "Happy birthday!" erupted from the room, leaving Mrs. George gasping in surprise. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces of her Aunty Toyin, cousins, children, and daughter-in-law – everyone except Gbadamosi and Kilahi.

Her gaze narrowed suspiciously at her husband. "You knew about this, didn't you?"

Mr. George held up his hands in defense. "I didn't plan this, my dear. It was impromptu, I swear."

Ere intervened, "I did, Mom. I thought, what could make a Sunday birthday more interesting and memorable?"

Mrs. George's eyes still lingered on her husband, her mind racing with questions. "Gbadamosi isn't here... he's going to be sixty too."

, "You know how Brother Gbadamosi hates impromptu things, especially on a Sunday. He had to sit this one out, but..." Ere explained. He handed his phone to his mother, and Gbadamosi's voice echoed through the speaker. "Happy birthday again, Mom. I'll see you later in the day. You'll still get enough of me, don't worry."

Mrs. George's face lit up with a warm smile. "Where's Kilahi?"

Gbadamosi's voice replied, "Out, but we'll be coming together soon. Can't wait to see you two."

As the room erupted in a chorus of "God bless you Mom, e ma fun wa (You'll live long for us."

"Amen!!!" Everyone echoed then Ere grabbed the phone, "Now that Mommy has spoken to his favorite son, oh wait... That's Feyi, it's Ere that's in between." He answered while his mother held his hands laughing.

"I love you."

"Not as much as you love Brother Gbadamosi and Feyi."

Adesuwa rolled in her eyes, "Look at someone's future husband. You're one big jealous baby!" "Yes! Permit me to be jealous, it's her birthday and this woman is still showing favoritism." Ere replied folding his hands with a pout.

His mother smiled. "I love you just as much." The she playfully rolled her eyes.

As she faced the room, her eyes brimmed with emotion. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate me. I'm short of words... I can't count my blessings, but I feel lucky to have you all here."

With that, she embraced each of them, her heart overflowing with gratitude.

Aunty Abebi sat on the sofa, one leg crossed and the other dangling against the sofa, looking morose. Kilahi joined her, concern etched on her face. "You sounded horrible on the phone. What happened? Was the vacation bad? Didn't things go as you planned?" She asked.

Aunty Abebi remained silent, bottling up the truth, tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't want to be vulnerable again.

Kilahi pressed on, "Aunty Abebi, did he... did..." She paused, praying it wasn't something bad. "Did he do something bad?"

Aunty Abebi quickly responded, "No! It wasn't him. He was... Emmanuel was perfect, he was too good to be true."

Kilahi's curiosity piqued, "What happened then?"

"I left." Aunty Abebi's voice cracked, "Why?" Kilahi asked, her voice soft. She blinked her as eyes watching Aunty Abebi's tears flowed, "For the obvious reasons! We're both from different worlds, he stays in Ebonyi, and I'm here in Lagos! Can I leave my life and start over there? No! He's younger and deserves someone better, not me. Not a rude old hag like me."

Kilahi scoffed, "You're not a rude old hag."

Aunty Abebi's self-doubt poured out, "Really? Then what am I? Almost everyone thinks I'm evil in exception of a few."

Kilahi reassured her, "You're beautiful inside and out; just that you need a closer look to see the inner beauty, and apparently, he saw that beautiful side. So, what are you scared of, Aunty Abebi?"

Aunty Abebi's defenses rose, "I'm not scared.". Kilahi rolled her eyes, "Really? Cause it sounds to me like you chickened out."

Aunty Abebi's denial came quickly, "I didn't chicken out."

Kilahi scoffed then she exhaled, "What was your experience with Emmanuel over 10" "It was the whole ten, everyday with him was sweet. The sex was good too." She commented and Kilahi gasped and she laughed.

"I was waiting to see your reaction."

"Jesus Christ." She shut her eyes and rolled her eyes. "It was yesterday." "I'm not going to judge you for doing what you did "

"Even if you do judge me, I don't regret it."

Kilahi gasped again and Aunty Abebi laughed in between her tears.

"It was good!"

"I don't want to hear." Kilahi covered her ears.

"Your virgin ass will be getting it good from next month so you'll know how it feels." "Have not had that conversation with you have I? Everyone is just looking forward to that day. You guys should just leave my virginity and I alone."

Aunty Abebi chuckled, "I'm sure after your wedding day, everyone will start giving you the 'she has had sex ' look." "Oh my God! Please remind me!" Kilahi laughed and rolled her eyes then she let out a loud sigh.

"What a vacation you went for." She added and Aunty Abebi gave a faint smile.

"What are you scared of Ma?" Kilahi added, "Are you only scared of the age? Do you think he doesn't love you enough?". Aunty Abebi exhaled, "Well....." She trailed off afterwards then she busted into tears.

"I don't think I'm enough! He's young and good looking . He can get any young woman he wants for a wife and not a woman who is close to menopause." "But you're not."

Aunty Abebi continued, "I'm almost 45, Kilahi. I don't know if my eggs are fertile enough. I'm old! How can I get pregnant and give birth? I don't want something that hopeful."

Kilahi realized Aunty Abebi's fears were rooted in her age and perceived inadequacy. She encouraged her to confront Emmanuel and discuss her concerns, but Aunty Abebi had already left him without explanation, too afraid to face her fears. She exhaled holding on to her hands, "Did you talk to him about it before leaving?"

"I didn't even tell him I was leaving." Aunty Abebi replied.

"Ah!" Kilahi answered, mouth agaped in shock, "You didn't tell him? You just left, he must be worried."

"I dropped a note"

"A note? Really Aunty Abebi, that's low for you. I didn't take you for a coward."

"Right! I guess I was being a coward."

"My point exactly !" She insisted hoping it would be a prompting to make her change her mind. Aunty Abebi  continued, "I couldn't bear to say it to his face, I was so sure he'll convince me. Ugh! That man has the sweetest mouth."

"Has he tried calling you?"

"I blocked him."

"Jesus Christ." Kilahi's fingers grabbed on to a piece of flesh on her forehead then she shook her head unbelievably.

Aunty Abebi continued, "But he used another number in calling, I didn't say anything. My heart broke on hearing his voice Kilahi. I just can't bring myself to going through such deception."

"A deception you've created in your own mind. It Looks like he really likes you. "

"I don't doubt that! I just don't believe in fairy tales."

"Aunty Abebi, I'm getting married to a man I just met next month. You can call me Cinderella in this case cause it happened so fast. I met my prince charming and he's going to be my husband next month. It might not be rosy all the time but if you ask me, it looks like a fairy tale. God is just there authoring our stories and sometimes it looks unbelievable but he's the Finisher, sometimes we don't have to worry about how it will end but we rather let him take the wheel and end it however he pleases. He knows our deepest expectations, it might  delay but he can't  cut them off. He thoughts for us is of good and not evil. If Emmanuel is your mate, why not go with flow and see how it ends. It's not your place to end this out of fear."

"I want to see him happy."

"Do you think he'll be happy now?"

"He'll get over it soon enough and move on with the next chick."

"Aunty Abebi...." She trailed off and Aunty Abebi exhaled, "Don't waste your spit Kilahi, I've made my choice. Imagine him taking me to his family to be introduced to them, what will they say when they see a old looking Yoruba woman?"

"It's not a tribal war."

"I obviously look older than him Kilahi! Let's say the truth to ourselves." "I've not seen him."

"He's the most handsome thing I've ever seen Kilahi, he makes my heart floats when he walks into the room and it beats when we speak. I didn't think I'll fall In love but he gave me that and I'll forever be grateful for that feeling. He woke up something I thought was dead."

Kilahi scoffed, "This one you're talking in past tense and dishing goodbye speech. I hope all my motivation speech was not for nothing." She complained and Aunty Abebi forced a laughter. "At least it was nice to see your face."

Kilahi shook her head, "I know there's a face you'll like to even see more and that's his face." "Don't insist. I already made my choice."  Aunty Abebi's tears flowed, "Are you going to sacrifice your happiness over this excuse? Because, no matter how you put it, it's just an excuse to stop something that could have been beautiful." "He can be happier without me. Can I be a good wife? Am I going to adopt, adoption is not a bad idea though, I don't know if I'll make a good mother."

"The next time you want to charge someone to court just remember you're an assassin too."

Aunty Abebi laughed, "Whaaaaat?" "Toor! You killed something before it started and you've broken a man's heart, you fled Ebonyi like a criminal and I'm sure you're on Emmanuel's wanted list." Kilahi analysed making her laugh even more. "Okay that's actually good." Aunty Abebi replied quite impressed at her word play.

"No oh! I'm just simply reminding you so that the next time you see a criminal, just know you're also one at heart." Kilahi rose up looking down at her.

"Have you had something to eat?" She asked and Aunty Abebi shrugged, "I don't have the appetite."

"Well, I'm going into that kitchen to cook something." Kilahi rose up but Aunty Abebi disagreed, "I don't cook often and I don't know what you might find there, it might be expired. Let's talk, I called you cause I needed someone to talk to, not a chef to show her culinary skills."

Kilahi scoffed, "Didn't you refuse when I told you I was coming?" "I just realized that I really needed a friend to talk to. To take this angry thought and guilt that I feel away."

Kilahi blushed on hearing her say, 'Friend', "You just called me your friend." "Shut up!" Aunty Abebi snapped and her laughter mingled with Kilahi's.

Gbadamosi drove towards the gate only to see Muyiwa in front of his gate. Muyiwa walked towards him, "Your security, Okoro or whatever his name is." "Opulent" "A fucked up name for a security, I'm sure that's why he's attitude is just as fucked up. What happened to Okoro? What about to Ahmed? Lukemon, Etim? Or Akpan. It had to be... What did you call it again?

"Opulent." Gbadamosi answered, he pressed the button in the car, and Muyiwa pulled open the door, entering with a slam. "If his name was Okoro, I'm sure the guy must have been goofy but at least with if i squeeze 1000 naira or 200 naira in his hands, the gate would have flung open and someone would have welcomed me in like a king."

"Thank God he's not Okoro." Gbadamosi replied jokingly and they both laughed.

"Perhaps today he's on his period. He left me outside. How many times does a guy have to come for him to trust me? That guy has trust issues. I'm sure they must have broken his heart one hundred and twelve times."

As the gate slides open, Gbadamosi drove in. Muyiwa lifted his middle finger in Opulent's face then he pushed his tongue out.

Gbadamosi laughed, "Real mature Muyiwa, real mature. Opulent is just doing his job. You could have called. Weren't you in church?" "When you were forming busy now." "Sorry, something  came up. Where's your car?" He asked pulling up.

"I left it at Francis' place."

"Which Francis?"

"Franco now!"

Gbadamosi laughed, "Ah han! Fran K! That got married to Sisie Calabar." "Yes." "It's been a while I've seen some people oh. The last time I saw him, he said his wife was expecting that I should pray for her." "Oh." "I thought she hated you, how in the world did you get to leave your car at their house?"

Opulent approached them, "Welcome Sir, your bag Sir." "I'll help myself Opulent, thanks." He answered and the young security returned back to his duty post.

Muyiwa exhaled hard, "There was this party at their house. I referred Sharon to cook at the event."

Gbadamosi rolled his eyes, "She wasn't aware right?" He asked and Muyiwa gave an obvious look. "I'm sure your adrenaline was popping to see her reaction when she sees you. The excitement is turn on for you right?" "Okay...." Muyiwa trailed off gathering his thoughts..

"Muyiwa, what's your deal? Can you not frustrate this girl any more than you have." "I needed to see her." "To do what exactly? Do you even care ahead to think how she'll feel seeing you there?"

"If you break Kimini's heart for instance unknowingly, won't you find every excuse to see her.

"First off, it's Kilahi and two, even if I find every excuse to see her, it will be because I want to sincerely apologize to her, I love her and I can't live without her. There's an emotional attachment and I can with my full chest admit to it. Not out of guilt that has no root."

"So my guilt has no root."

"Give or take next week, the Muyi that I know will be back to his old life."

"I like her Gbadamosi!" Muyiwa  admitted rubbing his low trimmed hair. "I like her. I've admitted it, are you happy?"

Gbadamosi gave a faint smile, "All those while you were talking about her taking your space and the whole period thing. I just prayed in my heart that God opens a miracle door in your heart that would lead expressly to love. The affection was there but you were denying it."

"Was not."

"Continue denying. At least you're admitting something, I can work with that. When did you realize it?" "Since she left! Gbada I can't.... Things are not the way it was, the house is empty." "I thought you wanted her to leave."

"The house is a complete mess."

"Do you miss her or you miss having a clean house? Begs the question, was she a girlfriend or a maid to you?"

Muyiwa gave it a thought, "Is this some sort of counseling session?" "Answer the damn question Muyi! Was she a girlfriend or a maid to you?" When you put it that way..." He trailed off then he picked  up from where he left. "She wasn't a girlfriend and she wasn't a maid either. Guy, it hasn't been the same without her and it's just a week and I'm getting pissed off and frustrated." "At who exactly?"

"Me, myself and I. The Trinity idiotic package called Mumuyiwa according to Sharon!"

Gbadamosi  laughed, "Mumuyiwa! What exactly are you pissed off about?" "That I broke her heart Gbada! She was so pissed off this morning! She must have helped  me after I got drunk but Kai! I don't know how to undo the damages. Sharon hates me."

"What makes you think so? It doesn't take a week to forget someone you were in love with. No matter how hurt you are. Maybe she's going through the discharge stage of love, getting every leakages out to avoid possible heart problems. In the case, you are the leakage she's trying to close up. The thorn in her flesh  that's refusing to leave."

Muyiwa nodded, "Obviously she still loves me but I feel I've lost her. The way she looked at me, the way she spoke...." He trailed off and Gbadamosi watched a lonely tears trickle down his cheek. "I really fucked up Gbada, I don't even know where to start from or what to do. I've asked Google, the only thing left is for Google to tell me to fix my fucking mess myself."

Gbadamosi felt pity for him, "First thing first, learn to control your mouth, the tongue  is capable of wrecking havoc. Every responsible man should know how to control the way they speak and no woman wants someone who is irresponsible." "I just want her to forgive me. I know I messed up but I want to feel okay but I don't. I stay up almost every night since after that incidence thinking of how I could have avoided it. I've imagined 230 scenario!"

Mrs Coker went through her cousin's post on Whatsapp.

Boss woman! 60 looks good on you Ma. My favorite Aunty in the world..

A call came in and she smiled, "I just viewed your post, I'm not your favorite Aunty in the world. If there's any favorite, it should be Temitope." "You're the get to the business kind of woman and you're more generous than her, I didn't mention anything to you oh."

Mrs Coker laughed, "How much are we looking at?" She asked and the girl began to rant about how expensive things are in the University. "How much are we talking about?" She asked and a call came in from Salome.

"Kindly send me a Dm since your mouth is so heavy to talk." She replied and the girl blew kisses from the other end of the phone. Mrs Coker answered Salome's call.

"Good morning Salome."

"I would have said I should sing Happy birthday to you but my voice is rusty and I don't know how the reality of the word is in your life so I won't be inconsiderate."

Mrs Coker blinked, "What do you mean." "Well, singing happy birthday when you might not be happy. You know how you're always carrying serious face. You know how you'll greet someone good morning and the person will ask, what's good about the morning? I didn't want that kind of scenario." Salome explained laughing hysterically.

"Are you done?" Mrs Coker asked, "Yes, you didn't see the full stop I added to the statement." "I mean since you're quite the talkative, forgive me to assume you have more to say. I thought you'll end up explaining the point of what you've just spilled but of course I know you, your words are pointless."

"What do you mean?" Salome snapped, "No, I don't mean it as an insult. There's no need to raise voice. Thanks for the warm wishes." She said intending to end the call.

"I haven't even give you my wish."

"You didn't wish me a happy birthday either but Iimagined you did anyways so we can both imagine the warm wishes."

"Don't imagine on my behalf, let me give you my wishes? Abi is it your wish?"

Mrs Coker rolled her eyes trying to keep calm, "I'm all ears." "Sixty and looking young ehn, like wine you get better with age." "We owe it to God." "Is Temi pregnant?" "Why do you ask?" "Everyone knows she got pregnant before the marriage now. I'm just being concerned that a whole Reverend's daughter will get pregnant before marriage."

"Wasn't Nancy pregnant before marriage too?"

"My husband is not a known Reverend."

"Aren't you a deaconess? I'm not having this conversation with you. If you don't have anything better."

Salome cuts in, "My only wish is that when you're celebrating next year, you should have had grandchildren surrounding your table, even though it's just one." "I have a grandson."

"Oh I heard oh. Wall gecko can look like Agama but it can never be Agama. Happy birthday Teni." Salome answered ending the call then Mrs Coker groaned angrily.

"How can someone be so..." She trailed off. Sir Alamo knocked and stepped into the house holding on to a bouquet of flower. "There's delivery for you Ma."

She smiled grabbing the flower then she sniffed removing the note from it. "You looked angry when I came in, hope no problem Ma." "Salome and her problems." "When you give attention to the foolish conversation of a rumour monger, you get caught in the headlights. It breeds fear and you don't need that kind of mood today Ma. I've been enjoying your mood of late."

She smiled with a small shrug, "Same here." "Happy birthday once again Ma." He bowed his head leaving her to read the note:

"Happy birthday to a Queen, I don't know how my dynasty would have been without you in it. If I have a chance to get married to any other person, I'll do it with you over and over again. Love, your secret admirer."

Mrs Coker smiled, then a call came in from Rev Coker. "Good afternoon secret admirer." "I take it you've gotten the flowers." "Yes. " "And?" "What do you expect me to say? That I love it?"

"I can have sixty move sent to you, one for each year you've spent on earth."

"Oh wow, you just had to remind me that I'm sixty."

"The prettiest I've seen! You don't look a day old baby."

Mrs Coker blushed, "Well I was going to say, saying I love the flowers would be an understatement." She bit her lower lips, "This has got to be the best birthday of my life. I feel like l'll never forget this day in a hurry. Finally having to celebrate my birthday on a happy note honey. No pretense and..." She sobbed quietly.

"Hey! It's your birthday, don't ruin it with tears."

"It's tears of joy. I can't wait for tonight."

"Sorry I'm not there. This surgery was really important." "As long as you show up for the birthday party, I can forgive you but if not.... I'll still forgive you."

"You will?"

"No way! I'm going to hold it against you to the grave!" She replied and he laughed hard. "I miss you." She admitted and he laughed, "I miss you too. I've got more gifts." "Other than the tons of gift I've received?"

"Yes. Every Queen deserves gifts and since you've been good, you deserve gifts."

Mrs Coker laughed, "Wow." "Don't worry, after tonight you can have me to yourself. There'll be a party after the party." He teased and they both laughed.

"Thank you Honey."

"You're welcome dear." He answered and she smiled sniffling the flowers again.

Ugo entered into Famacles hospital then he made to the ward , his eyes scanned the room until they landed on his sister, Lota, lying in bed with a protruding belly. Her face contorted in pain, she noticed his concern. "I got your SOS," Ugo said, attempting to lighten the mood.

Lota's eyes flashed open, her voice laced with frustration. "If you were the emergency services, I'd have been gone by now. I called you two hours ago, Ugo!"

"Traffic, and besides, your hospital is a bit far," Ugo explained, handing her a bag of Pringles.

Lota's expression softened as she grabbed the bag.  "Thanks, I've been craving these." She pulled out the can.

Ugo's brow furrowed. "I thought your due date was next month?"

Her eyes closed, a hint of a smile on her lips. "I had this strange craving for pineapple, and soon after, I started feeling...different. I've heard pineapple can induce labor, but I never thought it would happen to me. I ate pineapple during my boy's erm stuff now." She grimaced and Ugo chuckled, pulling out his phone. "Sorry, sis. You should see your face right now." He snapped a photo, and Lota laughed, her eyes sparkling.

"Mock me all you want, Ugo, but one day you'll be in my shoes," she teased.

Ugo smirked. "When I eventually get pregnant, maybe."

Lota's expression turned stern. "I wasn't talking about you!"

She groaned, slamming the steel bar on the hospital bed. "Argh! Can you help me check how many centimeters wide my vagina is, I don't understand why the nurses are saying and I don't want to ask so I don't beat somebody up."

"I'm not checking anything."

"What haven't you seen?"

Ugo laughed, "Madam, this isn't where I work and I'm not an obstetrician." "I need a favor, Ugo."

Ugo hesitated. "Not another errand, please. I'm not doing anything again." He answered. Lota's voice became firm. "I wouldn't ask if it weren't important. You're attending Temi's mom's birthday party tonight, aren't you?"

Ugo's eyes widened, his face palming. "Oh no, I forgot! Gbadamosi mentioned it, but..."

Lota pressed on. "Do you have plans for the night?"

Ugo shrugged. "Not really."

Herrequest was laced with a hint of desperation. "Please, drop off my gift to Mrs. Coker and Mrs. George." "Why will I do that?" "I wouldn't ask if I wasn't stuck here. You know what? I'll just call Glory or maybe Dami to pick the gift up from the house."

Ugo rolled his eyes, he couldn't believe it, his sister's manipulation was working on him. He relented, "Fine, I'll give them the gift."

Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Why not stay there for a while? You never know, 'the one' might be there."

He raised an eyebrow. "Is that someone's name?" "You know what I mean." "The one kor, the two nii. Wait.... You're not matchmaking again, are you?"

Lota's laughter was husky. "If I had planned this properly, I would have prepared a girl. Maybe it's not too late to call someone up."

"I'll just zoom in and out. Look at how the pains relieve ld you instantly because you're talking about woman."

"I love a good love story. Abi is it man you'll marry? I'll ask again, are you sure you're not gay?"

He frowned letting out a loud hiss, "What kind of question is that?" "I'm just asking oh. Better live a little, life is not that hard. How are you sure you're future wife isn't there?"

He rolled his eyes, a smile creeping onto his face. "My future wife isn't there, Lota. "  "How will you know if you don't stay and explore?"She asked, her voice  laced with a hint of curiosity.

Ray held a plate of beans into the room where Faith was. Nurse Perpetual was busy was the new born baby while Faith sat there  sobbing quietly, he heard her muttering prayers. He knelt down pushing the food towards her.

"I'm not hungry."

"See this Mumu oh! You no wan chop!" He yelled then he whispered."You need to eat for your baby."
She pushed the food away,

He paused then switched back to character. "If you like chop, this one fit be your last supper so."

Faith wondered why he was being nice and harsh at the same time. "You had better eat something to gain strength at least." "Huh ?" "I don't know who you are but I believe you have luck on your side. Soon they're going to make you into a zombie. Next time you remember anything, be smart enough to act like you didn't!" He rose up walking towards another guard.

"Wetin you dey follow her yarn?"

"She no wan chop, she say the food no fine for face. She know wetin we dey wak for inside prison? All these ajebo... GenZ generation people." He hissed turning back at her.

Bella couldn't shake off the conversation with the church elders as she drove through the streets. The words replayed and jumbled in her mind like a broken record.

"We know what transpired between you and Papa... I'm the victim here... There's no need to dish lies, no one is buying or eating it. We know the truth, and we, as elders of the church, have reached a unanimous agreement. No one is asking you to leave the church. Who are we to tell you to go? God can decide to arrest you like He did Paul. Do you know Paul Ma?"

Do you know Paul?

She snapped out of the memory, her anger and humiliation still simmering. Her hands tighten around the steering. "Gbadamosi George, I swear I'm going to make you pay for this humiliation. I told you something in secret and you. You're going to pay with everything you've got; your ministry, even your body." She pulled over in a parking lot and climbed up a plaza building to see her go-to tech guy, nicknamed Xtract.

As she entered the familiar scenery, a lady came out of the door, and Bella asked, "Is Xtract in?" The lady replied, "Yes," and Bella stepped in, seeing Xtract on a computer. He scratched his dreads as he typed away. The room reeked of cigarettes, and slow rock music played in the background.

Xtract looked up and smiled. "Look who came to see me today. To what do I owe this celebrity visit?"

Bella rolled her eyes, "Hey Tariq." "In this Cosmos and planet, I'm called Xtract. You don't see me calling you by your middle name, do you?" He asked and She rolled her eyes again .

"I need help."

"With what?" Xtract asked while fiddling with the keyboards on his laptop. "Can you just Listen!" she snapped, and he smiled, "I can multitask, I'm all ears." He answered eyes still glued on what he was doing.

"I need your undivided attention. This is a matter of urgency." She insisted and he glanced at her with a wry smile, "Na your way now! Attention Queen. Well, you have my attention, Your Royal Majesty." He lifted his hands off the keyboard.

Bella sat on a long stool close to him and asked, "Can you help me doctor a recording to make sure what the people say sounds more like a condemnation to a public hearing?" Xtract arced his brow, picking offense, "That one na question? They don't call me Xtract for nothing now. You wouldn't be asking if you don't know. How many jobs I don do for you?"

Bella replied, "Hacking job sure! Not recordings, you've never done recordings. I've never hit rock bottom like now... So...." She trailed off, shifting to sit on his desk. "I need your help, I'm ready to pay more than usual, for the work and your silence."

Xtract laughed, "You know I don't snitch on my clients now. But I love the sound of more. Which celebrity stepped on your toe this time?"

Bella played the recording, and they both quietly listened in. Xtract arced his brow, "Wait... This one way they sound like church matter like this." "This conversation is between me and the church elders." Bella confirmed.

"What do they want?" He asked and Bella replied, "None of your business."

Xtract scoffed and  pressed on, "How I go take know how I wan doctor am if I no know the gist?" Bella reluctantly explained, "They want me to stop chasing a man of God." Xtract's eyes widened, "Um... Wait, I'm trying to understand this thing. Like, you're chasing after him for news or..." He trailed off, but Bella shot him a fierce look. He laughed and she deemed it offensive.

"What's funny?" she snapped, and he waved his hands apologetically, "I'm sorry, but you don't look like the kind to..." The cold look in her eyes sent him lifting up his hands in surrender. "I'm sorry. So, they're warning you to stay away from this man. Now, what do you want from me?" Bella demanded, "I want you to make the church look bad, and I, the victim."

He rummaged through the ashtray, which was already filled with other cigarettes, and picked up a half-smoked one. He lit it up, taking a long drag before exhaling slowly. As he blew out the smoke, he scratched his nose. But before he could take another puff, Bella snatched the cigarette from his fingers and took a drag of her own.

Xtract scoffed, "See ehn... I no dey carry my leg do church things, but first, which church be that?" Bella hesitated, "Why do you want to know?" Xtract replied, "There are churches, there are prayer houses, and there are playhouses, so which one is it?" "Word Foundation Church," she replied. Xtract sniggered in worry, "Pastor Gbadamosi George?" He asked then  he handed her phone back to her in resolve of his next move.

"I'm sorry, I can't."

"Why?" Bella asked. Xtract explained, "There are the 'touch not' Pastors and there are the ordinary celebrity and business Pastors. The ones that you disgrace and nothing happens to you because their cup don full and God just want use you as vessel take disgrace them and there are the ones you disgrace and face disgrace in life."

She scoffed, "I didn't take you as the kind to believe in that crap." She said blowing the smoke on his face then he grabbed the cigarette back, "I might not be completely born again but I you can call me a believer. Gbadamosi George is one of the good ones if I must be honest. I know a lot of bloggers like yourself that wants every dirt on him.  That man is someone my girlfriend adores, literally. I even had one of my guy attend the last Rehab Conference to battle his masturbating wahala.  The change he experience ehn, this guy is off masturbation. Almost going to a year now, the guy is planning marriage as it is. Found a girl during the conference and they are in a celibate relationship, it I can call it that. This is a guy that couldn't do without sex but he encountered something that I can't even put to words."

"Testimony time!" Bella teased and he laughed nodding in understanding, "I get your point. I don talk too much be that shey? Normally, i no dey do church parole. Anything way go carry me spoil church name, I no dey do."

"I'll pay you well"

"I need money oh but...." He trailed off shaking his head in refusal, "Nah... I can't but I know a friend that can do it though." He carefully dusted the crumbling ash from the tip of the cigarette into the ashtray, leaving a small trail of gray powder behind.

4:20 pm

Sewuese finished the last touches on Kilahi's facial make up then she smiled at the result. They were both dressed in robes . "Have you called Pastor Gbadamosi?" "No I've not." "Why?" "I don't know, he hasn't called me too." "So it's like that shey? This kind of shakara. You know that moment when you think you don't have pride in you and boom, it surfaces but you're too proud to even admit it."

Kilahi sighed, "Table breaker." "I'm only shaking it." "Nah, you've broken this one. Let me bundle it and fix it back." She replied letting out a sigh.

"I haven't even called to apologize for overreacting. Even though I feel he needs to apologize, isn't maturity about understanding boundaries and your ability to shift those boundaries in compatibility with the other and even make compromise? Is this how I want to start marriage? Hidden tendencies are showing and I can't afford to neglect it. I should  call him."

A call came in from Gbadamosi and Sewuese glanced at it, "Oooh, look who it is." She muttered and Kilahi quickly answered the call. "I was even going to call you." "Oh. Are you ready? Let me come pick you up."

"We need to talk privately, how about I come over? We can't talk privately here, neither can we at the party and I feel we need to talk intensively before the party.."

Gbadamosi hesitated, "Uh.... I...erm.... No you can't. I don't allow females into my home, especially one I'm in love with and attracted to.." "Oh. I completely forgot you can't let me in. Apart from that, people will assume all sort of rubbish. "

Sewuese creased her forehead, "Sam and I can follow you guys now." "What if Sewuese and Sam come along?" "Oh...." He trailed off, "It's fine if you don't want me to come to your house.'

Gbadamosi sensed another trouble coming so he agreed, "No it's fine, it's going to be your house any way right? You're welcome." "Why do I feel like I just gaslighted you into do my bid?"

"You're welcome babe."

"Are you really sure? Like full chest sure?" She asked laughing at his response.

"I am! I'll let the security know you guys are coming." He answered ending the call then Kilahi shrugged. "He said yes."

"Yes!" Sewuese screamed in excitement, "Why are you excited to see my fiance more than I am. Toor, don't let me start suspecting you oh." She teased and Sewuese laughed.

"Have you seen my man?" She asked and Kilahi laughed, "Have you seen my man too? He has a mantle." "Mine doesn't have a mantle but he sure has a man tool." Sewuese chipped in watching Kilahi's face switch from oblivion to full understanding the word play.

"Jesus Sewuese, how do you guys come up with these things."

Sewuese laughed, "I wanted to see your face when I say It and it was exactly as I imagined. Thanks to me, you'll be seeing your future husband's house. Don't say I haven't done anything for you. You had better thank me now."

"That was your ulterior motive right?"

"Haven't you ever wondered how his house looks like?"

"Everyday."

"You had better thank me."

Brenda ☝🏼
Brenda looked at herself in the mirror, she was clad in a one handed multi-colored print gown. Her natural hair styled in a twist. Her mother stood close to her smiling bashfully, "You look beautiful my dear." "Thank you Mom. I'm not really sure about the hairstyle, is it too simple?"

"It looks good. I remember those days when you'll make me pick your dresses and we'll play dress up even when we're not going out."

Brenda laughed, "I used to tie those horrible gele but you'll still tell me it's beautiful anyways. Then I'll make you wear horrible make up. Why did you do that?" "Cause I knew a moment will come like this, a moment where i might not get the chance to see you often. Or a moment when you have to leave so I had to create every good moment with you. Your father had to make you travel out of the country."

"Do you regret it?"

Mrs Arolowo shrugged, "It doesn't matter anymore my love. You're leaving me and only God knows when I'll see you again. I've always wanted you to stay in Nigeria, find yourself a good man and stay so I can see my grandchildren when I want to and not have to travel across the world. Pay tickets to see my own child and grandchildren!" Her voice laced with a little bit of anger.

"I'm...." She trailed off then she sighed, "Whatever decision you make, Brenda, I pray that God goes with you. I pray to God that you finally find joy and peace and maybe someday that man that will give you happiness."

"Do such men exist?"

"Don't look at my relationship with your father. Not every man is like him, there are some good men out there and my prayer everyday as a parent is that God brings one your way." She kissed her daughter on the cheek, "We'll be waiting for you." She added walking out of the room.

Brenda exhaled looking up at the ceiling, "God remember our deal, i don't want to move if your hand in not in it. I know there's Tommy and it's looking like he's the one and with him I can travel around the world but I want more clarification. Was it Moses or Jacob that said he's not going anywhere if your presence doesn't go with him. I don't want to make anymore decision that will move me from where you've designed me to me. If I'm meant to stay, give me a sign tonight. If not, I'll assume and leave."

Brenda gazed at her reflection in the mirror, admiring the vibrant multicolored print dress that hugged her curves. Her natural hair was styled in a twist, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of elegance. Her mother, Mrs. Arolowo, stood beside her, beaming with pride.

"You look beautiful, my dear," her mother said, her voice filled with warmth.

Brenda's eyes narrowed slightly as she scrutinized her hairstyle. "I'm not really sure about the hairstyle, Mom. Is it too simple?"

Her mother chuckled. "It looks good, dear. I remember those days when you'd make me pick out your dresses and we'd play dress-up even when we weren't going out."

Brenda's laughter filled the room. "I used to tie those horrible gele, but you'd still tell me it was beautiful anyway. Then I'd make you wear horrible makeup. Why did you do that?"

Mrs. Arolowo's expression turned nostalgic. "Because I knew a moment like this would come, a moment when I might not get to see you often. Or a moment when you have to leave, and I had to create every good moment with you. Your father had to make you travel out of the country."

Brenda's voice was laced with empathy. "Do you regret it?"

Her mother's shoulders shrugged. "It doesn't matter anymore, my love. You're leaving me, and only God knows when I'll see you again. I've always wanted you to stay in Nigeria, find a good man, and stay so I can see my grandchildren whenever I want, not have to travel across the world to see my own child and grandchildren!"

Her voice cracked with a hint of anger, but she quickly composed herself. "Whatever decision you make, Brenda, I pray that God goes with you. I pray to God that you finally find joy and peace, and maybe someday, that man who will give you happiness."

Brenda's eyes searched her mother's face. "Do such men exist?"

Mrs. Arolowo's expression turned solemn. "Don't look at my relationship with your father. Not every man is like him. There are good men out there, and my prayer every day as a parent is that God brings one your way."

With a gentle kiss on Brenda's cheek, her mother left the room, leaving Brenda to her thoughts. Brenda exhaled, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

"God, remember our deal. I don't want to move if your hand is not in it. I know there's Tommy, and it's looking like he's the one, and with him, I can travel around the world, but I want more clarification. Was it Moses or Jacob who said he's not going anywhere if your presence doesn't go with him? I don't want to make any more decisions that will move me from where you've designed me to be. If I'm meant to stay, give me a sign tonight. If not, I'll assume and leave."

The silence that followed was palpable, as if Brenda was waiting for a response from the universe itself.

"Help me to help myself God."

Ire stared at his mother's number for a while he wasn't sure whether to call her or his Father.

A message notification from Sefa popped into his phone.

Have you called her?

Not yet. I don't where to start from or what to say.

I'm not sleeping yet, I was supposed to study but...... If you need someone to talk to, send a message or maybe I can spare you this one time to call me.

🤣😂
Mom will be disappointed in me.

I don't know how but it's going to be fine, okay?

Thanks.

For what?

The moral and psychological support and encouragement.

Youre welcome😊
Don't you have friends? You don't strike me as a loner. 🫣

Ire quickly answered  a call from his mother
"Hello Bryant." "Good evening Mom." "Good evening, how are you?" "I'm fine."

"And your sister? How is she?"

"Uh...."

"Can I talk to her now?"

"About that Mom....." He trailed off, "Mommy, how's your health?"

He heard his mother scoff, "Will you stop beating about the bush and go straight to the point." "About Faith, I don't know where she is at the moment Mom. Ever since she came to Lagos, I haven't seen her, I didn't know how to tell you. I didn't want to get you worried."

His mother was quiet for a while.

"Mom?" He called out but she said nothing still. "Mom, say something."

"At least you finally had the nerves to stop lying."

"You knew?"

"I know when you're lying Bryant, I have birth to you and I know when my children are fine. I've had the feeling ever since and I've been praying to God to just make it an ordinary feeling and keep my girl safe."

"I'm sorry Mom."

"What are you hiding from us?"

"It's not a phone discussion."

"Fine, you'll see me in Lagos then."

"Mom, your health."

"I have a daughter to find, my health should be the least of your worries now Bryant! I'm so disappointed in you!" "Mom.."

"You had one job Bry, take care of your baby sister and what did you do? If anything happens to Faith, I'll never forgive you." She snapped and sighed, "You'll see me in Lagos!"

Sam, Sewuese and Kilahi entered into the living room. Kilahi stood in the doorway, her eyes widening as she took in the breathtaking beauty of the living room. The plush sofa s, upholstered in a rich velvet fabric, seemed to invite her to sink in and linger. The sleek, modern coffee table gleamed in the soft light, its surface adorned with a delicate vase and a few carefully placed gospel magazines.

"Mehn.." she muttered. As her gaze wandered, a stunning mini-chandelier hung above, she noticed the dining area, visible through a archway.  

Kilahi's eyes continued to explore the room, taking in the tasteful decorations and thoughtful touches that revealed Gbadamosi's excellent taste.

The man sure has a good taste!

Every aspect of the room seemed to have been carefully considered to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Kilahi felt as though she had stepped into a luxurious atmosphere, one that was both beautiful and inviting. She couldn't help but feel impressed by Gbadamosi's exceptional sense of styles.

Gbadamosi stepped out in a white Agbaya dress, we buckling his wristwatch strap. "Hey guys I..." He trailed off on seeing Kilahi in a stunning white gown. His breath caught in his throat.

For a moment, he felt it was their wedding day, and they were about to exchange vows. Then he remembered their argument earlier that day, and the possibility of her being upset with him.

Kilahi approached him then she helped him with the wristwatch. "Thank you." He whispered then he  stretched out his hands. "Hey, beautiful," he said, his voice low and gentle.

"Hey, handsome," she replied, her tone teasing.

"What happened to 'choicest'? At least it's not Gbadamosi this time." he asked, his eyes locked on hers.

Kilahi's expression turned playful. "Perhaps I'm trying to rethink my choices?"

Gbadamosi laughed, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Did I hurt you that badly?" he asked, his voice laced with concern then Sewuese cleared her throat looking up at Sam.

"Babe, let's leave them alone."

"We'll be in the kitchen." Sam noted holding Sewuese's hand towards the kitchen area.

Kilahi's expression turned serious. "What do you think?"

Gbadamosi's eyes dropped, his voice filled with regret. "Kilahi, you left without telling me." "It was a mistake but you made it look like I murdered someone. Your tone was heartbreaking I must confess."

"I wasn't trying to show any manly superiority. I was hurt your actions."

Kilahi's gaze softened. "Really?"

"I know this is happening fast, and... you're probably scared. You're used to leaving at will or maybe letting only Sewuese know, since you've been with her almost all your life. But you're going to be living with this man very soon, and I'll want to know everything about you, where you are, and what you're doing. I didn't think you'd leave without telling me."

She exhaled, her shoulders sagging. "I'm sorry. I should have apologized. I was just filled with ego and pride for a moment. I must admit, you sounded controlling and when you ended the call."

"I didn't end it. I ran out of airtime."

"Toor, I guessed as much but there was this voice in me that was just saying you ended the call intentionally.Honestly, after that call, I said it out that your true colors were showing."

Gbadamosi chuckled. "Really? I moved from white to what color?"

Kilahi's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Who said you were white before?" She asked and Gbadamosi grinned. "I know I'm white."

She giggled. "Okay, you moved from white to gray. I wasn't sure if I was seeing the shadow of the white or black; I was confused."

Gbadamosi's expression turned sincere. "I'm not denying that I have my faults, Kilahi. I'm not promising you'll see a perfect man in this marriage. You might see different colors; there might be days you'll see the blue side of me. Those days, I'll need you to hold me close and whisper words of encouragement to me. Some days, you'll see the green in me, jealous like I've never been. Some days, I'll almost choke you with love and romance."

Kilahi's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I'll want more of those days," she confessed and his eyes crinkled at the corners, "Less than thirty days to forever, baby. You're on white; I wish it could be today so I can claim you as my wifey now."

Kilahi's cheeks flushed, and she lifted her chin, her eyes sparkling from the compliments. "You're beautiful when you're shy."Gbadamosi's voice turned husky.

"Stop it; I feel like my cheeks will explode any moment."

"With all these love bomb I'm throwing, biko let it detonate and explode. For real sha, you look breathtaking love, when I stepped in, deep down I was like who is this woman that wants to drown me in beauty?"

Kilahi giggled even more, "Flatter king! You better get yourself a floater before you drown cause you're gonna be seeing this beauri everyday."

"I don't need one, I can swim, unlike someone." He remarked and she gasped, "Oh really Choicest, you have to ship it to my deficiency." "Since we're swimming now, I thought we should swim to that side."

Kilahi looked away flushed then he tipped her chin towards his direction. "Look at me in the face and blush let me know my charms are working." "Your Baba had PHD, that charm is really working." "Baba wey dey for heaven oh" He sang and she giggled.

"God is love and I learn everything from him so..." He shrugged boastfully. "My defenses are broken, your bomb has worked." "I know." He smiled.

Kilahi's cheek hurt from smiling too much, she moved her lips close to his, but Gbadamosi quickly swerved backward.

Her eyes snapped shut, her face a picture of embarrassment. "Jesus Christ, Choicest! I'm sorry; I swear, I have no idea why I did that."

Gbadamosi pulled her back, his voice gentle. "Hey, it's okay. Exactly why I didn't want you here. If there's any consolation, just like the day I came over to your house, I also thought of it too. It's normal to think of these things, it will be weird  if you're close to me and I'm not attracted to you, but the only thing is we don't make our feelings cloud our judgment."

Kilahi's eyes widened, her face still flushed. "Gosh! I'm sorry." "You think I wasn't thinking of it right here? The only thing is my will, which is stronger than my emotions. I want to kiss you as badly as you want to kiss me, Kilahi."

She giggled, her heart dancing on hearing his confession. "But we have to countdown to it." He added and she palmed her face  in shame. "This is still embarrassing."

Gbadamosi's voice turned reassuring. "It's me, love, not some stranger, don't be embarrassed. We have forever to kiss, a lifetime together. I love you." "I love you too Choicest, I love you." She paused then she remembered the incident with Bella.

"That reminds me, Bella stormed into the toilet with me after my presentation."

"Whaaaaat?"

Mrs George, Mrs Coker and friends swayed left and right to Ayefele, 'Mi o mo jorin' lo sang by the live music band.

🎶Emi ma ti ro ju rere e, edumare ti segun fun mi.🎶

Bella☝🏼

Bella and her PA approached Gbadamosi and Kilahi, their footsteps echoing through. Kilahi's eyes lingered on Bella's cleavage, visible through the grey gown she wore. She noticed Gbadamosi rolling his eyes, trying to avoid direct contact.

"Good evening, Pastor Gbadamosi, and of course, the future Mama of Word Foundation Church," Bella announced, her voice sweet and confident. However, Gbadamosi responded with a frowny look, his expression stern.

"What are you doing here?" he snapped, his tone firm and unwelcoming.

"This is just an interview for the post-birthday publication," Bella explained, her smile unwavering. "You'll only be answering harmless questions, and nothing more."

"No."Gbadamosi's response was firm and final.

But Kilahi intervened, her eyes locked on him, "It's what she has been paid for, Choicest. We won't want to stop her from doing her job."

Bella's eyes narrowed, her teeth gritted in anger. "To your questions, Bella, as you can see, we don't have the whole night," Gbadamosi said, his tone dismissive.

Bella forced a smile, her eyes flashing with irritation. "Sure."

The tension was palpable, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words. The interview was about to begin, but it was clear that Gbadamosi was not going to make it easy for Bella.

Salome ☝🏼

Salome sat in one corner of the hall with a friend who was watching Mrs Coker and Mrs George dancing. "Temi and Teni look genuinely happy. All the children are happy, it's different from what we all thought." The woman whispered and Salome rolled her eyes looking into the birthday magazine. She was going through Gbadamosi's speech about his mother.

"I know of someone that has a big heart, a prayerful and supportive woman. A role model to many and a blessing to this generation. My very own supermom, Temitope George." She read out then she hissed.

"Someone that didn't step foot in his mother's house until this birthday preparation. I know the day he came to the house. Oh please, all these is just for publicity. You know how these family can be?"

"It might be real. I heard there was a reconciliation."

"And you believe it. You guys should reason this thing with me, children that haven't been too their parents house in donkey years finally show up for their parents birthday. I'm sure the mother threatened them with something."

"These children are doing very well financially .Gbadamosi is doing well."

"Abeg! That one that left  his good job, it's church that's feeding him."

"Haba!" The woman held back her laughter.

"We all know that there's no money there, these pastors don't  lack because there's always one church member to give him yam and small chicken change. It's just publicity and sermons jhoor." Salome assumed, "Feyi and Ere kor? I heard they are both in Abuja and they're earning well,"

"Abuja they ran to because their mother was frustrating them. Haven't you heard the gist before?" Salome asked and the woman shrugged in uncertainty.

"I have. What do I know? Temi is doing well too."

"Where are you getting your info from? Someone that's working as ordinary psychologist in that NGO that sometimes they don't pay them. It's Teni's children that has the worst luck, my daughter earns more money than Manny and Temi put together. Tatiana my daughter can employ them and feed them for the whole year. All these things is just packaging."

"For real?"

Salome scoffed, "Someone that borrowed money to do her wedding." "She did?" "You did not hear it from me oh. It was even pregnancy that made the guy finally agree to marry her."

"Wow."

"Now they're celebrating and dancing, acting like everything is perfect." "No one would be sixty and keep calm."

"They're not even grandparents and they're celebrating. Look at the grown children they have and none of them can produce a child."

"Oh." The woman paused looking over at Manny and Ossy. "Who's that one then?" "You know, I once thought Manny had that from his fling years ago. The boy is almost 8 years now sef or is it 9 but it's not. The fat lady beside him, is the mother of the child and that's Manny's girlfriend abi woman friend. Someone that looks older than me." She teased and the woman laughed.

"Haba!"

"He still did not find someone good, it's second hand he went to look for. Teni is so unfortunate, I've never seen anyone so unfortunate. Which parent in her right sense will allow that rubbish? And you say they're not pretending? Abeg! By the time I'll be 60, my grandchildren would have been up to six or five. Her own is second handed grandchild."

"Well ....." The woman shrugged, "I don't even know what to say again." She added lost for words.

"The pretense has also left me speechless. Imagine the color they chose, white that anyone can remove from their bag and you think there's money somewhere and they're doing well. I am not deceived. I know for a fact that Teni Coker and Temi George are the most unhappiest twin in the world. They're only putting on a show but I don't forget to pray for them every night. God knows they're in my prayer every night. You should do well to pray for them and ask God to show them genuine happiness." Salome prayed.

"Amen."

Ugo approached Temi, dazzling  in her white lace gown. In his hands were two wrapped boxes. Temi's eyes widened in surprise, "Oh my God, Ugo! Lota must have dragged you here, right?" Ugo chuckled, "What can I say? I had to play the role of the best brother in the world." He teased, "You deserve the award, especially since you have Lota as a sister; I would have suffocated her by now!" She replied and  he aughed, relieved to be free from his sister's grasp for now.

"How is she?" Temi asked, "She's holding  up. She'll be fine, where can i keep these gifts?" He asked and she grabbed the gifts from her. "You don't have to.." "Please! Enjoy the party." Shei smiled taking her leave.

Ugo scanned the room, searching for Kilahi then he  spotted Gbadamosi approaching him. "Look who we have here," Gbadamosi said with a warm smile. They exchanged greetings, and Ugo asked, "Where's Kilahi?"

"Wow, your first question is about Kilahi; should I be scared?"Gbadamosi playfully replied then Ugo shook his head, "No, no, it's just... " "Kilahi mentioned something a while back." Gbadamosi's eyes sparkled with amusement, "That was seasons ago; don't worry, I'm not a threat"

"Why are you taking this seriously? I was just pulling your legs." He laughed searching the crow for Kilahi. "There she is" he pointed.

Ugo's gaze followed Gbadamosi's gesture, and he spotted Kilahi walking towards Brenda. "Isn't that Brenda?" Ugo asked out loud, and Gbadamosi nodded.

"You know her?"

Ugo's eyes narrowed, "We've met a couple of times. You know her too?" He asked in surprise.

"She's a close friend of the family and a friend too." 

Kilahi approached Brenda, who was lost in thought, gazing into her wine glass. "I couldn't help but noticed Miss 'i want Gbadamosi badly, I'm willing to tempt him with my goodies'" Brenda noted and she rolled her eyes.

"Don't even remind me! Why are you alone?" Kilahi asked, and Brenda shrugged, "Who can I talk to?" Kilahi suggested, "You can meet those two people from Temi's asoebi; they congratulated me and we spoke for a while."

Brenda hesitated, "About what exactly?" Kilahi replied, "Anything."

"This might be my last day in Nigeria; can't you ditch Bada so we can talk? You might not see this face for a long time." Brenda's voice took on a hint of desperation, Kilahi pouted, "You're not leaving in Jesus' name." Brenda sighed, "Not until I take the first flight back to the UK." Kilahi asked, "Haven't you booked yet?" Brenda replied, "I'm waiting for a sign from God; I haven't seen one yet."

"Are waiting to hear God say something expressly?"

"Not exactly. Bada said something about not seeing me leave Nigeria."

Kilahi smiled, "He did?" "Yeah, I didn't understand what he meant. If I don't get a clear sign, I'll leave." "What kind of sign do you expect? A voice from heaven yelling, my lovely daughter stay back in Nigeria?"

Brenda chuckled, "When I see the sign, I'll know." She replied.

Just then, Ugo appeared beside Brenda, his deep voice interrupting their conversation, "For an attention seeker, you're more introverted than any introvert I've seen." Brenda turned to face him, surprise etched on her features, "What are you doing here?" Ugo flashed a charming smile, "Maybe I'm stalking you."

Brenda chuckled then Kilahi smiled finding their friendshio fascinating.despite the shock, "Is he the Ugo?" "Yes. Oh, Hugo meet" "Kilahi" Ugo replied flashing a smile at her, "You two know each other?"

Kilahi nodded, "Yeah." She answered then she snapped her fingers. "Remember the first time you came to the office, he came in shortly afterwards." "Really?" Brenda asked then she arced her brow at him in realization. "Could it be the other time you met me?" 

Ugo shrugged unwilling to give her a direct response.

Kilahi cleared her throat, "I better excuse you two." She shot a familiar look and Brenda chuckled in understanding. She was definitely referring to the signs.
lahi chuckled, "Is he the Ugo?" Brenda's eyes sparkled with amusement, "Yes, Hugo, meet Kilahi."

As Kilahi excused herself, Brenda arced an eyebrow at Ugo, "Could it be the other time we met?" Ugo shrugged, unwilling to reveal more. Kilahi shot a knowing glance at Brenda, hinting at the signs they had discussed earlier. Brenda chuckled, and their eyes locked in a long, intense gaze. "If someone asked me the probability of meeting you again today, I'd say zero – maybe in a dream." Ugo's eyes crinkled at the corners, "Was there a dream about me?" Brenda's voice dropped to a whisper, "I'm tempted to pinch myself to be sure I'm not dreaming."

Brenda pinched him and he flinched from her long nails. "Ouch." He groaned, "You wanted a pinch." She replied in her defense, "I'm tempted to pinch myself, pinch myself. I believe that was the word I used." "I guess I  was tempted to pinch you." She confessed.

His face lit up with a smile, "Thank God I didn't say punch." Brenda's laughter echoed through the room, and she threw her head back, her natural hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Ugo stood transfixed, captivated by her beauty and the vibrant multicolored print that accentuated her skin tone. "You look beautiful, and I love the dress; you look amazingly beautiful in it."

Brenda's eyes sparkled, "Thanks, I love your suit; it suits you." They shared a warm chuckle, and Ugo suggested, "Can we talk somewhere quieter? I don't want to strain my voice." Brenda nodded, and they slipped away, lost in their own little world.

As they walked, Ugo couldn't help but admire Brenda's elegance and poise. Her natural hair and black beauty. The multicolored print dress accentuated her skin tone perfectly. Mrs Arolowo glanced at them as they made their way out of the hall.

Kilahi went back to meet Gbadamosi, she couldn't hold back her smile. "Can you believe Brenda knows Ugo?" "I just found out." He answered. This was followed by silence, "Do you think they are..." Kilahi asked suspiciously, "I don't know" He cuts in, "Brenda said you mentioned something about her staying."

"I don't see her leaving. Not anytime soon."

"Can Ugo be the reason?"

Gbadamosi shrugged, "I can't say for now. I'm just as surprised myself." He smiled.

As Hilary strolled alongside Aunty Toyin, Manny suddenly grasped her hand and swayed to the lively highlife music. "I'm busy," Hilary said with a smile.

"With what?" Manny asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"I'm in charge of souvenirs," Hilary replied.

Manny chuckled. "Are you sure you won't be in charge of souvenirs on your wedding day?" he teased.

Hilary's laughter filled the air as her gaze drifted to Aunty Toyin, whose arms were folded, her expression stern. "Aunty Toyin is looking at me funny," Hilary whispered to Manny.

Manny shrugged. "Her eyes can pop out of her socket if it likes; I'm dancing with my girlfriend." He pulled her closer, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Tomorrow is Monday, and we'll both be busy. It's promising to be a busy week. We could have spent the evening together."

Hilary nodded. "We spent the day in church."

Manny's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Can I kiss and hold you in church?"

Hilary giggled. "Someone said what you can't do in church and in front of people is wrong. That means kissing is wrong."

Manny's expression turned playful. "Yes, married couples should not even kiss again; it's wrong for them to kiss in public. Automatically, kissing is wrong on a general note; let's scrap kissing out of every romantic gesture."

Hilary laughed, her eyes shining with amusement. "We'll make plans in between the busy week. I've got—" She glanced over at Aunty Toyin and mouthed, "One minute, Ma."

Just then, the music stopped, and the MC took over. Ossy rushed over to Manny, tugging on his hand. "Mummy, sorry, but Daddy, it's time."

Manny looked puzzled. "Time for what?"

She echoed his question. "Time for what?"

Ossy dragged Manny towards Gbadamosi, his excitement visible. "Papa, it's time!"

Kilahi raised an eyebrow. "Time for what?"

He held them to the stage. Ere, Feyi, Temi, and Tanimola mounted the stage, and Ere grabbed the microphone. "We have a presentation for our mothers. Presentations are so 2005, but we've decided to go back in time and out of our way to show our love for our mothers. We want to present a song, but there's a disclaimer: I cannot vouch for every voice here."

The crowd erupted into laughter as Ere continued, "Brother Gbadamosi is the singer in the family; me, I am trying. Someone like Brother Feyi was chased out of the choir when he was ten."

Feyi playfully slapped Ere's arm, and the audience chuckled. I've never heard Sister Temi sing but her voice gets cracked everyday. Maybe she's a dream singer or bathroom singer, we'll never know but we have a star boy in the house. Have you guys met my cousin, Ossy on the mix?" Ossy adjusted the dark shades he wore  and lifted his hands in acknowledgement, earning more laughter from the crowd.

"Actually, it was this little boy's idea to present this, and I feel he deserves to say something," Ere said, beaming with pride.

Ossy's smile illuminated the stage as he began to speak, his voice filled with humor. "12, testing the microphone." He chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "It's working."

Manny replied, "No oh! I just had to test it." Ossy's response sent the audience into laughter. "All the microphones I've seen, you'll have to hold the wire tight, as if you're fighting with the wire, before it will work." He continued, his words painting a vivid picture. "And the worst is, you'll have to swallow the microphone like a lollipop, so that people will hear you. And all the bacteria and germs are enough to make your nose stop smelling things."

The audience erupted into laughter again, and Ossy's grin grew wider. "And even if you tie the microphone wire directly to the Nepa pole, it will still not work. We can't be too sure when we hold a microphone." He shared a personal anecdote, his voice filled with nostalgia. "There was this time during our Primary two Christmas party. After the proprietor had given a long, boring speech, the microphone didn't spoil, oh. It was after they had given us the microphone to present our song that we did Acapella that day. After the song ended, the microphone now started working. Can't you see village at work? And we were started with drummer boy," Ossy busted into the first line of the song, "Come they told me parapampam! They forgot to mention that village people also work with  electrical appliances too. If you doubt me, go to Nepa office." He continued and the audience roared with laughter.

"Or maybe the microphone stopped working because we were it was singing silent night in the afternoon. I still don't understand why people sing silent night in the morning, it's supposed to be a silent night so the microphone silence itself for us. The microphone said okay oh, you guys want to sing silent night when the sun is shining, oya sing silently." He thought out loud then he laughed out loud getting a round of applause from everyone.

"Don't mind me oh, they say I have a wild imagination. This is to say, this is my first time using a working microphone and I can hear my voice from all the speakers" His request followed, "Can we celebrate the people who put this together?" The crowd applauded, and the Master of Ceremony exclaimed, "MC Ossy!" Ossy chuckled, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Happy birthday to my grandmothers; I count myself the luckiest boy in the whole world cause I have plenty grandmothers. It's not easy to be 60 years, I pray by the time I'm sixty, Nepa will stop breaking our hearts. I wish you two long life and prosperity. There are times when things we want to say cannot express what we really feel; we turn it into a song so it can make..." He paused, looking up at Manny for words. "There's one big word I'm looking for..."

The audience chuckled at his being stuck, and Manny supplied the word, "Impact." Ossy continued, "Thank you, Daddy. Like if I tell Mommy that I'm hungry, she might not take me seriously, but if I start turning it into a song, she knows I might have her for breakfast, so she'll quickly make something for me."

The crowd laughed, and Ossy's words turned sentimental. "We want to present this song to you, and I also want to present it to my mother and every mother in the house. Happy Mothering Sunday!" The audience applauded once more, and Ossy added with a grin, "I might sing it Ebonyi style, so bear with me."

Hilary laughed, "This boy will not kill me!"

Ossy requested, "DJ, if a sev years old tells you hit me with the beat? Do you beat or hit him?" He asked laughing to himself, "Oya, hit me with the beat," and the instrumental for "Sweet Mother" filled the room. The audience was ready for Ossy's performance, and his voice soon filled the room, his song a tribute to mothers everywhere.

🎶Sweet mother I no go forget you
For the suffer we you suffer for me yeah
Sweet mother I no go forget you
For the suffer we you suffer for me yeah
When I dey cry my mother go carry me
She go say my pikin wetin you dey cry yo yo
Stop stop! stop stop! stop stop!
Make you no cry again oo
When i wan sleep my mother go help me
She go lie me well well for bed
She cover me cloth say make you sleep
Sleep sleep my pikin oooo
When i dey hungry my mother go run up and down
She dey find me something we i go chop
Sweet mother, sweet mother oooo
When i dey sick my mother go cry cry cry
She go say instead wey i go die make she die
She go beg God, God help me, God help me, my pikin oo🎶

Mrs George and Mrs Coker walked up stage to dance with their children. The future daughter in laws followed suit.

Salome tightened her fist in anger then  batted her eyes as the scene unfolded before her. Her phone beeped then she noticed a text message from her daughter, Nancy.

"Help me !!!!" She quickly excused herself.

The noise of the party faded into the background as Ugo and Brenda found a quiet spot to talk. They sat down by the fountain, watching the light dance across the water.

"I'm sorry for pushing you," Brenda said, her voice laced with regret. "I can't imagine how you must have felt."

Ugo smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm sorry too. "I was angry. I didn't realize I had hit someone, I had a lot on my mind that day. I felt betrayed by Kilahi."

"Because you confessed how you felt about P G that's Pastor Gbadamosi and she offered to help you with your spiritual life but she left out the part she was also in love with the man."

Brenda's heart broke reliving the memories again.  "How do you know?" "Kilahi and I talked." "How?" "My sister ota match made us. Kilahi mentioned you were on the same aso-ebi, you should know her."

"Lota, the pregnant one?"

"Yes."

"Whoa, small world aye?"

You were saying something yesterday before we got rudely interrupted by your boyfriend."

Brenda snorted, her laughter echoing through the quiet space. "Tommy isn't my boyfriend."

Ugo raised an eyebrow. "What is he then?"

Brenda hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's complicated."

Ugo's eyes sparkled with curiosity. Ahh.... I see!" "I'm single as it is, I'm not necessarily searching." Noted. So I better look the other way then."

Brenda's face flushed, and she stomped her foot on the floor. "Depending on what you bring to the table."

Ugo chuckled, his voice low and husky. "Why does it sound like a competition between me and your boyfriend?"

Brenda's eyes flashed, her voice firm. "He's not my boyfriend."

Ugo's gaze lingered on hers, his expression thoughtful. "What were you about to say at the party?"

Brenda's brow furrowed, her eyes searching for memories. "I don't recall...what was I even talking about?"

Ugo's face lit up with a triumphant smile. "Yes! You were talking about that one time you went to an orchard and it was a complete disaster."

Brenda's laughter bubbled up, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Why would you keep that kind of memory?"

Ugo's grin grew wider. "I guess the amebo side of me couldn't forget it or forgive that man for interrupting." .

To think she was looking for him at the party to give him the full story only to find out he had gone.

"His name is Tommy."

"I wish I can forget, OluwaTomisin."

"So you remember the name."

"I wish I can forget. I also wish I can forget the cheesy line too. Marc and cheese liiiike!!!"

Brenda laughed, "Really Hugo, it was funny." "What brought Marc and cheese into that conversation? I've been thinking of it right from yesterday till today and it still doesn't make sense."

"We girls have to laugh at cheesy lines like that."

"Why?"

"Cause we're girls and we don't want to make you guys feel bad." She pours and he paused whispering, "If I ever use a cheesy line, don't ever laugh. Just say it to my face that it wasn't funny. Break my heart if you have to so I can see the cheesiness in it. It would have been fun and reasonable if his name was Marc, where in the world did he get that line from?"

"Sounds like you have a serious case with him."

"No I don't. I've seen hundreds of him, cheesy boastful types."

"Boastful?"

He cleared his throat mimicking Tommy, "I had a business call from my partner in Malaysia." He paused  then he continued, "Uncle, I don't care if the call was from someone in Beijing or Madagascar. It was unnecessary."

As they talked, the connection between them grew, their words flowing effortlessly like they had known each other for years. Ugo's eyes never left hers, his gaze burning with intensity. "Why so intense? I mean your look." "How else am I supposed to look at someone beautiful?"

She blushed and looked away, "To think you once made my skin crawl, I was legit allergic to you. Whenever I see you I'll be like, that guy has come with his wahala." "Are you still allergic to me?" "I won't be sitting so close to you if I was. I'm starting to get used to the allergies effect."

"So If we were to be on a date for let's say two hours, will the allergies act up."

"Why are you asking?"

"So the first time I saw you was when you were in the gym with your Dad who I thought was your sugar daddy, that was the very day you pushed me. I saw you twice that day. The next was at the Salon, then the gym when you were fighting with that man. Those were the four times we met coincidentally and I initially didn't want to see it as a coincidence but then a very good friend of mine asked a question, what is the Lord saying and now I'm throwing this question to you Brenda, what is the Lord saying concerning you going on a date with me?"

Ugo's question hung in the air, his voice low and husky.

"What is the Lord saying?"

Brenda's heart raced, her pulse pounding in her throat. She couldn't deny the attraction between them, the chemistry that crackled like electricity.

"I'm just surprised," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought products like me expire before being sold off."

Ugo's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Maybe I'm trying to sell off this product because she expires."

Brenda's hand flew up, her palm connecting with his arm in a playful slap. "Ouch! That sounds like an insult."

Ugo's grin grew wider. "More like a proposal. So what do you think? How is your week looking like?"

Her eyes clouded, her voice hesitant. "I was supposed to travel to the UK tomorrow."

Ugo's gaze never wavered, his voice gentle. ""There's a past tense there which is a good thing. How will you like to take a chance with this doctor?" He asked He lowered his head to hers. Their lips a breath apart.  He grinned tilting her chin up, she opened her eyes and inhaled deeply. 

As they stood there, the world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in time. Ugo's lips brushed against hers, his kiss gentle, yet insistent. They both couldn't deny the attraction between them, the connection that grew stronger with every passing moment.

But as she recalled her kiss with Tommy the previous day, she pulled back, her eyes searching for answers.

"What do you say?" Ugo asked, his voice low and husky.

Brenda's shoulders shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what I want, Ugo."

His face softened, his eyes understanding. "Is it because of your boyfriend?"

Brenda's laughter was bitter, her voice laced with pain. "I don't have a boyfriend. My life is delicate and complicated at the moment. I don't want to rush into any relationship and complicate things. I'm just trying to figure things out for myself. I'm tired of doing what people want. What about what I want? Has anyone ever thought to ask what I want or whether I'm happy or sad?"

Ugo's nod was gentle, his voice empathetic. "I'm sorry for being selfish, I didn't mean to impose. What do you want?"

To kiss you again! She answered within.

Brenda's eyes searched his, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know, I'm still figuring myself out. It's a new journey, and I'm going to need all the time in the world."

Ugo's smile was gentle, his eyes understanding. "A good company on a journey makes the way shorter. You'll need a friend on this journey, and I'm offering to be one." He stretched his hand and she held it with a wide smile.

"Hey Friend"

"You're not friend-zoning me are you?" He asked and she laughed, "No I'm not. Baby steps."

Salome stepped into the toilet and dialed her daughter's number. The familiar tune of "Sweet Mother" filled her ears. "Sweet mother kor!" she hissed, her annoyance evident. "Sweet mother ni! Look how ugly their voices sound. They don't know they are making noises in people's "

"Hello, Mommy," her daughter cuts in, her voice laced with fear.

"What's going on now?" Salome asked, her tone firm but concerned.

"Can you come to the house, please?" her daughter requested.

Salome sighed. "Why should I waste my fuel coming over there? What's the issue this time?"

"I need you to talk to my husband," her daughter replied.

Salome snorted. "Family problems are normal, dear. It's normal to have issues with your husband. I had issues with your father, and we worked through them. You can't keep running to me every time you have a disagreement."

"Mom, you don't understand," her daughter protested. "I've locked myself in. I need your help."

Salome's expression turned incredulous. "Ogini? What's wrong with your generation? If you have issues with your husband, you sit down and sort them out. You don't keep bothering me with every little problem."

"Mommy, please—" her daughter begged.

Salome cut her off. "Nancy, I'm at a birthday party, and my mood has already been ruined. Unless you're calling to send me money, don't bother. Is it not people's children who are singing 'Sweet Mother' to their mothers on their birthday, not mine. Find someone else to disturb. Don't even think about making me angry."

With that, Salome ended the call and let out a loud hiss. "Look at people's children singing 'Sweet Mother' to their mothers. My own child, on the other hand, only knows how to complain morning, afternoon, and night. Rubbish, I have never seen in my life! Small argument they call, small problem, they'll call you. A mother cannot rest?"

Mrs Coker insisted that Hilary and Ossy spend the night at her place, much to Manny's delight. As they relived the singing event, Hilary couldn't help but laugh. "I think I'll host a show just for Ossy," Mrs. Coker exclaimed. "He has a natural talent for stand-up comedy. My grandson is absolutely brilliant! My sixtieth birthday couldn't have been better."

As Ossy dozed off on Manny's lap, he suddenly sat up, rubbing his eyes. "My eyes feel like they're going to fall out," he complained. Hilary teased, "Who's paying you to stay awake?" Ossy stood up, pillow in hand, and bid everyone goodnight. "Good night, Mommy. Good night, Daddy. Good night, Grandpa. Good night, Grandma." He embraced Mrs. Coker, who smiled and thanked him for making her birthday so special.

Hilary followed suit, bidding everyone goodnight, and Manny squeezed her hand tightly.

"Good night, dear," Mrs. Coker said, her gratitude evident. "Thank you all for today. This is the best birthday I've ever had. I'll never forget this day." Hilary added, "The best is yet to come, Ma." Mrs. Coker smiled, nodding in agreement. "Amen. Good night again."

As Hilary followed Ossy out, Manny smiled, feeling grateful for the gift of her.

"Months ago, I wouldn't have agreed to your choice but Hilary is such an amazing woman. Weldone done Manila. Weldone."

Emmanuel sat on his chair severally dialing Aunty Abebi's number despite the fact it wasn't going through. He picked the note going through it again and tears flowed down.

Kilahi sat on the bed working on her laptop. She had to submit a report to Mrs Aisha the following morning so she had to summarize and look through it once again. She kept snacking on plantain chips as she worked.

She heard Sewuese laugh from playing Ossy's speech then she laughed too. "Ossy's a clown." She complimented and Sewuese laughed then she answered,"I don't know why I love him. There's just no dull moment with that boy."

"None oh."

"Pastor Gbadamosi house is so fine."

"You can say that again."

"Your future home."

Kilahi shrieked in excitement, "Unbelievable. I wouldn't have thought about it." She paused swallowing hard. "Did you see what that Bella wore?"

Kilahi shrugged, "If I say I understand, I'll be lying. It's well sha. When last did you hear from Jaiye?" "Yesterday. She was complaining about how she left Nigeria to be cleaning shit, she concluded the call by saying she's seeing it as a form of rendering help to humanity." Sewuese explained and Kilahi laughed.

"Why am I suddenly craving for fried plantains, fried eggs and chicken? Scratch that, turkey. A very big turkey by the side." Kilahi asked imagining the food then she smiled snacking on plantain chips.

"Maybe it's period that's coming."

"Ooh" She paused, "When did I even see that thing?" She paused in thought. "Either that or ovulation craving, I crave when I'm ovulating oh."

"Do I even know when I'm ovulating?"

Sewuese laughed and Kilahi rephrased, "I know what ovulation looks like, I've never given it much thought like. When it comes it comes, when it goes, it goes."

"Unless Pastor Gbadamosi has a mad pull out game, Aunty, you are gonna born children and fill the nations. You know when God said be fruitful and multiply. You're gonna multiply baby!" She teased and laughed at Kilahi.

"Stop it!" Kilahi felt bad.

"That's the truth. I just hope your husband  has a strong pull out game, either than or you learn  or do some serious family planning." Sewuese suggested with a shrug going through her phone.

"Mehn.... Ignorance is not bliss at all. Funny thing is that I don't read about these stuff. To me, it doesn't matter, what's the point?"

"And now?"

Kilahi exhaled, "How do you count your menstral cycle?" She asked and Sewuese dropped her phone looking at her in awe. "Madam, is there water boiling In my ears or you just asked to learn about periods?"

Kilahi rolled her eyes shyly, "See! Thats why I don't like asking you things like this. You have pride!" "No now... I want to be sure I heard correctly before jumping into that education. Come and sit baby."

"I have to brush up this report."

"Abegi! Report can wait." She snapped tapping the bed. "Sit close to me."

Kilahi left what she was doing then she sat on the bed shutting her eyes in shame, "I can't believe I'm about to ask this. Toor, does it hurt?"She asked opening  up her eyes. "What? You've seen your menses now, why are you asking if it hurts." "I mean first time?"  "Well, it varies for people but I can say in all honesty, you'll feel it down there. The pain varies depending  on your sexual partner. For me, Jamal was just in a rush and even when I begged him not to..." She trailed off shutting her eyes.

"See! I don't even want to remember that day but with a good and romantic partner whom you're attracted to, It's easier and less painful."

Kilahi sighed, "I'm not relieved." "You're not supposed to be." Sewuese smiled, "I knew this day was going to come. I was just wondering when you'll ask" She shriek in excitement.

"Shut up jhoor"

As Ugo lay in bed, he couldn't shake off the feeling that his sister's words had been prophetic. Little did he know, fate had already set wheels in motion, and he was going to find Brenda there. He held his phone, going through the message he had already typed: "Hey Brenda❤ I pray you dream of an angel bringing you peace of mind, and may that angel have my handsome face. Sweet dreams!"

Meanwhile, Brenda had just gotten out of the bathroom when she noticed the light of her phone dim off. Her mom pushed open the door, poking her head in. "My dear, I just came to check up on you to see if you were sleeping already."

"No, Mom, I just had my bath," Brenda replied.

"I couldn't help but notice you talking to Ugo," her mom said, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Brenda chuckled, "I'm so not having this conversation with you. If that was what you came to talk about, then good night, Mom."

"You guys were gone for almost an hour," her mom pointed out.

"Mom! We were having a conversation like adults do," Brenda said, trying to brush it off.

"Did you tell him you'll be traveling?" her mom asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Brenda quickly picked up her phone and went through the message, a smile creeping onto her lips. "Plans changed; I might be shifting my travel plans a little further into the future."

"Yes!" Mrs. Arolowo blurted out in excitement ."The future might be next week!" Brenda added.

"God forbid," Her mother snapped, "Mom!" Brenda rolled her eyes, trying to hide her smile. "Good night Mom."

"Good night," her mom said, leaving the room.

Brenda sent a message back to Ugo: "I'm not promising to dream about you.😂 Sweet dreams, Ugo."

What do you guys think about today's update?

Long bah???

What's your favorite scene?

I'm giving two in one chapters guys.

Bear with me.

Till the next chapter, ciao!😌❤️