Chapter 23

Consequence

“Christy, why you dey do like this? You no dey hear anything wey I dey talk…?”

“After all these years? After all the suffer wey mama suffer before she die? Na now you come come. You come dey explain yourself…”

“Frank, abeg talk to your sister. Abeg, no be as she dey talk am e happen…” The old man looked teary at his stubborn daughter. He was making every effort to get her to believe him. But she was not going to move her stand. She did not believe anything he said.

“So how e take happen?”

Christine wasn't the least interested in the conversation. She was only sitted because Francis begged her to.

The old man adjusted himself. He was going to give them a long history.

“Francis, I don’t think I can wait to hear this? He is just going to cook up some lies…”

“Christine, please let's just hear him out.”

The old man cleared his throat.

“Na so everything take happen be this. Before I marry una mama, I get plenty money. I get 2 lorries, 1 big poultry and 2 house wey I build.  Me and una mama marry and we dey happy. After some time, things come begin change. I begin sell all my properties. I take am treat one sickness wey catch me. Small small everything just go like that. Na im some people from my family come tell me say…” He swallowed.

“Say wetin…?” Christine quipped.

“Say na una mama dey do me…”

Christine stood to her feet and began to pace the room.

Francis kept his eyes on the old man.

“They talk say una mama na witch say na she give me sickness…”

“Francis, I think we should send this old man on his way. I’m filled with rage right now.”

“Christine calm down. ”

“Christy abeg no vex for me. I love una mama well well. Na fear make me run comot for house…”

“Fear for how many years…? And why na now when mama don die you come begin come back house…?” Christine shot at him.

They both looked at the old man for a response.

He could not look back at them. He stared at the floor. His two palms were clasped together.

“I no know…” His eyes were teary.

Christine would not fall for it.

“You know how we take suffer? Mama suffer for two of us. Na inside hunger and pain she take send us to school. Na all the things wey you buy for her she sell make we take go school. Now, you come come back come dey tell us wetin…? Me I no believe all this one wey you dey talk. Abeg go back to where you take disappear come…”

“Christine hold on. So you waka leave your family go where…?” Francis asked.

“I go Okoko…” He replied.

“You go Okoko…?”

“Yes, na there I go.”

“Who you go meet for Okoko…?”

He was quiet.

“Old man, you no be my papa. God forbid! My papa don die.” Christine shot again.

“Christy, come on.”

“What?”

“Don’t talk like that…”

“Why shouldn't I? Does this man look like a father? Like our father?”

The old man looked up at Christy.

“Why you dey talk to me like this? I no say wetin I do no good. But I still be your papa. Why you go dey talk on top my head like this…?”

Christine giggled.

“Frank talk to your sister. Na so she suppose dey follow her papa talk?”

Francis did not say anything.

The old man stood to his feet.  He pointed in the general direction of Christine.

“You no sabi talk. You hear me. You no sabi talk. Na me your papa you talk say don die…?”

“You no be my papa.”

The old man laughed.

“Ok papa sidon.” Francis spoke to the old man.

He obeyed.

“So, you go Okoko go see who…?”

“Na one of my friend’s place I go stay.”

“For how many years…?”

“I comot for there go Iyana Ipaja. Na there I marry another wife…”

Christine could not hold her laughter.

Francis grinned as well.

“Why two of una dey laugh me naa?”

“No vex…” Francis then began to laugh.

The old man hissed and stood to his feet. He began to walk towards the door.

“Where you come dey go now?”

“Wetin concern you where I dey go. Be like say something dey do two of you. I marry another wife and una come begin laugh…”

They watched him as he walked away.

“But Christine that wasn't fair…”

“What wasn't fair?”

“The way you were acting with the man. It was not right.”

“See, I know you are the gentle, let-us-find-a-civil-way-out kind of guy. But me Christine, I won’t tolerate rubbish. That man might be our father but he can’t just come back into our lives and assume everything would just go on smoothly.”

“I hear you. But I think you should give the man a break.”

“After all mama went through…? What is he coming back for anyway? I mean you too think about it. What does he want now? And why now?”

“I don’t know but we would never know if we don’t give him audience.”

“What more audience is he looking for?”

“Well, maybe he just needs us to hear him out.”

“with this attitude of yours Francis, people would take advantage of you ooo. You always seem to give everybody a chance. Some people don’t deserve it. There’s no point. Human beings are wicked. And desperately so.”

“Christine, the man might have had an encounter with Jesus Christ…”

“Oh, there you go again… An encounter…? See if people know they can manipulate you at the mention of Jesus, they would make up any lie to deceive you.”

“But this man doesn't know me. And stop exaggerating.”

“Maybe or maybe not. I don’t have time for his melodrama. You listen to him, then come and share it with me. But as far as I am concerned, my father is dead.”

“Christine, that’s rather harsh.”

“God forgive me.”

“I would go and get him now and tell him we are ready to listen to everything he has to say.”

“Like I said earlier, I’m not interested.”

“But he is your father.”

“I told you where my father is. But God is my Big Father. And you are my second father. I’m going to see my boyfriend.”

“But…”

He swallowed his words when she looked at him with an expression that said, that’s enough already.

“Ok, say hello to him for me.”

“No problem.”

“And don’t be back late, ok?”

“Ok.”

Francis watched as she walked off. She was excited as she left. She loved him.

*          *          *

Mrs Adesesan nodded briskly. She looked from Jide back to her daughter.

“So, it’s good to finally meet you.”

“Same here ma.” Jide replied.

“So, how about your parents…?”

“Humm.. My Father is late but my mum lives in Surulere.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. Pele.”

“Thank you ma.”

Bimpe was studying her mother very closely. She was looking for any hint of acceptance or otherwise. But so far, none was forth coming. So she pried.

“Mum, Jide's mum is just like you. Very warm and welcoming. She even looks forward to meet you…”

“Is that so…? What does she do?”

“She’s a doctor.”

“Oh really?”

“That’s good to hear.” Mrs Adesesan said.

“She's retired now though. But does some consultancy now and again…”

“I see.”

Bimpe saw the smile. It was abrupt and almost unnoticed but she got it. Her mother smiled a little. They were getting there.

“Bimpe's father traveled two days ago. And he won't be back until next month. I'm sure he would have loved to meet you.”

“I would have loved to meet him too.”

“Don’t worry; you will meet him very soon.” Bimpe added quickly.

 “So Bimpe said you work with Diamond Capital, right?”

“Yes ma.”

“That's great. There are some share certificates lying around somewhere in her father's room. We have not had the chance to visit them but I'm sure maybe you could take a look at them, you could help out.”

Bam! The test had begun.

Bimpe knew it was a hoax. She knew her mum was testing Jide.

“Yes ma, I could take a look at them.”

“Ok.”

“Mum, let me help you with them.”

“Ok. Check the brown drawer close to your dad’s reading table. I think I saw some there.”

“Ok.”

Bimpe disappeared almost immediately.

“Now, Jide, I will like to warn you ahead. My daughter has fallen victim with one unscrupulous fellow before and it took her sometime to get herself together. If you are not in love with her and you are only looking at getting into her pants, first, her father will hunt you down. And I mean he will…”

“No ma. I’m not that kind of guy. I love your daughter and she loves me too.”

“I’m just warning you ahead.”

“I understand ma.”

Bimpe showed up, “mum, I didn't see any of them there…”

“Maybe your father had moved them.”

“Have you checked in the box on the book shelf…?”

“No.”

“Please check. If it's not there, then he must have taken them out.”

Bimpe and Jide exchanged glances. Mrs Adesesan saw it.

When Bimpe left, she said, “I see that my daughter loves you a lot. She has not brought any man to this house for over a year now. And I understand. So that is why I’m asking you… no, I’m begging you to please not play with her heart.”

Mrs Adesesan’s face was calm but her words were firm and penetrating.

She kept her gaze on Jide. He could not match it. She had a steel solid intent behind her eyes. They were sincere but yet had a daring subtleness about them.

Jide felt a sudden squeeze in his stomach.

“I understand ma…” He managed to say.

Bimpe appeared again. She wasn't holding anything.

“Mum, I didn't see them there… Dad must have taken them.”

“I suppose so.”

“I think so too.”

“No problem. If Bimpe could get them across to me, I would look at them and revert.”

Mrs Adesesan nodded.

She looked at her wristwatch and got to her feet. As she walked away, she said, “It was good to meet you Jide.”

“Same here ma.”

Bimpe moved to the seat closest to him.

“What were you guys talking about…?” She asked quickly.

“Well… mother and son-in-law to be kind of gist…”

“Like?”

“Well… She says I should take good care of you and love you truly….”

“Abi. She’s my mum.”

“She sure is.”

“Are you hungry?”

“No, no worries…”

“Never. Not in my house. My mum would bore me to death on ethics of how to treat guests that come to visit let alone, my husband to be.” She giggled.

“Wooow. So that means I don’t have a choice…?”

“No you don’t.”

“Ok, whatever you prepare, I’d eat.”

“Ok.”

Jide began to rethink his decision. It looked like Bimpe wasn't one of those girls who could be taken for granted. Her mother had warned him. It was like she could read him. She was looking into his soul and fishing.

What kind of man was her father? Was he in the army or a retired general? Was he some kingpin? What kind of danger would he put himself if he treated Bimpe like he had done to many other girls before? Was this whole drama worth it? Bimpe was a sweet girl and had all the sweetness of a woman but… was she worth the risk? There were many other less risks out there. Why put up with all this drama? I need to discharge this babe sharp sharp. Make this thing no go burn me.

He began to rub his wrist. He brought out his phone from his pocket and started fumbling with it.

Mrs Adesesan came out of her room.

“I hope you are making yourself at home?”

“Yes ma. Thank you ma.”

“Good. Bimpe, come and get him something to drink.”

“No ma. I’m fine ma.”

She did not listen to him. She went into the kitchen. Seconds later, Bimpe appeared with a long glass of orange juice.

“Thank you.”

She made face at him and smiled.

He smiled back. Howbeit, casually.

*          *          *

He got to his car and stood there for a minute. He knew Romoke got to the car before everybody else. So he got there on time today so he could get sometime to be alone with her.

Wole looked at his wrist watch. It was 6:37pm.

He got into his car and started the air-conditioning. He kept the temperature little above room. He turned on the music player and kept the volume low as well.

He looked at his rear mirror. His beard was well shaven and he looked good.  He smiled at himself. He had to tell her his mind today. He had nursed feelings for her for so long he thought he needed to get it off his chest.

He looked at his wristwatch again. It was 6:42pm.

He looked in the direction she normally came from but she was not in sight. He increased the volume of the music and laid his head on the head rest.

The music continued to play. He closed his eyes.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on his passenger’s side of the car. Wole opened his eyes to see Romoke's smiling face. He pushed on central lock button.

“Hello dearie. How was work today? Sounds like someone was out of the office early today…”

Wole smiled in response.  “Hey Romoke. Work was good. I just thought I should give myself a break today. Body no be firewood.”

“I see. And you mean they let you out of the front door or you sneaked from the fire exit?”

She sat in the passenger’s seat.

Wole laughed. “No. We are not slaves naa…”

“I know. I’m just saying, you guys work and make folks like us look lazy.”

“Everybody works Romoke. It’s just different fields.”

“Don't mind me jhoor.”

 “You look great as always.”

Romoke smiled. “Thank you. You look great yourself.”

“Well… don’t know about that...” He shrugged.

“Seriously, you do?”

“Ok, thank you.”

“So how did it go?” She asked.

“Well, we won the contract.”

“That’s good news.”

“Yeah. It is.”

“So that’s more money abi?”

“I’m optimistic.”

Romoke smiled. “You’re trying to be modest abi…?”

Wole smiled. He looked at her. She was playing with her phone.

“We don’t make as much money as you guys at Premium Consulting. I even heard you guys are paid in dollars.”

“Haba. Whoever your source is, you need to stop listening to him or her. We are paid in Naira and in comparison to you guys, we earn peanuts…”

“I hear you. I would not argue with you. But I know the truth.”

“There’s no point. The truth is the truth. By the way,  where do you get your music collections from? I’m feeling them gaani.”

“I could burn a CD for you.”

“Honestly, that would be great.”

“Ok.”

“Hope you won’t forget?”

“Send me a PING tonight if you can.”

“Don’t worry. I will send you pings…”

There was silence for a few seconds.

“So, how has work been?” He tried to quell the silence.

“Well, I’m grateful.”

“Great.”

“How about your end? I know you guys work like you are going to save the world…”

That cracked Wole up.

“Well… we do our best.”

“Cool.”

Their eyes met but Romoke looked away.

There was silence again.
Wole cleared his throat.

“The truth is, Romoke, I like you and I’d like this friendship to be… you know… better…”

“Better? How so?”

“I’d like you to be my girlfriend.”

Romoke cocked her head to the side. Then she looked the other way and smiled.

“Why? That wasn't a joke Romoke.”

She smiled again.

“I mean it Romoke.”

She faced him.

“I honestly don’t know what to say.”

“It's either yes or yes.”

She sighed.

“Don’t tell me you need time to think about it… Its either yes or yes…”

She looked down at her fingers.

“I'm so sorry Wole, I’m with someone else.”

The disappointment registered on Wole's face immediately. He could not hide it.

“I’m sorry Wole. You are a really nice guy and all but I’m in a relationship and I’m very happy where I am.”

It was Wole's turn to look away.

“All this time, I had assumed…” He swallowed the rest of his words

She looked away.

“I won’t lie to you I have fallen head over heels for you.” He shook his head.

“You are a good friend Wole…”

“It's ok Romoke. I should have asked first before jumping to conclusions…”

“You are not the first guy to do this and neither will you be the last. It’s normal for guys to assume. It’s just natural. I can’t tell you how many guys have asked me out in the past two days alone. It’s just natural. Even married women are also mistaken sometimes. I mean, for the very adventurous fellows. But seriously, I also assumed you already had someone you were seeing…”

Wole looked away. He could not hide his disappointment.

“But this should not change anything Wole. Because we are not dating doesn't mean we can’t be friends…?”

“Honestly, it’s easier said than done.”

“So does this mean it’s over between us…?”

“No not that. It’s just that, there's this tension it creates… you know…”

“It should not be. I think we’d be fine.”

“If you say so.”

Two ladies and a guy came to join in the car.

“Hello Wole. Sorry we were late. Our boss just came up with this speech about how we need to move forward at COB.” Adeola said.

“Yeah. That man has somethings going on in his head and seriously, he is the only one in his world. He loves to do things at odd hours.” Doris added.

Williams was the shy one. He said nothing.

“Hello Willy.” Romoke said.

Williams looked in her direction. “Hello.”

“Hello Williams.”

“Hello Wole.”

Wole started the car. The engine made a small roar and came to life.

He steered the car gently out of the parking lot and joined the traffic.

*          *          *

The room wasn't large but was decent. There was a reading table and a small chair beside it. The bed was large and comfortable enough. The air-conditioning was not working but they had a fan that was blowing off some whirlwind.  The air in the room smelt of freshly sprayed air freshener. It was clean and also inviting. The bathroom floor was clean and white and the bathtub wasn't bad as well.

Jennifer settled in nicely.

She unpacked her bag and all the clothes inside it. She had gone to change the dollars she stole from Kingsley and went shopping with it.

She picked two short gowns, one jacket, two pairs of pants, four pairs of shoes and bags. She also got some toiletries as well.

She hanged the clothes nicely in the closet. She put the shoes in the shoe rack and kept the bags in a locker. Then she undressed and went into the bathroom.

The water was cold. 
There was a water heater but it was not working.

“Naija…” She said to herself.

She poured the bath soap into the tub. Then, she turned on the water. When she was satisfied with the volume, she turned it off. She stirred the water until it was filled with soap lather. She gently allowed herself into the bathtub.

Then, she leaned gently backwards.

She was barely two minutes in the tub when her phone began to ring. She allowed it to ring three times before she picked it up.

“Hey Jenny.”

She looked at her phone. The number was not registered on her contact’s list.

“Who is this?”

“It's me Kingsley”

She smiled.

“How can I help you?”

“You took some money from my wallet, didn't you?”

“Are you sure?”

“Come on now, don’t patronize me…”

“”I have no idea what you are talking about. Seriously.”

“I know you took my money girl. I need that money back. Didn't I pay you what you asked for…?”

“Kingsley, I don’t know what you are talking about and whatever we had is business and we are done.”

“You stupid bitch! I will get you. You hear me.And I will beat you to coma. I promise you that. You hear me…?” He yelled.

She hung up the phone. She smiled again. She loved it when men were angry at her and there was nothing they could do about it.

She leaned back again.

Her phone began to ring again. She picked it up and looked at the number. It was not registered but it was a different number.

She picked the call.

“Hey Jennifer, it’s me Martins…”

She froze. Martins?

“Don’t hang up. Just hear me out. I want us to strike a deal. My head is on the line. I beg you. Chief is going to kill me if I don’t get his money back. Can we meet? Please. Please for old times sake.”

“Martins, really? Even if you think I’m stupid, I’m not dumb, ok?”

“No Jenny. See I’m not after you. I just need us to talk about how you can save my life. The Chief blames me for your actions. He suspects we planned it together.”

“Didn’t we…?”

“Come on Jenny, you betrayed me and ran off with the whole thing.”

“You know what, I’m talking too much…”

“No, no, no. Please Jennifer. Don’t hang up. I’m on my knees here begging you. Would you for Christ’s sake just help me here…?”

“Martins, the truth is even if I wanted to, I can’t…”

“Why? Jennifer please. I’d be dead this time tomorrow if I don’t get back the money.”

“I'd advice you to go and get you grave dug. There’s no helping it.”

“Jennifer for old time sake. I don’t think I deserve this kind of treatment from you after all I did for you.”

“I said I can’t help you…”

“Why?”

“I don’t have the money?”

“What???”

“I got robbed and all the money is gone.”

“You can’t be serious…?”

“Well like I said, I can’t help you. Bye Martins.”

She hung up the phone.

He called her back several times but she didn't pick it up.

After fifteen minutes, her phone rang again. This time as well, the number was not registered on her contact’s list.

She hesitated for a few seconds. Then she picked it.

“Hello Jennifer...” It was Chief Etibeh’s voice.

Jennifer almost jumped out of the tub. She didn't answer.

“Ain’t you going to answer me?”

“Chief…” She said almost cautiously.

“I know you didn’t do it on your own. I figured you had help from one of my men; from someone familiar to both of us. The problem here is that, our mutual friend will not be with us shortly if I don’t get my money back today. I am calling you because I think you should hear this from me. His blood would be on your hands and not mine. And I’m very much unto you. I heard you checked out of a hotel yesterday. Interestingly, I know the young man you were with. My men are going to his house now as we speak and they might probably do some really unnice things to him. Now, that’s two men’s blood on your hands. And I tell you this, its only a matter of time; I will find you. I thought you were smart but now I know you are simply stupid. I can’t imagine you would still be in town with all the money you stole from me. However, we can make this easy, give me back my money and I will move on…”

“Nobody’s blood is on me. It’s on you and your family. You this stupid good for nothing old man! Sleeping with girls your daughter’s age…”

“Slow down with the insults and name-calling sugar. I only gave you a courtesy call. No need for the melodrama.” His voice was painfully calm and commandeering. He was in control and she knew it. She didn't like it

“I know where your family lives. I know your wife and two daughters and I know how to reach them…”

The other end of the line was quiet for some time, then, “oh, are you threatening me now…? Seriously…?”

He started to laugh.

“I have your naked pictures. I took them when you were drunk and I sure will use them.”

The laughing stopped.

Jennifer hung up the call.

She had come up with a lie that she can use in her favor. He would probably be sitting in his chair now pondering. He had not seen that one coming. He must be dumbfounded now. She thought

Jennifer smiled. Men are so easy to control once you can get a hold of their ego.

Her phone rang again. It was Chief.

“I see you have resolved to blackmail. Interesting. So how many of my naked pictures do you have?”

“How does that matter?”

“Well, I just checked with my men and I was told they never allow anyone into my office with a phone. It is considered a weapon. And if that’s the case, then you never had the chance to take my pictures… You are actually dumber than I thought. Jeez! How have you escaped this long? Did you fall off your mother’s back? Is such cheap blackmail the only scam you can come up with? Now, jokes apart, I need my money today or Martins dies. And I can assure you this one thing, I will find you and you wouldn't like the aftermath. I’m sure that small brain of yours can at least interpret what I just said…?”

“Stupid old man! Go to hell!”

She threw her phone hard against the wall.

*          *          *

The sun had disappeared from the sky and the night was settling in quickly. The evening breeze made its way across the city. People were walking in all directions. Car horns were blaring. Hawkers were going from car to car trying to sell their merchandise.

There was shouting and cursing going on in every direction.

The traffic was moving slowly. It was a typical day.

 Adaora eased her car to a stop and the car ahead stopped. She looked at the side mirror. She noticed some quick movement. She did not think it was anything serious so she looked on ahead.

Suddenly, there was a loud bang on her car's window. She turned to see two men standing by her window. She wanted to push on the gas but the car ahead was also under attack.

Her pulse began to increase.

They banged her window again. Only this time, one of them was pointing a gun in her direction. She began to shake. The banging came on harder. She wound down the window.

“Be like say you wan die abi?”

One of the men, had his head close to her left ears.

“Bring all your money and your phone. Do am sharp sharp.”

While she was making attempts to reach for her bag. The other one said, “Bring your wristwatch and chain first. Do am sharp sharp. Why you dey do like ode?”

He slapped her hard. Adaora’s head jerked backwards from the impact.

“Oh my God!” That was all she could say.

“Do fast before I slap you another one now.”

Adaora wasn't going to take another slap. She reached for her bag and handed it over to them.

One of the men grabbed it immediately and searched it. When he had taken all he needed, he tossed it back at her.

“Oya, your watch…”

Adaora removed her watch and necklace and handed it to them.

One of the men pushed the nozzle of his gun under her chin and raised her head up with it.

She thought she was going to die.

“Jesus please help me. Please Jesus. Don’t kill me please.”

“Wetin I wan take you do…? Where your laptop?”

“I… I… don’t… have…”

“Comot there make I slap am another one.”

She covered her face with her hand and docked.

The two men started laughing.

“This one na butter. Make we dey go.” One of the men said.

“This one fine well well. I wish say I fit carry am go my house sha…”

“Shakiru were. Na on top woman you go die put.”

“Na so na. Babie, I go see you next time.”

Almost immediately, they disappeared behind the shrubs that were supposed to serve and road beautifiers.

Adaora did not raise her head. She just bent her head down crying.

She was shaking profusely. She started praying.

When she did not hear any voice, she raised her head up slowly.

There was still no voice.

Then she looked up and then at her side mirror.

They had disappeared.

She was still sobbing and shaking when she noticed two policemen and a man talking. The man pointed in the general direction from where the thieves had jumped out. The policemen did not look surprised. Not even shocked by the slightest hint.

That baffled Adaora.

She wanted to go and join the man to share her ordeal but decided it was wiser to do otherwise.

She looked inside her car. It did not look like anything happened. Nothing was ruffled but her phone, her wallet, and her wristwatch. The beautiful birthday gift that Jide had given her was also gone. She was going to miss that necklace.

“Thank You Lord” She eventually said.

One of the policemen came close to her car. He was waving that she moved her car on. She shook her head and smiled as she drove past him.

They were never around when you needed them. Always showing up when the drama had stopped. No wonder these hoodlums keep getting away with it.

 She made up her mind she would never come through this route again.

She would have to follow the longer route home. It would be a long drive home but at least it would be safe.

*          *          *

The large compound was filled to capacity. Friends and family members were everywhere exchanging pleasantries and warm greetings. The atmosphere was filled with celebration. Couples had taken center stage on the dance floor. The music was lively.

There were two large canopies that housed guests who sat at their tables; magnificently dressed in enthralling regalia.  People were making small group discussions and laughter often ensued.

Kids were running after one another in the garden almost 5-meters away from the canopies. Uche was looking in their direction. He had been looking in their direction for a while. Susan saw the look on his face. She was sitting with her friends some tables away. Nobody else saw it. But she did. And she knew what was going on through his mind.

Kunle Thomas walked up to Uche. “Hey Uche…”

Uche stood to his feet to give his friend a hug.

“Oh boy, see your belle. You don old finish…”

They both laughed.

“You dey deceive yourself. You sef don dey old.” Kunle Thomas replied pointing at Uche’s stomach.  “And by the way, I think I just saw your wife…”

“Yeah… She’s over there with her friends” Uche pointed in the direction of his wife. She was not looking in their direction. But she was beautiful. She always stood out in the crowd with her charming smile.

“She always looks young everytime.”

“Abi? Same for Jumoke. You are taking good care of her as I can see.”

“Wetin man go do?”

They shook hands.

Kunle went on, greeting other friends.

Uche and Susan were hosting a party for the reunion of Yvonne and Lanre. Everyone was there. Everybody wanted to visit the magnificent house. And everyone wanted to see the faces of the couple whose gossip had spread into every household in the neighborhood.

The crowd continued to grow as the minutes went by. It seemed everyone in the estate came to witness the reunion party. The parking space was filled to capacity.

A young man stood up with a mic in his hand. He spotted a black jacket and a deep grey pant. He looked very fit. He looked like someone who often visited the gym.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I welcome everyone…” he voice was deep and as well subtle; a good radio voice.

“I can see so many familiar as well as unfamiliar faces here today. My name is Yemi Johnson. And it’s really nice to see all these wonderful faces today…”

Uche walked up to his wife.

“Hello beautiful.”

Susan looked up and smiled.

“The whole place is filled to capacity. I can’t believe the turn out.”

“I’m surprised myself.”

“I hope our preparation can take care of everyone…?”

“No worries darling. The Lord is in control.”

Uche nodded in agreement. He kissed her on the head and walked on.

Susan watched him as he walked away. She would forever be grateful to God for her husband. Forever.

A little girl ran up to Susan.

“Aunty Susan. Aunty Susan…”

Little Ayomide ran from her mom towards Susan.

The joy on the little girl’s face and her bright eyes seemed to bring some refreshing in Susan’s soul.

“Hey my little angel.” She grabbed the little girl and carried her up. Her face was filled with glee.

Femi joined them later.
"Hello Femi."

“Hi Susan. She's been so excited. She has not stopped talking about you all day. She has being on my case all day after I told her we were coming to your house.”

“Awwwwww. Sweetheart, how are you?”

“I’m fine Aunty Susan.” Little Ayomide said smiling.

“Look at you growing big so quickly…”

“Abi ooo.” Femi replied.

“We have prepared a place for the kids to play as well.”

“I trust you. Abeg take her there make I fit rest.”

Femi and Susan walked to the other side of the building where they had prepared a place for the kids to play.

It was a well decorated space. There were games and all kind of toys every where. The kids were having fun. And there was so much to eat.

“Aunty Susan, Aunty Susan…” One little boy called. He had a small toy in his hand. It looked broken.

“What do we have here…?” She said to him.

She took the toy from his hand. He had pulled off the head of the toy. It was not broken. Susan fixed it and handed it over to him. He took it and ran back to meet his friends.

“The way you take care of kids is amazing. Honestly, I can’t wait to see you have your own…”

“I know… I just love them.”

“Wait till you have them, they are not always so adorable all the time. They could be very annoying at times….”

Ayomide saw one of her school mates--Sandra. She ran off to meet her.
The two little friends started playing almost immediately.

“I know but we still love them anyways…”

“Yes we do. Let’s get back to the party. I can hear cheering and clapping. I won’t miss this for the world.”

The two ladies went off.

Little Ayomide did not see her mom and Aunt Susan walk away. Her attention was on something else.

Yvonne had the microphone in her hand and she was teary.

“I don’t know how to put it in words and I honestly don’t know how to start. But…” She wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.

“I hope you will all forgive me. No matter what anybody says, there is nothing as beautiful as having your family together. It’s easier said than done. Walking away from your marriage may be easy but putting it back together is the harder part. I’m grateful to God for His boundless mercy and goodness towards me and my family. Inspite of the turbulent times, which for most people has left and broken home forever, we scaled through and we are here sharing this rather joyous moments with the best for friends one could ever wish for.  If I put this in few words, I will say, love conquers all.”

There was applause afterwards.

The MC collected the microphone from her as he helped her down the podium.

“Hmmmm. True words indeed; love conquers all. One thing I have realized is that, it takes two to tango. In my Father’s House, I mean God’s house, families have issues too. But what differentiates us from the world is that, we have God’s love, genuine love. The kind that binds, that supports, that encourages, that sustains, that perseveres, that endures, that cherishes, that believes etc. And be rest assured that this love would be tested but… but… it conquers all. ”

There was applause again.

“Without wasting time, as I can see that I am beginning to overstep my boundaries, let’s hear from George.”

George stood up and walked up the podium. He took the mic from the MC. He coughed. Not into the microphone.

“Ehmmm…” He looked around.

“Love truly conquers all. And it’s only God’s kind of love. I truly and honestly owe all gratitude to God. I must say, we went through stormy waters. Interestingly, when I was a bachelor and I hear couples talk about their sorrowful experiences in marriage, I often thought they were mostly exaggerated. But I know better now. I’m grateful to God that I have my family together; my lovely daughters and my son. No matter how much money you earn or own, if you don’t have a family to share it with, it’s of no value. No matter how smart or intelligent you are, if you don’t have a family to support and believe in you, its going to be a very lonely world. And no matter how much of man you are, if you don’t have a woman who loves and believes in you, you are just cruising through life. The value of a man is in the value of his family. I humbly ask all men to love and cherish their wives and I would also ask all women to do the same. Family counts.

I duly appreciate everyone who has come to celebrate with us and would you please appreciate with my family the most adorable couple ever, Uche and Susan. They put this party together on their own. Told us not to worry… ”

The applause was loud. Some even got to their feet clapping and cheering.

“You need great friends. I tell you, they are great friends. Thank you so much. I believe I have said enough already. Thank you everyone.”

He handed the microphone back to the MC.

“Wooow. Husband and wives cherish and love yourselves. A man’s value is in the value of his family and not how much he has. Money would go but family would stay. Lesson to be held strongly… I would now call on the latest couple in Nigeria to please come and open the dance floor. DJ please, give us some really good tunes. Some songs from the 80’s and 90’s preferably. ”

He gestured in the direction of the new couple.

George and Yvonne joined him on the dance floor.

The DJ started to play.

One by one, other couples started to join in. In a space of three minutes, the dance floor was alive with couples dancing.

Susan held her husband’s hands as they danced. Uche smiled lovingly at his wife. She was beautiful and ever so adorable.

The thought that they had no child of their own was not a topic of discussion now. They just wanted to dance and have a good time.

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CHAPTER 24 and 25 Coming Soon

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