I was seated outside the next day when I saw Ike's grey Toyota Camry drive in. I sat, watching the car as it pulled in then it parked close to the other cars. I bent my head, pretending to be more interested in the designs of dresses on my phone.
The clicking of shoes against the german floor announced his presence as he began to approach. I looked up at him with a smile which he returned with ease. He wore a Maroon suede jacket and a black shirt with a black trouser. His fashion sense seemed obviously alive.
"Good morning, " I greeted.
"Lady" he said, then touched my shoulder briefly as a greeting, I presume.
"How are you? " He asked.
"I am good, " I said getting up, offering him my seat.
" No, no, don't bother. I was on my way to work so I decided to drop by and say hello."
"Oh that's nice " I said still standing. "You always do this? "
I folded
Early in the morning, Aunty was already in the kitchen complaining about carrots. Michelle stood at her a corner, her hands at her back as she stared like a guilty mouse."Good morning ma" I greeted.She turned from the fridge , then reached out to touch my chin, "Lady, how was your night ?" she asked with a smile." It was just cold," I replied. Then looked at Michelle who took that time to greet me."Auntie good morning " she said. I ruffled her hair then peeped in to see the carrots Auntie was complaining about."It's the carrots we bought since. This rabbit here" she said pointing at Michelle, "has suddenly changed from her nature."I laughed. The accused took some onions and began to wash."Mbe," Auntie said with a smile, "If it was when she was an active rabbit, she will finish the carrots before I even have to use them."I laughed,
The sound of my ring tone pulled me out of sleep.I turned to the phone. It was a few minutes past one. Sleepily, I put the phone on mute and turned back to sleep then I heard my door open. The sound of hard masculine boots as it hit the floor followed. I immediately sat up the same time he put on the light switch."Ike" I said tiredly, rubbing my eyes."I will be sleeping here this night " he said still leaning on the wall close to the switch.Here. As in my room or the house? "Did you lock the entrance door? " I asked"Yes I did."I patted the space on the bed next to me and in two quick strides he was on my bed. I knew then it had been a bad idea to invite him to sit. He was smelling of strong alcohol and when I shifted a little away from him, the best I could do with out him noticing, he turned to me,"I took just a little, "
The gentle breeze whistled past peacefully. While I claimed ignorance, I knew that I looked forward to seeing Ike. I found myself wanting that more. I told myself, I just wanted to know how he was faring but it was like we shared the same pain, I understood what he was going through . Sometimes I was filled with so much sadness when Memories with Mathew decides to play in my head and hearing Ike talk soothes something inside of me.To be honest, life was fair to Ike; He had time to realize he was about to be hurt bad- choosing to remain was now his decision.I had a book on my lap but I was not concentrating anymore. Another thing I looked forward to was a call from Aku telling me she made good sales in a day. The calls from customers kept coming, sounding more and desperate. I needed to go home. I knew that.Mrs Idika called once to know when I could come to take her measurements. "Is this your own
Auntie Maimah was sitting on my bed and explaining for the umpteenth time why I should not travel yet."Nnem, your uncle wants to see you. When I told him you were around, he said he wants to see you when he returns. "She was looking at me Imploringly, waiting for my reply. Her pleas and look almost made me want to reconsider."I'll come from Umuahia one of the weekends to see him," I said.Her eyes went from me to the open box on the bed then she reached out and began to feel the materials at the top."This is something nice," she said."Ike got it for me. ""He has good taste right? " she asked , her eyes twinkling.I laughed.She had won in changing the topic like other times."Gwanu'm.""Yes, Auntie. The materials are fine."She smiled and sighed. "Your uncle will come in weekend. Afte
Auntie Maimah was sitting on my bed and explaining for the umpteenth time why I should not travel yet."Nnem, your uncle wants to see you. When I told him you were around, he said he wants to see you when he returns. "She was looking at me Imploringly, waiting for my reply. Her pleas and look almost made me want to reconsider."I'll come from Umuahia one of the weekends to see him," I said.Her eyes went from me to the open box on the bed then she reached out and began to feel the materials at the top."This is something nice," she said."Ike got it for me. ""He has good taste right? " she asked , her eyes twinkling.I laughed.She had won in changing the topic like other times."Gwanu'm.""Yes, Auntie. The materials are fine."She smiled and sighed. "Your uncle will come in weekend. Afte
Ike stood up slowly, his wooden chair groaning as it moved against the tile.He was wearing a navy blue face cap and a black shirt ."Ike, " I said , walking towards him, "good afternoon. "He hugged me briefly and let go.. "How was service? ""Wonderful. Did you go? ""Naa. I overslept.""Alright, " I said touching his arm then turned to face Tunde who wore a smile on his face as he looked at me."This is Tunde, my friend and neighbor at work. ""Tunde, meet Ike, a family friend."Ike stepped out and extended a handshake towards Tunde."You are welcome, Brother, " he said."Thank you , thank you " Tunde replied as they grasped hands in greeting.I looked at Tunde. "Please make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back.""I'm very good at that," he replied just before I exited the p
My father was the first man I met who knew how to cook. Most days, when he would fall out with Mummy, he would enter the kitchen, Ada and I would join him. He would instruct us, telling us what to cut ,what to pound or the right amount of spices to use in each meal. It was my father who taught us how to cook.The first boyfriend I had in university, did not know how to do anything. He even jumped to light a matches which irritated the life out of me. I met Mathew later on after school, he used to cook with book guides or online cooking guides. It was amusing but I loved that I had hope of getting a good breakfast in bed someday.Ike was cooking. He was introduced all the ingredients for his food in a grand style, claiming his rice would put any restaurant rice to shame."But have you met my rice? " I asked, hopping onto the Island. He turned from the pot and laughed then continued cooking."No, I have not, bab
"Are you two fucking each other now? "My hands which had been spread out for an embrace, dropped to my sides in shock. The question was not normal. It would never be comfortable for my male cousin to talk about who I was sleeping with especially if it was his best friend.I brought my arms around my self as I watched Wisdom, who wore a very broad smile on his face . My face must have reddened at the thought of what he said.He extended his arms towards me. "Ahh, baby sis."I went in for the embrace, with less excitement not having recovered from the embarrassment."It's been so long" he said as he suddenly lifted me off the ground. I screamed and he dropped me immediately.He went over to Ike, "Bruh" and they clasped hands and hugged and I didn't miss Ike saying, "That joke was too much, man! ""It got to you, Bruh" Wisdom laughed.