I don't know why I was disappointed to see him dressed in an ash polo and jeans. He looked responsible. It's not like everyone that visited the bars to get drunk was irresponsible but still, he did not have the looks of a man that would waste his life on alcohol."My Lady " he said, coming closer with a broad smile. I looked at Auntie Maimah then back to him. He extended his hand for a handshake. I took it, rather reluctantly. I was still yet to understand why he was in Uncle Joe's house."I know you don't remember me." He said.Oh yes, I do! You were embarrassing yourself on your mother's stairs the last time we met.He looked better than he had looked that day, lying on that floor and oozing of alcohol. He was almost unfamiliar, unrecognizable if not that I was a pro in mastering faces."Yes. I don't " I replied .He let go of my hand. "I'm Ike, A friend to Wisd

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 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

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