The stay at the Jonesβ was shortened at the emergence of the real Jide Jones. . . While Chief Jide Jones (Snr.) walked into the living room in his full regalia, everyone greeted him except for Jide who was obviously being eaten up by something inside him and me who had a supposedly weird relationship with my to-be father-in-law. Ever since the first day at the Jonesβ house, with Chief Jide Jones making it vehemently clear that he wouldnβt have me as a daughter-in-law, I had decided to step backwards as regards him but I couldβt help but be worried for Jide.
I didnβt even have enough time to say goodbye to Jideβs mother properly neither did I have a good shot at sighting Sade before I left all thanks to Jide who had become so uncomfortable at the arrival of his dad.
βLooks like you guys have forgotten me at the hospital. . . Anyways, Iβm due for discharge.β
I never knew how much a while it has been that I last visited Amaka Coker at the hospital. Getting her message reminded me of how much I had allowed the unforeseen troubles and circumstances to take away my attention from her.
Jide holding tight to the wheels was feeling all kind of moody. Iβve known better than to interrupt him or try to inquire about whatever was making him moody at the time but I guess I could talk to him about Amaka cos obviously, the presence of his dad had sparked his moodiness.
βItβs been a while we visited Amaka you know.β I said trying to start a conversation.
βYea. I guess.β He replied holding the wheels tightly and avoiding eye contact.
βJide, do you want to talk to me about whatβs going on between you and your dad?β I couldnβt handle his attitude anymore.
βPlease not right now!β
βNot right now? Then stop with the mood. . . Say something to me and stop making me feel your attitude towards your dad has everything to do with me cos if it does. . .β
βIt doesnβt! Just stop! Weβve talked about this, times without number. It has absolutely nothing to do with you. I love you and I wonβt ever lie to you! Trust me on this.β
βFine! But just try to put up a little smile!β
βAlright. . . How about now?β he asked smiling
βThatβs a lot better.β
βSo where are we driving off to right now?β
βWe should go see Amaka right away! Thatβs if sheβs not already pissed at us sef.β
βShe called?β
βNo, she sent a text but I can smell trouble from that text.β
βWe better hurry then.β
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Clearing my throat has been an easy thing to do especially when I witness a mischief or Iβm trying to gossip.
βSince when have you two been standing there?β
βOh no Amaka! Donβt be too smart!β I fired back.
βSince when has this been going on?β Jide asked pointing fingers at both of them.
βAre you guys a thing now?β I fired back adding no chills.
βOkay guys! One after the other. . .β
βWow! Iβm surprised. . . well, hospital affairs between patients and doctors are really not unusual though. . .β
β. . . Especially in Nollywood filmsβ Jide replied with so much smile in his voice.
βWill you guys stop now! Youβve embarrassed us enough.β Amaka said looking sober.
βItβs not what you guys think!β the Doctor said.
βOf course not!β I replied.
βI think itβs better I excuse you guys for now.β The Doctor said.
βDefinitely!β I said rolling my eyes.
βWill you stop really! You are embarrassing him and heβs done nothing wrong!. . . It was just a kiss!β Amaka said stressing every word.
βJust a kiss?β
βSee ehn! He has done nothing wrong. Weβve been exclusive for a while now and I know itβs awkward you had to meet him or find us in such position to know but heβs not taking advantage of me. Weβve been seeing each other for more than a year now!β
βMore than a year? Amaka?β
βYes! Iβm sorry. I know what you are thinking right now.β
βDo you! More than a year and I didnβt know. . . Do I even know you?β
βThat is you getting emotional about this. . . Yes, you know me and Iβm sorry you had to find out this way but Iβve been planning to tell you. Just waiting for the right moment.β
βRight moment huh?β
βJide, can you please talk to her for me?β she said facing Jide.
βSo, what about Okon?β I fired at her.
βWhat about him?β
βAmaka!β
βYes. . . You didnβt even ask about how I might be feeling, my health, necessary papers to sign for discharge and all. . . What is wrong with you?β
βFine! Iβm sorry. . . Can we go sign the necessary papers now and get you out of here?β
βSure!β
βThe house is a little dirty. . .β
βAnd why is that?β
βSome hoodlums came to ransack the houseβ
βAnd when was that?β
βThe last time I was here. Jide and I arrived home to find the house burgled and totally ransacked but the crazy part was only your room was totally turned upside down?β
βMy room?β
βYes your room!β
βCan we start going home now and forget about the necessary protocols?β
βAmaka what is going on with you? One minute ago, you wanted me to go sign discharge papers and now! You are in a hurry to go home.β
βYes! Will you both please take me home?β
βAmaka, is there anything at all that we should know?β Jide asked.
βNothing!β
βYou keep saying nothing and that right there scares me about you! When did you become this all of a sudden?β
βBecome what? Are we gonna start fighting because of this?β
βI am not fighting with you. I just feel itβs high time you let me in! Amaka talk to me.β
βJide, can I have the car keys cos if you guys donβt wanna go home, I can drive myself!β She collected the car keys from Jide, literally walking away without looking back.
βAmaka!. . . Amaka! Should I start running after you now? What is wrong with you? Amaka!β
βI think you need a lot of patience at this stage. . .β Jide whispered into my ear.
βI sure do babe!β
Amaka was unsually silent throughout the ride home. She sat at the back of the car staring into oblivion as we passed through every street. I wish I knew what to do with her. Was I really hard on her with the Doctor thing? Sheβs become suddenly withdrawn ever since the incident happened and I just did not know how to pass through the walls she has built around herself overnight.
βUna welcome o! Aunty Amaka, how body?β Mama Seun in all her lousy glory couldnβt wait for Amaka to rest a little bit before making a charade of the moment.
β. . . We have missed you, you know! The whole compound has missed you! Hope say your body don dey together well well now?β she continued non-stop.
βMama Seun, haba now! Shebi you know say person just dey come back from hospital, you for relax make she rest small. . .β Mama Titi cuts in.
Birds of the same feather; who better pass! Amaka merely answered them with a wave of hand as she struggled to unlock the door.
βEhn! We go come back for evening na. . . and Okon sef sends his greetings say make you better quick quick oh!β
βAlright na. Thank you. I will.β
Amaka walked in leaving me with dem Mama Seun and Mama Titi to deal with.
βOmo ilu mi, na you I greet pass o! Itβs a very demanding job you are doing taking care of your friend. I envy such friendship.β She said.
I couldnβt stop laughing. It was as if I knew she would pause to talk to me but that wasnβt what got me all rolling in my belly. It was even the mannequin looking Mama Titi who stood with arms akimbo and no words to say.
βWhy you dey laugh na?β Mama Seun asked
βDonβt mind me ehn! I was just happy how much you have improved na. Na you dey talk demanding and envy, Iβm very impressed. Eliza has been doing such a great job indeed.β
βIs that it? Ah! Wait till I bring you more from my vocabulary, you will worship the power in Elizaβs tongue.β
βEhn ehn!β I said pretending I was astonished.
βYes o! That reminds me, something happen to Eliza over the week o! Hmm like say I never hear am before. . .β
βWhat happened to Eliza?β
βErrrm! Mama Titi, talk na, wetin you talk say happen to the girl?β
βYou don start again o! Wetin me talk say happen to the girl? Na wetin you go talk when everybody full compound be that say na Mama Titi tell you say something do Eliza o! I no dey o ehn ehn!β
βAbeg both of una e don do, if una no get anything to talk, I have things to do o. My boyfriend is waiting and I have Amaka to attend to.β
βEhn ehn! So you don admit say that Uncle na your bf now? See as you dey blush! I thank God for you.β
βMama Seun, abeg no kill me, I don deny am for your front before? Just go straight to the point. Whatβs up with Eliza?β
βHmmmm, that one na come back tori o! Iβd suggest you should go attend to your boyfriend, when we come in the evening, we go gist proper.β
βOkay na. E be like say that one go better. . . Thanks for coming.β
βYou are welcome. Take care of Sisi Amaka o!β
βI will.β
βOur husband good afternoon o!β she said bending her body to greet Jide. I swear, Jide was managing to hold the laughter but not for long.
He bursted into rolls of laughter after they left.
βIβm sorry for keeping you waiting. Those women ehn, you just canβt help it. You should probably get going now.β I said to him.
βHello! I could have left since na. All I needed to say was excuse me women, can I speak to my girlfriend for two minutes and then Iβd tell you bye and Iβd go. So, donβt rush my presence.β He replied me in a joking manner.
βFine! So whatβs up now?β
βWell, I have some few errands to run for myself and then, I need to see my sister afterwards, she sent for me.β
βOkay, that reminds me though. Could you just stylishly ask your sister about her meeting with Mrs. Coker.β
βWhy?β
βItβs just that. . .β
βItβs just that what?β
βOkay. I have been planning to ask you some questions about you and your relationship with your dad but I donβt want to rush you until you are ready.β
βOkay and how does that have anything to do with Mrs. Coker?β
βDo you know that Mrs. Coker is Amakaβs Mum?β
βReally?β he asked with so much surprise written all over him.
βYes. I thought you knew all these while and you just didnβt want to mention it.β
βBabe! Haba now. How would I and not mention it or maybe youβre right cos if I did know, I would have assumed you knew cos you guys have been together all these while.β
βIβm just worried so much is going on and the crazy part is she is never one to hide something from me and now Iβm starting to feel like I never really know who she is.β
βStop saying that! See, all I know is Chief Coker is a wife beater and the four of them, I mean, my mum, my dad, Mrs. Coker and Chief Coker go all the way back from the University days but I never knew they had a child. In fact, I always thought they were childless and maybe thatβs why he maltreats her like that plus my mum never really talked about her and my dad. . . to now imagine that the child is Amaka is such a revelation.β
βYou donβt wanna talk about your dad again. . .β
βI donβt!β
βFine! But my patience is running out.β
βDurrrh!β he said smiling.
βIβm not joking o!β
βPlenty durrrh!β
βYou are not taking this thing serious. . . You want to wait till I break up with you because of that.β
βI dare you!β
βFine.β
I was getting pissed and I just couldnβt hide it.
βLook at me. . .β he said holding my face with his hands.
β. . . Itβs not going to get to that point; just be patient. I have to hurry now.β
βAlright.β
βAnd lest I forget, you have to be patient with Amaka if you ever intend to get anything out of her!β
βAlright, Iβd try!β
βDo more than try. Iβd call you later in the evening. . . I love you.β
βI love you too!β
*******
Entering the house was like trying to face a fear without breaking down before seeing it. I thought the once lonely house would become lively at the arrival Amaka but everything smelled lonely. Amaka who was lying on the couch had now become unapologetically reserved and yes, I wanted to break her head so bad and dip my fingers into her mouth if that was all I needed just to make her talk but Jide already warned me about going hard on her.
βHow do you feel now?β I asked sitting next to her.
βIβm good, thanks.β She replied with so much coldness in her voice.
I ignored it, pretending I wasnβt hurt.
βWhat would you like to eat? Just mention it and Iβd get it straight away.β
βIβm fine. I donβt want to eat anything. Thanks!β she said looking away.
βWhat is wrong with you? Iβm trying so hard not to loose it and you are doing nothing but pushing me over the edge! Itβs not like we are fighting or are we?β
She didnβt say a word but instead chose to stick her face into the couch.
βSo you ainβt gonna say a word but give me the silent treatment? All because I said something about your rendezvous with the βso-called Doctor!β. . . When has that become a crime? I was only looking out for you even though I didnβt know when it started but all you could have done is explain and not lock up your lips like itβs got some padlock holding it together. . . Maybe heβs taking advantage of you or something!β
βAnd do I look like a kid to you!β she fired back.
I knew the best way to touch Amaka wasnβt to go easy on her but to go hard as much as possible but in a sensible way as Jide advised.
βSo what now? You are gonna talk to me or not?β
βYou should probably go check who is at the door.β She said withdrawing herself into the couch all covered up under the duvet.
βFine! But this conversation is not over!
βWhatever!β
I opened the door to the glaring eyes of Mama Seun and Mama Titi holding each otherβs hands like two lovers taking a walk in a park.
βUna don come?β
βWe don come o my sister!β Mama Seun replied.
βThis one wey una dey hold each otherβs hands, hope say everything dey well?β
βAll is well o! Na one movie wey we watch we dey try act out jare; no mind us!β Mama Titi responded.
βThat one sef dey.β I replied.
βAhan now! Which one be all these questionnaires, you no go ask us to come in?β Mama Seun fired at me rolling her eye balls like they were too big for the socket.
βMy Ondo sister, you don dey vex be that o! Oya no vex. Forgive my manners. Oya make una enter.β
βNa now you just dey do like proper Ondo babe!β she said.
I walked in behind them literally raising my nose like it has some debris on it.
βYour house fine well well o! Why I never enter here since all these days na?β Mama Seun asked examining the whole house like a young lady from the village in Nollywood film brought to Lagos to come and do housemaid.
βMama Seun stop na! You are embarrassing our place o!β I replied in a ploy to get her to say the so many things she loves to say. Iβve gotten so used to finding humour in her βcan-be-nastyβ way of talking.
βDonβt say that again o! If person see better better thing like this make person talk and appreciate it ni o! You donβt need husband as you dey so!. . .β she sat her heavy backside on the couch directly to Amakaβs and the couch made a very deep sound like something too heavy for its head had landed on it. Iβm sure Amaka is probably laughing under the sheets. . . She also got the vibe.
βNo worry. Your seat no go break na! This one na correct fat; fat no dey break foam. Na bone dey break am. If to say na fat dey break am ni, that our bed for don dismantle o cos the climbing wey me and papa Seun dey do everyday no be here o!. . .β
βShoo! Mama Seun, it af do na! Why are you sharing your boring sexual rendezvous with us na?β Amaka said sitting properly with the duvet off.
βSo na you even dey there! I no know o! Abeg, no talk that thing again o! I hear say one of you sef don dey there before sef, so you suppose know wetin I dey talk na.β
Amaka rolled her eyes at me!
βTaah! Mama Seun no talk that one for here again o! Which kain crazy talk be that! Shey because I no come meet you for house that time when you come my door con dey rake for me say Eliza tell you say me and your husband dey do something. . . No provoke me o!β
βI just dey talk wetin this radio and dem other radios tell me na!β she pointed at Mama Titi.
βI go curse you o!β Mama Titi responded.
βAbeg, both of una, e don do! But seriously, why you no dey always talk; you go dey pretend say you gentle to the core and na lie. . . All those men wey dey take gate enter dey follow boys quarter commot, na everything we sabi and that your friendβs husband wey don turn your husband; no think say we no dey see you, we dey see you!β Amaka fired at her not caring if her feeling was hurt or not.
βTell her! You see your life! Everybody knows.β Mama Seun said stylishly mocking Mama Titi.
βIt af do! Your own sef dey your body. . .β I stressed.
βAbi o!β Mama Titi replied all laughing.
βChai! Na both of una go kill una self. . . So which one we hear today o?β
βWell, first, we say make we come check on Aunty Amaka proper! And then make we come finish the gist wey we put on hold for afternoon.β
βHmmm! That one sef good.β
βWell, thanks for checking on me and as you can see, Iβm not doing badly.β Amaka replied.
βMake we move to the gist then.β Mama Titi said looking into Mama Seunβs eyes.
I swear ehn, I couldnβt contain my laughter. These women no too well. Both of them seated on the chair looked like the feminine version of Mr. & Mrs. Nwokpopopo.
βSo go on with the gist!β I said.
βWell, where person go start from sef? Wo, make Mama Titi talk am cos na she dey house when the twenty naira people came to take Papa Eliza away.β Mama Seun said.
βTwenty naira people?β I asked feeling lost.
βEhn now! The Abeg sir people. . . Police is your friend!β Mama Titi responded.
βSo Policemen are twenty naira people?β I laughed; Amaka couldnβt hide hers too. It was great to see her laughing.
βNa wetin we dey call them be that.β Mama Seun responded.
βEhn ehn! So they took Papa Eliza away in handcuffs?β Amaka asked.
βYes o! Them drag am ni sef! Drag am enter black maria!β Mama Seun said.
βYou dey there? You don see where Police come use Black Maria arrest someone for house before? Na me dey there, so allow me talk wetin I see o!β
βOya no vex! Take the floor!β Mama Seun said.
βYou people should be serious na. . .β Amaka shouted.
βWell, we dey very sorry. What happened be say, Papa Eliza was arrested and dem talk say e dey molest him Eliza.β
βAre you sure about what you are saying?β Amaka asked with so much interest and passion in her eyes.
βYes na!β
βYou know, I said it. . . I was worried such might be going on but is it not okay enough that you canβt properly provide for your child and to now add Molestation into it? I canβt imagine how sheβs feeling right now.β I replied.
βSo whereβs Eliza herself?β Amaka asked.
βShe has been at the hospital since last week. We don go check her for hospital but she dey shame. I pity the girl. . . her papa o!β Mama Seun said.
βIs it that bad?β
βItβs very bad o! I hope Papa Eliza rot for cell.β
βAmen!β we all said except for Amaka who seemed to be thinking about something.
*********
Getting out of bed was surprisingly a difficult task to do. . . The sunβs A-Game was strong like she wasnβt gonna allow anyone rain on her parade. Lying next to Amaka, I watched the rays romanced her face as she beamed with a smile with the dimples on fleek. Amaka wasnβt really the type to frustrate someone but I was glad she asked to sleep next to me yesterday only because her room was still untidy though. We didnβt say a word to each other after she simply asked if she could share my bed; but her keeping to herself was really getting on my nerves.
The happy rays however reminded me of how much I havenβt kept to a routine in weeks. I canβt even remember the last time I cooked not to talk of the last time I ate a properly made meal since the Jones! I should probably get back to my old life I thought as I smiled at Amaka who was probably sleeping or not even though the eyes looked shut.
βStop smiling at me. Are you gay?β Amaka whispered as she faced the wall.
βAs if I knew you were not sleeping at all.β I said trying to tease her.
βAbeg make I hear word. If you are looking for someone to smile at, you better go do that with Jide.β She said.
βWhatever!β I replied smiling.
It was a great relief to finally see Amaka trying to be herself again after so many weeks of shutting out.
βIβm so hungry right now you know!β she said.
βSame here but I donβt think I have any skills left cos I canβt remember the last time I entered the kitchen. The kitchen is probably the cleanest place in the house right now and I guess I have lack of cooking to thank for that.β
βJesus! Hope Jide hasnβt proposed yet cos you canβt continue like this to your husbandβs house o! Na me dem go dey yab.β
βFor your mind. You no even better at all.β
βAt least I make the best coffee. . .β
βYou should marry a coffee man then or a coffee addict.β I fired at her.
βMy business o!. . . I should get up already.β Amaka replied.
βWhy the hurry? You should still be resting.β
βI did enough of that at the hospitalβ she replied rising up from the bed and looking for her toothbrush.
βHmmm. . .β
βBia! What is smelling?β Amaka said, drawing me back with my cloth.
βThe mentioning of the hospital just got me thinking a little about. . .β I stopped.
βAbout what na?β She said looking at me like she was gonna bulldozed me.
βNever mind!β
βYou for don talk na. . . Abeg commot road, I wan pass.β
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Amaka isnβt one that takes drugs. I remember our first year together as flat mates, Amaka was very ill and she didnβt tell me what the illness was but after she came home having spent eight weeks in the hospital, I was sweeping drugs from under the couch and then I realized Amaka only pretended to take those drugs.
We ended up having white rice and stew for breakfast. I was expecting Amaka to say something mean and hilarious about the meal but she wouldnβt bulge; instead, she kept on wiping her mouth with tissue and was smiling.
βSay your mind, olodo!β I teased.
βNo comment.β
βWell, Iβd take it as the food was sumptuous and awesomely delicious.β I replied.
βYou said!β
βAbeg, no give me that Jesus type of answer. Out of touch doesnβt really mean out of practice! Durrrh!β
Amaka cleared the table. I made sure I wasnβt the one to so she wonβt have to tell me when I return to the living room that she has taken the drug.
βSo will you take the drug now?β I asked.
βDo you know that Okon came to visit me at the hospital. . .β she said.
βReally?β I said feigning surprise.
βThat wasnβt the gist o! He came bearing flowers. Not just ordinary flowers, he brought Roses!β
βAmaka, cut the crap. You and I both know you are not a fan of flowers. So, stop talking about it with your hands in the air like you are in love with Okon and not with that Doctor turned whatever.β I replied not even giving a damn about whatever that statement might do to her.
βIβd take no offence. But he actually came bearing flowers and no, I donβt love flowers but he brought it and I donβt want to make him feel less like a man. You know?β
βI know. . . When are you going to take the drugs?β
βJesus! Shey one cannot even distract you ni small. . . It is well o.β
βAmaka, take the drugs. Itβs not like itβs going to bite off your vocal cords na; itβs just to make you heal properly.β
βI donβt like drugs; they touch my tongue and itβs bitter.β She said.
βYou should have thought of that before getting yourself hospitalized in the first place.β
I already said it before realizing it was not only bad but terrible.
βGetting myself hospitalized. Was it like I walked in there and told them to hospitalize me?β she said with her an angry voice.
βIβm sorry. I shouldnβt have said so.β
βYea right! You shouldnβt have.β
She walked away angrily.
βAmaka come back here o and come and take those drugs!β
βContrary to what you think, I love myself and I donβt need you to supervise me to take my drugs.β She voiced out from the inside.
βWhy do I feel like you are trying to get angry on purpose just to throw dem drugs away! Amaka itβs for your own good o!β
I ran after her but she jammed the door against me.
βAmaka! Amaka! Will you open this door!β
βGo away!β
βBe doing like all those spoilt American kids there! Come out now o!β
βFine! Stay there then.β
I wish I could take back what I said. We were already progressing and then I spoilt it with just a statement. This my spoilt mouth will not kill me. I was about to say βAmaka, I am sorryβ again when my phone rang. It wasnβt a call. It was a text. I was hoping itβd be Jide or Aunty Kayinsola. Then another entered again while I was still trying to pick up my phone from under the table.
Please, we need to talk. I am very sorry for the way I treated you the other time. When will you be free? Please reply ASAP β Sade Jones.
Wow! I was surprised. I guess I am actually making progress with the Jones. She was like the last person I was expecting to hear from.
Then I opened the next message which is from another unknown number. . . I actually read it out. βYou are required to report at the Janet and Associates Law Firm tomorrow morning by 10.00a.m. in request of your CV sent over. Thank you!β
I couldnβt contain my excitement and the first person I wanted to share it so bad with was Amaka! She encouraged me to send my CV to the firm the same time she was applying for a contract which I didnβt think has been approved yet and now sheβs shutting me out again. So I decided to send her a text.
βI got a text from the firm. I think I got the job. Please stop shutting me out.β
I hit sent and her phone made the usual noise from inside.
* * * * * *
Waking up earlier than normal was one of the new things Iβd probably have to get used to. The idea that I might be a proper working class person was beginning to sink in. Amaka and I didnβt have the best of the night judging by the way we both bid each other good night but like they say, itβs a new morning; a new day to start afresh.
Amaka already woke up. Hair tied in buns; ass and body clothed in Denim and her feet some gladiators. She looked beautiful and refreshed. I was gonna go ahead to say good morning but she beat me to it.
βItβs a good morning I must say.β I replied.
βWhatβs your problem sef? Must you always bring the attitude from the previous to the present?β Amaka said hissing.
βWow! Relax. I was just kidding and moreover one canβt help it judging by the way youβve been reacting these days. So, Iβm not sorry; Iβm just gonna go ahead and do my thing if you are too sensitive right now.β
βYou know what? Iβm just gonna ignore cos Iβm trying my best to make things go back to normal and I see you are probably interested in seeing the nakedness of the previous.β
βWhatever. . . So you cooked!β
βAnd you are surprised or worried that I cooked?β She fired back.
βIβm just saying itβs been a while and this one that you are all dressed up, whatβs the occasion?β I asked sitting my ass at the dining table trying to peep through the covered food bowls.
βCome to think of it; when did you become all talkative? Why canβt you just enjoy the moment and stop asking all of these questions?β Amaka said sounding very pissed off.
βFine. . . What did you cook?β I asked opening up the bowls.
βExactly whatβs in there!β she said throwing the towel into my face.
There was silence for some minutes except for the hitting and clapping of forks and knives.
βCongratulations on your appointmentβ Amaka said breaking the unwarranted silence.
βWell, itβs not an appointment yet but Iβm hopeful; so, thanks!β I replied as I continued eating.
My phone rang. It was a message;
Hey boo; Iβm on my way. Hope you are already dressed up? And how is you and Amaka? See ya soon.
Iβm all set and Iβm making a headway with Amaka. I hope it stays that way. See ya soon too.β I replied Jide.
βThatβs Jide abi?β Amaka said.
βYeah. He says hi.β
βSay hello to him too. Anyways I have to run, do you mind clearing the table?β
βNo problem, Iβm cool with it. But where are you running to?β
βWell, I got the contract and work starts today.β Amaka said without even looking into my face
βAnd why are you suddenly avoiding eye contact because you think I might say something that would hurt you again?β I fired at her.
βMaybe. . . Iβm sorry. I wanted to tell you yesterday morning but you spoilt everything. I was gonna tell you afterwards anyway!β
βYou were gonna tell me?β I said looking into her face.
βIβm sorry. . .β
βOkay. . . Can you at least wait? Jide would soon be here. Heβs gonna drop me off at the firm and he can drop you off too.β
βOkay! And Iβm truly sorry.β
βItβs fine. . .β
There was a knock on the door.
βYou should probably go check the door while I clear the table. It should be Jide.β
βAlright.β Amaka replied.
βHey, look at you! Looking lots better.β Jide said referring to Amaka.
βI guess. . . Good to see you again.βAmaka replied.
βCome in now!β
Amaka led Jide into the living room proper.
βHmmmm looks like someone cooked! Hope itβs delicious sha?β Jide said looking at Amaka.
βFor your mind now you think I did the cooking so you can lambast me! Well, to your utter dismay and disappointment, Amaka is the madam cook; so is the food delicious, Iβd say not bad!β I said mocking Jide.
βNot bad?β Amaka asked with laughter.
βYes, 5 over 10!β
βHa! You no well!β Amaka said running after me.
βSo Amaka cooked; impressive!β Jide muttered
βAnd what does that supposed to mean o Jide? Donβt let me come for you like Iβm coming for your wife.β Amaka said.
βWell, itβs interesting na ni, that you cooked I mean; you cooked real food.β Jide said smiling and trying to walk to the door.
βI reserve my comment. . . Shall we go now?β Amaka asked.
βWell, Iβm ready, I just need to apply some lipstick.β I muttered.
βReady indeed! Jide said.
βNa you sabi.β
βIs Amaka going too?β Jide asked.
βYes o! Babes got the contract and work starts today.β
βReally? You people should take me out na on a celebration level as per working class women.β
βWeβd think about it!β I said.
βAbeg make we dey go o. Itβs fifteen minutes past 9 already.β Amaka said literally drawing me with my trouser.
βItβs just fifteen past na.β I muttered with my lipstick in between my lips.
βYou can always take a cab.β Amaka muttered.
βFor your mind o! Oya make we dey go; fully ready.β
βYou are such a piece of work!β
βI concur.β Jide responded.
βUna two no well.β
Nice episode Ibk, pls oo nothing should happen to amaka and our dear escort friendship. I’m loving jide and his girlfriend relationship.
nice one
Yeah! I am the first to comment. This is a good one, I pity Eliza, what she is going through now will affect for the rest of her life, while there is a lot of mystery surrounding Amaka, I can’t wait for you to unravel it. Nice work Ibuks looking forward to the next episode.
Nyc one Ibukun nd I very long episode I must confess. Tnk yhu….. Merry Christmas
if something happen to Amaka, heeey! somebody is goona pay dearly for it, thank you for d long episode
Nice one
I just feel that Sade babe has an ulterior motive with that text ? mama titi and mama seun’s amebo is totally first class??I totally enjoyed this episode thank you Ibk?? compliments of the season to you happy holidays
nice one
Interesting read, thank goodness things are beginning to turn out well. Well done IBK.
Nice one. I’m glad Amaka is much better now
Nice one