Pelumi's Memoirs - 35

Pelumi was reminiscing about Ivan's visit to Aunt Kema's place the previous day.

Chief Edewor had engaged him in discussion on various topics, from Sports to Politics, to Business and Education. She'd admired the way that Ivan answered the questions intelligently.

At the end of the day, Chief concluded that Ivan was a respectful, well cultured and intelligent young chap.

As for Aunt Kema, she just fawned over Ivan and told him memorable stories about when she and his mother had been in secondary school.

She had sat, watching as Aunt Kema and Ivan went on like people who had known each other since forever. Naetochukwu on the other hand, had networked his way into a new job since he was in Nigeria to stay for real this time. Having lived abroad for many years, he was now ready for nation-building. Those had been his words.

 "Pelumi oooooo! Pels!"

 "Pels, I heard something!" A voice interrupted her train of thoughts. It was Zainab.

 "What did you hear? Should I be scared of the way you're hailing me right now?" Pelumi said, looking up from her computer screen.

 "Ahhhh, uhhhhm...You know...you know... I heard that someone I know is dating a certain Big Boy in this organization!" Zainab stated animatedly.

Pelumi frowned and shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She feigned ignorance of the subject matter.

"And who might this person be? Don't let rumors be getting to you o!"

"Hoor! Pelumi, my friend, my friend. Tell me something I didn't know before!"

"Like what?"

"Pelumi, uhmm! Stop playing. I heard from a credible source that you are dating Ivan Akenzua!" Zainab decided to lay all the cards on the table.

Shock gripped Pelumi like an unannounced volcano.

"And how do you know that? Have you seen both of us in any camaraderie around here?"

Zainab gazed at Pelumi who seemed clearly defensive.

“Pelumi, please stop acting. Oya, spill! Your secret is safe with me, darling."

Pelumi glanced at her colleague and decided to keep mum about the issue. Zainab was a great coworker but she also loved to tell tales.

"You got your information from a source, Zainab. You should be checking with them and not me." Pelumi retorted, sticking out her tongue.

Zainab looked pissed off. "Really, Pelumi! Really?"

Pelumi shrugged and looked away. She picked up her phone when it vibrated on her table. It was a WhatsApp message from Ivan.

"Sweets, since I've cleared up the air on you moving to the Island with your uncle and aunt, do you wanna go see the apartments tonight?"

Pelumi kneaded her forehead with her fingers. She had a slight headache.

"I was hoping to head home a little early today. Can we go tomorrow?" She punched on her keypad.

"Tomorrow is good. I'll let the agent know that we won't be able to make it today.

Would you like us to go to lunch together?"

"And risk someone seeing us together?” Pelumi typed.

"There are rumors in the air already you know."

"Do you think I care?" Ivan asked. He sent a laughing emoji.

Pelumi frowned. "Ivan, I don't want to be dancing in murky waters."

"Babe, the minute you agreed to start dating me, you already entered murky waters."

The text was followed by a winking emoji.

Pelumi replied to the text with a smiley face. "I guess....."

"So, are we doing lunch? Say yes. Pretty please..."

"Arrg! Okay, yes." Pelumi chuckled. Ivan could be so persistent.

"I'll be waiting downstairs," Ivan replied.

Pelumi sighed. It was only lunch. Why was she feeling funny about it? Maybe this was what happened when you kept a secret for too long?

An hour and half later, Pelumi headed for the parking garage and saw Ivan standing beside his car.

"Hi, Pretty!" Ivan said loudly. "Has anyone told you that coral looks great on you?"

"Hi, Handsome!" She replied, laughing.

"Well, thank you, sir." She winked at him. "Aunt Kema bought this for me. You know, every time she travels outside the country, she always buys me something."

"Aunt Kema is a great person," Ivan stated.

"He held the door to his car open and she stepped in."

"Why does your car smell like vanilla? I so want ice cream right now!"

"If you want it, you'll have it."

"Yaaay!!!!" Pelumi giggled.

"By the way, I've been meaning to ask after your mum and dad...”

"My stepfather, you mean?" Pelumi smirked.

"Yes, how are they?"

"They are doing okay. I spoke with mum in the morning today, before I headed out here."

"What about your siblings?"

"They're doing well too."

"That's good to know. Okay, let's go get some lunch." Ivan remarked, putting the gear in reverse and driving away from the Ferguson and Fletcher premises.

****

Tare still could not believe that she had finally broken the news to her family. Her mother had eventually found a way to break the news to her dad. Even though it was obvious that it hurt him to know that his own daughter had gone through such an ordeal, he had handled it better than she imagined.

To think that she had kept the secret all these years and it had eaten away at her like cancer. She remembered the nightmares and the many nights of waking up with her forehead beaded with sweat.

The truth had finally set her free. She had struggled with deep-seated self-esteem issues, keeping to herself, never believing that she could be really happy. People thought she was snobbish. They didn't know that she was broken on the inside. She came from a wealthy family and had lived in affluence all her life but even that had not been enough to deliver her from the depths of despair that enveloped her from time to time. And just like that, she had found freedom! While her complete healing was a journey, she knew that healing had already started taking place on her inside.

She moved the huge rock that sat on her finger around. She was engaged! She was engaged to one of the finest men God had made. Ineye had been specially carved just for her. Joy flooded her soul. They hadn't decided on a wedding date yet. There was more than ample time to decide that.

But first, she had to go through the counseling sessions with Dr. Imade Betiku, a clinical psychologist and mental health counselor who had come highly recommended by Ineye. She was starting her first session with him on Saturday.

Liyel walked into her office just then.

"Sis of life! Look at that glow on you! I go love oooo!" Liyel laughed loudly.

"You go love but not just yet abi?"

Tare's eyes took in her brother's features. "Liyel, should we be worried? You haven't dated seriously since you parted ways with Celeste. You've refused to get back with her.... I can't really figure you out."

"That's a good thing because I love being an enigma." Liyel countered in a rich baritone voice.

"Bro, I just want you to be happy. You've done well for yourself already. At your age, look at all the things you have accomplished...” Tare stated in a soft tone.

"But I'm sort of crippled until I marry or I'm in a relationship abi?" Liyel snorted.

"Far from my point," Tare explained with a soft look in her eyes. "No, you are not crippled or less than because you are single or choose to be single. I just want the best for you in life."

"Thank you, little sis."

"Me? Little?" Tare laughed, clapping her hands.

"By the way, I heard your trip got canceled. What happened?"

"Search me! Some power play brouhaha! I leave for Canada next weekend though."

"Oh really? I had no idea."

"Remember my Canadian twin besties?"

"Of course!" Tare stated.

"One of them is getting married and groomsman duties call..."

"I see," Tare said, looking briefly at her screen to see if Mr. Olomola had sent the information she requested earlier.

"So, how are you?" Liyel asked, squinting at his sister.

"You already know! I feel like I can fly right now."

"Does it feel like there are butterflies in your stomach?"  Liyel queried, winking.

"You want to know the truth? Nothing but the truth?"

"Yep!" Liyel answered, leaning back on the chair he was sitting on.

"Ineye caught us all by surprise yesterday. We definitely didn't see a proposal coming."

Tare laughed. "He told me he had enlisted Nkoyo's help. Nkoyo is something else, you know... I have told her to start a side gig as an events planner. I mean, she planned everything within 24 hours!"

"We are blessed to have her as a sibling. Nkoyo gives us joy at every point." Liyel remarked.

"We are indeed really lucky to have her."

"Alright, madam HR, let me head back to my office. Got a meeting in ten minutes."

"Okay, Liyel. Thanks for stopping by. You know, I have been hunched over my computer screen all day! My stomach just growled. Haven't eaten lunch."

"The cafeteria is probably closed now but you can have your assistant order food for you."

"Thanks, Liyel. That's what I intend to do."

****

When Alistair Kukoyi walked into one of the lounges at Havana Country Club, he saw FJ and some of their friends chatting and laughing loudly.

"Mr. Kukoyi himself!" One of his friends hailed him.

"Biyi, how far?" They exchanged their manly handshake.

Alistair proceeded with saluting all the men seated around the table.

"Waiter! My friend, bring more beer!" Jide Jones yelled out loudly.

"I only do Heineken these days," Alistair stated.

"Waiter!" Jide Jones yelled again.

"Serve us, Heineken. Alistair, how many bottles?"

"One, for starters," Alistair replied.

"Give us four bottles," Jide instructed the waiter.  "Asun and Nkwobi nko?

"Jide, no, let Alistair try their steamed fish and chips first," FJ advised.

Jide placed the order and the men continued their discussion on politics. Alistair was tired and so he chose to listen to the men instead.

Minutes later, FJ moved his seat closer to Alistair.

"So Alistair, what do you know about Pelumi who works at your organization?

Alistair squinted at FJ. "FJ, is this some kind of obsession? Why are you so interested in Pelumi?"

"There's something about her. I can't quite place it. I've been thinking of inviting her to lunch, dinner or my office, but I don't want to seem creepy."

Alistair laughed and grunted. "You already sound creepy as hell!"

"What is it about her that fascinates you? She's a young woman who is just starting out in life. Do you prefer young blooded girls to your wife now?"

FJ looked away and Alistair laughed.

"FJ, wait! Do you want her? I know you! I know when you are after a prey. Please leave Pelumi alone. She's too good a girl. Besides, she's dating Ivan Akenzua."

"Really?" FJ furrowed his brows.

"Faramade Jokotade. Yes, really!"

"Alistair, I still need to speak with her one on one. Help me abeg, my friend." FJ pleaded.

"Faramade, forget it! I don't want to be a part of this discussion."

The waiter arrived with the drinks and served the men.

Alistair took a swig of Heineken.

"I promise I'll be at my best behavior. I'd just like to get to know her."

Alistair shrugged. He didn't really know what to say. He knew FJ. He would never place Pelumi in a compromising situation.

If FJ wanted a one on one conversation with her, he'd have to go through another route. He wasn't going to be a party to nonsense.

****

Nkoyo lazily dragged herself into The Equilibrum Gym. She was meeting up with her friends for coach Renike’s Zumba class. She walked into the female changing rooms and switched her clothing to her workout wear; a pink top over pink and black sweat pants. She packed her hair into a bun and removed her water bottle from her bag.

She screamed when she turned around and saw someone suddenly jump out of one of the closets.

“Tosin! Dang! You scared me.”

Tosin broke out into laughter. “Sorry… But that was my intention. To spook you.”

“Gosh! Please don’t do that again. You really scared me. Where are the others?”

“Seyi and Motunde say they’ll be about fifteen minutes late.”

“Oh okay...Trust them to never be on time for anything.”

“I heard something,” Tosin stated.

“Ehen? Like what?” Nkoyo asked.

“I heard Tare got engaged.”

“Yep, you heard right,” Nkoyo replied.

“I’m so happy for your big sis.” Tosin said excitedly.

“Me too… Ineye is really good for her. He’s been the only guy who’s been able to penetrate her walls in so many years!”

“Are you serious?” Tosin asked curiously.”

“I am!” Nkoyo responded.

“Wow! She must really like him.”

“They both really like each other,” Nkoyo stated, smiling.

“Awww... I love perfect love stories.”

Nkoyo raised her brows. “This love story is far from being a perfect one. Ineye and Tare both had to navigate some rough tides.”

“Wow!” Tosin exclaimed.

“Yeah…. Let’s head to class now. Zumba starts in five minutes.” Nkoyo told her friend.

****

"How did your interview at Reddington go?" Pelumi asked Itoro when she got home later that day.

"I thought it went really well. Wow! I didn't know that Reddington is such an amazing hospital. I felt like I was no longer in Nigeria."

Pelumi laughed. "Really?"

"Yes, my sister! I am serious."

"Wow! That's amazeballs."

"I know. I have a good feeling I'll get the job."

"Me too." Pelumi voiced out.

"The interviewers were so thorough. I had three rounds of interviews in one day. I don't even know how I got the energy to drive home."

Pelumi chuckled. "Well, at least, you're here now. And in one piece for that matter."

"Of course! Lagos roads are not so smooth that you can sleep off on the steering wheel." Itoro stated.

"True that," Pelumi responded.

"Pelumi, if I get this job, I'll be the happiest person on earth!"

"That serious?" Pelumi asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Pelumi, you don't even understand how much I've dreamt of living on the Island all my life. Ahhh! Dem go take!!!! I will become an official Pepper Dem Gang member."

Pelumi doubled over, with laughter.

"Ohh, Itoro, please don't let me choke o! You are killing me." Pelumi laughed and wiped the little tears which had just spilled from her eyes.

"What's so special about living on the Island though? I mean, apart from the fact that I'll be living close to work and there'll be no more being stuck for hours in hellish traffic jams!"

"Ehnn...Pelumi. What about all the great networks from meeting 'tush' people?"

"Itoro, okay I give up." Pelumi threw her hands up in mock surrender.

"Anyway, you know I'm largely kidding, right? But maybe I can find myself a decent man. This single life ain't the ish anymore."

Pelumi gave her friend a small smile. "There's someone for everyone, sweetie. Your prince charming will definitely find you. You know it is not our place as ladies to chase. We position ourselves properly so that the man can find us."

"Pelumi, I heard what you just said but it's not adding up in my head. Position kwa? What's the difference between that one and chasing a man?"

"Itoro, you have come again ooo. Just be the best version of you in existence. You are already sweet and flowery. My own sweet potato pie! My very hot pot of chicken peri-peri... Sugarlicious Itoro..."

"Oh stop! Stop! Pelumi, stop." It was Itoro's turn to burst into laughter.

"Darling Itoro, he that will come will come and not tarry."

"Amen! Preach it, Pastor PJ aka Pelumi Jacobs."

"Oh yeah?" Pelumi beamed with laugher.

****

As Celeste drove home, she replayed the day’s events. Her team members were super nice and everyone was doing their best to help her get settled and up to speed with the various tasks and responsibilities on the team.

Her phone rang loudly through the speakers in her car. She had paired her phone with the Bluetooth in her car to avoid having to physically hold her phone thereby getting into trouble with ‘LASTMA’. She looked at the dashboard and saw that it was Essien.

“Babes, are you home now?” Essien asked when she had picked the call.

“Hello… Hi there, Lady.”

“Hi, Celeste. How was your day?”

“Not bad. Still settling into the new job but I’ll get there soon…”

“I’m sure. You are smart!” Essien stated.

“Well, thanks for the vote of confidence. I’m not home yet. I’m about twenty minutes away. What’s up?”

“Mum and her sisters finally agreed on the colors for the traditional wedding ceremony.”

Celeste shrieked with laughter. “You say?” Choosing the wedding colors had been such a hassle for Essien with her mum and aunties going back and forth and arguing over colors.

“My friend, I am happy for you. You can’t imagine. It’s a huge relief.”

“Anyway, I baked this delicious apple pie and I thought to bring some for you tonight,” Essien said, in a lazy drawl.

“You know I can never say no to apple pie. I’m almost home.”

“Okay, I’ll see you in a bit. I also have some ideas for my wedding dress. I’d like your opinion.” Essien explained.

“Sure, darling. See you soon.”  Celeste replied.

“See ya…”

Celeste hummed a happy tune as she drove home. They had a wedding to plan and she was getting apple pie to feast on.

Her phone rang loudly through the speakers again, interrupting the song she had just started listening to.

“Bode, Hi!”

“Hey, Celeste. Howdy?”

“I’m good. Driving home.”

“I thought so too. Sorry, my face has been somewhat scarce these few days. My boss just put me on this Project called Dracula. We’ve had endless meetings all week…” Bode explained.

“I understand… I sent you a couple of text messages but I didn’t get a response. I was beginning to wonder if I did or said something wrong.” Celeste remarked.

“Oh no, you didn’t. It’s just been incredibly busy….”

“Okay...”

“Alright, just checking to see that you are doing okay. Talk to you later.”

“Bye, Bode. Thanks for calling.”

Celeste’s instincts told her that Bode was acting weird. He seemed almost distant lately, but maybe she was just imagining it.

Bode shook his head after he had cut the call. “Coward! Was that all you really wanted to say?”

The truth was, he had called to ask Celeste if she would like to go bowling with him on Saturday. But his guts had failed him. He didn’t want to blur the friendship lines with her. He was deliberately keeping his distance. But for how much longer?