Pelumi's Memoirs - 43

Dear Readers,

Happy Easter! How are you spending Easter this year?  It sure feels very different, doesn't it?  Are you cooking up a storm or just keeping things simple? 

I will be saying a prayer for everyone impacted by Covid-19 and taking time to count my blessings,naming them one by one.

Cheers!

I hope you enjoy this chapter of Pelumi's Memoirs.......

****

When Pelumi walked into their new home on that sunny Sunday afternoon, the smell of fried chicken filled the air. She was starving. They had left Asaba for Lagos around noon and even though her mother wanted them to pack some food, she and Ivan had declined. Instead, they packed some chin-chin and banana cake. 

Ivan walked behind her. "I like what you ladies did to this place.”

"You do?" Pelumi asked him.

"Yes, I do. Where did you get all these fine artworks?  They must be expensive."

Pelumi chuckled. "Well, not too expensive. We bought them from under the bridge in Maryland. Now and then, these upcoming artists come to display their stuff there." 

 Ivan raised a brow. "Is that so?"

"Yep," Pelumi replied. "Aje butter guys like you wouldn't know that though. You guys are used to buying expensive stuff."

 Ivan furrowed his brows. "Really? Is that what you think? I didn't become CEO by being extravagant you know. By the way, I like these artworks. We'll get some for our new home when we get married."

 Pelumi blushed lightly. She still couldn't believe that she was engaged to Ivan. It felt really weird. A part of her was a little scared that she would be giving away some of her independence. Another part of her felt thrilled. 

 Itoro walked out of the kitchen. She coughed on seeing both Ivan and Pelumi. 

Pelumi burst into laughter. "What is all this coughing for now?"

 "Itoro, is there something you'd like to tell us?" Ivan said stifling a laugh.  Itoro clapped. "Well done guys! Congratulations, Ivan.  Pelumi has told me the good news."

 "Is that so?" He asked walking to the three-seater sofa. 

 "It is so," Itoro said affirmatively. "So, when is the D-day?"

 Pelumi laughed. "D day just like that? Chill, sis!"

Itoro raised her hand in mock surrender. "Okay, I'll chill o. Whatever!"

"We haven't picked a date yet. Soon come...," Ivan responded. 

 "Okay. Would you like some fried chicken and salad, Ivan?" 

"Yes, please." He answered. 

 "What about me?" Pelumi asked. 

"You live here. Better follow me into the kitchen."

"Excuse me, Ivan." 

"Sure...." He responded. 

Itoro threw her arms around Pelumi when she walked into the kitchen. “Eh, our wife! How does it feel?”

 Pelumi smiled and shrugged. “I dunno… It feels weird. I’m excited at the same time.”

 “So this means you won’t live here with me for much longer?”

“We haven’t picked a date you know… Don’t worry your head about that. Even if I got married in two months, you’d still be fine. The lease doesn’t end until next year, so don’t worry your head about a thing.”

 Itoro sighed. “Ah, okay…”

“I heard you say chicken and salad. Who’s going to eat that?”

Itoro laughed. “You and Ivan of course!”

“Abeg, step aside. Please pass me the pot. Do we still have basmati rice?”

“Yes, we do.”

“I am going to make the sauce for the rice. If you know the hunger that chased us here. When you said chicken and salad, I just shook my head on the inside of me.”

Itoro burst into laughter and handed the pot to Pelumi.

Two hours later, Pelumi walked Ivan to his car. “Thank you for the food. It was really good. You cook very well too. Just like your mum.”

 Pelumi smiled. “I got many of my good qualities from my momma.”

****

When Ivan got home thirty minutes later, he saw Liyel and Kunle Aderinokun playing Ludo in the sitting room. They were so engrossed in the game they were playing that they hadn’t even noticed his presence.

“Guy, just give up! I don dust you be that!” Kunle told Liyel laughing loudly.

“No, I refuse to give up! It is not over until it is over!”

“See this guy o! Just admit that today is not your day!”  Kunle stated sarcastically.

“Omo, don’t try me o! Let us finish the game. Anything can happen at the eleventh hour.” Liyel responded.

“O se! Preacher preach!”

 Ivan coughed loudly. “Mehn! You guys are falling my hand. See how you are bickering like teenagers!”

 “Ivan, Mr. Grammarian! Please leave matter for Mathias! This is a serious game.”

Ivan chuckled.

“Ivan, just tell Liyel to give it up. I am the winner of this game.”

“For where? I insist it is not over until it is over.”

The cook walked into the sitting room. “Oga Ivan, would you like me to serve your food now?”

“Thank you Akpan, I am okay. I just ate at my fiancee’s place.”

“I caught that!” Kunle said loudly.

“Ivan, I just heard you say, fiancée.”

“Yeah, I heard that too,” Liyel stated, leaning against the sofa.

 “I proposed to Pelumi!”

Liyel laughed. “You did what?”

“Yeah,” Ivan stated flushing.

Kunle stood and shook his hand. “Congrats, my man!”

“Congrats bruv! I am mad happy for you.” Liyel chimed.

 “Oh man, you are gonna be out of our man cave soon. Don’t leave me here by myself.” Liyel said in a voice that portrayed mock horror.

“I’m thirty-four going on thirty-five soon, bro! About time for wedlock!”

“So, wait! Ivan, you just threw your big announcement at us. Shouldn’t that be followed by a glass of wine or bottles of beer to celebrate this good news?”

 “I got you, Kunle! Just don’t sleep off on the steering wheel. You know how your one bottle of beer turns into five?”

 “Not on a Sunday! Haba, I went to church this morning!”

Liyel couldn’t stifle the laughter that was already bubbling inside him. “Guy, you are something else! Explain the relationship between going to church this morning and drinking beer now!”

 "Does 'remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy' sound familiar? Anyway, how can you even know? You are a bloody heathen.” Kunle said mockingly.

 Liyel clapped. “So because I don’t go to church, that qualifies me as a heathen? Na you holy pass but you are about to drink beer. Anyway, let me go and get the drinks before you start yarning dust.”

 Kunle was about to counter Liyel’s statement when Ivan interrupted. “Guys, can we stop all this name-calling and childish behavior?”

 “Sorry, jare. By the way, how was your trip to Delta State?” Kunle quizzed.

“Oh, it was great to get out of Lagos. I needed the serene environment to clear my head and strategize.”

“I can imagine,” Kunle commented.

“How’s wifey?” Ivan asked.

“She’s good. She sends her regards. Ikepo was being a handful when I left the house.”

“How old is she now? Eight months?” Ivan asked.

“Ten actually and I cannot believe it with the way she’s growing so fast.”

Ivan smiled. He was looking to having children of his own soon too. He loved children.

Liyel returned with the drinks. “So how did Pelumi react?”

“She was surprised. No, I think stumped was the word.” Ivan explained.

“She didn’t see it coming eh?”

“Maybe she guessed but she seemed quite surprised.”

“Good one,” Kunle remarked. “Liyel, all eyes will be on you now.”

 “For what na?” Liyel responded, smirking.

“You already know,” Kunle replied.

“Guys, I’ll be right back. Gotta take a quick shower and change my clothes."

"Okay." Kunle said reaching for his bottle of beer. 

****

Celeste got off the elliptical machine in the gym and did a few stretches. She reached for her bottle and drank all the water in it. She was so thirsty after about an hour of working out.

She reached for her phone inside her knapsack and saw several missed calls from Bode.

 “Bye, Miss Celeste. See you soon.” One of the gym attendants said to her as she walked out.

“I.K, thank you. See you soon.”

When she was seated in her car, she dialed Bode’s number. 

“I’m around your apartment complex and thought to stop by.” Bode explained.

She frowned a little. “Okay…. I’m out but I’ll be home in about twenty minutes.”

“Sounds good,” Bode replied. “I’ll see you soon.”

Twenty minutes later, while parking her car, she saw Bode also parking his car outside her apartment complex’s gate.”

 He carried a paper bag in his hands. “Hi, ya!” Celeste said to him, smiling.

“Hi, beautiful.” Bode waved at her and she smiled.

 “Here, this is for you. I got you about three days’ worth of Shawarma!”

“No, you didn’t!” Celeste replied, laughing. “I just got back from the gym. I am going to be on my friend’s bridal train next week. All my dresses have to fit in all the right places.”

“I’m sure they will all fit well. Don’t worry, Shawarma doesn’t make you fat!”

“Ha, Bode! Do I have to bind and cast you away now? But seriously though, I have a weakness for Shawarma and it’s been so long since I last ate one.”

“You see, I got you, Lady.”

“Would you like to come in? I am tired after working out so hard. We can both share the Shawarma cos I won’t be eating all of it alone.”

 “Yeah, sure,” Bode stated.

They walked up the stairs and Bode stood watching Celeste while she opened the door. He liked her. He really did like her and keeping up with his friendly act took a lot on his part. He had been longing to see her and after debating in his mind all through the weekend, he finally decided to come over. When they were inside her apartment, Celeste kneaded her neck muscles with her fingers once seated.

 “Sore muscles?” Bode probed.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” Celeste replied.

 “My hands were made for massages. Let me know if you need my services.”

“No, thank you. I’m good.” Celeste replied curtly before going to the kitchen to grab dishes.

 “I’ve got different kinds of juices. Apple, Orange, and Pineapple. Any of them catch your fancy?” She yelled from the kitchen.

 “I’m good. Water will do just fine.”

“Okie Dokie,” Celeste yelled again.

 Minutes later, they ate while watching America’s Got Talent on MNET.

 “Bode, look at these guys o! So in their minds, they think that they can sing?”

Bode giggled. “I’m surprised they even made it to the show.”

 “There’s nothing Uche’s face will not see in this life!” Celeste remarked.

Bode doubled over with laughter. “Is it Uche’s face or eyes?”

 “Bode, it is everything o! The whole face!”

 “How’s your sister by the way?” Celeste asked.

“Enitan is fine. She and mum still give me the hassles about settling down. Mum can go on and on about it for days!” Bode elucidated.

“I know how it is. I don’t call my parents as often as I used to. My mum always wants to know if I’m dating someone every time.”

Bode laughed. “I think that Nigerian parents cannot just help themselves.” 

“I don’t think it’s the parents. It’s societal pressure. My mother never used to bother me about dating and all that fun stuff. When she started lecturing me about marriage, I knew that she was probably getting questioned by her friends, etc. She acknowledged that people had started saying I was overripe for marriage. They asked her questions like what is happening to me.”

 Bode shook his head. “We guys don’t get as much pressure as ladies do. I feel bad for women sometimes.”

“Some people will look at you as though you were growing horns or there was something wrong with you if your life doesn’t go the way that society expects it to.”

 “I get,” Bode replied. “Well, people should be bold enough to walk the path if their life doesn’t conform to society’s standard.”

 “Bode, this is one of the reasons that you and I mesh so well as friends. Great minds always think alike.”

 Bode smiled though he cringed inwardly. He knew that he had been friend-zoned. What was that thing they said about setting a bird free? If it came back to you afterward, it is yours. If it doesn’t come back, then it was never yours!

 The sound of the doorbell jolted Bode from his thoughts.

Celeste frowned. She hadn’t been expecting any guests.

When she peeped through the hole in her door, she saw Liyel standing with his arms crossed.

She took a look at Bode who was looking in her direction before opening the door.

 “I need you Boo, I’ve got to see you Boo...” Liyel sang the lines from Chris Brown’s With You before pulling her into his embrace. He held her hand and stepped into her living room. He raised a brow when he saw Bode.

“Bode, this is my… this is my friend, Liyel.” Celeste stuttered.

Bode stood and shook Liyel who had a smirk on his face.

“I know you from somewhere,” Liyel said curtly.

“Yeah, I know you,” Bode stated.

“You guys met a while back I think.” Celeste cut in.

 “I think I remember vaguely,” Liyel answered looking Bode up and down as though he were sizing him.

Bode sat back on the sofa and saw the way that he was still holding on to Celeste’s hand. He knew when three was a crowd.

 "It was nice catching up as always, Celeste. I will take my leave now.”

“Alright, Bode. I’ll see you around soon.”

 She removed her hand from Liyel’s hand and walked Bode to the door. “Thank you for the Shawarma.” 

 “The pleasure is all mine,” Bode replied.

“Who is he?” Liyel asked after Celeste had shut the door.

“Bode Pepple. He’s my friend. He helped me get the job at Chevron.”

“How so?” Liyel inquired.

“He referred me to one of the hiring managers. They passed my resume to HR and I got called for several rounds of interviews.”

 “Hmm... So what is he doing here again?” Liyel asked with a serious expression on his face. “And you introduced me as your friend? What was that about?”

 Celeste looked at Liyel briefly. Why did he seem angry?

 “Well, Liyel, as I said, he is my friend.”

“I don’t like him!” Liyel said brusquely.

“But you don’t even know him!” Celeste shrieked.

“I don’t have to know him to know that he has an agenda up his sleeves. Did you see the way he was looking at you?”

 “How was he looking at me, Liyel?  Sorry but you sound ridiculous!”

“Me, sound ridiculous? How so? I’m just telling you what you are too blind to see.” Liyel said.

 “Blind?” Celeste probed.

“Yes, blind! That guy is in love with you! Don’t tell me that you don’t know!”

 “Liyel Akenzua, what does it matter?”

Liyel worked his jaw. “How would you feel if you found some girl who was head over heels in love with me alone with me in my house?”

 Celeste kept quiet. She was trying to find the right words. Words that wouldn’t lead to further arguments.

 “I care about you, Celeste and I’m not comfortable with the male folk coming to hang out here with you. Especially one who is in love with you.”

Celeste sighed. Liyel had always been the jealous type. Why did she think that he had changed over the years?

 “You are acting like we are a couple but we haven’t yet defined what exactly is going on between us.”

 “Is that the issue? I thought we had an understanding that we were picking things up from where we left off.” Liyel explained.

“Okay, Celeste… Will you please be my girlfriend?” Liyel asked, getting on one knee.

Celeste took a look at him and laughed. “Oh please, it is not that serious.”

Liyel chuckled. “So what say ye?”

“I say let’s continue to build our friendship. We are two broken people. Besides things are different now.”

 “How so?” Liyel asked.

 “Well, I’m taking my Christian walk more seriously now and I’m looking to do life with someone who loves God as much as I do.”

 “I don’t love the devil!” Liyel blurted out.

 “Don’t get me wrong, Liyel…..”

 

Liyel cut her off. “Why are you sounding fanatical?”

“Fanatical?” Celeste furrowed her brows.

“Yes, you are starting to sound fanatical. I don’t hate God! I am not just going to carry religious stuff on my head!”

 “And am I asking you to carry religion on your head?”

 “That’s what it sounds like. The big guy is up there and he’s too busy with other things happening in the universe to be concerned with what we mortals are doing on earth.”

 “Is that so?” Celeste asked with incredulity.

“Yes, that’s the table I’m leaning on. Babe, we both know that we are meant for each other. Now that we are together again, we shouldn’t let little things come in between us.”

 Celeste kneaded her temple. All the arguing with Liyel had left her with a headache. She wondered why he had to be so pig-headed.

 “I’m sorry…. I just wanted to spend the evening with you. My modus operandi wasn’t to get you in a foul mood.”

  “Okay, Lover Boy!” Celeste responded. She was torn on the inside. This was the person that she’d always wanted to be with. Her spirit and her mind warred within her. She needed Liyel to see that her faith was important to her. So much healing had taken place on the inside of her and joyed flowed inside of her like a river. She wanted him to share in the things that mattered the most to her.

 When he reached for her and pulled her to himself while they watched the T.V, she couldn’t deny the euphoria that was coursing through her.

 Oh, why was she so weak? 

****

 Tare sat in one of the hammocks at the poolside reading a novel when she heard the sound of a car’s horn.

When the car drove into their compound, she heard aunty Tamuno’s voice asking the gateman if everyone was home.

Tare got off the Hammock and went to look for her aunt.

“Najite!” Tare screamed. “I have missed you. Long time no see.”

“It feels like forever,” Najite replied, reaching to embrace Tare.

 “You look great, Najite!” Tare stated. “Aunty, good evening. We weren’t expecting you!”

 “Oh, I called your mother to let her know we were coming about two hours ago.”

 “I see,” Tare remarked.

 “Bride, how is everything. You look quite trim o!” Najite told Tare.

“I have been working my butts off! I have to look great on my wedding day!”

“Tare, you always look great. You have always been blessed with a great figure.”

Tare shrugged. “Maybe, but I am not tall enough.”                                               

Najite chuckled. “What does that matter? Men are crazy about petite ladies.”

Tare laughed. “Trying to make me feel better about my height?”

 “You aren’t short for a lady. Your height is just fine. What are you? 5’5?”

“Yeah…” Tare responded.

 Nengi hugged Tamuno when she saw her.

“Onajite darling, come, come and hug your aunt.”

“Good evening aunty,” Najite curtsied before hugging Nengi.

“You look great, Najite! What have you been doing with yourself?”

 “Thanks, aunty. I have been stressing less, eating more fruits and vegetables, working out more, spending some time in the spa and drinking lots of water!”

 “Aha! No wonder your skin is glowing.” Nengi replied.

Tare had been observing her cousin. She seemed happy just like the girl she used to know. Being stuck in a bad marriage had nearly ruined her. She guessed that aunt Tamuno had also learned her lessons. Nothing was worth keeping up appearances for at the detriment of one’s happiness.

 “Hi Everyone!” Nkoyo who had just returned from a basketball game greeted.

“Who is hi? You better come and greet me properly, lady!” Aunt Tamuno said sternly.

 “Good evening aunty.” Nkoyo curtsied.

“Now, that’s better! How are you doing Nkoyo?”

“Very well, aunty.”

“Cousin-Cousin!” Nkoyo walked over to Najite and embraced her. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Same here,” Najite replied.

“Have you guys gotten a DJ for the wedding?” Najite asked.

“Yes o! DJ Slide will be doing his thing.” DJ Slide had also been hired for Najite’s wedding.

“He’s very good,” Najite said smiling.

“We had so much fun at your wedding, Najite.” Tare stated.

“Yes, we did,” Nkoyo said nodding.

“Tare, I know your wedding is going to be so much fun!” Najite remarked. “I am all yours for the next two weeks, Tare. I intend to stay with y’all till the D-Day! I am glad to help run any errands.”

 

Tare smiled widely. “Aww, thank you Najite. So thoughtful of you. Yes, we could use some help. I am stopping work this week but in the meantime, I’ll need you to help me follow up with some of the vendors. I’ll let you have the list of who to call.”

 “Okay, dear,” Najite replied.

Ndifreke joined his family downstairs. He could feel the excitement in the air. He felt happy too although he was going to miss seeing Tare in their home. He knew she would come visiting from time to time and that made him feel good. His health was more stable lately but he appreciated her moving back to the family home to help take care of him in the critical stages of his illness.

 He couldn’t wrap his head around the actions of men who resorted to anger when their wives gave birth to girls as though the girl child wasn’t a human being. If Tare and Nkoyo were all that God had given his family, he would be no less of the proud father that he was today. He loved his sons but he had no less love for his daughters.

 As he watched the exchange between his wife and her sister, Tamuno, gratitude flowed into his heart. He had been blessed by a great family. After being married to Nengi for over three decades, he did not love her any less than he had when they had first gotten married.

 Like every marriage, theirs hadn’t been without storms. They had weathered it together, however. He remembered that the first year of their marriage had been all lovey-dovey. When Nengi gave birth to Ivan, she had almost slipped into postpartum depression. Luckily, his mother of loving memory who was a trained nurse had noticed the signs and had quickly called his attention to it.  Since his family was close-knitted, they had all worked together to offer Nengi any support that she needed as a new mother.

He remembered the one time he had nearly strayed from his marriage. It was an intern who had come to work in the Bank that he was working in at the time. She was young and beautiful. Everything that a man desired in a woman, she possessed.  

His job demanded hard and long hours. Nengi constantly nagged him about getting home late and not spending enough time with her. As the head of the family, the only way he could provide for her and the children was to keep working. His job paid well and they enjoyed the good things in life. Even though his father was wealthy, he hadn’t wanted to rely on his father’s wealth. He wanted to stand on his own two feet and achieve success without his father’s help. He could see a lot of himself in Nkoyo who was gentle but yet independent and fiercely determined. They worked hard and long hours at the Bank he had been working.

 One night when he had kissed the intern after a hard day of working, he knew that he had taken his attraction too far. If he didn’t nip things in the bud, he would become an adulterer. He loved his wife even though she drove him crazy at times. He also loved his children and knowing Nengi was the jealous type, she would probably walk out on their marriage.

 After much thought, he quit his job in the bank and took up his dad’s offer to work in the family company.

 “Darling, will the Governor of Cross River be able to make it to Tare’s wedding?” Nengi said, jolting him from his reverie.

 “Yes, that’s what he told me last week. Nothing has changed. Why do you ask?”

 “Oh, nothing. I was just curious.”

 “Najite, please go and bring the box of jewelry I kept in the car. Bring the two boxes." Tamuno told her daughter.

"Nengi, if you see the pieces of jewelry I just bought for us. Forget whatever you have in your wardrobe. They can’t rival what you are about to see.” 

 “Ehen?” Nengi asked amusedly.