Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Bidemi spoke no words after his last argument with Bethel but Beauty kept glaring at him and Precious with every chance she got

Precious was prepared for her outing with Bethel. She had told her uncle and he had given her permission to go out.

Precious took out a peach plaid sleeveless dress out of the wardrobe. She wore it and matched it with a white canvas.

Bethel had told her he'd come pick her up considering he didn't want her to waste her money.

His driver drove to Ikoyi to pick Precious up and took her to where Bethel was. Precious stepped out of the car as soon as the car parked.

Nike art museum, she read out. They were supposed to come to this place for an excursion until it was cancelled because most of her classmates were not serious with their assignment.

Nike art museum, which is arguably the largest of its kind in west Africa.

Housted in a five storey tall building, it boasts a collection of about 8,000 diverse artwork from Nigerian artists.

"You look good." Precious said as soon as she saw Bethel. He was dressed in a polkadot blue short, a white polo shirt which was tucked in his pants. He matched his outfit with a white canvas and blue socks.

"Just good?" Bethel teased.

"Hmm..." Precious placed her finger on her lips acting like she was thinking.

"If you weren't charming, I wouldn't claim you, would I?" She smirked.

Bethel entwined their fingers together as he led them into the museum

"You are so sweet. Thanks so much." She cooed pecking him of his cheek.

Just before they entered the museum, they came across some carved statues and some craft work.

They were well crafted and Precious couldn't help but take a picture.

After some pictures were taken, they continued on their path.

"They are all lovely pieces of art, the artists are really talented." Precious gasped. She was amazed by the drawings and the artwork.

There were people in the museum, both old and young, all lurking around taking a look around.

Bethel suddenly felt the urge to use the restroom. He called unto Precious.

"Let me quickly use the restroom, I will be back." He told me.

Bethel left Precious as she admired the piece of work by an amazing artist, she wished she could draw and create like them.

Her eyes caught a familiar piece, a piece that drew her into wanting to understand more and the message behind it.

In that piece was a woman with a young child in her arms, a sorrowful expression on her face. Not too far from her was a man, he looked distant and pained.

The artist that painted it really made it complicated to understand, full of mystery and a lot of details that were hidden.

Precious didn't know how long she was staring at piece until a voice brought her out of it.

"Complicated art work right, isn't it?" A deep suave voice spoke.

"Indeed." Precious cleared her throat and took a look at the person who just spoke.

"You!" The man was flabbergasted and that made Precious remember he was the one that almost hit her with his car at Apapa amusement park.

"Sir!" She called in the form of a greeting.

"I'm so sorry for that day." He immediately said.

"It's fine sir." She replied and smiled.

"The artwork also caught your attention right?" He questioned as he unfolded his arms, putting them in his pants pocket.

"Yes, it's confusing." She said.

"Full of mystery and unknown details."

"If that child existed this would have been my story." He said, making Precious confused.

"Did you paint this or what?" She asked confused.

"No...I mean..." He stuttered.

"Its kinda related to my story." He finally said.

"But the child is dead anyways." He spoke painted.

"Your child died or what?" He kept speaking in riddles confusing Precious.

"It's a long story dear, what caught your attention exactly." He asked her.

"Uhh..." Precious trailed off, wondering if she should tell him or not.

"I felt like I was the child in the woman's arms and the man was my father who abandoned us."

"That's sad. He must be stupid for abandoning a beautiful daughter like you.". He spoke.

"He didn't even see me born before doing that." Precious chuckled

"It's all well child, what your name?" he asked

"Precious sir." She replied.

"You are a very beautiful girl, this is my contact info, contact me when you need any help. I've gotta run." He said giving her a card with his name and number but before she could thank him, he was gone.

"Austin Ademola." She read the name out.

The Austin name caught her attention; but anyone could be named Austin and he didn't seem like someone to abandon a child from his words, she thought.

"Sorry, I took a long." Bethel spoke.

Precious smiled, "It's no problem."

***********

" I enjoyed today, thanks so much." Precious said to Bethel and kissed him on his cheek.

"If you are really grateful, do it again." He said.

"Do what again?" She asked.

He tapped his cheek and Precious leaned in to kiss him again on his cheek but instead he turned his face and her lips landed on his and before she could pull away, he held her more tight and kissed her deep.

He grins, "Now that's how you say thank you."

"Good night babe." He said and Precious blushed

"Good night." She whispered, licking her lips.

When Bethel entered his room, he was surprised to see pictures of Precious and him all scattered on the floor.

His father sat down on his couch with his head placed on his hand, while Precious' mother knelt in front of him with tears in her eyes.

"You are finally back!"Bidemi spoke with a deep voice and stood up to his feet walking close to Bethel.