Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

*****

It was dark already and the ride home was silent. I was too nervous to go in my parents vehicle so I rode with Grey and Igho. Tana had gone with her parents, they didn't want her in the middle of any family drama. They apparently understood my family issues. She left with them after speaking to me with soothing words.

"Las las we go dey alright" She said reassuring me, I almost chuckled at the thought but I was too tired to do that. The ride home was filled with uncomfortable silence, it sent cold chills down my spine.

We arrived sooner than I had expected, and I gulped as I stepped out of the vehicle. I had removed my shoes earlier and put on a pair of fancy slippers that were more comfortable.

My parents had arrived much earlier than we had and I walked into the living room after Grey and Igho.  My father was speaking  to someone over the phone which was most probably a well wisher calling to congratulate him, as I heard him say 'Thank you very much' with a smile in his voice.

I took that as my cue to run up the stairs and lock myself up in my bedroom but my plan was jeopardized the moment I heard the very familiar voice of my father eliciting a slight quiver from me.

"Titilola" He called, his tone? I couldn't quite place, probably, because of the numerous things running through my mind at the time.

"Yes sir" I turned on my heels to meet his intense glare. I saw mum seated on the sofa looking down at her toes like they were the most interesting thing at the moment.

How did she even get there?

"What's going on with you?" He said so calmly that it scared me.

"No...nothing.... daddy" I sputtered.

"You want to be a designer?" He asked again glaring intensely at me. I gulped, shut my eyes and took a deep breath before blurting out.

"Yes" I said with my heart in my mouth, I had shut my eyes once again wishing it was all a bad dream. A silent prayer rang through my heart as I heard my dad chuckle. A chuckle?

This is NOT good!

I gulped again as I saw his piercing glare, He shook his head once again and stared down at me.

He's a tall man, I tell you.

"You do no such thing in my house! I did not spend my money to send you to one of the best universities in this country, for you to become a tailor"  He bellowed.

My legs became wobbly as I trembled in fear.

"Is there something wrong with you?!" He yelled again and I assumed that he had gotten the attention of the other occupants of the house. My brothers came rushing down the stairs with puzzled looks on their faces as they saw dad towering over my trembling self.

"Dad what's going on? It's late nau!" Travis said adjusting his glasses. He was already in his pajamas, probably getting ready to slip into a deep slumber after the very tiring day. I felt a pang of guilt for being the cause of the disturbance of the peaceful evening.

Grey joined in...

"Dad what's happening?" He asked looking disheveled. My Dad ignored them both but mum spoke up.

"Weren't you at the wedding today? This girl wants to disgrace us. We sent her to school to study business administration but now she wants to become a tailor, out of the blue" Mum yelled pointing at me, her eyes fiercely shooting daggers at me.

Grey pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head slightly before heaving a sigh. He pouted and was about to say something when Travis spoke up.

"You make it sound like it's a bad thing"He said with his hands on his hips. My parents turned quickly to him and looked like he just said something abominable. I on the other hand was shocked that he would even take my side, he was nonchalant when it came to family issues...

"It's late already, we all had a long day. You people should settle this, I for one, would not get involved" He said sighing and walking up to his bedroom.

Once again he's proven me right

He'll always be this way...

My parents stood dumbfounded. Had they run out of words or were too tired for the day? I couldn't decipher.

"Lola go get some rest, you need it" Grey said patting me on my shoulder softly. He led my nervous self towards the stairs and I climbed hesitantly, not sure if I was off the hook.

Grey rushed past me as I walked slowly up the stairs. I stalled for a little bit when I heard my parents arguing in hushed tones.

"This is your fault , you spoilt that boy, that's why he doesn't respect me and now this one is following in his footsteps!!" Dad half yelled

"Don't blame me for this, please... You're the one who doesn't consider their decisions" Mum spat coldly.

I rushed into my room locking the door behind me. I didn't want to think about it too much, I had made my decision already and nothing was going to make me change it. I had a hot shower, changed into my pair of pink pajamas, then I went on my knees to do the needful. I poured my heart out to God, asking him to guide me, every step of the way as I about to make a crucial decision, the consequences? I could not discern.

********

"Aunty Lola, I'll miss you" Ayo pouted wrapping his arms around my neck as he sat on my laps. Their flight was to depart by 2pm that day. It was no surprise that they were leaving the very next day after the wedding. Travis would do anything to not be in the same house with Dad. They did not see eye to eye.

"I'll miss you too darling and I'm sorry I can't follow you guys to the airport" I said tiredly. I had barely slept the previous night, I kept waking up at intervals. I figured it was because I was tensed up from the activities of the previous week. I hadn't slept anytime before midnight throughout, I spent my nights savouring the last moments with my sister and simply having fun with the girls at ungodly hours, talking about anything and everything. I had missed us being cuddled up in bed and that was the most probable cause of my temporary insomnia.

"It's alright, I know you're tired" He kissed me on the cheek. I smiled, a genuine one, for the first time that day.

This one is going to be very romantic o...

" Ayo!" Ima called from the stairs, carrying a few things, all dressed up and ready to head out. I missed her already.

"Yes mummy" Ayo screamed with a pout in his voice.

"Baby, are you with the pack of mints or is it with your sister?" His mother asked again.

"I think it's with Tobi" He answered.

"Okay, you all set?" She asked rhetorically.

"Uh huh" He replied with a nod.

"Go to daddy now, mummy wants to talk to Aunty Lola" She said staring at me with a small smile. I returned it. Ayo scurried off after giving me a hug that almost choked me. I laughed at his cuteness.

"You know, we don't have much time but I just want to tell you to never give up on your dreams. I heard what happened, I just didn't want to get involved, knowing who my husband is and all. But Lola know that I support and I'm with you all the way. It's not easy to be controlled by others, trust me, I can relate. I just want you to do the right thing, a job you enjoy that pays you meagre amounts is better than one with much benefits that you're not satisfied with. I want you to be happy, I'm only one call away if you need me. Alright?" She was encouraging me and I truly felt loved.

She hugged me right after and I held on tight, inhaling her scent and savouring the last moments with her. I knew it was going to be a long time before I saw any of them again so I treasured each and every moment with them during their stay.

"Thank you" I said heaving a sigh. I felt momentarily relieved.

"I'll miss you all" I pouted

"We'll miss you too but you know you can come visit us at any time" She said palming my face softly. She was right, I used to visit them during holidays while I was schooling but I hadn't left the country since I rounded up my youth service.

"Of course, expect me" I grinned.

"Babe, it's time"I heard Travis's voice boom from the front door.

"Okay, Lola let's go" Ima said pulling me up with her as we walked down to the vehicle.

I pecked the kids on each of their foreheads and they wrapped around me in a group hug. I blinked the tears back.

They're so adorable, they make me cry!

"Have a safe trip, take care, I love you all" I said after, giving my brother one last hug, afterwards Simeon, our driver, sped out of the compound. I sighed before going back into the house.

My mum had gone for an event so she couldn't see them off. I had no idea where my father had gone to, so it was just Grey, Igho and I left in the house. I was sure they were leaving the same day so I didn't bother asking. I went straight to my bedroom for a nap, at least to make up for the sleepless nights.

*******

Knock knock....

I shot out of my bed as I heard the impatient knock on my door. Whoever was tapping on it like that was certainly in a hurry.

I walked over and opened it, still dazed from the abrupt interruption. It was Igho, she was smiling. I wanted to smile back but my facial muscles were too tired to perform such action.

"Hi..." She said with the smile still perched on her lips.

"Hey, come in" I said moving aside as she brushed past me and stepped into the room.

"So... I came to tell you that Femi and I will be leaving in an hour" She announced.

Straight to the point huh...

"Oh really?" I looked at the wall clock it was 4pm

"Have a safe trip" I said

"Yeah thanks, I just wanted to tell you that I'd like to keep in touch with you, you know..." She sounded hesitant.

"Oh it's okay, you can ask Femi for my contact" I said quickly.

"I don't think he'd give it to me" She said looking down at the green flip flops she had on.

That sounded bizarre to me but when I thought about it again, I understood his reasons. He didn't want the family getting involved in his affairs. I would do the same if I were in his shoes.

"Okay lemme have your phone" I said and she handed it over to me, I quickly typed my phone number and  watched as she saved it with my name.

"Thank you, I'll drop a message as soon as I arrive home" She said with a smile. I smiled back and nodded. She took me by surprise when she gave me hug but I hugged her back. Letting her off with few words of prayer.

We talked for a few minutes before they both went on their way. I heard them drive out of the compound and I turned to my phone. I hadn't heard from Tana. It was so unlike her, it left me puzzled, I decided to call immediately.

"Hello..." She mumbled sleepily.

This one was asleep, mtcheww

"Good evening to you too" I said, a little annoyed that she hadn't checked on me in spite of the situation at hand.

"Baby love, I'm sorry I didn't call, I was just so caught up in enjoying my apartment after being away for so long" She said still in her sleepy voice.

My face morphed into a frown. Is that one a reason?

"Really Tana?! Really!" I said coldly, rolling my eyes afterwards.

"Oya sorry, no vex, you know I can't forget you, I just wanted to give you time to process everything going on before talking about it" She explained. My heart softened already and I wondered why I couldn't stay mad at her...

"Hmm I've heard" I said still feigning anger.

"No vex na, sugar plum, heart code, love of my life, serious boyfriend" She cooed. I laughed heartily.

"Ewww Tana, go get a boyfriend please, all these sugar coated words belong to him" I teased.

"Abeg abeg, shey it's me that is even serenading you, I blame myself. Lola so because you have boyfriend now, we'll not hear word" She said, I could imagine a pout on her face, something she called a frown. I found it too cute to be an expression of anger.

"Tunji is not my boyfriend" I simply said.

"Hmm I hear o, but your parents want you to get married to him" She countered.

"That's their business, it's our choice to make in the end" I said again.

"Okay okay" She said dismissively and continued, obviously wanting to go straight to the point.

"What's the update Lola?"

"Dad was furious, Mum? Totally on her husband's side, Brothers? Didn't care, Sister in law? Fully in support but being secretive to avoid offending her husband" I relayed with a sigh.

"Totally expected sis, don't you think?" Tana said in her boss lady tone. I Imagined her acting as a bad ass heroine in a movie with that tone.

I laughed at the thought too.

She asked why I was laughing, I told her without delay and she called me a mad woman whilst laughing herself.

"Okay now, focus" She said with the same tone and I bit the insides of my cheek to hold back the laughter.

"What are we going to do?" She asked.

"Watch and see" I said smirking.

"This girl you have join bad gang o, you're keeping me in suspense, I need to know what's up so I can help you" She said again with a pout in her voice.

"Chill, I've got this" I placated her.

"Okay o" She sighed, defeated.

We went on to talk about other things before I bade her good night, dismissing her to continue her sleep. The next day was a Monday and I had to resume work immediately.

*****

I drove into the premises with lots of things running through my mind.

Oh yeah, Laila handed her car keys over to me before her wedding. The car was fairly new, a Toyota Corolla, to be exact. It was just over a year old and my very meticulous sister did well to maintain it. It still looked new...

Anyways, I walked into the building with a firm resolve on my mind, nothing was going to change it. The first face that greeted me was the ever smiling Stella.

"Good morning Miss Lola" She said with an infectious grin that I gladly returned.

"Morning sweetie" I replied

"Congrats on your sister's wedding o, you people are just trending anyhow" She teased. I laughed.

"Thank you o" I replied.

"I wish I was there sef, I for slay too"

"Awww sorry I didn't invite you, I wasn't in charge of that. You know it was strictly by invitation" I explained.

"No wahala, that's rich people for you. Anyways I want my own goodies o, the cake especially" She said again much to my amusement.

"No problem" I giggled before checking my purse and dropping a few thousand naira notes afterwards

"Ah Thank you very much o, thank God I didn't attend sef, na me for use transport" She said excitedly

I shook my head and laughed, leaving the excited receptionist and walking further into the building.

Going straight to my department, I met a few stares, others waved, and the more jovial ones made small talk with me concerning the wedding of course.

One of them had me laughing till my stomach ached. Eric was a very funny guy and there was never a dull moment with him.

"Lola chai! If I met you first I for no dey with my girlfriend o. See as una just dey shine for the wedding. Instagram o, Snapchat o, WhatsApp sef, una just flood everywhere with pictures and videos" His expressions at every statement was hilarious, it sent everyone present in the room to unending bouts of laughter.

"Lola please show me the way o, see the couple sef, they're just trending anyhow. 'Nigerian Top weddings' has carried their matter"

"Eric free me abeg" I said with a chuckle.I remembered that I had something to do so I immediately excused myself.

I walked over to the head of department's office. I knocked quickly and heard a faint reply urging me to go in.

"Good morning sir" I greeted the man who was deeply embedded in his work.

"Morning Miss Gregg" He replied absentmindedly .

"Have a seat" He gestured to the chair opposite him. I sat gently facing him squarely.

"Sir, I have something to discuss with you"

"Go on" He urged with a nod, still looking the files in front of him.

"I'm resigning" I said slowly. He was startled by my statement.

"Resigning? Miss Lola is there a particular reason for this decision?" He asked tentatively

"It's a bit personal sir but this..." I pulled a neat brown envelope and handed it over to him.

".. Is my resignation letter" I said.

I stood up to leave his office, and he gave me permission to, with a nod.

I walked back to my former office to get the rest of my stuff and venture out of the building. My phone rang immediately I stepped in.

Tunji...

How did I forget about him? I hit my forehead a few times as a form of reprimand, then a sigh eluded my lips as I picked up.

"Meet me in my office now" He said in a commanding tone and hung up before I could say anything.

He didn't even bother to check if I was the one who answered.

I was thinking, before a text came in probably for emphasis. It read:

Now Lola!

I heaved a sigh as I picked my stuff and headed for the elevator,straight to the top floor. I stood in front of the office and tapped on the door lightly.

"Come in" He replied coolly, I stepped in immediately.

"Good morning" I greeted

"Morning, sit" He responded,barely looking up from his laptop. I sat in front of a desk once again that morning.

"Why are you resigning?" He asked staring straight into my eyes like he could read them to get an answer out of me.

"Personal reasons sir" I said. He furrowed his brows for a while before looking at me again.

"I'm not a stranger Lola, drop the formalities" He said, he sounded a little angry and definitely frustrated with my attitude.

"I'm sorry, but I can't work here anymore and my decision is final" I said with an air of finality.

"You're ready to follow your dreams huh?!" He said smirking. I was startled a bit but regained my composure immediately and he chuckled.

"Lola I'm not a stranger, loosen up, please" He said with an unsure look in his eyes. I just stared, agnostic of what to say.

"I'll...I'll leave now" I stood up but he held me back, I stared deep into his eyes.

"Trust me Lola, I want you to promise to call if you need anything, anything at all" He said somewhat pleadingly.

Did he know something I didn't?

I nodded, not trusting my voice at that moment, I decided to not say anything else as I walked to the door, with a warm smile on my face, I turned back to see him staring, he returned my smile. An unsaid 'goodbye'.

I walked out of the building, anxious about whatever was going to happen next. I knew my parents would not support my decision but I had to do what I had to do.

I drove out of the parking lot, not being an outdoor person, I drove home to await the drama that was about to unfold. I didn't want to think about it too much so I distracted myself by indulging in different activities.

It's going to be a long day...

Here goes nothing...