We'd just returned from Ibadan, where she'd driven me to view my Father's grave, and I moaned tiredly as I laid my head in Maria's laps.
"That's
how it went down," she said.
I closed
my eyes and thought to myself, "huh."
“Lie
down properly if you want to sleep.”
“Right
now,” she replied as she adjusted my position.
“Grandma,
you're coming to be with us.” Eniola was the one who inquired.
“Yes,
for a bit o, I'll be returning to Ibadan.” She gave an explanation.
“Please
don't go, maami; I don't want you to.”
“Come
along with me.” I begged her to listen to me.
“It's
the same for me...” Eniola was irritated.
“Look at
these kids,” Maria burst out laughing.
“All OK,
I'll stay little oo”
“Yeeee!”
Eniola gave her a warm embrace.
“Mummy,
let me go play with the kids.”
“Tola?” I
gave a nod.
Maria
cooed thereafter, “Don't damage yourself.”
“Teju
omo mi, there's something I'd want for us to discuss, despite the fact that I
understand how it may appear
“Somehow...”
she paused.
“Uhum?” I
closed my eyes.
“Please,
Teju, don't sleep; let's talk.” She jolted me.
“You know,
my dear, every mother wishes...” She began, “something good for her child...”
“As a
youngster grows older, he or she faces a variety of challenges, a variety of
tasks that he or she must complete...” She hesitated.
“hmm.” I
was wondering where all the sermons had come from
“Teju,
how old are you?” She inquired.
“24 na!”
I laughed out loud.
“It's
all right, you're following society law.”
You're
meant to be in your husband's house...” she paused to take in my expression.
I gave
her a stern look.
“This
way of living, when you're on your own and fending for yourself” You need a man
in your life, not just yourself.
Teju,
tell me about your life. A man who is willing to do the right thing.
“I'll take
care of you,” I muttered a few words.
“Ehn?
What exactly did you say? She looked into my eyes.
I
averted my gaze. I would never do anything if it were up to me to marry.
“Take,
for example, Eniola’s father, David. The young man appears to be all over you.
Ehn? You
don't need a fortune teller to tell you what will happen in the future. He's
looking for you...”
She was
starting to become irritated.
“Maami,
you read meanings into things.”
David
and I are only close because of Eniola, I'm not doing business with him.”
I started
to say
“Heehn!
Do you believe I'm deaf He acts in a certain way. He used to talk to you like
that...”
“Maami…ah!”
I shaved her head.
“All I
ask is that you think about him.” She stated
“Ehn!
“I've heard you, may I go to sleep now?” I rolled my eyes
“Omo
yi...hmn, omo yi...hmn, omo yi When will you stop being so stubborn?” She
laughed as she slept next me.
“That's
when my name switches from Tejumola.” I joined her in her laughter.
Maria
fell asleep quickly, but I remained awake. Various ideas entered my head.
Sure,
she wanted me to get married right?
But I'm
not sure I'm ready to take any more from Adam's generation...
When it
comes to David, he's now putting up some work..
I'd do
anything to get us together, but that is something I am unable to accept.
“Mummy!
Daddy has arrived!” Eniola screamed from the other side of the room.
“What
did you get for me, Daddy?” Ehn?” she enquired loudly.
“Mummy
see ooo,” she exclaimed as she stormed into the room.
I leapt
to my feet and quickly fixed my attire.
“Hi.” As
soon as David walked in, I greeted him.
“Hi, hi,
hi…. That's a lovely gown.” He was able to give me a hug.
“Thanks.”
I took a step back.
He shook
his head.
“See,
Mummy, my papa bought me ice.” “Creamy, chocolaty, and...and...and...” she sounded
pleased
“As well
as samosa.” David stepped in to assist her.
“Samosa!
What sort of food is that? Eniola burst out laughing.
“Grandma,
take a look!” Eniola informed Maria about the situation.
David
and I exchanged pleasantries.
“Oma se
oooo, ah!” Thank you, Daddy Eniola. Maria said, much to Eniola's amusement.
I could
move from one foot to the other.
David's
eyes are burrowing into me. This individual shouldn't you be looking at me? I
smirked.
“Did I
mention how much I adore that dress?” David questioned, oblivious to the fact
that Maria was listening. I frowned.
“In
fact, I came to see you...
“I've
got some meetings to go to,” he said, wearing one of those hats.
He took
a slow, deliberate step to the door.
“I'd be
outside waiting.”
I nodded
and waited for a while before responding.
Okay,
let’s go!!!