MORE THAN A CARVING CHAPTER 14

MORE THAN A CARVING
CHAPTER 14
Iwalade who was already dressed up in her church wear, rushed out of the house.” “Aunty Iwalade, you are not going with the car?” Baba Bamo asked. “I want to see Mrs. Williams briefly, I’ll soon be back.” “Okay ma.” He said and he opened the gate for her. Iwalade got to the Williams’ home, Imisi’s mum was already waiting for her in the sitting room. “Thank you Iwalade.” She said immediately she stepped in. “Where is he?” She was still asking, and then she saw him coming down from the stairs with a big leather box. She waited for him by the stairs as he came down face to face with her. “IB don’t even bother to stop me, I’ve tried to make her reason with me to no avail.” “Reason with you, how?” Iwalade asked him. “IB, she chose her over me, so there’s no point staying.” “Hold on, don’t tell me this is all about Nike.” Iwalade asked. “She didn’t tell you.” Imisi said pointing at his mum. “No, I didn’t ask; I just rushed down here when I heard you are moving.” Iwalade replied him. “You know about this issue too?” Surprised Mrs. Williams asked Iwalade. “Yes, just yesterday though, Imisi left the house yesterday because of Nike when you were not around.” While the two were still discussing, Imisi swiftly walked passed them but Iwalade held his arm. “Easy now, where do you think you are going?” “You guys think your pep talk will work right, I said I’m leaving this house and nothing, not even you IB can stop me.” He said and Mrs. Williams sighed deeply. “Where do you plan to stay?” “Hotel still exist Mum; I’ll stay in any one close to the company.” “But you know it’s dangerous for you to stay in the hotel. The board may use it against you.” “Mum, at this point, I don’t care.” “Okay, go stay with Iwalade.” “No, you have no right to decide where I stay Mum. Who made me leave the house in the first place?”“Please…..I promise not to bother you over there. I won’t even step Iwalade’s house till you come back home.” Mrs. Williams pleaded. Imisioluwa was still thinking of what to say when Iwalade’s voice interrupted his thought. “Let’s go to my place, if that will make your mum feel a bit relieved.” “I’ll go with you but sincerely I’m not doing this for her. I’m doing this just to avoid unnecessary attention.” “Okay sir.” Iwalade said and bowed slowly. “Let’s just go.” “After you.” He said and they left. Mrs. Williams breathed a breath of relief. She has never seen her son in such mood before. As it is, she wants to believe that everything Imisioluwa said about Nike was true. Imisioluwa opened the booth of his car and dumped the leather box in it, he entered the car and Iwalade entered too and sat beside him and they left. When they got to Iwalade’s house, Imisi horned and Baba Bamo opened the gate for them. He drove in and turned off the engine. “Don’t bring the leather box out yet.” Iwalade instructed. “Why?” Imisoluwa questioned. “I don’t want Baba Bamo to notice that you moved out of the house?” “He’ll still find out.” “I know but at least he won’t see you move in with a leather box.” “Fine.” The two alighted and Iwalade called out. “Baba Bamo.” “Ma.” He responded and walked towards them. “Please, I need bread can you help me get it?” “Yes ma.” “Okay, wait let me get my wallet inside.” Iwalade said but Imisioluwa stopped her and brought out his wallet and gave Baba Bamo a one thousand naira note. “How many?” Baba Bamo asked. “One will do.” Iwalade said. “Let him buy two.” Imisi said with a firm tone he was still upset with his mum. “I don’t need the bread, it’s just a camouflage, remember?” Iwalade whispered to him. “I guess you don’t know. I like bread.” He whispered back with a blank face and Baba Bamo just stood there watching the two. “Okay, Baba Bamo, oya buy two.” Iwalade said and Baba Bamo smiled sheepishly at the two of them.“See the two of you, if na outsider see you like this now, dem go think say you two be lovers.” He said in pidgin. “Really, so you mean…..” Imisioluwa was saying but Iwalade quickly cut in. “Baba Bamo, go and get the loaves of bread.” She said sternly. “Okay ma, I dey go now.” He said and rushed out of the compound; she followed and locked the gate behind him. Imisioluwa brought out the leather box and moved it into the house while Iwalade followed after him. “You can take that room.” Iwalade said to him, pointing at the guest room. “Okay.” He said and entered into the room. He kept the leather box in the room and came back into the sitting room but Iwalade was not there. “Iwalade.” He called out. Iwalade heard him call her by her first name again and shook her head. “Just a minute, I’m in my room.” She said and few minutes later, she came out, fully dressed, she was carrying a handbag and a matching shoe that complement her peach colour straight gown. She had a slight make up on. “Set for church?” Imisioluwa asked. “Something like that, I’m already running late.” She replied. “I’m sorry, that’s my fault. By the way, can I go with you?” “What happened to your own church?” “I’ll run into my mum in church and I don’t want that.” “What if she hasn’t step down from the company, are you telling me you wouldn’t go to work because of her?” “Thankfully, she is now running her own business, so I won’t have to see her in the company.” “How long will you avoid your mum, Imisi? Anyway, we’ll talk better when I get back from church.” “When we…….” He corrected. “Fine, let’s go then.” She said, since he is already dressed up, they both left the house. “Baba Bamo!” Imisi reminded her as they were about to board Imisi’s car. “Ooo……we’ll have to wait for…..” She was still saying then they heard a knock at the gate. “That should be him.” Imisi said and went to unlock the gate; he collected the loaves of bread from Baba Bamo and thanked him. He walked back to the car and collected the house key from Iwalade because; they had already locked the door. She gave him the keys and he went inside to drop the loaves of bread.He returned back and they boarded the car while Baba Bamo opened the gate for them. “We are super…..late.” “I’m sorry.” Imisi said as he concentrated on the road. His mood was still not interesting at all. ****** They returned from Church and the two went to their separate rooms, few minutes later, Iwalade came out of her room and went into the kitchen to prepare lunch. None of them ate breakfast that morning. Imisioluwa sensed that Iwalade was in the kitchen, judging from the sound that was coming from the kitchen so he went to join her. He entered with a smiling face. “Thank God, your mood is better.” She said. “That’s why I don’t miss Sunday service; it has a way of fixing heavy heart.” “You are right, I’m glad you are now better but we still need to talk.” She pointed at him. “I know. By the way, what can I help you with?” Imisioluwa asked. “I’m making jollof rice and chicken, there’s a full chicken inside the freezer, you can help me bring it out and cut it, I’ll fix the rest.” “Okay.” He said and did as he was instructed. “Watch your fingers o.” Iwalade said as he was cutting the chicken. “Stop worrying like mum and concentrate on what you are doing.” He said. “Yes sir, I’ll learn to mind my business.” “Good.” He said and they continued with what they were doing. Then he remembered something and stopped. “Iwalade.” He called. “Not again.” She stopped what she was doing. “My mind is beginning to tell me that there is something up your sleeves with this first name of mine that you call smoothly, were you there when I was been christened.” “Typical Yoruba girl, I know you are not comfortable with it but you just have to deal with it.” “Why?” What happened to IB?” “Mum is not here, it’s just you and I.” He tackled. “Seriously!” “Iwalade, you heard what Baba Bamo said in the morning.” “Imisi stop, don’t even go there.”won’t stop, unless you throw me out of here.” “Then get out.” She threw at him. “Fine.” He said. He was already through with the chicken she asked him to cut, so he washed his hands and left the kitchen. Iwalade wanted to talk as she watched him leave but she decided to keep quiet. Imisioluwa headed straight to the room and dumped himself on the bed. “Seriously, what is wrong with me?” He soliloquized. He regretted what he just did; he didn’t understand why he now gets angry at the slightest provocation. Food was ready; Iwalade dished the food and took it to the dining. She carried Baba Bamo’s food in a tray and went outside. Immediately Baba Bamo spotted Iwalade with the tray of food he walked fast towards her to meet her and she gave him the food, he thanked her and she went back inside. She got in and sighed, she had to go call Imisi in his room and she doesn’t even know what to say to him, she actually sent him out of the kitchen. She summoned courage and walked to his door, she knocked and then entered. “I didn’t ask you to come in.” “You are not serious.” She smiled when she noticed he was actually feigning anger. “Iwalade, sorry IB.” He corrected himself. “Imisi sooth yourself, call me whatever you want to call me.” “I’ll stick to IB.” He said and she sighed again. “I’m sorry about earlier.” She apologized. “It’s okay.” “Food is ready.” She said but he didn’t say anything. “Or do you want me to bring it here.” He still didn’t talk. Iwalade quickly think of what she can use to appease him. “We can even eat together.” She added and he looked up this time. She didn’t need an answer, she stood up immediately and left the room, she then returned with their food. The two ate together and they both came alive again as they munched their food happily. The two left the room for the kitchen after eating to do the dishes. Everything Iwalade was doing is just to make Imisi free with her, she knew he was catching feelings, she’s the more matured one and she knows what to do to put him in his place but she didn’t want a situation whereby she will push him away. Imisi trusted her with his life and so she had to do everything to make him feel safe with her. So, she had decided to ignore whatever he brings on and just look away as if nothing is happening. In the evening, around 7:00pm, Iwalade informed Imisi that she wanted to go see his mum. Before that time Iwalade and Imisioluwa had talked at length but Imisi still insisted on not going back to the house unless Nike leaves the house, so Iwalade needed to go back to Mrs. Williams to let her know her son’s stand on the matter.Iwalade left the house and went to see Mrs. Williams; she met her in the compound taking fresh air beside the pool. The two exchanged greetings and she sat on a spare chair in front of Mrs. Williams. “Is Nike back?” Iwalade asked. “Yes, she’s in the house.” Mrs. Williams replied. “This one that you are sitting here all alone, I hope you are not thinking about anything.” “I’m fine; I just feel like I need fresh air, the AC is not working for me right now.” “That’s because you have things on your mind but not to worry, Imisi is fine.” “I know he is fine. When is he coming back?” Mrs. Williams asked. “He still maintains his stand and I think you should think about it ma.” “I’ve promised Nike a lot of things, sending her out means going against my word.” Mrs Williams explained. “You can still fulfill that even when she is no longer living under your roof.” “Iwalade, that girl is a good day, cultured, discipline and….” “But she has eyes for your son and she’s willing to do anything to get laid by Imisi.” “I don’t understand, get laid, how?” Mrs. Williams asked. “Yesterday, Nike barged in into Imisi’s bathroom when he was bathing.” “It’s a lie, in my house!” “That is just one of the many things she has done just to make Imisioluwa sleep with her and I kind of believe Imisi, what does he stand to gain by lying against her.” “My God, how long has this been going on?” Mrs. Williams asked. “According to Imisi, this has been going on for a long time but he knew how much you like Nike and he doesn’t want to sever the relationship.” “Still, Imisi should have confided in me nau.” “What do you plan to do now?” Iwalade asked her. “As it is now, I’ll have to let her go.” “Better, then you can help her from afar.” “Sure. Once I get in now, I’ll talk to her but I won’t act as if I know anything about her unruly behavior.” “I support that too.” “Abi, for the sake of peace and to protect my son.” “I understand ma.”Iwalade announced her leave; Mrs. Williams thanked her and saw her off to the gate and they said their goodnights. She knocked the gate, Baba Bamo checked through to see who was knocking; he saw her and quickly opened the gate to her. “Welcome ma.” He said with a smile. “Thank you sir.” She replied with a smile as well. She walked passed him and then stopped as an idea popped in her head. Imisi’s car was not in the compound, she guessed he went out to get something, so she decided to use that opportunity, “Ehn ehn…..Baba Bamo.” She called and the man quickly walked towards her and stood before her. “Yes ma.” “I want to give you a week leave, just go and be with your people and enjoy the week.” “Eh…. Aunty Iwalade……thank you o…..” Iwalade checked the screen of her phone for the time. “It’s few minutes to eight, so you can still leave tonight, right.” “Yes ma.” “You can leave and then return on Sunday evening.” “Okay ma. Thank you.” “Goodnight, my regards to the family.” “Yes ma, goodnight ma.” He said and went into his room to pick his things. Iwalade waited for him, when he was through he left and she locked the gate. She entered into the house and switched on the TV but she wasn’t concentrating on the TV. She dialed Imisioluwa’s number. “Hi.” She said and sat on the couch. “Hi, are you back?” Imisioluwa asked. “Yes, call me when you get here, I’ll come open the gate for you.” “Why? Do you send Baba Bamo on an errand?” “No, I’ll explain to you when you get back, just call me.” “Okay.” He said and she ended the call. Few minutes later, he came back and gave her a call; she went outside and opened the gate to him. He parked inside the compound and alighted with a shopping bag in his hand. The two greeted each other and went inside. “Where’s Baba Bamo?” “I gave him a one week leave.”“You did that for me?” “Yes, you know he used to work for the family company, so we have to be careful so that words won’t get out that you left home.” She said and sat down. “Thank you, that is so thoughtful of you.” “You are welcome.” “You will do anything to protect me and I love you more for this.” He said and she cleared her throat. She quickly changed the subject. “Your mum sent her greetings.” She said and he nodded. She waited for him to ask her questions but he didn’t so she had to talk. “Won’t you ask me how things went down with your mum?” “See, I’m good with whatever she decides on. Once I get to work tomorrow, I’ll talk with a real estate agent and get my own apartment.” “Imisi…..it hasn’t gotten to that.” “It has, I shouldn’t be staying with her in the first place but I have made up my mind to stay till I settle down and have my own family because I know she had sacrificed so much for me over the years and the least I can do is to be there for her so she won’t be lonely but as it is now, I think, it’s time to leave.” He poured out. Iwalade took a close look at him; he had this sad look on his face. “Don’t worry your head, you are moving back to the house this week.” She said and he jumped at her words. “No way will I go back to leaving under the same roof with…….” “Nike is leaving this week.” She revealed. “Nike is what! You are joking right.” “You think your mum did not believe you, of course she does. It’s just that, it wasn’t an easy decision for her to take because of the promises she had made to Nike.” “Are you sure mum is not trying to play me.” Imisioluwa smirked. “No, do you think she will choose Nike over you, of course that is not possible. Nike is leaving.” “So that’s why you gave your Baba Bamo a week leave; you know I’ll be out of here by the time he returned.” “Exactly.” She said and flashed him a smile. “You are a darling……” He stood up and walked towards her and pulled her up from the couch where she was sitting. “I know you will talk sense into mum.” “Sincerely, I didn’t do much but all the same, you are welcome.” She said and he gave her a long hug. “Imisi…..” She said and he freed her. That night, Mrs. Williams spoke with Nike and told her that her services were nolonger needed in the house. Nike went on her knees and started begging her, asking for forgiveness peradventure she had done something wrong but Mrs. Williams made her realized that she didn’t offend her in any form whatsoever it’s just that she wants to change hands. She explained to Nike that this time around she wants to employ a male chef that she had heard a lot about the culinary skills of male chefs and she wanted to try it out. “You know I don’t like having so many domestic staff in the house, I’m okay with just one aside the gateman that works outside.” Mrs. Williams explained. “I understand ma, I know you don’t like it but….” “You know what, I think I know your fears, the promise I made with you still stand. I will sponsor the rest of your education and I’m willing to even give you money to start up your own business while awaiting your admission.” “Ma, I can see your mind is made up but I will miss your motherly care and all.” “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. I’ll give you till Friday to sort out yourself. I’ll send some money into your account now, you can use it to get an apartment since your aunt’s place is small and you can use the remaining money to start up a small business.” “Okay ma.” She knelt down to thank her and the two went to bed.