MORE THAN A CARVING CHAPTER 17
MORE THAN A CARVING
CHAPTER 17
A month later, on a Friday night, Imisioluwa who was returning from work drove to Iwalade’s house. Immediately Iwalade heard the car horn in front of the gate, she looked through the window to check who was at the gate, she wasn’t expecting any visitor, then she saw Baba Bamo opening the gate, immediately, she sensed it was Imisioluwa, since the man didn’t bother to inform her before opening the gate. She watched as he drove in his car, he parked and alighted. Baba Bamo closed the gate and quickly walked up to him as the two cracked jokes and laughed. Imisioluwa walked to the tap and washed his hands with liquid soap and water and then went back to the car and made use of the hand sanitizer in his car. Unfortunately, the second wave of Covid 19 has hit the country again and the National Center for Disease Control is now recording high cases of Covid 19 which is really on the high side. He opened the booth and brought out two shopping bags, he opened one of them and gave Baba Bamo a loaf of bread, two canned fish and a chilled plastic drink, Baba Bamo bowed and thanked him. Iwalade was still watching from the window side, she could deduce the drink in Baba Bamo’s hand was very chilled judging from the container. Imisioluwa carried the shopping bags and walked into the house. Iwalade was still standing by the window when he entered. Imisi dropped the shopping bags on the center table and walked up to her, she was backing him, so he hugged her from behind. “Mama.” He said. She turned and then he planted a kiss on her lips. “Is this your own social distancing?” She queried. She said that just to stop him from touching her. She wants them to keep their distance for the main time but Imisioluwa wanted the exact opposite, the love he has for her keeps on growing and growing by the day. Iwalade did not feel the same way, she still sees him as his younger brother but she knew Imisioluwa cares so much for her and she likes that but there are too many odds around them. “Social distancing is for outsiders, more so, I always mask up, wash my hands and….” “I know……” “And you are always indoor as well, so we are safe.” He pointed out. “I know…..” “Yes, I know you know, this is just you trying to push me away again.” Imisioluwa said with a sad look. “You are right and I’m sorry.” She said and hugged him; the fragnance of his perfume filled her nostrils.” “It’s okay.” He pecked every part of her face playfully and the two laughed as he freed her. As usual, Iwalade knew that pushing him away will not help matter, so she had decided to let things flow naturally. “So, how was your day?” She asked as they both sat on the couch. “It went well, I bless God.” “Your mum called at my place this morning, she said she’s spending the weekend at her family house.” “Yes and that’s the reason why I decided to come spend the weekend here.” “No way, Imisi for what now, you are not helping matters at all.” “Of course I’m helping matters; I’m trying to make us bond more.” “Bonding! Imisi, we are getting too attached already.” “Hold on, what are you even scared of, we are adults for crying out loud.” “How does being an adult help to curb emotions, or is it when we start sleeping together that you’ll realize that we are playing with fire!” “All I want from you is your love; I don’t have any ulterior motive.” “Imisi, your mum…..” “Please don’t give me that, this is my life, this is what I feel for you. What do you expect me to do about it?” “I know you won’t reason with me.” “Why should I, except you don’t feel the same way.” “Really, you know what, just go home.” “Iwalade, did you just ask me to leave, do you even know how much I ….” “Imisi…..” She cut in. “Will you please allow me talk?” He said, raising his voice at her. “Okay….” She looked away. “Do you think I want this too? Do you think I want us? But it happened, yes, we happened. I met you and everything changed for me, my love for you controls me, I can’t think anything but you, I only think you Iwalade and you just want me to throw it all away because of what exactly!” “Imisi…..” “Answer the question Iwalade. Is it my age, my mum or your own damn ego, why exactly are you pushing me away? Tell me this minute.” Iwalade sighed heavily, she didn’t say a word, and the truth is that she did not even know what to say because obviously Imisi is not even in the right mood to listen to anything. When Imisioluwa realized that she wasn’t willing to talk, he stood up. Fine, I get it. I’ll leave.” Imisi said and left. She didn’t stop him; she just broke down in tears.“God why, why him after the entire wait?” What will people say, what will his mum say, she’ll think I’m so desperate that I manipulated her son into falling for me and God sees my heart that everything I’ve been doing for him is out of a pure mind.” She cried the more on the floor where she sat. Later in the evening, she managed to eat something, then she returned to the sitting room and put on the TV, she sat there watching the TV quietly even though her mind was elsewhere. “How is he doing now?” She said in her mind. “He left here hurt.” She tried his number but it’s not reachable. She put off the TV and went to bed but she couldn’t sleep. She kept on tossing and tossing on the bed. She checked her phone; the time was 10:30pm. She got out of bed, changed from her night dress into another cloth and left the house. She knocked Baba Bamo’s door and he opened. “Aunty Iwalade, hope no problem?” Baba Bamo asked. “Please, help me open the gate.” “By this time!” “I’m not going far, I’ll soon be back.” “Abi I should follow you.” He offered. “Don’t bother; I’m just going down the street.” She said and he opened the gate for her. She got to the front gate and called the gateman, thankfully, Mrs. Williams once gave her the man’s number, then, she didn’t have a gateman and she needed the man to help her get fuel because it was late in the night. Iwalade called the gateman but he didn’t pick so she redialed and then he picked the call. She informed him that she is at the gate. “By this time! Madam is not at home, she don travel.” “I know. I have a message for Imisi and his lines are not going through.” She said. “Oh…..okay, I’m coming.” He said and she ended the call. He opened the gate, they exchanged greetings and he entered into the house. She got to the front door, used the door bell but no one answered. She wished Nike was still around; at least she would have answered the door. She rang the bell all over again, and then the door clicked open. “Why are you here? Just go back home.” He said and Iwalade opened her mouth wide at what he saw, his eyes were swollen and red, even the night couldn’t help him hide it. “Imisi.” She called out to Imisi who already took to the stairs, and so she followed him. He entered his room, she wanted to enter too but he slammed the door to her face. She paused for a bit to think, she wanted to go back home but she couldn’t leave him like that; at least she made him that way. “Imisi, please open the door.” Iwalade pleaded. At first, he felt reluctant to open but how long will he continue to get angry at her, so he left where he was sitting andopened the door for her. She entered and pulled him into a hug. “Please, don’t do this to yourself, you deserve to be happy.” She said and released him and looked into his eyes. “My crime is that I’m younger right.” “People will think I manipulated you.” “But you didn’t and I know that. I didn’t fall in love with you deliberately, I didn’t plan this.” “I know.” “It just happenned, Iwa.” “I know and I think I’m in love with you too.” She said and Imisi was so surprise. That was coming out from her for the first time. “You came over here by this time of the night to tell me this?” “Yes.” She said and he took her lips, the two kissed each other passionately. “Imisi…..” She said and pushed him away gently. “You want us to stop?” He asked and she nodded. “Okay, it’s late, just sleep over.” “No, I can’t, it’s not right.” “Fine, I’ll take you home.” “Baba Bamo, will be suspicious of us.” “I don’t care if the whole world finds out about us.” “Are you saying we are now….” “Yes, we are lovers.” “Imisi?” She called out. “Yes.” He said looking into her eyes. “Feel free to break my heart if you meet someone else.” “Iwa mi. That will never happen.” “Just sayi…..” She was still talking but he cut her off, he didn’t want to hear any of it. “Now, let’s take you home.” “Okay, you can sleep over at my place, instead of coming back alone.” “Okay.” He said and checked the time; it’s 11:20pm. They left for her house. Baba Bamo opened the gate for them and they entered the house. “Goodnight.” She said walking towards her room.“Goodnight! Are we not sharing the same room?” “No thanks. Sleep in the guest room.” “I’m still a guest!” “Yes.” She gave him a ‘tongue out’ and ran into her room and locked it. “Fine.” He said and smiled as he walked to the guest room to sleep. “At last.” He sighed on the bed as sleep took him away. ****** The two started dating each other secretly; Iwalade and Imisi’s love for each other waxed stronger and stronger. The two became inseparable, once Imisi close at work, he won’t even stay a minute extra, he will rushed down to her place, he just want to be with her. The only person Iwalade could confide in is her cousin, Fullhouse. So, they spoke on phone. “Iwalade, just pray about it; once God is involved, then he will perfect the rest.” Fullhouse advised. “That’s where the problem lies; I’m scared to pray because I already know the answer.” “Then why are you scared?” Fullhouse asked. “Hmm…..that family is no joke Fullhouse.” “And that is why you were chosen.” “Chosen, hmm.” “This is about what you want Iwalade, what do you want? See, my wife is so young but I know what I wanted and I went for it and today, we are happy.” “I want that too.” “Life is short dear, once you meet your better half, then go for it. I tell you, that happiness is bliss, don’t let it go.” Fullhouse counselled her. “This is a relief for me. Thanks so much.” “You are welcome.” “Fullhouse, what about the discussion we had the other time?” “We’ve agreed that we’ll start making babies once she finishes school.” He replied. “Okay, fine then. I wish you guys well.” Iwalade said and they ended their phone conversation. Iwalade is not convinced with what Fullhouse said, Ireoluwa will never agree tothat plan, she really want them to start a family even while in school so Iwalade decided to call her. She placed the call and they exchanged pleasantries. “Ireoluwa, I’m sorry to be nosy o, I spoke with your husband now and I tried to mention the baby issue but he said you guys are waiting till you finish school.” “True we agreed but trust me ma, I’m working on something.” “Really.” “Yes, he is just scared because of the miscarriage I had but I’ll help him out.” “Good, I support whatever move you want to make. I don’t know why men look so strong outwardly but deep down, they are actually not.” “You are right ma. Sincerely that miscarriage episode really scared him out but I’ll ensure we move on.” “Okay dear, you take care.” “I will ma.” She said and Iwalade ended the call.
CHAPTER 17
A month later, on a Friday night, Imisioluwa who was returning from work drove to Iwalade’s house. Immediately Iwalade heard the car horn in front of the gate, she looked through the window to check who was at the gate, she wasn’t expecting any visitor, then she saw Baba Bamo opening the gate, immediately, she sensed it was Imisioluwa, since the man didn’t bother to inform her before opening the gate. She watched as he drove in his car, he parked and alighted. Baba Bamo closed the gate and quickly walked up to him as the two cracked jokes and laughed. Imisioluwa walked to the tap and washed his hands with liquid soap and water and then went back to the car and made use of the hand sanitizer in his car. Unfortunately, the second wave of Covid 19 has hit the country again and the National Center for Disease Control is now recording high cases of Covid 19 which is really on the high side. He opened the booth and brought out two shopping bags, he opened one of them and gave Baba Bamo a loaf of bread, two canned fish and a chilled plastic drink, Baba Bamo bowed and thanked him. Iwalade was still watching from the window side, she could deduce the drink in Baba Bamo’s hand was very chilled judging from the container. Imisioluwa carried the shopping bags and walked into the house. Iwalade was still standing by the window when he entered. Imisi dropped the shopping bags on the center table and walked up to her, she was backing him, so he hugged her from behind. “Mama.” He said. She turned and then he planted a kiss on her lips. “Is this your own social distancing?” She queried. She said that just to stop him from touching her. She wants them to keep their distance for the main time but Imisioluwa wanted the exact opposite, the love he has for her keeps on growing and growing by the day. Iwalade did not feel the same way, she still sees him as his younger brother but she knew Imisioluwa cares so much for her and she likes that but there are too many odds around them. “Social distancing is for outsiders, more so, I always mask up, wash my hands and….” “I know……” “And you are always indoor as well, so we are safe.” He pointed out. “I know…..” “Yes, I know you know, this is just you trying to push me away again.” Imisioluwa said with a sad look. “You are right and I’m sorry.” She said and hugged him; the fragnance of his perfume filled her nostrils.” “It’s okay.” He pecked every part of her face playfully and the two laughed as he freed her. As usual, Iwalade knew that pushing him away will not help matter, so she had decided to let things flow naturally. “So, how was your day?” She asked as they both sat on the couch. “It went well, I bless God.” “Your mum called at my place this morning, she said she’s spending the weekend at her family house.” “Yes and that’s the reason why I decided to come spend the weekend here.” “No way, Imisi for what now, you are not helping matters at all.” “Of course I’m helping matters; I’m trying to make us bond more.” “Bonding! Imisi, we are getting too attached already.” “Hold on, what are you even scared of, we are adults for crying out loud.” “How does being an adult help to curb emotions, or is it when we start sleeping together that you’ll realize that we are playing with fire!” “All I want from you is your love; I don’t have any ulterior motive.” “Imisi, your mum…..” “Please don’t give me that, this is my life, this is what I feel for you. What do you expect me to do about it?” “I know you won’t reason with me.” “Why should I, except you don’t feel the same way.” “Really, you know what, just go home.” “Iwalade, did you just ask me to leave, do you even know how much I ….” “Imisi…..” She cut in. “Will you please allow me talk?” He said, raising his voice at her. “Okay….” She looked away. “Do you think I want this too? Do you think I want us? But it happened, yes, we happened. I met you and everything changed for me, my love for you controls me, I can’t think anything but you, I only think you Iwalade and you just want me to throw it all away because of what exactly!” “Imisi…..” “Answer the question Iwalade. Is it my age, my mum or your own damn ego, why exactly are you pushing me away? Tell me this minute.” Iwalade sighed heavily, she didn’t say a word, and the truth is that she did not even know what to say because obviously Imisi is not even in the right mood to listen to anything. When Imisioluwa realized that she wasn’t willing to talk, he stood up. Fine, I get it. I’ll leave.” Imisi said and left. She didn’t stop him; she just broke down in tears.“God why, why him after the entire wait?” What will people say, what will his mum say, she’ll think I’m so desperate that I manipulated her son into falling for me and God sees my heart that everything I’ve been doing for him is out of a pure mind.” She cried the more on the floor where she sat. Later in the evening, she managed to eat something, then she returned to the sitting room and put on the TV, she sat there watching the TV quietly even though her mind was elsewhere. “How is he doing now?” She said in her mind. “He left here hurt.” She tried his number but it’s not reachable. She put off the TV and went to bed but she couldn’t sleep. She kept on tossing and tossing on the bed. She checked her phone; the time was 10:30pm. She got out of bed, changed from her night dress into another cloth and left the house. She knocked Baba Bamo’s door and he opened. “Aunty Iwalade, hope no problem?” Baba Bamo asked. “Please, help me open the gate.” “By this time!” “I’m not going far, I’ll soon be back.” “Abi I should follow you.” He offered. “Don’t bother; I’m just going down the street.” She said and he opened the gate for her. She got to the front gate and called the gateman, thankfully, Mrs. Williams once gave her the man’s number, then, she didn’t have a gateman and she needed the man to help her get fuel because it was late in the night. Iwalade called the gateman but he didn’t pick so she redialed and then he picked the call. She informed him that she is at the gate. “By this time! Madam is not at home, she don travel.” “I know. I have a message for Imisi and his lines are not going through.” She said. “Oh…..okay, I’m coming.” He said and she ended the call. He opened the gate, they exchanged greetings and he entered into the house. She got to the front door, used the door bell but no one answered. She wished Nike was still around; at least she would have answered the door. She rang the bell all over again, and then the door clicked open. “Why are you here? Just go back home.” He said and Iwalade opened her mouth wide at what he saw, his eyes were swollen and red, even the night couldn’t help him hide it. “Imisi.” She called out to Imisi who already took to the stairs, and so she followed him. He entered his room, she wanted to enter too but he slammed the door to her face. She paused for a bit to think, she wanted to go back home but she couldn’t leave him like that; at least she made him that way. “Imisi, please open the door.” Iwalade pleaded. At first, he felt reluctant to open but how long will he continue to get angry at her, so he left where he was sitting andopened the door for her. She entered and pulled him into a hug. “Please, don’t do this to yourself, you deserve to be happy.” She said and released him and looked into his eyes. “My crime is that I’m younger right.” “People will think I manipulated you.” “But you didn’t and I know that. I didn’t fall in love with you deliberately, I didn’t plan this.” “I know.” “It just happenned, Iwa.” “I know and I think I’m in love with you too.” She said and Imisi was so surprise. That was coming out from her for the first time. “You came over here by this time of the night to tell me this?” “Yes.” She said and he took her lips, the two kissed each other passionately. “Imisi…..” She said and pushed him away gently. “You want us to stop?” He asked and she nodded. “Okay, it’s late, just sleep over.” “No, I can’t, it’s not right.” “Fine, I’ll take you home.” “Baba Bamo, will be suspicious of us.” “I don’t care if the whole world finds out about us.” “Are you saying we are now….” “Yes, we are lovers.” “Imisi?” She called out. “Yes.” He said looking into her eyes. “Feel free to break my heart if you meet someone else.” “Iwa mi. That will never happen.” “Just sayi…..” She was still talking but he cut her off, he didn’t want to hear any of it. “Now, let’s take you home.” “Okay, you can sleep over at my place, instead of coming back alone.” “Okay.” He said and checked the time; it’s 11:20pm. They left for her house. Baba Bamo opened the gate for them and they entered the house. “Goodnight.” She said walking towards her room.“Goodnight
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