MORE THAN A CARVING Chapter 5(contd)
MORE THAN A CARVING
Chapter 5(contd)
That same Sunday evening, Iwalade who was alone in her apartment sat in her sitting room watching one of her favourite series on TV. Her phone rang, it was an unsaved number, she picked it and to her surprise, it was Mrs. Williams calling, the woman she met in front of her house. They exchanged pleasantries and the woman invited her over for dinner. “Tonight!” Iwalade said. “I have no plans of going out tonight.” “Please…. I’m sorry for the late invite; actually it just crossed my mind this evening.” “Awww…..” She rolled her eyes in frustration. All she wants is to be indoor by herself. “Please…….It’s just dinner.” Mrs. Williams pleaded. “Okay, I’ll try ma.” “Ah…..thank you.” “Time?” Iwalade asked. “7:00pm.” “Okay, I’ll be there.” Iwalade promised and Mrs. Williams thanked her over and over again with so much excitement. She also told her the house number before ending the call. Iwalade did not like the idea, visiting a stranger is not safe anymore with all the happenings going on around the world. She quickly said a prayer in her heart, ‘Lord if you don’t want me to go, let something stop me from doing so.’ She checked the time, it was 6:00pm, so she had just one hour to prepare for her impromptu dinner. Her mum called and they spoke for few minutes, she even told her about the dinner she was having with the woman who lives in her neighbourhood. She left the sitting room and went to her room to prepare. By 7:00pm, she was standing in front of Mrs. Williams’ house which is just few blocks away from hers. The gateman attended to her and directed her to the main building. Mrs. Williams was so pleased to see her. She had always fantasized about meeting one of her favourite Nollywood writers. “Please come on in.” She said flashing her a welcoming smile. “Thank you ma.” She said as she followed her. She led Iwalade into her exquisite living room and in Iwalade’s mind she was like ‘wow’. She gave her compliments and Mrs. Williams gestured for her to sit. Iwalade sat down and looked around “This is not just a rich family; these people are swimming in wealth.” She said again in her mind. Mrs. Williams set the table, assisted by Nike, her domestic staff. Mrs. Williams invited Iwalade over to the dining. They both sat down with smile on their faces. Nike came out of the Kitchen and placed a jug of cold fresh orange juice on the dining table and sat with them. “Meet Nike, my domestic staff.”
“Oh!” Iwalade was shocked; she didn’t even know what else to say. A domestic staff, eating on the same dining with her boss! She only saw something like that once and it was in a Nollywood movie not real life. “I have to write a script on this.” She thought. “Nice meeting you ma. Mummy and I always enjoy all your movies.” Nike said and Iwalade rolled her eyes “Not again, the movie is not mine, I only wrote the script.” Iwalade said in her mind. She looked up and smiled at Nike. “Thank you.” “Where is this boy for God sake? I told him the dinner is 7:00pm.” Mrs. Williams said, looking at the wall clock in front of her. “Let me call him.” Nike said and brought out her phone from her pocket. She dialed his number with a smile on her face and left the table. “Hello.” Nike said immediately the call connected. “What?” Imisioluwa replied angrily and the smile on Nike’s face vanished. “Ehm…ehm…Mummy is expecting you. Her guest is around.” “So!” “I’m sorry.” Nike said scratching her weave. “What should I tell Mum…..” She was still talking but the line went off. Nike returned to the dining and sat quietly with a feigned smile. Iwalade could sense the difference between the smile she had on her face when she left the table and the smile that was presently on her face but she looked away. “What did he say?” Mrs. Williams asked Nike. “The network was bad ma. I didn’t hear him clearly.” She lied, she was too embarrassed to say the truth. “We don’t need to wait for him, let’s eat.” Mrs. Williams said. She asked Iwalade to pray on the food which she did and they started eating. As they eat, they were also having chit chat as well; they discussed movies and also talk about one or two things about their estate. In the course of their discussion, Iwalade got to know that Nike just finished her ND program and from the look of things, Mrs. Williams is likely sponsoring her education. After the dinner, Iwalade thanked her host for the sumptuous meal, truth be told, she really enjoyed the meal. They went back to the living room and they discussed some more, Mrs. Williams was a wonderful host and before Iwalade knew it, she made herself comfortable as well. Then she glanced at the beautiful big wall clock hung on the wall and realized its half past 8pm. “I should be on my way now. Thank you so much for the dinner; I had a wonderful time here.” Iwalade said truthfully. Considering the fact that she doesn’t have such a wealthy family as close friends, she appreciated the fact that Mrs. Williams welcomed her into her home. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, I was even thinking that the treat wasn’t good enough.” “Wasn’t good you say! Far from it, from the food to the expensive wine and thewelcoming environment, I say, you are wonderful host.” “Aww……thanks for the compliment. Let me you see off.” Mrs. Williams said and Nike came out to say her goodbye as well, then the two left the house. A car horned from outside, the gateman opened the gate; it was Imisioluwa that drove in. He drove past them and parked in the garage. He alighted and walked towards Iwalade and his Mum. “Good evening Mum.” He said and to Iwalade, “Good evening ma’am.” He said and the two replied him. “Mum, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it for dinner.” “It’s okay.” Mrs. Williams replied. “I want to see my guest off.” She told her son who nodded and went into the house. When they got to the gate, the gateman opened the gate for them but Iwalade told Mrs. Williams to go back in. “Let me see you off nau.” “It’s late ma. You just go back in and thanks once again ma.” “You are welcome but promise me, you’ll always come around whenever I call.” “No problem ma. Who doesn’t like free food.” Iwalade said and they both laughed. They said their goodnight and Mrs. Williams went back into the house. She went straight to her son’s room and bumped into the room without knocking. “Jesus, Mum!” Imisi exclaimed. “What?” “Why did you bump into my room like that?” “Isn’t it obvious, I’m angry with you.” “Why, because I didn’t come for dinner; but I apologized.” “Ehn….ehn, as if this is your first time.” She said and he sighed. “Mummy……I’m sorry.” Imisi said and held his Mum from behind. “Leave me be, it’s okay.” She said with a smile and he released her. Imisi took his Mum’s hand and walked her to the bed where they both sat. “So, how did the dinner go?” He asked. “Good, myself and my guest had a swell time. She’s fun to be with, I like her.” “Hmm…..I can see that. He nodded. “Now, I have a companion in this estate. You know you always tell me to at least get acquainted with someone…” “But you always tell me you don’t want anyone, that people can be nosy.” “True but I think Iwalade is not bad.” “But she’s younger than you, what will you two be discussing.” Imisioluwa pointed out.
“Don’t say that, wisdom as nothing to do with age.” “You are right though. Why did she come alone? You didn’t invite her husband?” “She’s still single; she stayed in that house alone.” “You must be kidding me. She stays in that house alone!” “Yes, I asked her after the dinner and she told me herself.” “Ladies of nowadays, once they are rich, they forget about marriage.” “Don’t judge, we don’t know her story.” “You are right, so let me just shut it. By the way, I’m glad you found yourself a companion, at least you won’t be telling me about your toasters again.” Imisi said and his Mum hit him playfully. “You are still my person, any day, anytime. So, you’ll still get all the gists from me.” “Really, what’s now the job of your new companion; is she not supposed to free me from all the female talks you discuss with me!” He said feigning anger. “You can’t escape from me, you know.” “Says who, wait till I’m married.” “Married! Says a twenty three years old boy.” “I’m turning twenty four next month.” “What’s the difference?” “What if your twenty three years old boy decides to get married this year?” “You must be kidding.” Mrs. Willliams said and throw a pillow at him. “I’m just joking Mum, I have a company to run, the baton will be handed to me in a couple of months. So, who has time for marriage, maybe in ten years time though.” He shrugged. “Ten what! You are not serious. When will I see my grandchildren?” Mrs. Willliams retorted. “My God! Mum, so when do you expect me to marry?” “I don’t even know.” She said with a worried look. Imisioluwa understood her fears. “Mum, I’ll be fine. Affliction will not rise the second time says the scripture. Don’t you believe?” “I believe.” “Then cheer up, I don’t even have a girlfriend.” “Then get yourself one.” She finally put on a smile. “And I know your problem.”
“And what is it?” Imisi asked curiously. “You are too choosy. A perfect lady doesn’t exist.” “Mum, I know but I‘ll only consider relationship when I’m ready to get married.” “If that’s your reason, I think I kind of agree with you but you can still have a close female friend that you can understudy, you know.” “Christ, I can’t even believe I’m talking marriage with you.” He said and they both laughed. “You know you can discuss anything with me. All will have is each other.” Mrs. Williams said. “Do you really mean that?” “Do I really mean what?” “That all we have is each other and I told you to do something for me and you refused.” Imisi got serious again. “Don’t even go there.” She raised her index finger to his face. “Fine! Let’s go downstairs to pray, I’m feeling sleepy already.” Imisi said and his Mum left the room. Nike was already waiting downstairs so they could pray. Some minutes later, they were through with the night prayer and everyone returned to their rooms. When Iwalade got home, she just went straight to her bedroom; she put off and lay on her bed. She was reminiscing about the dinner, she was still amazed at the way Mrs. Williams treated her domestic staff. “That woman is a good person o. Well she’s a Christian.” She said to herself but then retorted. “What am I even saying; there are so many Christians who treat their domestic staff like trash. Truthfully, there are ‘Christians’ and there are ‘Christians’ Mrs. Williams is indeed a good person.” She concluded. Then another scenario came to her mind, which was when Nike left the dining to call Imisi on phone, she was all smiling when she left the dining but returned sad even though she feigned a smile, sadness was still written on her face. Iwalade tossed on the bed as she thinks. “I hope it’s not what I’m thinking sha because all these rich kids….” She paused at her taught, “Well, let me not judge. I don’t even know him.” She said to herself. She wanted to remember something again but her phone rang, she checked the screen and frowned. She eventually picked the call. “I’m not your woman, stop calling me late in the night.” “I’m your childhood friend and we’ve been like these for years.” “I’m your childhood friend.” She mimicked. “Go and use it to collect money in bank.” She hissed. “Iwalade, remember the days when we’ll talk all night, days of free night calls.” “That was then, we were young and still in school. Now you should use your time for better things.”
“You know I do, if not, I won’t be where I am today.” Kayode said referring to his achievements so far. He is a business consultant and runs his own consulting firm. “Thank God for your life, then use your spare time to think about your life and how you’ll get a partner to settle down with.” “Iwalade, I’m the right man for you, can’t you see? You can’t even love any man the way you love me.” “Says who? If the man God has chosen for me shows up, off I go to the altar.” “You are going to that altar with me.” “In your dreams, Kayode, please I want to sleep and I don’t want to be rude.” “I’ll let you be. By the way, I miss you; I wanted to come this weekend but I realized Temidun was around.” “Stop stalking me, this guy.” “I’m not stalking you; I saw the pictures you guys took on your Whatsapp status.” “That is still stalking.” “Seriously, so somebody cannot check your Whatsapp status again.” “See, whatever. Goodnight.” “When will I be seeing you, can I come over to your place tomorrow?” “On Monday! Don’t you have work?” “In the evening nau…I wish I can work from home like you.” “Somebody envies my job.” She said with a smile. “Seriously, I do.” ‘It’s a pity I don’t envy yours….” She said sarcastically and he laughed. They said their goodbyes and the line went off. “I can’t even feign fight with him; he always has his way of making you smile.” Iwalade said to herself. She said her night prayers and covered her body with a duvet as she drifted to sleep.
Chapter 5(contd)
That same Sunday evening, Iwalade who was alone in her apartment sat in her sitting room watching one of her favourite series on TV. Her phone rang, it was an unsaved number, she picked it and to her surprise, it was Mrs. Williams calling, the woman she met in front of her house. They exchanged pleasantries and the woman invited her over for dinner. “Tonight!” Iwalade said. “I have no plans of going out tonight.” “Please…. I’m sorry for the late invite; actually it just crossed my mind this evening.” “Awww…..” She rolled her eyes in frustration. All she wants is to be indoor by herself. “Please…….It’s just dinner.” Mrs. Williams pleaded. “Okay, I’ll try ma.” “Ah…..thank you.” “Time?” Iwalade asked. “7:00pm.” “Okay, I’ll be there.” Iwalade promised and Mrs. Williams thanked her over and over again with so much excitement. She also told her the house number before ending the call. Iwalade did not like the idea, visiting a stranger is not safe anymore with all the happenings going on around the world. She quickly said a prayer in her heart, ‘Lord if you don’t want me to go, let something stop me from doing so.’ She checked the time, it was 6:00pm, so she had just one hour to prepare for her impromptu dinner. Her mum called and they spoke for few minutes, she even told her about the dinner she was having with the woman who lives in her neighbourhood. She left the sitting room and went to her room to prepare. By 7:00pm, she was standing in front of Mrs. Williams’ house which is just few blocks away from hers. The gateman attended to her and directed her to the main building. Mrs. Williams was so pleased to see her. She had always fantasized about meeting one of her favourite Nollywood writers. “Please come on in.” She said flashing her a welcoming smile. “Thank you ma.” She said as she followed her. She led Iwalade into her exquisite living room and in Iwalade’s mind she was like ‘wow’. She gave her compliments and Mrs. Williams gestured for her to sit. Iwalade sat down and looked around “This is not just a rich family; these people are swimming in wealth.” She said again in her mind. Mrs. Williams set the table, assisted by Nike, her domestic staff. Mrs. Williams invited Iwalade over to the dining. They both sat down with smile on their faces. Nike came out of the Kitchen and placed a jug of cold fresh orange juice on the dining table and sat with them. “Meet Nike, my domestic staff.”
“Oh!” Iwalade was shocked; she didn’t even know what else to say. A domestic staff, eating on the same dining with her boss! She only saw something like that once and it was in a Nollywood movie not real life. “I have to write a script on this.” She thought. “Nice meeting you ma. Mummy and I always enjoy all your movies.” Nike said and Iwalade rolled her eyes “Not again, the movie is not mine, I only wrote the script.” Iwalade said in her mind. She looked up and smiled at Nike. “Thank you.” “Where is this boy for God sake? I told him the dinner is 7:00pm.” Mrs. Williams said, looking at the wall clock in front of her. “Let me call him.” Nike said and brought out her phone from her pocket. She dialed his number with a smile on her face and left the table. “Hello.” Nike said immediately the call connected. “What?” Imisioluwa replied angrily and the smile on Nike’s face vanished. “Ehm…ehm…Mummy is expecting you. Her guest is around.” “So!” “I’m sorry.” Nike said scratching her weave. “What should I tell Mum…..” She was still talking but the line went off. Nike returned to the dining and sat quietly with a feigned smile. Iwalade could sense the difference between the smile she had on her face when she left the table and the smile that was presently on her face but she looked away. “What did he say?” Mrs. Williams asked Nike. “The network was bad ma. I didn’t hear him clearly.” She lied, she was too embarrassed to say the truth. “We don’t need to wait for him, let’s eat.” Mrs. Williams said. She asked Iwalade to pray on the food which she did and they started eating. As they eat, they were also having chit chat as well; they discussed movies and also talk about one or two things about their estate. In the course of their discussion, Iwalade got to know that Nike just finished her ND program and from the look of things, Mrs. Williams is likely sponsoring her education. After the dinner, Iwalade thanked her host for the sumptuous meal, truth be told, she really enjoyed the meal. They went back to the living room and they discussed some more, Mrs. Williams was a wonderful host and before Iwalade knew it, she made herself comfortable as well. Then she glanced at the beautiful big wall clock hung on the wall and realized its half past 8pm. “I should be on my way now. Thank you so much for the dinner; I had a wonderful time here.” Iwalade said truthfully. Considering the fact that she doesn’t have such a wealthy family as close friends, she appreciated the fact that Mrs. Williams welcomed her into her home. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, I was even thinking that the treat wasn’t good enough.” “Wasn’t good you say! Far from it, from the food to the expensive wine and thewelcoming environment, I say, you are wonderful host.” “Aww……thanks for the compliment. Let me you see off.” Mrs. Williams said and Nike came out to say her goodbye as well, then the two left the house. A car horned from outside, the gateman opened the gate; it was Imisioluwa that drove in. He drove past them and parked in the garage. He alighted and walked towards Iwalade and his Mum. “Good evening Mum.” He said and to Iwalade, “Good evening ma’am.” He said and the two replied him. “Mum, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it for dinner.” “It’s okay.” Mrs. Williams replied. “I want to see my guest off.” She told her son who nodded and went into the house. When they got to the gate, the gateman opened the gate for them but Iwalade told Mrs. Williams to go back in. “Let me see you off nau.” “It’s late ma. You just go back in and thanks once again ma.” “You are welcome but promise me, you’ll always come around whenever I call.” “No problem ma. Who doesn’t like free food.” Iwalade said and they both laughed. They said their goodnight and Mrs. Williams went back into the house. She went straight to her son’s room and bumped into the room without knocking. “Jesus, Mum!” Imisi exclaimed. “What?” “Why did you bump into my room like that?” “Isn’t it obvious, I’m angry with you.” “Why, because I didn’t come for dinner; but I apologized.” “Ehn….ehn, as if this is your first time.” She said and he sighed. “Mummy……I’m sorry.” Imisi said and held his Mum from behind. “Leave me be, it’s okay.” She said with a smile and he released her. Imisi took his Mum’s hand and walked her to the bed where they both sat. “So, how did the dinner go?” He asked. “Good, myself and my guest had a swell time. She’s fun to be with, I like her.” “Hmm…..I can see that. He nodded. “Now, I have a companion in this estate. You know you always tell me to at least get acquainted with someone…” “But you always tell me you don’t want anyone, that people can be nosy.” “True but I think Iwalade is not bad.” “But she’s younger than you, what will you two be discussing.” Imisioluwa pointed out.
“Don’t say that, wisdom as nothing to do with age.” “You are right though. Why did she come alone? You didn’t invite her husband?” “She’s still single; she stayed in that house alone.” “You must be kidding me. She stays in that house alone!” “Yes, I asked her after the dinner and she told me herself.” “Ladies of nowadays, once they are rich, they forget about marriage.” “Don’t judge, we don’t know her story.” “You are right, so let me just shut it. By the way, I’m glad you found yourself a companion, at least you won’t be telling me about your toasters again.” Imisi said and his Mum hit him playfully. “You are still my person, any day, anytime. So, you’ll still get all the gists from me.” “Really, what’s now the job of your new companion; is she not supposed to free me from all the female talks you discuss with me!” He said feigning anger. “You can’t escape from me, you know.” “Says who, wait till I’m married.” “Married! Says a twenty three years old boy.” “I’m turning twenty four next month.” “What’s the difference?” “What if your twenty three years old boy decides to get married this year?” “You must be kidding.” Mrs. Willliams said and throw a pillow at him. “I’m just joking Mum, I have a company to run, the baton will be handed to me in a couple of months. So, who has time for marriage, maybe in ten years time though.” He shrugged. “Ten what! You are not serious. When will I see my grandchildren?”
“And what is it?” Imisi asked curiously. “You are too choosy. A perfect lady doesn’t exist.” “Mum, I know but I‘ll only consider relationship when I’m ready to get married.” “If that’s your reason, I think I kind of agree with you but you can still have a close female friend that you can understudy, you know.” “Christ, I can’t even believe I’m talking marriage with you.” He said and they both laughed. “You know you can discuss anything with me. All will have is each other.” Mrs. Williams said. “Do you really mean that?” “Do I really mean what?” “That all we have is each other and I told you to do something for me and you refused.” Imisi got serious again. “Don’t even go there.” She raised her index finger to his face. “Fine! Let’s go downstairs to pray, I’m feeling sleepy already.” Imisi said and his Mum left the room. Nike was already waiting downstairs so they could pray. Some minutes later, they were through with the night prayer and everyone returned to their rooms. When Iwalade got home, she just went straight to her bedroom; she put off and lay on her bed. She was reminiscing about the dinner, she was still amazed at the way Mrs. Williams treated her domestic staff. “That woman is a good person o. Well she’s a Christian.” She said to herself but then retorted. “What am I even saying; there are so many Christians who treat their domestic staff like trash. Truthfully, there are ‘Christians’ and there are ‘Christians’ Mrs. Williams is indeed a good person.” She concluded. Then another scenario came to her mind, which was when Nike left the dining to call Imisi on phone, she was all smiling when she left the dining but returned sad even though she feigned a smile, sadness was still written on her face. Iwalade tossed on the bed as she thinks. “I hope it’s not what I’m thinking sha because all these rich kids….” She paused at her taught, “Well, let me not judge. I don’t even know him.” She said to herself. She wanted to remember something again but her phone rang, she checked the screen and frowned. She eventually picked the call. “I’m not your woman, stop calling me late in the night.” “I’m your childhood friend and we’ve been like these for years.” “I’m your childhood friend.” She mimicked. “Go and use it to collect money in bank.” She hissed. “Iwalade, remember the days when we’ll talk all night, days of free night calls.” “That was then, we were young and still in school. Now you should use your time for better things.”
“You know I do, if not, I won’t be where I am today.” Kayode said referring to his achievements so far. He is a business consultant and runs his own consulting firm. “Thank God for your life, then use your spare time to think about your life and how you’ll get a partner to settle down with.” “Iwalade, I’m the right man for you, can’t you see? You can’t even love any man the way you love me.” “Says who? If the man God has chosen for me shows up, off I go to the altar.” “You are going to that altar with me.” “In your dreams, Kayode, please I want to sleep and I don’t want to be rude.” “I’ll let you be. By the way, I miss you; I wanted to come this weekend but I realized Temidun was around.” “Stop stalking me, this guy.” “I’m not stalking you; I saw the pictures you guys took on your Whatsapp status.” “That is still stalking.” “Seriously, so somebody cannot check your Whatsapp status again.” “See, whatever. Goodnight.” “When will I be seeing you, can I come over to your place tomorrow?” “On Monday! Don’t you have work?” “In the evening nau…I wish I can work from home like you.” “Somebody envies my job.” She said with a smile. “Seriously, I do.” ‘It’s a pity I don’t envy yours….” She said sarcastically and he laughed. They said their goodbyes and the line went off. “I can’t even feign fight with him; he always has his way of making you smile.” Iwalade said to herself. She said her night prayers and covered her body with a duvet as she drifted to sleep.
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