MORE THAN A CARVING CHAPTER 6
MORE THAN A CARVING
CHAPTER 6
Iwalade’s alarm rang by 2:00am, it was time for her quiet time, she finished up around past three and went back to sleep. Some minutes past 5:00am, her phone started ringing and she was really enjoying her sleep. Reluctanctly, she picked up the call, it was her Mum. At first, she was scared but as she was looking at the ringing phone trying to figure out why her Mum was calling at that time of the day, the Holy Spirit whispered to her ‘It’s your grandma.’ “Hello Mummy.” “Hello Oko mi (My daughter), I’m sorry I woke you up……” “Grandma is dead?” “Yes, she died in my hands few minutes ago.” Mrs. Badmus said. She had travelled to her home town in Ado Ekiti two days ago to take care of her sick mother but the 96years old woman finally gave up the ghost. “Eyah….my grandma is gone…..” A stray tear left Iwalade’s eyes she was one of the old woman’s favourite grandchild, and yes grandma also loved Fullhouse. Those are the two grandchildren she used to spoil whenever they go to her place for holidays. “Your grandma is gone o, may God be with the rest of us.” “Amen…. have you called your siblings?” Iwalade asked her Mum. “I’ve called them o, I’ve also called your sister, Funke.” “Can this Ghana people make it down to the burial?” “Sure, you know your grandma had warned us not to take her to mortuary, so we have to bury her this week.” “I know, that’s why I asked if Mummy Alade and my sister will be able to make it.” “Of course they will, in fact, when I got here two days ago, I already know that the old woman can’t make it and I informed them.” “She tried nau, 96years on earth is no joke.” “Abi o. So you all have to be in Ado this weekend for the burial.” “Okay ma.” “Iwalade, I discussed with my sisters and we’ve decided to put you in charge of all our clothings. So, please put down all our names, children and grandchildren and help me send messages to everybody. The dress code is white and blue, that’s what your grandma wants us to put on for her burial.” “She said that before she died?” Iwalade asked.“Yes. So go to the market to get the clothes including the gele and fila. (Native head gears and cap)” Mrs. Badmus instructed. “Yes ma. I’ll create a whatsapp group and add everybody, so communicating the information will be much easier.” “Good, ori e pe oko mi. (you are wise my daughter)” She commended her daughter and then she ended the call after thanking her. They all knew Iwalade has the strength and capacity for such task; she is the most rugged among all the female children in their family. And she is good in picking of nice aso ebi as well; she had helped some of her friends during their weddings. Immediately, Iwalade switch on her data and created a Whatsapp group, she added her siblings, she also added her sister’s husband, she added her maternal aunts, their husbands and she also added all her cousins and their spouses and that include Ireoluwa. Since she has everyone’s contact, adding everyone was quite easy for her. Oreoluwa, Fullhouse’s sister who was in the far UK can’t make it to Nigeria; she was also added to the group. After adding everyone, Iwalade first announced the death of grandma and they all responded with a condolence messages, then Iwalade passed the information about the aso ebi (clothing) and asked everyone to state the number of yards they need. After dropping the last message, she then went back to sleep. Fullhouse woke up from his sleep in the early hours of the morning and smiled at the sleeping beauty beside him, their marriage is just few months and Ireoluwa is two months pregnant. Fullhouse kissed his wife on the forehead and she opened her eyes slowly, she was such a beauty to behold. “Awww…..I woke my baby up….I’m sorry.” Fullhouse said and planted another kiss on her lips. Ireoluwa eyed him playfully and clung to him as he cuddled her. “Good morning darling…..” Ireoluwa said in her sweet bedroom voice. “Good morning pretty. How is my wife and our baby doing this morning?” Fullhouse asked. “We are fine…..” She was saying but he kissed her and started caressing her body gently, she is with a child so he has to be very soft with her. Ireoluwa moaned quietly and when Fullhouse realized that her body was responding to all his moves, he turned her back to him in a spoony manner and lifted up her night gown and took it off which left her cladded in her panties, he slowly removed her panties and made love to her from behind. It was smooth and sweet. Ireoluwa always enjoy their passionate love making, Fullhouse was her first, she married a virgin and he was a good lover who always knows what she wants and how she wants it. “I love you.” He whispered into her ears and she smiled. “I love you too.” She replied and turned to face him as he planted a kiss on her forehead. Fullhouse phone beeped. His data is always on due to the nature of his job. “Please, let me check in case there is any message from the office.” He opened his whatsapp and saw that he was added to a new group. He ignored other messages and opened it. “My God! Grandma is dead.” Fullhouse said. “Your grandma that you still mention last night, that you want her to see our baby before she died!” “Apparently, grandma did not wait to see our baby.” He said and shook his head. Ireoluwa knew he was sad, so she gave him a hug from behind and patted his back, she knew how much he loved his grandma. Ireoluwa released him and they both sat on the bed. “You are in the group too.”Fullhouse said to his wife. “Really.” She picked her phone from the bedside table and switched on her data. “Iwalade added you. You can read through all the information for the burial ceremony.” Fullhouse told his wife. “Okay.” She said and opened her Whatsapp. She was still going through the messages when Fullhouse phone rang, it was his mum. “Hello Mum, I just saw it online. Sorry for your loss ma.” “Sorry to you too, you just lost your grandma. Anyway, I’m travelling to Ado this morning but I need you to be around before Saturday so you can help us out with one thing or the other. Will you be available?” Mrs. Adeyinka asked. “I will, I’ll call Lagos office and talk to my boss. Just tell me what you need me to do and it’s done.” “Ose oko mi (Thanks my son), your cousin, Iwalade is handling the clothes.” “I know, I’ll call her and we shall discuss.” “Okay, thank you and please say me well to my daughter, I’ll talk to her when I get to Ado.” She said, referring to Ireoluwa. “Alright ma, safe journey.” He said and she replied him, then she ended the call. “When are we traveling to Ado?” Ireoluwa asked her husband. “We!” He looked at her again. You are not traveling, not in your condition.” “But I’m fine.” “I know but you are to avoid anything strenuous.” “Traveling is not strenuous.” “It is, including all the burial activities.” “I won’t do anything strenuous; I’ll just sit down and watch.” “No, I don’t believe you. You want to tell me you will not be involved in one thing or the other when you get there! And you know you can’t do that for now.” “I promise I won’t do anything when I get there. I promise.” “Ire…….” “Please…….my love.” “You know we’ve not told anyone about the pregnancy, don’t you think they will find out when they see you.” “They can’t nau… since I’m not showing yet and I’m not sick; I’m still my normal self. So don’t worry, no one will find out.” “Ireoluwa, if you don’t want to stay home alone, I can invite your mum over to stay with you here.” “Fullhouse nau…….I want to go jo, I can’t wait to meet all your cousins again. The last time I saw them was at our wedding. I also want to meet your family members that will be coming from Ghana, this is an opportunity to meet them since they couldn’t come for the wedding and you know I’ve heard a lot about your Aunt, the one Oreoluwa stayed with in Ghana, I want to meet her too.” “So, this is a family reunion thing for you abi.” “Something like that.” She winked at him and he smiled. “Okay, you win but please….” “I will be a good girl, I promise.” She said raising her hand with her perfect smiling face that Fullhouse always falls for. Afterwards, they had their morning devotion, they use to have it most time in their bedroom but there are times they use the sitting room as well. Fullhouse stood up from the bed to do the house chores; he doesn’t allow his wife to do anything ever since they got the pregnancy news. Ireoluwa was still on bed reading through the burial messages, luckily for her, school is presently on break, and so she has all the time to herself. Fullhouse came back into the room; it was time for them to bath. “Where’s your pant. So I can quickly wash it before we bath?” “I should be asking you, you pulled it off yourself.” Ireoluwa replied with a smile. “You are not serious.” He smirked. “You are right though, I removed it.” He said and started searching for it. He tried to remove the duvet from her body but she clung to it. “Sweetheart nau….let go of the duvet, the pant should be underneath.” He said. “I don’t think so.” She said trying to search under the duvet with her hands but she didn’t find it. “It should be under the duvet, you know I don’t throw pants.” He said and she laughed. He was right, Fullhouse don’t throw pant around. The pant should be hiding somewhere on the bed, so she took the duvet off her body exposing her nakedness and saw the pant.
“Here.” She said and he took it. He helped her up from the bed and they went into the bathroom to have their bath. ****** Iwalade woke up later that morning and took her bath; she started preparing for Eko Idumota market to get the aso ebi. Before 10am in the morning, everyone has responded on the Whatsapp group, they’ve all indicated the number of yards they need. Even Oreoluwa who was in UK insisted they must buy her clothes as well and keep it for her. They also asked for the cost but Iwalade replied and told them, they’ll find out once she get the clothes. Iwalade also dropped a message in the group asking if there’s anyone who will follow her to the market but they all insisted she should go alone that they are okay with whatever she picked. More so, they are going to work but Iwalade is the only one who has that kind of time. Iwalade brought out a jotter and pen and started doing the calculations of the yards of clothes they requested for, she was still on that, and then her phone started ringing. It was her cousin, Fullhouse that was calling. “Hello Cousin.” She said. “Iwalade, thanks for helping out with the clothes.” “It’s nothing. I’ll soon be leaving for the market.” Iwalade informed. “Okay, call me when you get there, I want to know the cost of all our clothes.” “Hmm…. I trust you, my mind told me that was the reason why you called.” “Sha call me; let me contribute my own little quota.” He said. “I will.” She said and the line went off. Fullhouse was already in the office that morning, so he started off with the files on his desk. Few hours later, Iwalade called back and told Fullhouse the cost of the aso ebi but before he could say anything, Iwalade told him she has decided to pay seventy percent of the money leaving the remaing thirty percent for him to take care of but Fullhouse objected and said fifty-fifty is okay with him, she had no choice than to agree. Fullhouse told her to send her account details and he transferred the money to her immediately. Fullhouse called his boss, Mr. Egbayelo who is now a chief, he bagged a chieftaincy title some weeks ago, they now call him Chief Egbayelo. He is a very wonderful boss and father to Fullhouse and his friend, Gbotemi, Chief even gave Ireoluwa a car gift on their wedding day. Fullhouse informed his boss about his grandma’s death and the need for him to travel the following day and he also informed him that he won’t be around for the rest of the week. Mr. Egbayelo gave him the permission, he told him to resume work the following Monday. Chief Egbayelo already has an engagement for that weekend, if not he would have attended the burial as well. Fullhouse also called his best friend, Gbotemi to tell him about the burial ceremony and he promised to be at the burial as well. ****** Iwalade got back from the market tired, she didn’t take her car, she took a cab instead. He paid the cab driver and the man helped her put down the goods and he drove off. Iwalade pulled the goods towards the gate, trying to search her purse for the key to open the gate. “Hi.” She heard a voice from behind and she turned to look at the person, she is still new in the area, so she was surprised that someone ‘hi’ her. “Hi.” She replied as she turned to face the person. It was Imisioluwa, Mrs. Williams’ son. “You need a gateman.” He said. “I know right.” She replied and he collected the goods she was carrying. She told him not to bother that she’s already home but he insisted. “But you are going somewhere.” She said as she opened the gate and they both walked into the compound. She led the way and he followed. “Yes, just want to get something down the street for Mum.” “Hope all is well, this one that you two are at home today.” Iwalade inquired. “Hmm…no big deal, She just need to rest, you know she stress herself a lot.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, I actually talked her into staying back home today, we have a family function this weekend, so I insisted she rest today because of the busy weekend ahead.” Imisioluwa explained. “That means everybody is occupied this weekend. I have a family function this weekend as well.” “Really!” “My grandma died this week and we have to bury her this weekend.” “Oh, sorry about that and Mum was thinking of inviting you but she decided against it since the function is just days away.” She stopped in front of the front door and unlocked the door with one of the bunch of keys in her hands. She stepped in but Imisioluwa stopped in front of her door and handed the goods to her. She was still amazed that a tush guy can help her carry her goods in. She used to think that the guy was a snub judging by the way he acted when they met. “That means, he is well brought up, kudos to Mrs. Williams.” She concluded in her mind. “Thanks.” She said to Imisioluwa. “You are welcome.” He said and turned to leave, she followed him so as to lock the gate. He was about to step out of the gate but she stopped him. “Can you please help me get one?” “Get what?” Imisioluwa asked. “Gateman.” She replied. “Oh! You can talk to mum.” “Your Mum! I don’t want to bother her.” “Trust me, she will fix it. She has access to some security agency in town; they will just send one of their staff over.” “Really?” “Yea.” “Okay, I’ll talk to her.” She said and he left as he headed down the street. Iwalade got back inside and went straight into the bathroom to relief her bladder, she was seriously pressed. She flushed, washed her hands and then went into the kitchen to get a glass of chilled water. She downed two glasses at a go. She went back into the sitting room and switch on her data. She informed them on the Whatsapp group that she has gotten the clothes, they will all collect their clothes in Ado the next day, since they’ve all agreed on meeting in Ado the next day and for some who can’t make it the next day, has decided to send their measurements. No one prepared for the impromptu burial but they’ve got no choice, they have to follow their grandma’s wish who wants to be buried immediately after her death. They have tailors in their hometown that can sew the clothes in a matter of days. And as for the money, Iwalade informed them that two people among them had shouldered the cost. So many replies came in immediately. “Amazing.” One said. “Wow!” Ireoluwa said as if she knew nothing but Fullhouse already told his wife everything. “God bless them for us.” Another said. “I can guess who the two people are.” Tosin, Iwalade’s younger brother said. “Na you sabi.” Iwalade replied him. “We want to know o, so we can thank them. Anyway, God bless them.” Funke in Ghana said. Iwalade’s maternal family members are wonderful people, and they are so united but it’s unfortunate that her father’s side is nothing to write home about. Her mum’s people were the only ones who didn’t neglect them in their days of struggles. As regards the burial, she had told her mum to let her know how much the burial ceremony will cost; she is willing to send her own quota. Iwalade who was still online smiled at the comments; she later went into the kitchen to get something to eat. She is famished; going to Eko Idumota all alone is not a joke in Lagos. She served her food and settle down to eat. Imisioluwa got back home and handed her mother the stuff she sent him. She was relaxing with a pack of juice and glass in front of her. “I saw your friend.” Imisioluwa said to his mum. “My friend!” “How many friends do you have in this estate?” “You mean Iwalade?” “Yes. She sent her regards plus she lost her grandma and this weekend is the burial.” Imisioluwa informed. “See the person I was thinking of inviting over o.” “I told her so too. By the way, she said she needs a gateman.” “You know I wanted to bring that gateman issue up too. I don’t like the fact that she is staying all alone in that building.” Mrs. Williams explained. “Help her fix it.” “I will, please remind me.” “I won’t Mum, set a reminder on your phone.” He said jokingly and left the sitting room for his room. Fullhouse came back from work and received a warm welcome from his charming wife. Ife is not like Lagos that you get back home late in the night, Fullhouse always returned home around 6:00pm. Ireoluwa was already making dinner, though he complained that she should have waited for him but there’s nothing he can do about it. “We are travelling to Ado tomorrow; my boss gave me permission to resume on Monday.” Fullhouse informed her. “Glad to hear that because Mummy needs you over there.” She said referring to her mother-inlaw. “Yea, I guess she called you.” “Yes, she called when she got to Ado this afternoon.” Ireoluwa replied. “Iwalade called me on my way home now. She wants to know if we will need a hotel or if we want to stay in the family house.” “Family house is better, there won’t be any fun in the hotel where the two of us we just lock ourselves in but family house will be fun, and I’ll get to meet members of the family.” “You are right, my cousins too insisted on staying in the family house just to catch fun but what I’m after now is your health Ireoluwa.” “I’m fine……darling husband. I will avoid stress as much as I can.”“Okay.” He looked at her smiling wife and shook his head. “I’ll call Iwalade and tell her not to book a hotel for us.” “Okay.” She was really feeling excited about the party. Fullhouse went into the bedroom, changed from his office wear, he picked up their clothes for laundry since there was light and they won’t be around that weekend; he packed them into the laundry basket he was holding and left for the laundry room and stuffed them in the washing machine. The next day, the couple moved their bags into the car and they set out as they travel down to Ado. Then the two boarded the car, Fullhouse was about to turn on the ignition and noticed that his wife is not wearing her wedding ring. “Where is your wedding ring?” He asked curiously. “Oh! I forgot to put in on.” “Please don’t forget abeg, don’t let guys see you in Ado and think that you are single.” He said and she laughed. “Fullhouse…….” “Don’t Fullhouse mi, wait here, let me go get it, it should be on the dressing table, right?” “Yes.” She replied with a smile. Fullhouse alighted and quickly went back into the house to get it. He returned and they left the house. They got to their family house and almost everyone had already arrived except for few who promised to be available the next day which is Friday the wake keep day. The family members were all happy to see the newlywed especially their new bride, Ireoluwa. Her mother in-law, Mrs. Adeyinka and her husband were so happy to see her. By nightfall, the whole place was bubbling and Ireoluwa was having a great time despite the fact that her husband was not with her. Fullhouse had gone out with one of his Uncles to buy the cows they’ll use for the burial. On Friday, which was the wake keep, according to custom, the children and grandchildren of the deseased are to dance around in the compound while the drummers will play for them to dance too; some women from the village are also around to sing the cultural burial songs for them. Ireoluwa was so excited about this. She hasn’t experience a village life before, she is a Lagos girl and that was her first time of attending a burial ceremony, so everything was new to her. Fullhouse who has been busy since morning decided to go back to the family house to check on his wife. And to his surprise, he saw his wife among those who were dancing and drinking palmwine. She was really having fun but Fullhouse just have to stop her after watching her dance for another thirty minutes, so he joined her on the dance floor. “Sweetheart, that’s enough.” He whispered to her ears and took her hand. “Leave her nau… she’s enjoying herself.” One of his cousins said. “Leave her jare Fullhouse; I even like the fact that she’s not forming the way some Lagos girls do.” One of his Aunts said.
CHAPTER 6
Iwalade’s alarm rang by 2:00am, it was time for her quiet time, she finished up around past three and went back to sleep. Some minutes past 5:00am, her phone started ringing and she was really enjoying her sleep. Reluctanctly, she picked up the call, it was her Mum. At first, she was scared but as she was looking at the ringing phone trying to figure out why her Mum was calling at that time of the day, the Holy Spirit whispered to her ‘It’s your grandma.’ “Hello Mummy.” “Hello Oko mi (My daughter), I’m sorry I woke you up……” “Grandma is dead?” “Yes, she died in my hands few minutes ago.” Mrs. Badmus said. She had travelled to her home town in Ado Ekiti two days ago to take care of her sick mother but the 96years old woman finally gave up the ghost. “Eyah….my grandma is gone…..” A stray tear left Iwalade’s eyes she was one of the old woman’s favourite grandchild, and yes grandma also loved Fullhouse. Those are the two grandchildren she used to spoil whenever they go to her place for holidays. “Your grandma is gone o, may God be with the rest of us.” “Amen…. have you called your siblings?” Iwalade asked her Mum. “I’ve called them o, I’ve also called your sister, Funke.” “Can this Ghana people make it down to the burial?” “Sure, you know your grandma had warned us not to take her to mortuary, so we have to bury her this week.” “I know, that’s why I asked if Mummy Alade and my sister will be able to make it.” “Of course they will, in fact, when I got here two days ago, I already know that the old woman can’t make it and I informed them.” “She tried nau, 96years on earth is no joke.” “Abi o. So you all have to be in Ado this weekend for the burial.” “Okay ma.” “Iwalade, I discussed with my sisters and we’ve decided to put you in charge of all our clothings. So, please put down all our names, children and grandchildren and help me send messages to everybody. The dress code is white and blue, that’s what your grandma wants us to put on for her burial.” “She said that before she died?” Iwalade asked.“Yes. So go to the market to get the clothes including the gele and fila. (Native head gears and cap)” Mrs. Badmus instructed. “Yes ma. I’ll create a whatsapp group and add everybody, so communicating the information will be much easier.” “Good, ori e pe oko mi. (you are wise my daughter)” She commended her daughter and then she ended the call after thanking her. They all knew Iwalade has the strength and capacity for such task; she is the most rugged among all the female children in their family. And she is good in picking of nice aso ebi as well; she had helped some of her friends during their weddings. Immediately, Iwalade switch on her data and created a Whatsapp group, she added her siblings, she also added her sister’s husband, she added her maternal aunts, their husbands and she also added all her cousins and their spouses and that include Ireoluwa. Since she has everyone’s contact, adding everyone was quite easy for her. Oreoluwa, Fullhouse’s sister who was in the far UK can’t make it to Nigeria; she was also added to the group. After adding everyone, Iwalade first announced the death of grandma and they all responded with a condolence messages, then Iwalade passed the information about the aso ebi (clothing) and asked everyone to state the number of yards they need. After dropping the last message, she then went back to sleep. Fullhouse woke up from his sleep in the early hours of the morning and smiled at the sleeping beauty beside him, their marriage is just few months and Ireoluwa is two months pregnant. Fullhouse kissed his wife on the forehead and she opened her eyes slowly, she was such a beauty to behold. “Awww…..I woke my baby up….I’m sorry.” Fullhouse said and planted another kiss on her lips. Ireoluwa eyed him playfully and clung to him as he cuddled her. “Good morning darling…..” Ireoluwa said in her sweet bedroom voice. “Good morning pretty. How is my wife and our baby doing this morning?” Fullhouse asked. “We are fine…..” She was saying but he kissed her and started caressing her body gently, she is with a child so he has to be very soft with her. Ireoluwa moaned quietly and when Fullhouse realized that her body was responding to all his moves, he turned her back to him in a spoony manner and lifted up her night gown and took it off which left her cladded in her panties, he slowly removed her panties and made love to her from behind. It was smooth and sweet. Ireoluwa always enjoy their passionate love making, Fullhouse was her first, she married a virgin and he was a good lover who always knows what she wants and how she wants it. “I love you.” He whispered into her ears and she smiled. “I love you too.” She replied and turned to face him as he planted a kiss on her forehead. Fullhouse phone beeped. His data is always on due to the nature of his job. “Please, let me check in case there is any message from the office.” He opened his whatsapp and saw that he was added to a new group. He ignored other messages and opened it. “My God! Grandma is dead.” Fullhouse said. “Your grandma that you still mention last night, that you want her to see our baby before she died!” “Apparently, grandma did not wait to see our baby.” He said and shook his head. Ireoluwa knew he was sad, so she gave him a hug from behind and patted his back, she knew how much he loved his grandma. Ireoluwa released him and they both sat on the bed. “You are in the group too.”Fullhouse said to his wife. “Really.” She picked her phone from the bedside table and switched on her data. “Iwalade added you. You can read through all the information for the burial ceremony.” Fullhouse told his wife. “Okay.” She said and opened her Whatsapp. She was still going through the messages when Fullhouse phone rang, it was his mum. “Hello Mum, I just saw it online. Sorry for your loss ma.” “Sorry to you too, you just lost your grandma. Anyway, I’m travelling to Ado this morning but I need you to be around before Saturday so you can help us out with one thing or the other. Will you be available?” Mrs. Adeyinka asked. “I will, I’ll call Lagos office and talk to my boss. Just tell me what you need me to do and it’s done.” “Ose oko mi (Thanks my son), your cousin, Iwalade is handling the clothes.” “I know, I’ll call her and we shall discuss.” “Okay, thank you and please say me well to my daughter, I’ll talk to her when I get to Ado.” She said, referring to Ireoluwa. “Alright ma, safe journey.” He said and she replied him, then she ended the call. “When are we traveling to Ado?” Ireoluwa asked her husband. “We!” He looked at her again. You are not traveling, not in your condition.” “But I’m fine.” “I know but you are to avoid anything strenuous.” “Traveling is not strenuous.” “It is, including all the burial activities.” “I won’t do anything strenuous; I’ll just sit down and watch.” “No, I don’t believe you. You want to tell me you will not be involved in one thing or the other when you get there! And you know you can’t do that for now.” “I promise I won’t do anything when I get there. I promise.” “Ire…….” “Please…….my love.” “You know we’ve not told anyone about the pregnancy, don’t you think they will find out when they see you.” “They can’t nau… since I’m not showing yet and I’m not sick; I’m still my normal self. So don’t worry, no one will find out.” “Ireoluwa, if you don’t want to stay home alone, I can invite your mum over to stay with you here.” “Fullhouse nau…….I want to go jo, I can’t wait to meet all your cousins again. The last time I saw them was at our wedding. I also want to meet your family members that will be coming from Ghana, this is an opportunity to meet them since they couldn’t come for the wedding and you know I’ve heard a lot about your Aunt, the one Oreoluwa stayed with in Ghana, I want to meet her too.” “So, this is a family reunion thing for you abi.” “Something like that.” She winked at him and he smiled. “Okay, you win but please….” “I will be a good girl, I promise.” She said raising her hand with her perfect smiling face that Fullhouse always falls for. Afterwards, they had their morning devotion, they use to have it most time in their bedroom but there are times they use the sitting room as well. Fullhouse stood up from the bed to do the house chores; he doesn’t allow his wife to do anything ever since they got the pregnancy news. Ireoluwa was still on bed reading through the burial messages, luckily for her, school is presently on break, and so she has all the time to herself. Fullhouse came back into the room; it was time for them to bath. “Where’s your pant. So I can quickly wash it before we bath?” “I should be asking you, you pulled it off yourself.” Ireoluwa replied with a smile. “You are not serious.” He smirked. “You are right though, I removed it.” He said and started searching for it. He tried to remove the duvet from her body but she clung to it. “Sweetheart nau….let go of the duvet, the pant should be underneath.” He said. “I don’t think so.” She said trying to search under the duvet with her hands but she didn’t find it. “It should be under the duvet, you know I don’t throw pants.” He said and she laughed. He was right, Fullhouse don’t throw pant around. The pant should be hiding somewhere on the bed, so she took the duvet off her body exposing her nakedness and saw the pant.
“Here.” She said and he took it. He helped her up from the bed and they went into the bathroom to have their bath. ****** Iwalade woke up later that morning and took her bath; she started preparing for Eko Idumota market to get the aso ebi. Before 10am in the morning, everyone has responded on the Whatsapp group, they’ve all indicated the number of yards they need. Even Oreoluwa who was in UK insisted they must buy her clothes as well and keep it for her. They also asked for the cost but Iwalade replied and told them, they’ll find out once she get the clothes. Iwalade also dropped a message in the group asking if there’s anyone who will follow her to the market but they all insisted she should go alone that they are okay with whatever she picked. More so, they are going to work but Iwalade is the only one who has that kind of time. Iwalade brought out a jotter and pen and started doing the calculations of the yards of clothes they requested for, she was still on that, and then her phone started ringing. It was her cousin, Fullhouse that was calling. “Hello Cousin.” She said. “Iwalade, thanks for helping out with the clothes.” “It’s nothing. I’ll soon be leaving for the market.” Iwalade informed. “Okay, call me when you get there, I want to know the cost of all our clothes.” “Hmm…. I trust you, my mind told me that was the reason why you called.” “Sha call me; let me contribute my own little quota.” He said. “I will.” She said and the line went off. Fullhouse was already in the office that morning, so he started off with the files on his desk. Few hours later, Iwalade called back and told Fullhouse the cost of the aso ebi but before he could say anything, Iwalade told him she has decided to pay seventy percent of the money leaving the remaing thirty percent for him to take care of but Fullhouse objected and said fifty-fifty is okay with him, she had no choice than to agree. Fullhouse told her to send her account details and he transferred the money to her immediately. Fullhouse called his boss, Mr. Egbayelo who is now a chief, he bagged a chieftaincy title some weeks ago, they now call him Chief Egbayelo. He is a very wonderful boss and father to Fullhouse and his friend, Gbotemi, Chief even gave Ireoluwa a car gift on their wedding day. Fullhouse informed his boss about his grandma’s death and the need for him to travel the following day and he also informed him that he won’t be around for the rest of the week. Mr. Egbayelo gave him the permission, he told him to resume work the following Monday. Chief Egbayelo already has an engagement for that weekend, if not he would have attended the burial as well. Fullhouse also called his best friend, Gbotemi to tell him about the burial ceremony and he promised to be at the burial as well. ****** Iwalade got back from the market tired, she didn’t take her car, she took a cab instead. He paid the cab driver and the man helped her put down the goods and he drove off. Iwalade pulled the goods towards the gate, trying to search her purse for the key to open the gate. “Hi.” She heard a voice from behind and she turned to look at the person, she is still new in the area, so she was surprised that someone ‘hi’ her. “Hi.” She replied as she turned to face the person. It was Imisioluwa, Mrs. Williams’ son. “You need a gateman.” He said. “I know right.” She replied and he collected the goods she was carrying. She told him not to bother that she’s already home but he insisted. “But you are going somewhere.” She said as she opened the gate and they both walked into the compound. She led the way and he followed. “Yes, just want to get something down the street for Mum.” “Hope all is well, this one that you two are at home today.” Iwalade inquired. “Hmm…no big deal, She just need to rest, you know she stress herself a lot.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, I actually talked her into staying back home today, we have a family function this weekend, so I insisted she rest today because of the busy weekend ahead.” Imisioluwa explained. “That means everybody is occupied this weekend. I have a family function this weekend as well.” “Really!” “My grandma died this week and we have to bury her this weekend.” “Oh, sorry about that and Mum was thinking of inviting you but she decided against it since the function is just days away.” She stopped in front of the front door and unlocked the door with one of the bunch of keys in her hands. She stepped in but Imisioluwa stopped in front of her door and handed the goods to her. She was still amazed that a tush guy can help her carry her goods in. She used to think that the guy was a snub judging by the way he acted when they met. “That means, he is well brought up, kudos to Mrs. Williams.” She concluded in her mind. “Thanks.” She said to Imisioluwa. “You are welcome.” He said and turned to leave, she followed him so as to lock the gate. He was about to step out of the gate but she stopped him. “Can you please help me get one?” “Get what?” Imisioluwa asked. “Gateman.” She replied. “Oh! You can talk to mum.” “Your Mum! I don’t want to bother her.” “Trust me, she will fix it. She has access to some security agency in town; they will just send one of their staff over.” “Really?” “Yea.” “Okay, I’ll talk to her.” She said and he left as he headed down the street. Iwalade got back inside and went straight into the bathroom to relief her bladder, she was seriously pressed. She flushed, washed her hands and then went into the kitchen to get a glass of chilled water. She downed two glasses at a go. She went back into the sitting room and switch on her data. She informed them on the Whatsapp group that she has gotten the clothes, they will all collect their clothes in Ado the next day, since they’ve all agreed on meeting in Ado the next day and for some who can’t make it the next day, has decided to send their measurements. No one prepared for the impromptu burial but they’ve got no choice, they have to follow their grandma’s wish who wants to be buried immediately after her death. They have tailors in their hometown that can sew the clothes in a matter of days. And as for the money, Iwalade informed them that two people among them had shouldered the cost. So many replies came in immediately. “Amazing.” One said. “Wow!” Ireoluwa said as if she knew nothing but Fullhouse already told his wife everything. “God bless them for us.” Another said. “I can guess who the two people are.” Tosin, Iwalade’s younger brother said. “Na you sabi.” Iwalade replied him. “We want to know o, so we can thank them. Anyway, God bless them.” Funke in Ghana said. Iwalade’s maternal family members are wonderful people, and they are so united but it’s unfortunate that her father’s side is nothing to write home about. Her mum’s people were the only ones who didn’t neglect them in their days of struggles. As regards the burial, she had told her mum to let her know how much the burial ceremony will cost; she is willing to send her own quota. Iwalade who was still online smiled at the comments; she later went into the kitchen to get something to eat. She is famished; going to Eko Idumota all alone is not a joke in Lagos. She served her food and settle down to eat. Imisioluwa got back home and handed her mother the stuff she sent him. She was relaxing with a pack of juice and glass in front of her. “I saw your friend.” Imisioluwa said to his mum. “My friend!” “How many friends do you have in this estate?” “You mean Iwalade?” “Yes. She sent her regards plus she lost her grandma and this weekend is the burial.” Imisioluwa informed. “See the person I was thinking of inviting over o.” “I told her so too. By the way, she said she needs a gateman.” “You know I wanted to bring that gateman issue up too. I don’t like the fact that she is staying all alone in that building.” Mrs. Williams explained. “Help her fix it.” “I will, please remind me.” “I won’t Mum, set a reminder on your phone.” He said jokingly and left the sitting room for his room. Fullhouse came back from work and received a warm welcome from his charming wife. Ife is not like Lagos that you get back home late in the night, Fullhouse always returned home around 6:00pm. Ireoluwa was already making dinner, though he complained that she should have waited for him but there’s nothing he can do about it. “We are travelling to Ado tomorrow; my boss gave me permission to resume on Monday.” Fullhouse informed her. “Glad to hear that because Mummy needs you over there.” She said referring to her mother-inlaw. “Yea, I guess she called you.” “Yes, she called when she got to Ado this afternoon.” Ireoluwa replied. “Iwalade called me on my way home now. She wants to know if we will need a hotel or if we want to stay in the family house.” “Family house is better, there won’t be any fun in the hotel where the two of us we just lock ourselves in but family house will be fun, and I’ll get to meet members of the family.” “You are right, my cousins too insisted on staying in the family house just to catch fun but what I’m after now is your health Ireoluwa.” “I’m fine……darling husband. I will avoid stress as much as I can.”“Okay.” He looked at her smiling wife and shook his head. “I’ll call Iwalade and tell her not to book a hotel for us.” “Okay.” She was really feeling excited about the party. Fullhouse went into the bedroom, changed from his office wear, he picked up their clothes for laundry since there was light and they won’t be around that weekend; he packed them into the laundry basket he was holding and left for the laundry room and stuffed them in the washing machine. The next day, the couple moved their bags into the car and they set out as they travel down to Ado. Then the two boarded the car, Fullhouse was about to turn on the ignition and noticed that his wife is not wearing her wedding ring. “Where is your wedding ring?” He asked curiously. “Oh! I forgot to put in on.” “Please don’t forget abeg, don’t let guys see you in Ado and think that you are single.” He said and she laughed. “Fullhouse…….” “Don’t Fullhouse mi, wait here, let me go get it, it should be on the dressing table, right?” “Yes.” She replied with a smile. Fullhouse alighted and quickly went back into the house to get it. He returned and they left the house. They got to their family house and almost everyone had already arrived except for few who promised to be available the next day which is Friday the wake keep day. The family members were all happy to see the newlywed especially their new bride, Ireoluwa. Her mother in-law, Mrs. Adeyinka and her husband were so happy to see her. By nightfall, the whole place was bubbling and Ireoluwa was having a great time despite the fact that her husband was not with her. Fullhouse had gone out with one of his Uncles to buy the cows they’ll use for the burial. On Friday, which was the wake keep, according to custom, the children and grandchildren of the deseased are to dance around in the compound while the drummers will play for them to dance too; some women from the village are also around to sing the cultural burial songs for them. Ireoluwa was so excited about this. She hasn’t experience a village life before, she is a Lagos girl and that was her first time of attending a burial ceremony, so everything was new to her. Fullhouse who has been busy since morning decided to go back to the family house to check on his wife. And to his surprise, he saw his wife among those who were dancing and drinking palmwine. She was really having fun but Fullhouse just have to stop her after watching her dance for another thirty minutes, so he joined her on the dance floor. “Sweetheart, that’s enough.” He whispered to her ears and took her hand. “Leave her nau… she’s enjoying herself.” One of his cousins said. “Leave her jare Fullhouse; I even like the fact that she’s not forming the way some Lagos girls do.” One of his Aunts said.
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