MORE THAN A CARVINGCHAPTER 9

MORE THAN A CARVING
CHAPTER 9
Iwalade woke up the next morning. She checked her phone, no missed call. Imisioluwa didn’t call either. She quickly did some house chores just to relief Fullhouse for the weekend. The couple came out into the sitting room around 6:30am and they all had their morning devotion. After the morning devotion, Fullhouse told Iwalade that he’ll take her to Lagos once she’s ready. “Don’t bother, that is stress, don’t you think?” “Let him take you nau, driving from Ife to Lagos is no big to Fullhouse.” Ireoluwa said, trying to tease Fullhouse. “Oh, I heard you gave my cousin tough time when you were playing hard to get.” Iwalade said to Ireoluwa and they all laughed. Driving from Ife to Lagos is indeed no big deal to Fullhouse. “Don’t mind her jare; she’s mine now at least those efforts were not wasted.” Fullhouse said. “Hmm…..” Ireoluwa said and smiled. “Anyway, like I said before, Fullhouse don’t bother to take me, I’ll find my way.” “Don’t tell me you want to take a public transport, you are a celeb o, you know.” He said. “Oh……why is everyone saying this. I’m not that popular; I’m not an actor nau.” “An award winning screen writer is not popular, right. Anyway, I’m taking……” He was still saying then Iwalade’s phone rang. “Hold on.” Iwalade said and picked the call. “Hello, Imisioluwa on the line.” “Oh! Imisi.” She said. They discussed on when to leave and they agreed on leaving by 11:00am. “Can I wait for you at the express?” Iwalade asked. “No o, you want my mum to break my head.” Imisioluwa replied and Iwalade laughed. She was sure it was Mrs. Williams that instigated the whole thing. “Just send the address; I’ll come pick you up.” He said. “Okay, thanks.” She said and the line went off. “Who is coming to pick you?” Fullhouse asked curiously because he was sure Iwalade knew no one in Ife. “My neighbour’s son.” “Which neighbour, from your new neighbourhood?” “Yes, I met this woman in my estate. She recognized me the very day we met in front of my house and she said she’s a fan and ever since then we’ve been friends.”She explained. “Now, you know you are quite popular.” Ireoluwa said with a smile. “Seriously, I’m not. Sincerely, it’s just few people that recognize me.” “Whatever, so the guy is taking you to your Lagos.” Fulhouse said. “Yes, his mum called last night and informed me that her son is here in Ife. I was surprised though. She said he’ll call but I didn’t hear from him till now.” She said squeezing her face. “With this face of yours, I’m very sure you don’t want to ride with the guy.” Fullhouse said. “I won’t lie, I don’t. The journey will be boring. I don’t really know the guy and he is young, what will I be possibly discussing with him.” “Hmmm……did you come with your ear piece?” Fullhouse asked. “Yes.” “Then make use of it.” “Good idea.” Iwalade said. “Really! Good idea! That’s rude! Aunty Iwalade, don’t listen to him. Why will someone give you a ride and you won’t at least keep his company.” Ireoluwa stated. “Hmm….she’s kind of right though.” Fullhouse finally agreed. “She’s kind of right though.” Ireoluwa mimicked her husband. “As if you can take that from any lady.” She added. “You are right, I won’t like it but they are not on talking terms.” Fullhouse stated. “You and I are not on talking terms the first time you brought me to school but I didn’t wear an ear piece to shut you out.” Ireoluwa reminded him. “Point taken.” Fullhouse surrendered. “Enough of discussing about me, Ireoluwa, I’ll do as you have said. No ear piece.” “Yes, no ear piece. And guess what, young guys are fun to be with. So free yourself.” Ireoluwa advised. “Yes ma…….” Iwalade said playfully and they all laughed. “Wifey, you win.” Fullhouse said to Ireoluwa and she winked at him. Iwalade looked at the both of them and smiled, she was glad the couple is happy again. “Now, let me quickly fix breakfast, so I can start preparing.” She said. She left for the kitchen and Ireoluwa followed her but trust Iwalade she didn’t allow her do anything, Ireoluwa was just there in the kitchen to keep her company. “I’ll miss you ma.” Ireoluwa said. “Same here sister inlaw.” Iwalade replied jokingly.thought it was only my husband that was selfless until I met you.” “Ireoluwa…….Seriously, this is nothing.” “You think so; this is a big deal for me. I mean, you are way older than me. I’m married, you are single and you still humble yourself to this level. You are also a big woman, rich but still….I’m even speechless right now.” “Ireoluwa……” “Aunty Iwalade, you fed me, you did my laundry, you nurse me back to health, and you even attended to my husband’s needs as well. Sincerely, I have a lot to learn from you.” “We are nothing but dust my sister, the height I attained today is not my doing at all, I owe it to God. Have you heard about my past before?” Iwalade asked. “Yes, Fulhouse told me about your dad and all. He told me how you struggled to get to where you are today.” “I give all the glory back to God. So, who am I, that I will be forming big woman. God can even take everything away in a split of seconds, so why brag about your achievements.” “Hmm…. you are right ma. You and my husband are kind of similar in character and in thinking and this made me love you the more.” “Really, I’m blushing…..” “I pray for you, that God in His mercy will give you a home too, and a wonderful man that will compliment you.” “Amen…….in Jesus name.” Iwalade dropped what she was doing and put her palms together. “You are a child of God; I know God will not fail you.” Ireoluwa prayed. “Amen.” “And I pray for you too, God will restore you and visit you again.” Iwalade prayed. “Amen.” “You will never experience miscarriage again in Jesus name.” “Amen.” “You will carry every pregnancy to term in Jesus name.” “Amen.” “Remember what I told you yesterday, you don’t have to brood over what happened, forget about the things you went through, it’s now in the past. Just rejoice and give thanks always and don’t for once leave your God.” “Okay ma. Thank you.” “Don’t worry; I’m coming back to Ife to eat jollof rice.”
“Amen…..thank you ma.” Ireoluwa said. Iwalade checked on the food she was cooking and it was done. She turned off the gas cooker and started serving the food. It was few minutes to 11:00am; Iwalade had already packed her things waiting for Imisioluwa to show up. Then her phone rang, she picked the call. “Are you ready?” “Yes.” “I’m outside.” Imisioluwa informed. “Okay. I’ll join you soon.” She said and the line went off. Iwalade informed the couple that she is leaving. A tear escaped Ireoluwa’s eyes as she hugged Iwalade. “Tell her not to miss you o.” Fullhouse quickly told his cousin. “Did you hear that, don’t miss me and fall sick o.” “I won’t ma. Don’t mind him; I’m a changed person now.” “She is actually. I’m just saying because I know the two of you have bonded.” Fullhouse said. “I know right but not to worry Ireoluwa, we’ll always talk.” “Yes ma.” She smiled. The couple accompanied Iwalade outside while Fullhouse carried her bag. They saw Imisi’s Benz G-Class parked outside the gate. He alighted from the car when he spotted Iwalade. They all exchanged greetings as Iwalade introduced them. Imisi collected the bag from Fullhouse and put it on the back seat and they boarded the car while the couple waved them good bye. “Cute guy.” Ireoluwa commented with her arms folded across her chest. “Yeah and from his look and that smashing car, I bet he came from a wealthy home.” Fullhouse added. “True, I agree.” Ireoluwa said. “I wish he is way older, that would have been a good match for my dear cousin.” Fullhouse said, thinking out loud. “Now, we are thinking the same thing but the guy looks young but the physique is not bad anyway.” She pointed out. “Now you want to make me jealous.” He said and folded his arms across his chest too and gave his wife a keen look. “Don’t be nau, you know you are my prince charming.” She smiled at him and he smiled back, the two hold hands and walked back into the house. ******In the car on their way to Lagos, Iwalade decided to loosen up base on what Ireoluwa told her, that young chap are fun to be with and of a truth, her sister in-law was right. Imisioluwa too enjoyed her company. At first, he thought Iwalade was the rigid type, although he knew she was flexible with his mum but for her to still be single despite everything she has, Imisioluwa assumed she’ll be rigid to men but he was wrong. Before the two of them knew it, they were laughing heartily in the car as they gist. They talked about so many things on their journey from Ife to Lagos and Imisioluwa’s intelligence wowed Iwalade. “Now, I know why your Mum is so proud of you.” Iwalade said to Imisioluwa. “And now I know also the reason why my mum took someone who is younger than her as her personal person.” Iwalade laughed. “You think?” “I don’t think, I know. My mum talks about you like a teenager who is talking about her new found lover.” “You don’t mean it.” “I’m serious; she talks about you all the time. You hear things like Iwalade said this, Iwalade did this, Iwalade did that and I’m kind of jealous, I won’t lie.” Imisioluwa said truthfully. “Really!” “Yea, before you came into the picture, I’m her everything but now. Once she ask me something and I’m still trying to figure it out, you’ll hear ‘don’t worry, I’ll ask Iwalade’ and I’ll be like, seriously!” Imisi gestured with his right hand and Iwalade laughed. Later on, their gist was interrupted by a call, immediately Imisioluwa peeped at the call and saw the caller, he frowned, curious Iwalade had to stylishly peep at Imisi’s phone and it was Nike, their domestic staff that was calling. Imisioluwa had his bluetooth stucked on his right ear but he did not pick the call. The two got back to their conversation again. “Tell me about your cousin and his wife.” Imisi said and she told him they just got married few months ago and all. “Lovely couple.” He said. “Yea, lovely couple.” She attested. “But your cousin’s wife is very….young.” “She’s 19.” “Wow! 19! Why the rush?” “Well, if you find someone who gives you happiness, why the wait.” Iwalade replied.“Hmm….true, life is short.” “They love each other and decided to spend the rest of their lives together, age shouldn’t stop that. As long as she’s not a minor.” “You are right you know. I agree with you.” He said. “Good.” “Is it okay to spend a week in the house of a newly wedded couple?” Imisioluwa asked. “Just tell it to me straight that I am an intruder.” Iwalade said and he laughed hard. “Eh, don’t take it personally. I didn’t mean it that way.” “Of course that is what it implies, by the way how did you find out I spent a week in Ife.” “Mum told me of course.” “I see.” “Seriously you are a writer, do you think its okay?” “Let me start by answering your first question. I wasn’t there for holiday or to have fun, there is a situation I had to help with.” She stated. “They had a fight?” “No, but the truth is that couples fight, its normal. The most important thing is to settle and move on.” “Hmm…. You know so much about relationship.” Imisioluwa said. “You think so.” “I know so. I hope you were able to fix the situation.” “Yea, God took control.” “Good to hear then.” He said, shaking his head slowly. “To answer your second question, being a writer does not make me a marriage or relationship coach.” “But you people write about romance and all.” “True but still I don’t know it all; I’m not even married yet.” “Hmm….” Imisisoluwa wanted to ask her why she is still single but he changed his mind. That question sounds too personal. “Well, I still believe you know much about relationship, at least from our conversation so far, I can tell.” He insisted. “Okay o, think anything you want Imisi.” He said and they both laughed. Few minutes later, Mrs. Williams’ call came in on Iwalade’s phone. “It’s your mum.” She announced and Imisi gave her a ‘you see….’ look. Shesmiled and picked the call. Mrs. Williams asked about their journey and she informed her that they just got to Ibadan. “Greet Imisioluwa for me o. Tell him to drive safe.” Mrs. Williams said. “I will ma.” She said and the woman ended the call. Iwalade then turned to Imisioluwa and delivered his mum’s message. “She said I should greet you and you should drive safe.” “Imagine she has to call you instead of calling me directly, you that I gave a ride. No problem.” He said jokingly. “Imisi……your jealousy is out of here o.” “I’m not jealous; I’m just stating the fact nau.” “Maybe she called me because she knew you are the one driving.” “Really, don’t worry, next time, she’ll be the one to come all the way from Lagos to pick you up.” “Don’t worry your head; there won’t be a next time. The next time I’m coming to Ife, I’ll come in my car.” “Oh, so you can drive long distance.” “Of course.” “I thought you didn’t come in your car because you couldn’t. So why didn’t you come in your car?” “I rode with one of our relatives, since almost everyone is traveling in their cars, I decided to join.” “Oh, now I get it.” He said. His phone rang again, it was Nike but he didn’t pick it. He only looked away and concentrated on his driving. Then the phone rang again, this time, he didn’t bother to check it at all. “It’s not Nike, so pick your call.” Iwalade said and he turned to face her with shock on his face. Then he checked the caller ID and realized it was his grandma that was calling, so he picked the call. They exchanged greeting. “I’m on my way to Lagos grandma.” “How did the meeting with your Uncle go?” “It went well Grandma, we’ve sorted everything but I promise to come over to the family house to explain things.” “What about those properties?” Grandma asked. “The properties in Ife are intact grandma. I’ll come over to give you full details. I even have the documents with me.” “Good. Drive safe dear.”
“I will grandma, love you….bye.” He said and the call ended. He then faced the road, not saying anything to Iwalade. They already entered Lagos. “You don’t like her.” “Like who?” Imisioluwa asked. “You know who I’m talking about.” “I don’t want to talk about it.” He said sternly. “Fine.” She replied with the same gesture. Imisioluwa looked at her and sighed. “I’m sorry; I don’t mean to be rude.” “It’s okay, I did not take offence.” She said and looked away. Imisioluwa tried to make her get back to the mood they were before but it didn’t work. Iwalade had decided to keep to herself. In her mind, she felt, she was already trespassing and she needs to watch it before one small boy starts talking to her anyhow. Finally, they arrived and Imisioluwa stopped in front of Iwalade’s house. She carried her bag from the back seat and thanked him for the ride; he only nodded too since Iwalade had gone back to her shell ever since the light issue they had earlier on. Then he drove down to his house. Mrs. Williams welcomed his son home; Nike had already prepared a sumptuous meal for him. His mum told him to go take a shower and then come to the dining to eat. Iwalade settled down after taking a shower and changing into a comfy wear, she placed a call to Fullhouse and told him she got home safely. “How was your journey, fun?” Fullhouse asked. “Hmm…..it was fun” She replied. “Fun is fun which one is hmm….it was fun.” He said but his wife took the phone from him. “Aunty Iwalade…..” “Hi dear, I’m home.” “Thank God. Is the journey boring?” Ireoluwa asked. “You are right. Young chap are actually fun to be with.” “You see, I told you so. Anyway, just rest well and take good care of yourself ma.” “I will. You too, make sure you avoid stress.” “I will ma. Thanks.” She said and Fullhouse snatched the phone back from his wife. “Iwalade.” He said but immediately she heard his voice, she quickly ended the call. “Fullhouse and his wahala, he can disturb somebody.” Iwalade said to herself.She then called her mum and her close friends that she’s back in Lagos. She also called Mrs. Williams to help her thank her son. Mrs. Williams promised to come to her place in the evening with the gateman as she has promised. ******* On Monday morning, as early as 7:00am, the gateman, Baba Bamo who is in his early 50s resumed work. That is his nickname anyway, his real name is Bambo. Iwalade had no choice too than to call him Baba Bamo. When he resumed, Baba Bamo went inside to greet his new boss, who told him that if he needs anything, he should feel free to ask her. “Ah, thank you ma. Oga madam said so; she said I go enjoy you well well.” Baba Bamo said happily. “You mean Mrs. Williams.” Iwalade asked. “Yes ma.” He replied. “Baba……what’s that the name again?” “Bamo ma.” “Yes, Baba Bamo, I don’t know why you left your real name to answer the name Bamo.” “Madam….” He was saying but she cut in. “My name is Iwalade.” She corrected. “It’s true, you told me on Saturday not to call you madam o. I don forget.” He said in pidgin. “So what do you want to say?” “Ehn ehn…Aunty Iwalade, I just want to tell you that, you can send me any errand o, don’t say I’m a gateman o. This work na easy work not like the company wey I dey work before. I go open gate from morning till evening.” “Okay!! I’ll let you know if I need anything. By the way, I’m about to make breakfast, I’ll call you on phone to come get your food once it is done.” “Ah…..Aunty Iwalade, na here I go work till I retire, see enjoyment. Thank you o.” He said and Iwalade went back inside while the gateman went back to his post. In the evening, when Imisioluwa was coming back from work, he stopped at Iwalade’s house. Ever since he dropped her off on Saturday, he hasn’t heard from her. He parked his car in front of her gate and alighted. Imisioluwa knocked the gate and the gateman showed up. “Ah! Oga, it’s you.” The gateman who recognized him very well said. He had worked in their family company for years. “Baba Bamo, how are you?” “I’m fine o. Help me thank your mummy for this job, this job na sweety….. In fact, I never open gate since morning. Aunty Iwalade never go out.”“She doesn’t go out every day, she works from home.” “True, true, your mummy talk am.” He nodded his head repeatedly. “That means she is in, right.” “Yes, she is inside. Let me inform her, that you are here.” “Good, please do that.” Imisioluwa said. Baba Bamo returned and ushered Imisioluwa into the gate. “She say make you come in.” He said in pidgin. “Help me thank her o, she gave me food.” “Okay, I will.” He said and entered into the house. Iwalade was in the sitting room when he got in. “Good evening.” He said calmly. “Good evening, how’s work today?” “Fine, I bless God. How was your day too?” He asked. “Nice. And thanks for the other day. I’m grateful.” She said. “I bet you are not. I mean I ruined your mood that day.” “That’s in the past. It’s okay.” “Aiit.” He nodded. “You can have your seat.” She gestured for him to sit. “No, thanks, I’ll be leaving now; I only stop over to clear the air.” “Alright, thanks.” She said and saw him off to the door. “Oh, less I forget, Baba Bamo asked me to thank you. I can see you are taking good care of him.” He said. “Don’t mind him jare, somebody that just started work today and is already telling you to thank me.” She said and smiled. “You’ll enjoy him; he is an old staff of the family.” “Your mum said so. Please greet her for me when you get home.” “Hmm! As if you two haven’t spoken today.” He cajoled and she laughed because he was right. Imisioluwa took a long look at her which she noticed. “What.” “You are smiling again. I guess I’m now forgiven.” “You are not serious. You never offended me.” “Whatever, let me take my leave now.” He said and left.