Her Baby’s Secret

Arike’s POV

When we finally reached Busayomi’s house, her mom and husband to be were present at the place. I had to carry Iteoluwa inside because she was still asleep.

“Welcome back to Nigeria!” Mr Paul exclaimed as I exchanged pleasantries with him.

“My baby must be really stressed out from the flight.” He added.

“Yes she tends to sleep after a flight.” I smiled.

“Awwnnn… she’s so cute whenever she sleeps too.” He complimented.

“Good afternoon ma.” I greeted Busayomi’s mom, kneeling a bit.

“Arike, how are your parents?” Busayomi’s mom asked.

“They are fine ma, how is daddy too?” I asked

“He’s doing well.” She stood up from the couch, redoing her wrapper tightly to her waist. “It’s really good to see you again, Arike.”

“You are leaving?” Busayomi asked.

I rocked Iteoluwa when she stirred in her sleep.

“Yes Busayomi, your dad called not too long.” She said.

“Oh tell him I will transfer the money to him soon.” She replied.

“It’s not about the money, your Aunt Tito is on her way to our home.” She explained.

“And so? Is that why you want to leave early?” Busayomi snorted.

“Yes,” she replied, picking up her bag.

“I didn’t invite her to my wedding o.” Busayomi said.

Her mom shot her a glare. “She’s your Aunty so she has every right to attend your wedding.”

“Is it her wedding? During her own time did she send invitation to you to attend her wedding?” Busayomi hissed as she gestured to me to lay Iteoluwa on the couch.

“She didn’t invite me because she was told not to have a loud party.” Her mom resorted.

“Nonsense talk, see you better stay till the time you planned to play with Iteoluwa.” Busayomi pointed out.

She was so used to talking to her mom like they were mates. No doubt Busayomi was really close to her mom, and sometimes I envy their bond and wondered if I would have been like that with my mom if she was alive.

“Look I have all the time to play with her. I must get home before your aunt arrives at our place.”

“Is she the only one coming or it is full house?” Busayomi asked with a raised eyebrow.

“She’s coming with her four kids.” Her mom answered.

“They want to comman finish our party jollof rice and drinks abi?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Busayomi’s word. It was obvious that she didn’t like this her Aunt Tito.

“Ahh Busayomi what’s wrong about your aunt attending our wedding?” Mr Paul asked.

“I don’t like her, period.” She answered.

“See don’t mind her, she has always been like that towards her aunt because she once asked her to pocket money in school and her aunt didn’t send it to her.” Her mom explained in full details.

“It is not the money she didn’t send to me. I don’t like her because naturally she’s stingy but like to take things from people.” Busayomi countered almost immediately.

I and Mr Paul couldn’t help but laugh at Busayomi.

“Why are you laughing? You think it’s funny?” Busayomi shot is a glare.

“It’s funny. My love, I think you are really mad at her for not sending you pocket money in school.” Mr Paul teased her.

“I said I am not angry because of that!” Busayomi defended.

“Don’t mind her, I will extend your greetings to your aunt.” Her mom said.

“I didn’t send you such message o. If she sees me on my wedding day she should not even think of talking to me.” She handed her mom some money from her wallet.

“For what?” Her mom asked.

“It is not for you o, help me give to Demilade.” Busayomi responded.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

My eyes followed the notes as her mom counted it. It was a sum of ten thousand naira.

“For what?” Her mom asked.

“She wants to buy a new heels.” Busayomi replied.

“Heels ten thousand?!” Her mom gasped out.

“Why? is it too much?” Busayomi asked.

“This is way too much.” She nodded.

A phone beeped and it turned out to be Mr Paul’s. “Please excuse me,” he said, walking off to a side of the room.

“Woh! See mommy things are expensive these days, just give her the money and tell her that I will send the money for clutch purse later provided she comes early to the fashion home tomorrow.”

“Ahh okay o, money that she is supposed to save in her account for school. She will go and spend it on ordinary heels.. a whole ten thousand naira.” She complained.

Busayomi and I laughed. Africa mothers will never change, Busayomi’s mom was a typical one.

“I will give her money if she’s going back to school… ah Ijebu woman.”

“I’m just thinking-”

She interrupted her mom. “Don’t be thinking, please come and be going now. Your husband is waiting for you at home.”

Mr Paul came back. “Babe are you okay?” Busayomi asked.

“Yes, I need to get to the office to sort some things out.”

“Is everything fine?” She asked again.

“Yes, you don’t need to worry too much.” He answered.

“Okay if you say so. But call me if you need anything.” She said.

“I will drive mommy home before heading to the office.” He offered.

“Won’t that be stressful for you? I can order Uber to take her home.” Busayomi said.

“I will take her home.”

“Okay.” Busayomi went to him and placed a kiss on his cheek.

“Arike, call me if you need anything.” He said.

“Thank you very much.”

“Ese jeje o.” Her mom said.

(Be of good manners)

Busayomi accompanied them out while I crouched down next to the couch to take a look at my child. My little angel was soundly asleep.