'I've always said you're a lazy man.' Jay said laughing.
'And,you a coward.'Jaiye said,just then two ladies walked past them and he whistled.
'You will never change.'Jacob said,as he walked towards a table.
The Mc took the floor and began the introductions,Jacob didn't know his mother had invited so many people.he could see camera everywhere.
He finally found her,sitting with her friends and some gentlemen,she was smiling as she spoke.He prayed in his heart that his plan would come true.
The party was in full swing by now,an artist was performing on the stage.
When Jacob stood up,he sighted Hannah and Adetoun who signalled to him,to be strong.Jaiye held his hand encouraging him on.He made his way towards Jane's table,asking her to come with him.
'Where are you taking me?'she asked as he led her to the front of the hall.
'I want you to meet some people today,thats all.'He smiled,one that didn't reach his heart but was enough to make Jane relax.
The artist was still performing,his dancers were making good his show,Jacob and Jane were on stage on,as if they were heading to the high table when Jacob suddenly dropped her hands.Leaving her alone amidst the dancers on the stage.
Jacob went to meet the Mc asking for a microphone.
'Thief thief thief'he screamed into the mic. pointing at Jane.
Jane stood dumbstruck as her legs were glued to the tiled floor.
The artist and his dancers had stopped and every attention turned towards Jacob and Jane.
'Thief.'He screamed again.Jane was trembling as Jacob walked towards her,
'She has my ring,she has stolen my ring.'He continued,the Mc asked if he knew what he was talking about.
'Search her purse,she has my ring.' The camera's had turned to them by now,there was pin drop silence in the hall.
'My son has finally gone mad.'Fumni said shaking her head as she looked at Biola's tear stained eyes.
'My daughter is not a thief.' she maintained.
Now on the stage,The Mc got the mic from Jacob.
'Pls young lady,can i search your purse?'he asked.
'No you can't.' Jacob said.'She's going to bring out the content of her purse by herself.'
Jane had never been this strong and courageous all her life,she got the mic from the Mc.
'I'll do it,since i have nothing to hide in there.' she returned the mic.
Hannah and Adetoun giggled as they watched the drama unfolding before them.
Jane held her purse up and began to bring out its content when a ring fell out,she stared dumbstruck as Jacob picked the ring laughing.
'I said it.' he said.
And he got the mic and cleared his throat.
'Hmmm hmmm,attention please.Today i have found my missing ring in the purse of my missing rib,i planted it there anyway.This woman before you is the love of life,and the one i plan to love till i die.' he moved to stand before Jane and going on a bended knee he asked.
'Will you marry me?'
The hall burst into shouts and boos,Jane got the mic to speak and everyone remained silent.
'Today.....' she breathed,Jacob was sweating already as he looked at her face.
Suddenly,the door opened and he heard voices.And everywhere was filled with light,he tried to open his eyes and he saw two people standing before him,it was Jackie and Funmi.
He was surprised,'Where's Jane?' he asked.
'Jane?'Jackie asked him back.
'We're here to wake you,since you refused to come down for breakfast.'Funmi said.
'Oh no,its morning,i have been dreaming' he said.
How coincidental,that Jane had that dream too,although non knew of the other's dream.Jacob wondered what that could mean.He would have been happy,if she had answered.He prayed that whenever he did pose the question,her answer would be positive.
His phone was ringing,no breakfast,needless to say,he was late for work already.
.............
It was a cool friday afternoon,the weather was favourable,as it was neither hot nor cold,just warm enough for a good day outside.
Bibi sat in the sitting room applying light cosmetics on her face.she called Jane but received no response.
Soon,Jane walked in wearing a long peach gown with gold lace on the neck,she had a small purse clutched to her sides,she sat in the chair opposite her mother.
'I'm ready mum.' She said,dropping her purse on the table.
'I'm almost ready too.'Bibi said,packing up her cosmetics box.
'So,where is Kenneth taking you to?'
Bibi smiled,'He said its supposed to be a surprised.'
'I see,my mother is playing the lover girl.'Jane laughed.'Mr Kenneth must really love you to be going to that length.'
'I know dear,i care about him too.'
'Will you marry him,if he proposes?'
Bibi took in a sharp breath,
'Well,he hasn't.' she answered.
'What if he does?'
'Lets wait till then.'Bibi said.'You're going to be late,go and see your friend.'
'You're only trying to evade my question.'Jane told her mother.'Let me be on my way.' she stood up picked her purse and her car key.
'Be a good girl.'Bibi said.
'And have fun,mum'
............
The two ladies talked at length,making various plan about the forthcoming wedding,Bode,Ajoke fiance was also on ground,he left the ladies to their planning after a while.
Ajoke was full of news for Jane,and they wasted the better part of the day gisting and laughing.
'I picked that gown because of its design' Ajoke said placing a plate of egg and yam on the table.Jane had insisted that Ajoke prepare yam for her.
'I like the design too.'Jane said making herself comfortable to eat.'So,when are we seeing the wedding planner again?'
'Next week tuesday.' Ajoke replied sitting to eat too.
'I can't wait for Jacob to propose to you dear.'
'What if he doesn't?' jane said light heartedly even if what she said was not from her mind.It was just a thought.
'Don't be silly,we all know he will.'Ajoke said putting a piece of yam in her mouth,chewing it noiselessly.'Or is he showing some negative signns?' Ajoke raised an eyebrow.
'None that i know of.'Jane paused.'What if i answer not to his proposal?'
'Jane what has come over you,this afternoon,stop being negative about this,and i need no diviner to tell me that,you'll scream yes ten times,when he finally does.' Ajoke said,picking a glass to drink water.
'Alright diviner,i hear you ma.'Jane smiled.
'Have i invited you to my birthday party? Ofcourse,i haven't,you dont need an invite,you must be there.'Jane said smiling warmly as she cleared the remaining egg in her plate into her mouth.
'When is it taking place?'
'Exactly six weeks from now.'Jane said.'And by then,you'd have become an M.R.S'Jane said teasing her friend.
'You get it there,i want to watch him propose to you on your birthday.'Ajoke laughed at her friend.
'Amebo city,and yes.'Jane said remembering something.'I'm having the party in our place.'
'How interesting.'Ajoke said.
'Jackie has promised to make me a cake anyway,Can i get more?'
'Help yourself.'Ajoke said smiling.
Everyone was the opinion that Jacob would propose soon.But he hadn't given her any hint of his doing so.She wondered if truly he would propose on her birthday,that seemed a perfect opportunity.
She smiled as she swerved her car onto the road that led to her street,humming a tone as she drove home.
..........
Kelvin had became a regular caller at Adetoun,she had tried all she could to dissuade the young man,but he was persistent.He was becoming a friend as he helped her with her books and men's chore in the house.
She felt extremely happy,as the session was gradually coming to an end.She would have to face her problem with Jacob about going to see her family.
She was yet to make up her mind about it.Was she running away from her home? Adekunle's call lifted her spirit often,he always reported the happening of each week to her.
And how Biyisi was fairing in all,for a moment she felt pity for her mother.
She had made up her mind to get the best result in her faculty,God helping her.She couldn't wait to see Jacob again.
.........
It was now obvious that Rukayat was doing some background digging about the lady who was seeing her boyfriend.
And each time,she thought about it,she tried to convince herself that she wasn't actually dating Ade.But,what about becoming closer this past months,the occassionally gifts,pecks,light kisses and frequent hug she always accepted too quickly.
Tomorrow was the d-day,she would be finishing her exam.she smiled inwardly at the thought of seeing her family again,and how she was going to miss Ade-Pink shirt.
For now,she needed to put something in her empty stomach as she began to cook.None of her rummies was home,so she enjoyed being by herself for the moment.she chuckled staring at her now favorite wristband,something she got from Ade.
Time would tell anyway......
As it was just the beginning of the fourth month of the year,Jacob seemed to be more busy than ever.
Work consumed so much of his time,and his mother was constantly nagging him to relax at home.To which he turned a deaf ear.
He'd ordered the house help to clean his house,as Adetoun would be coming home from school today.He wanted her to meet him at home,he arrived early from work,he took a nap before she arrived.
He had just placed a order for a meal when she arrived.Opening the door,he pulled her into his embrace,as her head came to rest on his broad shoulders,he smiled.He didn't know you could miss a person this much.
'I miss you.'Jacob said.
'I miss you more.'Adetoun laughed. He helped her bring in her bag.
She drank a glass of cold water,before using the shower.
In an hour's time,she was out,looking fresh and happy.she had on a sleeveless black gown.
'You have not been feeding well.'Jacob said,examining her.
'Says who?' Adetoun laughed,turning down the volume of the Tv.
'Doc. Jay ofcourse.'
'You're funny,anyway,i'm fine as you can see.'
'So,how was school? Gist me'
'I will,but not now.'
The door bell sounded,Jacob got up to get it.He returned bearing two pack of food and wine.He set the table,before calling her over.
'I'm famished you know.'Adetoun said,sitting.
'Same here,so lets do justice to this meal.'He smiled.
After their meal,Adetoun retired in for some rest.
Jacob stood on the balcony that overlooked the estate,the view was nice from there.
He thought of when and how to tell her about the need to make peace with her parent,now was not the time anyway.He wanted to give her time to relax.
Later in the evening,they sat in the sitting room,chatting and listening to music.
'I want to tell you that,i no longer stay here.' The surprised look on Toun's face said it all.
'So...where do you live now?' she asked.
'I took to your advice to reconcile with my mother,and she has also apologised,moreover...i miss my family.'He said.
Adetoun sighed,'What is to become of me?'she asked.
'Can i stay here?'
'Yes you can,but.'
'But what?'
'Its not a good idea,you know,just being alone in here.'Jacob said.
'I can cope,i'm not a baby.' Jacob took her hands in his.
'I've come to care about you,how that came to be,is what i can't explain.'Jacob paused.
'You're the kid sister i have always longed for,i admire your fighting spirit and courage,but when life makes us sad,we still have to move.'
'What are you driving at?'
'The need to make peace with your parents.' Jacob said looking into her eyes.
Adetoun stood up from my seat and walked in,without taking a glance at her helper,brother,friend,and confidant.
......................
'Is it true mother?'Hannah asked,pressing hard at her phone.
Bibi smiled,Jacob had called to tell her about Adetoun,and she had agreed,it would give the young girl a chance to mix with girls,learn from her as her mother and have fun in all.
'Yes,she's coming over.'Bibi replied,knitting a bag in the sitting room.
Hannah jumped up,
'I like that idea,i didn't believe at first,when Jane told me.'She said still pressing her phone.
Bibi stopped to look at her,
'What are you always pressing on your phone?'
'I'm pinging with my friends.'
'Is that all you do in school?'
'I'll let my result speak for me.'she said leaving.
'Silly girl.'Bibi said.
Since she returned home from school,a week ago,she has been a trouble pack in the house.In all honesty,she simply brought,laughter,fun and glow with her attitude,she packed her knitting thread,when Kenneths call came through.
..................
Jane checked the wall clock again,they would be here anytime soon,she told herself.She had agreed on the instant he asked if Bibi would allow Adetoun come and live with them.She knew her mother would say yes,not after she explained Toun's situation to her.
Though Jacob said,he wasn't too sure,she would agree to come over,but surprisingly she had agreed and seemed happy about it.
Just then,she heard his car horning outside the gate.Hannah hurried out to get Toun's bag,leaving Bibi and Rose in the kitchen.
Jacob got down with Toun and they all walked inside.Bibi was in the sitting room waiting to receive them.Jacob and Toun were greeting her,when Jane came down.
Jacob hugged her,and smiled as he did so.Toun embraced her too.
From what she had seen,Toun looked happy to be here.
Hannah and Rose set the table,and they had dinner.
It was one,they would not forget in a hurry.The table was lively and everyone enjoyed the meal.
Jacob finally left,but not without Jane wriggling a hot kiss from him in the car.
They showed Detoun to her room,
'I picked the wallpapers for you.'Hannah said smiling.
'I chose,the bed and the paints.'Jane said holding Toun's hand.
'We decorated the room together.'Bibi said from the door.
Detoun was left with Hannah as she unpacked her things.
.....
It was just 10days to Ajoke's wedding.All will be well.
'Don't be late,i'll be waiting by 9pm.' Jane played the voice message from Ajoke,as she dressed up.Today was their final appointment with the event planner.
...........
The ladies walked out from an eatery,it was very visible that they looked tired.Stressed out from planning,planning and making more plans.
The event planner who happened to be a man had drilled them to no avail,and he was also flirting with her.Jane had made no point in hiding her disapproval of his attitude.
Getting in the car,Jane drove Ajoke to the park to catch a bus home.
'How did he come to have my number?' Jane asked her friend.
'That i don't know,probably from the form we filled.'
'He's been calling and sending several romantic text.'Jane laughed.
'Tell him,you're taken.'
'I already did,that seemed to give him more courage.'
'Did i tell you,that my spooky neigbhour asked about you?'
'No,you didn't.'
'Well,i told him outrightly that you're also engaged to marry,he hald his peace instantly.' They burst into laughter.
'With that his coconut head?'Jane mocked.
'And his glue fingers.'Ajoke put in.'You seem to have a penchant for attracting men.'
'You're silly.' Jane laughed.
'Just becareful with him.'Ajoke warned.
'Who is that?'
'Kmikky ofcourse.'
'Oh,,him.I will.'Jane reassured her friend before dropping her off.
..............
The Smiths family were having sunday breakfast.Funmi and her children ate and discussed.
'When is your flight leaving?'Funmi asked.
'Danjuma said 1pm,but he would be coming to pick me by 10am.'Jackie said,wiping the side of her mouth with a napkin.
'Dan is indeed getting too serious with you.'Jacob said biting into a large chunk of beef.
'Isn't it good.'Jackie asked.
'Ofcourse,wedding bells will begin to ring in this house very soon.'He teased his sister.
'Really,wedding bells?,i can't wait for you to propose.'Funmi said smiling.
'Mother,i was talking to Jackie not you,and be assured,i have a feeling Danjuma might hook her up soon.'He said,taking a drink.
'And when are you going to do right by marrying Janet.' Funmi asked.
'I wiil,when the time is right.'he answered.
'Before,it was funmi said this,funmi said no,funmi says i can't go out with her,and what about now?'Funmi asked.
'Don't be in a hurrymother,this is a tasty meal.'Jacob said getting up.'I've got to catch my friends.'
.................
It was just three days to Ajoke's wedding.Her mother had invited Kenneth as was her habit,these days.
Rose prepared mashed vegatble potatoe using palm oil and grilled chicken.
Kenneth had arrived early as he volunteered to make orange juice.He handled things like an expert,to think he was into designing and fashion.
As he helped Jane set the table,she remembered,what her mother explained to her about her last visit to meet his family.He had two grown up sons in the state and he was widowed.His only family was his immediate junior sister who was married and living in Abuja.Others were extended family.The woman seemed too eager to accept her into the family.
Her mother had danced that night in appreciation to what God was doing in her life.
The table was set,and everyone moved to the dinning,Adetoun was no longer shy around the house,she was just as lively as Hannah.
Bibi had commended,that she loved their spirits.
Keneth was making the table lively with his jokes,proudly supported by Hannah and Detoun.Bibi and Jane seemed contented with listening.
Bibi picked her glass to drink some juice,when she shouted all of a sudden that she had drank something else,she opened her mouth,only to spit out a ring,a diamond ring,finely made.
Kenneth smiled mischieviosly as Bibi stared at the ring.He got up from his seat,made a short speech of how he wanted Bibi as his,and how he'd come to love her truely.
The girls were struck in disbelief,when Kenneth went on his knees and asked one of the most important question every woman longed to be asked.
Bibi was more than surprised,she looked at her daughters for courage,Hannah's lip formed a silent ''Yes'' so did Jane.
'Yes,i'll marry you.' she answered.as Keneth got up and lifted her up.
.................
It looked like a season of proposal and weddings,she remembered her mother's of happiness when Kenneth proposed to her this night.
She was grateful to God,that her mother found love again.she would be leaving to be with Ajoke tomorrow.To see to all the plans.
Ajoke was getting married in a few days,her mother had just been proposed to.And she?
Jane sighed,as she let the water warm into her skin as she showered.
She needed to concentrate on moving forward,maybe finding a job would better.she needed to take her mind off the W. word.
Why was she worried anyway,she would be twenty four in two weeks time,Ajoke had said,Jacob was likely to propose,so did,Funmi and Bibi.
Jacob was being too lovely of late,was that a sign that he would propose?
This is dedicated to ToShaM.
The ladies arrived home late in the night,Hannah was the first to pull off her shoes in the sitting room.Jane trotted tiredly to her room carrying her handbag and some other bags.Adetoun slumped on the settee too exhausted from the wedding.
They had just arrived from Ajoke's wedding,it was a beautiful ceremony,and brought so many memories and thought to heart.
Jane had stolen the beauty of the day in her cream floor length gown,she looked graceful as she walked behind Ajoke in her white wedding gown.
Jane was not surprised as men openly glared at her.Jacob looked splendid in his suit too.Jane wished she was the one getting married instead.
Jacob had left after the church programme,and he'd sent her a message that they needed to see.
Jane pulled off her dress and shoe,they'd left the party after the newly wedded couple drove off.she was full of happiness for her friend tonite.
She put on a robe and took a warm bath,as she got out,Jacob's call came on her phone.He had called to ask,when she got home,and if she was not feeling too tired.
She dropped his call and slept off immediately.
..............
'She's not home.'Jacob replied as she poured Jane a drink in his sitting room.
'And Jackie?'
'She's not home too.'
Jane picked her glass and took a sip.
'This is really funny.'Jane said dropping the glass.
'Whats funny about the fact that i skipped work on a friday to be with my sweetheart.'He said planting a kiss on her lips before sitting by her.
'Well,because i know your work comes before me.'
'You're kidding me right?i have always placed you before work.'He said holding her hands.
'I always appreciate you every time,i cherish you so much dear.'
Jane listened as he spoke staring into space.
'Wait,till i surprise you on your birthday.'
Jane's heart did a quick sommersault when she heard that.
'Really?' she asked.
'Have i ever lied to you?'
'No.'
'So,trust me on this this,i want to make it a spectacular day for both of us.'Jacob smiled.
'I can't wait.'Jane said holding his eyes in a warm smile that came right from her heart.
A maid came to inform them that the dinning is set.They ate and drank some wine.
'Have you received any reply from those companies you wrote?' Jacob asked.
'None.' Jane sighed.'I'm hoping that next week will be a better story anyway.'
'Well,my offer still remains open,whenever you change your mind,a job is waiting for you.'Jacob said placing his hands on her thigh.
'I thought we've concluded that,after three months,if i'm yet to get a job,you can then get me one.'Jane said.
Leading the way Jay pulled her up and walked her to his bedroom,i've got something to show you.
Opening the door,he stepped in with her,his arms circled around her waist,before closing the door.
'Jane....'He whispered seductively in her ears.
'Yes darling.'She smiled.
'Seeing you in that dress last week set off some sparks in me.'He drawled.'I want to show you how much i love you my baby.' In an instant,he swept her off her feet and unto the bed.
He fell in by her,kissing her face,her eyes and her ears before claiming her lips.
'Sweet...heart.'Jane said sweetly.
'I love you my baby.'Jacob replied as his hands ravaged her body.
Sending crazy signals into her head,her stomach churned not from hunger,but from a strong desire to hold and be held.
She buried her head in his chest,as his hands found her zip,pulling it down.Jacob smiled happily,his plan was falling in place.Today,he would taste from her woman pudding.
Jane's hand rested on his chest stroking the mat of hair that lay beneath it.she stilled when his hands touched the hook of her bra.Jacob noticed on the instant.
Jane tried to pry off his hands,but he would not allow her,he held her firmly as he unhooked her bra and grabbed her full moon shaped bosom,firm and succulent.
A tiny scream escaped her throat as his hands felt warm on her body.
Let me go.'She said trying not to scream.
But,he turned a deaf ear as he tried to pull off her dress entirely.With all the strength she could mutter,she pushed him fiercely and hurriedly stood up.
Jacob lay panting on the bed,fuming in anger as he buttoned his shirt.Jane also adjusted her dress and arranged her scattered hair.
'Jacob,i'm sorry,i didn't mean to push you like that.'
'Oh,tell me,how you were meant to push me dear.'He laughed sarcastically.Jane was silent.
'When wil it be,when will i be able to love you like a man?'
'I thought,we had this issue under control.'
Jacob stood up and paced the room.
'Control my foot,what do you think i am? a wood? Do you think its easy to say no to my desires?'He shouted at her for the first time in their relationship of three years.
To be continued at 6pm
