₦airaland Forum

rachealfst:
CHAPTER 4
Imade noticed her brother in-law has stopped visiting, even Sarah noticed too and she kept on asking her.
“Imade, hope uncle Lolu is fine, he has not been here since the beginning of this semester that he brought you to school and the semester is almost over and he hasn’t visited once.” She stated.
“Maybe he’s busy, but we talk on phone almost everyday sha.”
“If you still talk on phone that means you guys are good because I’m already having ideas in my head.”
“What kind of idea?” Imade asked.
“Family problems nau…maybe you offend him or something.”
“I thought about that too, but we’ve never had issues. And even if he had to scold me for doing something wrong, I apologize and we move on immediately.”
“Are you sure?”
“Sincerely, I’ve been a good girl lately even my sister hardly complain about me.”
“Let’s stop assuming things then, like you said earlier, let’s believe that he is busy.” Sarah said and Imade shrugged.
A week later, Lolu was in town where Imade schooled, his childhood friend, Akin invited him for his younger brother’s wedding. Lolu had no choice, he just had to honour his friend’s invite. He got to the place very early on Saturday morning just to be there for his friend; Akin.
By the way, Lolu had already made up his mind even before he left Lagos that he won’t stop by at Imade’s place. His wife, Peju even asked if he will check on Imade but he said he won’t. Peju was surprised at his response but because Lolu was already set to leave that morning, she decided not to push further. The truth is that Peju too noticed that he had stopped visiting her sister in school unlike before when he used to visit her often but since he was still the one sending her allowance, she believed the two are good.
At the wedding reception, which was almost over, it’s just the newly weds who were still dancing with their friends, Lolu announced to his friend that he was leaving, that was around 5pm and he had to travel back to Lagos.
“My Gee……” Akin shook hands with Lolu. “I really appreciate you coming down to grace this wedding, it means a lot.”
“It’s nothing bro.”
“And thanks for the money you sent to us, I also deliver your message to the groom.”
“All thanks to God.” Lolu replied. Akin’s wife; Nancy also joined them, they exchanged greetings. Nancy also thanked him for coming and for the money he sent. A woman called on Nancy, she responded that she will soon join her and then she quickly turned to her husband’s friend.
“Uncle Lolu when are you leaving?” Nancy asked.
“I should be on my way now.” He responded. That same woman called Nancy again, then Akin turned to his wife.
“Go answer her, I think it’s urgent, I will take care of my friend.”
“Okay.” Akin’s wife replied. “Uncle Lolu please drive safe.”
“I will.” He gave her a side hug and then she run along. “I should leave too.” Lolu said to his friend.
“Okay but hold on let me get your sourveniers, I mean for you and your wife.” Akin said and left. He returned and handed him the sourveniers. He checked and he realized that he even packed food and drinks as take away.
“Aww….You even packed jollof rice. And I know someone would be happy to see this o…..”
“Your wife?” Akin asked.
“No, Imade.”
“I thought Imade is in school.”
“Yes, she schools around here.”
“Oh! I think I remember.”
“That means I have to stop at her place even though it was not in my plan.”
“You should have invited her over then.”
“Hmm…the thing is that I just want to come to the wedding and leave quietly without alerting her.” He explained.
“Hold on, let me get something for her as well.” He left and returned with another sourvenier pack. He handed it over to Lolu.
“You shouldn’t have bothered, you know, I planned to give her mine but thanks by the way.” Lolu said with a smile. Akin studied Lolu’s face.
“You really care about her.”
“I think everyone knows that.” He grinned. Akin’s eyes were still fixed on him.
“I hope your wife is okay with all the attention you give to this girl.”
“Okay as how? Imade is her kid sister.”
“It doesn’t matter, some women are even jealous of their daughters when their husband give the child too much attention.”
“I understand you perfectly but the truth is that I’m keeping my distance already.” Lolu slipped, he shouldn’t have said that out.
“Hmm…..you are keeping your distance. It’s there more to this ore? (Friend)”
“It’s nothing, let’s drop it.”
“Lolu!! You know we both know each other very…..well.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Does she knows?” Akin asked, Lolu bowed his head slightly. “Jesus! The feeling is mutual. Damn it.”
Lolu raised his head and looked into his friend’s eyes. “No…no….”
“You mean?” Akin arched his head waiting for clarification.
“I mean, I doubt if it’s mutual.”
“Fine! But you have to act and I mean fast, you must bury that feelings.”
“That I will do. Thanks.”
Akin held his friend’s right shoulder. “Lolu, I know you genuinely care for Imade but you must know where to draw the line.”
“I’m doing that already.”
“Good! I should let you take your leave now since you are still going to stop at Iyawo kekere’s (little wife) place.”
“Now you are sounding judgemental.” Lolu protested.
“You know I can never do that to you. I just wanted to lighten the mood.” Akin replied him and then walked him up to the parking lot, they hugged each other and Akin waited till he drove out of the place. Akin shook his head, he knew how hard it is for a man to fight such temptation especially when you are totally into that person, he had once gone through that phase in his marriage but with God’s help he overcame.