Palm lines 2 - Episode 1

 

Tuni's POV

"I'm sorry about your Mom and Dad" Remmy said to me, he had a sorrowful and believable look on his face and I busted in tears. "I'm really sorry they had to die like that, they didn't deserve it" he added and I hugged him tightly.
"I just wanna die, now I'm a alone!" I lamented. 
"Shh...It's okay" he pulled me back then placed his palm against my cheeks. "It's going to be fine baby, they're gone, but I'm still  here . I'm not going anyway baby, I'm going to be by your side and I won't leave you; I promise you" he assured and I gazed into his eyes, that glimmer of hope then I kissed him and he kissed me back passionately. 
"Cut!" The director yelled, "That was brilliant!" He added clapping, I still wonder why he loved clapping after every good scene. 
Meanwhile I was happy I was done with the scene. Remmy was literally killing me with his bad breathe, i wondered how I managed to survive. 
"Thank God!" I muttered with a loud sigh. 
"What was that for?" He whispered and I rolled my eyes. "Remmy would it kill you to brush your teeth before coming for morning shoots or try using mints"
"Sorry dear, I kinda woke up late

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/palm-lines-2

. Does it smell that bad?" He asked raising up his palm against his face blowing air into it and I withheld myself from chuckling.
"Stop doing that!" I tapped his hands.
"You're only making it obvious you didn't brush your teeth" I answered and he laughed. 
"It's not that bad na"
"I tried not to choke when you spoke in my face and when you kissed me back, Jesus Remmy, what did you ate last night?" 
"Rice and Salad" he cleared his throat. 
"I'm trying my best here, I'm trying to bring the best out of this movie. I want you to also try your best, and I mean brush your teeth every now and then" I begged.
"I will." He promised and I smiled. "So... are you free tonight" he asked and I shook my head.
"No" 
"Seriously Tinu, you didn't even think of it" "I'm serious, I'm not free, I've got engagements"
"Another guy?"
"There goes the jealousy attitude again!" I rolled my eyes, "That was the many reason I broke up with you.  Remmy dear, I want you to get a life; I'm trying to get mine and sorry I don't see you in the picture" I snapped and he walked away.
I felt sorry for speaking to him that way, but that was the only way I could send him off.
 Remmy and I dated for three months, one of those celebrity relationship, it didn't last because he had the tendency to get too jealous, aside his lazy habit towards brushing his teeth.
Dennis, my manager walked towards us. "What did he want this time?" "Same thing" I answered and he rolled his eyes. 
"Abeg just leave am for there. Very soon Tinu Reiner would be on the lips of every man and woman; that I promise you"
"Thanks" I smiled.

I walked into the house after a night at the club with some friends and mom raised two gowns up, a red and a navy blue gown. "Choose one" she requested and I shrugged, I didn't exactly know where she was going to.
"Well, what you wear, depends on where you're going to, so spill mom, where are you going to?" 
"Guess" Mom said to me and i shook my head. 
"I'm really not in the mood to guess anything right now" i laughed, "What happened?" She asked stretching her hands and I looked at it.
I was a bit tempted to hold her hands to let her give me guidance on what to do; insights on the right choices to make. 
"Mom you know how I feel about you touching me" I answered and she dropped her hands. "Are you okay?" She asked and I shrugged. 
"Mom I don't know, I don't know the right choices to make. I feel empty, even with the friends I have. I feel really empty like I'm meant for other things and I'm so tempted to make you read my palm lines but ..." I wiped some tears off.
"I don't know whether to give Remmy a try or..." I sniffed,  "I miss Sharon, mom it's been almost five years since she visited! I miss the way we were, Ade, Sharon and I. We were inseparable, ever since I've been empty. Life has felt empty like I have no direction, none of my relationship has worked, I'm a relationship wreck" I busted into tears and mom hugged me. 
"Sharon is coming back" she announced and I pulled back in shock. 
"Seriously?" I asked, "Yes, there's this get together. Remember the guy that was imprisoned" 
"Fesochukwu Odogwu. I do" 
"He was released and apparently there's a get together party next week Saturday and Sharon's coming"
"She didn't tell me, why didn't she tell me?" I asked. 
"Maybe she's planning to surprise you"
"It's been four years mom, what if, what if Sharon has changed?" I asked and Mom chuckled. "You guys talk on phone and video chat" 
"You know people aren't what they appear to be on social media, what if..."
 "What if, what if, what if, you can ask all the what ifs you like. Uncertainties is what makes life more interesting , just wait and see for yourself"

***
I walked into the room then  requested a video chat with Sharon. She was in bed in her nightie. "Hey" I waved to her, "Hey, how are you doing?" She asked and I faked a smile.
"Mom told me you're coming back and you couldn't even tell me"
"I'm sorry, I only just agreed to coming yesterday. I wanted to tell you but it skipped my mind. I swear I wanted to tell you"
"It's okay." I answered, but it wasn't okay, deep down, I was disappointed.
Stacy called me afterwards, the only normal friend I have. Well, technically her name is Iyabo but she changed it to Stacy in the university;  she called it her baptismal name.
She's currently making preparations for her wedding. "Hello bride to be" I called out and she laughed. 
"Be calling someone bride to be, you will not do and marry" she snapped and I laughed.
"I'm only twenty four, I have a long way to go and by the way, these creatures called men are not worth it! They're not worth my stress, they're not worth giving my heart to . Stacy, I don't know how you're managing to get married to one of them oh"
"Bode is different, he's sweet and nice and babe, I just hope to God that someday God opens up your heart to make you realize there's more to men than all these nonsense movies you're acting"
"They're not nonsense movies, those nonsense movies pay my bills baby"
"They also make you have crazy thoughts and developed negative attitudes. You need a change of heart"
"What I need a good guy that doesnt have bad breathe that can give me good sex, good loving and love me for me"
"I think the right man you need now is Jesus!" She answered and I laughed.
"That's the only guy that falls into your category." She added. "Talking about Jesus, I need a favor from you" she added and I rolled my eyes. 
"Better be something I can do"
"It's not...it's not difficult"
"Oh please, you're stammering. You won't be doing that if it wasn't something I can't do"
"Well, I'm meeting Bode's Pastor for the first time and I need you with me."
"My answer's no!"
"You haven't even thought of it"
"Oh I gave it a real thought and my answer is no."
"So you're going to leave your best friend with all those strange faces and leave me that way to be on my own. What if I need someone to talk to?"
"You'll be with your precious Bode and I'll be like a freaking third wheel. Babe, thank you but no can do"
"Please, I'm begging you"
"Call one of your churchy friends. I don't do Churchy things. Urgh! You know what i mean Stacy, I mean God might strike me down if I step my filthy legs in his house"
"God is merciful! Tuni stop talking like this. Please come with me, I need your support. Besides it's Bode's cousin's Pastoral inauguration and he's going to be busy with him. Please, please dear, just go with me"
"Stacy, I'm an actress and people would judge me."
"You're not Omono Oboli, you're an upcoming actress"
"I acted alongside her duh?" 
"People might not even recognize you" "Ouch" I answered feeling hurt. 
"I'm sorry," she laughed, "Oya please go with me"
"Okay fine... I'll go. I'll go with you." 
"Thank you. It's on Sunday, service starts by eight, please keep to time!"

***
I walked into the church in a short Ankara gown and a black shades. I wasn't planning on raising eye brows, that was the longest gown I owned. 
The long gown I had were for red carpet and premieres and most of it had ungodly slits.
The black shades were defense mechanism to act like I bloody care about the raised brows. The usher looked down at my gown, immediately I walked in. The judgy look on her face we're unmissable.
"Good morning, you're welcome to church" 
"Yes, thanks. Please I'm looking for my friend Stacy, she's engaged to Bode whose cousin is doing his pastoral inauguration today. I hope you know them" I asked and she nodded.
"I'm supposed to seat close to her, I don't know if you got that Information."  I added then she directed me to the second row close to Stacy. I saw some eye brow raised judgementally at me. 
Thank God for the shades!
"You're late" Stacy whispered, "I was in a fix, I didn't know whether to choose the slit gown or this one. This was the most decent cloth I could wear"
Stacy looked at the gown then she smiled, I knew she wanted to say something bad. 
"At least you came" she witheld her laughter and I smiled too. Bode waved at me and I waved back. 
  "Things I do in this life for our friendship" I whispered and she laughed. 

Before the choir ministration, I saw a guy pick up the microphone. "Good morning church" he began and I grinned. He wore a black shirt on a black trousers with a vintage tie on. The choristers were dressed on blue and red accessories, I wondered why he was dressed differently.
  "Good morning hottie" I whispered and Stacy laughed. 
"Shhh" 
"I hope you're all having a good time in God's presence" he continued and I nodded.
"I'm just starting to have one" I answered and Stacy pinched me. "What? He's hot" I whispered. 
"We're going to bless you with this piece that says, i thirst for you"
"Well I have one thirst right now and it's for you baby"  I answered and Stacy covered her face with her palms then she glanced at me.
"That's Bode's cousin, the one doing the inauguration" Stacy whispered and I opened my mouth in shock. I've always hated when hot guys like this waste their awesomeness on being Pastors and Reverend father.
After the choir ministration, i watched the young guy walk back to a seat and a Pastor mounted on the altar. He seemed about the age of 60 something. Grey hair seemed to have covered his head.
 "Bode said that's Pastor Micheal Festus" Stacy whispered into my ears and I raised my brow at her. 
"Am I supposed to dance for joy?" I asked and she quietly looked at me. I understand she didn't want me to feel left out. "I don't blame you" she snapped and I laughed loudly. 
It was unintentional but some really mature by my side women glared at me and I cleared my throat. 
"I am always happy to be in the presence of the Lord. Because in the presence of the Lord there is.." The Pastor stalled.
Of course I knew this, I knew so well. 
"Everlasting life" I answered, what was supposed to be a personal answer became so loud that everyone at hearing distance heard my reply.
I was actually expecting a chorus response; but inhad a deep conviction that I wasn't wrong, I noticed all eyes fell on me. 
The silence was deafening. "Did I do something wrong?" I asked, "No, you did everything right. Ah han, even a small shild of yesterday can tell you what happens in the presence of God" A woman behind me answered in a thick Yoruba accent that was a lot more thicker than mine were as a teenager. She hissed afterwards.
"What did I say wrong?"
"And she's still asking" Another asked. 
"In the presence of God there's fullness of joy not everlasting life" Stacy whispered then she cleared her throat. 
I looked towards the direction of the hot guy,  he had a grin on his face, I stood up, then I decided to do what I could do best, act. I  laughed waving my hands, "Of course I knew it! I mean I was just being empirical. In the presence of God there's joy, there's miracle, there's break though, there's everlasting life. Why stick with one when you can stick with everlasting life?" I asked and the whole congregation looked at me in awe. 
Apparently they were not falling for my lies.
"Excuse me everyone" I cleared my throat then i went outside tonrid myself of the shame.
I literally beat myself up outside the church.  "Urgh! God that was so embarrassing! Why didn't i just keep quiet?" I stomped my foot on the floor.
"I mean it should have been everlasting life," I argued, I could have sworn there was a Bible chapter with everlasting life but I couldn't remember just like I couldn't remember the last time I went to church. 
I didn't want to go back in but my handbag was still on my seat so I walked back. 
I walked in after some time to get my bag while trying to avoid eye contact with the congregation and even Stacy. Thank God for the shades!!!
Immediately I took my bag, the Pastor called my attention.
"It is rude to leave when the man of God is on the pupit" he sounded off and I sat down.  "Yeah sure..come it's going to be fun" I whispered sarcastically to Stacy.
"I'm sorry" she mouthed. 
"As I was saying God doesn't take pleasure in sinners. Don't get me wrong, Jesus didn't come for the saint either, he came for the sinners"
"Hebrews  10:38,  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." He looked directly at me. 
"Christians need to wake up and realized sin is not the way! We need to turn to Jesus, fornication, stealing, lies would not answer your question. It won't fill those emptiness you feel" he looked directly at me; as though reading my mind.
"Only Jesus can" he added. 
I felt  uncomfortable all through his preaching. 
"Like I said from the start, I'll only give a brief sermon because of the inaugural service of our very own Brother Ayomide!" He announced and everyone clapped standing on their feet and no one other than my hottie came out smiling and waving at everyone. 
I stood up on noticing he was the 'Brother Ayomide'.
The inauguration went well,  AY was soaked from head to toe in olive oil, his vintage tie was replaced with a collar. 
I didn't leave after service ended. While Stacy went in to the Pastor's office with Bode, I sighted the young Pastor talking to a lady. 
She wore a black skirt and a blue shirt on a red beret and a red scarf tied around her neck, just like the choristers. 
So I gently walked to him, "Hi" I smiled and the lady gazed sternly at me. "Why is this one not happy to see me" I muttered and she immediately faked a smile. 
"Who's not happy to see you. It's God house, even sinners are welcome" she emphasized on the sinner and I almost rolled my eyes.
"After all, you heard what the Pastor said, Jesus didn't come for the saints, he came for the sinners, hallelujah!" I waved my hands.
"At least you got something out of the message. May the holy Spirit make you the doer of the word and not just the hearer" 
"Amen darling"
 "And...hopefully you won't forget that in the presence of the Lord, there's fullness of joy" she answered and I scoffed. 
"Brother Ayomide, sorry, Pastor Ayomide, congrats once again and I'll stop by at the house later to eat my own rice oh" she added leaving while scouring at me. 
"What a bitch" I whispered and Ayomide cleared his throat. 
"Watch your language" he answered. "Sorry, what a Christian bitch." "Seriously?" 
"That girl is something. Did you see the way she..." She paused, "I'm sorry, I'm always truthful. It's a curse, I can't help being truthful. Do you know me?" I asked taking off my glasses and he nodded.
"Miss Everlasting life" he answered with a soft chuckled and infectious chuckle.
"I have a nick name already?" I asked and he smiled. "I'm sorry, it was just a joke. What's your name?" He asked, "Tuni Reiner"
"Hm... Sounds familiar like I've seen it before somewhere but what do I know, there are more than one Tuni Reiner in this world."
"Yeah but I'm a..." Before I could tell him what I do for a living, we were rudely interrupted by a woman who held him away and I rolled my eyes. He came back fine minutes after, 
"I'm sorry" he apologized, "About the way she..." 
"She was rude, everyone in this damn church is rude" 
"She's my mom" he answered and I wish I could suck my word back in. "I'm sorry, I've not had good vibes since I walked in, everyone's judging me"
"Geez I wonder why" he answered looking at my gown, I understood what he meant perfectly so i chuckled at his sarcasm. 
"Congrats on your Pastorship" I added and he smiled. "Thanks" 
"So I was thinking, are you free one of these days, maybe we can go out. Have a drink or two and just" I bit my lips seductively and I gave him a flirty look. "I mean, to just have fun, all kinds of crazy fun" I added and he smiled. 
"That sounds like a plan" he answered and I chuckled. I knew it! Pastor or not, all men reacts to the things of the flesh and I was sure going to get this one. 
"Pick a time, or a date, Friday night sounds amazing. I can clear my schedule for you. Cause you're really hot"
"How about on Tuesday evening in church, we have Bible study. I can have time to talk to you then. As for now, sorry my hands are full" he answered.
"Wait, you want me to come for Bible study?" I asked and he nodded. 
"You sound disappointed"
"Nope... Sounds like a plan"
"Thank God you see it that way. We'll talk afterwards. See you on Tuesday" he added leaving then i waved at him.

Sharon's POV
Staying back from Nigeria was a personal decision I made years ago. When I got informed about Feso Odogwu's release even before he was released, I was so excited. Mom suggested that I come back but Tasha, my manager advised me not to, even when I wanted to.
"You're at the peak of  your career and you just want to blow it away just like that! Because of what? A man that just got out of prison that might possible get back into prison"
"He's not just a man, he's ...he's a family friend. A good family friend, he grew from being my father's enemy to being a friend. Dad basically visited him everyday when he was in prison"
"Blah blah blah, touching story but it doesn't move me, you know why? Cause you have potential in you and you're not going to grow them on Nigerian soil, no baby; you'll groom them here! Your love for arts, they don't treasure it there, but they do here. You'll be famous and rich. Think of it Sharon, you're building it already"
After so much thought on it, I finally made my own decision to go inrespective of Tasha's counsel. When I went to Tasha to inform her, her response shocked me. "You're going to Nigeria!" She announced even before I could tell him and I raised my brow in shock. 
"Why?" 
"Okay, call it a coincidence, how it happened, I'm still yet to recover from the shock. I got a call from an agent funny but Mochedda, the new host of good morning Nigeria, on Entertainment City? She  wants an interview with you, she's particularly interested in you and your family, slash your upbringing, those things"
"Seriously?" 
"Yes. I'm serious. She's marvelled by your success and she really wants you on her show. Do you know how many followers she has on Twitter and Instagram. This will widen your horizons, this is a dream come true for me and for you" she hugged me and I smiled. 
"We're going to Nigeria and then we'll zap back to America. Deal?" She asked, "Yes, deal!" She answered before I could say anything. 
I didn't care about what she had to say, I didn't care at all, I was happy to know I'll be going back after a long time.

Ade's POV
"Sharon's coming for the get together" Mr Savage announced when I went to his office to make food deliveries. I brought in his favorite afternoon order, fried rice and Salad.
I looked at him closely to make sure he wasn't teasing me. 
"What?" He asked and I shook my head. 
"I'm not falling for it this time"
"Falling for what?" He asked and I laughed. "You're teasing me" "The last time I checked, I'm not your girlfriend, why will I tease you?" he answered. 
"You know what I mean, you use that every damn time to trick me into smiling. When I do, you then tell me you're lying"
"I'm serious. She called me herself. She's coming for Feso's get together party. Come by, look handsome, maybe you can get a chance to woo her once again" he encouraged and I smiled. 
I finally believed him.
"Hasn't she called you yet?" He asked and I shook my head. Sharon stopped calling four years ago.
 I felt so happy, for the first time in years, I'll get to ask her why she stopped picking my calls and why she refused visiting.

I wore a white shirt with a pulled up sleeves after I was done with work at my own restaurant Crown Prime. Suddenly Anita, one of my employees walked towards me. "There's a call from Miss Shirley, she wants her usual and she wants you to personally deliver it. You know how she does" she announced and I groaned looking at the time. It was already past 10.
Miss Shirley was one of my consistent customers. She recently relocated to Nigeria from London and has been openly crushing on me. Her honesty reminds me of Tuni.
Each time she pulls a move on me, I try to remind her about my love for Sharon to push her away, rather she proves determined.
She was one of those customers that prefers I deliver her meal personally to her at her house especially when she's not opportuned to make it to the restaurant.
I knocked on her door twice and she opened smiling. She had her armless tank top and a sweat pant.  She was definitely braless. I don't recall ever seeing her wear a bra especially when she's staying indoors. 
 "You're on time as usual. How do you do it?" She asked and I chuckled feeling a bit uncomfortable with the comment.
"Do what?" I pretended as though I had no idea what she was saying. "Meet up with deliveries on time. I called the restaurant thirty minutes ago"
"I love to make my customers happy and I like it when you're happy. I really won't like to you see sad" 
"That's sweet" she bit her lips and i stretched the customer bag labelled "Crown Prime" on it and she collected it from me. 
"Thanks" she answered. 
"Wanna come in for a drink?" She requested and I shook my head. "I'm sorry, I can't. I have somewhere to go"
"A wedding? You look overdressed" She asked and I shook my head then I chuckled.
"Sharon is back and I'll be seeing her today for the first time in four years and I'm so nervous" I explained and she gave a faint smile.
"You must be excited"
"I am. I don't even know what to expect and I'm late already" "You should leave; you don't want to keep the love of your life waiting" she answered and I nodded.
"Thanks" I answered then I breezed over to the venue of the party. There was music playing and there were some faces I've seen before and some that I haven't. 
I saw Tuni with her Mom who's eyes were fixed on me and I wondered why.
Mr Savage had this mixed look glued on his face when he saw me. He wasn't too happy, he was kind of disappointed. Was it because of my folded sleeves? I asked within. 
I've never been a fan of shirts, especially long ones. 
I didn't know why he looked at me that way so I walked close to him.
"Why does you face look like there's poop on my head?" I asked and he laughed, it wasn't his usual hearty laughter so I became worried.
"Are you okay?" I asked and he nodded, I didn't believe him for a second.
"Where's Sharon?" I asked and he pointed towards a direction so I walked towards her.
"Hi" I waved at her and she waved back. "Hi" she answered with a smile and my heart raced out of control. 
"How have you been?" I asked and she smiled.

Read " Hotel Palava " by the same author ( Essien Eno )

. Was there any need to ask? She looked pretty in her kinky curls and the short white gown she wore. 
 "I've been fine, I've been great" she answered clearing her throat. She was obviously as nervous as i was.
"How has America been treating you. Don't answer, I don't think there's any need answering that. You look amazing"
"Thanks. How has Nigeria been? Don't answer, I guess it's been treating you nicely too. You don't look bad either" She cleared her throat again and I laughed.
"Thanks. But you can't compare Nigeria to America. The sun is still hot"
"It's hot during summer there too"
"Not as hot as it was in Sokoto during my service year" I answered and she laughed.
 "How about the mosquito here? They're terrible!" 
"There are mosquitoes there too"
"I bet they don't have like our mosquitoes there.  I've lost a pint of blood and it wasn't a willing donation" I answered and she laughed.
I've missed her laughing at every of my silly jokes, it felt so nice! My heart didn't stop racing. Mehn was I still very much in love with her.
Tuni walked up to us smiling. "Finally the two love birds collide once again" she exclaimed and I laughed nervously. 
Suddenly a tall guy walked towards us, "There you are!" He yelled, "Finding this place was a bit hard" he said with an American accent.
"Hey babe" he added kissing Sharon on the lip and she pulled back whispering something inaudible to him. "Um.." she cleared her throat, "Felix, meet my best friends Ade and Tuni, guys meet Felix; my fiancee" she introduced and my heart stopped instantly.

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