Palm lines 2 - Episode 10

 

Tuni's POV

It was 3:30 when I walked out of my room, the house fellowship was  scheduled for 5 but I had my own plans. "Where are you going to?" Mom asked and I smiled. 
"I'm going to the Pastor's house" 
"Looking like you're going to seduce him"
"That's the plan" I smiled moving towards the door. 
"Tuni" mom called out my name and I turned towards her.  She had a worried look on her face, "Just don't screw it up" she said and I wondered why she did. 
"Don't screw up what?" 
"The Pastor's anointing" she answered and I chuckled. It didn't sound like that was exactly what she wanted to say.
"Okay.. . Well God is a merciful God. If I tamper with his anointing, God will have refresh" I quoted leaving the house. 
I entered the car, when I started it, the sound was not encouraging. "Seriously?" I asked coming out of the car then I went in to call Dad out to work some magic on it and he did.
"You might need to give that car to a mechanic to check" "Tomorrow's Saturday Daddy. I will" I blew kisses at him and he laughed. 
I drove over to the address Ay sent to me

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

. The house was like one of those ancient Yoruba houses, It was a duplex. I called him to make sure I wasn't knocking at the wrong house.
 "Hey, are you there?" I asked, "I'm at the door of the address you gave, should I knock?" I asked and he laughed. 
"No, push the door down" he answered and i laughed. 
He soon opened the door for me. The look on his face was discouraging. I noticed he gazed at my dress just before letting me in. 
"I see you're early" He added and I smiled. 
I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. The smell of stew filled the whole house. 
"Wait you're cooking?" I asked and he shook his head.
"Not exactly" he answered, "Is that Mummy Ife?" I heard a voice asked and i saw his mom walked in. 
"What is she doing here?" She asked and I suddenly felt uncomfortable with my dress. "What's your mom doing here?" I whispered, "I live here" she answered and I saw another woman come out with Ife. 
I didn't know the question was that loud. "It's a family house"  Ay answered and I shut my eyes in shame. 
"This is where we conduct our house fellowship"  he added. 
"Why are you dressed like an harlot" she asked and I shut my eyes. 
"I can explain"  No I couldn't.
"You have no explanation for this, what kind of dressing is this? Can a human being with parents who are alive dress this way?" 
"Okay Ma I won't let you go that far. Yes my parents are very well alive and yes they saw me leave. It's one thing to tell me the dress isn't good enough, it's another thing to bring my parents into it. I won't condone it!" 
"Come and be going" 
"Fine! I have my own house" I snapped, "No one is going anywhere. I invited her and she's staying" 
"There's no way I'm staying with this rude woman under this roof" 
"That's my mom you're talking to"
"And she just called me an Harlot! And she calls herself a Pastor's wife. I'm more angry than she is" 
"You haven't seen anger" 
"Bye Ma and I hope when you pray that you ask God to forgive you for looking down on a sinner"  I turned my back to leave but I saw the strange lady close the door. 
"No one's leaving this house until we sort this out" 
"She must leave oh" 
"Mummy!" She and Ayo yelled and I rolled my eyes. 
She took Ayo's mom away probably to talk to her. Meanwhile I tried to avoid eye contact with Ayo. I knew he was definitely angry with me.
It's not my fault his mom is a a a pain in the ass. She soon walked up, "Let's change you up into something else. I think I might have one or two things that might size you"  she smiled then we walked the stairs together.
"What's your name?" She asked, "Tuni Reiner" "I'm Janet Washington. You must be wondering who I am" 
"I am" 
"I'm Ayo's sister, the first child out of my father's loins" she chuckled. "You look really mature," "it's complicated, Ayo's mom isn't my real Mom but you really won't know if no one tells you. "I'm the child he had in his youthful days" 
"Wow.. so Pastor fucked before getting married and he was ready to condemn me to hell" I answered and she laughed demonstrating that I keep it down. 
"That was before he was called." 
"What about your real Mom?" 
"She wasn't cut out for responsibilities so she left me with my grandmother; may her soul rest in peace. Mummy Ayo became mother figure in my life"
"I haven't seen you in church" 
"Because I'm married and I just got back from Canada and I just came to spend two weeks with the family here." 
"Seriously?" 
"Yeah." She answered and we both entered Into a room. "How can you have something that I can fit into? We're not exactly the same size"
"I was just like you before I started having kids" she opened a wardrobe then she pulled out a bag. "You were rude to Mom"
 "I know but she provoked me and I'm not a pretender. I had to tell her know how I felt. I dress this way and no one complains, what's her deal?"
"Mom can be a little bit extreme in her belief on what is right or not" 
"A little? She just called me a Ha*lot" "I'm sorry about that. So... are you like Ayo's friend?" She asked and i shrugged. I wasn't sure how to answer the question.
"He invited you?" 
"Yeah" "Did he mention that it was a house fellowship" "Yeah" 
"But you decided to show up early dressed this way, I smell seduction" she guessed and I laughed. Smart!
 "Kind of...like him but he's playing hard to get and it's annoying." 
"Why?"
"He's a man, all men wants one thing, women and s*x" "Ayo has always been uptight" "He's pretending, I'm sure of it, he's too good looking to be good. I usually don't trust handsome men of God" 
"You think Ayo has cockroaches in his cupboard" she said and I nodded. Then we laughed. 
"Well, I don't know for sure but all I can tell you that if there's any righteous man left in the world, it would be Ayo." He answered and I rolled my eyes. 
"Believe me if you like. There are times I wish I can be like him. I wasn't even a virgin when I got married"
"Seriously?" I asked and we both laughed. 
"Dad freaked out when he found out"
"I've always been different" she raised a gown up, "This was my party gown that year. This should do" she added and I couldn't agree more. 
"You should apologize to Mom" she advised then she left me to dress up.
The fellowship began with worship and praise from Ife, then the violent prayers started and I wondered why the devil isn't dead yet from all the prayers. In between the prayers I had to find a place to rest. 
After the intercessory prayer, came Item 6 as a woman who I came to know as Mummy Beeb, a short form of 'Abeebat'. According to her, it was her favorite part of coming for house fellowship.
I soon started off conversation with Janet and her. "Just leave Mummy Ayo alone, she's not as bad as she looks oh. It's just old age that's disturbing her. She doesn't know the latest, she doesn't know that girls now like to wear things that will make them look s*xy" she explained and I laughed.
I couldn't believe my ears. "Mummy Beeb, so you also know sexy" 
"My daughters will say no dulling and I also share in their philosophy" she answered and I laughed. 
All these while, Ife's eyes were focused on me.
 "Are you looking at her?" Mummy Beeb asked and I nodded. "Madam S.U, that's how she acts and looks down on everyone like as if she's the only saint on this Earth because she's a virgin. My daughters are not virgins but they're far better than her" 
"Just because she's a virgin doesn't mean she has to be uptight. I keep telling her every time"  Janet added. "How long have you known her?"
"Since she was a teenager"
"Well she's the reason my daughters left the choir. Now she's acting like a boss because Ayo asked her out." Mummy Been revealed and I opened my mouth in awe.
"What?" I asked, I never knew they were dating. 
"You didn't know?" Janet asked and I scoffed. Damn was I so angry!
"Since when" 
"It started this week" Janet
"Ayo is a prophet of the Lord but I'll have to say this no offense to anyone, but this time I just have to say this, he definitely didn't hear from God on this one" Mummy Been finally added and we all looked at Ife. 
Just when I noticed Ayo's mom walk into the kitchen, Janet signalled that I meet her and I did. She dropped some plates in the sink, "I'm not a harlot," I began and she turned to me. "I don't go around having sex with people that aren't my boyfriend" I began then I gave it a second thought.
"Okay fine, I have on two occasions" I confessee and she rolled her eyes. I was already losing my point.
"I'm sorry for speaking rudely to you" I apologized. 
"I really don't know why you hate me so much cause I've never done anything wrong to you."
 "I don't hate you, I just don't like the sinner in you. Would it kill you to dress decently? We all know you have pretty legs but do you have to show it out for the whole world to see?" She asked and I smiled.
"Is that a compliment?" I asked and she scoffed. 
"You know my point" 
"Thank you for the advice Ma but I only came to apologise" I unconsciously dipped my hands into the pocket of the gown. I didn't even realize the gown had pockets.
Ayo's mom left and Ife walked in dropping her plate along with another. I guess it was Ayo's. "Can we talk?" She asked and I shook my head. 
"Sorry, is there water boiling in my ears or you jusy said you want to talk to me"
"I know what you want oh ye daughter of Jezebel but I cast and bind you cause Ayo is mine and mine alone" "Why does that feel like a warning? And why do you feel threatened by me?" 
"It's not a warning and I'm not threatened cause I already won. Very soon we'll be engaged and married" 
"Why are you telling me?"
"Can't you see that he doesn't like you? His parents likes me, they chose me. If you know what's good for you, you'll" suddenly I noticed her act funny. 
"You'll have to wash the plate with the available soap here. There's no liquid soap" she answered and I almost scoffed when I turned back to see Ayo. 
Pretensious b*tch! 
"Can you leave sister Tuni and I alone?" He requested and she walked out and I shook my head. 
There was a brief silence, "I'm sorry" I apologized, "I shouldn't have called your mom rude" "She shouldn't have called you a harlot too" 
"I thought you were angry" 
"Not exactly" he smiled, "Thanks for coming"
"Yeah, remind me never to come back again. One of my prayer partners almost broke my arm" I complained and he laughed. 
"You didn't tell me you were engaged to Ife" "I'm not engaged to Ife, I'm courting her" 
"What's the difference" 
"The wedding date has not be set yet," "Yet so there's going to be a wedding date" 
courting is not a mandatory effect that results to marriage. It's just a prerequisite" he answered and I smiled. 
"Well you didn't tell me you were an actress too" 
"How did you find out?"
"A little birdie told me" 
"A little birdie called ife I guess"  I retorted and he cleared his throat. I knew the truth was not far from that.
"She just told me a while ago. I knew the name was familiar" "How did she tell you? Let me guess, how did she put it? Can you believe she's an actress in the secular world? She shouldn't even be in church" I paused and then I scoffed.
"I better leave before your jealous girlfriend eats me raw" I chipped in then I went into the car where I drove off. 
I haven't gotten far when my car broke down, I started it severallly all to no avail. 
I called Ayo almost immediately. "Are you home already? That's quick" he answered. I could hear the shower running from the other end. He was definitely taking his bathe, the sound stopped. 
"My car just broke down and it's late. Bottom line is that I'm scared and I just want to get the hell out of here" I complained. 
"Where are you?" 
"Should I remind you that I don't know shit about this place." 
"Its Lagos just calm down Tuni, there has to be something" 
I looked around and I saw a post office sign post. 
"There's this post office post but there's no building signifying that it's a post office. I'm in a T-junction and I've acted a lot of Yoruba movies to know what happens in T junctions"
"Don't be scared. We're the sons of God, we have more authority than darkness" "Easy for you to say, you're the anointed Pastor and I'm... I don't even know what I am in the body of Christ"
"Don't be scared, if you see any ghost or scary women in black dresses and red scarf. Rebuke them in the name of Jesus"
"Oh screw you!" I snapped, "Now I'm scared"
"You're at the former post office road. I'll meet be there in a bit" he promised. 
"But you're obviously bathing"
"I'm done. I'll be there"
After fifteen minutes, he arrived in his car with a guy he called Wasiu. "Thank God!" I sighed on seeing him. 
"What happened?" He pointed to the car, "It just stopped and when I tried to make it start, it just went dead" 
He soon opened the bonnet then he gave instruction for Wasiu to go in and start the car. 
He did and the engine roared weakly, it sounded more like it a continous cough.
"I'll take it to the mechanic shop tomorrow and Dad already told me to have the car checked out already."
"I'll have it checked out" he answered and I shook my head. 
"No need"
"The problem is with the battery and I'll have it checked out at the shop tomorrow. You're welcome, stop forming Miss independent, it doesn't suit you" 
"You're a mechanic?" I asked and he laughed closing the bonnet
"You say it like it's a bad thing" 
"Not exactly. You don't look like  a mechanic" 
"How do mechanic look like?" He asked and I pointed to Wasiu. "They look like Wasiu here with extreme tribal marks and poor English." I moved closer to him and he laughed. 
I noticed Wasiu laughed too. "You haven't even heard him speak" he answered and I smiled.
"They're not hot and attractive as you are" I bit my lips and he chuckled raising his car keys up. 
"I'll drive you home, Wasiu will get help to move your car to the shop, I'll have them attended to and I'll send them back to you. 

It was a long drive home because of the traffic, I wasn't bothered, I was really enjoying Ayo's company.  "I studied mechanical engineering in the Obafemi Awolowo University. I was one of the best graduating student that year." He gave a proud smile.
"I had a passion for being a mechanic, repairing stuffs. It's just who I am. I've been doing it since I was young and I continue in that line"
"I get it. Like you're so sure it's  what fate wants for you.  I totally understand. I went to a private University, I never really passed jamb so Dad took me to a private University where I studied theater art. I had my first stage play and then it occurred to me that this is my passion." 
"You virtually kiss every guy in every movie"
"I smell judgement day around the corner" I said and he laughed. "You're judging me right now" 

"I'm sorry but ....it's just.... How do you cope with it?" "It means nothing to me when I do it, it's called acting. It's what I do, I act a lot" 
"How about our discussions, let me guess, you're acting too" he asked and I shook my head. "No. It's real, our conversation right from the start has been real, there's never a boring moment with you enough for me to act. I've always been myself and you've never looked down on me as sinner" We looked at each other for a while then he looked away. 
"I'll be twenty four years in two weeks on the 25th of this month" I announced and he smiled. "I'll put that in mind" "When's your birthday?"
"First of January" he answered, "I'll put it in mind for next year" I answered and he laughed.
"Send me the bills for the car later" 
"It'll be on me" he answered and I disagreed, i insisted on paying but he found a way to convince me. "Just see it as a early birthday gift" he answered and I smiled.
"Thanks" 
Ayo dropped me off at the house. Mom got out after I came out of the car. "Tuni" she called out, "Good evening Mom" i greeted and he stepped out of the car.
"Good evening Ma" he bowed and she moved closer to him. "Good evening dear. I was about to get some provisions around the corner.  I guess your car got spoilt" she guessed and I nodded. 
"Where's it?" 
"Ayo said he'll take it to his shop to have it repaired" 
 "That's nice of you dear. Is he the Pastor?" She smiled and I nodded, I didn't know why mom had to ask in front of him. It'll only make it look like I speak about him a lot.
"Wait... You know about me?" He asked rather surprised and I chuckled embarrassingly. "She talks about you everytime" She answered and I scoffed. "I don't talk about you every time" I argued and he laughed. 
"It's nice meeting you Mam" 
"Nice meeting you too" she stretched her hands at him and I rushed in front to pushed mom's hands away. 
"What are you doing?" I asked coming in between them and Mom folded her hands. 
"What does it look like? I was going for a hand shake"
"Don't touch his hands" I turned back at Ayo. "Whatever you do don't touch her hands." I warned.
"Why?" He asked looking strangely at me, "You know what? I think you should leave. Thank you for dropping me off. Goodnight" 

The following morning was Sharon's live interview. I tuned in to the channel to entertain City then I crossed my legs ready to watch the Savage family interview. 
Just before it began, Mom sat on the couch with me and I looked at her in guilt. "I'm sorry about the way I reacted yesterday. You know how I hate you reading my friend's palm"
"I just wanted to have a shake with him so see if he's a good person. It would have been an innocent handshake"
Sharon's response about spending more time in the country made my day. "Mom you've checked into Sharon's life right?" I asked and she rose up. 
"Will she end up with Ade or some other guy?" I asked and she laughed hysterically. 
"I thought you didn't like me reading your friends palm" she added leaving. "Mom it's unfair!"
"Let it be unfair" she answered and i rolled my eyes.

Ade's POV

After Sharon left I was convinced that maybe we were not meant to be.

Read " The Picnic " by the same author ( Essien Eno )

. Maybe I needed to try this relationship thing with someone else; with Shirley. 
I called Shirley up after I got home. "Hey" I began, "Hey, I'm kind of in the middle of an impromtu photoshoot. I'll call you back when I'm done"  she promised but she didn't. 
I guess she forgot.
I heard a knock the following morning and I rushed to open it only to find Shirley on a knee-length pink flower-patterned chiffon gown on. 
"I'm sorry for not returning your calls, I was too tired to call. These celebrities and their problems. Urgh! Most time is hate being recommended for their shoot. It's a curse. What was the emmergency?" She asked and i laughed nervously.
"Why would you call it an emmergency?" 
"Cause in this one sided love I have for you, I'm the only caller. " 
"Now you're making me feel guilty" "It's okay. I'm used to it" she answered and I let her in. "I was getting ready for work but I need to let you know about this, I've been thinking of since yesterday" I paused to take a deep breath.
"Maybe Sharon's not my destiny, maybe I'm not destined to be with her and maybe I'm meant to be with someone else, Shirley I'm willing to give us a try. I don't know how it's going to be" I didn't complete my sentence when she placed her palm against my cheeks then she pressed her lips against mine and I kissed her back. 
"Yes" she replied, "Yes I'll be your girlfriend and I promise to be better than Sharon, I promise to give you my whole heart and I promise to put you first in all I do" she promised and we resumed kissing. 
I wasn't sure if I was making the right decision but  it was the only available option on ground rather than waste time waiting for a woman that might never love me the way I do.