Palm lines 2 - Episode 15

 

Tuni's POV

I didn't go for Bible Study. I didn't even feel like it. It kept a hole in my heart and Mom kept on asking if I wouldn't go but I stayed back and I got over the guilt by watching movies with Mom and Dad.
I had calls troop in from Ayo but I ignored them. Mummy Beeb called afterwards and I picked up. "Good evening Ma" I greeted then I heard her talking to someone else.
"Ma" I called her attention, "Sorry dear, service just ended and I couldn't help but wonder why you didn't show up"
"I wasn't feeling too happy to come"
"Ehya, you could have come whatever the problem was.  Pastor Ayo was in the realm of the prophetic this evening, he could have prayed for you"
"Thanks . I won't miss next week's own"
"Pastor Ayo announced that tomorrow will be your birthday and we as the church should therefore show love so here I am wishing you a happy birthday in advance"
"Thank you Ma" My heart melt in joy. I never expected it.
"Cause I might forget tomorrow therefore I wish you many more years of Joy, abundance and peace maybe God visit you with a good husband"
"I'm 24 Ma"
"So in your mind you're too young. Just say Amen jhoor" 
"Amen" I smiled.
"Will there be a party?" She asked and I nodded

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

. "Yes Ma'am, it'll be at a club though, old women are invited too" I teased and she laughed.
"Have a splendid birthday and a good night sleep." she wished  then she hung up.
"Birthday calls already? Who was that?" Mom asked, "A church member, Ayo told everyone tomorrow's my birthday" 
"Awwwwn that's sweet. The same Ayo whose call you've been ignoring" mom replied. I didn't even know she had been observing me.
"Well, I'm angry at him for leading me on. Daddy this guy played me for a fool, all those while I thought I was playing him, I mean I attended all church programs , heck I was even made welfare president; I never knew the guy was the main player. I hate him so much"
"Why am I getting the vibe that you like him?" Dad asked and I rolled my eyes. "I just said I hate him" 
"Your lips are saying something but your heart doesn't agree" he answered and I wondered when he started reading minds. 
"I don't.  The world is not bankrupt of guys. If I want one, I know where to meet them"
 The following day, I received calls that made by day, calls from church members, friends and family but there was one particular call I refused answering; Ayo's call.
Mom entered into the room, blind-folded me with her palm then led me into the sitting room. She opened my eyes and I saw Sharon, Ade along with Sam, Joshua, Sera and Tammy.
Sharon held a cake with burning candles.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you Tuni, happy birthday to you" Everyone sang and I smiled.
"Oh my Gosh" I covered my mouth and then I hugged mom and then I hugged Sharon from behind and she laughed.
"Happy birthday dear" Ade hugged me and I smiled. "Where's my gift?" I asked and he dipped his hands into his pocket. 
"I baked the cake with love" "Love kill you there" she answered and Ade picked up a wrapped gift then passed it to me and I blushed.
My love for gifts!
"I thought of what I could give you for your birthday and I decided to give you what will help you in years to come" he answered and I quickly unwrapped the gift. 
It was a cook book. 
"Seriously?" I asked and Mom and Dad laughed. "That's cruel" Sharon commented dropping the cake. 
 "This is me trying to be nice Tuni. There's no nice way to say it. You're a horrible cook and you have to learn,  you're really horrible and  the gift comes with three months training for free"
"Thanks and no thanks" I answered and he laughed.
"I can't believe you guys came" I turned towards Tammie and the kids. "I only came for the cake" Sera answered. Everyone laughed and I gasped. "So you didn't come for me" I feigned hurt and she hugged me. 
"Happy birthday Aunt Tuni"
"Come and make a wish" Sharon requested and I knelt down before the cake, "I'm happy everyone is here to make me happy on this day. I wish.."
"You're supposed to say it within" Sharon warned, "It won't work" Sera complained and I chuckled.
I wished above all things, to be happier before the following year. I wished I don't have to feel so empty all the time, I wish for something to fill those emptiness I felt.
I blew the candles and Sera clapped. "Time to eat the cake" 
"She's supposed to cut the cake first" Sam snapped and I chuckled.
"When will we now eat the cake?" 

Sharon informed me they'll be leaving for Benue that day. I felt bad she wouldn't stay to celebrate with me.

*****
The party I threw began by six. I had good music, I had drinks and I was ready to party till I drop. Moji passed me a drink and Stacy collected it from me.   
"No drinking again for you Tuni" 
"Which Kain party pooper be this sef?" Vero asked and I pouted. 
"It's my birthday Stacy"
"It's your birthday but drink responsibly" she warned and then I sighted Joel.
"Excuse me" I left and I moved towards him. 
"You came" I smiled and he nodded. "And I  came bearing gifts" he raised up a gift bag and I smiled.
"Thanks" i answered then I sat down opening it. "Aren't you going to wait" 
"I'm curious to know what a Pastor would get me" I answered and he laughed. I unwrapped a box and I opened it seeing a necklace in it.
It looked really expensive, I never knew he had taste. 
"It's so pretty. Put it on for me" I requested turning back. He wore it around my neck and I smiled looking into his eyes.
"You look pretty" 
"Thanks" I smiled. 
 "Joel?" I heard Ayo's voice and I turned towards him in surprise. I don't expect he'd come to a club.
"What are you doing here?" He asked and I wondered what in the world was happening. How did these two get to know themselves. 
I know it's a small world we live in but what the hell?
"I came here for her birthday" Joel pointed at me, I noticed Ayo had a gift wrap in his other hand.
"Oh she's the..." Joel stalled and he nodded. She's the what? I suddenly grew curious.
"I guess she's the one you met"  Ayo also guessed and I exhaled.
"What the hell is going on here?" I asked and Joel laughed. 
"You won't believe it. The guy you're angry with, Ayo is my best friend in the world." 
"Wow" I folded my hands looking at Ayo. 
"He's not welcome here"
"Can we talk?" Ayo requested and I shook my head. "No."
"I'm not leaving until we speak. Let's speak somewhere private away from the sound please?" He begged and I walked over to a room far away from the sound. 
"Why are you here?"
"What other reasons? You've been ignoring my calls" 
"That's a cue for I'm still very much angry at you and I don't want to see you or talk to you" 
"I got the message but I just couldn't stay back." 
"Who told you I'll be here?" "Your mom. I went over to your house." 
There was a brief silence, I didn't even know what to do say. I was concerned about the stress he had just gone through. 
"Happy birthday" he smiled  and I shrugged  then he stretched the gift bag to me. 
"Okay because I love gifts not because I've forgiven you" I collected it and he laughed softly.
"You're drunk" he guessed disappointingly.
"I'm not drunk" I rolled my eyes, "What are you going to say? That I'll go to hell?"
"Because it's your birthday I'll save the sermon. I left my Pastor title outside the club" he answered and I chuckled. 
"Don't make me laugh. I'm still angry at you?"
"Remind me Sister Tuni, why?" I hated the fact he just called me Sister Tuni.
"Because.... What happened to leaving your Pastor title outside? Don't call me Sister Tuni"
"Sure... Sorry. Go on"
"Where was I?"
"You were about to tell me why you're still angry at me" 
"Because you used me" 
"And you wanted to seduce me and probably your plans was to leave church afterwards" he revealed and I shrugged.
"Okay... Maybe but it doesn't change the fact you made me attend those church services that weren't convenient for me" 
"My bad Tuni and I apologized for it and I feel guilty for leading you on. I know I have no rights whatever, no reason I give will ever be enough. I'm really sorry" he apologized and I smiled.
"I received calls from the church members. It kind of made my day. Thanks for reminding them, it was sweet"  I answered like a baby and he laughed. 
"Let me open up my present" I added excitedly. I opened it to find a Bible and a note and a pen. I rolled my eyes, First it was Ade now Ayo.
"I noticed you don't use Bible in church" 
"Cause I have my phone" 
"And you don't even write notes in church. Do you even have a pen?" He teased and I pinched him.
I raised the Bible up, "This is big, didn't you see a small Bible? I can't use it" I flipped through some pages.
"My eyes hurt already. What am I supposed to use it for?"
"To find answers to your problems" 
"Is there like a manual for this book? I don't even know where Genesis is" I joked and he laughed. 
"Just check the first book of the new testament" he answered, "Hahaha very funny"  I answered and he smiled. 
"Didn't you see jewelries in the market?"
"The word of God is worth more than silver or gold" "Sounds like something a broke brother will say." 
"Thanks, for coming not for the gift" I answered and he laughed. 
"You complained without even looking into the bag again"  he removed the box then opened it removing a wrist watch. 
"A wrist watch so you don't come to church late anymore and a reminder that rapture can come up anytime." He answered and I laughed. 
"Now you're mocking me" 
"Happy birthday. I missed you in church... I meant I missed your presence on Tuesday"
"It was empty without you... I meant empty without being there in church with you... And everyone" I answered then I cleared my throat. 
"You understand what I mean."
"Sure.. sure. I do" he answered and I hugged him.
"Thanks" I pulled back and we both look at each other and I swear I felt a force pull us together.
I moved my lips close to his, my heart beat faster as my lips grew close to his, was this happening for real? I asked and he seemed so keen to kiss. Suddenly he pulled back. 
"Is it just me or ... You wanted to kiss me as badly as I wanted to?" I asked and he stood still. He had this look like he wanted to cry.
"I don't know" 
"I like you" I confessed.
"I'm not a liar, I'm all but a liar and I just realized I might really  like you."
"I'm sorry" He apologized leaving and I sat on the floor in tears. I felt stupid again. I suddenly began to sob.
"Tuni!" I heard Joel call out and I cleaned my tears. 
"What happened?" He asked, "I just felt dizzy" I lied and he pulled me up and then I wrapped my hands around him, "You know what? Screw it!" I muttered and I saw confusion spread across his face then I kissed Joel on the lip.

Ayo's POV

After Tuni walked away from my house, I felt nothing but guilt. Guilt for leading her on till now, she wasn't wrong about those things she said about me. I felt bad.
I called her severally but she didn't pick up her calls"
Two days later on Sunday, I tried to get her attention after service but she snapped at me. She cried and I honestly felt hurt. I went back home really sad. 
"Are you okay?" Charity asked and I gave a slight nod. 
"I doubt. Are you sick?" She placed her hands on my neck. 
"I'm fine. I just need some time to think things through" 
"Can't you talk to me? I'm supposed to be your wife-to-be, not withold anything from me"
"I'm fine Charity. I'll need fine" I answered. 

The following day, Dad requested my presence and I walked into his room; Mom was in there too. She stopped talking the moment she saw me. I knew she was definitely talking about me.
"Leave us alone"
"I want to hear what's wrong with him and you're telling  to leave the two of you"
"Woman!" Dad called out and she looked away. 
"You better open up let someone know what's happening to you" she said to me just before leaving the room. 
For some reason, they thought I was sick. I didn't even know what was really wrong with me. 
"What is it? Your mom is really worried. You didn't eat all through yesterday. We're you fasting?" He asked and I shook my head.
"And you didn't turn it into a fast?" He busted in Yoruba and I laughed.
"I just needed time to think"
"About what?" He asked, "Tuni?" He asked and I nodded. 
"She tried to seduce me on Friday but I told her that I knew of her seduction plan and she got really angry at me for it and I feel guilty cause I lead her on" 
"Why does it bother you to the point of not eating?"
"That's what I don't know."
"Or you know it perhaps your pretending not to." Dad answered and I scoffed.
"It can't be possible, I can't afford to like her. I'm a Pastor and she's far from what a Pastor's wife should be. Dad I'm confused, the more I try to pull away, the more it looks as though in sinking in the more" i muttered in tears. 
"I don't know what to do, I just want guidance on the right thing to do"
"I'll advise you pray and try not to fall into temptation"
It was youth week and Tuni didn't show up for Bible study It must have been good news in the eyes of Charity but it made me feel even more uneasy.
On the evening of her birthday, I bought Tuni the best birthday gift one could ever ask for; a Bible then I bought her a notebook and a pen since she never takes note during sermon.
 Then I went to a jewelry story and I got inspired to get her a wrist watch. 
I drove over to her house and her Mom redirected me to a club. I didn't want to go because of appearance of evil but I knew I had to.
The shock on my face when I saw Joel there with Tuni. Joel and I had been talking ever since he got back from Enugu.
It finally made sense, the girl he's been talking about was no other than Tuni.
I requested to speak to her alone and away from the loud party music so we went over to a spot, i didn't even know how to describe the place, apparently it wasn't her first time being there. 
There was no one there and the music had reduced a bit so it was okay for me.
I apologized to Tuni and she finally forgave me, even though she made it look like it wasn't forgiveness then I presented my gift to her.
"Let me open up my present" she added, she seemed overly excited about it. 
She opened it then brought out a Bible, a note and a pen.
 She rolled her eyes.
"I noticed you don't use Bible in church" 
"Cause I have my phone" 
"And you don't even write notes in church. Do you even have a pen?" I teased and she pinched me.
I raised the Bible up, "This is big, didn't you see a small Bible? I can't use it" I flipped through some pages.
"My eyes hurt already. What am I supposed to use it for?"
"To find answers to your problems" 
"Is there like a manual for this book? I don't even know where Genesis is" she joked and i laughed. 
"Just check the first book of the new testament" i teased, "Hahaha very funny"  she answered and i smiled. 
"Didn't you see jewelries in the market?"
"The word of God is worth more than silver or gold" "Sounds like something a broke brother will say." 
"Thanks, for coming not for the gift" she answered and i laughed. 
"You complained without even looking into the bag again"  I removed the box and the wrist watch. "A wrist watch so you don't come to church late anymore and a reminder that rapture can come up anytime." 
After a while, the atmosphere became tensed between I and Tuni. While her lips hovered around mine, I was so much tempted to kiss her but then I remembered Charity and how wrong it would be to commit such atrocity. 
I pulled back.
"Is it just me or you wanted to kiss me as badly as I wanted to " she asked and deep down I was screaming "Yes!"
"I don't know" I answered.
"I like you" she confessed and I believed her, at least this time was believable than the first. "I'm not a liar, I'm all but a liar and I just realized I might really like you?" She paused and I rolled my eyes. 
"I'm sorry" i apologized then I left. 
I went out to the car and tears trickled down my eyes. Then it dawned on me, the truth I've been running away from. 
I was in love with her. 
 I went back to the house and Janet folded her hands immediately she opened the door. "What's up with you? You've been sad, except when you're preaching.

Read " Dysfunctional " by the same author ( Essien Eno )

. You need to cheer up. What's wrong?" 
I looked around, "Where's everyone?"  "They all went to church for emmergency prayer meeting"
"Someone's sick and Dad went there to pray along with Mom. You can open up to me" 
"I think I might be in love with Tuni" I answered and she nodded. 
"I've always felt it right from the first day she walked right into the house. Why are you sad about it? She's not a bad person. She's straight forward unlike that hypocrite you're courting."
"What will people say about a Pastor dating someone like her. She's not even changing"
"Mom said the first she walked in, she walked in with a short gown. I'm pretty sure she didn't even possess a long gown but she's trying because of you. She likes you too. You can influence her positively. Give her a try, there's nothing in life that isn't worth trying. I think it's high time you leave Ife and focus on what you want and I'm not saying it because I don't like her, I think you should stop for a second to stop caring about what people say and start listening to what God has to say about this"