Palm lines 2 - Episode 22

 

Ayo's POV
I had a order from a customer who needed chicken salad. One of my favorite Continental meals, I diced onions laying it carefully on the plate for good presentation. "They're waiting!" Erether rolled her eyes and I laughed.
"Presentation is key" I answered and she placed it on the plate and I moved to the next  order while Junior a new apprentice watched in wonder. 
"Mehn I salute your ministry" he commented and I laughed.
 "Don't salute anything, just watch and learn" I answered then I pointed at an irish potato, "Peel those" 
"To keep me busy or because you really need it?" He asked and I glared at him. "I'm already on it" he picked the potatoes up and I restrained myself from laughing. 
She walked in afterwards, ""The lady at table 5 wants to see you"  she announced and I rolled my eyes.
"Seriously?"
"Yes" she smiled.
"All these female customers and their crushes" I complained  and she laughed . "Watch the ajdk don't let it get too soft. I'll be back" I said to one of my workers and she gave a gentle nod.  
I went out of the kitchen to the main restaurant and I saw my ex- step sister, Lara at table 5.
I scoffed just before meeting her. "Hello brother" she greeted and I sat down on the chair

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

. "What are you doing here?" I asked and she frowned. 
"Is that a way to talk to your sister" "What do you want? I don't think I've heard from you since this year began" 
"True and I'm sorry but I've got a lot on my plate, having to take care of Dad's company is really heavy on me being a woman. You could have been a better administrator if you weren't so stubborn"
"Repeating the same class every year, that wasn't a life"
"I lived that life"
"All Dennis wanted was for us to grow competitive" "Because we live in a competitive world. The world market is competitive, every damn business is competitive."
"It wasn't the right way"
"True. Trust me Ade, there were moments when I wished I could have ran away just like you did but.. I have to admit it, I'm not you. You're different, you've always been different" 
"Why are you here?" 
"Dad wants to see you" she answered and I scoffed, "You're joking"
"I don't joke Ade, you know that very well. Dad wants to see you and I suggest you come"
"Help me give Dennis a message, tell him I no longer take orders from him"
"Ade"
"Thank you for stopping by sis, I'm sorry it couldn't end in a good way." I apologized leaving, "Ade!" She yelled and I walked away without looking back.
*****
"Lara stopped by at the restaurant" 
"What did she want?" She asked, "Dennis wants to see me"
"Why would he want to see you?" She asked and I shrugged. "She didn't say"
"Now I'm tempted to pick the idiot's call. I'm curious, what could be so important that would make him want to see you?" She asked and I shrugged.
"Maybe he's dying" she guessed and I laughed. 
"So when do I get to meet your second or third parents? I meant Sharon's parents. I really want to show my appreciation for all they did for you in my selfish absence" she asked and I shrugged. 
"How about tomorrow?"
"No! I don't want to clash with Felix or his parents" 
"Oh" she paused and I nodded. 
"Yes, oh" 
"You can give me an address though"

Ishola, Dennis's third child came in the following day, I was never informed that she was pregnant, she was probably five months gone.
 "Hey dear" she waved at me, "If you're here to tell me Dennis needs me, you're only wasting your time. Don't even bother" 
"At least I tried my best" she shrugged. She took her seat then picked up the menu on the table.
"I'll have a plate of fried rice, alongside moimoi and salad, no cream please, it nauseates me, except you want to pack vomit all over. Lest I forget, and Chicken too" she smiled and I looked at her in shock. 
"It's for the baby" she answered and we both laughed.
"But Dad needs to see you" she added, "I'll go get your order"
***
The following day, I heard a knock on the door while I had my bathe so I yelled for Mom to get it. I got out in towel to see Dennis he had a cane in his hand. "Good day Son" he greeted and I scoffed. 
"You have no right to call me that name" 
"And she does?" He snapped and mom scoffed too. 
"She's just as guilty as I am" he added and Mom nodded her head in agreement.
"Maybe a little bit, I wasn't the one with the strict rules" she snapped,  "It was to prepare him for the world. The world is a scary place Franca, a scary place and it's only for the strong"
"Training your children like they were militants shouldn't have being the only way. There were other ways you could have achieved things" Mom argued and he laughed.
"I don't recall you saying anything about it, you didn't even complain, not until you left"
"Well I was blinded by your wealth and I failed to see my child's need."
"What are you doing here Dennis"
"What happened to Dad"
"You lost the title many years ago. I'll repeat it once again, what are you doing here?" I asked and he laughed.
"Well if the mountain doesn't come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain. I sent your sisters to get you" 
"I got your message"
"But you refused"
"I don't take orders from you any longer" 
"I got your message too" he answered laughing.
"Let's go to the house, we can speak better there" "I'm not going anywhere" 
"Ade"
"I think you've overstayed your welcome, I opened the door, "Please leave" I begged and he chuckled. 
"I know you're angry"
"You have no idea how angry I feel right now and it's high you leave before I do something stupid" 
Shirley got back from her shoot, Mom finally got to meet her and they spoke to each other in the room about things that I had no idea of. 
I noticed she suddenly felt sober, "What did you guys discuss on?" I asked and she shrugged.
"Women things" she answered removing a brown envelope from her bag. 
"What's this"
"All you need to know about Sharon's boyfriend, Felix, second name Wayne, last name Daniels" She answered and I collected the envelope then I brought out print outs. 
"A police friend of mine emailed it to me"
"He's the same age with me" I commented and she chuckled. While I went through pictures, what I stumbled upon shocked me to my bones. 
"The same look I had on when I saw it too" Shirley answered and I exhaled totally confused.

Erika's POV
Felix's parents flew in from America and then we planned dinner at the house so we made preparations.
The parents were black Americans; one of those black Americans with lighter complexion, like the Queen Latifah complexion. 
They walked into our home with smiles on their faces. While we got to chat, I realized they weren't as bad as I thought they would be. 
***
"I'm bless the day our son met your daughter." She told me after the dinner and I chuckled nervously. I wish I could say the same.
"Felix has always been bad with choices of girlfriends" she added, "You dont say" 
"The first one was a disaster, a total nutcase. I thought he would never get over the crazy girl cause they've been together  for years then he got close to another but she died. Girl committed suicide"
"You don't say"
"It was horrible. God bless the day he met Sharon, it's was real love and I'm glad they finally made a decision to seal this love under a divine arrangement" 
The best part of the night was that Tasha wasn't there, I was pretty sure she would have said stupid things. 

****
"It was so hard to chastise them or act badly towards them" I complained to Mrs Reiner and she laughed.
"I don't know what's going to happen and I don't know what's good for Sharon. I don't want her entering into something she'll regret for life. Marriage is a lifetime deal and I wish her all the happiness a mother can wish a child" tears poured down from my eyes and I cleaned them off.
"I feel it in my guts, I don't know why but I feel it in my guts that there's something wrong about that Felix but I can't place my hands upon it" I cried and she shrugged. 
"Just wait, in time everything would unwrap itself" 
"How long?" I complained. 
"Can't you go and warn Sharon"
"I'm not doing anything about it if that's what you want Erika. I'm not going to force myself to touch their hands and warn them. Everything will come in place and due time. I trust so" 
"The wedding has been moved and it's in two weeks and should I remind you that the parents are here" I cried and she held my hands looking at it.
"Tasha's gone right? Will everything still be okay?" I asked and she smiled. 
"I see you in pains"
"I don't understand" 
"You'll cry" she added without compassion and I grew scared. 
"I see you crying your eyes out, you'll be tested, the peace of your home will be tested," 
"I'm lost"
"Don't be scared Erika, you'll overcome because you're a strong woman. In due time, everything will be better, I see you smiling, I see celebration upon celebration" 
"Sharon's wedding" I muttered and she laughed.
"Things will turn bad at first but will get better depending on how well you handle it" she added. 

Tuniola's POV

After my date with Joel, I woke up the following morning confused on what  decision to  make. I had crazy thoughts cross through my mind. 
What if Joel is better in bed than Ayo? I won't be able to handle a one minute man. I rolled my eyes.
Ayo haven't had s*x in years so he's definitely lacking, what if he doesn't make me feel as good I would want him to. I mean Joel on the other hand Is experienced I not my lips then I scoffed
A lot of what ifs,  
and a leading In my spirit. A lot of what ifs crossed my mind then I remembered what mom said when I had doubts about Sharon.

I knelt down Immediately and I placed my hands on the bed. "Lord I've been having dirty thoughts and I'm sorry. I know the race is not easy but I need strength, Lord I need your guidance in my relationship. I don't want to make the wrong choice. I want you to show me who I'm meant to be with. I'll neither eat food or drink a thing unless you give a sign. Fine I might get lean cause I need strength for the shoot but it's your word that made it clear to me that, It's your word that made it clear to me that whatsoever you ask for in my name, that you will do.  Lord if it's your will as you told Pastor Festus, if it's your will for me to preach your word. Show me a sign" I begged and I continued weeping.
On the morning of Mr Feso and Ify's wedding, mom begged me to eat before leaving but I didn't. "You're slowly killing yourself, you haven't eaten"
"I'm fine mom. The Lord is my strength" I answered and she rolled her eyes. "At least eat fruit, I have Oranges in the kitchen" 
"Mom I'm fine" I answered and then I heard a knock on the door. "That must be Sharon" 
We both went over to the house along with Sharon. I didn't want to since Aunty Ify was still angry with me for what I did.
I waited in the sitting room with Kasi while Sharon went in to see her. After all was ready, I stood by the door and then I observed Aunty Ify was in her robe, with Mrs Erika, Aunty Kechi; Dorcas, and Vera who were already dressed up.
I entered and she turned towards me with a blank expression on her face. 
"Let's leave these two together" Mrs Erika suggested and everyone left. 
"You look beautiful" I commented and she smiled. 
"Thanks. Dorcas did the make up so I didn't expect anything less"
"Aunty Ify"
"Don't aunty Ify me"
"It's your wedding day oh, don't frown too much. We want a happy Bride oh" I teased and still put up the serious look.
"I'm sorry about what I did. I know it was immature of me but... Can you forgive me?" I begged and she smiled. 
"Well....because it's my wedding, come here" she pulled me close for a hug.
"Old people's wedding" I commented and she laughed pinching me on my belly. "Ouch" I groaned, "Why do you look lean?" She asked and I rolled my eyes.
"Why is everyone saying the same thing?"  "is it the movie?"
"No. I'm fasting"
"Were you being sarcastic or you're being serious?" She asked and I smiled.
"I'm as real as your pregnancy Serah,  I'm fasting" I answered and she slapped my arm. "You will not fast so that God will deliver your mouth from being so serpentine" she snapped and then she smiled. 
"I feel like I'm talking to a different Tuni"
"It's a new me and you'll be seeing this side of me for a very long time. Do you like it?"
"I wish this part of you was available before Kasi got pregnant" she answered and I felt bad. "I wish I can turn back the hands of time"
"I'm trying to adjust to the development, you don't have to feel too guilty about it. I'm at fault too. Sorry I took it the other way round and arresting your brother was way overboard and I already apologized to your mom"
"It's okay Ma" I answered and I hugged her.
"Let me not ruin your clothes with my make up oh" she yelled and I laughed.

After the wedding, I went back home tired. The fasting was taking a toll on me but I was willing to continue. 
On Saturday made the fast seven days. I expected some kind of revelation, maybe a dream or so but there was nothing.
 My phone rang, I glanced at it and I saw it was Joel.

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

. I thought maybe this was a sign from God; maybe who I'm destined to be with is tied to who calls me first.
"Good morning" I picked up the phone, "Good morning Tuni" he answered, his voice wasn't as chirpy as usual. 
"Are you okay?" I asked, "No I'm not Tuni, I don't think we can do this anymore. It can't work between the two of us, I'm sorry" he apologized and I chuckled faintly.
"It's okay. It's fine"
"Thank you for understanding. Have a nice day" he added then he hung up. 
A message came in from Ayo and it read, "Good morning, compound cleaning by 9. Do show up if you're not busy" he added and I smiled.
I was almost like a miracle. I looked up and I shut my eyes in tears, I finally knew who I was destined to be with. 
I stood from the bed directly into the kitchen. I found mom in the kitchen pouring water from a cup into the electric kettle.
"Is there anything to eat? I'm so hungry!" I exclaimed and she laughed. 
"What finally changed your mind?" She asked and i stretched my hands at her. She looked at me in shock and I laughed. 
She hesitated then she finally held my hands looking into my palms. "It's Ayo" I answered in tears and she agreed with a nod.
"Oh my baby girl" she muttered then I hugged her busting into tears. 
"My princess is going to be a Pastor's wife. You'll do excellently well my love" she answered. "I'm so proud of you" she kissed me on my forehead and Dad walked in. 
"What going on?" He asked and we both turned to him laughing. 
"Our daughter is going to make us proud" Mom answered and I laughed.