Chapter Seven

   Chapter Seven

It was finally Saturday! Oh what a feeling! 

No work, just chores.. Ugh. 

"Wait for it... In three, two, one.... "

"Tolani!!,Titilola!!" Mum screamed our names simultaneously. 

The countdown was me waiting for that call along with Laila. Mummy couldn't sit with the fact that we did not have anything doing, as we had finished up our chores for the morning. For the record, it is typical of Nigerian mothers to dig up house chores at the slightest hint of inactivity from her children. 

Trust me it's exhausting to have her around. 

"Coming mummy!" Laila yelled pulling me along with her, down the stairs. 

#Sister goals, I know right!

"Ehen, it's good you're here" Mom said, "I just fixed an appointment with the person who'll design your dress, she said she'll be here or if she can't make it, we'd have to meet her up next Thursday, so you might have to leave work earlier than usual that day, I might have to call your bosses" Mum gushed in a calculative manner, using her fingers probably to place more emphasis on what was being said. Her well manicured nails caught my eye. 

Chai I'm jealous, this woman no wan old

I made a mental note to visit the spa with the girls to get my manicure done later.

"Okay, mummy we've heard you, Lola must be here for everything, cause she's next" Laila said with a mischievous smirk. 

She just has to rub it in that I'm single. 

Be that as it may, situation?! very critical, I'm single to stupor! 

I gave her a playful glare, mum giggled and the perpetrator of the cause of my embarrassment laughed like a hyena. 

I'm so going to kill her. 

"Lola relax, we'll find a suitable groom for you, since you want to follow the footsteps of your sister" My mom said that in the middle of laughter but I could tell she was serious. My eyes went wide immediately. 

"No o, I'll find my groom by myself, thank you very much" I said almost rolling my eyes but I knew better than to do that in front of my mum. 

"We'll see about that Lola, we'll see" She said in a calm tone, slowly assessing me before putting on her glasses and turning to her phone. 

Weird right?

My sister and I took that as our cue to leave, after telling her about the outing with Tana later on. 

Up in my room, I couldn't help but ponder on my mom's weird statements. 

"You're thinking of what she said" Laila said in a matter-of-fact tone. 

Why does she know me so well? 

"Well...?" She asked when I was hesitant

"Okay fine, I'm worried they're going to arrange my marriage like they did yours" I blurted whilst closing my eyes and opening them slowly. I thought she'd be mad at me but then she smiled 

"Then go get a boyfriend before they do that" She shrugged

"You make it sound like it's so easy" I pouted. 

"I didn't say it is, but you have to, unless you want to get hitched with a guy you barely know"

"Says the person that was single to stupor" I muttered but of course she heard me. 

"Be sharping mouth there o, at least I've dated a few guys but you've never had a boyfriend in your entire life"

Savage me!

I held my chest with a gasp, feigning hurt. 

"Ouch, Laila"  I whined cleaning fake tears 

"That one enter, chai!" 

I quickly turned to the very familiar voice behind me. 

"Tana, even you?!" I pouted, shaking my head in mock disappointment

"The truth is bitter" She laughed again, giving Laila a high five. 

"I'll have my revenge on you two" I warned playfully as they both kept on laughing at my plight. 

"How far nau?" Tana finally asked after having her fill. 

"We just dey o" I replied with a sigh 

"How's work?" I asked and she just shrugged, going on to narrate her ordeal with her new employee, a fresh graduate blessed with the spirit of clumsiness. We had a good laugh at the last statement. 

We all chattered about random stuff before heading out to the mall. 

Trust us babes to slay, I stepped out in a blue crop top with the inscription 'Queen of the waves', along with black jeans and blue sneakers, with a slick hand bag to go with it. I had my braids tied up in a ponytail, no make up, just a little lip gloss to keep my lips from drying up. 

Laila was dressed up in a peach jumpsuit, with black gladiator heels, they weren't too high though ,her sunglasses laid on top of her head, with her wig which trailed down her back, and a black glossy hand bag. 

And of course Tana, she was sporting a pink mini dress with black sneakers, she had a blonde wig on, which complemented her skin. 

Awon slay mamas 

We all had different taste, I for one liked being simple but classy. But I always did well to slay an outfit for any occasion. 

Biko I'm not bragging, before you people drag me now. 

A movie and a full gallery of pictures and videos later...

We finally decided to have lunch, after Tana aka foodie ate all  the popcorn before we were half through with the movie. 

Long throat wee nor kee dis one 

"So how has the week been na?" Tana asked no one in particular. 

I hummed "Twas interesting sha" 

"Amazing" Laila said with a dreamy look in her eyes. 

Wahala for who no get boo

Tana was puzzled, so I quickly filled her in on the latest happenings. Ranging from Laila's arranged marriage to proper proposal. 

Tana smacked my arm, she was glaring at me. I could tell she was mad at me for not telling her about it ever since. 

"I'm sorry na, I've been so busy and I wanted to tell you about it face to face" I apologized giving her the cutest puppy eyes I could muster

"I hear you" She said with a hiss, still not believing me. She turned to Laila. 

"So Tolani..., you couldn't tell me even when this okoro sister of yours didn't?!"

Just like myself, Tana called Laila by her native name when she was very serious, I could tell she was really disappointed in both of us. 

"I'm sorry Tana, I actually thought Titi would have told you already, I was even surprised when you didn't congratulate me back at the house"

She just had to shift the blame to me, Typical!! 

I face palmed myself inwardly for thinking Laila would cover for me. 

Tana turned to me swiftly with a glare, I gulped, I was sure in trouble this time around. 

"Ehn ehn, Shey it's good Titilola? In fact don't talk to me" She turned away folding her arms, she looked so cute whenever she was angry. 

"I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you, what do you want me to do na?" I said pleadingly

"A big tub of vanilla ice cream would do for now" She said trying to hide her smile. 

"See your mouth, I'll buy it sha, before you carry my case to your coven this night" I said laughing

"You know how we dey run am na, you're my partner in witchcraft" She said with an accent that I couldn't decipher. 

Crazy child

We all laughed heartily, then I decided to talk about my own week. 

"My dear, my week was quite eventful"

I smiled a little while saying that, the thought of Tunji crossed my mind so I just went on to tell them about him earning squeals from both of them and also a few stares from the people around us. 

"Must you people embarrass somebody" I said with a groan, pinching the bridge of my nose. 

"Keep quiet jor, you have an aspiring boyfriend and you're doing as if it's not a big deal"

Laila was at it again. 

"Hey... You're sounding like I don't have people asking me out" I said in my defense. 

"Yes of course you do, but how many of them have you gone out to lunch with?"

Warris all this?! 

I rolled my eyes with a groan "It was just a business lunch guys, no strings attached"

Tana butt in at this point "But you're on first name basis, and he opened up on personal stuff to you" She pointed. 

She was right but I didn't want to assume things. Thankfully I didn't, cause I would have subjected myself to immense pain. 

We'll talk about that later on... 

"Abeg e don do, he's my boss and just a friend, nothing more" I said conclusively

They laughed and dropped the topic afterwards.

We kept talking about random things, more selfies and videos, uploading on I*******m and flooding our W******p statuses before going back home. Time was far spent, I for one, needed my beauty sleep cause I'd have to wake up early for church service the next day.

I didn't forget to buy Tana her tub of ice cream, I wouldn't have been alive if I didn't. Lmao! 

******

    Mr Wole had finally retired and Tunji had taken over the company, he was doing pretty well though, but as he had told me before, he wasn't contented with his job. 

Neither was I 

    My phone rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Madam I'm at work o" I said immediately after picking up. 

"Good morning to you too Titilola" Tana said in a bored tone. 

"Fish, this one you're calling me, you do know it's 11am right?" I said with a chuckle

"I know oversabi, You do know it's Thursday right?" She said mimicking me. 

Oh shoot!! I was supposed to be there to see the designer for Laila's dress! 

And yes the self employed Tana was coming with us. 

"Lola, don't tell me you forgot?!" She gasped 

"OMG! Tana I did, mummy would have killed me if I didn't show up, thank you for calling! You're a life saver" I gushed in one breath 

"Chill jor, you're welcome" She paused

"I'm outside your office though, better come get me"  I could feel her smirking on the other end. 

How's that even possible?! 

"You're what?!" I almost yelled 

"Ode(fool),you heard me, I'm waiting o" I hung up immediately. 

I scurried off to Head of Department's office, to ask for permission to leave. Man was too engrossed in work to ask me anything , he just told me to leave. 

Lucky me. I shrugged off the stinging feeling that it had to do with my relations with the CEOs'. I had to rush off to Tana before she'd have my head on a plate. 

By the time I got downstairs, I spotted her sitting on the bonnet of her car, typing away on her phone, tapping unconsciously on the the side mirror, with her car keys placed on her index finger. She looked classy in her small black dress with a blue kimono, and of course sneakers. She loves sneakers but that's not the point. My best friend is so fine!

I walked up to her, looking a little disheveled. I was worried about giving my designs to the professional designer, especially in front of my mum. I actually wished she'd be caught up in work and not be able to attend the fitting. 

Yes, I sketched out a design for my sister's wedding dress. It's the least I could do and that would go a long way to convince my not so understanding parents. 

"You finally decided to show up." Tana said looking up at me with a mocking smile. 

"Free me jor, I've got lots of things on my mind." I said in my defense. 

"Oya let's go, Laila just texted me." I said again before she could say anything else. I was about getting in the vehicle when a voice boomed from behind me. 

"Going somewhere Lola?" 

My village people have done it. My boss of all people! 

"Sir.... I.. Uhmm." I found myself stuttering. I cleared my throat and decided to try speaking again before Tana interjected. 

Life saver! 

"Good morning sir, you're the CEO of this prestigious organization, I presume?" She said smoothly with a professional smile. 

"Yes miss.." He responded smoothly raising a brow. 

"Tana, Tana Davis." She said stretching her hand out for a hand shake which he took firmly. 

I could tell there was a connection when their hands touched. Tunji seemed flustered, or I was probably assuming things.

"I'm Tunji Oluwole, nice to meet you Tana, I believe you're Lola's friend?" He asked after the brief introduction. 

"Yes I am, we actually have somewhere to be and it's very important. I apologize on her behalf, but I'm very sure she had gotten permission from the head of her department,right Lola?" Tana turned to me 

"Yes I have, sir." I said with a nod, 

Tana turned back to him immediately. 

"I believe we can take our leave now sir?"

"Yes of course, but enough with the 'sir' thing, I'm not that old. 

" Tunji said with a chuckle earning giggles from Tana and I. 

"I shouldn't hold you back, you can have the day off Lola." 

"Thank you sir." I chirped with a wide grin. 

He smiled back and turned his attention to Tana, and before I knew it, they exchanged contacts. 

I know right! 

And with that we went on our way. 

"So that's your boss, mad ooo! " She exclaimed with a smirk. 

I gave her a knowing look "Are you crushing already?"

She hissed "Madam, he's all yours, I don't want."

"And who says I want him, he's cute and all but I'm not sure he thinks the same way about me." I stated

"Besides he's a nice guy, I wouldn't want to ruin our friendship." 

"So you like him?" Tana turned to me, wide eyed before turning back to the road again.

"No, that's not what I'm saying, stop jumping to conclusions." I huffed

"Okay ma." She laughed.

"But I think he kinda likes you." 

I actually felt something for him, something very small, mind you, but I just felt like I was treading the wrong path. And it's a good thing I listened to my gut. 

"Haba nau, Lola we just met." She protested defensively. 

"And you two exchanged contacts." I countered. 

"There's nothing there o, Sisi you're the one who needs a boyfriend not me. Abi they should arrange marriage for you too?"She laughed like a hyena. 

I would have smacked her but for the fact that she was driving. 

"You no well at all. I'm trying to play match maker and you're misbehaving." I turned away feigning anger.

"Matches." She countered, ignoring me! 

"How does that even make sense? It was so dry." 

We kept bickering till we arrived at the designer's place. 

"I don't have your time, we're here, finally." She kept on laughing and I had to join in. 

Never a dull moment with her, ever! 

****

"Took you long enough." My mum mumbled as soon as we entered the fashion house. It was a three story building, I envisaged myself owning something like this years ago but I wasn't even close to achieving that dream. 

Don't let your dreams die... 

Those words kept ringing in my head everyday. Well here's a stepping stone, we were at JoJo's Place. Owned by Josephine Effiong. 

She was pretty much a famous and  reputable designer and she was personally handling my sister's dress as my mum wanted her to. She'd been in close relations with my mum for years and she was one of my role models in the world of fashion. 

"Hello ladies." Aunty Jojo, as we fondly called her, beamed, just as she stepped into the fitting room. She was glowing as usual, rocking her black pleated designer skirt, a white chiffon top with a sweetheart neckline. Her high heeled shoes shimmered so much, I believed they had diamonds in them.

How much I admire this lady... 

She didn't even look like a mother of four children. The eldest of her kids was just about three years younger than I was. Her body was simply perfect. She reminded me of a very beautiful Nigerian actress, "Omoni Oboli". They shared the same features. 

We hugged her, one after the other and she kept teasing Laila, who played the blushing bride. I laughed at her expense along with Tana, earning glares from her. 

"So... Laila, do you have anything specific in mind?" Aunty Jojo asked her. Laila shook her head in the negative and I took that as my cue. 

"Aunty Jojo, I actually have something to show you." I said with a smile

Laila looked up with furrowed eyebrows along with mum. Of course it was a surprise. 

I searched my hand bag for my sketch pad and I pulled it out. 

Walking straight to Aunty Jojo, I showed her the dress I had designed for Laila. I could tell she was impressed, cause she started flipping through the pad with stunned eyes. 

She brought her phone out and took pictures of the design.

Laila was so excited,as well as Tana, but it wasn't the same with my mum. I could tell she was fuming but trying to keep calm because we were in public. 

Don't ask me why o, cause me myself, I dunno. 

"Okay Lola, the dress is gonna be just the way you designed it. I must say I'm really impressed with your work. You should keep this up." She commended me while I smiled in return and just before I could thank her my mum interrupted. 

"She's not gonna keep this up cause she has a job." She said coldly whilst eyeing me. I gulped. 

"We'll be on our way now." She said pulling the the sketch pad from a stunned Aunty Jojo and dragging me along with her. 

Laila and Tana moved swiftly behind us, muttering apologies. 

My mum nearly shoved me into the car, but for Laila's interruption. 

"Mummy, she came with Tana" 

"Don't worry Laila, I'm going back to work" Tana said smiling apologetically, she knew I was  in trouble. I gave her a reassuring smile, as if to say 'I'll be fine' 

Mum drove off soon after. The silence in the car was deafening. 

I'm in for it this time.