Chapter Five
We finally got our chance at seeing. Few weeks to Christmas she informed me of her intending trip to the institution where she had her Master’s Degree program. She was going to collect her transcript and seek for some of her lecturers’ recommendation letter. She had plans of furthering her studies. Fatedly, the institution was so close to Ibadan. I proposed it and she agreed that we saw when she was done. She made the trip. Seeing her filled me with so much joy. We decided to see a movie together. We saw a Nollywood movie that premiered two weeks before. The cinema was scanty. It made it easier for us to whisper and laugh together. At some point I said to her,
“I can’t shy away from the fact that I am crazy about you. But I need to know, should I let this feeling grow or should I kill it?”
She fed me with popcorn and answered unconvincingly, “I cherish every moment you. Just be yourself and we will be fine.” Reminded me of one of our favourites songs, ‘Who you are by Jessie J’.
The movie ended. I pulled her back as we approached the cinema exit and hugged her. It was a never-let-go type of hug. We didn’t know how, but we eased into a deep kiss. It felt like heaven. I was speechless and she was all smiles as we headed to the park. Was it genuine? Did we just get carried away? I didn't care, it didn’t matter. We never brought it up afterwards. She got back to Lagos safely.
On one of my many visits to Akure, I decided to see my mother. I figured it was best to see her before the festive season activities took the whole of me. It was during my stay in Akure that I noticed the changes in Lizzy.
Mum, she will never just stop asking if I was in any serious relationship and I guess my persistent ‘no’ didn't help matters either. We discussed other important issues including how much she enjoys reading my blog and can’t wait for me to publish my first novel.
“Wole Soyinka’s mother would have been very proud of him. I am confident you will make me feel the same way. Write a book. Let me know what it will cost to publish it, I will foot the bills.”
That’s my mother for you. She would do anything for her children, even if it meant borrowing. “Who is this beautiful lady?” She asked, looking at my display picture. Mother won’t look away from the phone she held in her hand. I know when she is trying to hide the excitement in her voice. “Ehn en. She is light skinned like me. I think we look alike.”
Mum enjoys being theatrical sometimes. I let in a bit of sarcasm, “you people look alike gan ni. In fact she is your daughter, the missing one”, before I stylishly took my phone from her.
“You this boy. Are you making jest of me?”
“No o. Make jest of you ke? Never.”
She looked at me and smiled again. I knew she was up to something. She didn’t disappoint, “she can be my daughter if you marry her. I am just saying.”
“Okay.”
“Okay what? I’d like to speak to her when you call her,”
"Can you imagine?" I snapped and continued. "Why?"
"I just want to hear her voice. Who knows, maybe she has my voice too.”
I figured she was beginning to get serious so I excused myself after agreeing to her demands. I called Lizzy that evening. I made sure mother wasn’t around when I did,
“Baby” she called out and with a smile on my face I asked how she was doing and