Sisterhood episode 26

TITLE: SISTERHOOD

WRITTEN BY: OGECHI ALABI

PART 26

Funke went back home for the holiday. Ebuka had talked to his parents about meeting Funke’s family officially on Easter Monday. He wanted to come back to Lagos just before Easter and spend at least a week with her before returning to Abuja. Since the break was for a month, he intended for her to spend a week with him in Abuja.

Funke was initially sceptical but when Ebuka agreed she could stay with her uncle and he could come there to see her, she was glad. She discussed it with her mother. She was fine with the arrangement. She told Uncle Tobi about her plans to come to Abuja with Ebuka.

Uncle Tobi felt the whole marriage talk was too soon and Funke was too young to get married. He made it clear to his sister and brother-in-law.

Funke had tried to explain to him why they wanted to be together. She said he was the one and they had agreed not to have children until both of them were stable in their chosen careers. She emphasised she loved him and was worried if she waited, he might be with someone else.

“I am not the outgoing type. Ebuka is jovial and hangs out with friends. I don’t mind but sometimes I wonder if he is attracted to other ladies. What if his friends introduce him to someone else? If he meets an experienced lady, won’t he choose her over me that is holding back?”

“You are holding back? Why are you holding back? I heard about this Ebuka when you were younger and now Ebuka is taking centre stage. I still don’t get why the rush to get married. You can still be in courtship and build your lives. I do not want a situation where you will get married and he holds you back with pregnancy and or maybe not building your career as fast as his might be going. Resentment might just step in. I do not know what is causing this rush and you obliging to it is worrisome”

“He wants it.”

“Why? You must know why.”

“He doesn’t want to cheat on me. If we are serious, he will avoid temptation but he said it is becoming difficult.”

“That one na scope. He might be cheating as we speak. Don’t look at me like that; trust no guy including me.”

“Ebuka won’t do it. He called me the other night ranting about almost falling into temptation. He said he wanted us to get married so we can be having sex and he will avoid temptation. I don’t want him to fall into the hands of those Abuja girls. I have heard all the things they do to keep men away from their wives and fiances. I love him and I don’t want him falling for them.”

“You don’t need to be married to have sex. Why wait for marriage? So, you haven’t tasted the goods you want to buy? What if it isn’t what you want? Stop the old-school mentality. If he loves you, he will want a committed relationship. When you come to Abuja, I will allow you to spend some time with him. Know if it is worth it or not. What about his family? How do they feel about their son wanting to marry a Yoruba girl?”

“They love me.”

“You are already married! Take my advice and please use protection. Don’t get pregnant. Wait until your career picks up before you get married. Give it to him as a condition before he gets there.”

“Uncle Tobi, what if he doesn’t want me anymore after the sex? How do I cope with the rejection? I do not want to be involved with more than one man.”

“Is he with you because of your body? I thought I felt more when I met him. If you feel holding out will keep him, then do so. If you don’t think so, then do it. Just don’t get distracted.”

Funke was deep in thought. She was worried about the next step. She was also worried Ebuka might have fallen into temptation. Her uncle had told her not to trust anyone, was it possible Ebuka didn’t discuss the issue again because something happened?

###

They had the introduction on Easter Monday as slated. Ebuka had come back on Saturday but was stopped from seeing Funke until that day. But they talked on the phone. He was so excited about the introduction. He went with his father to buy drinks they would use for the occasion. He paid for the drinks. His father was impressed.

“You know I can marry for you. Why are you paying for the drinks?” his father asked.

“I feel like doing it. I gave mum some money so she can buy the other items we need. Mum made me sew a new outfit for the occasion, Funke will laugh when she sees me.”

“I can see you love this girl.”

“I do. She is my life right now. She’s all I think about. Once I am satisfied she is all mine, I will set her free and continue to work so I can take care of her.”

“I like that. You will come back to Lagos after your youth service so you can work with me.”

“I can’t work with you. You are still very young and agile. I can work for you. I will be your staff and help build the business. I will grow through the ranks so that by the time you are retiring you will know you are handing over to a capable hand.”

“I sense Funke is behind this right? She doesn’t mind you working for me? The pay isn’t much.”

“But the experience is priceless. I will take it. I will do my side hustle to get more money for my home.”

“I think you are ready. I am proud of you, son. I like Funke and I hope you make each other happy. It will not always be rosy but know that with love comes tolerance and understanding. I will tell you some more just before you tie the knot.”

“Ok, dad.”

Read – Sxy house maid and the Dons episode 6

The introduction ceremony took a total of two hours and then refreshments were served. Funke was back in her room with her cousins. Ebuka asked permission from her mother so he could spend some time with her before they leave. She took him to her room and asked the other occupants to leave so they could have privacy.

“You are so beautiful. Emerald green looks good against your light chocolate skin. I was so proud when I saw you. I wanted to pay the dowry and take you home with me. I love you so much.” Ebuka advanced toward her and within seconds they were in each other’s arms. They kissed passionately. Ebuka didn’t want it to end. He wanted her. When they eventually stopped, he looked her in the eyes which made her uneasy. She eventually wriggled out of his embrace.

“Have a seat,” Funke offered him. He sat in her room. He looked around, it was a girl’s room. It was a big room with her bed that had a multiple-coloured duvet and pillowcases. The wardrobe was closed. He saw a wooden shoe rack where she kept her footwear. There was a reading table and a shelf that had many books on them. He saw a beautiful but small dressing table and chair. She had a chest of drawers with ornaments and pictures on top of it. There were pictures everywhere. By her bedside was a picture of both of them. They were both smiling and looking into each other’s eyes. He remembered the day the picture was taken. He smiled. Her room was cosy. She sat beside him. “I have missed you dearly.”

“I missed you too.”

“Why didn’t your folks want me to see you before the introduction?”

“Isn’t this nice and more exciting?”

“It is, my love. Queen of my heart.”

“When are we going back to Abuja?”

“On Wednesday, I have to be back at work.”

They talked for a while about the ceremony and made jokes. They both lay on Funke’s bed facing each other as they talked. It was a memorable day for both of them and they couldn’t have enough of each other’s presence.

Funke had missed him so much and so had Ebuka. There was a lot to catch up on that their daily conversations hadn’t captured. This is between sweet kisses they shared as they talked.

Funke’s sister came in to call Ebuka. His family was ready to leave. He told them to leave and that he will come back later. Funke’s mum came back to call him. She said, “You have to leave with your folks. You can come back tomorrow to see her. Don’t forget, you came with people.”

Ebuka stood up from the bed and he walked hand in hand with Funke to meet the guests. Everyone said their goodbyes and then by his car, Ebuka kissed Funke in the presence of everyone. He then said, “I will see you tomorrow. Start packing.”

Uncle Tobi was the first one to tease her. Then he said to her, “If that guy catches you, I feel for you. Don’t make him wait for too long. This was very successful. When are you going to Abuja?”

“I was to go with him on Wednesday.”

“I am not going back until Friday. Would you stay with my family?”

“I will stay with him before you get there.”

“Then I have to keep out of your parents’ sight. Luckily, they don’t talk to my wife so you have a free pass.”

They both laughed.

Read – childhood crush episode 1 – 2

Ebuka was at Funke’s house the following morning. He took her to have breakfast with him. They talked. Ebuka observed Funke was a bit distant. Her conversation with her uncle had gotten to her. She had been worried. Was Ebuka having a relationship in Abuja? He hadn’t changed much but she was still scared. What if after this elaborate introduction he dumps her? So many scenarios had run through her mind and it was affecting her relationship with Ebuka.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, why do you ask?”

“You are distant. What’s happening?”

“I am sceptical about Abuja. I don’t know if I am ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“My uncle will be back to Abuja on Friday but we are to travel tomorrow.’

“And so? What’s wrong?”

“I can’t stay in his house without him. We don’t get along with his wife.”

‘Who are we?”

“My mum’s family.”

“How does that concern you? You are staying there until your uncle gives us express permission for you to spend a night with me. I have a party on Saturday and I would like you to attend so you will meet my friends.”

“What type of party?”

“One of us is marking his birthday. It will be fun, he is a fun guy.”

“Same party you met the girl you slept with?”

“Which girl did I sleep with?” Ebuka asked confused at her question.

“I don’t want to attend any parties.”

“Did I do something wrong? I don’t know what you are talking about. Are you trying to pick a fight with me so you won’t travel with me?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I am just asking”

“Tell your girlfriends I am coming so I would not see them or have them come around while I am with you.”

“This is serious now. Which girlfriend?”

“Just tell them.”

“I am not telling anyone anything because I don’t have anything with anyone except you. So, I should be telling you.”

“Very slick. I have told you.”

Ebuka was lost. He couldn’t understand what she was all about. Which girlfriends? He wondered if she had always been suspicious of him. He loved her and believed she loved him too. What the heck was she talking about?

He took her to his house and straight to his bedroom. He asked her what the issues were. She said she was just preparing him for Abuja. He was confused. “Don’t you trust me? Why would I want to be with someone else when I have you? Baby, I am ready to wait until you are ready and I will not give my body to anyone. I promise you, from yesterday until my last breath, it will be only you. I promise you my love for you is everlasting. Why would you ever think I will betray you? That other guys do it doesn’t mean all guys are like that. Please, don’t ever believe I will do such.”

His constant assurance sounded sincere and Funke believed him. She told him she trusted him as he had made the promise. He kissed her and said, “My wife, you have stolen my heart and I have left it with you for keeps. You will always be mine and I will always be yours.”