Every Woman – Episode Four

“Close your eyes, no, not that way. Look down!” Instructed Janet. She was making up Toniloba, who was getting married today. She was trying to apply eye shadow on the bride’s eyelids, which was no easy task by any means. Toni was very excited and could hardly keep still.

“Do you know how happy I am to get married to Seun today?” Toni gushed. “We’ve been through a lot together but we are still standing.”

“I can only imagine.” Janet remarked drily. Why are people so insensitive? She said in her mind. Here I am, making up a 23-year-old girl while I’m 29. Not yet old enough for the scrap heap though. If only Toni knew how much I envy her!

“I’m happy for you my Dear.” Janet went on. “Please when it’s time for the bouquet toss, I’ll be right behind you to catch it. Throw it well, OK?”

“I will.” Toni smiled broadly. “You can count on me.”

During the wedding reception, as the bride and groom were dancing, Janet pasted a big smile on her face but was crying inside. What on earth is wrong with Dare? What charm did Toniloba use on her man to get him to marry her? I wish I were the one dancing right now. It’s all good!

 

When Eseosa got home, she ran into her bedroom and laid on her king size bed, sobbing to herself. After some time, she looked up and rolled over, her body heaving with the sobs.

What on earth is wrong with me? I know I am attractive, I dance well, I’m not a gold digger but my dates never get to the point of real seriousness. I really wonder why all the men pass me by. If I’m not cut out for marriage, it’s best I decide that now. I’m so done with dating. I really don’t need this! Eseosa thought angrily to herself. Just then, her phone rang. It was her mother. She looked up at the ceiling, as if trying to decide whether to take the call. With a long-suffering sigh, she hit the answer button.

“My daughter, how are you this evening?”

“I’m fine, Mama.”

“I called to tell you that the doctor says I’m at risk of slipping into a diabetic coma. Apparently, my condition is more serious than I thought.” Eseosa’s mother said. “By the way, did you go on any date today?”

“Why do you ask Mama?” Eseosa replied warily.

“Here we go again, Eseosa! You know it’s my dying wish to see my grandchildren.” Then a new thought occurred to her, which she voiced immediately. “Maybe you have a spirit husband who drives away all the men from you!”

“Mama, if you called to annoy me, I won’t take it!” Eseosa said sharply. Her mother apologized and after asking questions about her health and job, hung up.

 

“Baby, how are you?” asked Niyi, Jadesola’s ex-fiance.

“I’m fine. Why haven’t you called me since you left for Poland?” Jade asked angrily.

“Jade, I’ve been busy.”

“So busy you couldn’t call me? Tell me, what’s her name?”

“You think you know me so well?” Niyi retorted. “Anyway, I called to tell you I want to call off the wedding.”

“Why?”

“I’ve met this woman, Vladkla. She really understands me and I want to settle in Poland. It will make business easier for me.”

“What happened to I’ll always love you and will never leave you for all the tea in China?” Jade asked sadly.

“Baby, do try to understand me. Things happen. When I said that, I meant it. Now, there’s been a change of plans.”

“Forget it. I think I will be happier without you.” Jade replied.

She always remembered this conversation whenever saw Uzo Akah. She knew he liked her a great deal, else why would he ask her to take him clothes shopping? After Niyi, she no longer trusted handsome men. They were all the same, she thought ruefully.

 

Jennifer was at Kirikiri Maximum prison where Mr. Bewaji was being detained. She was there to speak with the prison warden on how best to release the man, especially as his wife wanted him back home.

“Good afternoon, Sir” Jennifer greeted respectfully.

“Ah, Ms. Ninalowo, it’s you again.” The warden returned her greeting. “What brings you to the prison this time around?”

“I am here to ask you to kindly release Mr. Bewaji, the man who was detained seven months ago. Do you remember him?”

“Ah, yes I do.” The prison warden replied. “Why do you want to release him?”

“His wife says that the family members want him to be released. He will turn over a new leaf, so the wife promises.”

“I doubt it. Mr. Bewaji seems like a recidivist to me. But if the wife wants him, who are we to stand in her way?” The warden said thoughtfully. He sent for Mr. Bewaji and told him he was discharged and acquitted.