Journey to the Aisle Ep 8

Deborah relocated for a fresh start. Turned compicated. Now Henry has made a move too. Let’s see how he goes for him.

Episode 8

The apartment was beautiful, Henry observed, as he went round the two-bedroom flat his sister had chosen for him on Assembly’s road, Azikoro Villa. The compound was circular in shape with five flats in it. His was the second to the last flat in the compound. Three out of the five flats were occupied making him the fourth occupant in the compound.
All the flats were painted in light green and cream. They were built the same way. The compound was interlocked. Beside the brown gate was the borehole with two gigantic gee pie tanks. Coconut trees lined one part of the fence while the other was covered with orange trees. Flower pots were placed in front of each flat.
Kate unlocked the protector gate in his flat and led him into his new home. Henry was stunned when he saw the already furnished apartment. He had no words as his eyes moved slowly to the chairs, the rug, then the TV set and the dining table. It was a spacious room. Kate sensed his speechlessness and spoke up.
“You are surprised, right.” She stated with a smile.
His eyes stopped their movement and turned to her. “How… How did you get all these?” He asked.
Kate laughed at the stunned look on his face. “All these came from our old apartment. When we moved to our own house, Mike felt most of these were not needed.” She explained. “I hope you like them.”
“Like? I love them, Katie. Thanks so much. I wonder how much I would have been able to pay for a place like this. I can’t thank you and Mike enough.” He smiled in appreciation.
“We’re family, brother. You will really enjoy Azikoro Villa.”
“I hope so.” He answered without enthusiasm.
“Come on, brother, you said the town is pretty cool earlier.” Kate countered.
Henry nodded. He had seen lots of places since he arrived the day before. The environment was quite peaceful.
“I like it.” He reflected, sounding sincere.
Kate led him to the kitchen and the two bedrooms. He chose the bigger of the two bedrooms. Kate had dropped a sizeable mattress in it for him. It made him uncomfortable. He shifted from foot to foot as Kate showed him more things she had dropped in the house to make him comfortable. He hoped to get a job soon so it wouldn’t look like he was living off his younger sister. They went back to the living room and sat down.
“I hope mother is doing well.” Kate said, chewing on the carrot she bought on her way to the house.
Henry drew a breath. “She is. She really wants me to do well with this second chance. I’m hoping not to disappoint her.” A hint of sadness dropped into his words.
“Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for a fresh start. I’ll introduce you to wonderful people of the household of faith.”
His eyes flew to hers. He hoped it was not what he was thinking. But it was.
“My church, Jubilee House, is just a few minutes away from here. You will be blessed. We’re a big family.” Her voice dripped with sweetness.
Henry shifted in his seat. “I need a job first.” He said, changing the subject.
“You can work with my husband in his construction company. They have a major project now and they are employing lots of contract staff.”
“No,” Henry answered sharply, shocking Kate. He tried to explain himself. “Katie, you’ve done a lot already. I want to get a job by myself.”
A flash of hurt crossed Kate’s face briefly but she quickly covered it. “But what would you do without a qualification?”
Henry’s mouth tightened. He knew it would be difficult to get a good job but he was determined to rebuild his life anyway possible.
“I don’t mind a blue-collar job.” He told her with a straight face.
Kate’s eyes filled with tears. Her brother would settle for less when all he had dreamed of was the height of success. He who wanted to be the Parna Percy Paul of his generation could not even hold his head high in the midst of believers. Believers who once believed in him. He was supposed to be her hero, her mother’s pride, a reflection of God’s glory but he had thrown it all away for worldly pleasure. Her mother had pleaded with her to keep a watchful eye on him. She had told her about his refusal to go back to church. How would she convince him? With Debbie’s departure, Jubilee Voices were finding it difficult to cope. How lovely it would be to hear her brother worship God in that melodious voice of his.
Henry noticed her tears. Shame washed through him. He had caused so much pain to his family. The urge to be useful again rose within him. He would prove he could make it again.
“Don’t cry, Katie. I’m going to stand again.” His voice was strong with determination.
“Without God?” She asked in a quiet tone.
Henry looked away. He didn’t say anything.
Kate pressed on. “Stand with God, Henry.”
He shook his head. “It’s too late, Kate. God doesn’t need me anymore.”
“He does. He loves you as he has always done.” Kate assured him, stretching her hand to touch him where he sat on the couch beside hers.
Henry got up and stood beside the window close to the door. The flowered curtain adorning it was lovely.
“Let’s talk about my job, Kate.” He said, moving the discussion to a safer topic.
His sister released a heavy breath. It was clear he didn’t want to talk about God. “I’ll ask around. I’ll call you tomorrow with the feedback.” She told him.
He smiled a little, feeling in control again. “I’ll be expecting your call then.”
“Would you go back to the house with me?” Kate asked.
“No,” he answered coming back to his seat. “I’ll want to get settled here.”
Kate shrugged. “Alright.” She stood up, picking up her purse from the side stool. “Basil will miss you. No running around with Uncle Henry.”
Henry laughed at the mention of his three-year old nephew who became attached to him in five minutes. Much as he wanted to be with Basil and discuss politics with Mike, he’d rather be on his own and start planning what his life would be in Azikoro Villa.
Kate left in her car, leaving him alone to settle down in his apartment.
***
Henry walked the short distance to the house after he alighted from the cab he boarded from Maxie Supermarket where he had gone for an interview. The interview was successful. He was a driver for Maxie Supermarket thanks to the recommendation of one Mrs Mabel, whom Kate introduced to him. The woman reminded him of his mother: nice and comely. She related with him like an old friend and not a stranger. He had been drawn to her until she invited him to Jubilee House, then his guard had come up. He hadn’t been too happy with Kate for telling Mrs Mabel about his singing. All she had talked about afterwards was how God had divinely orchestrated his move to Azikoro Villa. He didn’t bother to tell her that he had come to fight his past.
He got to the gate of his new home and stood for a while, watching people coming and going. He heard loud laughter from a group of boys and girls in front of a photo studio across the road. The girls looked to be in their late teens. Their carefree attitude caused a tightness around his chest. He wanted to tell the girls to shut up and tell the boys to run to for their dear lives. His face contorted with anger as he watched one boy pulling one of the girls into a close embrace. Just then a cab stopped in front of the studio. A lady alighted from it. She paid the cab driver and he zoomed off. With the cab out of the way, he saw her clearly.
She was a real beauty: all fair and spotless. A curly weave-on fell across her face covering a part of it. She threw it over her shoulder causing the golden colour to glow in the evening sun. She had on a black tube gown that stopped a few inches away from her knees, revealing straight legs.
Henry swallowed. He couldn’t remember the last time he met up with a woman. No woman caught his fancy when he was battling with his fall from grace. The one before him caught his eyes. He watched as she opened her silver purse which was a match for the dangerous high heels she had on. Her slender figure rested perfectly on the shoes. She pulled out her phone and spoke for some seconds. She locked gazes with him when she ended the call. For the life of him he couldn’t look away. She flashed a smile and he did the same, feeling an instant connection to her. While he made up his mind to cross over to meet her, a red sports car drew in front of her. She stepped into the car and the car sped off. His eyes followed the rescinding car. His guts twisted with disappointment. He kicked himself for not reacting quickly. He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder causing him to jump. He turned around to look into the eyes of the intruder. A man about his age stood smiling at him. Henry frowned at him.
“Guy, you were so enthralled with that babe that you didn’t even notice me beside you.” He said in a deep tenor voice, smiling.
Henry smiled too. “That babe is something.” He admitted.
“I know right.” The man replied rubbing his clean-shaven jawline. “I can take you to her.”
Henry’s head snapped up. “Where? Seriously? Now?”
The man laughed. “Tomorrow night at Starlite Bar on Robert Street.”
“I’m in.” Henry said strongly.
The man gave a playful nod. “I’m Terence. I live in the second flat here.” He stretched his hand to Henry.
Henry took his hand. “I’m Henry. I just moved into flat four some days ago.”
“I saw you. Welcome aboard, bro.” Terence commented.
“Thanks.”
They both walked into the compound making small talks. When Henry got into his flat, his mind went back to the lady.
Thanks for stopping by. Much love.

Journey to the Aisle Ep 7

Hi, fam. Nice to have you back. Deborah has relocated. How did that go for her? Find out in this episode

Episode Seven

Deborah made her way to the park at Ughelli where she would get a bus to Oleh. She had left Azikoro Villa, Bayelsa state that Thursday morning. She put Rose Dagogo in charge of her apartment since she still had seven months’ rent on it.
Her resignation at Maxie supermarket was received with shock. She remembered her conversation with Maxie on Monday Morning.
“Debbie, you can’t resign.” Maxie told her feelingly. He stopped himself short of grasping her hands.
“I’m sorry for the short notice, Sir,” she had replied, avoiding his gaze.
“OG just left, and you want to leave too. How do we cope losing two of our most trusted staff?” Worried lines drew across his face. He tapped the side of his forehead in obvious confusion.
“I’m sorry.” She repeated.
“I’ll double your salary, Debbie. I really have plans for you. I’m prepping you to be the manager in our new site at the express.” He told her sweetly.
“I’m sorry sir, I’m leaving.”
She had left with a torn heart. How much had she waited the promotion in Maxie? She had worked there for the eight years she stayed in Azikoro Villa. She had worked alongside others to expand Maxie. Her hard work had made her the face of Maxie and a sales executive.
It was no use thinking about it, Debbie told herself, as the bus she boarded sped down the road to Oleh.
The bus passed through Iyede where the market was filed with sellers and buyers down to Olomoro, Emede and finally Oleh. She dropped at Yanga market and walked down to Oleh garage to get a tricycle that would take her home.
Adrenaline surged through her as the tricycle drew near her house on police road, Oleh. The last time she had come home was when Johny came with her to see her parents. That was three years back. Her break up with Johny had been communicated to them through the phone. She looked at the familiar houses Little had changed since she visited home.
Excitement bubbled within her as her parents’ brown and cream bungalow came into view. She noticed that the mango tree that stood beside the house had been cut revealing the veranda that the short fence did not cover. A salon had opened at the other side of the compound where a provision store had been.
“Oga, stop.” She told the driver when she saw her father seated at the veranda looking into a newspaper.
Her father looked up when the cab stopped in front of the black gate.
“Papa!” She called, waving excitedly at him. He folded the newspaper and kept it beside him on the bench. He called to her mother who ran out of the house. Her mother came to open the gate. She flew into her arms.
“Mama, good morning ma.” She greeted, going down on her knees.
“Deborah! Deborah! Welcome, my child.” Her mother patted her back.
She carried her suitcase and her small bag and went to the house.
“Papa,” she said as a way of greeting. She went on her knees.
“Welcome, my daughter.” He answered, placing a hand on her shoulder. They went in together.
Deborah noticed the changes in the living room when she stepped in. Gone was the deep blue colour on the wall. In its place was a light shade of yellow. The picture frames on the wall had been rearranged. The cloth on the couch had been changed to match the brown rug. Even the wooden TV stand had been replaced with a glass one. Her parents had been busy.
Debbie liked everything she saw. Her parents’ three-bedroom apartment had taken a far better look compared to its former state.
She dropped her luggage beside the single-seater couch and dropped into it while her parents settled on the three seater.
Their eyes gleamed with joy as they focused on her.
“Welcome once again, my daughter,” her father said, a happy smile spread across his face.
“Thank you, Papa.”
“I was really surprised when I received your call yesterday. All the same, I am so happy you are home.” Her mother commented, her eyes dancing with pleasure.
Debbie smiled. It felt good being with her parents again.
“The house looks very nice.” She commented, looking around. She gave an appreciative nod.
“That’s the work of your sister.” Her mother answered. “Ever since she got engaged to Samuel, she has taken it upon herself to change the look of the house as they plan towards the introduction.”
The smile left Debbie’s face. “Samuel and Gina are that serious?” She quizzed, trying to fight the sudden heaviness in her heart.
“Oh yes,” her mother replied. She looked excited. “Your father is the one delaying the introduction.”
Debbie turned to her father. He had a slight frown on his face.
“I’m not delaying the introduction. I just want to be very sure of Samuel. I want to be sure of his plans for Regina.” Pa Coker explained.
The message was clear to Debbie. Her father didn’t want a repeat of what Johnny did to her. Who could blame her father for taking cautious steps?
Her mind was immediately filled with all the reasons why she had left Azikoro Villa. Was she going to witness the wedding of her younger sister as a spinster? She had come to start afresh but it felt like she would be competing with her younger sister.
Debbie sighed. No longer did she feel the strong assurance that she was doing the right thing. She suddenly felt boxed to a corner. Gina was engaged to Samuel Edaba, the youth pastor of her family church, Grace Tabernacle.
Her mother’s voice drew her out of her reverie.
“How is work, Deborah?” She asked.
“Fine, Mama,” she replied, managing a smile. “Where is Gina?” She asked
“She left for Aba 5am this morning with Nyenbi. She went to purchase materials for her shop.” Ma Coker explained.
Debbie gave an understanding nod. Gina owned a big shop in Oleh market where she sold different materials. “Go and drop your bags, dear. We’ll talk later.” Her mother told her.
Debbie sighed with relief. She got up from the couch. “I brought smoked fresh fish.” She informed her mother proudly.
Her mother clapped excitedly. “That’s lovely. We’ll make banga soup this afternoon.”
Pa Coker smiled. “Hope there’s starch at home?” he asked.
Ma Coker eyed him playfully. “There is. I know your mind would be on this afternoon’s meal.
He let out a chuckle. “Get it ready quickly.”
The love between her parents was obvious. Thirty-two years of marriage and they looked like newly-weds. Fear gripped Debbie’s heart as she moved through the corridor to her room just beside Gina’s at the far end of the corridor.
Would she have someone with her in her old age? Would she celebrate thirty-years of marriage with her husband?
She looked around the room and felt nostalgia. Memories flooded her mind as she took in everything in the room. Her eyes rested on the writing on the wall above the bed.
‘All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.’
These were things she and Gina had written down back then. They had believed so much that the world was waiting for their manifestation. They believed nothing could go wrong. Well, it hadn’t worked out that way for her. She had pursued her dreams but they were still hanging. Her expectations had not been met.
She moved slowly and sat on the bed. She remembered all the times she had shared with Gina and Nyenbi right in this room. The laughter over proposals and the tears over rejection. The two-year gap between her and Gina had not been seen as they shared everything together. Nyenbi was a year older than Gina but she became close to her because of Debbie. They dreamed their high dreams together. Now, Gina seemed so close to fulfilling hers. Her dream of a big business-woman was already in motion.
Debbie dropped on the bed looking at the white-washed ceiling. Her eyes followed the steady movement of the ceiling fan. She wished she could easily turn back certain events and rotate to the beginning and keep moving.
Tears spilled to her cheeks as she thought of Johnny. He had been so sweet to her from the beginning. He promised heaven and earth. She felt secured being with him. He was a teacher in a big private school at Bay Bridge, Yenagoa. He seemed contented at first until they started talking marriage. He started complaining about the responsibilities he had. Even when she tried to assure him that things would be fine, he just wouldn’t stop complaining.
Then, one day, he informed her he had gotten a job as a seaman and would be leaving soon. He boasted that his first pay cheque would cover all expenses for their introduction. He assured her he would only be gone for two months. She tried so much to feel right with his plan but she couldn’t shake off the negative feeling that settled upon her about his new job. The next time they met he called off their engagement with no substantial reason. All he said was he liked his new job and would continue for a long time; he didn’t want her to wait for him. He wanted to travel the sea as a free man. Just like that he walked out of her life. She had been so affected by the breakup that she landed in the hospital. Mrs Mabel was the one who stood by her, praying and counselling her.
And there came Mike: handsome, soft-spoken, intelligent and spiritual. Debbie assumed he was the one.
“Hmm…” she sighed. “Why Lord? Why not Mike? You could have consoled me after Johnny’s departure. He married Kate. Why not me, Lord?” She wept. “Now I’m here and my younger sister is preparing for her introduction. How long before my parents start asking for my husband? Deacon and Deaconess, they’re still humans, Lord. They want to see the two children you blessed them with do well. Lord, please, I don’t want to become a prayer point for my parents. Please speak to me.”
She waited. There was silence. She wanted to scream to the heavens but it would only drive her into more misery. She let her tears fall instead.

Thanks for reading. Next episode will be up on Saturday. Come back.