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.