Imade and Bamidele gently turned to the woman. She’s a short, elderly looking woman. People call her ‘Iya Ibeta’ meaning, ‘mother of triplets.’

A slight look of embarrassment flashed in her eyes as she entered. Unexpected thoughts flooded her mind immediately.

‘One, why were two adults kissing in an open space like this? And two, who is he?’ she questioned as she observed the both of them.

Imade quickly pulled out of the chair. She stood up to attend to the woman. “Welcome ma, please have a seat.”

Iya Ibeta rolled her eyes at Imade as she sat on the white plastic chair in front of a large mirror. They glued the mirror to the wall; so that the customers could view themselves if the styles were pretty or not. No one ever complained, anyway.

Although Imade was feeling a little ashamed, she pretended as if nothing had happened. And nothing was happening before Iya Ibeta arrived.

Dele’s eyes caught the clock on the wall. It was 12:30 p.m.

“Umm... I’d have to go now.” Dele brought up.

“Okay, take the keys.” She handed the house keys to him.

“I would prepare lunch. I’d be back in less than an hour with some food for you.”

“Okay dear. Please take care.” She muttered to him with a smile. He smiled back at her before leaving, while Imade attended to Iya Ibeta.

She took out the hair shampoos, hair cream, hair stretcher, a drier, and a pink towel for the work. Imade started by washing her hair first with warm water and mild hair shampoo that had a cucumber mixed with a strawberry scent. Imade gently rubbed and scrubbed the old woman’s hair. Although her hair was fully grey, she still maintains with the way every young lady does.

Iya Ibeta’s children that were about Imade’s age were all married. Although Imade was her friend’s daughter, and she wanted the best for her, seeing her with another man (and still unmarried) was something wrong. It troubled her so much that she wanted to speak. The elderly woman enjoyed the warmth of the hair wash. While Imade brought her the hair drier to blow away the wetness in her hair, the woman closed her eyes, with a relaxed mind. After that, she brushed through Iya Ibeta’s hair till it was soft and dried, then she started stretching it out. Bit by bit.

“Imade, there’s something I want to ask you.” Iya Ibeta finally brought up. Breaking the silenced that was almost making her to sleep.

“Okay ma.” she answered, continuing the stretching.

“Who is that young man?”

“Which one, ma?” she asked, trying to pretend she don’t know what she was talking about.

“The one I met you with. The one that just left. Who is he?”

“His name is Dele. Bamidele Martins. He’s my friend from Lagos. He just came to visit me. We just met on a dating app and we’ve been close ever since.”

“Are you in love with him?”

Imade looked confused. She couldn’t understand why Iya Ibeta was so concerned. She just nodded in agreement.

“Have you introduced him to you family? I mean, have they met him yet?”

“No ma, he’s just a friend, and he just came for a visit. I mean... We have to spend time to know if we’re compatible or not.”

“Isn’t he ready for marriage or what is stopping you exactly? Doesn’t he love you or what?”

“No, Iya Ibeta. Don’t misunderstand. Dele is ready for marriage. In fact; he promised we would start our engagement preparation immediately he gets back to Lagos. Maybe by January, we’d do the engagement and the wedding would follow.” Imade pointed out, with a shy smile.

“Seriously?” Iya Ibeta quirked an eyebrow and turned to her.

“Yes, ma.” Imade answered in a low, shy voice. A tight-lipped smile followed, and Imade looked away from the mirror.

“It’s good news then. Have you told your mum about it?” Iya Ibeta queried, more concerned.

“Yes, I have. Infact, we’re about to go to her place later this evening to explain things to her but... My mum came here early this morning.”

Imade applied some hair growth oil and styled her sliver hair to the back, making it look even more beautiful. Like that of a foreign woman.

“Oh! So, what did she say?” Iya Ibeta focused her gaze at Imade’s reflection in the mirror.

“My mum... My mum didn’t agree. She came to tell me her mind in the morning. In fact, she doesn’t want me to have anything to do with him.”

“And why is that? Shouldn’t she be happy?” The elderly woman raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t know, o, maybe you should help me talk to her because I don’t understand why. Anytime I call his name, she stops me. I think she wants me to marry Baba Fegbemi.”

“What?” Her lips dropped, facing Imade this time. “Why would she do such?!”

“I don’t know, but she told me he already asked for my hand. She told me clearly in the morning that it’s either I marry that old man or ....”

“Or what?” She asked, turning to her again. Imade turned off the hair stretcher and gently placed it on the table.

“I do not know, Iya Ibeta. She is against my every move to joy and happiness. I don’t know what Dele has done to her! He greeted her this morning, but she couldn’t even answer him. The worst part of it is that this is a medical doctor. He has everything it takes to make a home.”

“Really?” Iya Ibeta cut into her words. Doctors are well respected professionals within the society.

Just then, she knew how lucky Imade must have been to get a doctor to herself.

“Every disappointment they say is a blessing. Look my daughter, I’m not saying what you did is good o, because I felt bittered when I entered just now. Meeting both of you kissing. It’s not in line with our tradition and you know that. I’m not saying you guys shouldn’t meet. Of course, if you don’t meet, how would you interact properly? Not everything is on the phone. Imade, I support your relationship with that young man, but what is bad is bad. He should not be sleeping together with you, let alone sharing the same bed or sleeping under the same roof with you before marriage. You know what is wrong and what is right, Imade. I understand that you have gone through a lot of relationships. You’re like my daughter. A word, they say, is enough for the wise. I would talk to your mother about you. I pray she listens.”

“Thank you ma, God bless you.” Imade knelt to her feet and cuddled Iya Ibeta in appreciation.

“You’re welcome, my dear. But listen, beauty without brains is stupidity. Don’t rush yourself into marriage because you think you’re old enough. Of course you are but, they did not build heaven in a day. Perhaps, how sure are you he truly loves you?”

“I’m very sure, ma. He’s so caring and gentle. He treats me with so much love and respect, Iya Ibeta. After all, Prince Adeola ended up with my friend after 3 years of dating. I faced the same consequences too in other relationships. What have I not gone through? I don’t want this opportunity to slip out of my hand, Maami. I feel Dele is meant for me... I’ve never been so sure about something in my life.”

“Okay, if you say so.” Iya Ibeta muttered, glancing at her face that suddenly looked younger, at the mirror.

“So how much is it?” She unzips her purse, bringing out a thousand naira.

“Don’t worry about the payment. Your words today have made me so happy.” Imade muttered, not bothering to look at her side. She applied soap on her hands and washed it gently in a sink by the corner of the shop.

“Why do you keep refusing to collect payment from me? Ehn? How many gain is in this business?” She queried Imade, putting the money back into her small side purse. “Okay, o. I’d be taking my leave. But I would try to see your mum first before I go home. Is she at home?”

“I’m not sure.” she replied, rubbing her wet hands on a towel.

“Okay, let me check. If she’s not at home, then maybe next time because this is a serious issue, it most be resolved immediately.”

“Okay ma. Thanks so much for today. My regards to the family.” Imade greeted gratefully while Iya Ibeta walked out of the shop. Imade took a broom to clean the place.

On her way out, she met Dele. He prostrated, greeting her well. He was holding a tray with food, so she didn’t want to delay him. Her mind wanted to call him aside to ask some few questions about his background and probably advise him on what steps to take. He seemed to be in a hurry anyway, ‘maybe next time.’ she muttered to herself as they parted ways.

Dele entered the shop and gently placed the tray on the table.

“Oh, you’re back.” Imade muttered immediately as she noticed him.

“Yes darling. I prepared something for you.”

“What’s it?” She asked curiously.

Dele collected the broom from her and asked her to go and eat.

“You’vebeen working since morning. You must be tired.”

“I’m a workaholic, Dele. I never get tired.” She smirked at him.

“Really?” He answered, but then, he went to get her drinking water and fetched an amount of water into a small, handy bowl.

“First, wash your hands.” He placed the bowl before her, and she washed her hands, already feeling like a princess.

He opened the plates of food and “Talaaa!”

It was hot pounded yam served with egusi soup and stock fish. He made his favorite dish for her within an hour.

***

Words and Translations

-Iya Ibeta: Mother of Triplets.

-Egusi- melon

***

Hi guys!

It's your girl again Madinah. What do you think about this chapter? Picture yourself in Imade's shoes. If you're away from your parents, can you ever invite a guy over. Please guys let's be sincere...

🥴🥴🥴

Don't forget to Vote⭐, Comment 🔊 and Share⏩. I promise to update surprising Chapters next week Friday. Jum'ah Mufeedah to you all...✍️✍️✍️

5.03.2021