⚠ Warning!⚠ long chapter with multiple characters ahead! Make sure you read carefully to understand. Thanks.

"Don't complicate life. We won't be here forever. Once this day's over, it's gone forever. Your time is too valuable for nonsense."
          
              —Anonymous.

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C H A P T E R 31:

The more the cool breeze blew on her face - swiping her hair here and there, more houses and green trees passed by swiftly. She wished Iby would slow down a little bit so she'd get a better view of those large companies they had droved passed.

Moving the hairs out of her face- tucking them behind her ears, and regretting ever letting Iby change her hairstyle, she said, "Can you slow down a bit, please.."

"No." He replied flatly, "It's a two hours ride, May. It'll soon get dark. We have to reach there on time."

She mentally rolled her eyes at him, "Says the one who forgot and went to play football because it was more important to him."

"Haba!" Iby exclaimed, controlling the wheel. "Don't start, May.. I thought we had dropped this topic already. Why bringing it up again?"

Instead of a reply, she sucked in a deep breath, closed her eyes and let the fresh breeze sweep across her face.

Not exactly two hours later, they drove through the large gate and into the beautiful estate. Each building were exactly the same. They all had petal blue and cream walls with different colors of flowers at the sides, close to the front door. One could easily get confused if not for the numbers indicated on the doors. It was the only difference.

They got down from the car as they reached their destination. May looked around as Iby rang the door bell. Before he could ring it the second time, a young lady opened the door with a wide strain on her cheeks immediately she saw who it was.

She immediately jumped on Iby. "I've missed you!" she shouted. With her hands wrapped tightly around his shoulder, she rocked him left and right. The smile on her face never faded away.

"Woa, woa, woa! Calm down, Ebiere. You have to take it easy. Don't forget you're pregnant."

True to Iby's words, when Ebiere pulled away, was when May got to see that she had a bump on her stomach. She also took in Ebiere's appearance. Her obviously full ebony hair plaited in neat cornrows, pulled into a bun at the back. She had few grey hairs here and there on her head. She wore a printed T-shirt and black shorts that stops on her knees. The longer May stared at her with bulgy eyes, the more she admired Iby's favourite cousin.

When Ebiere finally pulled away from the hug, she turned to May, "You must be May, right?"

May gave a curt nod -feeling her voice would fail her if she speaks- and before she knew it, a body is pressed against hers in a bone cracking hug.

"It's really nice to meet you," Ebiere told her. Then she held May's shoulder with both her hands on the sides and looked into May's eyes, "I've heard so much about you from my cousin."

May's eyes widened slightly, "Really?" she finally managed to ask.

"Don't believe her, May. She is exaggerating." Iby kicked in quickly before Ebiere had the chance to reply May's question.

"Oh! Well, come on in now." invited Ebiere, "the others are waiting."

The interior was simply designed. They had cushioned sofas, a large, glassy middle table that has a small bowl of different types of fruit inside, sitting on it, a large flat-screen television hung on the creamy wall and there were so many portrait of Ebiere, a man whom May already assumed to be her husband, and six beautiful kids smiling like they'd won a trophy.

The second thing May noticed was that people weren't much inside the house like she'd feared they would be. She'd been expecting to see half of Iby's family here but she was only seeing three male and a female sitting on the couch, watching the Nigerian television news station.

"Guys.. turn off this TV na. Let's listen to some jazz music." whined, the youngest boy sitting amongst the others who also didn't notice they had visitors.

"Who wants to listen to music when I'm around?" questioned Iby just to get their attention which he sure did.

They all turned to where the voice had came from and the first boy that had spoken, jumped out of his seat just to shake hands with Iby. He sure was loved around here.

"Bro, it's been long we saw your break light oh or your face. Where did you hide to the extent we couldn't even find your shadow?" Asked, the younger boy jovially.

"Oh man, have being busy with work and stuffs." Iby responded in the same cheerful manner.

"Or you mean you've been busy with the ladies.." the boy wiggled his brow towards the figure standing behind Iby.

Iby turned his head slowly behind him to find May standing there with a shy smile.

"Uhm," He faked a cough and then, straightened up. "Nope."

"Well, you can just introduce the fine lady to me." said the young boy, shinning his teeths. When Iby made no move, he extended his hairy, skinny hand towards her, "I'm Hassan. Iman's nephew. What about you?" then he winked.

"I'm May. Iby's friend." May answered innocently.

"Oh, it's my pleasure to meet you."

Iby slapped away Hassan's hand before it connected with May's. Hassan took this as an hint while May blushed.

"Why don't you want us to shake hands? Or are you jealous?" asked, Hassan asked as he played with the gold chain that was around his neck and on top his sweaty bare chest. May wondered why he was shirtless when he knew well that they were expecting visitors.

Iby playfully threw a punch to Hassan's shoulder, "Stop it, Hassan. She's not your age mate and besides she is married."

"But I don't see no ring." Hassan noted before he sauntered back to his previous seat.

Taken aback, Iby asked in a soft whisper, "You took off your ring?"

"Yes." replied May.

"Why?"

"Em-"

"Uncle! Uncle Iby oyoyo. Uncle Iby oyoyo." Sang little kids, running towards them. May thanked her heavens that the interruption came just in time.

They all hugged Iby's legs. May counted to know that they were six children and were exactly the ones on the portrait with Ebiere.

"Uncle welcome." greeted one.

"Uncle, what did you buy for us?" asked another.

"Please give us your phone uncle, we want to play game with it."

"Uncle Iby, please dash us money."

"Yes!" they all chorused.

Iby chuckled, brought out some folded naira notes from his pocket and shared it amongst them.

"Hope we are good now?" He asked them.

"Yes!" they shouted simultaneously.

Ebiere who had previously gone to the kitchen came back to the sitting room all because her kids were making a hell of noise, "Okay now, Rashidi, Jamilah, Nafisah, Maimuna, Habibah and Safiyah to your rooms." She clapped her hands at them as they began to grumbled hesitatantly, "Haa le le. Go to your rooms fast." She pushed and ushered all six children to their room.

"Aren't you guys going to take your seats?" a man with a calabar intonation asked.

May and Iby took their respective seats but that was after, Iby shook hands with the other two men - Ebiere's husband and the calabar man who had spoken.

Then, Iby made the introduction before he could be asked to, "Every one, this is my friend. Her name is May Felix."

"Hello," Ebiere's husband greeted.

The rest of the family only smiled at her, looking genuinely happy to meet her.

"And May.." Iby drawled after which he gestured towards the others, "This is Iman, Ebiere's husband. This is Tari," He pointed at the chubby lady who had said nothing since their arrival.

"She's Ebiere's younger sister." Iby continued, "This here is Emem, our family friend who happens to be a calabar man and of course you've already met the playboy, Hassan. Just like he introduced earlier, he is Iman's nephew."

When she glanced over at Hassan, he winked at her again which earned him a thin smile.

"It's nice to meet you all." May told them.

"You're welcome dear. Feel at home." Iman said.

Seconds turned to minutes and minutes passed to hours, May had to listen to the boys discussing about football and their favorite footballers as they played whot card.

"Look at this one," Emem pointed at Hassan with a sneer, "It is not right that you're comparing both Obi Mikel and Victor Moses when it comes to their skills. Victor Moses is the best, I beg."

"Uncle Emem, sorry to say this oh. But I think you don't know anything when it comes to football. Do you know who John Obi Mikel is? We are talking about a man who played for the Chinese super league and Nigeria national team."

"And who said Victor didn't play for the Nigeria national team? Do not forget that he also played for Chelsea and was a professional wing back footballer," Emem sighed, "Look at this small boy saying I don't know anything about football. When I started watching football matches, you were still a fetus yet to be born in your mothers womb."

Hassan picked a card, "Guess what Uncle, I played football in my mother's womb. You all know I was kicking."

This made Tari, who had been quiet since to laugh. She drew closer and whispered into May's ear, "This is how they get when they argue about football. They don't know how extremely boring their conversations are. I just hope you don't get bored too much or are you already?"

May only gave her a tight lip smile and shrugged.

"Why argue about Obi Mikel and Victor Moses? When we have a man like Jay-Jay Okocha who was and still would be the best player Nigeria had?" piped in, Iby.

"Taa, shut up there!" Emem rebuked.

Iby didn't give up, "Have you all forgotten that Jay-Jay Okocha was an attacking midfielder during his career from 1990-2008? He was best known for his technique, confidence, and dribbling skills, especially his use of feints."

"We already know all that," Emem said, already feeling defeated.

"No. I think you have all forgotten. Let me remind you." Iby persisted, "During this great footballer's career, he played for Borussia Neunkirchen, Bolton wanderers, Fenerbahce, Paris saint- Germain and.. What is that other one called?"

"Eintracht Frankfurt," Iman added something for the first time, "and I think.. Qatar-"

"What do you guys even gain from arguing about all these footballers eh?" His wife cut in immediately she entered the living room, "If today it's not Ronaldo and Messi then it'll be Arsenal and Chelsea."

"Ha! Aunty Ebiere, you even know all their names." Hassan acknowledged.

"Shuussh.. Don't talk while I'm still talking. It's disrespectful." she cautioned and then turned to the others to continue what she was saying, "Why don't we discuss about something educative, something that'll be impactful? Why argue about men who are already out there making their money? I mean it doesn't even matter who happens to be the best amongst them, the thing is they are all living large and focusing on making more names and goals for themselves. What about you? What is your aim in life? We all have to stay focused, please. Lets also thrive hard to become successful. So others would watch us live too on TV and also argue about us. Don't y'all want that kind of life for yourselves?"

Instead of a reply, Hassan, Iby and Tari gave her a round of applause while the rest, including May just looked at her amused.

"Ebiere.. That's why you're my favorite cousin." Iby told her and then blew her an air kiss to her.

"Osheyy! pra pra" Hassan hailed her, "that's a sister in-law I've got there. You know what Aunty Ebiere?"

"What?"

"All those grey hair on your head is not for vein."

She threw him a glare and everyone laughed at him, "These signifies riches, Hassan. I am going to become rich when I become older."

"Older keh? You're around your mid forties if I'm not mistaken. How old then do you want to get before you become rich?" Hassan asked but got no reply so he continued, "pft. Stupid superstition people believes in. I can't believe that someone like you still believes on all that."

Everyone heard a sound right after Hassan completed his statement. They all turned to his direction to see him rubbing the back of his head where Ebiere had slapped him.

Tari stuck her tongue out and widened both her eyes with the help of her hands, "Ntoorh. You deserve it. Always running your mouth."

"See Tari, behave yourself oh. It wouldn't take me anything to beat you up." He warned.

"Come on, shut up there. Empty threats. You can't do anything," Tari challenged and her reply ended up making them run up and down around the house with Hassan trying to catch her.

They were making so much noise with Tari screaming and Hassan laughing but May's thought was else where. She was wondering why Ebiere looked so young and strong if she- according to what Hassan had said- truly was around her mid forties. And to say she has six kids and still is pregnant, she didn't look like one who had given birth to that number of kids at all.

By now, the boys had changed the topic to little kids who has been molested before by so called prophets and pastors.

"These men are supposed to help them rather, they abuse them." Iman shook his head pitifully. "They tell sinners how to live but sadly, they do not practice what they teach."

"Come," Ebiere called, dragging May's hand. "Let's leave the men alone. Come join us in the kitchen."

"I am just happy one of the pastors were caught in the act and sent to jail. I thank Abassi (God) for that." May heard Emem say before their voices drifted away as she walked further away from them.

Inside the kitchen smelled of different mixture of spices and ingredients. An elderly lady of about Mama Edric's age was busy pounding yam in a brown wooden mortar. While another lady whom looked like she was about May's age was adding salt to the pot of already boiling food.

"Mama, see who we've got here," Ebiere announced.

The elderly woman who was engrossed with what she was doing, raised her head up to look at May. May tried to fight the horror she felt when she took a better view of the woman's face.

Dark circles surrounded her lazy, weak, red eyes. Seems like she'd been crying all her life. If not for the wrinkles that her once beautiful face had, May would've sworn she had just seen Iby's twin sister. The resemblance between mother and son was too much. The woman looked broken and weak yet she was able to gather strength to do what she was doing. The condition of her husband must've caused her too much thinking and tears throughout the nights. She reminded May of the vulnerable woman she used to be.

"Mama this is May Iby's friend. The one he said gave him the money for papa's surgery." Ebiere explained.

"Oh!" cried Mama Iby, "Thank you so much my daughter. May you never lack any good thing in life, in Jesus name."

"Amen."

"I bless you for this good you have done to this family."

"Amen mama.. It is nothing-" May was saying.

Mama Iby cut in, "Don't say that. My daughter it seems like you don't know the good you have done to this family. My husband has been in the hospital for months. I don't have a peace of mind.."

Mama Iby began to cry and May had to hug her in order to comfort her. She felt the woman's pain.

"Hmm... May." called Ebiere, "this is Ugo, my colleague at work who turned a close friend."

The younger lady waved briefly, "Hello."

"Hi"

Ebiere clapped her hands together, "Okay enough with the introductions and pity party.. Mama, I am hungry. Let's hurry up with the cooking. I am sure the others are starving as well.

............

Every one had a plate full of Oha soup and pounded yam. Everybody except Iman who said it was better he ate farina and pepper soup.

The dinning table wasn't large enough to contain all fifteen people so the kids sat in circle on the floor, eating from their large bowl quietly.

Everyone chewed and swallowed silently until troublesome Hassan peeped into Ebiere's plate.

"Aunty Ebiere, all this large portion of food? Only you? Can you even finish it?" He queried.

"Yes. You know I'm eating for two."

"Or you're just using your pregnancy as an excuse to eat all the food in this house." He stated and received another smack at the back of his head.

Poor lad! Thought May, everyone seems to love hitting him. Although, he doesn't take offence.

"But do you always eat that much?" Inquired May.

Ebiere dipped her pounded yam into the Oha soup, "Err... Yes but not everytime though.. "

"That's how she eats oh." confirmed Iman, "with this her stomach that is as big as a watermelon, she still would keep eating."

"It's not a bad thing, Iman. At least she gives birth to beautiful children for you and she's hardworking too." Mama Iby told him.

"Err.. That's true. When she carried our first child, Nafisah, I was worried that her slender frame would not withstand the pregnancy but then she proved me wrong. Now, see? She is carrying the seventh child." Iman shook his head.

"And who is responsible for that?" Ugo asked, "You don't want my friend to rest. You keep impregnating her,"

"Or she keeps getting pregnant even at the slightest touch." He defended.

"Ah!" Ebiere exclaimed with disapproval, "Since when did being fertile become a crime?"

"Ask him," Mama Iby supported.

Everyone became quiet until Mama Iby spoke again, "By the way Iby, before I forget to inform you, you are leaving early tomorrow morning for Cameroon."

"For what?" asked, Iby.

"For your fathers surgery of course."

"This is all sudden. I thought it was abroad?"

"Nope. There has been a change of development. You'll have to pack up few of your things and it is advisable you leave with your father early tomorrow morning. This surgery has taken too long, Iby. Now that we have the complete money, we need not to waste any time."

"Okay."

"Your father's friend lives there. I'll give you his contact and write down his address so you can settle in for the time you'll spend there."

"Alright."

May scraped her chair backwards. The abrupt manner in which she did it, caused few eyes to look up at her.

"Uhm, Ebiere I want to urinate. Can you show me where the bathroom is?" She asked.

Hassan stood up cheerfully, "Let me show you."

Iby dragged him back to his seat, "Stay here busy body. She called Ebiere. She did not say Hassan."

As May followed Ebiere out of the dinning room, Hassan shouted after her, "Can I join you?"

And for that, he received yet another smack!

............

The drive back home was quiet which was quite unusual. Iby had tried to start up conversations with May but she wouldn't respond so he let her be with her thoughts.

When he stopped the car in front of her house gate he said, "So I guess this is going to be the last time I would see you until I return."

She remained quiet.

He Jingled some keys towards her, "Here. These are my spare keys. Just incase you decide to use my room.."

"How long would you be away?" She eventually asked, looking straight ahead, not wanting to meet his eye.

He exhaled heavily, "I don't know.."

"Okay." with that, she took the keys from him then, made to open the car door and step out.

Iby grabbed her hand to stop her, "Wait. May are you alright?"

She didn't respond cause she knew her voice would fail her.

"Answer me," He demanded softly becoming more concerned, "Why are you acting like I'll never come back? I know you will miss me and I'll too but don't make our departure this sad. You just have to take good care of yourself and Maryam for me. Tell me you're going to be fine."

It was dark so he didn't get to see when the tears dropped from her eyes. Without replying his statement, she stepped out of the car and slammed it a little harder than she had intended.

Iby watched her. He felt bad but he knew this was important for him and his family. After some time, he reluctantly drove off.

May threw herself on her bed and buried her head on her pillow. She didn't know why she suddenly became moody. She wanted the surgery to be done and his dad to stay alive but then the thought that he'll be away for an unknown amount of time, made her to have mixed feelings.

She was certain she was going to miss him but the emptiness she felt inside was questionable.

~~~~~

Whoops! 3594 words. I'm sorry for the long wait.

I hope I didn't bore you guys too much with this chapter?

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