Picture of Grace above 💓❤️😍🥰

Chapter Thirty Four

CYNTHIA

I arrive home with Sam who has fallen asleep on our way back. I glance at his sleeping form and I can't help remembering the children his age that I saw earlier that looked like they were suffering from hunger and malnutrition. I really should help them the best way I can.

I try waking him but he seems to have fallen into a deep sleep so I carry him. When Lanre notices this, he helps me with my school bag and Sam's lunch bag and I thank him.

I enter into the house and Nanny notices Sam with me, she collects him from me and smiles when she finds that he is already asleep.

"I'll just drop him upstairs." She tells and I nod.

Lanre drops our bag on one of the sofas and heads outside, probably to his quarters.

I wait for Nanny to come downstairs so I can tell her about Grace's date with Femi and my intentions towards the children I saw at Tayo's neighborhood. I sit down in the chair and sigh anxiously because I know Nanny will be asking a lot of questions.

"Welcome, dear." Nanny greets as she reaches me.

"Good afternoon, Nanny."

"How was school today?"

"It was okay." I respond and decide to get straight to business. "Nanny, I have to ask for your permission for two things."

"Oh, I better sit." She replies excitedly and sits beside me, probably thinking it involves something interesting. I smile, knowing she's going to be disappointed when she realizes they aren't about me.

"The first permission is on behalf of Grace." I start and she looks at me, confused.

"I don't understand."

"She's going on a date and she needs your permission."

"I still don't understand." She replies, her eyebrows furrowed. "Why does she need my permission to go on a date?"

"Because she'll be going from our house."

"And why will she be going from our house?" She asks.

I sigh again because I saw these questions coming and I know I have no choice than to respond.

"A guy invited her on a date but she can't go because her dad won't allow her and she really wants to go. So I suggested she tells her mum that she is going on a date but tells her dad that she's coming over for a sleep over at my place." I try to summarise but she still doesn't look satisfied with the explanation.

"Are you telling me none of her parents know that she is actually going on a date?"

"Her mum is aware, only her dad cannot find out because he won't permit her to leave. That's why she and her mum will both pretend she's coming for a sleep over at my place so she can go to the date from here."

She looks like she finally understands but she still looks doubtful.

"But you do know it's risky right? I don't even know the guy she's going out with it. What if something happens to her? It will be said that she was at a sleepover at our place not on a date with someone."

"But Nanny, I know the guy she's going out with and nothing is going to happen to her. She is going to come back here safe and sound so don't think about this too much and just say yes." I plead, making a puppy face.

She rolls her eyes at me but I see her hide a smile, "Fine, she can go."

"Yes!" I exclaim.

One down, one to go

"But she has to come back here as early as possible." She adds finally and I eagerly nod in agreement. "What's the second thing you need permission for?"

I clear my throat before speaking, "Today, I met a young girl, Tayo, and she took me to meet her mother who isn't feeling well. When I got to her neighbourhood, I was surprised to see somewhere like that in our area and I wasn't happy with the situation I met the people in, especially the children. They-

"Wait, before you continue, I want you to know you've lost me at the beginning. How did you meet Tayo? And which neighbourhood are you talking of?" She asks and I groan, mentally scolding myself for not thinking that far.

How do I explain to Nanny that I skipped school today without her getting mad?

I smile sweetly at her before talking, "Nanny, how I met Tayo isn't important. What's important is what I'm thinking of doing for the children I met in her neighbourhood."

My last sentence catches her attention thankfully and she doesn't ask of how I met Tayo again, instead, she asks, "Where exactly is the neighbourhood?"

"It looks like it is in the outskirts of the city because I could see woods in the distance." I respond and she nods.

"I know where you are talking about now. The people who stay there really struggle a lot. They find it difficult to eat and to earn a living." She answers sadly and I can't help feeling curious.

"How do you know this, Nanny? Have you stayed there before?" I ask, surprise by this new development but she shakes her head.

"No, I never stayed there but I knew someone who did." She replies, staring into space. "Anyways, you still haven't told me what you need my permission for."

"Nanny, I want to buy the children there foodstuff and provision. So they can at least eat proper food even if it's just for a while." I tell her and she gives me a small smile.

She pats my cheek and explains sadly, "Darling, I understand that you want to help the children there but you have to consider their numbers. I'm sure the number of them you saw today isn't all of them. If you want to confirm, go over there on weekends and you will see just how many children are there."

"How many do you think they are up to?"

"Between 40 to 50 children if they aren't even more now but then they could be less." She responds and my eagerness to help them drains.

40 to 50 children? To buy them foodstuff and provisions that will reach them for a month will take a lot of money. Mum and Dad might be well off but I don't think they will be ready to leave a huge amount of money for something like this.

What do I do?

"Your willingness to help them isn't the only thing that matters, you also have to be realistic so your goal will be achievable. I'm not saying you shouldn't help them, I'm even glad you want to, but all I'm saying is what you want to do will be very difficult." She explains and I sigh.

Why didn't I think this through?

The image of the children's faces flashes before me and my stomach churns. How will I be able to eat a good meal now when I know somewhere not far there are children who haven't eaten anything and probably don't know what to.

I give Nanny a small smile and stand up dejectedly to go to my room. The excitement from getting permission for Grace to her date has been quenched by the disappointment of not being able to fulfill my aims.

As I climb up to my bedroom, I tell myself with determination. Even if it's just a carton of noodles, I'll buy it for all 40 or 50 or whatsoever number of children they are there.

With that mindset, my mood lifts a little and I decide to call Grace to tell her that Nanny has agreed to let her go from here.

But I remember she will be arriving here soon so I drop my phone and decide to just freshen up.

Thirty minutes later, I'm downstairs in the living room, eating some biscuits and watching television. Sam is still sleeping in his room.

It is almost 5pm and Grace is yet to arrive. I glance worriedly at the clock and wonder if her dad didn't give her the permission to come here for the assignment after all. I didn't wonder for long when the doorbell rings and I glance at it hopefully.

Maybe she is here after all.

My question is answered when Nanny opens the door and smiles widely.

"Good evening, Nanny." Grace greets and hugs her.

"Good evening, dear." She replies, hugging her back. "How have you been?"

"I've been good. I do ask Cynthia to send my regards, does she deliver my messages?" Grace asks as she steps inside and Nanny nods.

"Of course." Nanny replies. "So, you are going on a date, hun?" She teases and Grace smiles shyly.

"Don't worry, I'll leave you both so you can get ready." She tells her and head to her room.

"So the plan worked?" I ask excitedly as she sits in front of me and eats one of my biscuit.

"Obviously. I won't be here if it didn't." She replies in a duh tone but her voice lacks the usual enthusiasm. Her eyes even look a bit swollen.

Did she cry?

"Grace, is something wrong?" I ask, feeling worried.

She lets out a heavy breath, "I'm just tired. Emotionally."

"Did something happen at home?"

"Yeah, I fought with dad because he did not want me to come here."

"Why? You didn't tell him you were coming to my place?"

"Yeah, I did. He just said something about me being lazy and that I should be able to do assignments by myself."

"Wow." I reply disbelievingly. Her dad really is a piece of work.

But then it's not like I have a dad I can compare hers to.

"I'm just glad you are here. Your date is by 6pm and you have just one hour to get ready. Let's get you ready!" I exclaim with enthusiasm, clapping my hands excitedly and she grins.

"Let's go!" She replies with more enthusiasm now and we head for my room.

***

Thirty minutes after we've both rummaged my wardrobe and applied make-up on Grace's face, she stands in front of the mirror and I smile at her image with satisfaction.

She is dressed in black high-waist jeans with an ash off-shoulder blouse that is tucked into the jean. After helping her choose her outfit and tried to help with her make-up - which she ends up doing by herself - I have to admit she looks beautiful. Of course she looks beautiful naturally, but now that she's wearing makeup, she looks more beautiful and mature.

She had brought a braided wig to put on and it really suits her. I pack it so that the braids at the sides are pinned in the middle. She smiles back at me in the mirror and stare at her reflection.

"You think Femi is going to like the way I look tonight?" She asks shyly.

"I think he is going to love the way you look tonight." I reply with a smile.

"Well, you still have about twenty minutes before he arrives. What do you plan on doing till then?" I ask her and she turns away from the mirror and sits on my bed.

"I plan on making myself more composed until he arrives. Honestly, I feel really nervous." She says with an anxious chuckle.

I stare at her with lots of amusement, "It just feels strange seeing you this nervous because of a date. You have gone to lots of them, Grace."

"Yeah, thanks for the reminder." She replies with a roll of her eye.

"Just stop being nervous." I add as I go to my shoe rack. "Everything is going to be just fine."

"What do you plan on wearing?" I ask as I show her one of my black canvas with cream laces and a little-high heeled sandal with white heels and black straps.

"None of those." She replies, eyeing the shoes in my hand with distaste. "I'm wearing heels. I have to look classy."

I shrug, "Good thing he is tall."

"Anyways, choose whatever you want from these." I say as I place some heels in front of her and sit beside her on the bed.

Grace's outfit for the date.

"You have fifteen minutes more to compose yourself." I announce and she groans.

"I've actually forgotten about that and now you just reminded me." She complains.

"Sorry." I chuckle and she just pouts. "Where do you think he is going to take you to?" I ask and she thinks about it.

"I don't know. Anyplace that has good food is okay with me." She says. "And don't people go to watch movies during dates?"

"You should know. You are the one with the experience." I reply, earning a dead look from her. I stifle a giggle and hold her hand, "What matters is having a good time." I tell her and she nods.

We hear the blaring of a car's horn in the distance and I smile knowing Femi has arrived.

"Are you ready?" I ask her and she nods excitedly. She wears the heels quickly and we both head down to the living room.

We see Sam watching TV and I realize I haven't seen him since he fell asleep in the car.

"Hey, Sam." I greet him and he turns to me.

"Grace!" He exclaims, before he gets down from the chair and run towards her.

She wasn't even the one that called him.

"Hi, Sam." Grace greets in return. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. Are you going to a party?" He asks, taking in Grace's appearance. Grace and I chuckle.

"Not really, but I'm going on a date." Grace reply. He starts to nod like he understands but it's quickly replaced with a confused look.

"What's a date? Today's date? A calendar?" He asks and we smile.

"No, it isn't. I'm just going out with a friend." She replies.

"So your friend is a date?" He asks.

"Yeah." She nods before realizing what she means and quickly corrects herself.

"I mean he isn't a date like today's date or a calendar but my date." She tries to explain but Sam just gives her a puzzled look.

I think she just ended up confusing the boy.

"Well, I think that's enough chit-chat. Your date will ring the doorbell any second now." I mock her and the doorbell rings at that moment.

"Okay, Sam. I've got to go but I promise to bring you your favorite chocolate ice cream." She says and Sam nods excitedly.

"Thank you!" He replies. The doorbell rings again and Nanny comes out of her room. If she gets to the door first, Femi is going to be interrogated.

Unfortunately, she beats me to the door and opens it to reveal Femi who I have to admit is dressed nicely and looks really handsome. The look of appreciation on Grace's face says she is in agreement with my thought.

"Good evening, ma'am." He greets politely with a smile. Nanny doesn't reply, still checking him out.

"Well, he is a fine-looking boy." She mumbles to herself with a small smile before suddenly clearing her throat.

"How may I help you, young man?" She asks in what she thinks is an intimidating voice and I fight the urge to cover my face.

Ugh, Nanny.

Femi glances unsurely at me and then at Nanny. Grace is hiding behind the door so he can't see her.

"I'm actually here for Grace. I made plans to take her out today - ma'am." He explains, adding ma'am as an afterthought.

With the look on Nanny's face, I have to admit he is really cool for talking without stammering.

"Yes, I know." Nanny replies and narrows her eyes at him. "Where do you plan on taking her?"

"Just a restaurant and maybe to watch a movie?" He says, making it sound like a question instead. And then adds "-ma'am."

"What time will your driver drop her here?"

"Around 9 o'clock, ma'am and there is no driver, I'm driving."

"9 o'clock will be too late. I want her back around 8 o'clock." She then eyes him from head to toe, "And you are driving?"

"How about 8:30pm, ma'am? And yes, I'm driving. You don't have to worry ma'am, I have my driver's license."

"I think I just said 8 o'clock. And it's good you have your license because I want her back in one piece." Nanny replies but he doesn't reply.

"Fine, 8:30pm." She says.

Are they seriously bargaining for time right now?

"Nanny, just allow them out till 9. They'll be gone for just three hours anyway." I pipe in and Femi sends me a grateful smile.

Nanny is silent for a while before she finally speaks "Alright, 9:00pm but not a minute late, am I understood?"

"Yes, you are very much understood." He replies excitedly but when he sees Nanny's serious face, he clears his throat and adds "-ma'am."

"Grace, you can come out now." Nanny announces and leaves the entrance.

Grace who is standing behind Nanny smiles thankfully at her and steps outside. I watch as the look of appreciation takes over Femi's face and Grace glances at him shyly.

"You look really beautiful." Femi says and she blushes.

"Thank you. You look handsome too."

"Thanks."

They both seem to have forgotten about the rest of us as Femi guides Grace to the passenger's seat and opens the door for her before jogging to the driver's seat and entering the car.

The gateman opens the gate for them and Grace is out on her date.

I smile with satisfaction and close the door.

I glance at Nanny and see that she is also smiling then she turns to me, "Do you think he was intimidated by me?" She asks animatedly.

"A little?" I say unsurely. "But seriously Nanny, you didn't have to make your voice that way." I add and she scoffs.

"What are you saying? The voice gave it a dramatic effect." She replies and I sigh. I turn to head back into the sitting room but unfortunately the discussion isn't over because she clears her throat.

"Just look at Grace, she's already going on dates. I'm sure by the end of this date; she is going to have a boyfriend." She starts and I groan.

"Nanny, what's your point?" I ask.

"That you should start going on dates too. She's your only friend and once she's in a relationship, she might not have time for you like before. She will start thinking about her boyfriend and become more forgetful. Sometimes, she might not even be listening to what you're saying because she is thinking about what her boyfriend said to her the previous day or night." She explains.

I want to ignore her words but deep down, I know there are some truths in her words. Grace has had lots of boyfriends but I haven't seen her show so much interest in a boy like she is doing with Femi but then I believe I will hold as much importance as her future boyfriend will, if not more.

Nanny mistakes my silence as agreement and continues, "Look, dear. The only way you won't feel left out is if you also start dating. Once both of you have boyfriends, you'll be able to balance it out with each other."

"Alright, Nanny. I've heard you." I say mainly because I'm getting really uncomfortable with the conversation and just want it to end. I still find it funny that Nanny is encouraging me to have a boyfriend but then according to her, I have to start living a normal teenage life.

She gives me a pat on my shoulder and goes back into her room. I contemplate between going back to my room and watching TV with Sam. If I go back to my room, I'll probably sleep off and then I remember that there are some assignments that will be due by the end of this week.
I go to my room and remove the books from my bag so I can start on the assignments.

An hour later, I'm done with them and I can proudly say I'd be getting at least ninety out of a hundred.

With two hours still left to spare before Grace's return from her date, I pick up a novel that I haven't finished reading for a long time now and decide to just finish it once and for all.

I'm not done reading a paragraph from the book when Nanny's voice sounds from downstairs.

"Food is ready! Cynthia, come downstairs for dinner." Nanny announces and I once again drop the novel.

I'm guessing fate doesn't want me to complete the book.

I go downstairs to the dining room and see Sam already seated on one of the chairs. Nanny is busy setting the table and I decide to help her so I go to the kitchen to bring out the rice, stew and plantain. White rice and stew is Sam's favorite food while I prefer jollof rice.

After helping with serving and Nanny saying a quick prayer at the table, everyone starts to eat.

"When is Grace coming back?" Sam asks not too long after we start eating

"Very soon." I reply with a smile. He must really not be interested in following table manners anymore.

"I want her to come soon so she will give me the ice cream she promised." He adds.

"Don't worry, I'm sure she will get you your ice-cream." I reply and then sigh. "I bet she's having a lot of fun."

I soon realize saying that is a mistake when Nanny clears her throat.

"Of course she will be having fun, just like you should also be having fun." She replies and I groan.

"Nanny, you know it's really bad to talk while eating." I say quickly to avoid the conversation.

"Alright." Nanny replies with a knowing smile but remains quiet.

After fifteen minutes of silence, as my response to Nanny seems to have served as a reminder to Sam, I help Nanny take the plates to the kitchen and she takes Sam to his room while I volunteer to do the dishes.

Ten minutes later, I'm in the sitting room, changing channels to see if there's one showing a movie that I can watch. I settle down with Nickelodeon since it is showing a Henry Danger marathon and I find Kid Danger cute. Captain Man is just so full of himself and Schwoz is a freak. A hilarious freak.

After watching three back to back episodes and thinking more than an hour should have passed, I glance at the clock to see it is now 8:25pm. I consider watching one more episode before going upstairs but then decide on the latter. There is still thirty five minutes remaining until Grace returns so I turn off the television and head upstairs.

***

Who just loves Nanny?

And our Grami ship is about to leave the seaport. Raise your hand if you want them to be together and if you don't want them to, give me your reasons.

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Until next time,

Hikmat 😘😘