Dedicated to Bellyphant ❤

•

Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of God ! --Proverbs 18:22 (MSG)

For many days, Posi pondered on what Tayo had said. It was still hard to think that she'd have to see her dad but she was less angry and more inclined towards forgiving him. But that didn't mean she was ready to face him, at least not yet. She was only beginning to warm up towards the idea that she could see him. 

"And what are you staring into space for? Are the aliens here for you already?"

Posi snapped into the present. "Hmm?"

"Yeah. I can see the little green creatures. They are here for you alright," Funmi continued. 

"What are you even talking about?" Posi asked with her eyebrows furrowed. She had always known that her friend was a strange being, she probably just never knew how much of a weirdo she was. 

Funmi shook her head as she waved her friend off. "You seem not to know that I'm teasing you. You're not making this fun."

When Posi didn't reply, her friend continued. "I know we talked about your dad and all. Is there something else going on?"

After a pause, she replied. "I can't say for sure. I just feel restless is all."

"Okay. If you want to talk about it, know that I'm here for you. Gerald too."

"Thank you, babes." She smiled. "So, what's left for your wedding preparations?"

"Just putting finishing touches to some things. My wedding planner is really topnotch. And I'm thankful both our parents were agreeable on everything. I just really hope nothing new crops up."

"Right. Some brides usually look stressed months to the wedding. You're just chilled like a glass of iced juice."

"What can I say?" Funmi flipped her imaginary hair causing them to laugh. "But seriously, I know I prayed majorly for resources and funds for the preparations. There were some challenges at first, especially with Gerald's mum but it got resolved peacefully. Gerald even gets jealous at the bond between his mum and I. Funny enough, the same is the case with my mum and himself. Sometimes, I even think she calls him more than she does me."

"Well, you have to live with that."

"I know, right. But what a good thing to live with. The only thing giving me concern now is my tummy and the pelvic pain I have been having. It's seems to have just increased overnight. I guess I need to lay off the midnight snacks."

Posi snickered. Adjusting on her seat and holding an invisible microphone, Posi pushed said mic into Funmi's face. "So, how does it feel to become the next bride in a few weeks?"

Funmi played along. She fanned herself with her left hand showing off her engagement ring and giggling like a schoolgirl. "It's the most wonderful feeling. Gerald's everything I have asked God for and I know we would have fun living life together. Yes, it won't all be roses and fun but I know I have God on my side and Gerald too. We will make this thing work."

"Hmm. Was there ever a time you were scared that you both may not work?"

"Oh, many times. We are two different people with different backgrounds, personalities and even ideas. So, there were times that I asked myself if it was worth it. I almost called it quits sometimes but I had my assurance and reassurance from God time and again that Gerald was it. We have God's approval most importantly, our parents' and that's all that matters. We both just have to decide to make it work whether or not things go smoothly," Funmi finished. 

While the goofy interview was going on, Posi had dropped the 'mic'. She had her thoughts on a certain something. 

"I couldn't help but notice that this turned serious very fast. What's going on?"

Posi sighed. "With everything going on with mending the relationship with my father, old insecurities creeped out. The feeling of abandonment I had with my parents, you know. I just got scared again that I will be left behind by someone I care about."

"Well, when they are God's chosen for you and vice versa; and they can see that, they would be as committed to making their relationship with you work. The ones called to you will stay. And if, a very big if, they do leave, you will be strong enough to handle it. Mmm?" Funmi moved closer to her and rubbed her back, like she was a baby trying to burp. 

"Okay," came Posi's hoarse whisper. She cleared her throat and tried again. "Okay."

"So, has Tayo said anything?" Funmi was back to the energetic nosey bunny she was. 

"No. We haven't spoken in some days. He didn't call me. And to be honest, I didn't call him either. And before you ask. No, we aren't fighting. Just taking some time to think. And pray."

"Okay o. I just want you to remember that I've selected your colours."

"What colours?" Posi was positively amused. 

Funmi gasped like she had been asked a ridiculous question. "The colours for your wedding now. What will be your ship name or hashtag o?" 

She stuck her nose in the air as if to sniff out the answer. All of a sudden, she snapped her fingers. "I know! TaSi."

"What?" Posi asked, befuddled.

"TaSi now. I know I don't have to explain this to you, right?"

Posi rolled her eyes. "Don't you have to go to your office to prepare for the new edition of your magazine?"

"Nope!" She had a goofy smile on. "I was given the next few days off. So, you're stuck with me."

"I'm going to unstick myself from you."

With a laughter that rivalled that of the evil stepmother in Cinderella fairytale, Funmi moved closer to Posi. "We are glued for life, babes, with something stronger than evostic glue."

"What is stronger than evostic?"

Posi groaned with tell-tale signs of laughter. She obviously was glad she had a BFF who gave the best advises. She was truly blessed. Even if others had left her or will leave her, she was so sure that God and the people called to her won't leave. If they tried to, she'd just have to change the glue of their relationship to a stronger, more durable one. 

Including Tayo. 

********

Tayo's hands itched to pick up his phone to call Posi but he kept feeling like someone was smacking his hands each time he tried. He wasn't even trying to keep malice. He just felt she needed some time to absorb and get peace in her relationship with her dad. Even he had pulled a no-show when he had issues with his parents. Everyone was allowed some alone time, including Posi.  

Just then, his phone rang and he almost flew across the room to get it. Maybe it's Posi. 

He checked only to roll his eyes at the caller ID. Even her picture was mocking him. 

"Hello, Tutu," he managed to grunt out. 

"Ah-ha. Why do you sound like you're going number two?"

Tayo snorted. "Am I not allowed to?"

"Okay, stop right there. I don't want to know any more." She sounded disgusted.

"Don't you go number two?" Since she had made herself the one that called him rather than his LOML, she would have to deal with this line of conversation. 

"I—. No, I can't believe I wanted to answer you. You're getting more annoying as you grow older, bro. Is it old age? I couldn't help but spot the grey hair on your head the last time you visited. I know it must be tough getting old. But don't worry, I'm here for you." 

Tayo could hear the patronizing tone with which his sister was speaking to him and he couldn't even believe what he was hearing. His sister was becoming more cheeky as the years went by. 

"I won't even deign that with a response. Why did you call me?"

He heard a gasp. "Can't I call my favourite elder brother whose name starts with an O?"

"I'm your only elder brother with a name that starts with an O. Again, I ask. What does my sister want?"

"Well, I called to tell you I love you and that you're the best brother in the world."

Tayo knew she had heard about his adoption story the last time he was home. He had decided along with his parents to tell his siblings. He didn't want to hide anything from them anymore. Adebisi hadn't understood what they were saying. He just kept asking why he didn't bring his Pawsi with him. 

With a layer of tears in his eyes, he sniffled loudly and maybe he shouldn't have. But it was too late to think so.

"Are you crying?" Tutu asked. 

Yes, I knew I shouldn't have. 

"Of course not. Why would I? Besides, I know you use the same line with Bro Adekunle everytime. I'm scared that you may become a player, sis."

He heard her laughter. "Well, what can I say? I have the best brothers in the world. Besides, it made you cry. I must tell dad about this."

"Okay, I have heard you. He wouldn't believe you anyway."

"Yeah, right. Anyways, Funmi asked me to a part of her bridal train. So, I'm coming to Lagos soon."

"Okay. Cool. I will make preparations for your arrival, Your Highness."

"No, don't worry. I'll be staying at Posi's. I may have mercy on you though, and come to visit you though."

"Ehn ehn. Okay o. I'm the best brother in the world but my sister doesn't want to stay with me."

Tutu laughed. "You're such a goof, Kitty."

"And I'm very sure I told you never to use that name again."

"It just slipped past my mouth. Besides, you had no problem with me calling you that when we were growing up."

"That was a different time and age. Calling me Kitty now is like a slap to my face. And don't you dare call me that in front of Posi or the others."

"Yeah yeah. I won't. But it may just slip out again."

She laughed again. And he groaned in response.

"Okay, I gotta go. Mum's calling. See you in a few. Love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." 

Tayo was still smiling as he dropped his phone. Tutu was one of the many blessings in his life and he was grateful. 

He had another person he wanted to add to his list of blessings and the time was drawing near. 

Soon. 

*******

That evening, when Posi got back home, she called Tayo and the two spoke at length; catching up on the few hours they hadn't spoken and sharing stories of how their day was. 

"So, what have you decided about your dad?"

Posi knew he was going to ask. "Yeah. We speak now over the phone and we made plans to meet when next he is in Lagos."

"That's cool. I'm so happy for you."

Yeah. Thanks. We are taking it one step at a time."

There was a pause before Tayo asked, "Did Tutu tell you she is coming over to Lagos?"

"Yes, she called during the day. And she told me she'd be staying with me."

She heard his laughter and it was music to her ears. "Of course, she would have. She called to inform me too. Thanks to you, she will have mercy on me and visit me when she wants to."

"Well, it's not my fault I'm so charming, is it?" She teased. 

"Totally not your fault. Too charming, in fact."

She had meant it as a joke but she could hear the serious undertone in his voice. 

"Even Adebisi was asking for his Pawsii. He seems to think you're his best friend now or something."

"Of course, he is right. We are BFFs now. He invited me into his room and from what I've heard, he doesn't invite just anyone into his room."

"Yeah, right. I can hear the pride in your voice, dear."

They both laughed it off before saying good night. Posi was glad that she had people who she could laugh with. And she was finally able to accept the truth — she had feelings for this guy and she wasn't running anymore. 

Staring into the ceiling of her purple-themed bedroom, she thought. Time to ask Baba God. 

Her heart had been getting stirred in that direction for a while. It was high time she prayed about the two of them and also high time she spoke to Pastor Bee.

"Gerald, I told you to pick your best man ages ago. Now, you're telling me you have no one." Funmi sat with her arms crossed while also sending intermittent glares in her husband-to-be's direction. 

Gerald sat with his hands on his knees as he took in his chastisement. Yes, she had been telling him about it but he just couldn't pick any one of his male friends to do it. And now, their wedding was in roughly two months and he still had no idea who would be his best man. 

"I'm sorry, love. Maybe I can call my sister's husband to do it?" He asked. The newly improved glare his beloved sent was enough to make him change his statement. "Or maybe not."

Suddenly, Funmi's face lit up. Gerald knew that look. She had thought of someone and she was going to get that person no matter what. 

"Who do you have in mind, my darling?"

Funmi looked at him, her glare reduced to a warning gaze. "Wait and see."