Dedicated to Purplejeans ❤

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That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; --Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)

Ephesians 3:15-20.

The one scripture that kept ringing in Tayo's heart every day for the past few months.

He couldn't understand why; he only knew he felt this intense desire to pray for strength. And the only thing he could chunk it up to was the fact that Pastor Toba had been unrepentantly ministering on the believer's need to pray the Pauline Prayers. And Tayo felt he had soaked in the messages so much that he just had to pray those prayers.

Here he was repeating the words of the Apostle Paul and praying it in the spirit. I am strengthened with might by Your Spirit in my inner man.

There was nothing compared to the strength that comes from above, he knew. And there was certainly nothing compared to receiving and having a strength that was incomprehensible on your inside; a strength that would stand even when physical strength fails.

*****

"This is a new picture, right?" GP asked as he pointed at a frame in the living room.

"Yeah. I got it on my birthday." He had a goofy smile which he hid by looking into the freezer for water. Goofy smile because of whom had given him the frame but he wasn't about to tell GP that. He was sure his friend would jump on the first opportunity to tease him about Posi and he wasn't about to dig that hole for himself.

"Those are great words. Anyways, see me back here again after a few months, visiting you. It's indisputable," he paused for effect. "I'm totally a spec."

GP had just arrived so he could attend his dad's birthday. He could have just met up with them in Ibadan but he said he wanted to have some time to visit with him before they travelled.

Tayo stirred the chicken sauce that was cooking before smearing some on his left palm to taste.

"I'm very sure you mean spectacles, yeah?" He returned.

GP shook his head. "Specifications, my brother. Specifications. A thousand-yard worth of husband material."

"You make me laugh," Tayo replied dryly, making an exaggerated show of laughing to which GP scoffed. "Besides, a thousand yards will still get exhausted. So what are you talking about?"

GP crossed his arms on his chest with his right arm under his chin, like one deep in thought. "Hmmm, that's true." He snapped his fingers. "I am uncountable yards of husband material."

Tayo just rolled his eyes. "Food is ready, Spectacles."

"Thank you." He received the food and moved towards the dining area. After a few minutes, he said, "This is delicious. I taught you well."

"Are you paying me or yourself a compliment?"

"Myself, of course," GP smirked at him as he paused to take a sip of cold water. They ate in silence for some minutes before he asked about Posi.

"So, when am I going to meet your missing rib?" He asked with a wink.

"I have never broken a rib neither has any been removed before. So what are you talking about?"

GP grunted. "I know that you know what I am talking about. So, quit perambulating," he said, making circles with his left index finger.

He snickered in reply. "You'll meet her soon enough."

"That's all you're gonna say?" The incredulity in his tone was palpable but Tayo wasn't going to back down.

"That's all I'm gonna say." He grinned at him.

He knew GP liked her already. Heck, he had painted her as the perfect young woman who had captured his heart completely. He had nothing untoward to say about her. Even his first impressions of her were good in his book: The Enrapturing and Mesmerization of Olatayo's Heart.

He chuckled, making GP glance at him but he didn't mind. Posi was the real deal, no questions asked. And he was sure she'd make a heaven of an impression on GP.

"Bro, I'm right here o. This lovestruck look on your face is making me feel attacked." GP snorted.

"That's your cup of tea." Tayo stood to take the empty plates into the kitchen, with GP trailing on his heels.

"Na wa o. Somebody should come and love me too o," GP teased.

Tayo turned from the sink and faced him. "As if you don't have someone."

That shut him up. GP made a perfect turn towards the living room. "Do you have a movie I can watch?"

Tayo shook his head and smiled. His friend could deny it all he could but he still liked his sister. But I'm not going to involve myself anymore. They are adults, perfectly able to make their own decisions.

He poured two cups of orange juice and carried them into the living room. His friend was making an elaborate show of watching the news airing on the TV.

Tayo sniffed. "Relax. I won't ask you anything about that. You obviously don't want to talk about it."

He saw his friend visibly relax. "Thanks. Is that for me?" He gestured towards the second cup of juice sitting on the stool.

Tayo nodded. "Now, talk to me. Why are you here two days early? Is everything alright?"

GP grinned. "Why won't everything be alright?"

He must have been the serious look on Tayo's face because he relented and went serious.

"I just have some stuff to work through. I was beginning to feel burnt out at work. And also like I was being pulled in different directions. I needed the break." He managed a smile. "Thankfully, I was allowed to work remotely for the rest of the year."

With concern blatant on his face, Tayo asked if there was anything he could do.

"You are already doing it. I just need a break but you can pray for and with me. That will be great."

"Ok, bro."

That was the least GP could ask from him and he was more than glad to do that since that's what he needed. His dear friend had been there for him in more ways than one over the years.

It was his turn to be there for his friend, his brother. There was nothing he wouldn't do for him.

*******

"I don't even understand how we, the ladies, are ready before you. It's mind-boggling, " Funmi said into her phone. Herself and Posi were seated in Funmi's living room, bags packed for their trip.

Posi was busy playing a crosswords puzzle game on her phone as she listened to Funmi's side of the conversation. It was so obvious that Posi was a changed woman. She knew that before these bliss-filled moments she had been enjoying, she would have given the guys a piece of her mind. But here she was, the picture of serenity, playing a game as they waited.

Whereas Funmi was the one getting agitated by the guys' tardiness.

"We are waiting for you o," she ended the call with a sigh and turned to her. "I don't even know why we woke up so early if we weren't going to leave on time."

"Just relax, babe. They will be here soon." Posi's brows wrinkled up in concentration. "Funmi, what's a hard dark wood? Five letter word and the first letter is e."

After some seconds, Funmi answered. "Hmmm. Try ebony."

"That's it!" Posi pumped her fist in the air. She felt her friend's eyes on her and looked up. "What is it?"

"Nothing. I'm just in awe."

"In awe? Why?"

"You are just sitting so calm. You really are no longer the old Posi."

She laughed. "Of course, I'm not. I'm a new creature."

They both laughed at that.

"That, you are."

Posi's phone rang out suddenly and there was an accompanying blasting of a car horn. "I guess they are here."

"Finally," Funmi said as she rolled her eyes.

They both stood to move their boxes out of the living room after which Funmi locked up her apartment.

********

"Hey, you," Tayo greeted Posi with his full dentition on display.

"Hey, yourself." She moved to hug him.

He stared at the boxes they had both wheeled out the gate. "Erm, I'm pretty sure I told you we were just staying for the weekend."

The two ladies frowned as Funmi answered, "Yes, we know. You told us."

Pointing at the two boxes, he replied, "So why do you have such humongous boxes for a weekend trip?"

They both gasped, with their hands on their chests; perfect mirror images of each other.

Gerald groaned.

Tayo turned to him. "What did I say?"

He wanted to know what he had said. Doubra used to pack so light for any trip whatsoever. Most times, her luggage was usually lighter than his.

"You're just asking for trouble." Gerald mumbled to him before he turned to hug Funmi and Posi. "Hi, loves. How was your night? Let me help you with your beautiful boxes." He carried them into the boot. "They are really small though. Are you sure you have everything you need?"

Funmi batted her lashes contemptuously at Tayo before sending a smile in Gerald's direction. "My darling. Good morning. We had to remove some things but it should be enough for our trip."

Gerald smiled and winked at Tayo as if to say that's how you do it. GP who had been silent all through the exchange burst into uncontrollable laughter. His laughter must have been contagious because they all joined in.

"Forgive my manners. Posi, Funmi meet Godspower, my best friend. GP meet Posi and Funmi, my new friends. You've met Gerald already."

The ladies moved forward to greet GP.

"It's great to finally meet you in the flesh," Funmi said with a smile. Posi nodded.

"Likewise," GP replied with warmth in his tone and a telling look in Tayo's direction.

"Let's get this show on the road," Tayo said, clapping his hands. They all moved to take their seats in the car. Gerald and Funmi took the last row of seats since it was a Honda Pilot while Posi and GP played the "you seat in front" dance.

"I don't enjoy sitting beside the driver on long trips. I jerk a lot, with my feet on an invisible brake when the speed is high," Posi said.

"But we can't allow you to sit alone in the middle row," GP insisted.

The two continued this for some seconds before Tayo stepped in. "Okay okay. Let's do it this way. Posi can sit in the middle like she wants. And we the guys will take turns driving and sit with her. Is that okay?"

They all acquiesced and got into the car.

********

The almost 3-hour journey was going smoothly. GP proved himself to be a self-acclaimed comedian; in this case, a sit-down comedian as he so seriously told them. They were laughing all through.

Tayo was surprised to find out that GP had a partner-in-crime in Funmi as they both kept buying various items on the road. The others were in awe of their purchasing skills. It almost felt like they wanted to outdo each other. Funmi even added the spice of being a frugal negotiator. At a point, Tayo had to pity one of the vendors and gave him a tip because he felt like Funmi ripped him off.

There were all sorts of smells in the car ranging from that of the fresh fruits to the car freshener that Funmi insisted his car needed, roasted plantain, akara (bean cake), bread, leather wrist bands, a pair of sunglasses, leather slippers and even peppered snails.

Tayo had to refrain from asking Funmi where she planned to keep all the items she bought since her box seemed so full. He had learnt his lesson when he mentioned her box before and he didn't want that look again.

When they were about two hours into the journey, they stopped at a fuel station for a toilet break and GP insisted on driving the rest of the way. As they switched positions, he gestured at him to take the seat beside Posi. Tayo withheld his laughter but moved to his new seat.

Posi raised her head to look at him and the smile she gave him was sufficient for him.

With his voice dropped low, he asked, "How's the trip been?"

"Good good. It's been fun."

They heard snickering in the back seat before they saw the looks their friends were sending them. Posi shook her head and rolled her eyes. "They are not serious. Don't you feel tired? You've been driving for a while."

"I'm good too. And even if I was tired, I'm sure I'll be getting the rest here."

"Okay o." She dusted her lap for invisible dirt. They all settled into silence for a while. Funmi was asleep with her head resting securely on Gerald's shoulder. The others carried on a soft conversation.

All in all, the journey was an opportunity for all five to know each other better because it seemed like they were going to be permanent residents in each other's hearts.

*******

As Tayo announced that they were getting closer to the palace, Posi felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. It dawned on her that she will be meeting Tayo's parents and his entire family.

Ah, well. We are almost there and I can't run away. Chill, Posi. Just chill.

"Okay, we are here," Tayo said with a clear voice filled with joy.

Posi's nervousness hiked up and she began to wring her hands. She had never been amid a full family unit asides her own dysfunctional family. She wasn't sure how she was meant to act.

Was she to be quiet, shy and behind the scene or was she to mingle, smile and be extra careful?

"You'll be just fine."

She looked up to see Tayo flashing his signature smile. Did he just read my mind?

"I know you can be shy, but my family doesn't bite. You'll see," he said.

With a release of a deep breath, she said, "Okay."

GP manoeuvred the car into the compound, parked and everybody made to alight from the car.

Tayo helped them down and she noticed his hand held hers for much longer before she heard a female voice and he released it.

"My son!"

They all turned in that direction, only to see a woman who Posi recognized as his mum (since he had shown her pictures of his family before) smiling and rushing towards Tayo.

"Ekasan (Good afternoon), mummy, " Tayo greeted as he prostrated. His mum raised him and hugged him.

"You're welcome, my son. Although you didn't spend as long as six months to come to visit again, this was too long now," she said with a frown only African mothers seemed to have perfected. A frown that said "I'm not pleased but I'm still glad".

"I'm sorry, mum."

Posi watched as she raised her eyes to her and the rest of the group standing to one side. "These must be your friends."

The smile on her face made Posi feel so relaxed and welcomed. Like she was in the right place. She smiled back at her and bent to her knees along with Funmi, while the guys prostrated.

"Good afternoon, ma," they greeted in chorus as if they had practised it.

"Did you guys rehearse on your way here?" Queen Aderonke said amusedly.

They all burst into laughter as she hugged and welcomed them.

There is no need to be nervous, Posi. She kept smiling as they moved into the palace.

Queen Aderonke was seated in her room when she received a text message from Tayo.

We are at the gate, it said. She would have informed the king but he was in a closed meeting with the chiefs of the land.

She wore her padded house slippers before moving swiftly down the stairs. She went to the kitchen where Queen Ariyike was busy supervising the meal.

"Àbúrò (Little sis), the guests are here."

"Ah, okay, ègbón mii (elder sis). Let me finish up here. I'll join you in a bit," Queen Ariyike replied with a huge smile.

"Okay."

She moved to the porch as soon as she heard the gate swing open and doors opening. She saw the hold her son had on one of the ladies' hands and smiled to herself.

"My son!"

She couldn't stop herself. Her son was home and she had been praying that everything would go as planned. If not, she may not have him as a son for much longer.