Chapter Seven

Tiwa's eye lids began to drop as the wait for her husband to wake up became longer. The man had her in a firm embrace.  She was about to truly relax when she heard his voice.

Dele grunted as he released his wife to stretch. There was pain in his back.

Tiwa's quick gasp gave away that she was awake.

Sitting up, Dele took a look at his wife.

Her hair, still in the all back braid, was not a masterpiece but it was not garbage either. The vibrant colour of her eyes were not evident because of the dim light of the room.

Dele strecthed his hands to her head to check her, had a fever developed? Reflex made her move away from him. This only made Dele sigh.

'How do you feel?'

His eyes were closed and his back was braced on the wall beside their bed.

Tiwa did not see where this question came from. Hell, she couldn't even remember the events of the previous night.

'I am fine' was the monotonous reply. 

Without his arm imprisoning her, her mind could try to grasp her location, her attire.

Her outfit was the same as the previous day but her wrapper was loose, must have been the hold.

'I am too tired to go out' Dele began speaking 'besides, the sun is already out, I will stay home today'

Tiwa was not ready for this declaration.

She sat up. 

'Don't you have to work on your farm?'

'I'll just pay someone to do it'

He said firmly. The statement lead to a thought.

Her husband was considerably above the average man in terms of wealth. Of course, he was not a chief but he had some sort of stance. Many people could not afford paid workers, hence the numerous children.

One thought led to another. He had two farms. He was not poor.

Now she gave thought to why her home was separate from his parents. He had his own compound. He did not have to live with the rest of his family like other people did, neither did he wait for inheritance.

Of course he could rest as he wanted. As long as she had a good roof over her head, what did she have to complain about?

Nothing.

Dele spared another look at his wife. She was deep in thought. 

His gaze then ran over her. Her luscious curves. The fact there was little distance between them did not help his urge.

'Tiwa' his mind was racing

'Hmm' Her reply was ignorant.

His call to her was enough to shake her from her reverie. He tried to move closer to her.

The woman was completely ignorant of his turmoil. She literally adjusted herself to lie with her back to him as his hands were about to land on her.

He wanted to call to her but did not do so.

'I am going back to sleep. Please wake me when you want your breakfast'

Again she adjusted trying to make herself more comfortable.

Not today Dele. Not today

It was a painful realization, but he had to accept it. 

His wife was gone to sleep within moments

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

Once Tiwa was fast asleep, he arose.

Alcohol would be of help. He went to the small hut located by the kitchen. It was their store. Not counting the barn for yams.

That morning he drained his supply of gin. He held his alcohol well. Sometimes it was a disadvantage. Mostly when he wanted the alcohol to take effect fast.

After some relaxation, he made up his mind to replenish his stock.

He wanted to buy some more.

So he did.

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

When Tiwa woke up her husband was no where to be found. She was not alarmed. In fact she did not care, even when he had declared earlier that he would be staying home.

She then set out to cleaning herself and the house.

She was sweeping the frontage when he arrived with two young boys tailing him.

'Oko mi' She greeted

Of course, Dele was taken aback by that, he had clearly told her to refer to him by his name.

(*oko mi means my husband/ my man. It could also mean my heart, depends on how you pronounce the words. The thing has to do with intonation marks. I couldn't type them. Here it Tiwa meant my husband)

'Iyawo mi'. He replied when he realized her behavior was because of the company he had. She was thoughtful. (*my wife. Shockingly, they are cooperating)

They boy greeted even though they had weights to bear.

He directed the boys to deposit the gallons in front of the house. They looked like like they were in their thirteenth year, the same age Dele injured her.

'How are you?' Tiwa asked they boys with a smile. They returned the smile and replyed 'Fine'

Dele just walked inside to get money. It took him some time to find his stash. He walked out and he was shocked. The boys were seated on a bench talking with Tiwa like she was some aunt. They both had pieces of akara in their hands and smiles on their faces.

'hey' Dele called. The boys stood up immediately.

'Sir' Dele handed over the cowries as they quickly prostrated.

'Bye bye' Tiwa waved as the boy took their leave.

'Do you know them?' Dele asked curiously.

'No' Tiwa's smile still remained on her face as she accorded her spouse. 

'It seemed like you had known them all their lives' Her small reflected on his his face as a smaller version. He did not even notice she had infected him with the smile.

'They hadn't eaten since morning so I just gave them akara and they were...'

'What about me?' Dele's false frown was hilarious

Tiwa was giggling already

'There's still more left for you don't worry' 

'That's alright, I am starving'

Tiwa just looked as her husband as he walked towards the kegs to carry them.

'Sometimes I wonder what you ate before we got married' Tiwa humored 

Dele paused as he bent. 

'What did you say?' He asked. Don't worry, his voice was playful

Tiwa laughed and said 'Nothing'

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

Dele sat to a hearty meal of akara and ogi. The ogi was sour, the way he liked it. Tiwa just sat adjacent him watching. His conscience began eating at his soul.

'Won't you eat too?' he asked her, remembering the previous day

'Don't worry, I have already eaten'

Then silence ensued. Tiwa avoided his eyes. It was not exactly difficult to do considering this man loved food like his life depended on it. Really, his life depended on it.

'What did you buy?' Tiwa asked to break the silence

IN between bites Dele murmured 'Palm wine and Gin'

With the question answered the conversation was not moving forward. Moments later, Dele revived it.

'You could have some wine if you wish' He said clearly

Tiwa was surprised.

'Really?' She asked.

'Yes, It is fresh. Still sweet'

Dele stood and walked to get some for her.

Tiwa was still trying to comprehend what had just happened. Was her memory failing her or was this the same man that tried to ascertain his dominion the day before?

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

See guys am just recovering from the greatest case of writer's block. Don't worry the next chapter gonna be lit

Am dedicating this chapter to marbbie2017 for helping me realize that I have no right to dump my lovlies.

Wait ooo. 

Right now, it's like Dele is vexing me. 

Why is he behaving like a normal human being? Is he not meant to be the bad guy?

Besides, I pity his disappointment went Tiwa just went to sleep.

Comment if you get his trouble.

Hey don't forget to vote oo

Mwah