Worth

Family as archnemesis

Amen!!🌞

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

Well, I thought it was just going to be an intimate family dinner, but there are tons of people here; I can hardly keep track. Enny's mother-in-law is nothing like the image I had in my mind. When Enny introduced me, she spoke to me kindly and even offered me an invitation to their main mansion in Lekki... Perhaps she doesn't want me to get the wrong impression of her. Her demeanor is both authoritative and welcoming; a true example of a well-educated, cultured Igbo woman.

The moment I set eyes on her, I knew she was a woman of class, one that doesn't look a day over thirty. Nigerians, especially Igbo Nigerians, have a reputation for grand celebrations, and weddings are certainly no exception. I'm sorry I missed the engagement party, which I'm sure was as opulent as this event, if not more so. There is so much food here, enough to tempt even the most disciplined of palates, but I will not make a glutton of myself.

"Kelvin's aunt studied catering in the United Kingdom, and she's certainly putting her skills on display here. The spread is a delightful mix of local and continental dishes, and just a bite of the chicken wings sent my taste buds on a gastronomic adventure. I've been told she owns a restaurant in Maryland, which I plan to visit the next time I see Aunty Ghattah.
Over at the other end of the compound, a stage was set up where a live band was performing.
Go on
"This wedding is shaping up to be anything but quiet, which contradicts Enny's previous assertion. As I survey the crowd of affluent guests, it becomes abundantly clear: money may not buy happiness, but it certainly provides a comfortable cushion in life.

"You cleaned up nicely" a deep male voice spoke behind my ear and I shivered.

Turning to see who it was, I saw none other than Olufemi, as I suspected. I hope he can't notice the goosebumps on my skin or the heat rising in my cheeks. Clearing my throat, I adjust myself, trying to hide my physical reaction.
I can't take my eyes off him. His broad shoulders fill out the grey Ankara shirt so perfectly, neither too tight nor too loose. My gaze drops to his clean, white toes peeking out of a pair of expensive-looking brown leather slippers.

I recall buying a similar pair for Mupu last year for his cultural day, and the cost had me sweating! Alas, he deemed them old-fashioned and they now gather dust in my closet, awaiting a rainy day. Shaking my head at Olufemi's teasing, I straighten up, confident that I have scrubbed up quite nicely. My straight black gown, purchased last Christmas but never worn, was the right choice. Everyone here looks expensive, and I don't want to stick out like a regular broke spinster from NYC.

"Compared to the Cess in High school you look great"

"For someone who has a girlfriend as pretty as yours you shouldn't be flirting with me" I ache a brow at him

"Oh you've met Barb" Barb?... Why do I have this feeling of jealousy? She's his girlfriend of course he has a pet name for her.

"...And I'm not flirting with you, it's a mere compliment" he smirks

"Save it I don't need it"

"Sure"

"Yeah" there are tons of people here, he could go pest just about anyone.

"Why do you hate me?" he breaks the emerging silence and I'm struck by his question. I don't hate him I had totally forgotten about him not until last month and if he wasn't following me around we wouldn't be having this conversation.

"I don't hate you, I just don't like you"

He lingered a bit on what I said before he could respond "That's just about the same thing"