HER WEDDING NIGHT

CHAPTER 8

As the cold breeze of the harmattan slam her window, making a loud noise, Akeela opened her eyes. She realized her phone was also ringing.

She didn't know if it was the cold breeze or the loud ringing of her phone that woke her up. She removed her blanket and sat upright.

It was Fred.

She smiled and took a hold of her phone from the stand where she kept it the night before and snuggled back into the bed, raising the blanket to her chin.

"Good morning to the queen of my heart", she heard him say with his coarse early morning voice and it sent a rippling shiver all over her, making her heart swell.

"Good morning, babe", she answered with her sweet voice.

"How was your night?" He asked after a chuckle which she found sweet also.

"It was great, how was yours?"

"Full of you", he replied.

"What?" Akeela laughed.

"I mean you filled my dreams." They both laughed.

"You are always saying that Fred, I don't even know when to believe you dreamt of me and when not to."

"You always fill my dreams, every night."

"Really?"

"Yea, love."

"How is England?"

"Cold without you, babe."

"It's cold here too." Akeela murmured.

"I miss you. I miss your kisses and your breath...."

"Fred, don't be a naughty boy", she reprimanded.

"Let me be. I love you like crazy, Keela. Please be mine." He was been dramatic. Who would have thought this dramatic lover of hers was crying out his eyes out on the day of her departure.

She never knew Fred was going to get over it so easily but she guessed it was for good. It will sadden her to know Fred was mourning over her departure while she was in Nigeria, enjoying being home again.

"I love you too", she answered when her mom knocked on the door.

"Eehmmmm, Fred, can I call you back?"

"What happened?"

"Nothing. Let me call you back", she sat and stood up from the bed.

"Alright, queen. Talk to you later."

"Bye", she said as she got to the door and opened it.

"What took you so long, Akeela? Were you sleeping?" Her mother demanded, peering at her from head to toe.

"No, mom."

"Have you observed your morning prayers?"

"No, mom."

"What?" Her mother checked the time. It was past 6 am. "So this is how you pray late in school?"

"No." She replied again with a grimace and went back to her bed. Her mother followed, with her big nightwear.

"Anyway. I came to inform you that we would go shopping today since it's Saturday. Jamal and his parents are coming to visit tomorrow."

"Jamal? Who the hell is Jamal?"

"Hey, don't use words like that in my house. You are no longer in England." Her mother warned without a smile.

Akeela's heart was racing. She knew something like this was bound to happen. Her mother loved matchmaking. She did the same thing for her brother, Akeem.