EVERYTHING GOOD||completed

Nine <Crossroads>

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;  In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. --Deuteronomy 30:15‭-‬16 (KJV)

β

Fola had just gotten to the church venue with a few of the other aso-ebi ladies. They had been taking care of some last minute changes that the bride had ordered. A spectator would have been glad to just take a pick out of the beauties standing like runway models beside the car they just alighted from. They were like a vision in their varying styles of the same lilac lace material as they chatted loudly, hurrying to make it into the venue.

Fola had chosen to sew a fitted slightly-off-the-shoulder ankle-length long gown with a side slit that ended at her left knee, with three-quarter sleeves. Her gele was artistically tied, and she wore silver strapped sandals, purse and earrings. She gave off the sophisticated accomplished lady look with her mild make-up and purple press-on nails.

As they moved like super heroes in slow motion, she heard the faint calling of a name she was too familiar with.

No, it can't be.

As soon as she saw the back view, she knew it was him and she did the opposite of what she had resolved. She hid herself between the other ladies and scurried off along with them. She hadn't even waited to see the one who called him and she was fine with it. Or so she thought.

Fola wasn't sure if he had seen her and she definitely hadn't waited to find out. She also knew he wouldn't not see her before the entire wedding ended, unless she left the venue.

How does he even know about this wedding?

As soon as they found seats in the auditorium, she tapped Ami who was seated beside her. The couple had been joined and were signing the marriage registry.

"Does Bola's hubby work in the food industry too?"

"No, he doesn't. And what do you mean by 'too'?" Her friend asked with raised brows.

"Oh, well. I just thought I saw someone I knew and I can't possibly pin how he must be related to either the bride or groom."

"Well, he could be a classmate."

Fola would have been pale if she had lighter skin. "Classmate? Did Uzor attend the university in Ife?"

"Yes, he did! That's true. I should have told you that and he even studied Chemistry too."

Fola had nothing to say as her mind ran amok with various thoughts. That means some classmates of Godswill are here, some of whom may recognize me.

If this wasn't the worst coincidence of the century, she didn't know what was. Fola placed her head in her hands, being careful not to smudge her make-up.

What did I do to deserve this? Abba, maybe You can stop any of us from seeing each other? Uhn, please. She pleaded with all in her. With a final plea towards the heavens, she sat still as she watched Bola dance back to the couple seats with her groom.

********

Definitely not who I thought. I'm so far gone that I'm hearing her voice when she isn't here.

"Oh my goodness! I can't believe it's you, Godswill," the owner of the voice spoke up as she stretched out her arms for what he knew was a hug. He considered sidestepping her and giving her a handshake. But I'm not petty.