And after many years

Before it began.

As time flew into the Agapa river, Dede decided it was time to set himself free. It was papa's 50th birthday and the entire St Gerald Catholic Church was present including the staff  from papa's company as well as close friends and family members.

Papa always believed in family unity but not so infatuated by the idea of unity he condemned his brother "Uncle Chinedu". Uncle Chinedu was a 5'9 open minded light skinned man. He was very different from papa; from his sense of style to his manner of articulation. He had a beautiful sense of style like that of the models in the magazines, he owned a fashion retail company at Aba he called "Nedu's best" the name was as basic as any store at Aba but it was the most popular in the market. Although papa pushed Uncle Chinedu from his life the same way he did to the men that spoke blandly about God. Uncle Chinedu still saw reasons to be close to him, He loved i and my brother more than my other family relatives, he bought us cloths and shoes from his trips to Turkey and Dubai that papa collected on our behalf and dashed to the beggars on the street or sometimes burnt at the backyard.
"No one from my household would have anything related to a drug pusher"

He said, making funny gesticulations that demanded seriousness at the same time quirkiness.
Uncle Chinedu was however present at the birthday party, fully clothed in Disel for men 2000 collection, he was the only one qualified to be called "handsome" in papa's family line. Papa felt awkaward around Uncle Nedu, it was almost as if he reminded papa so much of what his life would be if only he didn't let religion and misogyny overcloud his mentality.

Dede came to the party in pure white with his face showing the same expression it always had- disgust. when I saw Dede I wanted to go hug him and tell him all that has happened in school since he was sent to America to study medicine but when I looked closer, a man held Dede's hand.

Could that be his husband? Boyfriend? Or perhaps one of our cousins that got lost abroad. The man was fair in complexion almost half cast with curly hair and light blue eyes.

Mama saw Dede and shouted "Ooooo! Nwa m!"
Dede smiled, showing his teeth "Nne m" "ke kwanu"
When mama got closer she asked when he returned and who he came with. Dede whispered into mama's ear, mama smiled the same way she did in her traditional marriage pictures. After a little moment of a gorgeous smile, she let out a sigh and then shook her head starring at papa.

When Dede's eyes met mine, I waved , ran towards him and gave him a tight hug. He introduced me to the person he came with.

"This is Marcel, we live together in the U.S"
You are welcome, I love your hair..it's like those telephone wires from the 90s I said, smiling

"Thank you, you are very funny"
Marcel said with an American accent that sounded like he rehearsed how to speak with a Nigerian.
I laughed and shook his hands
"He is my boyfriend"
Dede added.
I stood still, obviously happy for him, I looked at mama, she had the same expression my face had -shock with a touch of happiness
"I need to introduce him to papa" Dede said.
Had Dede ran mad or suddenly became bold enough to introduce a man to papa as his lover? Maybe he was just pulling my legs, I assumed because his thoughts couldn't be real.

"I'm serious" Dede said in a low tone as if he had read my mind or interacted with my spirit.

"Nwa m, Hapu papa gi aka, do what you want but biko..." mama interrupted

"Mama I need to do this, I will be right back"

Papa was seated on the same table with the dignitaries from the church. Hennessy, Andre and other expensive drinks decorated their table. I had thought alcohol was a sin until today.
Papa sighted Dede and shouted "Okpara, bia!"
When Dede got close with Marcel, Papa dragged him by the hand and introduced him to the people on the table, people that had met Dede several times and at several intervals in his life.