Best of Both Worlds

Chapter Thirty-six

The past six months breezed past us like nothing and now we were getting married, traditionally. It still felt like yesterday I got engaged to Nicholas. To this day, I've caught myself staring at the ring in disbelief. We landed in Nigeria a week ago for the traditional wedding preparations and yesterday, we flew to my hometown.

While I stayed at my father's house for the duration of the ceremony, Nicholas and his family lodged at a hotel. He couldn't stay with me until the wedding was over.

"How's the hotel? Have you settled in? I said into the phone, my body tucked under a duvet.

Nicholas released an elongated hum, clearly searching for the right sugar-coated words. "Er . . . it's alright"

I chuckled. "It's only for a few days"

I heard the creak of a bed frame in the background. "I know. It's fine"

I bit my lower lip. "Still excited to experience the traditional nuptials, tomorrow?"

"Oh, hell yeah. I literally can't wait for the event. I have my outfits laid out and everything" he said

"Good," I stifled a yawn. "We should get some sleep, it's going to be a long day tomorrow"

"Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow"

I smiled. "Good night,"

We hung up. Minutes later, just as I'd dropped my phone down to sleep, it chimed. I scooted to where I'd placed it, besides my pillow and peered at the screen.

Good Morning, Wife.

I buried my face into my pillow and giggled like a teenage school girl. Oh God, he's so cheesy. Picked up the phone and replied. Two can play that game.

Morning, Husband.

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"O ka na lahu ula?" My mother's voice bounced off the walls of my room. (Is she still sleeping?)

The bedroom door was thrown open and seconds later, the rays of a bright light burned my eyes through my lids. I groaned and rolled unto my other side, away from the jarring light. With my eyes still closed, I fought to hold unto the sweet sleep I'd been in minutes ago.

"Kwuni oto, osiso" my mom smacked my bottom. (Stand up, right now). "E ma ihe na aku?" (Do you know what time it is?)

I dragged myself to a sitting position and stretched. My eyes fluttered open right after I'd released a long yawn. My mother's glare was the first image that blessed my vision. Amarachi stood by the door frame, watching us like we were an animated movie.

"Mummy, Good Morning" I stretched out again.

"It's afternoon," she said, impassively.

"Jesus! It's a lie" I grabbed my phone from beside my pillow and checked the time. It was 8:05 am.

I released a sigh of relief, placing a hand over my chest. "Aah, mummy you scared me"

"Ah, mummy you scared me" Her face contorted as she mimicked me in a high-pitched voice. "Stand up, jare"

"Really mummy? You want to give me a heart attack on my wedding day" I cocked my head to the side

"Eehn, so you know it's your wedding day and you're still sleeping by this time" she mocked. "You better hurry up and have your bath because the make-up lady is here. You've not even done your hair sef."

I climbed out of bed and made a beeline to the bathroom in the corridor. There was a bucket of steaming hot water, waiting for me.

Last night, after I'd told Nicholas to go to sleep – he didn't. Instead, he called me and kept us both up till two am. Which was why I felt groggy and my lids were still heavy.