In Cold Blood

Chapter Four: Party Preparation

On a cool Monday morning in the month of March 2015, the Ajayi's residence was a beehive of activities. It was the first week of March, and a week to the retirement party. And all hands were on deck to ensure a successful event. Richard had been receiving calls from friends, family, and colleagues from the previous week. Everyone was excited about the upcoming party. Sometimes he would be on a call for hours, just talking about the party.
The party was to take place in his residence, and a lot had to be done to give the residence a befitting look for the occasion. The flowers in the garden required trimming, the water in the swimming pool needed recycling, and the flowers around the compound required trimming too.
At 10.a.m in the morning, Ajayi took a walk around the compound and took note of the things that required attention. After looking around, he called out his employees, and they responded to his call. He instructed them on how he wanted the occasion to be. To Segun and Olu he said "Remember this is an important event, and strictly by invitation. Be mindful of who goes in and out of the compound and be alert at your duty post."
"You have been good employees, and I know you will do as I have said." In response, they answered
"Yes sir we shall carry out our duties diligently."
To Ajoke, Richard instructed
"Ajoke you have been a wonderful cook to this household. I want you to assist the caterers and their workers."
"When they arrive, ensure they get settled and inspect the dishes they prepared. It should be the right delicacies for the occasion.'
Ajoke responded by nodding her head. Turning to Tosin, Shade and Toyin, he said.
"You are to assist Ajoke, make sure the guestrooms are in good condition for the visitors."
"Put an eye on the caterers, each of you will be assigned to a canopy, and ensure everyone is entertained."
" Thank God Ajoke's children will be around so you can work together."
" The serving of the food must be well coordinated."
To Adamu his loyal driver he said.
"Your assistance is needed for some running around."
"On the day of the event, you are to go to the flower shop to get flowers appropriate for the occasion." You will also get some plastics from the plastic shop." "They will serve as one of the sourvenirs for the event."
"There are some other things you will do, but I will inform you as time progresses." Smiling, Adamu replied
"Sir I'm at your service anytime."
Satisfied with his instructions, he dismissed them and they went back to their duties. After taking one more look around, Richard went inside to relax. As he did, he reflected on his accomplishment in life. As he reflected, Ronke joined him and said;
"Hi Dad."
"How do you feel?"
"I'm fine Princess." Her dad replied.
"It's a week to your party, I heard you giving instructions."
"Are you anxious?." Ronke asked.
"Kind of, I just want everything to be done orderly. Richard responded.
"If you don't mind dad, I can be your event planner."
"Oh my princess go ahead with it." I trust you."
"Yeah dad I will."
They laughed and continued talking about the event. As they talked,Tosin, Toyin and Shade were in one of the rooms cleaning. They giggled and talked about the party.
"This party will be great" Tosin said suddenly. She was the most outspoken of the three maids.
"It will be grand I think".
Toyin responded.
"And fantastic". Shade added. Tosin replied.
"I just can't wait, I have been looking forward to it. I saved up for it, my dress is...." As she was about to say more, Ajoke walked towards them and said.
"Are you girls still cleaning this particular room? She asked.
There was no response.
"Hurry up so you can assist me in the kitchen."
"Yes ma." They replied in one Accord. Ajoke left them and walked back to the kitchen. The girls stopped talking, and continued with their shores. After that they joined Ajoke in the kitchen. Richard was home fully so the cooking was regular because he loved fresh food.
Ajoke prepared Egusi soup for lunch. Tosin cut the vegetables, Shade blended the Egusi, while Toyin boiled the meat which was well seasoned. As they worked, Ajoke reminded them of the instructions given by their boss.
"Remember girls we must ensure the party is successful."
"So no fooling around and talking unnecessarily."
"Be alert to your duties, my daughters will join you so the work will be easy."
"Is that Clear?"
"Yes ma" . They replied.
After preparing the meal, lunch was served. Richard and his daughter had lunch together. The three maids continued with their household shores, until it was 6.p.m in the evening. Time for them to go home. As they were leaving the premises, they met Bisi their madam at the gate. They stopped and welcomed her.
"How are you?" She asked.
"We are fine ma". They responded. "I hope you are getting prepared for my husband's retirement party?" Bisi asked. Tosin quickly responded. "We have been told what to do ma." Irritated, Bisi said.
"I know my husband has given you instructions, but this is my own instruction."
"My friends will be attending the party, ensure they are well entertained.
"Be in your best outfits, I don't want them to have the wrong impression."
"Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes ma." They replied.
After that, Bisi drove straight to park her car. While the girls walked out of the compound. As they walked, Toyin said
"Tosin be careful, your over Sabi will get you into trouble one day."
"What do you mean?" Asked Tosin.
"Do whatever madam ask you to do."
"You know how she is*
" What have I done wrong?"
" I only told her Oga has given us instruction on what to do." Tosin replied in defense.
"You don't have to tell her anything, just obey." Toyin responded.
"But..... Tosin was about to say more when Toyin cut her short saying.
"Like I said before, your over Sabi will get you into trouble."
" I agree with you." Shade added.
Reluctantly Tosin replied
I have heard you my panel of judges."
On hearing this, Shade and Toyin laughed. And they all laughed as they walked down the road

At about 11 p.m later that day, the Rumours night club was busy as usual, getting ready for the night life. Beautiful ladies surrounded the dance floor.
At the reserved corner of the bar, a handsome young man sat on a a chair enjoying a cocktail drink. It was no other person but Gbenga. It was his favourite club and he was a regular there.
He wasn't alone, his friend Dayo, and three beautiful ladies were there with him. Gbenga didn't have a steady relationship. He could be with one girl today, and another tomorrow. Temitope was the latest on board.
She loved been around him. She often dreamt of being his wife, but Gbenga wasn't ready for a long term relationship. They talked and laughed while enjoying cocktail drinks. A substantial part of their conversation was on the retirement party .
"How is the party going to be?"
Asked Dayo his long time pal.
"Well great I guess." Gbenga replied unperturbed.
"Just great come on Gbenga" Dayo asked confused.
"What do you want me to say?"
"I mean preparations are ongoing, just as my dad has planned.
"I don't have much say in the arrangement."
"But I will get support courtesy of my mum."
"Whatever we are going to be there anyway." Dayo responded.
" Of course, we won't miss it for the world". The ladies agreed.
They looked at Gbenga who puffed up with an air of pride, enjoying his drink. They talked about other issues, and after that they hit the dance floor. They left the club at the wee hours of the morning.

It was the week of the retirement party, and Ajayi's residence was wearing a new look. The entire building was painted with high quality paint. The flowers in the garden looked fresh and inviting. Fertilizers were applied to make the plants grow well, harmful insects were eradicated with insecticides, and harmful weeds were removed. The water in the swimming pool looked fresh because it was recycled. The flowers around the compound were trimmed as well.
The security officers discussed the parking arrangement of vehicles on a daily basis. The guestrooms also wore a new look with beautiful, colourful bedspreads, and pillow cases. The rooms were properly ventilated, with air conditions to provide comfort for its guests.
Ajayi Richard rehearsed his speech regularly, Ronke made a list of invitees because entry was strictly by invitation The invitees also included residents of Macaulay close. Ronke also rehearsed her part, for she was to say something on that day. Toju on the other hand concluded some of his paper work for the week, so he could participate fully in his dad's retirement party. Bisi focused on what she would look like on that day. She bought a set of new jewelry, a pink Lacy material which was the uniform for the occasion. Her friends were to appear in a different manner. They would appear in a blue lacy attire courtsey of Bisi. She loved the glamour of life drawing attention every where she went, and in what ever she does. And her spendings towards the party proved she was bent on making a statement only with her looks, attires, and friends.
Gbenga was hardly around for the preparation. He was either at the club, or Dayo's house. He lived with his parents, but since his father returned home finally, his presence in the house became less frequent. He avoided home, to prevent any argument between him and his father. Their relationship wasn't getting any better. But he had to attend the party to fulfill all righteousness.
On a Friday the eve of the event, the presence of relatives was felt. Bimbo Bisi's sister was the first to arrive, and next came Jide and Ade Richard's only siblings. They arrived in the afternoon and they got a warm welcome. Other guests like Richard's colleagues coming from PortHarcourt, and Ajoke's children were expected on the day of the event.
Later in the evening, Mrs Martins the Managing director of Kaycee catering services dropped by with her workers. Richard welcomed her and introduced her to Mrs Ajoke. Ajoke talked to her briefly, introducing the maids to her saying.
"This is Toyin, Shade and Tosin, maids in this residence. They will be at each canopy ensuring the free flow of various delicacies by your workers."
"Noted" Mrs Martins replied nodding her head in agreement.
"Please be here on time before the event starts." Ajoke added.
" Of course" Mrs Martins replied.
After further negotiations with Richard concerning payment, Mrs Martins left with her workers to prepare for the event.
At 7.p.m in the evening, dinner was served. And after dinner, Richard discussed with his brothers, catching up on old times. While Bisi displayed the new set of jewelry she bought to Bimbo. Bimbo admired her sister's taste for fashion and glamour. Toju and Ronke talked about the role they would play during the event. They were so excited, that they rehearsed their speech over and over again. The entire household was in a celebration mood, and they had an early night anticipating the much awaited event.