She smiled

Did I Do That

    Did Papa Joe reasonably leave me alone at the party? Or it could be he forgot about me? Ideas ran through Chloe's mind as she sat on the sofa in her father's friend's house.

Aunty Banks was one of Papa's close friends and business associates. She had a large house in an exclusive area in the city. Papa Joe, however, built his home in the suburbs, for reasons best known to him.

It was Aunty Banks' son's wedding day. They had chosen Chloe to be one of the flower girls. It was Chloe's first wedding, and the entire experience was new to her. Hitherto, the wedding was over, and the evening was fast approaching. Chloe wondered why her father had not returned to take her home.

Papa Joe had dropped Chloe off early in the morning. The plan, she mulls over, was for him to pick her up from Aunty Banks' house after the wedding.

10-year-old Chloe knew he had planned out the entire day for her; there was no need for her to make a fuss. Bimpe, one of the other flower girls, introduced herself to shy Chloe as soon as Papa Joe left. As she held Chloe's hands, she walked into the house by shank's pony, like a model.

Bimpe introduced Chloe to all who cared to listen. She swayed straight on, delighting in the attention she was receiving.

"Meet my beautiful friend Chloe, don't worry, she doesn't talk much. I met her today, and I know we would be best of friends."

Chloe trailed after her while Bimpe made the introductions.

"She has reduced my workload," Chloe agreed. Without protest, she greeted everyone as expected.

Her presentations went on until Bimpe came face to face with the maid of honour. She immediately raised her voice and shouted.

"Bimpe! Bimpe, didn't I tell you to stay in the room? Do you want us to be late? Do you know we still need to get to the bride's house?"

Bimpe, though, holding Chloe's hand, stood still, looking as if she had seen a ghost, her eyes fixed on the maid of honour.

"Naughty girl, always talking, non-stop! Who asked you to be Chloe's mouthpiece? You would explain to your mother later," the lady continued.

Chloe felt sorry for Bimpe but wished she could be as expressive as she was. Bimpe and Chloe walked in silence behind the maid of honour. She led them to the car and the driver waiting outside in the compound.

Arriving at the bride's house ten minutes later, they ushered them into inside. Conceding not as big as Aunty Banks. The house was busy.

Everyone shouted over each other while getting ready for the wedding. Outside, several women were cooking, preparing the food.

The cooking was for the wedding reception and the evening party at the bride's house. The aroma was breath-taking. Chloe longed for some delightful cuisine as her stomach rumbled. Even though she knew she was not a great eater.

The smells reminded Chloe that some cooking was also happening in the groom's house.

"Do they have to cook another way in both family houses? Who would eat all the food? Will they be inviting the whole town to the party?"

Chloe had never experienced such a massive party in her ten years of existence. She soon began to get excited, allowing her to forget her shyness and enjoy the fun.

Everyone loved her dress; she felt like a goddess! Chloe wore a lovely petite white dress with her hair decorated with pink and white roses. The bridal photographer focused on her as he took pictures.