A Loner's Journey Through Lemonade Making

Chapter 20|

As I'd envisioned, my break was monotonous for the most part.

The only times I actually had fun was when I'd see Shalewa on my way to or from the supermarket and we'd talk, walk back together or take turns riding her bike around the estate. Then sometimes, Aunty Nelo and I would watch series and talk about the fashion shocks she witnessed in her place of work among her coworkers. Other than that, I only helped Aunty Mariah out, ate, slept, ran pointless errands for Aunt Nelo, did my assignments when I remembered I would have to keep my grades up and eavesdrop on Aunty Oma's conversations with her sister. I'd seen this level of boredom coming but only one thing was going to change that— Lady Bridget's party by 4:00pm that evening. It was the Saturday before resumption and so far, it was the only thing that I'd been genuinely excited for, ever.

Aunty Oma's stylist had just arrived and she was in her room with her, helping her get dressed. Aunty Nelo was trying on snapchat filters by the poolside and I was trying to finish my breakfast on time. We'd woken up by 8:00am but weren't even ready yet and it was 2:55. I gulped the rest of my tea down and took the plate and cup to the kitchen.

I took the hanger my dress hung on from the sitting room and went to my room to dress up. My dress was a rose gold cold shoulder high-low one made from brocade. I leaned on the wall as I buckled my platform sandals. When I finished, I looked into the mirror and immediately fell in love with my appearance. I didn't bother taking a purse because I wasn't taking anything but myself along. I adjusted my dress and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.

At exactly 3:15pm, Aunty Oma descended the stairs with her stylist holding the train of her dress. She didn't have on makeup because as I'd learnt, Madam Vic and her workers would be the ones to do it before the party started. I wasn't sure if that would be possible but I told myself the party would start by Nigerian time, earliest five o'clock.

My eyes couldn't help but assess every stitch and seam on the dress. It had been sewn excellently and the fit was great on her. I told her she looked pretty in the dress and told Aunty Bola she had done a fantastic job.

Aunty Nelo also got dressed. She wore a red halter dress with a thigh high slit and heels so high, I feared she would fall. But Aunty Nelo was a boss when it came to fashion. She knew how to walk in heels and make every piece of clothing look beautiful on her. However, Aunty Ijeoma wasn't pleased with her dress. She said elites would be there was they certainly wouldn't have thigh high slits, flashing their laps to all with eyes. Aunty Nelo countered, saying she had to look good and take pictures for the gram so she could pepper her haters. And like that, the case was closed.

Aunty Oma's new driver arrived some minutes later and we entered the car, heading to the hotel the party was taking place in.

Uncle Blessing was a hotelier, and a very successful one at that. He was also a Realtor and had houses all over Nigeria. His hotel had magnificent rooms, decor, service, ambience and food. Honestly, if one had the money, Red Beryl Hotel and Suites would be a great place to visit.

Immediately we got in, the staff greeted Aunty Oma with utmost respect. The men that passed us gawked at Aunty Nelo, probably because she looked ravishing in her dress and colour red seemed to have been made for her. Or maybe it was because her hair was woven into six utterly rough cornrows and she had no makeup on. She seemed to be really self-conscious but vlogged nonetheless.

We got to the suite Lady B had booked, where other women were sitting around, discussing fashion and the latest jewelries while getting their hair, makeup and nails done. The floor had marble tiles, a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and various paintings on the wall. The furniture was made of fine wood, giving it a tastefully expensive look. Mirrors were all around and the lighting was splendid.