Muri Okunola Park, 8: 45 pm
Mrs. Asibong could not wait to hear from Janet about how things went down at their honeymoon. As soon as Emanuel and Janet were back to the country, she placed a call to have a meeting with her. Their usual joint, Muri Okunola Park, was their rendezvous point.
A day after their return to Nigeria, sex was still great between the two of them, Janet could not help but whisper thanks for the ribbon her mother in-law gave her.
To be stealth about their regular meeting to the park, Janet used a taxi, while Mrs. Asibong used a rented car. Janet was all smiles when she saw her mother in-law. With a half run, she advanced toward her and embraced her happily. There was some look of dejection and discontent on Mrs. Asibong’s face, but Janet was too enraptured to spare a thought for that.
How did it go in Monaco? Mrs. Asibong asked impatiently. He was a tiger in bed! an enthralled Janet replied. She was almost air borne as she spoke. Her eyes emitted joy and her tongue let out living breaths of peace. He was something else, mommy. I don’t know what he was like before the ribbon, but I like what he is now. I look forward to night time with great expectation!
Mrs. Asibong flashed a plastic smile, afraid to tell Janet what would soon follow. I am happy for you Janet. Such performance in the bedroom is very important to us ladies in marriage… So, how is he? Has he complained about his health since then.
No ma, he is healthy and strong as a stallion. I am glad it all worked out well, Janet… If he gets to complain about anything, do not hesitate to let me know. I will make sure I find a solution to whatever the problem may be, okay?
Thanks a lot ma. You are one in a million mother in-law… I got you a gift in Paris. I couldn’t pass up the chance to buy you this, Janet said rummaging in her handbag. From her handbag, she removed a wrapped gift and handed it to her mother in-law.
What’s in the gift pack? Mrs. Asibong asked, smiling. She could not wait, she had to unwrap the gift pack. What the torn gift wrapper revealed was a bottle of ‘Tom Ford’ deodorant.
How did you know Janet? I just exhausted my last bottle! You are such a darling. She took Janet in her hands for a warm embrace.
I am glad you like it. At some point I was caught in-between Tom Ford and Valentino Uomo… Mrs. Asibong lowered her head in palpable grief as soon as Janet mentioned Valentino Uomo.
Mommy what is it? Is it something I said? Janet asked, looking very concerned.
Mrs. Asibong reached for her handkerchief and wiped off a few beads of tears in the corners of her eyes. Janet was really bothered; she could not fathom why her mother in-law suddenly became flustered.
Mommy, are you okay? What is wrong? It’s nothing, my child. Valentino Uomo was my husband’s favourite when he was alive. I am glad you did not buy it. It would have made me remember he died for nothing… She stopped suddenly and looked at Janet cautiously. She had just told her a bit of what no one knew about her husband’s mysterious death.
Mommy, what do you mean by your husband dying for nothing? I thought he died in his sleep? Emmanuel told me all about it.
Mrs. Asibong toughened the look of her face and stared at Janet for a few seconds. Janet felt her heart miss a few beats. Mrs. Asibong saw the look of fear in her eyes and relaxed. It is nothing my child. Don’t bother with it. When you will have spent over twenties years with Emanuel and you wake up one morning to find him cold in the hands of death, you will understand…
These days I miss him a lot. I feel empty without him… Mrs. Asibong paused and began to cry. Janet took her in her arms and tried to comfort her. Her sobs were deep and rocked her entire body. Janet held her as firmly as she could.
