The song of us

Story three: Abeg serve us.

Asoebi - Uniform of any kind of material worn by a group of people at an event usually a wedding.

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The moment the waiter walked past her holding a tray occupied by plates of food, she gulped down and felt her stomach grumble. She looked away regretting the fact that she hadn't eaten a proper meal at home. Her gaze fell on the newly wedded couple seated at the well-decorated stage. Their smiles were wide and they welcomed whosoever came over to wish them congratulations or exchange a few words.

Letting go of a sigh, her glance shifted to the DJ in charge of every song that blasted through the loudspeakers. The reception hall was slightly dim-lit with several blinking lights that added beauty to the decoration. Several tables were arranged with about six or seven seaters at each.

The few bridesmaids paraded themselves one way or the other, never really sitting still. Then there were several asoebi of men and women. Most times, it was easy to spot out the family members as they are the ones who never seem to sit still.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked up to meet the smiling face of her friend. She was dressed as one of the bridesmaids.

"Have you eaten?"

With a simple smile, she shook her head. "I'm okay." She lied, wanting to seem cool.

Her friend narrowed her brows at her.

"Pfft. I know you're lying. I'll have them deliver a plate to you." Having said that, she disappeared once more before she could even object.

In a way, the young lady felt relieved at the thought of soon eating something and on the other hand, she felt upset with herself for failing to keep cool.

"Aunty!" The woman seated at the same table as she called the next waitress that nearly passed her by.

"Why aren't you guys serving us any food at this table? We've been waiting." She complained and the waitress nodded in accordance. Soon, she was on her way.

She couldn't help but watch as the woman tended to her young son and his older brother that shared a seat. She assured them food was coming and they nodded in accordance. Judging by the way she carried herself, it would seem she was invited by a friend or relative of the couple.

The next seat by the woman's side was empty so she had her handbag seat comfortably on it. The next two were occupied by two average looking couple who had a well-wrapped gift for the newly wedded couple tucked away under the table beside their legs.

She glanced away, her eyes scanning through the room in search of her friend who had promised to get her something to eat. Finally, she spotted her laughing as she conversed with one of the groomsmen.

Another sigh left her lips, could her friend have forgotten what she had initially set out to do? Her gaze shifted to the lined-up buffet with a few waiters behind. She debated within herself if she should walk up to them but at the same time, she felt embarrassed to do so.

She barely knew the couple. She was here because her friend invited her and insisted she is present. She had nothing better to do on a Saturday afternoon so she got dressed and made it here. Her worse decision was not eating to her fill back home. She hated having to eat outside or make it seem like she was long throat.

"Keep it here." Her neighbour's voice forced her attention back on her and she watched as the waitress set the two plates of food on the table. One for the woman and the other in front of her sons.

"Good. Thank you." She appreciated in smiles as she caught sight of the well laid fried rice, jollof rice, moi-moi and chicken on their plates.

She felt her mouth water at the sight of the woman and her sons' dishes.

"Ehen waiter, what about us?" The man beside his girlfriend queried just as the waitress was about to leave. The waitress seemed a bit surprised.

"You haven't been served yet?" She asked and he shook his head alongside his girlfriend.

"No oh. Nobody has given us anything. Not even a bottle of soft drink." His girlfriend replied this time and the waitress nodded after a moment of deliberation.

"I'll be back." She told them before venturing off.

I should say something.

Her mind alongside hunger urged her but she could barely get any words out.

Soon, the MC was back with the microphone close to his lips. He said a few words and the couple were on their feet. They made their way to the dance floor and began grooving their bodies to the song. A few people joined them, some dancing along to their happiness and a few throwing money on them as they danced, so much that it soon felt like it was raining money.

A part of her envied their happiness. They seemed to have it all. Youth, beauty, success, wealth, love and now each other. She was twenty-five and yet to find the right man for herself.

So much for believing I could get married early.

She sarcastically told herself. The moment her gaze returned to her table, she realised the couple had been served alongside a bottle of Pepsi. She felt a little lost as to when the waiter showed up and left without her knowledge.

Her stomach growled once more.

Get up!

Her mind ordered but... she just couldn't do it. She felt shy and embarrassed at the same time. The hunger pierced deeper by the minute.

In the end, she drew in a deep breath.

After all, I might never meet half the people here again.

She told herself to feel encouraged.

The moment she nearly stood up from her seat, a plate of food and a can of malt drink was set in front of her. She looked up and met the smiling face of her friend.

"You can't show up at my cousin's wedding and leave without having anything." She added and in that second, she released a silent sigh of relief.

She stared down at the plate of food and gulped down hard. It might not be as delicious as a home-cooked meal but she was more than grateful to be finally served.