Anxious

As Agnes approached she was met by jeffery who looked so delighted seeing her.

Shouldn't you be married too? I mean judging by how beautiful you look, he beamed at her.

Agnes exhaled not wanting to excalate her anger to him. She just smiled and said. I'm flattered. How's the ceremony going? she asked diverting his attention from her.

Good, he responded. I mean the rites are really sacred.

Indeed. I'm glad you are entertained. She tried to walked away but he held her hand. Agnes felt irritated. One thing she learned about escaping from an unnecessary conversation is bringing a necessary excuse to the conversation. Especially when she's dealing with man like Jeffery who's persistent.

I-- I'm in a hurry, you see um-- I've got something really important to tell her. If i don't get the chance now it's till a year time, she said with a slight smile.

Jeffrey gave her a look and smiled. Very well then, if you insist.

Thank you, she smiled and left.

Oh my-- Agnes what took you so long uh? Why did you-- you missed the rituals.

I'm so sorry my dearest, i was stuck with Ronald, she sighed.

It's okay, i just-- she cleared her throat. Um--

What's wrong?

I-- ibitein stuttered and exhaled. I'm scared, she said emotional in a small voice. I--

Ibitein.. she touched her hand. Um come on let's go to the library and talk.

Ibitein nodded and they both went to the library.

What happened? Why are you scared?

I-- she exhaled. I don't know. I just feel anxious.

But you're already married.

I know. I know, she nodded.

What are we going to do now? Is it possible you're just overwhelmed by everything and thus your reaction.

Yeah. Probably. Y- you're right. And Calvin was right too, she chuckled slightly.

It's only natural for you to be scared, i mean the marriage was sudden-- Agnes paused. You will be fine. But if you want to run away, i will be very willing to help you escape, Agnes said.

Ibitein chuckled. There will be no need for that, she inhaled and exhaled deeply.

Come here, Agnes said and embraced her. If you feel there's no need for this then this is the time to speak your mind.

Agnes I'm fine, ibitein said removing from the embrace.

I'm-- just saying, Agnes exhaled. For your peace, she added with a small smile.

Thank you. For making me feel better, ibitein said embracing her again. I will miss you, she whispered.

And i you, Agnes responded with a shaky voice.

Okay let's eat. I'm starving, ibitein chuckled.

To the kitchen then, Agnes said.

It was now time for entertainment and refreshment. There was different and mouthwatering delicacy made. Although there were only a few guest apart from the family members. The hall was soon filled with loud chattering and dancing.

I can't believe, ibitein is going to leave us for a while, Lydia said with food in her mouth.

It's only for a year. We'll see her again, Dorathy responded.

Ah it's seem so far away, Lydia sighed.

Stop whining and eat your food, Dorathy said. You'll get married too, so get use to it.

As if.. Lydia muttered giving her a steaming look.

To the love of your life, Dorathy chuckled. What happened if you don't marry him?

I will, Lydia scoffed.

What if you don't?

And i said i will marry Ferdinand. Even if i have to be the second wife.

Oh, Dorathy chuckled. I will love to see this show. I will pay for it.

You're so annoying.

I was just teasing you, Dorathy laughed.

I hope you choke on that food.

You're so mean.

And you're not? Lydia questioned. Their voice faded distantly.

Make your approach, Ronald suggested

You-- you're suggesting that i go and meet him in this crowded place?

Yeah. Weren't you going to do it here?

You're so foolish.

I'm waiting to call you that when you fail, Ronald chuckled.

You're such a nuisance, Ayonadu said distaste.

Mm-hmm

Where's Agnes? She's the smart one

I'm so dumb you don't want to talk to me, Ronald said.

You're not just dumb you're annoying.

I know that, he smiled. She and ibitein left a while ago. She's probably in the kitchen breaking her fast, Ronald said.

Agnes will have to do it Ayonadu said in frustration. Come let's go.

As they walked to the kitchen Ronald suggested. Even though he knew he wasn't in for their stupid plan to catch a ghost.

Okay but is it not better to invite him there and splash him with it? I mean it's the kitchen and no one will suspect anything. A stupid mistake, Ayonadu said in agreement.

It's perfect because his wife is there, Ronald smirked.

Hmm perfect. You've never been so smart. I'm impressed, Ayonadu smiled

No i just wasn't interested that why, Ronald chuckled.

How come i haven't seen you two since the ritual? Sharon said referring to Ayonadu and Ronald as they approached to enter the kitchen.

Uh? They both said.

Ronald don't tell me you slept off knowing there's a marriage to attend, Sharon said.

I did ma. I'm sorry i was tired from the early journey.

She sighed. You always have an excuse Ronald. You have twenty two years and your bad habit still remains.

I'm an accomplished man mama, he smiled at her.

She chuckled softly. Indeed. How are you Ayonadu?

I'm very well ma.

Mm-hmm you grow handsome every day, she praised him.

Ayonadu smiled. Thank you mama.

Ma this is not the time to talk ma, I'm starving already, Ronald protested.

Don't mind him, he's just jealous, she said with a smile. Come on since you're so hungry.

Ronald! Where have you been?

Oh my dearest, i-- i was-- i fell asleep. I was really tired.

I understand, ibitein said in a small voice. I have stress too many.. for this day.

Oh no no--

Ibitein just glanced at Ayonadu who was at the kitchen counter.

You guys took so long, ibitein said referring to the trio.

Not on purpose, Agnes protested.

How are you? Ayonadu asked still standing at the counter.

I'm married, she chuckled. I'm fine.

Good.

Let me join you, Ronald said stuffing food from ibitein's plate in his mouth.

Oh Ayonadu, Agnes called as she approached him. I have something important to tell you.

Okay me too.

Not here.

Excuse us. We'll be back.

Where are you going this time? ibitein asked.

They're going to get the gift they prepared for you and your husband, Ronald send without even a glance at Ayonadu and Agnes.

Exactly, Agnes nodded.

Aw thank you. You guys are so sweet.

What is sweet is this food I'm devouring. Just focus on the food and eat as much as you can. You won't be having a proper meal once you leave for your husband's house. And also you'll need strength for tonight's consummation, he beamed at her.

You have no regards for elders in this room, Sharon said.

Ibitein chuckled.

But I'm saying the honest truth, he pointed out.

He just doesn't know when to shut up, Agnes said.

Hey! I'm way older than you, he said in a muffed manner.

Mm-hmm, she rolled her eyes and left.